International Journal of Modern Pharmacy and Life Sciences

Naegleria fowleri: A Rare but Fatal Invader of the Human Brain

J. Jaisudha, N. Deepa, G. Aathmika Raajam, S. Deepika, K. Arumuganavamani — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) in living organisms. It is commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” It is a single-celled, microscopic organism found in warm freshwater and soil. Even though it is rare, the disease progresses rapidly, and the mortality rate is high. This review presents available information on Naegleria fowleri in an organised and understandable manner. The ultimate goal is to develop an understanding of the organism and the mechanism of the disease caused by it, along with its significance and prevention.

The article aims to give an overview of Naegleria fowleri, along with its history, classification, morphology, pathogenesis, life cycle, mode of transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment options, prevention strategies, and public health importance. The aim of this article is to improve basic awareness among readers and highlight the need for early recognition of this deadly infection. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of Naegleria fowleri, encompassing its biological characteristics, classification, morphology, life cycle, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, prevention strategies, and public health significance. The review aims to enhance understanding of this pathogenic free-living amoeba and emphasize the importance of early recognition, appropriate diagnosis, and timely management of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis.

Structure-Based Molecular Docking of Vitex negundo Phytoconstituents Targeting ACE and HMG-CoA Reductase: Implications for Dual Cardiovascular Therapy

Ramesh K, Nepolean R, Shreya M, Shanmugapriya S, Sri Harini S — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The development of multi-target treatment approaches is necessary since cardiovascular illnesses continue to be a major cause of death worldwide. Using a molecular docking technique, the current work assesses the dual inhibitory ability of Vitex negundo phytoconstituents against angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR). AutoDock Vina was used to perform docking analysis on the crystal structures of ACE (PDB ID: 1O86) and HMGCR (PDB ID: 1DQ8). For comparative analysis, common medications such as lisinopril, captopril, enalaprilat, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin were utilized. Ursolic acid showed the most dual-target potential among the phytoconstituents, with the highest binding affinity for both targets (up to −10.5 kcal/mol). Vitexin and isovitexin showed significant binding affinities for ACE, while negundoside and casticin showed comparatively larger affinities among the phytocompounds for HMG-CoA reductase. Stable binding via hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions within the active sites was found by the interaction analysis. Overall, the results indicate that the phytoconstituents of Vitex negundo have promising multi-target action related to the treatment of cardiovascular disease. To verify their therapeutic potential, however, more validation via molecular dynamics simulations and experimental research is needed.