What Are Biosensors? A biosensor is an analytical device that converts a biological response into a measurable signal. It consists of: Bioreceptor A biological element (enzyme, antibody, nucleic acid, aptamer, or cells) that specifically interacts with the target analyte (e.g., glucose). Transducer Converts the biorecognition event into a detectable signal (electrical, optical, thermal, or mass … Read more
Role of Enzymes in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Enzymes act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions in drug manufacturing and diagnostics with high specificity and efficiency under mild conditions. In pharmaceuticals, enzymes are used to: Synthesize complex molecules (e.g., chiral intermediates, antibiotics, drug precursors). Facilitate diagnostics as key components in diagnostic kits. Modify drugs through conjugation and … Read more
What Is Biotechnology? Biotechnology broadly refers to the use of living organisms (bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells, plant cells, etc.) or their components (enzymes, DNA, RNA, and other biomolecules) to develop products and processes that improve human life. In the pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology primarily focuses on discovering, developing, and manufacturing drugs and diagnostics by leveraging biological … Read more
General Aspects of Nutraceuticals cover food-derived products providing health benefits, disease prevention, and nutritional support. General Aspects of Nutraceuticals The term “Nutraceutical” is derived from “Nutrition” and “Pharmaceutical” and refers to food or food-derived substances that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They are used for disease prevention, health maintenance, and therapy. Characteristics of Nutraceuticals … Read more
Lehya (Avaleha) is a semi-solid Ayurvedic formulation made with herbal extracts, jaggery, or honey for easy consumption and efficacy. Definition Lehya (Avaleha) Lehya (also called avaleha or confection) is a semi-solid preparation made by boiling the decoction of herbs with a sweet base (jaggery, sugar, honey) until it achieves a thick, paste-like consistency. Preparation Steps … Read more
Churna is a fine powdered Ayurvedic formulation prepared from dried herbs used for internal and external therapeutic purposes. Definition of Churna Churna (powder) is a fine powder of herbs or a combination of multiple powdered ingredients. Preparation Steps Selection and Cleaning: High-quality, contaminant-free herbs are chosen, then cleaned to remove extraneous matter. Drying: Herbs are … Read more
Ghutika Gutikā are Ayurvedic solid herbal preparations made by mixing powders or extracts with binders for therapeutic use. Definition of Ghutika (Gutikā) Ghutika refers to pills or tablets prepared from one or multiple powdered herbs bound together with a suitable adhesive (e.g., honey, jaggery, gum). Preparation Steps Powdering the Herbs: Each herb is dried and … Read more
Arishtas and Asavas are Ayurvedic fermented liquid preparations made from herbs for enhanced absorption and therapeutic efficacy. Definition of Arishtas and Asavas Arishtas and Asavas are fermented liquid preparations. Asava is generally prepared from fresh herbal juices or watery extracts without boiling. Arishta often starts with a decoction of herbs that is subsequently fermented. General … Read more
Homeopathy is a holistic medical system using highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Origin and Historical Context Founded by Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843) in Germany, homeopathy gained popularity in India in the early 19th century and is now officially recognized and widely practiced. Basic Principles of Homeopathy Law of Similars (Similia Similibus … Read more
Unani Medicine is a traditional healing system based on humoral theory using natural drugs, diet, and lifestyle for health restoration. Origin and Historical Context Unani medicine, derived from Greek (Ionian) origins, was influenced by Hippocrates, Galen, Arabic, and Persian medical traditions. It was further developed by Islamic scholars like Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and arrived in … Read more