ROS-responsive baicalin hydrogel from Scutellaria baicalensis for targeted modulation of cutaneous inflammation: Mechanistic insights and translational perspectives Dhananjay Taumar, Aadesh Kumar, Atul Pratap Singh, Nidhi Dhama Pharmacological Research Modern Chinese Medicine, 2026 Amongst the numerous diseases that affect the skin and often influence the inflammatory process and are limited by the available anti-inflammatory agents, there is a necessity of specific, innovative treatment methods. The deregulation of the immune system augmented free radical activity, and a broken skin barrier contributes to inflammatory processes of the skin. Huang-Qin, also known as Scutellaria baicalensis, has a long history of application in traditional Asian medicine to treat skin diseases related to inflammation. Its main active ingredient is baicalin, which possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is, though, neither very much nor so much absorbed through the skin. To complement this background, a detailed search of the databases Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science was done. The articles that were included in the search process were published within the period of January 2010 and December 2025. The keywords used were Scutellaria baicalensis, baicalin, skin inflammation, free radical production, and signaling pathways (NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT). The 612 records were narrowed down to 76 studies to be used during the qualitative analysis after the removal of duplication. Baicalin works by regulating NF-kB, MAPK (ERK, JNK, p38), JAK/STAT, and Nrf2/HO. Those mechanisms suppress cytokine production, restore redox balance, and enhance the skin's barrier function. Sensitive hydrogels that respond to reactive oxygen species help stabilize baicalin on the skin surface and release it during oxidative stress. In vitro evidence indicates that such formulations exhibit greater efficacy in reducing inflammation and scavenging free radicals than conventional formulations. Baicalin-based ROS-sensitive hydrogels are efficient at promoting targeted dermatological therapy by combining conventional herbal medicine with innovative biopolymer-based delivery systems. Recent preclinical evidence suggests that combining these two approaches will yield safer, more efficient treatments for inflammatory skin diseases.
Synergistic Nanoemulgel-based Micro/Nanosystems in Transdermal Delivery: Advances in Herbal-Synthetic Combination Therapies Iram Jahan, Atul Pratap Singh Micro and Nanosystems, 2026 There are several challenges associated with the increasing use of lipophilic medications, including limited oral bioavailability, irregular absorption, and unpredictable pharmacokinetics. Nanoemulgels, an innovative transdermal drug delivery technology, have shown significant potential in improving the permeability and bioavailability of such medications. By combining the advantages of nanoemulsions and gels, nanoemulgels provide an effective method for topical drug application, helping to overcome issues related to targeting and absorption. This review examines the use of nanoemulgels in the management of inflammatory conditions, particularly gout. Colchicine, a BCS Class III medication with restricted permeability, is used as a case study to explore formulation techniques, procedures, and excipients aimed at optimizing nanoemulgel systems. The review highlights permeability enhancement mechanisms and the potential of nanoemulgels for targeted antiinflammatory drug delivery, emphasizing their promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases.
Cyclovirobuxine D: Pharmacological and Bioanalytical Perspectives and Therapeutic Insights Muskan Bhardwaj, Atul Pratap Singh, Brij Mohan Sharma Drug Metabolism and Bioanalysis Letters, 2026 Cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D) is a steroidal alkaloid extracted from Buxus microphylla, widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular diseases. It has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities, including anti-arrhythmic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antiinflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. CVB-D modulates key signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, MAPK, and calcium channel regulation, contributing to its therapeutic potential. Studies indicate that CVB-D induces apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and suppresses tumor metastasis, particularly in lung, gastric, colorectal, and hepatocellular cancers. Additionally, its neuroprotective properties suggest potential applications in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Beyond its benefits, CVB-D poses challenges related to toxicity, bioavailability, and long-term safety. Reported side effects include hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiovascular risks, necessitating further clinical investigations. Despite its promising pharmacological profile, preclinical and clinical trials are essential to determine its optimal dosage and therapeutic window. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of CVB-D, including its mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic potential, and limitations. A deeper understanding of its molecular interactions and safety profile will help guide future drug development and clinical applications.
Disrupting Cancer Pathways with Nanogel-Encapsulated Wheatgrass Phytopharmaceuticals for Skin Cancer Therapy Devendra Singh, Atul Pratap Singh, Ramji Gupta Anti Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 2026 Introduction: Skin cancer is a major global health concern, with rising prevalence and limited effectiveness of conventional therapies. Natural phytopharmaceuticals, particularly those derived from Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass), offer promising therapeutic potential due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This review explores the potential of nanogel-encapsulated wheatgrass bioactives to modulate molecular pathways involved in skin cancer development. Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted of preclinical studies, advances in nanogel-based delivery systems, and the molecular pharmacology of wheatgrass phytoconstituents. Emphasis was placed on their interactions with key cancer-related signaling pathways and the impact of nanogels on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Results: Wheatgrass bioactives were found to regulate oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and p53. Nanogel encapsulation enhanced solubility, stability, targeted delivery, and bioavailability. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated improved cytotoxicity against melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer cells, with reduced off-target effects. Discussion: Nanogel-based delivery of wheatgrass phytopharmaceuticals offers a multi-targeted strategy by modulating multiple cancer pathways while addressing challenges associated with natural compound delivery. Despite promising preclinical results, translational limitations remain, including scarce human trials and variability in formulation. Future research should prioritize clinical validation and regulatory standardization. Conclusion: Nanogel-encapsulated wheatgrass bioactives represent a novel, mechanism-driven, and targetspecific approach for skin cancer therapy, with the potential to advance phytotherapy toward mainstream oncology treatment.
