Innocent Chukwujekwu Onunkwo, Mary Olire Edema, Christiana E. Ogwuche, Bamidele H. Akpeji

Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical global challenge due to microbial enzymes that neutralize antibiotic efficacy, prompting the use of nanotechnology to enhance the therapeutic potential of plant properties. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were biosynthesized using a methanol extract of Cissus aralioides leaves obtained through Soxhlet extraction. Characterization via UV-vis, FTIR, PXRD, SEM, EDX, and TEM revealed a maximum absorption at 398 nm, a bandgap energy of 3.12 eV, and a hexagonal wurtzite structure with an average particle size of 15.90 ± 2.81 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed essential chemical groups (C-H, C=O, O-H), while SEM and EDX showed rough surfaces with a predominant zinc content of 80.76%. The antimicrobial potential of these ZnONPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 100–400 mg/mL. Results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the highest sensitivity observed against S. aureus (24.0 ± 0.01 mm), followed by C. albicans, E. coli, and Aspergillus sp., and an estimated minimum inhibitory concentration of 100–300 mg/mL. Consequently, this research highlights the potential of green-synthesized ZnONPs as a viable alternative for managing pathogenic microorganisms.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Faradina Setiorini, Achmad Khudori Soleh

The increasing reliance on digital technology in higher education has raised concerns about its potential impact on students’ academic behavior, particularly in relation to procrastination. Prolonged digital engagement may contribute to psychological exhaustion, which could interfere with students’ ability to effectively regulate their academic tasks. This study aimed to examine the association between digital burnout and academic procrastination among undergraduate students. A quantitative correlational design was employed, involving undergraduate psychology students at Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. Data were collected using adapted and validated self-report instruments administered via an online survey. A total of valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The results indicated that most students experienced moderate levels of digital burnout (60%) and academic procrastination (53%). A significant positive correlation was found between digital burnout and academic procrastination (R = 0.615, R² = 0.378, p < 0.001), suggesting that higher levels of digital burnout are associated with increased procrastination tendencies. These findings indicate that students experiencing greater digital fatigue may struggle more with initiating and completing academic tasks in a timely manner. In conclusion, digital burnout appears to be an important factor associated with academic procrastination, although it should be understood within a broader, multifactorial framework. Additional variables such as motivation, self-regulation, and learning environment may also play meaningful roles in shaping procrastination behavior. Further research using longitudinal or experimental approaches is recommended to better understand the directionality and underlying mechanisms of this relationship across diverse student populations and educational contexts globally.

Human Psychology & Behavior

Husna Zakiyatul Habibah, Wakhid Musthofa

Health-related behaviors among university students have become an increasing concern, particularly among student activists who face substantial academic and organizational demands. Individual characteristics, including personality traits, may be associated with variations in health-related behaviors within this population. This study aimed to examine the association between conscientiousness and healthy living behaviors among student activists at UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta. A quantitative correlational design was employed, involving 230 undergraduate student activists selected through cluster random sampling from campus-based student organizations (UKK/UKM). Data were collected using the conscientiousness subscale of the Big Five Inventory and a Healthy Living Behavior Scale, both of which demonstrated adequate internal consistency in the present sample. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s product–moment correlation. The results indicated a statistically significant positive association between conscientiousness and healthy living behaviors (r = 0.456, p < 0.001), reflecting a moderate relationship. Descriptive analysis showed that most respondents fell within the moderate category for both conscientiousness and healthy living behaviors, based on mean and standard deviation criteria. These findings indicate that conscientiousness is meaningfully associated with healthier lifestyle practices among student activists, although the cross-sectional design does not permit causal inference. The results underscore the importance of considering personality traits alongside other psychological and contextual factors when examining health-related behaviors in student populations.

