Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International
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Chief Editors: Prof. Ke-He Ruan, Prof. Alyautdin Renad N and Dr. Ali Nokhodchi
ISSN: 2456-9119
Frequency: Quarterly
Language: English
Open Access Peer-reviewed journal
Web site: https://www.journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI
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Item Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition and Hypoglycaemic Activity of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Costus afer in Albino Rats.(2011-01) Momoh, S; Yusuf, O W; Adamu, M M; Agwu, C O C; Atanu, F OMedicinal plants are reservoirs of natural products with anti-diabetic potentials. In the present study we screened Costus afer for the presence of plant products and to study the effects of the methanolic leaf extract of the plant on fasting blood glucose of normal rats. Adult male wistar strain albino rats were given graded doses (200-800mg/kg) of the methanolic leaf extract of Costus afer, standard hypoglycaemic drug glibenclamide or a combination of the two in the presence or absence of oral glucose feeding. Fasting blood glucose was monitored for 6 hours post administration of drugs. Phytochemical studies revealed relative amounts of alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins, phenols, glycosides and terpenoids. Costus afer showed significant hypoglycaemic effect (p<0.05) comparable with the standard drug. However, the plant extract did not reduce blood glucose in glucose fed rats. Also, a combination of plant extract and glibenclamide caused a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar of both glucose loaded and unloaded rats. The results validate the use of Costus afer as a hypoglycaemic plant in native medicine. These effects could be attributed to its phytochemical constituents. Costus afer could be a promising plant for the development of anti-diabetic drugs.Item Drug Utilization and Cost Analysis for Common Skin Diseases in Dermatology OPD of an Indian Tertiary Care Hospital - A Prescription Survey.(2011-01) Narwane, S P; Patel, T C; Shetty, Y C; Chikhalkar, S BIntroduction: Epidemiology of skin diseases has been studied and evaluated occasionally. In view of high incidence of skin diseases and economic burden that it poses, there is a need to evaluate the present epidemiology and prescribing pattern of skin disorders. Objective: To assess common skin conditions, drug utilization patterns and cost analysis in Dermatology Out patients Department (OPD) of Tertiary Care hospital. Methodology: After taking Ethics committee’s permission, prescriptions of 600 patients attending Dermatology OPD were audited. The prescriptions were analyzed for common skin conditions drug utilization and cost analysis. Results: The common skin conditions found were Pyoderma and Scabies while common classes of drugs prescribed were antiallergics, antifungals and steroids. Drugs prescribed by Generic name were 16.6% and Brand names were 83.4%. It was revealed that 30% of total drugs dispensed from hospital pharmacy and 70% from outside pharmacy. Average hospital and outside pharmacy costs were INR19.40 and INR116.20, respectively. The outside pharmacy cost of prescription (Spearman’s Rho = -0.130, p < 0.01) as well as cost paid by the patients (Spearman’s Rho = 0.408, p < 0.001) had a negative correlation with the socioeconomic score as the drugs were prescribed irrespective of the socioeconomic class. Conclusion: The dermatological prescription analysis gives a message to the prescribing physician to achieve rational and cost effective medical care. The drugs which are made available in the hospital pharmacy should be based on clinical evidence generated from meta-analysis of drug studies, pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomic studies. There is dire need for physicians training with regards to rational use of drugs and pharmacoeconomics. Hospital should make essential drugs available with continuous monitoring to improve the prescribing pattern. The limitation of this study is that the actual direct costs and indirect costs were not studied. It opens the scope for further study in this area.Item Creatine Supplementation in Wistar Rats Submitted to Physical Tests of Swimming: Evaluation of the Physiological Effects through Raman Spectroscopy.