Journal of Pharmacy

Terpenoid Profiling of Thai Strain Cannabis Leaves (Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa) by Headspace (HS) Couple with GC/MS

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: Cannabis terpenoids, especially volatile terpenes, were used for the classification of cannabis strains. The leaves of Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa Thai strain ‘Hang Krarok’ are used legally in traditional Thai medicines, cosmetics, and food ingredients in Thailand under the control of the tetrahydrocannabinol (if lower than 0.2% dry weight). One of the specific characteristics of this plant is the volatile oil which consists of mono-and the sesqui-terpenoids.

Materials and methods: Fresh cannabis leaves were ground and 1 g samples were kept in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry glass vials at 4 °C prior to measurement using headspace.

Results: More than 50 terpenoids were identified from the fresh leaves in the cannabis samples. The major compounds were ?–ocimene, L–limonene, terpinolene, p–cymenene, ?–(E)–caryophyllene, (Z,E)–?–farnesene, ?–bisabolene, and (E)–?–bisabolene.

Conclusion: The variation in the unique terpenoids in the Thai strain could be used in novel medicines and food and cosmetic products.

Team Experiential Learning Through Community Services Delivery at Private Drug Rehabilitation Centres by University Students: Focus Group Discussion

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: Substance abuse problem necessitates comprehensive community responsibility including university students to assist with the recovery of the marginalised population. This study aimed to investigate perception and experiences addressing team experiential learning as well as barriers to learning perceived by university students who provided community services at private drug rehabilitation centres.

Materials and methods: Six focus group discussions were conducted with graduated and undergraduate pharmacy students who provided community services in private drug rehabilitation centres. A guide was used to explore students’ experiences, challenges encountered, and perceived learnings. Data were extracted from interview transcripts, sorted, and coded using Atlas.ti® version 9 and subjected to thematic analysis.

Results: The themes identified according to the scope of learning experience were (1) contribution of knowledge, (2) positive interaction, (3) application of interprofessional learning, and (4) appreciation of team experiential practice. Themes emerged under the scope of gaps and barriers were (1) initial negative perception, (2) communication barriers, (3) technical problems and (4) difficulties in coping with behaviours. For perceived learnings, themes identified were (1) enhanced confidence and skills, (2) contact with reality, and (3) increased empathy.

Conclusion: Team experiential learning in community service for marginalised population provided students with opportunities to directly contribute to the community and improved their learning.

Layer-By-Layer Coating of Sesame Oil in Alginate-Chitosan Beads for Enteric Coating and Sustained Release

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: Medical uses of alginate-chitosan beads have been growing widely in recent years due to their varied applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical technology. Moreover, a variety of research have used drug encapsulation in the alginate-chitosan matrix to facilitate the enteric coating and sustained release of therapeutic molecules. Sesame oil has various medical applications as it contains a significant amount of lignans, which enhance its antioxidant function and anti-inflammatory effects for external or internal medical uses. In addition, it has contributed to the treatment of several inflammatory bowel diseases. Layer-by-layer assembly provides an effective coating for drugs, improving the oil instability in the gastric media, preventing drug leakage, and elongating the release time for sesame oil. This study aims to encapsulate sesame oil in alginate-chitosan beads and to optimize the formulation for enteric coating.

Method: Consuming sesame oil directly will not enable gastrointestinal tract to obtain the desired quantity of active ingredients in the oil due to the early degradation of oil. Therefore, the beads were prepared by using the external gelation method with layer-by-layer technique to provide multicoated layers. To illustrate, the usage of layer-by-layer assembly for the encapsulated alginate-sesame oil beads was accomplished by alginate and chitosan polysaccharides. A stability test was held to ensure the formulation stability during the study. In addition, the beads were characterized for particle size, roundness, and in-vitro drug release in different simulated buffers.

Results: This study revealed that the layer-by-layer approach is a viable method to obtain a sesame oil alginate-chitosan bead formulation for enteric coating and sustained release. Formulation coated layer-by-layer provided a successful pass of the stomach system whereas 68% of cumulative drug release occurred in the intestine within 5 h. To illustrate, during 135 min uncoated beads showed a cumulative drug release of 65% while the same percentage was achieved in 255 min for coated beads.

Conclusion: Sesame oil alginate-chitosan beads could be introduced as a promising carrier for encapsulating essential oils with favourable features.

Evaluation of Okra Pectin from Different Genotypes as Effective Suspending Agents in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: Natural suspending agents are increasingly being investigated because of their relative non-toxicity, lesser cost, availability and biocompatibility compared to the currently utilised synthetic and semi-synthetic suspending agents. Pectin, a biopolymer found naturally in plants is gaining increased application in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry following its successful functional application as gelling agents, emulsifying agents and fat substitutes in the food industry. This study aimed at evaluating the suspending properties of pectin obtained from five okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) genotypes; PL1 (Penkrumah), PL2 (Agbagoma), PL3 (Asha), PL4 (Sengavi) and PL5 (Balabi).