Human Psychology & Behavior

Arun Dev Sharma, Inderjeet Kaur, Amrita Chauhan

Chamaedorea seifrizii is an ornamental plant with limited documented pharmacological properties. Peptidoglycan editing factor (PdeF), a bacterial cytoplasmic amidase, plays a critical role in peptidoglycan biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall, making it a promising antibacterial target. This study investigated the chemical profiling and in-silico analysis of phytocomponents derived from methanol fruit extracts (CFME) of wild-growing C. seifrizii targeting PdeF proteins, followed by in vitro antibacterial validation. The chemical profile of CFME was examined using gas chromatography with flampe ionization detection (GC-FID). Molecular simulation studies were performed using docking tool Cb-dock2 against bacterial PdeF. In vitro activity was validated against Gram-negative strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 424) and Escherichia coli (MTCC 40), and Gram-positive strains, Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160) and Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 121). GC-FID analysis identified osthole (12.28%) as the major phytocompound in the extract. Docking of osthole against PdeF showed binding energy of -6.8 kcal/mol, indicating moderate affinity, with the complex stabilized through hydrogen bonding, alkyl and pi-alkyl interactions. In vitro experiments confirmed effective bacterial growth inhibition, with zones of inhibition ranging from 2 mm to 17 mm, compared to reference antibiotic yielding nil to 15 mm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on bioactive components from C. seifrizii  fruit methanol extracts with antibacterial activity targeting PdeF through a combined in vitro and in-silico approach. These findings highlight the potential of C. seifrizii  as an antibacterial agent, underscoring the need for further compound-level characterization and safety assessment for applications in pharmaceutical industries.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Malavika J, Athira P, Gayathri G, Slowmo M, Thenmozhi Krishnasamy

This study comprehensively evaluated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, and nanobiotechnological applications of Oxalis latifolia. Extractive yields varied significantly (p < 0.05), with ethanolic extracts of the stem and leaf providing the highest yields at 20.65% and 13.83%, respectively. Quantitative analysis revealed that ethanolic extracts were particularly rich in bioactive compounds, with the stem showing the highest total phenolic content (79.32 mg GAE/g) and total tannins (69.33 mg GAE/g), while the leaf contained 62.50 mg RE/g of flavonoids. These high concentrations correlated with potent antioxidant activity; the ethanolic leaf extract exhibited a DPPH scavenging IC₅₀ of 92.18 µg/mL, which was compared against the Ascorbic Acid positive control (IC₅₀ = 26.63 µg/mL). Furthermore, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully biosynthesized using the leaf extract, characterized by a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 405 nm and an average size of 56.68 nm. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory efficacy, achieving a maximum protein denaturation inhibition of 82.35% at 100 µg/mL (R² = 0.9993), compared to the Diclofenac Sodium control which reached 95.12%. These findings highlight the potential of O. latifolia as a sustainable source for functional nanomaterials.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Noudou Solitaire Bodrix, Malle Lando Armand, Mbazoa Djama Celine, Aponglen Ayimele Godfred, Wandji Jean, Taiwe Sotoing Germain, Ndinteh Tantoh Dereck, Talla Mangoua Rostan

A known peptide, Asperphenamate (1) and a labdane diterpenoid, Nepetaefuran (2) were isolated for the first time from the aerial parts of Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) Ait. f. (Lamiaceae) together with five known compounds: ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside and β-sitosterol, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid and Apegenin-7-O-glycoside. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of mass spectrometry, NMR data and by the comparison with literature data. The dichloromethane-methanol (1:1, v/v) (LM) extract, the peptide and the labdane diterpenoid compounds were evaluated for their anticonvulsant effects on pentylenetetrazol, picrotoxin or bicuculine induced convulsions in mice. All the tested treatments showed anticonvulsant effects on experimental models of epileptic seizures chemically induced in mice. Asperphenamate (1) (JW514) showed up to 100% protection of animals against convulsions, Nepetaefuran (2) (JW512) and the dichloromethane-methanol (1:1, v/v) (LM) extract showed a maximum of 83.33% protection against pentylenetetrazol induced convulsions.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Selvi Megawati, Indah Woro Utami

Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone), the principal naphthoquinone of Lawsonia inermis, has attracted interest as a natural anti-inflammatory/analgesic lead that may offer a safer profile than long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This structured narrative review synthesises evidence from 14 accessible and highly relevant publications (prioritising 2020 onwards) to clarify the mechanistic basis of its analgesic potential. Direct evidence from preclinical studies indicates that lawsone produces anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects comparable to reference drugs and is associated with improved hepatic and renal markers at effective doses. Mechanistically, two experimentally supported axes predominate: (i) reduced prostaglandin biosynthesis, reflected by significant lowering of serum PGE2 and consistent with COX-2 modulation, and (ii) suppression of NF-κB signalling with downstream reductions in key pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). In contrast, potential modulation of the P2X7 purinergic receptor (P2X7R) remains hypothetical, supported mainly by pharmacological and computational studies of structurally related 1, 4-naphthoquinone analogues that bind the P2X7R allosteric pocket and inhibit ATP-driven Ca2+ influx and macropore formation. Overall, the evidence positions lawsone as a promising multi-target preclinical scaffold while highlighting the need for direct P2X7R validation, protein-level pathway confirmation, and translational studies.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Courage Chandipwisa, Harrison Banda, Kapembwa Chabala, Tendai Pride Zenda, Agness Shimilimo