(2011-04) Miranda, Humberto; Novaes, Jefferson da Silva; Souza, Renato Aparecido de; Jerônimo, Diego Pereira; Ribeiro, Wellington; Tosato, Maira Gaspar; Simão, Roberto; Martin, Airton Abrahão; Moreira, Leonardo MarmoCreatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that naturally occurs in vertebrates. This compound is associated to energy supply to muscles, being that its biological synthesis occurs mainly in liver and is related to the aminoacids glycine, arginine and ornitine. Several studies have shown the benefits of creatine supplementation, such as higher muscle power, increased fat-free mass, and strength in healthy subjects. Besides, it can be applied as therapeutic agent for some diseases. In this work, the physical condition of Wistar rats that received creatine supplementation is compared with individuals without any supplementation. For this evaluation, swimming tests were developed in order to elucidate the physical condition of animals in different nutritional conditions. Indeed, swimming is considered one of the most complete exercises, since the practice of this physical activity involves great increase in the aerobic and anaerobic capability.Item Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Matrix Tablets of Metformin Hydrochloride Using pH Dependent and pH Independent Methacrylate Polymers.(2011-04) Wadher, Kamlesh J; Kakde, Rajendra B; Umekar, Milind JMetformin hydrochloride is recommended globally as first line therapy due to its favorable profile on morbidity and mortality associated with type-2 diabetes mellitus. However, limitations of multiple dosing and risk of triggering gastrointestinal symptoms make its dose optimization difficult. Extended-release metformin matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression of drug and different pH-dependent (Eudragit L-100 and S-100) and pH-independent (Eudragit RLPO and RSPO) polymer combinations. The influence of varying the polymer/polymer (w/w) ratio was evaluated. Among the different examined polymer blends, matrix tablets based on S-100/RLPO and S-100/RSPO mixtures gave the more sustained release pattern. The excipients used in this study did not alter physicochemical properties of the drug, as tested by Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy and the thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry. All the batches were evaluated for thickness, weight variation, hardness, and drug content uniformity. The in vitro drug dissolution study was carried out using USP 22 apparatus II, paddle method and the release mechanisms were explored. Mean dissolution time is used to characterize drug release rate from a dosage form and indicates the drug release retarding efficiency of polymer. Kinetic modeling of in vitro dissolution profiles revealed the drug release mechanism ranges from diffusion controlled to anomalous type. Fitting the data to Korsmeyer equation indicated that diffusion along with erosion could be the mechanism of drug release.Item Pharmacological Agents in Dentistry: A Review.(2011-07) Mohan, Mandakini; Gupta, Arshiya; Shenoy, Vidya; Parolia, AbhishekAll clinicians should be fully aware of the recent trends in their speciality to enable them to provide effective and successful treatment to their patients. One vital aspect of the treatment is that the clinician should constantly update his knowledge on the drugs being administered during the course of treatment and their interactions. The purpose of this article is to review the current pharmacological agents being used in Prosthodontics along with their interactions and indications. The paper mainly focuses on Therapeutic drugs and drugs that aid in prosthodontics treatment. Therapeutic drugs include local anesthetics, antiseptics, steroids, analgesics, antimicrobials, antifungals, antianxity drugs, centrally acting muscle relaxants. Drugs that aid in prosthodontics treatment include astringents, vasoconstrictors, hemostatic agents, sialogogues, anti-sialogogues, denture cleansers, gum paints, denture cleansers, denture adhesives, ORAL protective agents and demulcents. An odontologist should have sound knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks of all these agents. This will enable the clinician to provide a safe and predictable treatment to the patients.Item Gastroprotective Effect of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Linn.) R.Br. Flower Methanolic Extract in Wistar Rats.(2011-07) Khan, Mohammed Safwan AliTabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br belonging to Apocynaceae family is traditionally used by people in many parts of the world to treat various disorders. The present study was undertaken to investigate anti-ulcer property of Tabernaemontana divaricata flower methanolic extract (TDFME 500 mg/kg, p.o) by pyloric ligation induced gastric ulceration model using Omeprazole (8mg/kg, p.o) as a standard drug in wistar rats. Five parameters i.e., volume of gastric juice, pH, free & total acidities and ulcer index were assessed. The test extract significantly (p< 0.01) decreased volume of gastric juice, free & total acidities and ulcer index. Like standard, it also raised pH of gastric acid. The observed percentage protection for standard and test were 89.84% and 79.53%, respectively. Thus, TDFME 500 mg/kg had a positive effect on all the parameters under study and the results were similar to that of standard. From the above results, it can be concluded that TDFME exhibits remarkable gastroprotective effect.Item Antibacterial, Molecular Docking, DNA Binding and Photocleavage Studies on Novel Heterocyclic Pyrazoles.