Yulistia Budianti Soemarie, Rizki Rahmadi Pratama, Tiana Milanda, Melisa Intan Barliana

Lactococcus garvieae was isolated from the traditional fermented food Wadi Papuyu (Anabas testudineus Bloch) and characterized for its potential as a probiotic candidate. Growth assays demonstrated that L. garvieae could proliferate in MRS medium, reaching cell counts exceeding 107 CFU/mL after 72 h of anaerobic incubation. The isolate exhibited optimal growth at both 30 °C and 37 °C, as indicated by significant increases in absorbance at these temperatures. However, in the bile salt tolerance test using 0.5% (w/v) bile salts, L. garvieae showed a marked decline in growth, with absorbance values decreasing substantially after 24 and 48 h, indicating insufficient bile tolerance. The autoaggregation assay revealed values below 10%, suggesting limited autoaggregation capability and reduced potential for colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, the co-aggregation assay showed that L. garvieae was able to coaggregate with pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp., with co-aggregation percentages exceeding 40% after 5 h. Antimicrobial activity tests demonstrated that L. garvieae produced strong inhibition zones (diameters >10–20 mm and >20 mm) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. These findings indicate that while L. garvieae exhibits promising antimicrobial activity and co-aggregation ability, its limited bile salt tolerance and autoaggregation capacity are significant constraints in its development as a probiotic candidate.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Entris Sutrisno, Ani Anggriani, Jajang Japar Sodik

Diabetic foot ulcers are caused by neuropathy and/or peripheral arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These infections are commonly treated with empirical antibiotics. However, excessive or inappropriate antibiotic use may lead to resistance and poor treatment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prescribing patterns, rationality, and potential drug interactions in diabetic ulcer patients at a government hospital in Bandung from January to December 2023. A retrospective observational design was used to analyze medical records of 63 patients. The most frequently used single antibiotics were ceftriaxone (51%), cefixime (20%), and ceftizoxime (17%), while the most common combination therapy was ceftizoxime + metronidazole (24%). Evaluation of antibiotic rationality showed 100% appropriate indication, 90.48% appropriate drug selection, and 98.41% appropriate dosage. Despite this, 33.33% of prescriptions had potential drug interactions with commonly co-prescribed medications. These findings indicate generally rational antibiotic use with areas for improvement in drug selection and interaction management. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and rational prescribing to prevent antimicrobial resistance and ensure patient safety.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Nur Rahmi Hidayati, Dyah Aryani Perwitasari, Imaniar Noor Faridah, Rinto Susilo

Diabetes mellitus is currently one of the global health threats. The prevalence and incidence of this disease continue to increase, both in industrialised and developing countries, including Indonesia. There are different types of DM marker gene polymorphisms in each racial group. These genetic variations contribute to the response of oral antidiabetic drugs. This article aims to conduct a narrative review of the influence of gene polymorphisms on oral antidiabetic drug response in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Article searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Wiley published from 2014 to 2024. From the screening, 30 articles met the criteria. The articles reported various gene polymorphisms associated with the efficacy of oral antidiabetic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with certain gene variations, there was no significant decrease in HbA1c values after taking medication. Gene polymorphisms may affect the pharmacokinetics of oral antidiabetics and therapeutic response in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Basil Nse Ita, Godwin Ndarake Enin, Itoro Esiet Udo

Dissotis erecta is a shrubby herb belonging to the Melastomataceae family, commonly found in Nigeria. It is widely recognized for its diverse ethnomedicinal applications, including treating edema, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and rheumatism. Alongside other plant parts, its flowers, rich in biologically active compounds, are valued for their aesthetic appeal and potential health benefits. This study assessed the antioxidant properties, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and bioactive contents of the methanolic extract of D. erecta flowers. The antioxidant properties were determined by the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing activity, and metal chelating assay. The extract demonstrated strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, metal chelating ability, and reducing power, with IC50 values of 79.84 ± 0.64 µg/mL, 125.77 ± 2.64 µg/mL, 87.89 ± 0.91 µg/mL, and 71.71 ± 0.55 µg/mL, respectively. Phytocompounds such as alkaloids, sterols, and terpenoids were present in the flower extract, while phlobatanins and glycosides were absent. Total phenolic content was 57.47 ± 0.21 mg GAE/g, while total flavonoid content was 83.52 ± 0.31 mg QE/g. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis identified α-terpineol (86.53%), nerolidol (7.44%), campesterol (1.12%), and neocurdione (1.29%) as the predominant components. These findings indicate that D. erecta flowers contain a significant amount of phytocompounds with antioxidative properties that could potentially be useful in managing diseases related to oxidative stress.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Umar Abdulkadir Hassan, Jalilah Ibrahim Tahir, Comfort Foluwake Akanji, Abdulmutalib Adamu, Albashir Tahir