Materials and methods: The pectin was extracted using standard protocols and characterised by investigating properties such as degree of esterification. A 5% ^w/_vparacetamol suspension was formulated utilising okra pectin as a suspending agent at concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 2%^w/_v and compared to Tragacanth gum suspensions at the same concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 2%^w/_v).

Results: All the extracted pectins had low degrees of esterification (?50 %). The pH, redispersibility, apparent viscosity, sedimentation rate and sedimentation volume of the formulated suspensions were investigated over a 4-week period. The suspensions were stable as evidenced by no significant (p?0.05) fluctuations in pH during the period of study. Compared to when tragacanth was used as a suspending agent, the sedimentation rates, the flow rates of suspensions and redispersibility of the paracetamol suspensions utilising okra pectin were lower while the sedimentation volumes were higher at all the concentrations utilized and met standard requirements.

Conclusion: The evidence suggests that all five okra genotypes exhibit better suspending properties when compared to tragacanth gum and thus may be used as an alternative suspending agent.

Antibacterial Potential of Ximenia americana L. Olacaceae: Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and ADMET Prediction

Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Abdulazeez Mumsiri Abaka, Ibrahim Ya'u — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: The devastating effect of persistent and recurrent bacterial infections coupled with antibiotic resistance is a driving force for prospects into alternative antibacterial therapeutics to achieve treatment. This study investigates the antibacterial potential of Ximenia americana (XA) via molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and ADMET approach.

Materials and methods: The ligands and target were downloaded from respective databases and docked using PyRx software followed by molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) with iMOD and CABflex 2.0 online servers then ADMET, drug likeness, lead likeness, and medicinal chemistry predictions of the top docked ligands using pkCSM and SwissADME online servers.

Results: Stigmasterol exhibited the lowest binding affinity and inhibition constant respectively with all the targets; enoyl-acyl-carrier-protein reductase (-7.1 kcal/mol and 6.16 µM), Penicillin-binding Protein 2X (-8.8 kcal/mol and 0.35 µM), dihydrofolate reductase (-9.6 kcal/mol and 0.09 µM), dihydropteroate Synthase (-7.8 kcal/mol and 1.89 µM), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine enolpyruvyl transferase (-7.1 kcal/mol and 6.16 µM), and topoisomerase IV (-7.8 kcal/mol and 1.89 µM). The MDS showed several cluster displacements and residue fluctuations with the docked targets with higher residue fluctuations observed for enoyl-acyl-carrier-protein reductase (11.33 ?), Penicillin-binding Protein 2X (4.67 ?), dihydrofolate reductase (3.61 ?), dihydropteroate Synthase (4.97 ?), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine enolpyruvyl transferase (3.38 ?), and topoisomerase IV (4.35 ?). 4,4-Dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ol exhibited superior overall ADMET properties, oral bioavailability, drug-likeness, and medicinal chemistry.

Conclusion: Conclusively, Stigmasterol and 4,4-Dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ol might be responsible for the antibacterial effect of XA. Although the latter showed better interaction with the target proteins, the former showed better ADMET properties, oral bioavailability, drug-likeness, and medicinal properties. However, improvement in these properties might enhance their antibacterial activity.

Variation of bromine concentration as an essential trace element in human milk over lactation stages

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: Bromine has been newly discovered in human milk but its importance in the growth and development of infants is unclear. Only a few studies have reported the concentration of bromine in human milk and considered it as an essential element, whereas others highlighted its toxicity of bromism in humans. This study aimed to determine the concentration of bromine as an essential trace element in human milk using a validated acid digestion method and discuss its variation over lactation stages.

Method: Human milk samples were collected from three postpartum mothers and analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentration of bromine was determined over a certain postpartum period, analysed using Microsoft Excel 2016, and reported descriptively.

Results: Method validation parameters for bromine showed good linearity (R² > 0.999), limit of detection (0.003 µg/L), limit of quantification (0.01 µg/L), accuracy (96%), inter-day (3.76%RSD) and intra-day (3.35%RSD) repeatability. The median concentration of bromine in human milk decreased over six months of lactation, in µg/L: 1210, 674, 722, 671, 511 and 538. At later lactation months which were 12^th, 13^th, 14^th, 15^th and 21^st, the median bromine concentration was in µg/L: 780, 815, 645, 846, 910, respectively.

Conclusion: The acid digestion method by ICP-MS was robust and accurate in determining bromine concentration in human milk. The consistent variation of bromine in human milk over lactation stages may indicate its importance in supporting infant development in the first two years of age. Future research should explore the role of bromine in infants’ development, its chronobiological importance, and the risk of deficiency or toxicity.

