Adulteration Practices of Psychoactive Illicit Drugs: An Updated Review.

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:Powdery drugs such as cocaine and heroin are frequently adulterated or diluted predominantly to obtain more doses and to increase the drug dealer's profits, but also to enhance, to modify or to oppose drug effects. The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the recent scientific literature on medicines as well as on new psychoactive substances, used as cutting agents (i.e. pharmacologically active adulterants) and on the related adverse health effects on consumers, possibly due to the synergistic effect of the adulterants laced with substances of abuse. METHOD:A literature search up to January 2017 was performed on MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science and reports and documents of international agencies or institutions were also searched. RESULTS:Pharmacologically active substances such as: paracetamol, caffeine, dextromethorphan, clenbuterol for heroin; levamisole, phenacetine, lidocaine, hydroxyzine and diltiazem for cocaine; caffeine and phentermine for amphetamine, have been identified over the years. Furthermore, since cocaine and morphine (this latter as a precursor of heroin) are both extracted from natural products, some impurities and minor alkaloids can be present in the final preparation. In this context, it is worth considering that new psychoactive substances are also used as cutting agents. CONCLUSION:The wide availability of illicit psychotropic drugs is the most serious hazard threatening consumers. Indeed emergency departments are often responsible in evaluating damages caused not only by the base substance, but also by other eventual compounds added to mimic or antagonize drug effects or simply dilute the drug amount, with a possible harmful synergic toxic action.

journal_name

Curr Pharm Biotechnol

authors

Solimini R,Rotolo MC,Pellegrini M,Minutillo A,Pacifici R,Busardò FP,Zaami S

doi

10.2174/1389201018666170710184531

subject

Has Abstract

pub_date

2017-01-01 00:00:00

pages

524-530

issue

7

eissn

1389-2010

issn

1873-4316

pii

CPB-EPUB-84671

journal_volume

18

pub_type

杂志文章,评审
  • Essential oils as active ingredients of lipid nanocarriers for chemotherapeutic use.

    abstract::Essential oils have increased interest as promising ingredients for novel pharmaceutical dosage forms. These oils are reported to provide synergistic effects of their active ingredients, in parallel with their biodegradable properties. In addition, essential oils may also have therapeutic effects in diabetes, inflamma...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/1389201016666150206111253

    authors: Severino P,Andreani T,Chaud MV,Benites CI,Pinho SC,Souto EB

    更新日期:2015-01-01 00:00:00

  • Molecular structure of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel (TRPV1).

    abstract::Elaboration of the structure of TRPV1 and its functional relationship with channel activity is a work in progress, with much remaining to be done before the structure-function relationship of TRPV1 is comprehensively elicited. The result is that the present state of knowledge can reasonably be described as a patch-wor...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920111793937934

    authors: Urban L,White JP,Nagy I

    更新日期:2011-01-01 00:00:00

  • Antifungal Activity, Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Analysis And in silico Study of Punica Granatum Peel Extracts Against Fluconazole Resistant Strains of Candida Species.

    abstract:AIMS:Candida species is the common cause of opportunistic fungal infections all over the world with increased mortality and morbidity especially in immunosuppressed patients. Fluconazole is the first line therapy for candidiasis. The antifungal resistance pattern in high-risk patients is a major concern. The present st...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201019666180515104800

    authors: Paul S,Mohanram K,Kannan I

    更新日期:2018-01-01 00:00:00

  • A Study on Ecotoxicological Effects of Nano-copper Oxide Particles to Portunus Trituberculatus.

    abstract::As an important nano-material, nano-copper oxide particles (CuO-ENPs) harbor a vast range of characteristics, including electronic correlation effect, thermal stability, catalytic activity, sterilization and other properties. At present, the mechanism of ecotoxicological effects of CuO-ENPs is not yet clear, and has b...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201021666201229111251

    authors: Li T,Hu H,Yang C,Zhang B,Ma L

    更新日期:2020-12-28 00:00:00

  • IgG aggregate removal by charged-hydrophobic mixed mode chromatography.

    abstract::Charged-hydrophobic mixed mode chromatography methods have been applied to antibody purification for decades and have focused more recently on the specific task of aggregate removal. They exploit various combinations of alkyl and aromatic hydrophobic groups with positively and/or negatively charged residues. Charge an...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920109788488888

    authors: Gagnon P

    更新日期:2009-06-01 00:00:00

  • Application of Serial Analysis of Gene Expression in cancer research.

