Kosisochukwu Frances Okoye, Fredrick Chinedu Anowi, InnocentMary IfedibaluChukwu Ejiofor, Olanrewaju Mary Ololade

Insomnia is known as sleep insufficiency and is considered a capital public health concern. Bryophyllum pinnatum which belongs to the family Grassulaceae is used in folkloric medicine to treat various kind of ailment. The aim of the study was to undertake a pharmacognostic study of the stem and determine the sedative/hypnotic ability of the methanol extract and fraction of the stem. The physicochemical analysis indicated moisture content (12.68%), total ash (3.75%), acid insoluble ash (2.60%), water soluble ash (2.00%), water soluble extractive (6.02%) and alcohol soluble extractive (10.80%). The organoleptic evaluation of the powdered leaves revealed an odorless, green plant with bitter taste. The microscopic analysis of the leaf revealed palisade cell, spongy cell, stoma, collenchyma, xylem tissue, phloem tissue. The transverse section of the stem revealed epidermis, endodermis, xylem and cortex. The acute toxicity result revealed that Picralima nitida had no adverse effect in Wistar mice. The result showed that ethyl acetate fraction had sedative/hypnotic ability, affected the level of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), improved kidney function, and insignificantly increased body weight of mice. This study demonstrated that B. pinnatum could be an alternative medicine in pharmacological treatment of insomnia.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Rahmatul Qodriah, Shirly Kumala, Syamsudin Syamsudin, Nancy Dewi Yuliana, Partomuan Simanjuntak, Ervina Putri

The fig plant (Ficus carica L.) is one of the most popular ficus genera and is spread in tropical and sub-tropical regions throughout the world. Fig leaves have potential as antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to identify antioxidant compounds in the ethanol extract of fig leaves of the Iraqi variety. The research involved preparing extracts by maceration using 96% ethanol, 70% ethanol, and 50% ethanol, testing antioxidant activity and identifying their chemical structures using LC-MS/MS. Based on the results of the antioxidant activity test using the DPPH free radical scavenging method, it was shown that the 50% ethanol extract of fig leaves had a very strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 23.36 µg/mL. The results of identification with LC-MS/MS, it is estimated that the compound that has the potential as an antioxidant in the fig leaves of the Iraqi variety is the kaempferol compound.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Shouvik Kumar Nandy, Sattwik Das

Since the beginning of time, nature has provided medicines for treating fatal illnesses. Herbalists believe that certain plants have medicinal qualities. In tribal and rural communities, medicinal plants provide as an easily accessible source of treatment. The identification of various rejuvenating molecules that can halt or lessen the pathology of a variety of diseases will be regarded as a significant development of the present. There has been a scientific advancement in this area, and current studies on herbal medicines and traditional cures have attracted significant interest from all over the world. This plant, popularly known as the curry tree, is frequently used as herb and is also used to treat a variety of problems in traditional Indian medicine. About 80–85% of people worldwide rely on herbal products because they are thought to be efficient, secure, and cost-effective. Reviewing the plant taxonomy, ethnobotanical characteristics, folkloric or traditional uses, phytochemical, and pharmacological qualities of the Murraya koenigii plant was the goal of the current study. The leaves are used internally for dysentery as a carminative, tonic, stomachic, and inducer of vomiting. The usage of other parts includes treating piles, preventing helminthiasis, and reducing body heat, itchiness, and inflammation. Following several reports that this plant may treat a wide range of illnesses, scientists have worked to confirm the effectiveness of this plant by biological screening. A review of the literature suggests that Murraya koenigii has various medical benefits, including activity of antimicrobial, cardiac, antioxidative, antidiabetic and cholesterol reduction, cytotoxic action, antiulcer, and antidiarrhea.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Enoch Buba Badgal, Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Neksumi Musa

