OBJECTIVE: This review was aimed to critically overview the literature and summarizes the antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal trends of E. longifolia and its medicinally active components.
RESULTS: Besides its well-documented safety, efficacy, and tolerability, a plethora of in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical studies has evidenced the antimicrobial efficacy of E. longifolia and its bioactive constituents. Phytochemical screening of various types of extracts (methanolic, ethyl acetate, and nbutanolic) from different parts (roots, stem, and leaves) of E. longifolia displayed a dose-dependent antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal responses. Comparative analysis revealed that the root extract of E. longifolia exhibited the highest antimicrobial efficacy compared to other parts of the plant. Bioactivity-guided fractionation identified that among all of the medicinal compounds isolated/ extracted from different parts of E. longifolia, eurycomanone displayed the strongest antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antifungal activities.
CONCLUSION: Based on the critical analysis of the literature, we identified that E. longifolia exhibits promising antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal efficacies against various pathogenic microbes and thus can be considered as a potential complementary and alternative antimicrobial therapy.
AREAS COVERED: This review outlines the role of alginate for oral sustained release formulations. For better insights into its application in drug delivery, the mechanisms of drug release from alginate matrices are discussed alongside the alginate inherent properties and drug properties. Specifically, the influence of alginate properties and formulation components on the resultant alginate gel and subsequent drug release is reviewed. Modifications of the alginate to improve its properties in modulating drug release are also discussed.
EXPERT OPINION: Alginate-based matrix tablets is useful for sustaining drug release. As a nature-derived polymer, batch consistency and stability raise some concerns about employing alginate in formulations. Furthermore, the alginate gel properties can be affected by formulation components, pH of the dissolution environment and the tablet matrix micro-environment pH. Conscientious efforts are pivotal to addressing these formulation challenges to increase the utilization of alginate in oral solid dosage forms.