Bipul Nath
Department of Pharmacy, Royal School of Pharmacy, The Assam Royal Global University, Betkuchi, Guwahati-781035, Kamrup, Assam, India

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Polyherbal–antibiotic synergy: a review on mechanistic insights into polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids for enhancing antimicrobial efficacy Neelakshi Sharma; Bipul Nath; Trishna Das; Manas Jyoti Kapil; Amaryllis Langbang
Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026)
Publisher : Creative Pharma Assent

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.69857/joapr.v14i3.2028

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important threats to global public health, accelerating as conventional antibiotics lose efficacy. Pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae use a variety of resistance mechanisms, including enzymatic drug degradation, efflux pump activation, and biofilm formation. The declining pipeline of newly approved antibiotics highlights the need for alternative and adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Methodology: This review critically summarizes studies that analyze polyherbal–antibiotic combinations and their synergistic antimicrobial effects. A systematic review of recent literature on the role of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and polyphenolic compounds, in potentiating antibiotic efficacy and reducing antibiotic resistance was conducted. Results and Discussion: Integrative synergetic interactions were strongly evidenced between antibiotics and plant-derived phytochemicals. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) synergizes with β-lactam for common resistant strains, and berberine inhibits efflux pumps to enhance antibiotic activity. A wide range of flavonoids and polyphenolic extracts have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity, with mechanisms involving membrane disruption, biofilm inhibition, and interference with quorum-sensing pathways, thereby promoting multifaceted action. Conclusion: Synergy between polyherbal treatment and antibiotics is an innovative approach to combat AMR and should be prioritized. This approach highlights various leads for future antimicrobial therapeutics by combining traditional ethnopharmacological knowledge with innovative pharmaceutical paradigms.
Improving the biopharmaceutical performance of azole antifungals: a comparative study of solid dispersion and co-crystallization of ketoconazole and itraconazole Payal Dasgupta; Bipul Nath; Apurba Talukdar; Atanu Sarma; Sidhartha Jyoti Bora
Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026)
Publisher : Creative Pharma Assent

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.69857/joapr.v14i4.2144

Abstract

Background: Oral bioavailability of BCS class II azole antifungals, ketoconazole and itraconazole, is hampered by low aqueous solubility. Improving solubility and dissolution is necessary for greater therapeutic efficacy. This research compared two approaches: solid dispersion and pharmaceutical co-crystallization to improve their biopharmaceutical properties. Methodology: Solid dispersions were prepared using the organic solvent evaporation technique with PEG-10000 for ketoconazole and HPMCE50 for itraconazole. Co-crystals with benzoic and tartaric acids were studied by FT-IR, DSC, and PXRD. Optimized formulations were compressed into tablets and analyzed for pharmacopoeial parameters, dissolution, release kinetics, and ICH stability. Results and Discussion: Saturation solubility investigations revealed that, compared to amorphization, solid dispersions exhibited more efficient enhancement due to the combined effect of amorphous enrichment and polymer solubilization. Tartaric acid co-crystals could increase solubility by crystal lattice modification. cc-Tabs showed burst release profiles, while SDs gave controlled drug release. The release of drug was in accordance with the first-order and Korsmeyer–Peppas models with anomalous transport, and was sustained for six months. The low aqueous solubility of azole antifungals restricts their oral bioavailability. The solubility and dissolution of ketoconazole and itraconazole were enhanced by solid dispersion and co-crystallization. Solid dispersions provided superior amorphous stability and extended-release, while co-crystals led to faster initial dissolution and better early drug availability. Conclusion: Both approaches were successful in improving solubility, dissolution, and stability. Both SDs modulated drug release kinetics; sustained-release profiles were obtained from the solid dispersions, and fast dissolution was favored by co-crystallization, thus providing both as viable approaches for oral delivery of poorly soluble azole antifungals.