Pan-African Journal of Health and Psychological Sciences
The Pan-African Journal of Health and Psychological Sciences (PAJHPS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship in public health, allied health sciences, psychology, and mental health. Published by the African Alliance for Research, Advocacy, and Innovation (AARAI), PAJHPS provides a dynamic platform for disseminating innovative research addressing health, psychological, and social challenges across the African continent and the broader Global South. While foregrounding African health realities, culturally grounded solutions, and regional expertise, the journal maintains a strong global perspective, welcoming contributions that foster cross-cultural understanding, international collaboration, and comparative studies. PAJHPS prioritizes evidence-based practice, culturally responsive research, and policy-oriented scholarship that bridges the gap between theory, research, and real-world application. The journal publishes original research articles, systematic reviews, case studies, conceptual and theoretical papers, and policy analyses. Submissions are encouraged from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers committed to advancing holistic health, psychosocial resilience, and wellbeing across diverse contexts, particularly within the Global South, while contributing to global knowledge and best practices.
African Alliance for Research, Advocacy and Innovation
All articles published in the Pan-African Journal of Health and Psychological Sciences (PAJHPS) are open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Under this license: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication. The work may be shared, copied, redistributed, and adapted for any purpose, even commercially. Appropriate credit must be given to the original author(s) and the journal, along with a link to the license. Users must indicate if changes were made. There are no restrictions on reuse, provided the original work is properly cited. Citation: Authors and users must cite the original work in the following manner: Author(s). (Year). Title of the article. Pan-African Journal of Health and Psychological Sciences, Volume(Issue), page range. https://doi.org/xx.xxxx/pajhps.vXnY.xxx Copyright Statement: Authors grant PAJHPS a non-exclusive license to publish the work and identify itself as the original publisher. Authors may enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version (e.g., post it to a repository or publish it in a book), with acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
Chronic Migraine: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, Current Management, and Emerging Translational Therapies
Chronic migraine is a debilitating neurological condition that affects millions worldwide. People with this disorder experience headaches on at least 15 days each month for more than three months, with at least eight of those days having migraine features. This condition doesn't develop from a single cause but rather emerges from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, nervous system dysfunction, inflammation, and environmental triggers. Mental health conditions, sleep problems, obesity, medication overuse, and life stress can all make chronic migraine worse and harder to treat. Doctors diagnose chronic migraine through careful clinical evaluation using the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria, and only order additional tests when they spot unusual features or "red flags." Treatment today combines medications for acute attacks, preventive therapies, lifestyle changes, and sometimes neuromodulation techniques. The development of drugs targeting CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) has expanded treatment options significantly. However, responses vary widely among patients, and access, cost, long-term safety questions, and practical implementation remain significant hurdles. Exciting new approaches like nanotechnology-based drug delivery and CRISPR gene editing show scientific promise, but they're still largely in early research stages for migraine. For these technologies to benefit patients, they'll need to demonstrate they can reach the right tissues safely, be manufactured reliably, and meet regulatory standards. This review examines what we currently understand about chronic migraine, acknowledges the gaps in our knowledge, and discusses the obstacles that prevent promising discoveries from reaching patients (Ferrari et al., 2022; Puledda et al., 2023).
Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing
Trauma, Conflict, and Humanitarian Health
Chronic migraine; trigemini vascular system; central sensitization; calcitonin gene-related peptide; medication-overuse headache; preventive therapy; neuromodulation; nanomedicine; CRISPR; clinical translation
Copyright (c) 2026 Pan-African Journal of Health and Psychological Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Body Mass Index, Well-being, and Social Relationships: A Meta-Analysis of Cultural, Gender, and Methodological Dimensions
This review synthesizes evidence from 33 studies to show the relationships between body mass index (BMI), subjective well-being, and social dynamics, with attention to cultural, gender, and methodological moderators. Across diverse contexts, obesity is consistently associated with lower subjective well-being, an effect mediated by physical-health comorbidities, weight stigma, and body dissatisfaction. Cultural framing moderates the association: Collectivist and individualist societies vary in the strength and nature of the relationship between BMI and happiness, with some populations showing an inverted U-shaped trend where well-being reaches its highest point at moderate BMI levels. Additionally, gender plays a significant role in this relationship, as the societal preferences for thinness place a heavier burden on women. Obesity is also linked to elevated anxiety and depression, with effects most pronounced among adolescents and marginalized groups, where stigma and negative body image are most acute. Interpersonal relationships, including familial and romantic ties, are frequently strained by weight-related stigma, although same-sex partnerships and collectivist family structures may buffer these effects. Socioeconomic disadvantage compounds the inequalities by restricting access to health-promoting resources. Methodologically, the reviewed literature is constrained by a predominance of cross-sectional designs and the underrepresentation of non-Western populations, underscoring the need for longitudinal and qualitative inquiry. The findings indicate that effective intervention requires weight-inclusive, culturally tailored approaches that tackle systemic stigma and the wider social factors influencing health. Policymakers should prioritize anti-stigma legislation, inclusive health initiatives, and supportive social frameworks to advance equity and well-being on a global scale. Read Full Article on AARAI Journals
Assessing Gaps in Adolescent Mental Health Care in Rural Ghana: A Quantitative Study Among Senior High School Students in Jaman North District
