Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

Determinants and Spatial Patterns of Dengue Severity in Brazil: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Analysis of Surveillance Data

Jessica da silva Ferreira — 2026-06-12

Background: Dengue remains a major public health challenge in endemic countries, with increasing incidence and severity. Understanding the determinants of severe disease at a national level is essential to guide surveillance and control strategies.

Methods: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study using surveillance data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) for 2025. A total of 825,586 confirmed dengue cases with valid outcome data were included. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with disease severity. Spatial analysis was performed using incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants across states.

Findings: Most cases were classified as dengue without warning signs (97.3%), followed by dengue with warning signs (2.5%) and severe dengue (0.2%). Increasing age was associated with higher odds of severe dengue (OR=1.01 per year; 95% CI 1.006–1.014). The presence of comorbidities showed a strong association, with a clear dose–response pattern according to the morbidity index. Individuals without comorbidities had a 69% lower likelihood of severe dengue compared to those with multiple conditions. RT-PCR-confirmed cases were more likely to be severe (OR=1.93; 95% CI 1.51–2.46). Spatial analysis revealed marked heterogeneity, with the highest incidence observed in Goiás (1,280.79 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) and similar patterns for severe dengue.

Interpretation: Dengue severity in Brazil is driven by a combination of demographic, clinical, and contextual factors. Targeted surveillance and clinical management strategies focusing on high-risk groups and high-incidence regions may reduce disease burden and mortality.

Unveiling the Hidden Therapeutic Potential of Epipremnum aureum: A Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Insights

Guruprasad Sutar — 2026-06-10

Background: Epipremnum aureum is widely recognized in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties. Recent research has focused on its phytochemical richness and potential biomedical applications, particularly in hepatoprotection and nanotechnology-based formulations.

Objective: This review aims to critically summarize the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and emerging role of E. aureum, with special emphasis on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective potential, including its application in green synthesis of silver nanoparticles.

Methods: A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, focusing on in vitro, in vivo, and nanotechnology-based studies. Key aspects analyzed include phytochemical profiling, biological activities, and mechanistic pathways involved in liver protection and oxidative stress reduction.

Results: E. aureum contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which contribute to its significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies demonstrate its efficacy in mitigating hepatotoxicity induced by agents like CCl₄ through reduction of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using E. aureum extract enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency, showing improved hepatoprotective and cytoprotective effects in experimental models.

Conclusion: The findings highlight E. aureum as a promising natural source for hepatoprotective agents and nanomedicine development. However, further clinical studies and standardization are required to validate its safety and efficacy for therapeutic applications.

Artemisia pallens Wall. Ex Dc. (Davana): Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Activities, Safety Profile and Future Prospects: A Comprehensive Review

Guruprasad Sutar — 2026-06-10

Background: Artemisia pallens, commonly known as davana, is an aromatic medicinal herb belonging to the Asteraceae family and is native to India. The plant has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments and is also valued in the perfumery industry because of its pleasant aroma. In recent years, Artemisia pallens has attracted considerable scientific attention due to its diverse phytochemical constituents and wide range of therapeutic properties. Phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of important bioactive compounds such as cis-davanone, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpene lactones, which are responsible for its biological activities.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Relevant peer-reviewed studies were critically reviewed to compile and evaluate available information on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and future perspectives of Artemisia pallens.

Results: Available studies demonstrated that A. pallens possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antiviral, anticancer, wound-healing, antitubercular, antihypertensive, antimalarial, and anthelmintic effects. Experimental investigations reported significant inhibition of microbial growth, reduction of oxidative stress, suppression of inflammatory responses, and protective effects against disease-induced tissue damage. These biological activities are mainly attributed to the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Toxicological studies further indicate that the plant exhibits relatively low acute toxicity at therapeutic doses.

Conclusion: Artemisia pallens shows promising therapeutic and industrial potential; however, further studies focusing on standardization, chronic toxicity, mechanism-based investigations, and clinical trials are essential for its development as a scientifically validated herbal medicine.