(2011-07) Sharath, N; Naik, Halehatty S Bhojya; Kumar, B Vinay; Hoskeri, JoyThe antibacterial activity, in-silico DNA molecular docking, DNA binding and photo cleavage studies of newly synthesized pyrazole is described. Antibacterial potential of these compounds screened against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria showed significant zone of inhibition and MIC with standard drug ciproflaxin is investigated. Among all the orientation of binding, fourth orientation showed significant binding and revealed that the binding and docking energy of 4a was -8.62 and -8.66 and inhibition constant 7.46 X e-6. The absorption spectra showed the dynamic interaction with CT DNA and as proficient DNA intercalator (Kb = 4.5×104 M-1). The viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation affords the positive results towards DNA intercalation in both the studies. The light induced DNA damage was pragmatic in the absence of various ‘‘inhibitors’’ shows in photo cleavage activities at 360 nm.Item Antibacterial Activity of Tridax procumbens with Special Reference to Nosocomial Pathogens.(2011-10) Pai, Chitra; Kulkarni, Ujjwala; Borde, Manjusha; Mrudula, P; Deshmukh, YashwantAims: To evaluate the aqueous as well as ethanolic extracts of Tridax procumbens L., (Asteraceae) against various bacterial pathogens including strains obtained from community acquired and nosocomial infections. Study design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology and Department of Pharmacology, M.G.M. Medical College and M.G.M. New Bombay Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India, between July 2010 and December 2010. Methodology: After authentication of the plant, extracts were prepared from the leaves of T. procumbens using Soxhlet apparatus. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested against some standard strains as well as clinical isolates of different bacteria by agar well diffusion technique. Nosocomial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from different clinical samples were also tested. Results: While the aqueous extract had no antibacterial activity, the alcoholic extract showed significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract against the nosocomial strains of Pseudomonas was significantly more compared to that of antibiotics such as augmentin, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Narrow spectrum preparations like extracts of Tridax leaves may be useful for successful therapy against multidrug resistant pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Item Perceived Stress Scale Psychometric Validation for Malaysian Diabetic Patients.(2011-10) Gillani, S Wasif; Syed, S Syed Azhar; Sari, Yelly Oktavia; Sarriff, Azmi; Amin, Atif; Baig, MirzaAims: The purpose of this study was to provide factorial analytic findings, construct validation and normative data for the Malaysian diabetic patients. Gender difference was also examined with racial response to PSS-10. Study design: Population base cross sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Penang between Nov 2009 and March 2010. Methodology: Cluster random sampling technique was employed for the selection participants in the community. A total of 1924 diabetic patients with age ≥ 18 (mean age = 39.51) were approached; 992 of them were female and 932 of them were male. People rated how often they had experienced these feelings in the last week on a five-point Likert scale from 0 = never to 4 = very often. The scale was translated into Malay language independently by two psychological counselors who had at least a master’s degree and bilingual efficiency. The LISREL 8.30 program was used to assenting factor analysis. Chisquare (χ 2)/df (degree of freedom) ratio, GFI (goodness of fit index), AGFI (adjusted goodness of fit index) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were used to evaluate the fit of the model (two-factor). Results: Barlett’s test of sphericity was 1603.417 (p<0.001) and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of the sampling adequacy was 0.83. Varimax rotation was conducted with these two identified factors. Factor A integrated items 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 10, labeled as ‘Perceived Avoidance’ while Factor B containing items 4, 5, 7, 8 and labeled as ‘Perceived Controllable’. Item variance showed 45.73 per cent of accountability with Factor A and 13.43 per cent with Factor B. Mandatory factor analysis for the two-factor of Malaysian version of PSS yielded: GFIs: χ 2 (39) = 127.846, p<0.001, χ 2/df= 4.1; GFI = 0.97; AGFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.06 and CFI = 0.99. Conclusion: PSS-10 is a reliable tool for assessing the stress measures among diabetic living of the society. High stress level is identified among the females as compared to male diabetic patients. Overall the whole cohort has high perceived stress level.Item Use of Artemisia annua L. Infusion for Malaria Prevention: Mode of Action and Benefits in a Ugandan Community.