Abstract Background: Adolescent mental health disorders in rural sub-Saharan Africa are not recognized and valued. There are limited data on depression, mental health literacy and care barriers among Ghanaian senior high school (SHS) students. Method: The study adopted a cross sectional survey of 217 students of the SHS in Jaman North District, Ghana aged between 15 and 19 years. Depressive symptoms were screened using the PHQ-9. A semi-structured interview was used to evaluate mental health knowledge, help-seeking behaviors, barriers to service, and perceptions of school-based mental health support through a questionnaire. Data analysed with SPSS v28 descriptive and bivariate analysis. Results: Probable depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) prevalence was 25.8% (95% CI: 20.4–32.1). 84.8% of the students were familiar with the term mental health, but 27.2% were able to correctly define it. The main source of information was school (59.9%). Leading barriers for students who never sought help (68.7%) included not knowing where to go (57.0%), fear of social judgment (24.2%) and lack of nearby services (20.1%). Only 23.5% of students had used counselling, whereas 55.8% of schools provided it. The majority of students (83.4%) agreed that mental health should play a central role in schools, while 54.8% of students preferred mental health education. Conclusion: Adolescent mental health care gaps in rural Ghana are compounded, include poor accurate knowledge and high burden of depression. School-based interventions, particularly mental health education and structured counselling, are a cost-effective approach. District mental health should be incorporated into school health protocols. Read the full article on AARAI Journals
Revolutionizing Autoimmune Disease Management: Cutting-Edge Immunotherapeutic Strategies and Emerging Therapeutic Paradigms
Autoimmune diseases are diseases that occur due to the breakdown in the immunity and causes the immune system to destroy tissues in the body as a consequence of biological malfunction in the immune system. The advances of the immunology and of the cellular engineering are turning the field to an area of precision immunotherapy, which will likely result in the revival of the long-term immunity tolerance. CAR-T cell therapy which was developed to treat cancer including autoreactive B cell (e.g., CD19+) has also been demonstrated effective in refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Myasthenia Gravis. Rather than immunosuppressing B cells worldwide, more specific Chimeric Autoantibody Receptor T cells eliminate B cells that secrete pathogenic autoantibodies. Parallel solutions- such as Regulatory T cell therapy and Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells- work towards induction of antigen-specific tolerance and new modalities such as biomaterial-based immunomodulation, antigen delivery, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and immune checkpoint agonists open up treatment options. It is estimated that the use of artificial intelligence and multi-omics in the sphere of precision medicine will allow predicting diseases, endotype, and treatment depending on the biomarkers. The next-generation interventions, including scalable allogeneic CAR-T/CAR-NK cells, combination therapy, and real-time immune surveillance have a massive potential of transforming the AID therapy towards curative immune restoration, rather than chronic symptom management due to challenge of cytokine release syndrome, long-term safety, low-cost, and barrier to implementation.
Autoimmune disease, CRISPR/Cas9, Myasthenia gravis, Immunotherapy, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis
UNIFYING HERBAL MEDICINE AND MODERN PHARMACEUTICAL DELIVERY VIA CURCUMIN TRANSDERMAL PATCHES
Traditional herbal therapy has long praised curcumin, the main bioactive component of Curcuma longa, for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing qualities. However, due to its weak water solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited systemic availability when administered orally, its therapeutic potential has remained limited. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), which provide patient-friendly dosing, enhanced bioavailability, and controlled penetration, have emerged as a revolutionary approach to overcoming these limitations. Transdermal curcumin patches are an inventive fusion of traditional phytotherapy and contemporary pharmaceutical technologies. To efficiently transport curcumin across the stratum corneum, these patches are designed with polymeric matrices, permeation enhancers, and adhesive coatings. The patches enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing gastrointestinal distress by bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism and maintaining consistent plasma concentrations. Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, nano-emulsions, and microneedle-assisted systems are recent developments in nanotechnology that further enhance skin penetration and stability, broadening their potential clinical uses in dermatological disorders, chronic inflammation, pain management, and systemic conditions that need long-term therapy. Furthermore, the use of herbal-compatible and biodegradable polymers is in line with the increasing need for sustainable and biocompatible medication delivery systems across the world. Early clinical evaluations show better patient compliance and treatment outcomes, while preclinical studies show encouraging findings in terms of safety, permeation efficiency, and pharmacodynamic activity. Despite these benefits, there are still issues with long-term clinical validation, regulatory procedures, stability optimization, and large-scale production. All things considered, curcumin transdermal patches represent a significant advancement in fusing conventional herbal knowledge with cutting-edge medication delivery technology. They are positioned as a potential frontier in herbal-based pharmaceutical innovation because of their capacity to transform a centuries-old natural medicine into a precisely regulated medicinal system.
Controlled Release, Curcumin, Nanotechnology, Phytomedicine, Polymeric Patch, Skin Penetration, Transdermal Drug Delivery
Metabolic Syndrome in Lung Disease Patient and Its Impact on Other Organs
Insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are among the conditions that make up metabolic syndrome, a complex disorder that significantly affects patients with lung conditions like asthma, interstitial lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These conditions also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes mellitus. The pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome is examined in this review, with particular attention paid to the roles played by insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, the intricate interactions between lung illnesses and metabolic syndrome, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system activation. Chronic renal disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline are among the multi-organ consequences that are exacerbated by these conditions, which also contribute to pulmonary symptoms. Clinical ramifications are examined, emphasizing the elevated risks of frailty, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular illness, especially in older persons and particular gender groupings. To emphasize the significance of early intervention, management methods are examined, including pharmaceutical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and innovative therapeutic approaches like telmisartan and sacubitril/valsartan. This study also emphasizes the value of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, combining pharmaceutical treatments (statins, GLP-1 agonists), lifestyle changes, and new treatments (endolytic, gut-lung axis regulation). In order to improve patient outcomes and lower morbidity and mortality, the report ends with a call for targeted medicines to address the underlying processes of Metabolic Syndrome in high-risk populations. These efforts target pulmonary components.
