Rezky Yanuarty, Muthmainnah Tuldjanah, Ayu Wulandari

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation are prevalent male sexual dysfunctions affecting various age groups. This study explores the potential aphrodisiac effects of Clove leaves (Syzygium aromaticum L.), a plant rich in secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids. Fractionation of the ethanol extract yielded n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water fractions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins in the water fraction, while steroids were detected in the ethanol extract, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions. In vivo tests on male rats demonstrated that the ethanol extract, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions significantly reduced mounting latency (ML), increased mounting frequency (MF), and accelerated intromission latency (IL), indicating heightened sexual arousal and endurance. Moreover, these fractions delayed ejaculatory latency (EL) and increased ejaculation frequency (EF), akin to the positive control, X-Gra. Notably, the n-hexane fraction showed the closest efficacy to X-Gra. The presence of steroids in the active fractions suggests their role in eliciting aphrodisiac effects. Further isolation and purification of the active compound(s) may optimize therapeutic outcomes. This study underscores the potential of Clove leaf fractions as natural aphrodisiacs, warranting further investigation for clinical applications.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, Musa Muhammad, Asma'u Abubakar Waziri, Ibrahim Ishaq Fari, Zuwaira Yusuf Musa

Oxidative stress is a condition that is characterized by the generation of reactive oxygen species more than the amount endogenous antioxidants can absorb. Several diseases are associated with oxidative stress, notably during disease progression. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the phytoconstituents and antioxidant potential of the ethyl acetate leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius (ELEC). The phytochemicals were qualitatively and quantitatively determined, followed by characterization using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant potential was determined in vitro. Alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids were detected in concentrations of 8.50 ±2.65, 11.83 ±0.73, and 19.17% ±0.73, respectively. The FTIR spectrum revealed 9 peaks including six at the group frequency region corresponding to alcohols, carboxylic acid, amine salts, alkenes, alkyne, esters, and oxime functional groups. The ELEC exhibited lower total reducing power (11.06 ±1.34 AAE µg/ml) compared to its total antioxidant capacity (49.26 ±2.44 AAE µg/ml) with a higher (60.47% ±2.44) percentage inhibition of peroxidation than AA (37.98% ±1.88). Furthermore, the ELEC exhibited a lower (0.20 ±0.01 nmol/ml) MDA concentration than AA (0.42 ±0.02 nmol/ml). Conclusively, C. olitorius might be applied for the management of oxidative stress-linked ailments and a source of novel therapeutics for these ailments.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Ayu Wulandari, Gita Chintya, Muthmainah Tuldjanah, Rezky Yanuarty

Cloves, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum L., hold promise as a potential antiulcer remedy due to their rich composition of compounds, including high levels of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate, and gallic acid. To improve bioavailability in the gastric environment, this study focuses on optimizing and evaluating a swelling granule system derived from clove leaf extract. The granules were produced using wet granulation with Carbopol, HPMC, and their combination as polymer matrices. Results indicated favorable properties in the swelling granules, with the optimal composition of 210 mg Carbopol, 36 mg PVP, and 404 mg Avicel pH 101. These granules exhibited a uniform particle size distribution, with 90.1% below 149 µm and 9.9% distributed across mesh numbers 100, 80, and 40. The formula with Carbopol polymer showed superior flow rate, compressibility, and swelling capacity compared to other formulations. The interaction between Carbopol's C=O groups and HPMC's hydroxyl groups significantly influenced parameters, especially swelling capacity. Thus, when combining polymers, potential chemical or physical reactions should be considered. The wet granulation process effectively preserved secondary metabolite levels from clove leaf. Further tests are recommended to evaluate the granulation's effectiveness as a delivery system for clove leaf extract.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Niluh Puspita Dewi, Syafika Alaydrus, Widya Ayu Lestari, Magfirah Magfirah, Indah Kurnia Utami, Nani Astria Polontalo, Muthmainah Tuldjanah