    abstract::It is now widely believed that tumors originate from normal cells as a result of accumulated genetic/epigenetic changes. These alterations affect the signaling pathways at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level that drive cells into uncontrolled cell division, growth, and migration. Recent advancement of molec...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920108785915102

    authors: Yamashita T,Honda M,Kaneko S

    更新日期:2008-10-01 00:00:00

  • Transforming viral sequences to A (H1N1) flu diagnosis: the current status and future prospects of rtPCR based assays.

    abstract::A variety of technologies can be used in the detection of contagious pathogens. In the early stage of an outbreak of a new infectious disease, rtPCR is advantageous over many other assays. The rtPCR can be developed either using low fidelity DNA polymerase or high fidelity DNA polymerase. The application of high fidel...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920110790725339

    authors: Li K,Xiao L,Liu C,Zhang J,Sirois P

    更新日期:2010-01-01 00:00:00

  • The Plausible role of Indian Traditional Medicine in combating Corona Virus (SARS-CoV 2): a mini-review.

    abstract::SARS-CoV 2 is a novel virus strain of Coronavirus, reported in China in late December 2019. Its highly contagious nature in humans has prompted WHO to designate the ongoing pandemic as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. At this moment, there is no specific treatment and the therapeutic strategies to d...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201021666200807111359

    authors: Adithya J,Nair B,Aishwarya S,Nath LR

    更新日期:2020-08-06 00:00:00

  • In Silico Studies on Anti-Stress Compounds of Ethanolic Root Extract of Hemidesmus indicus L.

    abstract:BACKGROUND:Alternative medicine is available for those diseases which cannot be treated by conventional medicine. Ayurveda and herbal medicines are important alternative methods in which the treatment is done with extracts of different medicinal plants. This work is concerned with the evaluation of anti-stress bioactiv...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201021666191211152754

    authors: Daddam JR,Sreenivasulu B,Umamahesh K,Peddanna K,Rao DM

    更新日期:2020-01-01 00:00:00

  • Identification of a Potential Inhibitor Targeting MurC Ligase of the Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain through Structure-Based Virtual Screening Approach and In Vitro Assay.

    abstract:BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE:Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows resistance to a large number of antibiotics, including carbapenems and third generation cephalosporin. According to the World Health Organization global report published in February 2017, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is on the priority list among resistant bacteria, for whi...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201020666190719123133

    authors: Messaoudi A,Zoghlami M,Basharat Z,Sadfi-Zouaoui N

    更新日期:2019-01-01 00:00:00

  • Simple and Fast Gas-chromatography Mass Spectrometry Assay to Assess Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol in Dogs Treated with Medical Cannabis for Canine Epilepsy.

    abstract:BACKGROUND:To date, an increasing number of pet owners, especially in the USA, are using cannabis-derived products containing generally delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to help their animals' health. Unfortunately, studies on the clinical use of cannabinoids in veterinary medicine are still limi...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201018666171122115815

    authors: Rotolo MC,Graziano S,Pellegrini M,Corlazzoli D,Antinori L,Porcarelli L,Pichini S

    更新日期:2017-01-01 00:00:00

  • Reactive oxygen species formation by polymorphonuclear cells and mononuclear cells as a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases.

    abstract::To better identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular events, several markers of risk have been proposed for use in screening. Recently, oxidative stress and inflammation have been evaluated as potential tools for prediction of the risk of cardiovascular events. Among them, we have measured reactive oxygen speci...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920106776597612

    authors: Yasunari K,Watanabe T,Nakamura M

    更新日期:2006-04-01 00:00:00

  • Inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinase/cyclin activity for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

    abstract::Excessive cell proliferation contributes to the pathobiology of human diseases with a high health and socio-economic impact, including cancer and vascular occlusive diseases (e. g., atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis, transplant vasculopathy, and vessel bypass graft failure). Recent advances in the understanding of ...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/1389201033377977

    authors: Ivorra C,Samyn H,Edo MD,Castro C,Sanz-González SM,Déez-Juan A,Andrés V

    更新日期:2003-02-01 00:00:00

  • Wound Healing Effect of Curcumin: A Review.

