Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry

Background: Cosmetics, especially lipsticks, have been integral to beauty practices for centuries. However, growing concerns over the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals in cosmetics have led to an increased demand for natural, safer alternatives. Aim: To formulate and evaluate a herbal lipstick using anthocyanin extracts from Prunus domestica (Plum) and Rosa indica (Rose) as natural colorants. Objectives: • To extract anthocyanins from Prunus domestica and Rosa indica. • To develop various herbal lipstick formulations using these natural pigments. • To evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, stability, and antifungal activity of the formulations. • To identify the most suitable formulation for potential commercial application. Material: Six herbal lipstick formulations (F3–F6) were prepared using anthocyanin extracts, beeswax, candelilla wax, shea butter, jojoba oil, lemon juice, peppermint oil, vitamin E, and vanilla essence. These were evaluated for texture, spreadability, melting point, pH, skin irritation, aging stability, and antifungal activity. Result: Among all formulations, F4 showed the most promising characteristics: smooth texture, excellent spreadability, stable pH (6.4), acceptable melting point (67°C), no skin irritation, and good antifungal activity. It also maintained aging and perfume stability, making it suitable for long-term use. Conclusion: Anthocyanin-based herbal lipsticks provide a safe and effective alternative to synthetic products. Formulation F4 demonstrated comparable performance to commercial lipsticks, with added benefits of being eco-friendly and minimally irritating. These findings support the potential for further development and commercialization, with scope for applications in cosmetic, medicinal, and food industries.

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of curcumin lozenges designed for the treatment of throat infections. Curcumin, a bioactive compound with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, is known for its low bioavailability and dissolution rate. The aim was to develop a lozenge dosage form that enhances curcumin’s bioavailability and dissolution, making it suitable for pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. Lozenges were prepared using different polymers, namely HPMC K100, PEG 4000, and PEG 6000, at varying concentrations. The formulations were evaluated for various parameters including pH, drug content, drug release, and sterility. The FT-IR studies confirmed the compatibility of curcumin with the excipients. The results showed that all formulations had acceptable drug content and passed the sterility test. Among the three formulations, the one containing 2% HPMC K100M polymer (F3) demonstrated the best release characteristics, with 95.75% of the drug released within 45 minutes. Drug release kinetics followed the first-order model, suggesting a conventional release pattern. The Higuchi model further supported that the drug release followed a dissolution mechanism, consistent with the gel-based matrix structure of the polymers. Thus, the formulation containing HPMC K100M was optimized for curcumin lozenges, providing controlled drug release for effective throat infection treatment.

Aging is an inevitable biological process characterized by progressive physiological decline and increased susceptibility to diseases. With rising life expectancy and aging populations, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging, and identifying strategies to delay or reverse its effects have become vital. This review provides a deep analysis of aging, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of senescence, the role of geroprotective agents including synthetic drugs, natural compounds, and polysaccharides, and the therapeutic potential of stem cells. Certain key signaling pathways such as AMPK, sirtuins, PI3K/Akt, mTOR, and NAD+ metabolism, along with compounds like metformin, rapamycin, curcumin, resveratrol, and polysaccharides. This review evaluates the potency of stem cell therapies in rejuvenation and highlighting future directions in anti-aging research.