Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences

Antibacterial activities of different brands of antiseptic soaps on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wound infections

M.I.O. Raji — 2024-05-16

Generally speaking, antiseptic soaps are cleaning soaps to which antimicrobial active ingredients have been added. These chemicals kill bacteria and other microorganisms, though they are not effective at deactivating viruses, just like any other beauty soap. The antibacterial activity of some selected antiseptic soaps namely Dettol^®, Crusader^® and Dudu-Osun^® was determined on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wound infections. Identification of the isolates from wound swab was done by standard microbiological method. Different concentrations (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml) of each soap were tested by disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the diameters of zone of inhibition were recorded. Dudu-Osun^® was found to be the most effective soap against all the bacterial strains tested, having the highest zone of inhibition of 25 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 19 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the highest dilution of 200 mg/ml used. This was followed by Crusader^® with the zone of inhibition of 20 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 17 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa also at dilution of 200 mg/ml. Dettol^® exhibited the least antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibitions of 16 mm and 14 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. The results of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) showed that Dudu-Osun^® had MICs of 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively, and their MBCs were 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. Crusader^® was found to have MICs of 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively with an MBCs of 100 mg/ml for both bacterial test isolates. Dettol^® also had MICs of 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively, with MBCs of 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. These soaps exhibited bactericidal effect especially at high concentration, hence, the need to use them at high concentrations for effective action.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of methanol leaf extract of Napoleonaea imperialis in streptozotocin induced -diabetic rats

Obinna Joseph Mba — 2024-05-16

This study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic and lipid profiles of methanol leaf extract of Napoleonaea imperialis in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats. Forty- two male albino rats of mean weight 140 g were used for the study. The animals were grouped into seven groups of six rats each. Group 1 is the normal control. Group 2 is the diabetic untreated group. Group 3 is the positive control. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were the test groups that were orally given 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the methanol leaf extract, respectively. Group 7 is the group that received the extract only. Treatment lasted for 28 days, after which the animals were sacrificed under mild anesthesia. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The result from the study showed that there was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the blood glucose concentration of the test groups, when compared with the diabetic untreated group. The lipid profile showed that there was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the concentration of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in high density lipoprotein in the treated groups when compared with the diabetic untreated group. The study indicates that methanol leaf extract of Napoleonae imperialis possesses antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials and thus could be utilized in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Effects of fumarate on cardiorenal injury markers in normotensive Wistar rats

Osaze Edosuyi — 2024-05-16

Fumarate, the tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolite, which evokes an antihypertensive action has been reported to exert paradoxical actions that worsen hypertension-induced organ damage. This study investigates any link between these paradoxical effects and applied doses of fumarate. Male and female Wistar rats (150-180 g) were grouped into three (3) groups containing eight (8) animals each. Group I received distilled water (3 ml/kg, po), and groups II-IV received fumarate (50, 150, and 500 mg/kg, po) respectively for 28 days. Urine was collected for 24 hours via metabolic cages on days 0 and 28. After 28 days, animals were sacrificed, and blood was collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical analyses. Fumarate exerted a dose-dependent increase in the serum levels of troponin, CK-MB, and myoglobin (p<0.001) in both male and female rats. Urine volumes were significantly reduced and peaked in rats of both sexes at 500 mg/kg of fumarate. This was followed by a simultaneous increase in sodium excretion in male rats (50.3 ± 9.3 vs 74.7 ± 4.2 mmol/L, p<0.05) at 150 mg/kg and female rats (43.3 ± 1.6 vs 89.0 ± 0.6 mmol/L, p<0.001) at 150 mg/kg. Proteinuria was only significantly elevated at 500 mg/kg in fumarate-treated male rats (92.3 ± 3.1 vs 151.5 ± 15.6 mg/24 h, p<0.05). In female rats, urinary protein excretion was increased at all doses (p<0.05). The results from this study showed that the paradoxical increase in myocardial injury is dose-dependent and occurs on sustained administration.