The study focused on analyzing the secondary metabolites present in the ethanol extract of Sonchus arvensis L. leaves (SALEE) and their impact on creatinine and urea levels when administered in suspension form at different doses. Phytochemical screening of SALEE identified alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. In the experiment, twenty-five white male rats were divided into five groups: a healthy control group (Group I), a negative control group (Group II), and three test groups (Groups III, IV, and V) receiving SALEE at doses of 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg BW, respectively. After inducing diabetes with streptozotocin and a 21-day follow-up period, creatinine and urea levels were assessed. The results demonstrated that SALEE administration significantly reduced creatinine levels and increased urea levels. Notably, the 200 mg/kg BW dose of SALEE exhibited a consistent and long-term effect. It was observed that blood urea levels fluctuated even in healthy and negative control groups during the 21-day observation period. In the group receiving the highest dose of SALEE (400 mg/kg BW), blood urea levels increased significantly on days 14 and 21, indicating a potential increase in the rats' appetite rather than renal function failure. Overall, the findings suggest that SALEE has promising potential to regulate creatinine and urea levels in the blood of individuals with diabetes, highlighting its potential for therapeutic and supplemental use.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Md. Khokon Miah Akanda, Razia Sultana, Md. Masud Rana, Md. Alamgir Hossain, S. M. Abdul Barik, Md. Rafiul Islam, Md. Nazmul Islam, G.M. Masud Parvez

In Bangladesh, fungus-related skin diseases are highly prevalent. Until this result began, there was no research in Bangladesh to find the cause and management strategies for fungal infection, but there is still no complete research on it. This survey aimed to evaluate the incidence, etiology, and therapeutic alternatives for various fungal ailments in Bangladesh. The research was carried out in Rajshahi from January to June 2019 by the Pharmacy Department of Varendra University. A compilation of 489 patient data was obtained throughout the investigation using a semi-structured questionnaire. The participants' ages vary from three months to seventy years; 327 are male, and 162 are female. The most prevalent skin conditions among the patients are as follows: ringworm (11.25%), skin infections affecting the ear, nose, fingers, and uterus (11.04%), acne (8.19%), allergy (9.82%), dandruff (5.11%), dermatitis (9.00%), eczema (5.73%), and scabies (7.18%). Student individuals comprise 49.28% of the patients, day workers 16.56%, housewives 16.36%, and employed 14.31%. Patients are housed in 53.17 percent concrete houses, 26.5 percent huts, and 26.18% semi-structures. Patients wash their clothing with tap water at a rate of 52%, followed by tube well water at 21.27%, pond water at 20.45%, and river water at 5.52%. It is evident from this study that fungal diseases affect individuals of all ages, including men and women. An adverse finding of the research was that over forty percent of patients do not receive accurate instructions from their physicians, which raises the risk of drug resistance and further contamination.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Fidelia Chikaodili Okoben, InnocentMary Ifedibaluchukwu Ejiofor, Ikechukwu Sonn Mbagwu, Daniel Lotanna Ajaghaku, Fredrick Chinedu Anowi

Splenomegaly is a medical condition characterized by an enlargement of the spleen, an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, beneath the ribcage. The spleen plays various essential roles in the body, including filtering blood, removing old or damaged blood cells, and helping the immune system by producing and storing immune cells. Splenomegaly causes negative haematological effects. It is very common in Africa and Asia. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of methanol leaf extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis on haematological parameters in splenomegaly-induced Wistar rats. Extraction and fractionation of the plant were carried out through standard procedure using methanol, hexane, butanol and ethyl acetate. A qualitative phytochemical evaluation of the plant was done. The effects of the extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis were investigated using a rat model. The presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins was observed in the extract and fractions of the plant. The methanolic extract and ethylacetate fraction significantly caused the normalization of PCV, HB, and RBC post-treatment. The findings from this study suggest that Irvingia gabonensis could be researched further for the management of splenomegaly and also the isolation of phytochemicals responsible for these effects.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Sondang Khairani, Hesty Utami Ramadaniati, Prih Sarnianto, Erna Kristin, Yusi Anggriani

Several pharmaceutical companies have long complained that the price of medicines that win the e-catalogue tender is too low, in some cases even below the cost of production. However, it should not be a concern that only pharmaceutical products with regulation of Indonesian food and drug (BPOM) distribution licenses are eligible for the price tender, as they are of good quality. This study aims to determine the quality and potency of three antibiotic drugs based on their highest utilization (DU 90%) in pneumonia patients at two hospitals, A (ceftriaxone, azithromycin tablet) and B (ceftriaxone, levofloxacin infusion) compared to brand name. The quality of the samples was evaluated following the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia 6th Edition (FI-VI). Antibiotic potency was assessed using the Plate-Cylinder Method with K. pneumonia from human and S. pneumonia ATCC 10015 as the test bacteria evaluated following CLSI. All samples meet the criteria of FI-VI antibiotic content, weight uniformity, dissolution. Antibiotic potency all samples test S.pneumonia and K.pneumonia were sensitive but ceftriaxone test with K.pneumonia was resistance. All antibiotic tablets and injections studied met the requirements of the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia Edition 6 for active medicinal ingredient content, dosage weight uniformity, and dissolution. All drugs from hospitals (INN) have lower antibiotic potency than branded drugs. This highlight the importance of conducting microbiological testing on antibiotic preparations.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Ayu Wulandari, Dian Rahmawati, Utami Islamiati, Ficanata Adiguna Toding, Muflihatun Muflihatun

