Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Impact of Learning Management System in Pharmacy Education in Selected Universities in Southern Nigeria and Contributing Factors

E.O. Irenitemi — 2025-02-07

Introduction: Information and communication technologies (ICT) continue to impact the learning landscape all over the world, particularly the use of learning management system (LMS.). The study assessed the impact of Learning Management System (LMS) in pharmacy education and explored factors influencing its adoption for learning in selected Universities in Southern Nigeria.

Method: The study samples consist of 66 pharmacy lecturers and 779 undergraduate pharmacy students, drawn from four universities, by employing a multistage sampling method and primary data sources. The instruments employed were two sets of questionnaires, one for each of the lecturers and students. Collected data were summarised using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, weighted averages (WA) and medians while inferential statistics namely independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed in answering research questions about variables at 5% level of significance.

Results: The results show that the impacts of LMS in pharmacy education include improving educational outcome, for lecturers (80.8%; WA 2.7) and for students (55.5%; WA 2.2); promoting collaborative learning, for lecturers (76.9%; WA = 2.7), and among students (59.2%, WA 2.4) and promoting students’ independent learning, for lecturers (92.3%; WA 3.0) and for students (68.3%; WA 2.6)). Factors reported as important in adoption of LMS technology are institutional support for technology tools (84.9%, WA = 3.7), electricity availability (93.9%, WA = 3.8), price of technology (62.1%; WA = 3.4) and internet access (87.9%, WA=3.7).

Conclusion: The study concludes that the impact of LMS technology in pharmacy education include promoting student’s independent learning, improving educational outcomes and promotion of collaborative learning among students; while the most important factors facilitating the adoption of technology for learning were electricity, availability of internet connectivity and institutional support for technology use.

Biofilm Inhibitory Activity of Nauclea latifolia, Ocimum gratissimum and Garcinia kola Extracts Against Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

S.A. Aderibigbe — 2025-02-07

Background: Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), a biofilm-forming E. coli pathotype, is recognized as one of foremost causes of diarrhea in children under five years old, traveller’s diarrhea and persistent diarrhea. Biofilm complicates treatment as it enhances the pathogen’s ability to undermine host immune responses, often resulting in emergence of resistant mutant.

Objectives: In search for potential therapeutic leads against EAEC with less selection pressure, the study was designed to investigate selected medicinal plants for biofilm inhibitory activity against EAEC.

Material and Methods: Pulverised dry plant materials of Nauclea latifolia (leaf), Ocimum gratissimum (leaf) and Garcinia kola (seed) were macerated in acetone for 24 hrs. The supernatants were concentrated at reduced pressure and dried in vacuo. Thereafter, varying concentrations (0.31-5.0 mg/mL) of the extracts were evaluated for growth and biofilm inhibitory activities against EAEC 042 strain using the crystal violet-based biofilm assay method. Biofilm inhibitory data were analysed using 2-way ANOVA, while the most bioactive of the extracts was profiled by phytochemical analysis.

Results: Nauclea latifolia reproducibly inhibited biofilm formation by greater than 30% (defined biofilm inhibition cut-off) while inhibiting growth by under 10% (defined growth inhibition cut-off). The other two plants showed relatively weak biofilm inhibitory activities. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides.

Conclusions: Nauclea latifolia exhibited good biofilm inhibitory activity against EAEC 042 strain with less selection pressure. The plant represents a potential source of novel antibiofilm compounds against enteroaggregative E. coli.

Formulation and Evaluation of Natural-based Cosmeceutical Ointments: An Approach to Manage Dry Scalp Dandruff