Clinical outcomes of hydroxyurea therapy in the management of sickle cell disease in a tertiary health facility in Southern Nigeria

P.T. Osahon — 2024-05-16

Hydroxyurea was the first prophylactic drug used for sickle cell disease management because it lowers the frequency and severity of vaso- occlusive crises. It increases hemoglobin which carries oxygen round the body by prolonging red blood cell life span, hydration, rheology (of?) and normalizes elevated white blood cells. Hydroxyurea reduces the need for hospitalization and blood transfusion in children and adult sickle cell patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hydroxyurea in the management of sickle cell patients in a study population. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted using a sample of 59 patients with sickle cell disease receiving hydroxyurea at the Quality Control Unit of the Pharmacy Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. The questionnaire was both interviewer- and self-administered, and responses were entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results were represented as frequencies and percentages. Ethical considerations were observed. About 81.4% of the patients recruited were presently being treated with hydroxyurea, 45.8% were females and 50% were within 5 – 14 years of age. About 67.9% of patients using hydroxyurea had no pain crises, 83.0% had on blood transfusion in the last one year. Self- reported health improvement was high (75.5%) and 90.6% of the patients attested to the effectiveness of hydroxyurea. It can thus be concluded that hydroxyurea reduced the frequency of pain crises, hospitalization and blood transfusion among SCD patients. Morbidity and mortality associated with sickle cell disease had been reduced among SCD patients in this health facility.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of crude extract and fractions of Napoleonae imperialis in streptozotocin- induced albino rats

Obinna Joseph Mba — 2024-05-16

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of crude extract and fractions of Napoleonae imperialis in streptozotocin- induced albino rats. In phase one of the study, forty- two male albino rats of mean weight 140 g were used. The animals were grouped into seven groups of six rats each. Group 1 (normal control, that received feed and water only), group 2 (negative control group that was induced with streptozotocin without treatment), group 3 (drug control that received 5 mg/kg body weight of glibenclamide), groups 4, 5 and 6 were the test groups administered 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the crude extract, respectively, while group 7 received 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract only. There was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in nitric oxide, C-reactive protein and troponin concentrations in groups 3 – 7 when compared with group 2. In phase two, a total of 54 animals of mean weight 140 g were placed into nine groups of six rats each. Group 1 (normal control, received feed and water only), group 2 (negative control, that was induced with streptozotocin without treatment), group 3 (drug control, that received 5 mg/kg body weight of glibenclamide), while groups 4 - 6 received fractions 1 - 3 respectively for 28 days.. There was significant (p < 0.05) decrease in nitric oxide, Creactive protein and troponin in fractions 1 - 3 when compared with group 2. These findings indicated that crude extract and fractions of N. imperialis possesses anti-inflammatory effects in streptozotocin induced albino rats.

Cytogenetic assessment of the aerial extract of Oldenlandia corymbosa L. (Rubiaceae) used in the management of cancer

F.E. Nkemehule — 2024-05-20

Cancer remains a pressing global health challenge, with millions of new cases reported annually. Oldenlandia corymbosa L. (Rubiaceae) has rich ethnomedicinal history in the treatment of various ailments. It is one of the plants used in traditional medicine for the management of cancer in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and cytogenetic potential of O. corymbosa ethanolic aerial extract (OCEE) using Allium cepa assay. The root tips of A. cepa were treated with OCEE at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg/ml for 48 hours and distilled water was used as the control. After 48 hours exposure period, cytotoxicity potential of OCEE was determined by measuring the mean length of A. cepa root compared to the control. Anti-proliferative activity of the extract was assessed by calculating the mitotic index. Cytogenetic effect of OCEE was assessed by cytological examination A cepa meristematic cells for chromosomal aberrations. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the mean length of A. cepa root treated with OCEE (EC₅₀ 4.11 mg/ml). The mitotic index (MI) significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the lower doses, with the lowest at 1mg/ml concentration (MI = 8.50) compared to the control (MI = 9.40). The extract elicited chromosomal aberrations in all the treated groups, indicative of mutagenic and cytogenetic potential. Findings from this study showed that OCEE exerted cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and cytogenetic effect eliciting chromosomal aberrations in A. cepa root meristematic cells. The study provides insight on the use of OCEE in ethnomedicine for the management of cancer. Further research should elucidate the mechanism of action and the bioactive compounds.

Effects of ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera (Lam) leaves on the invitro dissolution profile of metformin tablets

M. Garba — 2024-05-16

Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent and the first-line drug for the management of type II diabetes mellitus (DM). Moringa Oleifera leaves, are widely used in traditional African medicine in West and Central Africa especially Nigeria, particularly among diabetic patients. The study aims to investigate if ethanolic extract of Moringa leifera leaves will affect the in-vitro dissolution of metformin tablets. Five (5) different brands of Metformin tablets (500 mg) were randomly sourced from retail outlets within the Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, and the identification of the samples was conducted using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Standard methods by Trease and Evans, 1996, USP/NF 25, 2007, and BP, 2009 were used for the phytochemical, physicochemical, and quantitative assay of the samples and plant material. From the results obtained, the dissolution of metformin alone and in the presence of Moringa were 95% at 50 min and 19% at 50 min, respectively. The study concludes that the presence of Moringa affects the dissolution profile of metformin tablets, therefore, taking Moringa and metformin tablets concomitantly, may alter the bioavailability of metformin and ultimately lead to therapeutic failure.