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a clinical manifestation of the late stage of HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus). This virus attacks CD4 cells in the immune system which is an important component in fighting infection. Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system and lead to AIDS. This study aims to identify risk factors and determine and identify the type of ADR in HIV/AIDS patients at Undata Regional General Hospital Palu, Central Sulawesi province. This study used a cross-sectional observation method with prospective data collection, with a sample of 126 patients. Based on the results of the study, patients with HIV/AIDS had the most risk factors, namely homosexuality as many as 73 patients (58%), at the clinical stage, namely stage 3, 50 patients (39%), on opportunistic infection data, namely candidiasis, 35 patients (33%), and the initial CD4 cell count of <200 cells/mm3 in 27 patients (21%). Patients with HIV/AIDS who experienced ADR using antiretroviral drugs were 255 out of a total of 126 patients. Types of ADR that occur in HIV/AIDS patients include fever (6%), dizziness (47%), nausea (12%), vomiting (7%), insomnia (15%), easy hunger (1%), Hb low (1%), weakness (1%), rash (9%), headache (1%). Overall, these findings contribute valuable information for developing targeted interventions and improving the overall care and outcomes for individuals with HIV/AIDS.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Indah Kurnia Utami, Niluh Puspita Dewi, Syafika Alaydrus, Magfirah Magfirah, Musfirah Musfirah, Nur Azizah

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) often receive a combination of medications, which can have beneficial effects but may also lead to ineffective treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze potential drug interactions in CKD patients admitted to the Seroja ward at Undata Hospital in Palu, Central Sulawesi Province, during the year 2022. The study was conducted prospectively from July 20 to September 18, 2022, involving a total of 40 patients. The research utilized a non-experimental observational design, and the results were presented descriptively using purposive sampling based on predefined criteria. Drug interaction were screened using the Drug Interaction Checker tool. The study revealed that among CKD patients, a higher percentage of men (55%) than women (44%) were observed, with the highest percentage in the age group of 46–55 (27.5%). The most commonly drug group used was loop diuretics and furosemide (18.75%). The most significant potential drug interactions were pharmacodynamic interactions (12.5% in 5 cases) with minor significance, followed by pharmacokinetic interactions (2.5% in 1 case) with major significance, particularly in the use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and statins. Based on the findings, minor interaction cases do not always yield negative outcomes. In certain clinical practices, these interactions are intentionally utilized to achieve favorable results. Instances of major interactions with drug use should be avoided, and alternative drugs should be considered. In urgent situations where the drug is necessary, restrictions can be applied, and close monitoring of the patient's clinical status is vital.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Reza Pratama, Kholifa Nisya Melinda, Soni Muhsinin

Lactobacillus acidophilus, a strain of lactic acid bacteria widely used as a probiotic microorganism, has been extensively employed in developing probiotic products including in effervescent granules. This study's objectives were to ensure that the resultant granules possessed the desired physical attributes and retained the requisite viability of lactic acid bacteria. A wet granulation method was used. The formula was physically evaluated and analyzed using Design Expert software, followed by gram staining and bacterial harvesting. Gram staining verification demonstrated the gram-positive nature of the pure L. acidophilus bacterial isolates, as evidenced by their consistent purple coloration and characteristic basil shape. Evaluation of physical properties revealed organoleptic attributes such as granular shape, white coloration devoid of odor, flow rate of 1.497 g/sec, an angle of repose at 40.75o, compressibility of 11.45%, drying loss of 0.62%, and a foam height of 3.075 cm, consistently meeting the stipulated criteria. Furthermore, formula I, II, and III preserved L. acidophilus bacteria after being converted into effervescent granules, as evidenced by viable lactic acid bacteria counts, with formula I (412.5 x 101 cfu/g), formula II (422.7 x 101 cfu/g), and formula III (highest at 522.7 x 101 cfu/g). The formula I emerges as the most favorable effervescent granules containing L. acidophilus 3%; polyvinylpyrrolidone 3%; citric acid 0.3%; tartaric acid 49.7%; sodium bicarbonate 25% and lactose as filler. Based on the finding, this probiotic effervescent granules has the potential to be developed as a daily supplement, especially for flora normal stabilization.

Sciences of Pharmacy