Characterisation of Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner Trunk Heartwood Extract and its Toxicity Evaluation

Esti Mumpuni, Dwi Yuni Kurniawati, Ratna Djamil, Diah Kartika Pratami — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: Maclura cochinchinensis is widely used as a natural dye for clothing in Indonesia. Besides, there are some researches about its activities as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information regarding the standard characteristics and safety of use of its heartwood extract. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize M. cochinchinensis heartwood extract and to evaluate its toxicity.

Method: To obtain the extract, coarse powder of M. cochinchinensis heartwood was macerated using 70% ethanol and evaporated by vacuum rotavapor. Subsequently, phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography profiling were carried out, while the toxicity evaluation was conducted using brine shrimp lethality test.

Results: The phytochemical screening showed that this extract contained flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, coumarins, and essential oils. The extract exhibited a dark brown colour, distinct odour, flavourlessness, the value of water-soluble content, ethanol-soluble extract content, loss on drying, moisture content, moisture content, total ash content, acid-insoluble ash content, and water-soluble ash content of 31.44%±1.31, 50.44%±8.48, 9.51%±0.32, 1.62%±0.48, 4.93%±0.27, 1.10%±0.11, 3.81%±0.19, respectively. The residual solvent and heavy metal contamination were undetectable. Microbial contamination was minimal and dominated by a semipolar compound, and brine shrimp assay indicated low toxicity with an LC₅₀ value of 174.40 mg/L.

Conclusion: M. cochinchinensis heartwood extract has good quality and tends to be safe for the environment. This research obtained data that could be used as a supporting evidence for more specific utilization of M. cochinchinensis heartwood and its isolated compounds.

Evaluating the taste-masking ability and sensory attributes of alginate-encapsulated black seed oil

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the sensory attributes of alginate-encapsulated black seed oil in 12 healthy volunteers. Black seed oil, derived from Nigella sativa seeds, is known for its therapeutic properties but is characterized by a pungent taste. Alginate, a hydrophilic polysaccharide polymer derived from brown seaweeds, forms water-insoluble gels in the presence of divalent metal ions such as calcium ions. Alginate finds applications in various fields, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology engineering.

Method: The ionic gelation method was employed to encapsulate black seed oil within alginate beads for taste-masking and to enhance its sensory characteristics. Sensory analysis was conducted to assess the smell, taste, taste masking, aftertaste, and texture acceptability of different formulations, including blank beads (negative control), black seed oil (positive control), black seed oil-alginate beads with and without added flavours (vanilla, chocolate, orange, and sugar), in both dried and wet forms, and a commercial black seed oil soft-gelatine capsule.

Results: The results showed that encapsulating black seed oil within alginate beads significantly improved its taste and aftertaste, and the addition of flavours further enhanced the smell. Vanilla and orange flavours were found to be the most effective in improving palatability and taste masking ability of the beads in both wet and dried forms, surpassing sugar and chocolate flavours. However, sugar is preferred in the dried form alone.

Conclusion: Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of alginate encapsulation to mask the taste of black seed oil and improve its sensory attributes, offering broad applications for enhancing the palatability of other unpleasant bio-compounds.

Physicians’ Perception on Prescribing Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Patients: A Qualitative Study from Malaysia

Umairah Mohd Roslan, Syahrir Zaini, Muhammad Eid Akkawi — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: Many quantitative studies reported that potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is quite prevalent among older adult patients. However, the issue is less explored qualitatively from the perspective of physicians. Objective: To qualitatively explore hospital physicians’ perception regarding PIMs, associated factors and the possible interventions to control this phenomenon. Method: A qualitative study using individual semi-structured and in-depth interview research method was constructed on 15 physicians serving in a Malaysian hospital. The purposive sampling technique was used at the beginning followed by the snowball sampling process. Results: It was found that the physicians have inadequate knowledge about PIM and the published PIM criteria . Several factors were perceived as barriers of appropriate prescribing. Firstly, physicians’ lack of knowledge and training in geriatric medicine as well as lack of time. Secondly, some of the physicians were skeptical about the applicability of PIM criteria in daily practice due to limited alternative medications. Lastly, complexity of the cases due to multimorbidity, polypharmacy and patient’s poor knowledge about their medications. The proposed interventions to optimize prescribing for older patients were education (for patients and physicians), optimization of healthcare workforce and activation of deprescribing. Conclusions: Prescribing for older patients is a complex process that is affected by numerous patient-related and doctor-related factors. Improvement strategies should target the patient, physicians and the work environment activating a joined-up working between the physician and other healthcare providers.

Green Synthesized of Silver Nanoparticles from Anisophyllea corneri Leaf Extract and Its Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities

Ika Rizky Fadhillah, Muhammad Taher, Mokhamad Nur, Deny Susanti — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: The escalating global threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens necessitates innovative approaches to combat drug resistance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their potent antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties. Green synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective method. This study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AC-AgNPs) using Anisophyllea corneri leaf extracts and evaluates their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.