Africa’s vaccine and drug research and development capacity remains limited by infrastructural gaps, fragmented data systems, and shortages of skilled personnel, constraining timely therapeutic discovery and clinical translation in low-resource settings. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning offer potential solutions by enabling predictive modelling, accelerating compound screening, improving genomic surveillance, and supporting adaptive clinical trial design. This narrative review synthesizes studies and institutional reports published between 2015 and 2025 from major scientific databases to examine AI applications in vaccine and drug development relevant to African contexts. Thematic analysis identified key patterns related to infrastructure readiness, workforce capacity, and translational implementation, with findings validated through evidence triangulation and consensus review. Results show that AI platforms have supported infectious disease candidate identification, pandemic vaccine development, malaria drug resistance mapping, and predictive analytics for vaccine distribution. While accelerated outcomes were evident during public health emergencies, routine implementation remains constrained by resource availability. Major challenges include inadequate digital infrastructure, fragmented regulatory systems, and limited technical expertise despite ongoing capacity-building initiatives. The review proposes an integrated framework linking infrastructure, skills development, and ethical governance as critical factors for sustainable AI adoption in African biomedical research. Strengthening investment, fostering regional collaboration, and developing context-specific ethical frameworks are essential to ensure equitable access, enhance innovation capacity, and build resilient biomedical research ecosystems across Africa.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Eka Siswanto Syamsul, Dwi Lestari, Dachriyanus Dachriyanus, Supomo Supomo

Red Pidada (Sonneratia caseolaris L.) leaves are widely used in traditional medicine, particularly for skin care and treatment of minor ailments. This study aimed to characterise the powdered leaf material and determine luteolin content of the ethanolic leaf extract. Dried leaf powder was extracted by maceration using ethanol. The powdered material was characterised through macroscopic and microscopic evaluations, as well as determining physicochemical parameters including water-soluble extractive value, ethanol-soluble extractive value, moisture content, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash. Furthermore, metabolite profiling of the extract was conducted using high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HR-LCMS) to identify constituents. Luteolin content was quantified using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) densitometry on silica gel 60 F254 plates with a mobile phase of n-hexane:ethyl acetate (2:3). Macroscopically, the leaves were oval to elongated, with rounded to blunt apices, entire margins, pinnate venation, and dark-green colour. Microscopic examination revealed upper and lower epidermal tissues, stomata, and vascular bundles. The powdered leaves exhibited a bitter taste. The water-soluble and ethanol-soluble extractive values were 11% and 16%, respectively, while moisture content, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash were 8.8%, 8.12%, and 0.47%. HR-LCMS analysis produced 38 tentative compound matches, including luteolin. Under specified conditions, TLC-densitometry showed an Rf value of 0.54 for luteolin, with a mean amount of 3.849 µg. These findings provide baseline physicochemical and phytochemical data for standardisation of S. caseolaris L. leaf extract for future research applications and quality control purposes in pharmaceutical and herbal product development to ensure consistency safety and efficacy across batches.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Ijeoma Patience OBOH, Nkonyeasua Kingsley EGUN, Ukpamufo Cyril OLOWO

Aquaculture contribution to human nutrition, consumers’ preferential bias towards capture fisheries and concerns on food safety has necessitated the need for information on the nutritional composition of fish species from diverse settings such as geographical locations and aquaculture rearing facilities. This study determined the nutritional profile and associated human health risk of adult size African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) cultured in plastic tanks with those harvested from the wild. Results showed the mean protein (18.04%) and lipid (8.71%) values of cultured C. gariepinus were significantly higher than reported values in C. gariepinus from the wild, which makes them of more nutritional value to consumers. Captured fishes reported higher ash, mineral and trace metal contents, which was attributed to the elevated levels of these elements in their habitat waters due to water pollution. Low metal pollution index (MPI) values in cultured and captured fishes indicated an insignificant bioaccumulation of trace metals, and the absence of non – carcinogenic (HI <1) and carcinogenic (ICR < 1 × 10^-6) risk associated with their consumption. Although the captured fishes at present poses no health risk to consumers; their recorded higher contents of trace metals, MPI, HI and CPI values is a cause for concern on the safe consumption of capture fishes. With increasing concerns on aquatic food safety, this study has shown that the consumption of cultured C. gariepinus provides more nutritional quality to consumers. The need for more monitoring studies on different culturing methods and settings on the nutritional composition and food safety is recommended.

Aquatic Life Sciences