The purpose of this review is to discuss and summarize some of the interesting findings and applications of cyclodextrins (CDs) and their derivatives in different areas of drug delivery, particularly in protein and peptide drug delivery and gene delivery. The article highlights important CD applications in the design of various novel delivery systems like liposomes, microspheres, microcapsules, and nanoparticles. In addition to their well-known effects on drug solubility and dissolution, bioavailability, safety, and stability, their use as excipients in drug formulation are also discussed in this article. The article also focuses on various factors influencing inclusion complex formation because an understanding of the same is necessary for proper handling of these versatile materials. Some important considerations in selecting CDs in drug formulation such as their commercial availability, regulatory status, and patent status are also summarized. CDs, because of their continuing ability to find several novel applications in drug delivery, are expected to solve many problems associated with the delivery of different novel drugs through different delivery routes.

The purpose of writing this review on floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) was to compile the recent literature with special focus on the principal mechanism of floatation to achieve gastric retention. The recent developments of FDDS including the physiological and formulation variables affecting gastric retention, approaches to design single-unit and multiple-unit floating systems, and their classification and formulation aspects are covered in detail. This review also summarizes the in vitro techniques, in vivo studies to evaluate the performance and application of floating systems, and applications of these systems. These systems are useful to several problems encountered during the development of a pharmaceutical dosage form.

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Rutin is a highly potent molecule due to its strong antioxidant properties. In the near future, enhancing its bioavailability using novel drug delivery methods having minimum side effects will bring this promising natural molecule to the forefront of therapy for the treatment of various chronic human diseases.

The rhizome of turmeric is widely used in indigenous medicine. [1] A paste made from powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn., mixed with slaked lime applied locally, is an ancient household remedy for sprains, muscular pain and inflamed joints. It is also applied in poultices to relieve pain and inflammation. [2] The volatile oil and curcumin obtained from C. longa exhibit potent antiinflammatory effect. [3] Curcumin is yellow coloured phenolic pigment, [4] obtained from powdered rhizome of C. longa Linn. (Family-Zingiberaceae). It is the major constituent of the oleoresin of turmeric. In the crude extract of rhizomes of C. longa about 70-76% curcumin is present along with about 16% demethoxycurcumin and 8% bisdemethoxycurcumin. It is extensively used for imparting colour and flavour to the food and in the traditional Indian medicine, turmeric powder is used to treat a wide variety of diseases. Extensive scientific research on curcumin have demonstrated a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects such as antiinflammatory, [5] antibacterial, [6] antiviral, [7] antifungal, [8] antitumor, [9] antispasmodic [10] and hepatoprotective. [11] Recently, its potential utility in autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been demonstrated. [12]-[14] In this review, the findings on curcumin's antiinflammatory activity and its mechanisms are presented. Preclinical studies Curcumin and antiinflammatory activity Arora et al reported antiinflammatory activity in different fractions of the petroleum ether extract of C. longa. [5] The total

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Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is second generation smarter drug carrier system having solid matrix at room temperature. This carrier system is made up of physiological, biodegradable and biocompatible lipid materials and surfactants and is accepted by regulatory authorities for application in different drug delivery systems. The availability of many products in the market in short span of time reveals the success story of this delivery system. Since the introduction of the first product, around 30 NLC preparations are commercially available. NLC exhibit superior advantages over other colloidal carriers viz., nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, SLN etc. and thus, have been explored to more extent in pharmaceutical technology. The whole set of unique advantages such as enhanced drug loading capacity, prevention of drug expulsion, leads to more flexibility for modulation of drug release and makes NLC versatile delivery system for various routes of administration. The present review gives insights on the definitions and characterization of NLC as colloidal carriers including the production techniques and suitable formulations. This review paper also highlights the importance of NLC in pharmaceutical applications for the various routes of drug delivery viz., topical, oral, pulmonary, ocular and parenteral administration and its future perspective as a pharmaceutical carrier.

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