Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Optimization of pitavastatin calcium and ezetimibe combination tablet using full factorial design

Ji Kim — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To identify the optimized region of formulation using quality by design for pitavastatin calcium (PTV) and ezetimibe (EZE) immediate-release fixed-dose combination tablets Methods: Hardness, friability, disintegration time, content, content uniformity, and dissolution rate were critical quality attributes (CQAs). Through the initial risk assessment, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), sodium starch glycolate (SSG), the amount of water in the wet granulation part, and the main compression force were identified to affect the CQAs, and a full factorial design of the experiment (DoE) was applied. Results: Parameters in all the batches were significantly influenced based on the analysis of variance (p < 0.05). MCC affected content (p = 0.0002), content uniformity (p = 0.0002), and dissolution rate (p = 0.0131) while SSG affected friability (p = 0.0004), disintegration time (p < 0.0001), and dissolution rates (pH 4.5 for pravastatin: p = 0.0227, 0.5 % SLS (pH 4.5) for ezetimibe: p < 0.0001, and 0.5 % SLS (pH 6.8) for ezetimibe: p = 0.0434, respectively). The amount of water in wet granulation part and main compression were the main factors affecting hardness (p = 0.0143) and disintegration time (p = 0.0005). Optimized ranges included MCC (10 – 18 %), SSG (7.86 – 15 %), amount of water in the wet granulation part (38 – 43.52 %), and main compression (954 – 1133 kgf). Conclusion: The optimized region ranges of MCC, SSG, compression force, and the amount of water in the wet granulation for manufacturing process development have been successfully achieved by the design of experiments (DoE) approach.

Formulation and characterization of antibacterial gel containing ethanol extract of oil palm leaves (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Sumaiyah Sumaiyah — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To develop and characterize a gel formulation of ethanol extract from oil palm leaves as a treatment substitute for acne by preventing the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acne. Methods: Gel formulations were prepared with 1 % (F1), 3 % (F2), and 5 % (F3) extract concentrations, and their physical properties, 12-week stability, skin irritability on volunteers, and antibacterial efficacy against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis were investigated. Results: The ethanol extract of oil palm leaves exhibited antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.10 mg/mL and inhibition zones of 7.23 mm against Propionibacterium acnes and 7.00 mm against Staphylococcus epidermidis. The formulated gel was homogeneous and stable for 12 weeks, had a pH of 5.0 – 6.2, and a viscosity of 2400 – 3400 cps with no incidence of skin irritation. Gel formulations with 1, 3, and 5 % extract showed inhibition zones of 12.00, 11.20, and 10.40 mm against P. acnes, and 11.60, 10.77, and 9.61 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Conclusion: Gel formulations containing 3 % (F2) and 5 % (F3) ethanol extract of oil palm leaves, respectively, demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Further studies, including clinical investigations, may be required to assess the treatment efficacy of the formulations in vivo.

Impact of palmitic acid-enriched supplement on pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) and its antimicrobial potential

Nahed Hussien — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To investigate the anti-pancreatic cancer and antimicrobial effects of fat-enriched dietary supplements (FEDS). Method: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to screen FEDS components. The FEDS cytotoxicity (SRB) was assessed using mouse endothelial (non-cancerous, C-166 normal cells) and pancreatic cancer line (PANC-1). Antimicrobial evaluation of FEDS was conducted against different microbial strains to obtain the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations. Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that the predominant fatty acid found in the present supplement is palmitic acid (< 75 %), followed by α-linoleic acid (7.39 %), stearic acid (5.76 %), and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (≤ 2 %). The FEDS exhibited a dose-dependent, low cytotoxic effect (0.001 -100 μg/mL) against PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells (IC50 > 100 μg/mL) and C-166 (IC50 = 164.71). A high PA-palmitic acid-enriched supplement shows antifungal and mild antibacterial potential against common strains that contribute to pancreatic cancer development. Candida albicans, Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus), and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) strains showed MIC and MBC > 1000 μg/mL. Conclusion: This finding highlights the complex interplay between dietary fats, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity in pancreatic cancer. Future studies should focus on the specific roles of different fatty acids and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment to develop targeted nutritional strategies that may improve survival and quality of life for individuals affected by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA).