Ethics, Equity, and Social Justice in Health
Metabolic syndrome, lung diseases, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, Hypertension, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease.
GPX4 ferroptosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lipid peroxidation, biomarkers, iron metabolism, Therapeutics
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refers to a chronic autoimmune condition that is typified by chronic inflammation of the synovium, progressive destruction of the joints, and systemic comorbidities. Ferroptosis - an iron-dependent regulated cell death mediated by lipid peroxidation has been studied as an increasing body of evidence in RA pathophysiology over the past few years. Central to the ferroptosis process is the Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which helps to balance lipid redox through the depletion of lipid hydroperoxides.GPX4 and related ferroptotic damage dysregulation could also be involved in RA-associated synovial cell death, cartilage degeneration, and inflammatory exaggeration. The synthesis of mechanistic understanding of ferroptosis, a summary of candidate biomarkers (including GPX4 expression and activity, lipid peroxidation products, iron handling proteins, and system Xc- components), and an analysis of therapeutic interventions aimed at ferroptosis (GPX4 modulators, iron chelators, lipid-peroxidation inhibitors, and combined therapeutic strategies) are summarized in this review. We address the problem of translational challenges, such as standardization of biomarkers, tissue specificity, safety of long-term anti-ferroptotic treatment, and suggest a road map towards clinical application of this therapeutic approach, including biomarker-assisted patient stratification, and combination therapies with existing disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). This review aims to make ferroptosis and GPX4-focused biomarkers an attractive innovation in the field of RA diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment.
Review Article on: AI-Driven Precision Medicine in Liver Disease: Microbiome and Nanotechnology Integration
Liver diseases such as metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain global health challenges. Conventional therapies offer limited success due to interindividual variability in genetics, metabolism, and microbial composition. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), genomic medicine, microbiome modulation, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery has redefined precision hepatology. AI-driven models enhance diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutic decision-making; genomic and epigenomic insights enable personalized pharmacotherapy; microbiome engineering and nanocarrier-based delivery systems improve therapeutic targeting and efficacy. This review integrates these multidimensional innovations highlighting AI applications, microbiome therapeutics, nanomedicine, regenerative strategies, and emerging biomarkers toward a unified model of precision medicine in liver disease management.
Liver disease, precision medicine, microbiome, nanotechnology, hepatocellular carcinoma, artificial intelligence, regenerative therapy, biomarkers
Role of the TP53 Gene in Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Strategies
TP53 gene is an important tumor suppressor gene that is central to ensuring genomic stability and inhibit cancer development. It also codes the p53 protein, which is a transcription factor that controls vital cellular functions like cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, DNA repair, and senescence. In healthy physiological states, p53 is a kind of protective system against genetic damage by inhibiting the development of abnormal cells. Nevertheless, one of the most frequent genetic changes in a large number of human malignancies is the mutation or inactivation of the TP53 gene resulting in the loss of its tumor-repressive properties. This review focuses on the structural and functional aspects of the TP53 gene, highlighting its role in regulating cellular homeostasis and safeguarding genomic integrity. It also focuses on how TP53 mutations promote cancer development, such as unregulated cell growth, apoptosis resistance, and increased metastatic capabilities. The review further addresses the different treatment interventions that address TP53, including gene therapy, small molecule drugs, and novel interventions, including CRISPR-based gene editing and immunotherapy. Nevertheless, issues like diversity of mutations, drug resistance, and limits to delivery still exist. Thus, further studies are necessary to come up with more effective targeted therapies using TP53 and enhance clinical outcomes in cancer treatment.
TP53 gene, p53 protein, cancer progression, tumor suppression, gene mutation, apoptosis, targeted therapy
Diabetes Mellitus in the 21st century: Challenges, Breakthroughs, and Unmet Needs
With a startling global increase in prevalence, diabetes mellitus has become one of the most significant health issues of the twenty-first century. According to current estimates, more than 530 million adults have diabetes; if current trends continue, that number is expected to rise to over 780 million by 2045. Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes also make a substantial contribution to the worldwide burden of diabetes, although type 2 diabetes is still the most common type and is mostly caused by lifestyle factors like obesity, poor diet, and sedentary behavior. Diabetes is a leading cause of disability and premature mortality, contributing to blindness, amputations, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure in addition to hyperglycemia. New pharmacological treatments (GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual incretin therapies, and SGLT2 inhibitors), technological advancements (continuous glucose monitoring, hybrid closed-loop systems), and developing regenerative medicine techniques (stem cell therapy, gene editing) have all changed the face of diabetes care. However, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, there are still significant gaps in patient-centered care, early detection, affordability, and access to insulin and contemporary treatments. In order to achieve better management and, eventually, a cure, future directions require a comprehensive strategy that incorporates translational research, global equity initiatives, preventive public health measures, and precision medicine.
Gestational diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, Pharmacological advancements, Continuous glucose monitoring, Regenerative medicine.