(2011-10) Ogwang, Patrick E; Ogwal, Jasper O; Kasasa, Simon; Ejobi, Francis; Kabasa, David; Obua, CelestinoMalaria is major public health problem in Uganda endemic in 95% contributing up to 40% of hospital outpatient attendances. Approaches to controlling the disease include; environmental, entomological and medicinal interventions. Some communities use medicinal plants to control the disease. In this paper we report the use of Artemisia annua L. for malaria prophylaxis at a Ugandan floricultural farm. We conducted a survey of the farm workers to determine extent of use of A. annua ‘tea’, their clinic attendance patterns and also quantified the levels of artemisinin and flavonoids in A. annua. We further tested the effect of artemisinin devoid extract in laboratory animal models. Findings from the survey showed that 84.2% of the managers and 62% of field workers in this farm consumed A. annua ‘tea’ once a week to prevent malaria and related fevers. Clinic attendance due to fevers or symptoms associated with malaria was reduced by 80% while cases of laboratory confirmed diagnosis of malaria reduced by 16.7%. Laboratory test of A. annua leaf powder used in community indicated the presence of artemisinin (0.4% to 0.5%) and flavonoids (9% to 11%). A. annua extract devoid of artemisinin was found to significantly boost monocyte counts in albino rats (p<0.001).The action of these flovonoids could explain the mechanism of prophylaxis of A. annua ‘tea’. A. annua variety or product thereof rich in flavonoids but devoid of artemisinin should be developed and tried for mass prevention of malaria as a beverage or food taken regularly.Item Inhibition of Gelatinases by Vegetable Extracts of the Species Tapirira guianensis (Stick Pigeon).(2011-10) Longatti, T R; Cenzi, G; Lima, L A R S; Oliveira, R J S; Oliveira, V N; Silva, S L Da; Ribeiro, R I M ATapirira guianensis (Stick pigeon), a widely-used herbal medicine, has been reported to possess various biological activities. The aim of this study was the phytochemical analysis of the fractions of extracts of T. guianensis and the investigation of the action of these extracts on the activity of gelatinases using zymography. Matrix metalloproteinases (gelatinases) have prognostic influences in human cancers, where higher expressions of these enzymes are associated with increased aggressiveness and biological behavior of tumors. Many natural products have been tested on several stages of carcinogenesis to demonstrate their effectiveness in the inhibition or activation of molecules that are important for tumor progression. This study identified the fractions obtained from the crude extract of T. guianensis (Stick pigeon), which efficiently inhibited gelatinases.Item Free Radical Scavenging and In-vitro Antioxidant Effects of Ethanol Extract of the Medicinal Herb Chromolaena odorata Linn.(2011-10) Alisi, C S; Ojiako, O A; Osuagwu, C G; Onyeze, G O CThe ethanol extract of the leaf of Chromolaena odorata (Linn) was assessed for freeradical- scavenging and antioxidant potentials. Ability of the extract to scavenge reactive intermediates (superoxide ion O2 ·-, hydrogen peroxide H2O2, nitric oxide NO˙, hydroxyl radical OH˙) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, were used to assess its free radical scavenging potentials. Antioxidant potential was studied by assessing invitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation in both the brain (Neuro-protective potentials) and liver homogenates of Fenton-oxidant stressed rabbits. Inhibition of protein oxidation was assessed in-vitro by loss of protein thiol (P-SH), while assessment of the reducing power of the extract was further used to assess antioxidant capacity. Results obtained showed the ability of the extract to scavenge free radicals and reactive intermediates in a dose-response manner. The plant also had good antioxidant capacity. The secondary plant metabolites found earlier in the extract may explain reasons for the bio-efficacy of the plant. These findings are of great importance in view of the availability of the plant and its observed possible diverse applications in medicine and nutrition.Item Medical Herbalism and Herbal Clinical Research: A Global Perspective.