Preliminary investigation on the effect of methanol leaf extract of Duranta repens on enzymes of cholinergic and monoaminergic systems critical to neurodegeneration in rats in vitro

Sylvester Ohadoma — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To evaluate the neurological effects of Duranta repens leaf extract by assessing its impact on monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE). Methods: Rat brain homogenates were used as enzyme sources. The activity of MAO-B was determined spectrophotometrically using a kinetic method based on benzylamine as substrate, while the ability of the extract to inhibit AchE activity was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Compared to the standard drug (donepezil) the extract demonstrated high potency (IC50 = 9.30 mg/dL for the extract and 36.90 mg/dL for donepezil) in inhibiting AchE activity. Similarly, it exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against MAO-B (IC50 = 2.45 mg/dL for the extract and 11.50 mg/dL for donepezil). Conclusion: The findings suggest that D. repens leaf extract has significant potential in reducing neuron loss. Further investigations to identify the specific phytoconstituents responsible for the inhibitory effects of the extract on MAO and AchE would be required.

Selective in vitro antitumor and lymphoproliferative activities of Dioscorea bulbifera extract

Carolina Solis-Maldonado — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To assess the anticancer properties of Dioscorea bulbifera extract in vitro. Methods: Murine L5178Y-R lymphoma, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer, as well as human HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells, were treated with varying concentrations of ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts of D. bulbifera tubers for 48 h to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxic activities. Viability was determined using MTT assay, while the selective cytotoxicity of D. bulbifera extracts against tumor cells was assessed in normal murine splenocytes and thymocytes. Furthermore, 1H-NMR spectra of D. bulbifera extracts were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Results: Significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxic activities (ranging from 58 to 72 %) were obtained for ethanol and methanol extracts against L5178Y-R, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 tumor cell lines when compared to untreated controls. Ethanol and methanol extracts did not affect the viability of normal murine thymocytes and splenocytes. In addition, the aqueous extract stimulated the proliferation of resting and concanavalin A-activated thymic and splenic cells. The presence of steroidal saponins and clerodane diterpenes in methanol and ethanol extracts, as well as carbohydrates in the aqueous extract, was demonstrated by NMR analysis. Conclusion: Ethanol and methanol extracts of D. bulbifera show selective cytotoxic activity against murine and human tumor cells, without affecting normal cells, whereas the aqueous extract stimulated the proliferation of murine thymus and spleen cells.

Antioxidant profiling and molecular characterization of novel Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains isolated from human microbiota

Abdelmalek Chaalel — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To assess the antioxidant properties of two newly isolated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains (BVV1 and BBV2) from breastfed infants for potential use in nutritional and probiotic formulations. Methods: Strains were identified using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) 16S database. The in vitro antioxidant activities were assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, Fe²⁺ chelation, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and superoxide anion reduction compared to L. rhamnosus GG. Results: The BBV2 exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging (82.44 ± 1.87 %) and Fe²⁺ chelation (71.72 ± 2.78 %). Hydroxyl radical scavenging was strongest in GG (83.12 ± 2.59 %) than in BBV2 (79.59 ± 4.49 %). Lipid peroxidation inhibition in GG (63.44 ± 4.66 %) was higher than in BBV2 (58.24 ± 1.38 %). Conclusion: BBV2 shows strong antioxidant potential, making it a promising natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants in probiotic and nutritional applications.