FDA Approves First-Ever Blood Test for Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to cognitive decline and dementia. With a rapidly aging global population, its prevalence is rising significantly, posing major public health challenges in countries like United States and India. Early diagnosis remains difficult due to limited awareness, high costs, and reliance on invasive or resource-intensive methods such as PET imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the Lumipulse G pTau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 plasma ratio marks a transformative advancement in Alzheimer’s diagnostics. This first-of-its-kind blood test measures key biomarkers, offering a less invasive, accessible, and cost-effective alternative for detecting disease-related changes in individuals with cognitive impairment. Clinical studies demonstrate high concordance with established diagnostic methods, supporting its role as a reliable screening tool when combined with comprehensive clinical evaluation. This innovation has significant implications for early detection, patient care planning, and healthcare system efficiency by enabling timely interventions and reducing diagnostic burden. However, limitations such as imperfect accuracy, ethical concerns, and the need for confirmatory testing remain. Overall, blood-based diagnostics represent a promising step toward more accessible, personalized, and proactive management of Alzheimer’s disease, though further validation and equitable global implementation are essential.
Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, cognitive decline, dementia prevalence, neuropsychological assessment
P-tau217 in Early Disease Detection: True Biomarker Value or Diagnostic Mirage?
Introduction: Phosphorylated tau (p-tau217) at the threonine 217 site is considered to be one of the most sensitive and specific biomarkers of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). But it is facing new evidence showing that p-tau217 is present in unexpectedly high levels in the brains of neonatal brains, which is problematic with regard to its diagnostic specificity in different age groups. Methods: The analysis of the literature through a narrative was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science (2020-2025). Results: The results suggest that in the neonatal brains the levels of p-tau 217 are equal or higher than in the AD brains without amyloid- 217 deposition, neurofibrillary tangles or neurodegeneration. During early stages, non-aggregative, transient, and reversible, p-tau217 is required to facilitate critical processes including axonal development, synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning and neural plasticity. Discussion: These findings underline that p-tau217 is a developmental and disease-related form of tau. Use of fixed diagnostic thresholds without age contextualization can produce a greater risk of false-positive interpretation especially among pediatric or asymptomatic groups. Conclusion: p-tau217 is not a purely pathological biomarker to consider. It is important to have age-adjusted reference ranges, multimodal diagnostic frameworks, and clinical correlation in order to interpret them accurately. The identification of the physiological role of p-tau217 in developing the human brain will be more diagnostic and less misclassified in biomarker-based neurology.
p-tau217, Alzheimer’s disease, neonatal brain, biomarkers, tau pathology, synaptogenesis, neurodevelopment, diagnostics
Formulation and CCD-Based Optimization of Clonidine HCl-Loaded Microemulsion Nanoparticles for Intranasal Delivery in Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent neuropsychiatric conditions globally, often requiring long-term pharmacological management. However, the therapeutic efficacy of conventional oral treatments such as Clonidine Hydrochloride (Clonidine HCl) is limited due to extensive first-pass metabolism, suboptimal brain bioavailability, and undesirable systemic side effects. To address these challenges, the present study focused on the development and optimization of a Clonidine HCl-loaded microemulsion-based nanoparticulate system for intranasal delivery aimed at enhancing brain targeting and therapeutic performance. The formulation was prepared using isopropyl myristate as the oil phase, Tween 80 and PEG 400 as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively, and distilled water as the aqueous phase. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams constructed at various Smix ratios identified the 2:1 ratio as optimal for achieving a stable microemulsion region. A Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to study the effect of formulation variables on critical quality attributes including pH, viscosity, and entrapment efficiency (%EE). The optimized formulation (O1) demonstrated desirable physicochemical properties with a particle size of 281.9 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.274, and a zeta potential of –4.96 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. SEM analysis revealed spherical particles with uniform morphology, while FTIR spectra confirmed the absence of drug-excipient incompatibilities. In vitro release studies exhibited a biphasic release pattern with drug content of 99.02 ± 0.57% and 75.6% drug release in 8 hours, best fitting the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (R² = 0.9544), suggesting Fickian diffusion. Stability testing & Shelf-Life Estimation (T90) estimation confirmed the formulation’s robustness for effective anxiety treatment. These findings underscore the potential of this intranasal microemulsion-based approach as a promising platform for the efficient and sustained delivery of Clonidine HCl in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Clonidine Hydrochloride; Intranasal Delivery; Anxiety Disorders;
Sustained Drug Release; Central Composite Design Optimization.
Decoding the Complexity of COPD, Multi – Omics approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment
COPD represents a heterogeneous, progressive respiratory disease pathology which is uniquely associated with the persistent presence of airflow restriction, high morbidity and mortality, as well as a wide heterogeneity of underlying molecular and clinical phenotype. The standard diagnostic platforms, such as spirometry, imaging, and symptoms-based assessment, do not often reveal the underlying molecular heterogeneity and early disease pathways which can be targeted in precision interventions. The most recent innovations in the field of multi-omics techniques, such as genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, metagenomics and other pie-omics layers have been utilized to separate the complicated pathobiology of COPD, to reveal new biomarkers, to characterize mechanistic sub-phenotypes, and to inform personalized therapeutic approaches. This review represents a synthesis of all current knowledge on multi-omics in COPD to question the major findings, technology, strategy of data-integration, underlying difficulties as well as future opportunities. The review highlights: (i) the biological heterogeneity of COPD; (ii) progress in individual omics layers, taking a COPD diagnosis and treatment; (iii) integration approaches and multi-omics research studies which have refined the molecular subtypes and the identification of therapeutic targets; (iv) translational possibilities and limitations; and (v) outlooks on research, such as the application of precision medicine to COPD. Two tables that outline the main omics modalities and exemplary biomarker/target results are presented, and a conceptual framework is suggested to demonstrate how multi-omics has the potential to transform clinical COPD management.