(2011-10) Ameh, Sunday J; Obodozie, Obiageri O; Babalola, Peace C; Gamaniel, Karnius SThis review aims to sensitize researchers, regulators and other stakeholders to the centrality of clinical research to drug development from herbs used in Traditional Medicine (TM). The review uncovered and dwelt on the fact that: While clinical trials of chemical medicines (pharmaceuticals) tend to come late in the drug development chain, the reverse is often the case with herbal medicines (phytomedicines). Once the decision is made to develop a single phytochemical entity (phytopharmaceutical, example: artemisinin) from a plant, the need for such sensitization is particularly desirable, given their huge socioeconomic implications. The review emphasized that drug development from a traditional herb can: i) take the route of standardization of the herb or its extract for immediate use without further chemical manipulations; or ii) proceed along the line of isolation and other manipulations aimed at optimising bioactivity. By the first route, development proceeds directly from confirming that the pharmacological property of the herb tallies with its traditional indication, leading instantly to value addition to traditional knowledge accumulated over years. This is because herbal medicines based on time tested traditions need not undergo phased trials as would a novel pharmaceutical (or an old herb for a new indication), since their long histories often offer evidence of their safety and efficacy. In the second route, clinical studies usually come later in the chain. This is because, unlike the traditional therapeutic, the new phytopharmaceutical, taken out of its natural microenvironment and subjected to various chemical manipulations, including purification, is no longer the equivalent of the ancient remedy with predicable effects. Moreover, in this later case, interest in the new entity (an artificially concentrate isolate) may shift completely from the traditional indication of the herb, hence the need for phased trials of phytopharmaceuticals (or an old herb for a new indication), despite their natural origin.Item Toxicity Studies of the Extracts of Parkia biglobosa Stem Bark in Rats.(2012-01) Builders, M I; Isichie, C O; Aguiyi, J CExtracts of Parkia biglobosa stem bark is used in Nigerian traditional medicine (NTM) to treat malaria, diarrhea and pains. To establish the toxicity profile of the medicine such parameters as the lethal dose (LD50) as well as effects on body functions and organs were evaluated in albino Wistar rats. The bioactive constituents of the water and methanol extracts were also evaluated as a link to toxicity. The LD50 was greater than 5000mg/kg per oral (p.o) for both extracts. No significant (P< 0.05) changes in body weights and vital organs of treated animals. However, at 5000mg/kg of water extract, a significant increase in relative weight of the kidneys and hyper -cholesterolemic effects were observed. The extract also elicited significant increase in blood glucose level. The kidneys and livers of animals treated with P. biglobosa water extract for 14 days revealed histopathological evidence of pathological lesions. The methanol extract did not show any changes in the levels of hepatic and hematological parameters, histopathological evidence of pathological lesions, and serum level of urea, uric acid, bilirubin, creatinine and total protein concentrations. Treatment elicited hypo - cholesterolemic effects and significant reduction in blood glucose level occurred in all the groups. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes, cardiac glycosides, phenols and reducing sugars in the methanol extract, the water extract showed the presence of similar constituents with the absence of flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. This study has shown the toxicity characteristics of the methanol and water extracts of the stem bark P. biglobosa in short time treatment with the extracts.Item Intrinsic and Functional Properties of a Gelling Gum from Dioclea reflexa: A Potential Pharmaceutical Excipient.(2012-01) Builders, Philip F; Mbah, Chukwuemeka C; Attama, Anthony AAims: Dioclea reflexa Hook F., is a woody vine widely distributed within tropical Africa and South America, in Nigeria flour prepared from the seeds is used as a soup thickener. The objectives of this study were to extract and modify the native gum from the seeds of D. reflexa, and evaluate their physicochemical and functional properties as a potential pharmaceutical excipient. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria. Between January 2009 and October 2010. And Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Between June 2010 and October 2011. Methodology: Native D. reflexa gum (DR-gum) was extracted from the seeds of D. reflexa and modified by ionotropic gelation in calcium chloride solution. The gum’s gel clarity and swelling in buffer solutions of different pH (4, 7, and 9.2), as well as the moisture sorption characteristics at different relative humidity (RH) were determined in relation to guar gum (G-gum). Also, the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis as well as the powders’ flow properties were evaluated. Results: DR-gum, XDR-gum and G-gum are typical hydrogels showing considerable responsiveness in swelling and gel clarity to changes in pH. The DSC thermographs of DR-gum and G-gum were similarly characterized by a glass transition and a cold crystallization transitions peaks as compared to the glass transition and melting transition peak of XDR-gum. The moisture sorption profile indicated that DR-gum and G-gum are moderately hygroscopic while XDR-gum is slightly hydroscopic. The FT-IR of the gums showed the basic differences in the functional groups of the respective polymer chain network. The bulk particles of the three gums showed comparative good flow. Conclusion: The basic similarities and differences in the physicochemical and functional properties of DR-gum and XDR-gum, and G-gum indicate their potential as a pharmaceutical excipient.Item Formulation and In-Vivo Study of Diltiazem Hydrochloride Tablets Prepared Using Interpolymer Complexes.(2012-01) Abd EL – Gawad, Abd EL – Gawad H; Ramadan, Esmail M; Soliman, Osama A; Yusif, Rehab MAim: To investigate interpolymer complexes (IPCs) formation between carbopol and cationic polymers such as chitosan and Eudragit E for oral controlled drug delivery systems. Methodology: The prepared IPCs were investigated using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Chitosan-carbopol and Eudragit E-carbopol IPCs loaded with diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ HCl) with different drug:polymer ratios were also prepared. Diltiazem hydrochloride tablets were prepared using polymers alone, physical mixtures of chitosan or Eudragit E with carbopol and the corresponding drug loaded IPCs. In-vitro release studies were carried out in two dissolution media; 0.1 NHCl of pH 1.2 and phosphate buffer of pH 7.4. Results: The dissolution rate of DTZ HCl from the prepared tablets were found to be dependant on the interaction between chitosan or Eudragit E with carbopol in the physical mixture, drug:polymer ratio and pH of the dissolution medium. Tablets prepared using chitosan – carbopol IPC, Eudragit E – carbopol IPC, and Eudragit E – carbopol physical mixture of drug:polymer ratio 1:5 were selected for the in-vivo study using rabbits. The results showed a lower peak plasma concentration and marked prolonged release effect of tablets containing Eudragit E – carbopol IPC and the corresponding physical mixture compared to that of commercial Altiazem tablets. Conclusion: Tablets containing Eudragit E – carbopol or chitosan – carbopol physical mixtures showed prolonged drug release compared to that containing the corresponding IPCs, Furthermore, Eudragit E- carbopol matrix tablets showed slower drug release than that of chitosan – carbopolItem Effect of Acarbose on the Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Metronidazole in Healthy and Diabetic Subjects.(2012-01) Hussain, Saad A; Kurji, Haydar A H; Ghareeb, Mowafaq M; Abdulrazzaq, Munaf HAlthough drug interactions with Acarbose are uncommon, there is a possibility for interference with the pharmacokinetic behaviors of concomitantly administered drugs. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible drug interactions between Acarbose and orally administered MTZ. Twelve healthy volunteers and twelve diabetic patients were enrolled in a randomized controlled crossover study. The effect of Acarbose (single 100mg dose) on the pharmacokinetics of MTZ was evaluated, while the effect of multiple doses was evaluated only in diabetic patients. In both groups, 5ml blood samples were collected into plane tubes at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 12.0, 24.0 and 48.0 hrs; serum levels of MTZ were evaluated using HPLC technique. The results showed that diabetes mellitus significantly altered the pharmacokinetic parameters of orally administered MTZ compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, both single and multiple doses of Acarbose significantly changed the pharmacokinetic parameters of MTZ when used concomitantly. The pharmacokinetics of orally administered MTZ was significantly affected by both diabetes mellitus and concomitant use of single or multiple doses of Acarbose.Item Depletion in Serum Levels of Folic Acid, Antioxidant Vitamins and Trace Elements in Female Wistar Rats Treated with Sub-toxic Dose of Acetaminophen/Methionine Combination – A Chronic Study.(2012-04) Iyanda, Ayobola Abolape; Adeniyi, FrancisContext: Studies have identified that concurrent administration of methionine and acetaminophen (paracetamol) prevents tissue damage and both methionine and acetaminophen at high doses can induce oxidative stress. Antioxidants mediate against oxidative stress. Moreover, folic acid depletion has been identified to cause neural tube defects in neonates of affected female subjects. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of chronic exposure to subtoxic dose of acetaminophen/methionine (ratio 5:1) on female Wistar rats, with emphasis on folic acid and antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into 3 groups with each group consisting of 8 rats and treated with acetaminophen/methionine, acetaminophen or saline daily by gastric gavage. The study lasted 30 days after which blood was obtained through retro-orbital bleeding. Results: Results show that Wistar rats administered with 350 mg/kg BW (sub-toxic dose) of acetaminophen exhibited significant alteration (p<0.05) in levels of all trace elements (except Se) as well as vitamins (except vitamin A). Significant alterations in the levels of all vitamins (except riboflavin) and all minerals (except Cu, Mn, Se) (p<0.05) were also recorded in serum of rats administered with acetaminophen/methionine combination. Discussion and Conclusion: Results of this study therefore suggest that chronic abuse of subtoxic dose of acetaminophen/methionine combination may induce alterations in levels of vital molecules, a situation which may increase an individual’s risk to oxidative stress-induced diseases and her neonate to neural tube defects.Item Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of the Petroleum Ether Extract of Solanum macrocarpum L. (Local Name: Gorongo).(2012-04) Sodipo, O A; Abdulrahman, F I; Alemika, T E; Gulani, I AAims: To investigate the petroleum ether extract of the unripe fruit of Solanum macrocarpum L. (Solanaceae) for its chemical components and its antimicrobial properties against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria, between October 2007 and July 2009. Methodology: After authentication of the plant, extracts were prepared from the fruits of S. macrocarpum using Soxhlet apparatus. The petroleum ether extract was investigated for its chemical composition using GC-MS after it had been fractionated earlier using AGC. The extract was also evaluated for its antimicrobial activities by disc diffusion antimicrobial selectivity test using gentamicin (10μg/disc), ciprofloxacin (5μg/disc) and tetracycline (2.5x105μg/disc) as standards. Results: All the microorganisms used were resistant to the effect of the petroleum ether extract. However, a total of sixty eight (68) compounds were identified in the extract and its four (4) fractions, whilst only thirty eight (38) chemical structures of the identified compounds were shown because some of the compounds were common to all the fractions. Conclusion: The detection of 2-methoxy furan, 4-0-methyl-mannose, 2-hydroxy-ϒ- butyrolactone, 2, 3-dihydroxypropyl 9-octadecanoate, 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid and butanoic acid validates the antihyperlipidaemic property of the fruit of S. macrocarpum, so consumption of this fruit is recommended as a nutraceutical.Item Phytochemical Screening and Hypoglycemic Effect of Aqueous Blighia sapida Root Bark Extract on Normoglycemic Albino Rats.(2012-04) Saidu, A N; Mann, A; Onuegbu, C DAims: To carry out phytochemical screening and investigate hypoglycemic effect of aqueous Blighia sapida root bark extract (ABRE) on normoglycemic Albino rats. Study Design: Extraction and administration of bioactive extract. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, between June, 2010 and September, 2010. Methodology: Extraction of the air-dried ground root of Blighia sapida (100 g) was done with 80mls distilled water for 2 h. The extract (ABRE) obtained was then administered at concentrations of 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml per 1000g body weight of the rats. The normoglycemic albino rats were employed. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out according to the standard methods of Trease and Evans (2006). The animals were fed ad libitum with vital finisher made up of maize and soya beans mainly.Fasting blood taken after 16h over night fasting was used in this study. Results: The phytochemical screening of ABRE shows the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugar, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenol and tannin; while the test for protein showed negative results. Administration of the aqueous of B. sapida root bark at intervals of 48h for 21 days resulted in decrease in the blood glucose levels of rats. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that consumption of the ABRE exerts significant hypoglycemic effect in normoglycemic rats. These findings support the traditional use of ABRE for controlling diabetes. Further studies to isolate active principle(s) of the extracts as well as to elucidate their exact mechanism(s) of action are recommended.