K.S. Salako — 2025-02-07

Background: Pityriasis capitis, commonly known as dandruff, is a prevalent, chronic scalp ailment that affects over half of the world's population. Dry scalp dandruff is a type of dandruff. Ointments are good examples of pharmacological formulations that have emollient effects on the scalp and hair. Thus, this study aimed at formulating cosmeceutical herbal ointment as an approach to manage dry scalp dandruff disorder.
Methods: Phytochemical screening of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica Linn., family- Euphorbiaceae) powder and Avocado (Persea americana Mill., family- Lauraceae) oil was carried out. The ointments were formulated using shea butter as base. Physicochemical, cosmeceutical (conditioning) evaluations, draize skin irritancy test, and stability studies were also carried out.
Results: The natural-based ointment formulations were cream to brown in colour, the formulations had flowery smell, smooth and oily to gritty and dry texture, pH range of 4.8-7.4. Viscosity was in the range of 20433 to 28007 cp. Spreadability was in the range of 28.49 to 85.24 g.cm/sec. Loss on drying was in the range of 1.77 to 6.73 %. Globule size was in the range of 0.2 – 2.0 µm. The cosmeceutical or conditioning evaluation showed the average score for shine /oiliness, softness and washability to be 2.6 to 4.6, 2.6 to 3.6 and 3.0 respectively. Draize skin irritancy test showed that there was no inflammation, oedema and erythema observed. The formulations exhibited stability in terms of colour, smell, texture and there was no syneresis observed, but there was a difference in the pH (4.96-7.02) of all the formulations.
Conclusion: This study has shown that natural based cosmeceutical herbal ointment formulations may be used in managing dry scalp dandruff disorder through its conditioning activities.

Effect of Semi-Synthetic Bases and Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) Of Mixed Surfactants on In-Vitro Release Profile of Ibuprofen Suppositories

A.A. Adeleke — 2025-02-07

Background: The emphasis on the use of surfactants in enhancing drug release from fatty suppository bases has always been on the concentration and type of surfactants. However, the Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) of the surfactants added, the concentrations and the type of suppository base used have significant effects.
Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of HLB of incorporated mixed surfactants, the concentration, and the type of base used on the physical and release properties of Ibuprofen suppository formulations.
Methodology: Ibuprofen suppositories (200mg) were prepared using Witepsol® H15, Suppocire® CM, Witepsol® W35, Witepsol® E85 semi-synthetic bases. Mixed surfactants (Span® 80 and Tween® 80) were added at 4 %w/w in varied ratios to give HLB values of 4.3 to 15.0, and at 2 and 6% w/w at optimum HLB. The suppositories' physical properties and release profiles were evaluated using established procedures.
Results: The release followed Witepsol® W35>Witepsol® H15>Suppocire® CM>Witepsol® E85. Release from Suppocire® CM and Witepsol® E85 was favored at lipophilic HLB while release from Witepsol® W35 and Witepsol® H15 was favored at hydrophilic HLB. There was a general increase in the release of Ibuprofen with the increase in the concentration of mixed surfactants at the optimum HLBs. The release kinetics were majorly fitted for Higuchi’s kinetic model and followed Fickian and Non-Fickian (anomalous) drug transport mechanisms depending on the HLB of the mixed surfactants.
Conclusions: The HLB, concentration of mixed surfactants, and the type of base greatly influenced the variation in the release profile of the Ibuprofen suppository.

Physicochemical and Lipid Peroxidation Evaluation of Fabricated Extract from Securidaca longipedunculata Root Bark

N.D. Nnamani — 2025-02-07

Background: Modification of some crude extracts have improved the stability, functional properties and process ability of their bioactive.

Objective: To fabricate bioactive from Securidaca longipedunculata root bark and compare its activities with the crude extract.

Methods: Modified extract was fabricated from Securidaca longipedunculata root bark using microencapsulation and freeze-drying technique, and evaluated.

Results: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy evaluation showed similar leading peaks in the crude and fabricated extracts, indicating absence of chemical alteration from modification. Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) of the fabricated extract revealed no new detectable element from the EDX of the crude extract, indicating chemical similarities in the crude and fabricated extracts. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of crude extract revealed flatbed surface with no observed particles, while SEM of fabricated extract revealed distinct, larger and sharp-edged particles, indicating structural changes from modification. In comparison to crude extract, fabricated extract showed controlled dissolution, starting with lower dissolution over 30 min, on to higher dissolution after 45 min. At 20 – 100 mcg / ml actives, Vitamin E showed 60 – 80 % lipid peroxidation, while crude and fabricated extracts both showed 12 – 20 % lipid peroxidation, indicating that modification did not significantly alter the antioxidant efficacy of Securidaca longipedunculata crude extract material.