COPD, multi-omics, biomarkers, molecular subtypes, precision medicine, integrative analysis
Jaundice, which results in yellowish skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes, is a typical clinical sign of elevated blood bilirubin levels. It is caused by several disease processes affecting the liver, bile ducts, or red blood cells. This study reviews the causes of jaundice, diagnostic techniques, and available treatments, with an emphasis on using herbal medicine in addition to conventional therapy. The combination of traditional and modern medicine offers a holistic framework that enhances liver function, encourages cleansing, and reduces issues. Evidence- based herbal remedies with noteworthy hepatoprotective properties include Silybum marianum, Curcuma longa, Phyllanthus niruri, and Picrorhiza kurroa. This review promotes integrative and patient-centered care in pharmacy practice while highlighting the mechanisms, advantages, and drawbacks of herbal therapies.
Jaundice, bilirubin, hepatoprotection, herbal medicine, integrative therapy, phytotherapy, holistic health.
Precision Medicine and Genomics-Driven Care Ecosystems
Traditional medical models have largely relied on population averages to guide clinical decisions. While these approaches have achieved important successes, they often fail to account for why individuals with the same diagnosis respond differently to the same treatment. Precision medicine addresses this limitation by integrating genomic and molecular information with clinical data, allowing clinicians to better understand disease mechanisms and select interventions that are more likely to be effective for each patient (Ashley, 2016).
With 97.1% accuracy in identifying patient phenotypic cohorts from medical records, Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms have completely changed the analysis of clinical data. By applying sophisticated computational phenotyping techniques to unstructured clinical notes, this ground-breaking system extracts insightful information from patient histories, physician narratives, and clinical observations. Multiple clinical parameters and their interactions can be analyzed simultaneously thanks to multi-task learning techniques, which have shown better performance than conventional rule-based systems [5]. The capacity to comprehend and process natural language has created new opportunities for extracting useful data from decades' worth of medical knowledge. Convolutional neural network-powered computer vision systems have revolutionized the study of medical imaging. The average analysis time is reduced from 15 minutes to less than 2 minutes per case thanks to these advanced systems' exceptional speed and accuracy in processing complicated medical images. AI models have demonstrated 96.8% sensitivity and 95.5% specificity in ultrasound analysis,
Development and Characterization of Zinc-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks for Sustained Delivery of Clonidine Hydrochloride
The present study focuses on the development and characterization of zinc-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for the sustained oral delivery of clonidine hydrochloride, a centrally acting antihypertensive drug with a short biological half-life and dose-related adverse effects. Zinc acetate was employed as the metal source, while fumaric acid and succinic acid were investigated as organic linkers to evaluate their influence on framework formation, drug entrapment, and release behavior. MOFs were synthesized using precipitation and solvent evaporation techniques, and drug loading was achieved through in-process and post-synthetic methods. Eight formulations (C1–C8) were prepared and screened based on percentage yield and entrapment efficiency. Fumaric acid-based MOFs (C1–C4) exhibited poor yield and low drug entrapment, leading to their exclusion from further optimization. In contrast, succinic acid-based MOFs (C5–C8) demonstrated significantly improved performance, with formulation C7 showing the highest entrapment efficiency (68.00 ± 0.08%) and percentage yield (69.33 ± 0.77%). The optimized formulation was subjected to detailed physicochemical characterization using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and particle size analysis, confirming successful drug encapsulation, structural integrity, and nanoscale particle size. In vitro drug release studies revealed a sustained release of clonidine hydrochloride over 8 hours, following diffusion-controlled kinetics best described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Accelerated stability studies conducted according to ICH guidelines demonstrated good physicochemical stability and acceptable shelf-life characteristics. Overall, the findings suggest that succinic acid-based zinc MOFs represent a promising platform for sustained oral delivery of clonidine hydrochloride, with potential to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in hypertension management.
Clonidine Hydrochloride, Drug Delivery, Metal-Organic Frameworks, Sustained Release, Zinc-Based MOFs.
Revolutionizing Hepatic Disease Management: Emerging Biologics, Regenerative Strategies, and Next-Generation Antifibrotics in Liver Therapy and Diagnosis
Hepatic diseases constitute one of the leading health problems in the world, as they pose a significant morbidity and mortality rates, as they are progressive, and have few treatment options in their advanced phases. Other disorders which include metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, hepatitis viral, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma usually have no symptoms and are usually diagnosed at later stages when they become difficult to treat. The latest developments in biomedical studies have also brought new treatment methods that would alter the course of the disease instead of simply controlling the symptoms. More recent biologic agents are monoclonal antibodies, cytokine modulators, and gene-based interventions, which target molecular pathways of inflammation, impaired immune regulation and fibrosis, which are specific. Simultaneously, regenerative medicine including stem cell therapy, liver organoids and bioartificial liver systems have potential solutions to all aspects of hepatic reconstruction of structure and functioning. Moreover, there is the development of next-generation antifibrotic agents such as HDAC inhibitor, RNA-based therapeutics, and novel small molecule to block fibrogenesis and induce fibrosis reversal. Improvement of non-invasive devices of diagnosis and imaging techniques also contribute to early diagnosis and individual treatment plans. Taken together, these advances point to a revolution of the integrated, regenerative and precision-based approach to the treatment of liver diseases
Hepatic disease, Biologic therapies, Regenerative medicine, Antifibrotic agents, Liver fibrosis.
