Pharmacovigilance (PV) has emerged as an essential component of healthcare systems, aimed at identifying, evaluating, and preventing risks associated with medicines. With the rising complexity of therapeutics and the increasing burden of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), PV ensures that the benefits of drugs outweigh potential harms. This review presents an overview of the historical development of pharmacovigilance, the significance of ADR monitoring, and the functioning of global and national PV systems, including the World Health Organization’s International Drug Monitoring Programme (IDMP) and the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI). The review further explores drug and disease classification systems, vaccine safety surveillance, methodologies for safety data generation, and the role of pharmacogenomics in predicting ADRs. Special focus is given to vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Challenges of underreporting, the need for effective communication strategies, and the integration of digital tools and artificial intelligence are also discussed. By highlighting current practices and future directions, this paper emphasizes the importance of strengthening PV systems for global drug safety and patient well-being.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) are very potential formulations for topical delivery of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic drugs. In the present study NLCs containing methotrexate and acelofenac were formulated for treatment efficiency in arthritis. The evaluation of different formulation parameters based on variation of solid lipid – liquid lipid ratio (SL: LL), Drug – lipid ratio (D:L), type of liquid lipid (LL), surfactant concentration was carried out. The NLCs were prepared by microemulsion technique method with fixed amount of methotrexate (100mg) using cetyl Alcohol, compritol 888 ATO and clyceryl monostearate. Optimization of process variables was carried out using Taguchi design. The particle size of the optimized batch for methotrexate (NLCMop) and aceclofenac (NLCAop) was found to be 136.2 nm and 145.3 nm, zeta potential -25.0 and -24.4 with drug entrapment of 89.47 ± 6.8 % and 77.46 ±0.76% respectively. Permeation rate and controlled release property of drugs loaded NLCs was studied through egg membrane and was found to be 89.038 ± 2.63% and 82.7±1.34 after 24 hrs. Stability study of the optimized formulation (NLCMop) and (NLCAop) showed that the formulation was more stable at 5 ± 1⁰C than room temperature. These results suggested that NLC based formulations can be potential for topical delivery of methotrexate and aceclofenac for the management of arthritis.

Background: Drug resistance persists in certain patients with epilepsy, despite the fact that it has long been regarded as one of the most common nervous system disorders. Centella asiatica has been used to treat epilepsy in traditional medicine. The antiepileptic efficacy of Centella asiatica was studied in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy model in order to develop an antiepileptic medication with minimal side effects. Methods: For the purpose of eliminating the gender component, 48 lab-bred female mice were divided into 6 equal groups for this experimental study. The experimental groups included control, standard, and four treatment groups that received the extract 30 minutes prior to PTZ injection at doses of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg (intraperitoneally). The frequency of epileptic symptoms and their contributing factors were also examined. Result: The mice in the 50 mg/kg dosing group showed the highest incidence of epileptic attacks, according to the results of utilising various doses of the extract. Myoclonic twitches were more common in samples that received the extract at doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The group that received a dose of 200 mg/kg experienced an increase in epileptic symptoms, a decrease in epilepsy frequency, and a drop in the death rate (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, a 200 mg/kg dose of Centella asiatica extract may be suggested as a medication that effectively prevents epilepsy in the animal model.

Traditional teacher-centered approaches to medical education are giving way to student-centered ones. By empowering students to take charge of their own education, self-directed learning (SDL) may improve long-term memory retention, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The purpose of this study was to assess how well undergraduate medical students learnt biochemistry through self-directed learning as opposed to traditional lecture-based instruction. The purpose of this study is to examine how well self-directed learning (SDL) and conventional lecture-based learning (LBL) enhance students’ knowledge, comprehension, and involvement in biochemistry. Methods: First-year MBBS students in the Department of Biochemistry participated in an experimental study. Batch A & Batch B were the two groups into which the participants were split. The subjects taught to both groups were the same. Validated multiple-choice and short-answer questions were used in the pre-test and post-test evaluations. A standardised feedback questionnaire was used to gather the opinions of the students. Results: Post-test scores significantly improved for both groups (p < 0.05). In contrast to the lecture group, the self-directed learning group experienced a greater mean increase in knowledge. The SDL group’s students reported increased motivation, stronger teamwork and communication abilities, and higher conceptual understanding. Conclusion: self-directed learning is a useful addition to conventional lectures in the teaching of medical biochemistry. It encourages students to actively participate, develop lifetime learning habits, and gain a deeper knowledge. A more well-rounded and productive learning environment can be produced in medical education by combining SDL techniques with lectures.