Pain and inflammation are global public health challenges, often requiring safer and more effective treatments. Medicinal plants like Guiera senegalensis have been traditionally used for pain and inflammatory conditions, but scientific validation of their therapeutic potential is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanol leaf extract of G. senegalensis in murine models. Fresh G. senegalensis leaves were collected, authenticated, and subjected to ethanol extraction. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to identify bioactive compounds. Acute toxicity studies were performed following OECD guidelines. Analgesic effects were evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot plate test, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the formalin-induced paw edema model. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. Acute toxicity tests showed no mortality or severe adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent analgesic activity, with 84% inhibition of writhing at doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, outperforming Diclofenac (59%). In the hot plate test, moderate central analgesic effects were observed. Anti-inflammatory tests showed significant reductions in paw edema at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, comparable to Diclofenac. Ethanol leaf extract of G. senegalensis exhibits significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, likely mediated by its flavonoid, saponin, and tannin content. These findings support its traditional use and highlight its potential as a natural alternative for managing pain and inflammation.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Sondang Khairani, Fitri Nurhayati, Mala Kurnia, Reise Manninda, Lusiana Ariani

Persahabatan General Hospital provides a variety of healthcare services, including outpatient care. Medication errors are errors in the prescribing, dispensing, and administration process that can be considered risk factors for patients. This study aims to evaluate medication errors in the transcription and dispensing phases of outpatient e-prescriptions at Persahabatan General Hospital during the period January - February 2024. This research is a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design. Data were collected through prospective observation and analyzed descriptively to determine the percentage of medication errors. Of the 363 e-prescriptions observed, the results showed no errors in the transcribing phase. However, in the dispensing phase, there were 50 (6.07%) incidents of incorrect preparing quantity of medicine, 8 (0.97%) incidents of incorrect medicine medical equipment, and 7 (0.85%) incidents of incorrect dosage. These findings suggest that although the implementation of e-prescribing is effective in reducing errors at the transcription phase, special attention must be paid to the dispensing phase to reduce the number of errors. There is a correlation between polypharmacy and medication errors in the dispensing phase, p-value <0.001. All of these errors are resolved before the medication is administered to the patient.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Rina Wijayanti, Windi Susmayanti, Dias Feni Meliana, Afifah Husnun Fauziyah, Aprilia Mega Anjeline, Devyra Yunika Mutiara Sari Suwarto Putri, Fadhia Tafrichatul Ulya

Pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) possess various biological activities due to their secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, and triterpenoids/steroids. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of pandan leaf extracts, fractions, and isolates against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pityrosporum ovale, as well as to optimize surfactants in shampoo formulations. The experimental design used a post-test-only control group. Samples were processed through maceration, followed by fractionation and isolation using the KLT-P method. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed using the agar well diffusion method. The most effective antibacterial activity against E. coli was observed in the n-hexane isolate at 700 ppm, with an inhibition zone of 19.6 mm, classified as strong. For S. aureus, the 100% water fraction produced an inhibition zone of 9.96 mm, classified as weak. The ethanol extract showed antifungal activity against P. ovale with an inhibition zone of 6.29 mm, categorized as moderate. Shampoo formulation optimization using sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamide DEA resulted in an ideal ratio of 0.235 to 0.764. This combination produced a shampoo with acceptable physical characteristics, including a pH of 5.71, foam height of 2.56 cm, and viscosity of 899.9 cps, all of which met the standard requirements.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Maria Elvina Tresia Butar-Butar, Asep Roni, Muhamad Reza Pahlevi, Diki Zaelani, Novaliana Devianti Sagita, Reza Pratama