There is a great need and opportunity to find treatments for orphan or rare diseases. Of the roughly 6000 orphan diseases, some have little commercial prospects and/or low prevalence. Many chemicals have the potential to be reprofiled in a new indication, even if only a small number of compounds have been licensed for new indications in the field of metabolic diseases. In general, there are three categories into which reprofiled medications for metabolic diseases can be divided. Drug repurposing is the term used to describe the current change in focus to alternative uses for costly new medications. The discovery of novel therapeutic uses for already available or experimental medications is known as drug repurposing or reprofiling. Numerous potentially fatal illnesses, including some types of cancer, neurological problems, immunological disorders, and rare infectious diseases, may benefit from this idea and innovative treatment methods. Numerous potentially fatal illnesses, including some types of cancer, neurological problems, immunological disorders, and rare infectious diseases, may benefit from this idea and innovative treatment methods.
Repurposing Orphan drugs, reprofiling, neurodegenerative
Exploring the Role of Herbal Remedies and Alternative Therapies in Managing Vitiligo: A Comprehensive Review
Vitiligo is a persistent skin disorder characterized by the loss of pigmentation due to the destruction of melanocytes, which are responsible for producing skin color. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition, autoimmune responses, and environmental factors like stress or trauma. The condition leads to the formation of depigmented patches on the skin, hair, and mucous membranes. While not life-threatening, vitiligo often causes considerable psychological distress, including feelings of embarrassment, shame, and social stigma, which can significantly affect an individual’s emotional health and quality of life. Existing treatment options, such as corticosteroids, phototherapy, and surgical procedures, offer varying levels of success, but no definitive cure has been found. This has sparked increased interest in alternative treatments, particularly herbal remedies. Herbal substances like Ginkgo biloba, Curcumin, and Green Tea are being studied for their potential to reduce oxidative stress, regulate the immune system, and encourage melanocyte regeneration, offering promising non-pharmaceutical solutions for managing vitiligo. This paper offers a thorough overview of vitiligo, including its pathophysiology, classification, and epidemiology. It also examines current treatment methods, with a focus on the potential advantages of herbal remedies. Furthermore, the paper discusses ongoing research into molecular therapies aimed at improving melanocyte function and restoring pigmentation. Given the persistent nature of vitiligo and its significant psychological impact, continued exploration of both conventional and alternative treatments is vital for enhancing patient care. As research advances, new treatment approaches may provide more effective solutions for managing vitiligo and reducing its emotional and social effects. The emerging role of herbal remedies is also highlighted, positioning them as promising alternatives or supplements to conventional treatments.
Vitiligo, Melanocytes, Herbal remedies, Pigmentation, Skin condition
Probiotics: A Promising Shield against PFAS-Induced Gut Toxicity
PFAS are a huge family of enduring synthetic chemicals commonly present in industrial and consumer goods because of their hydrophobic and oleophobic characteristics. They have caused significant health concerns to the people around the world because of their environmental stability and bioaccumulation capacity, which has resulted in contamination of water, soil, wildlife and human beings. PFAS has been linked to several negative effects in the event of chronic exposure, such as liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, immunotoxicity, developmental abnormalities, and heightened risks of cancer. Recent studies show that probiotics are an exciting gut-based treatment to counteract PFAS toxicity. Certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can lower the absorption of PFAS by binding to the gastrointestinal tract, repairing intestinal barrier function, altering bile acid metabolism, and possibly biotransforming it. The preclinical evidence indicates that probiotics may help to reduce the inflammation caused by PFAS and improve the toxin excretion, yet the evidence is mostly animal-based. Major gaps are present such as the absence of adequate human clinical testing, incorrect dosage, and variation in efficacy by strain. Although probiotics are a natural and inexpensive adjunct method, their combination into PFAS mitigation strategies is still to be validated. To effectively control the exposure of PFAS and related health hazards, the use of a multidisciplinary method that incorporates scientific studies, regulatory intervention, and community education is necessary.
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), Forever chemicals, Environmental persistence, Human health impacts, Bioaccumulation, Toxic legacy
An Emerging Trends on Delivering Nanofibers
Nanofibers have a lot of surface area, porosity, and surface functionalities that can be changed. Nanofiber technology is being investigated by numerous researchers as a possible remedy for the issues that exist today in a number of different disciplines. It treats pain, wound healing, neurological diseases, gastrointestinal tract-associated diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular issues, and contraception. Numerous manufacturing methods, including electrospinning, phase separation, physical 3fabrications, and chemical synthesis, are used to create the nanofibers. A range of polymers are used to create nanofibers, depending on their intended application. It includes metals, metal oxides, ceramics, carbon, nonporous and mesoporous materials, hollow structures, core-shell structures, biocomponents, and multi-component materials. It also includes natural and semi-synthetic polymers. For targeted gene delivery, protein and peptide administration, and growth factor delivery, nanofiber composites are a good substitute. Because of their enormous potential for drug delivery, nanofibers can be applied to a wide range of therapeutic fields and have the potential to completely transform them. This review thoroughly examined the types, history, benefits, drawbacks, and polymers employed in nanofiber technology. Additionally, a summary of the types of polymers employed in the creation of nanofibers was provided. The fabrication process, specifically electrospinning and its varieties, is the primary subject of the review study. The study concluded with going over the recent developments and uses of nanofabrication technology.