Conclusion: The physicochemical and biological properties of fabricated Securidaca longipedunculata root bark extract showed promise in fast delivery of bioactive. There is need for further in vivo studies to ascertain the therapeutic potential of this fabricated form.

Cobalt Modulates Healing of Gastric Ulceration in Male Wistar Rats: iNOS/COX-2 Crosstalk

A.T. Salami — 2025-02-07

Background: Information on the interplay between gastric iNOS and COX-2 expression by Cobalt (CoCl₂) during gastro-protection is unclear.

Objective: Cobalt activities on iNOS and COX-2 interplay was investigated using Reserpine (RGU), and Pyloricligation (PLGU) gastric ulcer models.

Materials and Methods: In RGU, 50 Wistar rats grouped; 1-control, 2-ulcerated untreated (RUU), 3, 4, and 5 were ulcerated pre-treated with 62mg/kg, 25mg/kg CoCl₂ and 3.6mg/kg omeprazole for 5 days and sacrificed 3 and 8 hours after reserpine administration. In PLGU, 25 Wistar rats grouped; A-25mg/kg Cocl₂, B-62mg/kg Cocl₂, C-Cimetidine (36.88mg/kg), D-ulcerated untreated (UU), and E–control, were pretreated for 8 days prior 18 hours pyloric-ligation. Thereafter, macroscopic gastric ulceration (GU), biochemical analysis with histology, and immunohistochemistry were evaluated on excised stomach. Data were expressed as Mean+SEM, and p<0.05 was significant.

Results: In RGU model, significant increase in GU score, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and degranulated mast cells but a decrease in sulfhydryl, hydrogen peroxide levels in RUU by 3H and 8H were ameliorated by CoCl₂. Histology revealed increased degranulated mast cells in the RUU compared with CoCl₂-treated groups. CoCl₂ treatment significantly decreased gastric acid secretion, ulcer index, parietal cell count, H+ /K+ATPase and Na⁺/K+ATPase activities compared with UU. Gastric sulfhydryl, mucin, pepsin, with mucous cell count significantly increased in CoCl₂-treated groups compared with UU. Gastric iNOS positive reactivity was upregulated while COX-2 positive reactivity was downregulated in CoCl₂-treated groups compared with UU .

Conclusion: Cobalt chloride exerted gastrointestinal cytoprotective action via mast cell stabilization, mucus production, with modulated expressions of gastric iNOS and COX-2 reactivity at the ulcerated site.

Formulation and Characterization of Stimuli-Responsive In Situ Gel For Treatment of Bacterial Keratitis

U.N. Ubani-Ukoma — 2025-02-07

Background: The aim of this study is to develop an in-situ gelling system for the effective delivery and sustainedrelease of levofloxacin in the treatment of anterior corneal infections.

Material and Methods: Sodium alginate (SA) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were used to formulate in-situ gels (ISGs) with formulation codes F1-F12 and 0.5% levofloxacin solution was used as a control. The formulations were evaluated for clarity, pH, gelling capacity, drug content and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus using the KirbyBauer disk diffusion test. The irritability and toxicity of select formulations were assessed using the Hen’s Egg Test, Chorioallantoic Membrane (HETCAM) assay.

Results: The formulated ISGs were within pH range of 5.86 and 7.60. Formulation F7 (0.5% SA + 1.5% HPMC) had the highest gelling capacity and all ISGs had comparable activity against the tested organisms. Formulation F6 (1% HPMC + 1% SA) had the slowest release with approximately 60% release after 4 h, formulation F11 (1.5% HPMC + 2% SA) had the fastest release of 72% after 4 h while LVF solution (control) released 70% in 1 h. There was no significant (p = 0.101) change in the concentration of levofloxacin ISGs after storage at 25o C for 60 days and the HETCAM test confirmed the non-toxicity and non-irritability of the formulations.

Conclusions: Levofloxacin in-situ gels formulated with SA and HPMC E5 LV are able to sustain the release of levofloxacin for 8 h and retain their effectiveness against relevant ocular bacterial infections.