Dermatophytosis is among the most widespread fungal infections worldwide, affecting the keratinized tissues of the skin, hair, and nails and posing a persistent challenge to public health. Despite the availability of conventional antifungal drugs, treatment outcomes are often compromised by prolonged therapy, recurrence, adverse effects, and the growing threat of antifungal resistance. These limitations have accelerated the search for novel, nature-inspired therapeutics capable of offering safer and more effective disease management. In this context, medicinal plants have emerged as valuable sources of multifunctional bioactive compounds with significant antifungal potential. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem), a cornerstone of traditional medicine, has gained increasing scientific attention as a promising plant-derived therapeutic against dermatophytosis. Its pharmacological efficacy is attributed to a diverse array of phytochemicals, including azadirachtin, nimbidin, nimbin, gedunin, salannin, quercetin, and other limonoids, which collectively exhibit antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-protective activities. Unlike conventional agents that primarily target fungal growth, neem-derived compounds offer a multi-target approach by inhibiting dermatophyte proliferation, reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory responses, and promoting tissue regeneration. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated significant activity of neem extracts and formulations against major dermatophytes, including Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species. Furthermore, advances in herbal nanotechnology, such as nanoemulsions and nanogels, have enhanced the delivery and therapeutic performance of neem bioactives. This review comprehensively examines the phytochemistry, antifungal mechanisms, experimental evidence, and future translational prospects of Azadirachta indica, highlighting its potential as a next-generation botanical strategy for the sustainable management of dermatophytosis.

Inflammation, while essential for host defense, becomes a driving force behind a wide spectrum of chronic disorders when dysregulated, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegeneration. Conventional anti-inflammatory therapies, though effective, are often constrained by adverse effects, drug resistance, and limited long-term safety, prompting a paradigm shift toward safer, multi-targeted natural interventions. In this context, Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), an eminent medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has emerged as a promising candidate owing to its diverse bioactive profile and broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of the phytochemistry of Ocimum sanctum with a particular emphasis on its enzyme-mediated anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Tulsi contains a rich array of phytoconstituents, including eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and other flavonoids and terpenoids, which collectively orchestrate its therapeutic effects. These compounds exert potent anti-inflammatory actions by targeting key enzymatic pathways such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), thereby attenuating the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Furthermore, Tulsi modulates intracellular signaling cascades, notably inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, resulting in suppressed expression of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Its strong antioxidant capacity further complements these effects by neutralizing reactive oxygen species and mitigating oxidative stress-induced tissue damage. Collectively, Ocimum sanctum represents a multi-mechanistic, plant-based anti-inflammatory agent with significant therapeutic promise. Future research should prioritize standardization, molecular-level validation, and well-designed clinical trials to facilitate its integration into evidence-based modern therapeutics.

Dermatophyte infections are superficial fungal infections that affect keratin-rich tissues such as the skin, hair, and nails, and are primarily caused by dermatophyte species including Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. These infections, commonly referred to as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch, are highly prevalent worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, and are often associated with itching, inflammation, and recurrent infections. Conventional antifungal therapies are widely used for treatment; however, their prolonged use may lead to adverse effects, drug resistance, high treatment costs, and reduced patient compliance. These limitations have increased the demand for safer, cost-effective, and plant-based therapeutic alternatives for the management of dermatophyte infections. Azadirachta indica (Neem) is a well-known medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of various skin diseases and infections. Neem leaves are rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as nimbidin, nimbin, azadirachtin, nimbolide, quercetin, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which contribute to its multiple pharmacological activities. Scientific studies have reported that neem leaf extract possesses significant antifungal activity against dermatophytes, along with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that help in reducing fungal growth, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby promoting skin healing and infection control. Furthermore, neem-based topical formulations such as gels, creams, and ointments have shown enhanced therapeutic efficacy in dermatological applications. However, further studies on extract standardization, toxicity evaluation, and clinical trials are required to establish its therapeutic potential.

Glaucoma is a chronic ocular disorder characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to progressive optic nerve damage and irreversible vision loss. Pilocarpine, a well-established cholinergic agent, lowers IOP by enhancing aqueous humor outflow; however, its conventional ocular delivery is limited by poor corneal permeability, rapid precorneal elimination, and the need for frequent dosing. These limitations significantly reduce therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. To overcome these challenges, niosomal gel-based ocular drug delivery systems have emerged as an innovative and effective strategy. Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicular carriers capable of encapsulating drugs and providing sustained release, improved stability, and enhanced penetration across ocular barriers. When incorporated into gel systems, they further increase precorneal residence time, reduce drug drainage, and allow prolonged drug–cornea interaction. This dual delivery approach enhances bioavailability, minimizes dosing frequency, and improves patient compliance. Additionally, niosomal gels can be engineered using biocompatible polymers to achieve controlled and targeted drug delivery with minimal irritation. This review highlights recent advances in formulation strategies, preparation methods, characterization parameters, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of niosomal gel systems for pilocarpine delivery. Furthermore, it discusses therapeutic advantages, limitations, and future perspectives, including the development of stimuli-responsive and targeted systems. Overall, niosomal gel-based delivery represents a promising approach for improving the efficacy and safety of glaucoma therapy. Such systems may also reduce systemic exposure, enhance ocular retention, and support sustained pharmacological action over extended periods, thereby offering a more reliable and patient-friendly therapeutic alternative for long-term glaucoma management and improved clinical outcomes overall.