This study aimed to explore the phytochemical profile, heavy metal composition, in silico aphrodisiac potential, and ADMET study of Gardenia erubescens due to its folkloric acclaimed aphrodisiac use. The phytochemicals were quantified gravimetrically while the identification of bioactive compounds was carried out using a combined Gas spectrophotometer-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS). Heavy metals were quantified using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer while the aphrodisiac and ADMET studies were in silico. The result showed the presence of alkaloids (22.33% ±1.45), saponins (20.17% ±1.88), glycosides (0.55% ±0.03), and flavonoids (32.67% ±1.45), with the absence of steroids and terpenoids. GC-MS analysis identified 25 compounds with linoleic acid having the highest peak area (28.01%) next to palmitic acid (14.08%). Chromium, Cadmium, and Lead were present in concentrations of 0.145 ±0.03, 0.001 ±0.00, and 0.065 ±0.03 ppm respectively. Ethyl D-glucopyranoside had the least BA (-8) and Ki (1.35 µM) docked with human arginase II while Tyrosinol had the least BA (-6.2) and Ki (28.21 µM) docked with phosphodiesterase 5 though both were higher than Sildenafil citrate. All the top docked compounds were predicted to be neither substrates nor inhibitors of P-glycoproteins and cytochrome P450 enzymes without CNS permeability and hepatotoxicity. Conclusively, the present study supports the folkloric aphrodisiac application of Gardenia erubescens, and the heavy metals level was below the acceptable regulatory level, thus, might be safe for occasional use. Additionally, the identified compounds might be considered a novel source of therapeutics against erectile dysfunction.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Wrestwar D Marak

The body's antioxidant system efficiently neutralizes reactive oxygen species, which are intermediates formed during routine metabolic activity. Oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance in this neutralization process is known to be a key factor in many human ailments, including atherosclerosis and various cardiovascular diseases. Observational epidemiological research conducted over the past several decades has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and antioxidants is associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when considering the use of herbal antioxidants as a treatment for various ailments, including cardiovascular conditions. This caution arises from concerns related to their safety, potentially life-threatening side effects, toxicity, and potential interactions with other medications. Multiple research studies have highlighted these risks associated with antioxidant usage as a form of medical intervention. This overview briefly summarizes cardiovascular disease, associated risk factors, and the role of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in its development. Next, delve into some of the most significant plant-based antioxidants, their therapeutic uses, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of using them to treat various diseases, with a particular focus on their relevance to cardiovascular disease.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Usman Adamu Garkuwa, Malajiya Ibrahim Alhaji Saleh, Abdulwahab Alhassan, Mohammed Umaru Kawu

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and oxidative stress are among the leading causes of memory loss and dementia. Dietary supplements have been used to manage many disorders. This research aimed to determine the effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on memory and oxidative stress in diabetic Wistar rats. 30 rats were grouped into six (5 in each). Diabetes was induced using a high-fat diet followed by a single low dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Group I served as normoglycemic control (1 mL/kg normal saline), while groups II, III, IV, V, and VI were diabetic and received 1 mL/kg at normal saline, glibenclamide at 1 mg/kg, ALA at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively for 21 days. Blood glucose level was determined before and after treatment. Long-term and recognition memory were determined using novel object recognition tasks (NORT). Brain tissues were used for antioxidant enzymes. The result obtained showed that at 400 mg/kg after 21 days of administration of ALA, long-term memory and recognition ability were increased significantly (45.65±3.43s and 83.77±1.49%) compared to the diabetic control (26.24 ± 3.81s and 65.09 ± 2.52%) respectively. Antioxidant enzymes’ levels were increased significantly in the group VI including catalase (1.76±0.02 IU/mg) superoxide dismutase (1.02±0.71 IU/mg) and reduced glutathione (91.08±3.49 µg/mL) compared to the diabetic control group (0.84±0.03 IU/mg, 0.49±0.03 IU/mg and 51.64±0.87 µg/mL) respectively. The findings suggest that ALA has antioxidant activity and improves memory in diabetic Wistar rats.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Ahmed Abd El-Moniem Amer