An Innovative Naproxen Nanosuspension Strategy for Targeted Drug Delivery in Glomerulonephritis Kunal Pundir, Atul Pratap Singh, Shamim Shamim Drug Delivery Letters, 2026 Glomerulonephritis is a collective term that encompasses several kidney diseases characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, damage to these structures, and consequent proteinuria, hematuria, and renal failure. It is the nature of this inflammatory process to play a direct role in the further development of disease, defining the therapeutic value of anti-inflammatory agents. One of the most common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Naproxen, has achieved success in fighting renal inflammation but, given its low aqueous solubility and systemic toxicity, remains less applicable in clinical practice, particularly in patients with impaired renal function. New nanotechnology is a formulation of Nanosuspension as a conceivable means to verify the therapeutic profile of Naproxen. Nanosuspension, by decreasing the particle size of drugs to the level of nanometres and with the introduction of stabilizers, enhances solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. The high-pressure homogenization, Antisolvent precipitation, and Sonoprecipitation techniques have shown positive results in the formulation of Naproxen Nanosuspension, extended renal targeting parabioses, and retention in animal models. Moreover, a combination of targeting ligands, e.g., antibodies and peptides, and biocompatible polymers enables sitespecific delivery to inflamed glomeruli, which reduces systemic side effects. New approaches are also looking into the co-delivery systems and hybrid nano-carriers where the source of antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory agents is combined to produce a synergistic treatment outcome. Diagnostic imaging agent incorporation in these delivery systems further presents opportunities for real-time monitoring of diseases and personalized therapy. Although options remain in terms of scale of manufacture, long-term safety, and regulatory acceptance, Naproxen Nanosuspension, however, is a viable innovative solution to safer and higher-focused treatment of glomerulonephritis.
Advances in Fragment-based Drug Design: Lessons and Innovations from the Post-COVID Drug Discovery Landscape Vatan Chaudhary, Atul Pratap Singh, Himanchal Sharma, Dhananjay Taumar Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 2026 Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has emerged as a transformative strategy in modern medicinal chemistry, offering a rational and efficient alternative to traditional highthroughput screening (HTS). By utilizing small, low-molecular-weight fragments with moderate binding affinity, FBDD enables systematic optimization into potent lead compounds with improved physicochemical properties. Its modular and ligand-centric nature has proven particularly advantageous in accelerating early-stage drug discovery. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the adaptability of FBDD, as fragment screening and computational modeling rapidly identified inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based platforms further enhanced the speed and global accessibility of fragment campaigns, setting a precedent for collaborative, open-science initiatives. Beyond infectious diseases, FBDD has demonstrated significant promise in oncology, antibacterial therapy, and neurodegenerative disorders, reflecting its versatility across diverse therapeutic landscapes. Recent technological advances have expanded the scope of FBDD. High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and AI-driven structural prediction now enable the exploration of previously inaccessible or dynamic protein targets. Emerging modalities, such as PROTACs and RNA-targeted therapeutics, also intersect with fragment-based strategies, opening avenues for addressing so-called “undruggable” proteins. Despite persistent challenges, including the need for sensitive biophysical methods and sophisticated infrastructure, the approach continues to evolve. Looking ahead, the convergence of FBDD with machine learning, open-access fragment libraries, and global research collaboration positions it as a scalable, adaptive platform for drug discovery. As future health threats demand rapid innovation, FBDD is poised to remain a cornerstone of both academic and industrial research pipelines.
The Role of Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP) Delivery Systems in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Current Trends and Novel Approaches Anshu, Atul Pratap Singh, Himanchal Sharma, Dhananjay Taumar, Iram Rajpoot, Vatan Chaudhary Current Protein and Peptide Science, 2026 The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global health concern, undermining the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and complicating the treatment of infectious diseases. As a result, there is an urgent need to explore alternative therapeutic strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising solution due to their ability to target microbial membranes and essential cellular functions, exhibiting potent activity even against resistant strains. However, translating AMPs into clinical use is challenging due to issues, such as enzymatic degradation, short half-life, systemic toxicity, and poor pharmacokinetic profiles. To address these barriers, innovative delivery technologies have been developed. Systems such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, polymeric carriers, and microneedle arrays are being explored to enhance AMP stability, bioavailability, and targeted action. Additionally, advancements in peptide modification, combination therapies, and stimuli-responsive platforms are further enhancing their therapeutic potential. This review outlines the latest advancements in AMP delivery strategies aimed at counteracting AMR. It highlights key developments, identifies ongoing challenges, and proposes directions for future research. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, the study underscores the transformative role of AMP-based systems in the next generation of antimicrobial therapies.