Physicochemical, GC-MS, antimicrobial, and antioxidant assays of Persea americana (Avocado) seed extract

Somtochukwu Evurani — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To investigate the phytoconstituents, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Persea americana Mill. (Fam. Lauraceae) seeds extract and fractions. Methods: The plant seeds were air-dried, extracted with methanol, and fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, respectively. Phytoconstituents of the extract and fractions and antioxidant activity were evaluated using GC-MS and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) at different concentrations (500, 250, 125, and 75 mg/mL). Antimicrobial activity evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli was carried out using the agar well-diffusion method with ciprofloxacin as positive control. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, carbohydrates, and terpenoids. Crude extract showed higher carbohydrate content (22.63 ± 0.73 mg/g) than fractions. Saponins were absent in extract and fractions. In vitro assays, including DPPH radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity, demonstrated high oxidative activity of Persea americana seed extracts and fractions. The samples showed antimicrobial activities, with crude extract and n-hexane fraction having a minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of 31.25 mg/mL. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate the presence of various phytoconstituents, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extracts and fractions of Persea Americana seeds. There would be need for studies to evaluate the toxicologic profile of the bioactive compounds in order to ascertain safety.

Microbiota and phytochemical composition of locally- and industrially-produced vinegar

Chinyere Ezemba — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To determine the microbiota and phytochemical compounds present in locally and industrially produced vinegar. Methods: Isolated microbiota from the locally and industrially produced vinegar were identified using next-generation sequencing methods. The phytochemical content was evaluated using standard methods. The FTIR spectroscopic and GC-MS spectrometric analyses were conducted to identify the functional groups and constituents of vinegar samples. Results: Acetobacter species were found in all vinegar samples except Vin D (Bragg raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar), representing the industrially produced vinegar. The presence of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Legionella species showed the need for pasteurization to prevent transmission of infectious organisms. Phytochemical analysis of the samples indicated the presence of flavonoids in all vinegar samples, while FTIR revealed the presence of functional groups such as alcohol, carboxylic acid, alkenes, amines and cyclic alkenes. The GC-MS showed the presence of acetic acid as well as other organic acids, alcohols and ketones in all the samples. Conclusion: The vinegar samples contain acetic acid bacteria and flavonoids, with no substantial variation in phytochemical content of the local and industrial vinegar samples. The identified metabolites may contribute to the nutritional quality of vinegar.

In vitro antimicrobial and antiulcer activities of hymeglusin and septicine constituents of Barteria nigritiana stem bark

Edith Diovu — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To identify the phytochemical contents of the bioactive fractions of Barteria nigritiana (Passifloraceae) extract using the HPLC-DAD/MS techniques and evaluate its antimicrobial and anti-ulcer activities using in vitro models. Method: The phytoconstituents of the methanol extract were identified using standard methods. The extract was fractionated by solvent-solvent partitioning, vacuum liquid and column chromatographic techniques following a bioactivity-guided approach. The constituents of the most active sub-fraction were identified using HPLC-DAD/MS techniques. The antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans) and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities assay adopted agar well diffusion methods to determine inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using gentamicin/nystatin and clarithromycin (1 μg/mL) as standards. Result: Repeated bioactivity-guided chromatographic purification yielded a hymeglusin/septicine-enriched sub-fraction identified from the HPLC-DAD/MS analysis. The sub-fraction (20 μg/mL) exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher IZDs of > 20 mm against four of the six Helicobacter pylori strains tested, with MICs of 0.3906 - 1.5625 μg/mL compared with other tested samples. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans recorded significantly (p < 0.05) high susceptibility patterns to the sub-fraction compared with the control, with IZDs of 15.3 ± 2.1, 18.2 ± 0.2, 15.8 ± 1.1 and 16.9 ± 0.3 mm, but lower than that of gentamicin/nystatin which showed MICs of 3.125, 1.5625, 6.25 and 3.125 μg/mL respectively. Conclusion: The hymeglusin/septicine-enriched sub-fraction shows significant inhibition of H. pylori, C. albicans, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. typhi and hence, is are potential lead compound for the development of potent therapeutic agents for the management of peptic ulcer and other infectious diseases.