Materials and methods: An eco-friendly synthesis approach was employed, utilizing A. corneri leaf extracts as reducing agents. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized for phytochemical profiling. The synthesis process was optimized at various temperatures (60?C, 70?C, 80?C) and pH levels (4, 9) to achieve optimal AgNPs outcomes. Characterization of AC-AgNPs included UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, SEM, Zeta potential, and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). Antimicrobial evaluation was conducted against four bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) using paper disc diffusion. Cytotoxicity was assessed through the MTT assay on MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line).

Results: A. corneri leaf extract exhibited abundant active compounds facilitating the reduction of silver ions. Optimization revealed that 70?C at pH 9 produced AC-AgNPs with a minimal particle size of 135.5 nm and a stable zeta potential (-45.1±11.7 mV). AC-AgNPs displayed a spherical morphology. Antimicrobial trials demonstrated moderate efficacy against the tested bacteria, with inhibition zones ranging from 8 to 10 mm. Additionally, AC-AgNPs exhibited cytotoxic potential with a moderate IC₅₀ of 74.9 µg/mL.

Conclusion: The green synthesis, characterisation and biological activities of AgNPs from A. corneri leaf extracts have been established. It is recommended to optimise the synthesis process and validate the biological activities.

PVA-PEG Hydrogel Incorporated with Cellulose Nanofibril of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and Antibacterial Agent Curcumin

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Introduction: The compelling characteristics of hydrogel films, resembling biological tissues, have sparked significant interest for their use in wound healing dressings.

Materials and methods: Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and antibacterial agent of curcumin was incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel prepared via few cycles of freeze-thaw methods. The CNFs were extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) using alkaline-deep eutectic solvent (alkaline-DES) assisting with ultrasonication. The inclusion of CNFs and curcumin were optimized by varying their concentrations and moisture retention content (MRC) was determined as a response.

Results: The PVA-PEG/CNF-curcumin hydrogel achieved a 44.84% MRC via an optimal hydrogel composition comprising 6% (v/w) CNF and 5% (v/w) curcumin. Other physio-chemical properties of the developed hydrogel such as swelling behaviours, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), hydrogel porosity, chemical structural, and antimicrobial resistance were determined as well to observe the effect of incorporating of CNFs and curcumin. The optimized PVA-PEG/CNF-curcumin hydrogel formulation demonstrated a swelling capacity of 26.44%, enhanced porosity of 48%, and a WVTR of 76.73 g/m²h, showed its potential as a promising dressing material with improved characteristics. The PVA-PEG/CNFs-curcumin hydrogel was observed to have high moisture retention content and demonstrated good resistance to gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis) and lower resistance to gram-negative bacteria (E. coli).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the incorporation of CNFs and curcumin into PVA-PEG hydrogel demonstrated promising characteristics, highlighting its potential as an effective and versatile wound healing dressing with notable antimicrobial properties.

Precision medicine using monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy

Muhammad Taher — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Nil

Prospects of Artificial Intelligence in the Improvement of Healthcare Professions: A Review

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

In 1956, the development of engineering science led to the birth of the first intelligent machines. This has led to the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) coined by a scientist named John McCarthy. The basic purpose of AI is to minimise human cognitive function. Advanced computer technology allows humans to do comparative critical thinking and simulate intelligent behaviour by producing intelligent modelling to solve boost and uplift cracking problems, imaging knowledge, and making a decision. Consequently, rapid analytical technique progress, powered by the increasing data availability in healthcare, has directed a paradigm shift in the healthcare system, especially in the analysis of medical imaging in the disease of oncology by detection of brain tumours. It helps the diagnosis of cancer stages based on the abnormal cell growth in the brain. AI is also important in diagnosis and treatment in other medical departments like dermatology, nephrology, ophthalmology, pathology, pulmonary medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and neurology. In recent years, AI has played a key role in pharmacy, drug delivery, drug discovery, drug formulation development, hospital pharmacy, and poly-pharmacology. The term AI has a broad range of applications in medicine, medical statistics, medical diagnosis, human biology, pharmacy, clinical, and robotics. Automated selective medication uses the scientific task approach of pharmacists and is only possible by the use of AI. Algorithmic tasks reserved by using AI automation and such type of AI demonstration are better than pharmacists in comparison. In general terms of AI, the minimal intervention of humans implies intelligent behaviour through computer models. The invention of robots is deemed the starting point of the AI journey. It started with the introduction of robotic biosynthetic machines utilised to support medical personnel. In the meantime, an AI is capable of analysing complex clinical and medical data where a potentially significant data set relationship can be used for treatment and predicting outcomes in the case study and diagnosis.