Comparative physicochemical and release properties of amoxicillin trihydrate tablet formulated with different binders

Aiwaguore Johnbull Obarisiagbon — 2024-05-16

This research evaluated and compared the physicochemical and release properties of amoxicillin trihydrate tablet, formulated with different types and concentrations of binders - Pectin powder BP (PTN), Microcrystalline cellulose BP (MCC) and Polyvinyl-pyrrolidone BP (PVP) at 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 %w/w respectively. Direct compression method was used to prepare the amoxicillin trihydrate tablet. The micromeritics of the mixed powder evaluated were: flow rate, angle of repose, bulk and tapped densities, Hausner’s ratio and Carr’s index. The amoxicillin mixed powder was compressed into tablets using Single Punch Manesty tableting machine at 30 N/m². The physicochemical properties of the amoxicillin tablet evaluated were moisture absorption test, hardness, weight uniformity, friability, disintegration time and dissolution profiles. Results were as follows: flow rate (g/sec): 2.50 – 2.82 (PVP), 1.40 – 2.15 (PTN), and 1.50 – 2.75 (MCC); angle of repose: 26.6⁰ – 29.2⁰ (PVP), 26.2⁰ – 36.5⁰ (PTN), and 29.2⁰ -34.4⁰ (MCC); bulk density (g/cm³): 0.53 - 0.60 (PVP), 0.53 - 0.61 (PTN), and 0.59 - 0.64 (MCC); tapped density (g/cm³): 0.63 - 0.68 (PVP), 0.58- 0.68 (PTN) and 0.63 – 0.72 (MCC); Hausner’s ratio: 1.13 – 1.26 (PVP), 1.04 – 1.16 (PTN) and 1.06 – 1.13 (MCC); Carr’s index (%): 11.76 – 20.89 (PVP), 3.44 – 11.86 (PTN) and 5.97 – 11.11 (MCC). Results of the physicochemical tests showed tablet hardness (kg): 5.00 – 7.20 (PVP), 4.90 – 7.30 (PTN) and 4.58 – 7.50 (MCC); friability (%): 0.85 - 1.12 (PVP), 0.75 – 1.00 (PTN), 0.72 – 0.90 (MCC); mean weight (mg): 0.57 – 0.58 (PVP), 0.57 – 0.58 (PTN) and 0.57 – 0.58 (MCC); tensile strength (Nm_-2): 5.36 – 7.46 (PVP), 5.00 - 7.55 (PTN), and 4.81 – 7.75 (MCC); disintegration time (min): 3.20 – 6.40 (PVP), 3.70 – 6.50 (PTN) and 3.40 – 5.80 (MCC). The dissolution profile showed increase in the percentage amount of drug released with time, but a decrease in the amount released with increase in binder concentration. At 5% w/v binder concentration and at 45 min, the drug releases were: 70% (PVP), 65% (PTN), and 68% (MCC). The study revealed that all the binders were appropriate in the formulation of amoxicillin trihydrate tablets and at higher concentrations they could be used to formulate a sustained release dosage form of the drug.

Spectroscopic evaluation of the effect of methanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum on the dissolution of different brands of metformin

M.A. Garba — 2024-05-16

Diabetes is defined as a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) which is a result of defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Metformin has been the preferred drug of choice in the first-line management of type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight or obese patients with normal kidney function. Diabetic patients experiencing erectile dysfunction, tend to try out herbal medicines for a remedy. Some of these herbal medicines such as Syzygium aromaticum and Garcinia kola are ethno medicinally used as enhancement agents in treating erectile dysfunction. The study aimed to determine the effect of the methanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum (clove buds) on the dissolution profile of different brands of commercially available metformin tablets to determine whether or not there is a possible interaction. The dissolution study was carried out to simulate the gastrointestinal tract pH with and without the herbal drug. Ppotassium dihydrogen orthophosphate adjusted to pH 6.8 using 0.1M NaOH, served as dissolution medium. Five milliliters (5 mi) of samples were withdrawn at predetermined time intervals. The results obtained showed that the percentage of drug release was higher when metformin was introduced alone in the dissolution medium compared to when it was in combination with cloves. The study thus, showed that Syzygium aromaticum buds decreased the release of metformin tablets, hence, patients on metformin and clove buds should be advised to delay the administration of the herb to avoid possible interaction which may lead to a decrease in bioavailability of the drug resulting in therapeutic failure.