    abstract::Wound healing is a complex process that consists of several phases that range from coagulation, inflammation, accumulation of radical substances, to proliferation, formation of fibrous tissues and collagen, contraction of wound with formation of granulation tissue and scar. Since antiquity, vegetable substances have b...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:

    authors: Tejada S,Manayi A,Daglia M,Nabavi SF,Sureda A,Hajheydari Z,Gortzi O,Pazoki-Toroudi H,Nabavi SM

    更新日期:2016-07-21 00:00:00

  • Cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: soloists or choral singers.

    abstract::The idea of cancer stem cell (CSC) has recently moved to the forefront of cancer research. There is still a lack of a widespread consensus on their description and definition. ,The increasing literature on CSCs has compelled researchers worldwide to rewrite the natural history of cancer including those cells as princi...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920111794295756

    authors: Albini A,Cesana E,Noonan DM

    更新日期:2011-02-01 00:00:00

  • Use of lactobacilli and their pheromone-based regulatory mechanism in gene expression and drug delivery.

    abstract::Lactobacilli are common microorganisms in diverse vegetables and meat products and several of these are also indigenous inhabitants in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract of humans and animals where they are believed to have health promoting effects on the host. One of the highly appreciated probiotic effects is their ab...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920109787048571

    authors: Diep DB,Mathiesen G,Eijsink VG,Nes IF

    更新日期:2009-01-01 00:00:00

  • Forage Legumes as Sources of Bioactive Phytoestrogens for Use in Pharmaceutics: A Review.

    abstract:BACKGROUND:Alfalfa and red clover are the most widespread and most important perennial legumes, primarily used as a high-quality feed for livestock. Both alfalfa and red clover, as well as some other plant species from Fabaceae family, are a rich natural source of phytoestrogens, nonsteroidal compounds with an estrogen...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/1389201019666180730165917

    authors: Tucak M,Horvat D,Cupic T,Krizmanic G,Tomas V,Ravlic M,Popovic S

    更新日期:2018-01-01 00:00:00

  • Ampicillin-augmented silver nanoparticles for synergistic antimicrobial response: A promising therapeutic approach.

    abstract:AIMS:Globally Scientists are working to find more efficient antimicrobial drugs to treat microbial infections and kill drug-resistant bacteria. BACKGROUND:Despite the availability of numerous antimicrobial drugs bacterial infections still poses a serious threat to global health. Due to a constant decline in the effect...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201022666210119101522

    authors: Khan K,Qureshi MA,Azam A,Moinuddin,Musarrat J,Javed S

    更新日期:2021-01-18 00:00:00

  • Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors Promote Cell Cycle Arrest and Disrupt Mitochondria Bioenergetics in Ramos Cells.

    abstract:BACKGROUND:The re-emerging of targeting Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase (DHODH) in cancer treatment particularly Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) has corroborated the substantial role of DHODH in cancer and received the attention of many pharmaceutical industries. OBJECTIVE:The effects of Brequinar Sodium (BQR) and 4SC-1...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201021666200611113734

    authors: Kadir MFA,Othman S,Nellore K

    更新日期:2020-01-01 00:00:00

  • Cisplatin Changes Expression of SEMA3B in Endometrial Cancer.

    abstract:BACKGROUND:Semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B) is characterized as a strong suppressing factor of the proliferation of cancerous cells and also by its anti-angiogenic effect. However, the knowledge on the changes in the expression profile of SEMA3B under the influence of cisplatin in endometrial cancer remains fragmented. The aim o...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201021666200514215839

    authors: Peszek W,Kras P,Grabarek BO,Boroń D,Oplawski M

    更新日期:2020-01-01 00:00:00

  • Potential Application of Plant-derived Bioengineered Human VEGF for Tissue Regeneration.

    abstract::The design and development of novel biological drugs are among the most exciting new areas of biotechnology which are gaining the attention of scientists. In the last few decades several fabrication processes have been proposed and developed for the production of recombinant growth factors. However, traditional produc...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/138920101705160303165312

    authors: Laura W,Pablo L,Arantxa A,Isabel B,Alberto R,Silvia J,Noelia C,de Francisco Ana,Raquel C,Gorka O

    更新日期:2016-01-01 00:00:00

  • NMR spectroscopy and protein structure determination: applications to drug discovery and development.

    abstract::Recent technological advances in NMR methods and instrumentation are having a significant impact in structural biology. These innovations are also impacting pharmaceutical biotechnology as it is now possible to use NMR spectroscopy to rapidly characterize a growing number of prospective protein drugs and protein drug ...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/1389201053642367

    authors: Wishart D

    更新日期:2005-04-01 00:00:00

  • A neutralization scFv antibody against IL-1β isolated from a NIPA-based bacterial display library.

