Niosomes are self-assembled, non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles that serve as an advanced drug delivery system (DDS), enhancing bioavailability, stability, and controlled release of therapeutic agents. Composed of non-ionic surfactants, cholesterol, and water, they offer a cost-effective and stable alternative to liposomes. Structurally similar to liposomes, niosomes encapsulate both hydrophilic drugs in their aqueous core and lipophilic drugs within their lipid bilayer. The biocompatibility, ease of formulation, and potential for targeted drug delivery make niosomes suitable for various pharmaceutical applications. Surfactants like Span and Tween, combined with cholesterol, stabilize the bilayer, preventing leakage and enhancing vesicle rigidity. Their ability to cross biological barriers such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and blood-brain barrier allows for versatile administration routes. Niosomes can be prepared using methods like the thin-film hydration method, reverse phase evaporation, microfluidics, and emulsion-based techniques, each influencing size, drug encapsulation efficiency, and release profile. The drug release can be tailored by adjusting the surfactant-to-cholesterol ratio, surfactant type, and incorporating stabilizers or targeting ligands. Overall, niosomes provide controlled, sustained, and site-specific drug delivery, reducing dosing frequency and improving patient compliance.

Organogels have emerged as promising semi-solid delivery systems for topical drug administration due to their unique viscoelastic properties, biocompatibility, and ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. This review focuses on the formulation and development of organogels containing dexamethasone and diclofenac for the effective management of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid, provides anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, while diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), offers analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. The synergistic combination enhances therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. The review discusses organogel composition, preparation methods, evaluation parameters, drug release mechanisms, and recent advancements. Organogels demonstrate controlled drug release, improved skin penetration, and patient compliance, making them a viable alternative to conventional topical formulations.

Buccal patches are an advanced drug delivery system designed to administer therapeutic agents through the buccal mucosa, offering a non-invasive, efficient alternative to conventional methods such as oral tablets and injections. These patches provide several advantages, including enhanced bioavailability by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism, controlled drug release, and improved patient compliance due to their ease of use and painless administration. The drug is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the buccal mucosa, providing rapid onset of action, which is particularly beneficial for drugs requiring quick therapeutic effects. Despite their potential, challenges such as limited drug compatibility, mucosal irritation, and high manufacturing costs remain. Additionally, the formulation of buccal patches must address issues related to drug solubility, permeability, and stability to maximize their effectiveness. Ongoing research is focused on overcoming these limitations through innovative formulations, nanotechnology, and the exploration of personalized medicine to improve patch performance. As technology progresses, buccal patches are expected to become an increasingly viable option for both local and systemic drug delivery, offering significant benefits in the treatment of various conditions.

Medicinal plants have been utilized since ancient times and continue to serve as a significant source of bioactive compounds in modern drug discovery and development. Plant-derived constituents have contributed extensively to the formulation of numerous therapeutic agents, highlighting their enduring importance in the pharmaceutical industry. Medicinal plants are inherently polychemical in nature, containing multiple active constituents that exert polyvalent effects on human physiology. These complex interactions may influence endogenous biochemical pathways as well as interact with conventional pharmaceuticals. In recent years, the global use of medicinal plants as part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased substantially. This growing reliance reflects a broader acceptance of natural therapies for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, the complex composition of herbal formulations also presents challenges, particularly in terms of herb–drug interactions. For example, certain herbal medicines, including components of traditional Chinese medicine, may either potentiate or attenuate the anticoagulant effects of Warfarin, potentially leading to adverse clinical outcomes. Such interactions underscore the need for careful monitoring and informed usage when herbal remedies are combined with conventional medications.