Nanofiber, Polymers, Electro spinning, Tissue engineering, Gene-delivery
The Role of Community Health Workers in Reducing Maternal Mortality in Rural Communities of Sierra Leone
Background: Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas where access to quality healthcare services is limited. Community health workers (CHWs) have been recognized as key actors in bridging the gap between underserved populations and formal health systems, contributing to improved maternal health outcomes. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study using a quantitative approach was conducted among 580 participants, including women of reproductive age, CHWs, and community stakeholders. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, chi-square, and regression analyses. Results: Findings revealed that CHW services such as health education, antenatal care promotion, home visits, and referral systems significantly improve maternal health outcomes. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.684) was observed between CHW services and maternal outcomes. Regression analysis showed that CHW services significantly predicted maternal health outcomes (β = 0.684, p < 0.001), explaining 46.8% of the variance. Additionally, frequent CHW visits were significantly associated with safer deliveries. Conclusion: CHWs play a critical role in reducing maternal mortality risks in rural Sierra Leone. Strengthening CHW programs through improved training, supervision, and policy support is essential for sustainable maternal health improvements. Keywords: Community Health Workers, Maternal Mortality, Rural Health, Antenatal Care, Sierra Leone, Public Health Read the Full Article on AARAI Journals
Community Health Workers, Maternal Mortality, Rural Health, Antenatal Care, Sierra Leone, Public Health
Quercetin and Cancer: Investigating Therapeutic Benefits of Neem-Derived Flavonoids
Quercetin, a flavonoid compound isolated from Azadirachta indica (neem), has gained significant attention in recent research for its potential as an anti-cancer agent. Neem, widely used in traditional medicine, contains a variety of bioactive compounds, with quercetin being one of the most studied for its therapeutic properties. Quercetin possesses promising anticancer effects, including the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), and regulate immune responses. Additionally, quercetin has been found to inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which tumors form new blood vessels to sustain their growth. These properties highlight quercetin's dual role as both a direct anti-cancer agent and an immune system modulator, positioning it as a potential natural therapeutic in cancer treatment. Quercetin's ability to target multiple stages of cancer progression, including cell proliferation, metastasis, and tumor growth, makes it an attractive candidate for further investigation. While preclinical studies have shown encouraging results, the translation of these findings to clinical applications remains a critical step. Further clinical trials are necessary to determine the efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage of quercetin in human cancer treatment. This review summarizes the current understanding of quercetin's anticancer properties, explores its mechanisms of action, and discusses its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer therapy, highlighting the need for continued research in this promising area.
Azadirachta indica, Apoptosis, Cancer therapy, Quercetin, clinical trials
Depression Unveiled: Current Understanding and Pathways to Recovery
Depression is a complex mental illness and one of the largest global public health issues which impacts over 280 million people worldwide. It is predetermined with the constant low mood, absence of pleasure (anhedonia), impaired thinking and dysfunction, and it is the result of the complicated interplay of genetic and biological, psychological and environmental factors. Depression theories date back to humoral melancholia ideas and were transformed in relation to earlier psychoanalytic interpretations to the modern biopsychosocial and neurobiological model. The studies of the present day accentuate structural and functional dysfunctions of principal brain areas, impairments of neurotransmitter networks, adaptive stress reactions, and neuroinflammation as the main factors of the origins of depression. Poverty, discrimination, low levels of education, and poor access to healthcare are all social determinants that make people even more vulnerable and slow down their recovery process. Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapeutic modalities, and lifestyle modification are evidence-based interventions, whereas neuromodulation therapies, including electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, are also effective interventions in people with treatment-resistant depression. New therapies, such as ketamine-based therapies, anti-inflammatory, and precision care based on pharmacogenetic are emerging to provide new avenues to quick and specific symptom treatment. Integrated management is needed in the form of long-term recovery, which facilitates psychosocial support, resilience, reintegration into the community, and functional restoration. The future of the world in the diagnostics and treatment of depression has a high potential due to advancements in neuroscience, personalized medicine, and digital therapeutics, which can bring more specific, effective, and available treatment.
Depression, Neurobiology, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Neuroimaging, Psychotherapy
Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Gastric Ulcer Healing and Antibiotic Resistance Management
The disease of gastric ulcers remains a significant source of health and socioeconomic burden in the globe despite modern techniques emerging in diagnosis, elimination of Helicobacter pylori, as well as acid-lowering medications. Mainstream therapy regimens such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor antagonists, antacids and antibiotic regimens are proving effective but are progressively limited due to increasing resistance in antibiotics, incomplete mucosal healing, elevated rates of recurrence and safety issues with long term acid suppression. Such restriction has prompted the innovative therapeutic mode of action of both the pathogenic and the shortcomings of conventional care. New nanomedicine systems like liposomal systems, polymeric nanoparticles, nano emulsions, and green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles are providing superior drug stability, targeted delivery, bio adhesion, and drug release; preclinical studies show these nanoparticles are having superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant as well as anti-H. pylori effects, but still in early translational development. GRDSS Complementary gastro retentive drug delivery systems (GRDSS) which are: floating, swelling, mucoadhesive, super-porous hydrogel and high-density systems, all exhibit long gastric retention, high local drug concentration, and better eradication results than traditional preparations. New technologies in gene therapy, stem-cell delivery, growth-factor-based treatments, stimuli-responsive smart materials and precision-medicine devices, such as 3D-printed dosage forms and computerized health, are evidence of a paradigm shift with regards to customized and regenerative management of ulcers
Helicobacter pylori, Nanomedicine, Polymeric nanoparticles, Gastro retentive drug delivery systems, Mucoadhesive systems, Microbiome-targeted therapy.