The growing demand for convenient and palatable delivery systems for herbal medicines has significantly increased the interest in herbal effervescent formulations as an alternative to conventional dosage forms. Effervescent dosage forms offer rapid dissolution and the potential for enhanced absorption while masking unpleasant tastes often associated with herbal extracts. However, the successful formulation of herbal effervescent tablets presents unique challenges, including managing the complex physicochemical properties of herbal extracts, ensuring their stability and antioxidant activity within the effervescent matrix, and optimizing taste without compromising efficacy. Various studies have explored the formulation of effervescent tablets from diverse herbal sources like Kelakai root, Kaempferia galanga, and red ginger, employing different formulation methods, excipients like binders, lubricants, and sweeteners, and optimization techniques to achieve desired physical attributes and dissolution profiles. Given the expanding research in this area and the inherent complexities of herbal effervescent formulation, a comprehensive review is crucial to synthesize current knowledge, address existing challenges, and provide a roadmap for future research aimed at designing more effective and patient-friendly herbal effervescent products with improved stability, palatability, and bioavailability.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Ni Made Dwi Sandhiutami, Yesi Desmiaty, Fahleni Fahleni, Rizqya Cahya Handayani, Windy Ciang

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) leaf extract is rich in flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract through a nanoparticle gel formulation. Nanoparticles of the extract (NEP) were prepared using ionic gelation with a Carbomer 940 base. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of NEP was evaluated in vivo using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. Five groups (n=5) were tested: a negative control (Carbomer 940 gel base), a positive control (Sodium Diclofenac), and three NEP formulations with concentrations of 1% (NEP-1), 3% (NEP-2), and 5% (NEP-3). The NEP gels were homogeneous with a faint yellow color and a characteristic odor. Their spreadability ranged from 7.50 ± 0.67 cm to 7.69 ± 1.26 cm, viscosity exhibited plastic flow properties, and pH values were within 4.47 ± 0.06 to 5.20 ± 0.10. The anti-inflammatory effectiveness of NEP formulations increased with concentration, achieving edema inhibition rates of 3.66% (NEP-1), 68.47% (NEP-2), and 82.37% (NEP-3). In conclusion, the nanoparticle gel formulations of passion fruit leaf extract demonstrated good physical properties, with NEP-3 being the most effective in reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Gumilar Adhi Nugroho, Yesi Desmiaty, Yati Sumiyati, Sandra Loretta Suherman, Helsa Lim

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine in several countries worldwide. The corm of taro and two commercial products were analysed due to total phenolic, flavonoid, luteolin, and antioxidant properties. Taro corm was extracted with water and analysed for phytochemical screening, total flavonoids, total phenolic, luteolin, and antioxidant properties. The phytochemical screening of taro showed that it contains secondary metabolites of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, and quinones. The results of the determination of total flavonoid content of taro extract, Product 1, and Product 2 capsule obtained 19.34 ± 0.26 mg QE/g extract, 18.58 ± 0.18 mg QE/g extract, and 16.29 ± 0.23 mg QE/g extract. The results of determining the total phenolic content of taro, Product 1, and Product 2 capsules obtained 39.75 ± 0.95 mg GAE/g extract, 38.46 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g extract, and 35.91 mg GAE/g extract. ± 0.82 mg GAE/g extract. The results of the determination of luteolin from taro, Product 1, and Product 2 capsules obtained 0.83 ± 0.05 %, 0.39 ± 0.04 %, and 0.18 ± 0.08 %. The results of the antioxidant activity test obtained IC50 of vitamin C of 4.6780 ± 0.0319 ppm, corm dry extract and ginger rhizome 141.2383 ± 3.4995 ppm and 97.6685 ± 7.8760 ppm, respectively, and capsule products 2; 126.0724± 1.3672 ppm. The water extract of corm and available products containing CE extract have met the quality standard parameters required for non-specific parameters, luteolin content, and antioxidant properties.

Sciences of Phytochemistry