Validation of HPLC-UV for simultaneous analysis of moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin in peritoneal fluid

Predrag Džodić — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To develop and validate a novel HPLC-UV method that involves protein precipitation for quantifying ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin in peritoneal fluid obtained from patients receiving treatment for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Methods: Ice-cold (0.1 %) trifluoroacetic acid in methanol (v/v) was used to precipitate proteins in the peritoneal fluid samples. Chromatographic separation was achieved with the use of Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 analytical column (150 mm x 4.6 mm; 3.5 μm) under optimum chromatographic separation conditions (mobile phase: methanol – 0.1 % trifluoroacetic acid (34:66, v/v), flow rate of 1 mL/min, column temperature of 35°C, UV detection at 285 nm). Validation was done in accordance with the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) M10 guideline. Results: Total run time was 13 min, validation process was linear (concentration range of 0.2 – 50 μg/mL) with correlation coefficients of 0.9987 and 0.9857 for ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, respectively. Relative recovery values and relative standard deviation (RSD) were acceptable. Based on ICH M10, precision and accuracy that were within-run and those that were between-run were good for the proposed method. Conclusion: The HPLC-UV method developed and validated for quantifying ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin found in the peritoneal fluid taken from patients undergoing CAPD is reliable. This method may be applicable for therapeutic drug monitoring, and conducting further pharmacokinetic studies on moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin.

Phytochemical profiling and bioactive compound variation in Jatropha landraces from Nigeria: Implications for agricultural and medicinal applications

Ndem Edu — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To determine the phytochemical composition of various Jatropha landraces from different regions of Nigeria in order to identify key bioactive compounds and regional variations for future agricultural and pharmacological applications. Methods: A total of 40 Jatropha landraces were collected from traditional farmers in Nigeria, identified by local names and morphological features. Dried leaves (50 g) were extracted with ethanol (hot percolation) using Soxhlet apparatus, concentrated to 50 mL under reduced pressure in desiccators and lyophilized for further analysis. A total of 6 samples representing the six geopolitical zones were selected for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the bioactive compounds. Results: GC-MS analysis identified 122 phytochemicals, predominantly fatty acids, with oleic acid and linoleic acid being the most common. The sample from Enugu had the highest phytochemical diversity (33 compounds), followed by Nasarawa (22), Delta (21), Borno (20), Kano (14), and Lagos (12). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 contributed 64.2 % of the total variation, with Borno showing the highest loading value (0.521), followed by Lagos (0.599) on PC2, Nasarawa (0.708) on PC3, and Enugu (0.639) on PC4. Furthermore, PCA revealed that Borno had the highest contribution to variations in phytochemical composition. Conclusion: This study confirms substantial phytochemical diversity of Jatropha landraces across Nigeria, and highlights its potential for breeding programs aimed at selecting plants with specific bioactive compounds.

Exploring the demographics, educational qualifications, and remunerations of pharmacists in diverse practice settings in Nigeria

Ayodapo Jegede — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To investigate the socio-demographic attributes of pharmacists, examine income patterns, consider monthly salaries and additional income sources, as well as analyze variations based on educational qualifications and practice settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined socio-demographic characteristics, educational qualifications, income patterns, and job satisfaction among Nigerian Pharmacy graduates. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire targeting 618 Pharmacy graduate respondents. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square, analysis of variance and correlation tests, were conducted to assess key variables and determine associations. Results: Socio-demographic characteristics varied across universities attended, with private universities having a higher percentage of young female graduates. First-degree holders predominantly earned monthly salaries between ₦100,000 ($236.0) and ₦150,000 ($354.0), while Ph.D. holders received higher salaries. Salary distribution analysis across practice settings showed higher salaries in academia, administration, hospitals and industry than in community pharmacies. The salary variations in industry were the highest. Conclusion: The study reveals that first-degree holders earned the lowest salaries, while Ph.D holders earned higher salaries, showcasing the varied career trajectories in pharmacy. Discrepancies in salary distribution across practice settings emphasize the necessity for tailored strategies to tackle challenges encountered by pharmacists in different environments. These insights inform the need for educational policies and workforce planning efforts to improve job satisfaction among pharmacists in Nigeria.