    abstract:OBJECTIVE:RA is one of autoimmune diseases, has drawn great attention of the world. Currently, the anti- IL-1β monoclonal antibody Canakinumab (ACZ885) for treatment of RA has entered into clinical trials. However, Full length antibody has large molecular weight, and is difficult to penetrate the tissue or the nidus. I...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/138920101131400223

    authors: Li T,Xu L,Ren G,Yin C,Zhou B,Ye X,Li Q,Li N,Li D

    更新日期:2013-01-01 00:00:00

  • Effectiveness of Bacteriophage Therapy in Field Conditions and Possible Future Applications.

    abstract:BACKGROUND:Bacteriophages are viruses, which are obligate parasites of specific bacteria for the completion of their lifecycle. Bacteriophages could be the possible alternative to antibioticresistant bacterial diseases. With this objective, extensive research in different fields is published which are discussed in this...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/1389201021666191217111156

    authors: Adhikari N,Acharya KP

    更新日期:2020-01-01 00:00:00

  • Biological Aspects and Clinical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Key Features You Need to be Aware of.

    abstract::Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a form of adult stem cells, are known to have a self-renewing property and the potential to specialize into a multitude of cells and tissues such as adipocytes, cartilage cells, and fibroblasts. MSCs can migrate and home to the desired target zone where inflammation is present. The uniqu...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201021666200907121530

    authors: Saeedi M,Nezhad MS,Mehranfar F,Golpour M,Esakandari MA,Rashmeie Z,Ghorbani M,Nasimi F,Hoseinian SN

    更新日期:2020-09-07 00:00:00

  • Current research on protein-protein interactions among auxin-signaling factors in regulation of plant growth and development.

    abstract::In many signaling pathways, various factors have been isolated by molecular genetic studies and wholegenome analysis. Understanding the interactions among these factors is crucial to understanding the signaling process as a whole. Recent studies on auxin signaling in the regulation of plant growth and development have...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920101314151120122745

    authors: Muto H,Kinjo M

    更新日期:2012-11-01 00:00:00

  • Prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis among Tuberculosis Patients Attending Chest Clinics in Osun-State, Nigeria.

    abstract:BACKGROUND:The development of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a considerable threat to tuberculosis control programmes in Nigeria. There is an increase in the prevalence of MDR-TB worldwide both among new tuberculosis cases as well as previously-treated ones. There is also a rise in transmission of resi...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201021666200226100242

    authors: Oyedeji GJ,Adeyemo C,Dissou A,Abiodun T,Alli OAT,Onaolapo OJ,Onaolapo AY,Adesiji Y,Olowe OA

    更新日期:2020-01-01 00:00:00

  • Antioxidant Properties of Solenostemma argel Effervescent Tablets.

    abstract:OBJECTIVE:In the present study, Solenostemma argel effervescent tablets were prepared from Argel methanolic extract. METHODS:The tablets were examined for their ability to impede carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced lipid peroxidation in mice liver. The antioxidant activities of the enzymes; super-oxide dismutase (SOD)...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.2174/1389201020666190617165300

    authors: Suliman RS,Ali HS,Alhelal K,Almutairi W,Alnasser S,Omer M,Suliman R,Algebali A

    更新日期:2019-01-01 00:00:00

  • Survey of small antifungal peptides with chemotherapeutic potential.

    abstract::Many cationic peptides with antimicrobial properties have been isolated from bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. These peptides vary in molecular size, potency and spectra of activities. This report surveyed the literature to highlight the peptides that have antifungal activity and greatest potential for development...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920111796117265

    authors: Desbois AP,Tschörner D,Coote PJ

    更新日期:2011-08-01 00:00:00

  • The role of endogenous H2S in cardiovascular physiology.

    abstract::Recent research has shown that the endogenous gas hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a signalling molecule of considerable biological potential and has been suggested to be involved in a vast number of physiological processes. In the vascular system, H2S is synthesized from cysteine by cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in smooth mu...

    journal_title:Current pharmaceutical biotechnology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.2174/138920111798280956

    authors: Skovgaard N,Gouliaev A,Aalling M,Simonsen U

    更新日期:2011-09-01 00:00:00