Pharmacogenomics: Foundation, Clinical Applications and Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Medicine
Pharmacogenomics ties together pharmacology and genomics in order to know why individuals respond differently to the same drugs. It can be used to alter treatment to focus on truly personalized treatment rather than the standard treatment which has always been the one-size-fits-all method by examining how genetic variations influence the absorption of drugs, their metabolism, and their toxicity. This review will follow the development of pharmacogenomics, starting with the first experiments to examine the effects of single genes up to the more recent genome-wide methods, including the example of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms, which contribute to the responses to metoprolol, clopidogrel, and warfarin. It further describes the molecular basis of pharmacogenomics such as SNP roles, CNVs and indels and discusses Pharmacoepigenomics and non-coding RNAs, which further dictate drug responses. This paper describes the differences in the population of major alleles and their clinical effects in major medicine fields like cardiology, oncology, psychiatry, neurology, pediatrics, and rare diseases. The examples of real-life applications of genetic testing, such as monogenic diabetes (MODY) and the treatment of hepatitis C, are instances of how genetic testing can enhance patient outcomes. The accuracy and speed of pharmacogenomic testing are being increased by new technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS), CRISPR-based gene editing, and multi-omics. Taken together, all these developments are taking healthcare to a more predictive, preventive, and tailor-made future.
Pharmacogenomics, CYP450; Pharmacoepigenomics, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Artificial Intelligence,
Correlation of Hormonal Profiles in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Abstract Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by oligo/anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Hormonal dysregulation, including elevated luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and insulin resistance, contributes to its metabolic and reproductive manifestations. Understanding the interrelationship among these hormonal parameters is essential for improved clinical management. Objective: To evaluate correlations among key hormonal profiles in women diagnosed with PCOS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2025 at Life Line Ludhiana, including 500 women aged 18–40 years diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. Women with pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, adrenal disorders, or recent hormonal therapy were excluded. Serum LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), AMH, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were performed. Results: The mean age was 27.8 ± 5.4 years, and mean BMI was 28.3 ± 4.6 kg/m². Oligo/anovulation was present in 82% and biochemical hyperandrogenism in 75% of participants. Elevated LH (12.4 IU/L), testosterone (78.5 ng/dL), AMH (7.2 ng/mL), and fasting insulin (18.6 µIU/mL) were observed. Significant positive correlations were found between LH, testosterone, and AMH (r = 0.38–0.45; p < 0.001). Fasting insulin strongly correlated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.98; p < 0.001) and moderately with testosterone (r = 0.35; p < 0.001). Overweight/obese women demonstrated higher insulin and HOMA-IR levels and stronger insulin–testosterone correlations. Conclusions: Significant positive associations exist among LH, testosterone, AMH, and insulin resistance in PCOS, particularly in overweight/obese women, highlighting the need for integrated metabolic and reproductive management strategies.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Hormonal Correlations, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Testosterone, Insulin Resistance, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Insulin, Obesity
The Behavioral and Naturopathic Diabetes Management Model for Men (BNDMM-M): A Holistic, Gender-Sensitive Approach to Type 2 Diabetes
Abstract Men living with Type 2 diabetes often encounter challenges that complicate long-term disease management, including limited engagement with healthcare, cultural norms around masculinity, and behavioural patterns that reduce adherence to lifestyle recommendations. While behaviour change theories have informed many diabetes interventions, they frequently fail to capture the holistic scope of naturopathic care and the gender-specific factors influencing how men manage chronic illness. Concurrently, naturopathy offers effective lifestyle strategies, including dietary modification, physical activity, mind–body practices, and stress management, yet these approaches often lack structured support for sustained motivation and adherence. This article introduces the Behavioral and Naturopathic Diabetes Management Model for Men (BNDMM-M), a novel theoretical framework designed to address these gaps. The model integrates behavioural determinants such as motivation, perceived risk, and self-efficacy with naturopathic interventions and the social and emotional realities of men’s lives. The BNDMM-M provides a holistic, gender-sensitive approach to diabetes care, emphasizing sustainable lifestyle change and self-management. The framework offers practical insights for clinicians, public health practitioners, and educators, and underscores the need for future empirical research to validate and refine the model in clinical, community, and cultural settings. By bridging naturopathy, behavioural science, and gender-responsive care, the BNDMM-M advances the development of more effective interventions for men living with Type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, men’s health, behaviour change, naturopathy, lifestyle interventions, gender-sensitive care, self-management, adherence, motivation, chronic disease management
Socio-Cultural Beliefs and Their Influence on Mental Health Service Utilization in Ghana
ABSTRACT Mental health service utilization in Ghana remains significantly influenced by entrenched socio-cultural beliefs and traditional explanatory models. This study investigated how local perceptions of mental illness shape treatment preferences, stigma, and resistance to biomedical care in five districts of the Western Region. Using a mixed-methods design, quantitative surveys (N=150) revealed that over 77% of respondents believed mental illness is caused by spiritual or supernatural forces, with 67% preferring traditional or religious interventions over formal psychiatric care. Stigma was widespread, with 59% associating mental illness with family shame and 58% admitting they would feel embarrassed to seek help at a mental health facility. Qualitative interviews with 20 key informants reinforced these findings, highlighting deep-rooted beliefs in witchcraft, curses, and spiritual affliction as causes of mental illness. Respondents also expressed limited trust in hospitals and emphasized the social consequences of disclosure. The study concludes that mental health interventions must integrate cultural understandings and partner with traditional healing systems to overcome resistance, reduce stigma, and promote effective service uptake. Policy strategies should prioritize culturally grounded education, stigma reduction, and coordinated collaboration with non-biomedical practitioners. Keywords: Mental health utilization, Ghana, Cultural beliefs, Traditional healing, Stigma, Help-seeking behavior