Exploring the awareness, perceptions, and beliefs towards artificial intelligence chatbots and ChatGPT among academicians and students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Yaser Alahmadi — 2025-04-04

Purpose: To determine the awareness, perceptions and beliefs of healthcare academicians and students towards ChatGPT and other similar artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of four months in 2024 and involved healthcare students and academicians in Saudi Arabia. To examine respondents' awareness, attitudes and beliefs about ChatGPT, a standardized pre-validated questionnaire was administered. Results: Three hundred and ninety-two healthcare students completed the survey. Among the surveyed respondents, 350 (89.3 %) were students and 26 (6.6 %) were assistant professors. More than half of the respondents claimed that they were familiar with computer skills while 174 (44.4 %) were familiar with the term "ChatGPT". Among respondents, 70.7 % believed ChatGPT would increase productivity and 69.4 % thought it could positively influence education. In addition, almost two-thirds of them were comfortable using ChatGPT in healthcare practice. Most (71.2 %) of the respondents revealed that ChatGPT is deemed untrustworthy while 83.4 % expressed concern about the model's potential to provide inaccurate or harmful recommendations. Conclusion: This study shows varying levels of awareness of ChatGPT among respondents. Furthermore, about half of the respondents using ChatGPT show positive beliefs and agree that language models would increase productivity and positively influence education.

Phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities of Mitrephora species (Annonaceae): a review

Juriyati Jalil — 2025-04-04

This study reviewed the phytoconstituents and pharmacological properties of 13 Mitrephora species, namely, Mitrephora alba Ridl., Mitrephora celebica Scheff., Mitrephora diversifolia (Span.) Miq., Mitrephora glabra Scheff., Mitrephora heyneana (Hook. f. and Thomson) Thwaites, Mitrephora maingayi Hook. f. and Thomson, Mitrephora sirikitiae Weeras., Chalermglin and RMK Saunders, Mitrephora teysmannii Scheff., Mitrephora thorelii Pierre, Mitrephora tomentosa Hook.f. and Thomson, Mitrephora vulpina CEC. Fisch., Mitrephora wangii Hu, and Mitrephora winitii Craib. The data retrieved from key databases revealed the presence of 85 phytoconstituents derived from the genus Mitrephora, and were categorized based on their chemical composition (alkaloids, terpenoids, polyacetylene acids, lignans, and lignanamides). This review highlights the promising uses of these phytoconstituents in cancer therapeutics, microbial infections, malaria, and inflammation, and in modulating platelet activity.

Educational interventions to optimize pain management in adult cancer patients: a scoping review

Nancy Nashwan — 2025-04-04

Purpose: This review investigated educational interventions in optimizing pain management in adult cancer patients. Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were used. Key search terms and medical subject headings (MeSH) include “cancer pain”, “educational intervention”, “adherence”, “pain management”, “pharmacist”, “caregiver”, “nurse”, and “physician”. Results: Although 7,042 records were obtained, only 37 articles were included in the final analysis. Most studies were randomized controlled trials and utilized educational interventions targeting the patients. Nine articles reported interventions focusing on healthcare professionals (HCPs), while two reports utilized targeted family caregivers (FCGs). The interventions were aimed at clarifying misconceptions about opioids, improving patients’ pain-related knowledge and adherence to therapy, and HCPs’ compliance with practice guidelines. Although different methods were utilized to deliver the interventions, face-to-face sessions and interactive group discussions were most commonly implemented for patients, FCGs and HCPs, respectively. Also, these educational interventions improved pain management in adult cancer patients. Conclusion: Educational interventions had positive effect in optimizing pain management in adult cancer patients. However, systematic reviews are necessary to determine the effects of such interventions and identify factors that may play key roles in pain management for adult cancer patients.