Medication and food are frequently consumed together. However, some foods have interactions with medicines by changing key regulators of systemic medication availability. Their consumption is linked to interactions with a wide range of medications. One of the most significant beverages that can be harmful when combined with certain medicines is grapefruit juice. Furanocoumarins' mechanism-based suppression of intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4, which increases the bioavailability of drugs that are substrates, is the main mechanism by which interactions are mediated. There have also been reports of interactions between grapefruit products and uptake transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs). It has been suggested that polyphenolic substances like flavonoids are what cause the interactions between P-gp and OATP. The amounts of furanocoumarins and flavonoids in the grapefruit product, the amount of juice consumed, the medium PH, and the inherent diversity of enzymes and transporter components in humans can all have an impact on the processes and magnitudes of interactions. In this review, we are going to shed light on clinical trials showing grapefruit juice-drug interactions and what should the health provider do for better clinical care.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Novi Yantih, Esti Mulatsari, Yati Sumiyati, Intan Permata Sari, Corry Qisthiara, Angelita Prastica, Johana Devira Rezon, Daffa Millati Azka, Dini Masyrufah Ariyanti

Taro (C. esculenta L.) is a plant in the Araceae family that is farmed as a tuber. This plant is one of the non-animal sources of nutrients, minerals, and trace elements and has had numerous biological activities. Taro plants offer antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antihepatotoxic properties. To have better nutritional content and wider and longer-lasting applications in culinary products, the taro tuber requires going through a process that increases its use value, one of which is extraction. The research aim of this work was to use several analytical methods to determine the nutrition components in the aqueous extract of C. esculenta L. Some of the nutrients found in the aqueous extract of C. esculenta L. consist of total protein 10.9%, total carbohydrate 75.5%, amylose 8.20%, amylopectin 43.6%, starch 51.8%, omega 6 0.2%, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E at 0.5 IU/100gr, 24.8 g/100gr, and 0.01 mg/100 gr. Water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C were present in amounts of 4.55, 1.96, 0.17, and 0.70 mg/kg, respectively. C. esculenta L. aqueous extract also included minerals such as the trace elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in the amounts of 35.2, 4638, 137, 129, 47.9, and 13.8 (mg/100 gram), respectively. The aqueous extract of C. esculenta L. tubers includes a variety of nutrients and offers the potential to be consumed as a functional food.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Jimmy J Daka, Chansa Mulenga

The main objective of the study was the extraction and testing of the antimicrobial activity of the Lemon bark extract against the microorganisms involved in air and waterborne infections. The antibiotics are not very effective in the present day as the microorganisms are becoming resistant, the study concentrates on the antimicrobial activity and time ahead of the prophylactic potential of the lemon bark extract. Phytochemical analysis for the constituents of Lemon bark showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids and tannins in the aqueous form of solution. The potency test on microorganisms proved to be active against Salmonella shigella with the minimum inhibitory concentration of 100 mg/L was 16.27 mm, 150 mg/L was 16.43 mm and 250 mg/L was 16.73 mm. Meanwhile, for Escherichia coli for 100 mg/L was 13.20 mm, 100 mg/L was 13.10 mm and 150 mg/L was 13.13 mm.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Adilah Marwa, Nuraini Ekawati, Hardian Hardian

Excessive sunlight exposure can lead to various minor skin disorders, including sunburn and the development of chronic skin malignancies. One effective preventive measure against these adverse effects is the use of sunscreen. Sunscreen can be derived from natural sources, such as the astaxanthin compound in giant tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon). This study aimed to formulate a sunscreen gel from giant tiger prawn head extract that meets good physical gel standards. Additionally, the study sought to determine the sun protection factor (SPF), erythema transmission level (%TE), and pigmentation transmission level (%TP) through in-vitro testing. The extraction process involved using coconut oil as a solvent using the maceration method. The resultant extract was then evaluated for SPF, %TE, and %TP values and subsequently formulated into gel variants with extract concentrations ranging from 1% to 10%. The findings of this investigation revealed that the giant tiger prawn head extract exhibited SPF, %TE, and %TP values of 8.0±0.11, 18.8±0.25%, and 21.7±0.73%, respectively, categorizing it as providing maximum protection, facilitating fast tanning, and acting as a sunblock. The gel formula containing 8% giant tiger prawn head extract demonstrated the highest sunscreen potential. In conclusion, this study highlights the promising potential of giant tiger prawn head extract as a natural sunscreen ingredient and identifies the optimal gel formula for effective sun protection.

Sciences of Pharmacy