Sciences of Pharmacy

Jude Efiom Okokon, Daniel Ekeleme, Grace Emmanuel Essien

Hippocratea africana (Willd. ) Loes. ex Engl. (Celastraceae) syn. Loeseneriella africana (Willd. ) N. Hallé root which is used as medicine traditionally to treat various diseases by the Ibibios was investigated for antiprostatic effect against testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The dried root powder was cold extracted in 50% ethanol and the extract dissolved in distilled water and partitioned with dichloromethane (DCM) to obtain DCM and aqueous fractions of H. africana root. BPH was induced in groups of male rats (n=5) using testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg). Based on previously determined median lethal dose, the root extract and fractions of H. africana (200-600 mg/kg) were investigated for effects on prostate weight and histology, prostate sensitive antigen (PSA), testosterone levels, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, semen analysis and testis histology of rats with testosterone propionate induced BPH. Finasteride (5 mg/kg) was used as standard drug. The root extract/fractions were found to cause significant (p < 0.05 - 0.01) decreases in PSA and testosterone levels, reductions in prostate and testis weights, improvement of semen volume and health, elevations of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPX) and molecule (GSH) and also reduced MDA level. These results suggest that the root extract and fractions of H. africana possess antiprostatic potentials against testosterone-induced BPH in rats which may be due to the antioxidant activities of its phytochemical constituents.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Oki Nugraha Putra, Sylvia Rizki Ramadhani, Yulistiani Yulistiani, Julaeha Julaeha, Affan Yuniar Nur Hidayatullah

The distribution of N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) genetic polymorphisms varies across ethnic groups among Indonesian TB patients. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of NAT2 genetic polymorphisms and their association with DILI and isoniazid pharmacokinetics in Indonesian TB patients. A scoping review was conducted by searching Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR). We retrieved 668 studies from three databases and we enrolled 12 studies for final analysis. Eleven studies reported on adult TB patients and one study on pediatric TB patients. Overall, the available evidence suggests that the slow acetylator phenotype is relatively common among TB patients in Indonesia, although its distribution varies across regions and ethnic groups. The NAT2*6 polymorphism was frequently observed among TB patients with a slow acetylator phenotype. TB patients with slow acetylation exhibited higher serum concentrations of isoniazid, which were significantly associated with an increased risk of DILI. No studies reported an association between NAT2 genetic polymorphisms or acetylation status and treatment outcomes among TB patients. This review confirms substantial variation in NAT2 genetic polymorphisms across studies in Indonesia. TB patients with a slow acetylator phenotype appear to have a greater risk of developing DILI compared with those with intermediate or fast acetylator phenotypes.  Information on acetylator status may identify patients at higher risk of hepatotoxicity, particularly those with the slow acetylator phenotype. Therefore, integrating NAT2 pharmacogenetics into clinical practice may predict hepatotoxicity and optimize tuberculosis therapy.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Indri Maharini, Karen Putri Utami, Lilis Rachmawati, Fitrianingsih Fitrianingsih, Puspa Dwi Pratiwi

The high prevalence of acne and increasing antibiotic resistance necessitate the development of sustainable antimicrobial agents. This study investigated the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) Merr. leaf extract as a natural bioreductant and stabilizer. The primary objective was to optimize the synthesis process and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the resulting nanoparticles specifically against Propionibacterium acnes. Physicochemical and structural characterization were performed using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to confirm the formation and stability of the nanoparticles. The results successfully demonstrated the synthesis of crystalline, nanoscale AgNPs with plant-derived functional groups facilitating their stabilization. Analytical data indicated a relatively uniform particle size distribution, spherical morphology, and favorable surface characteristics, suggesting high suitability for biomedical integration. Significantly, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against P. acnes. The underlying mechanism of action is attributed to the disruption of bacterial cell membranes, induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and subsequent interference with vital cellular functions. Utilizing E. subumbrans extract offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis, reducing the reliance on toxic reagents. These findings highlight the significant potential of plant-mediated AgNPs as innovative antimicrobial agents for dermatological applications. This research provides a robust foundation for the advancement of nanotechnology-based topical treatments. Consequently, further investigation into pharmaceutical formulation development, comprehensive safety assessments, and clinical efficacy trials is highly recommended to establish E. subumbrans-mediated silver nanoparticles as viable therapeutic solutions for managing acne and other skin-related infections in the future.

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

Kristina Srirahayu Damaiyanti Putri, Juwita Rosalia Sintia Nabella, Nily Su’aida, Karina Erlianti

Cassia alata L. is a medicinal plant containing various secondary metabolites with reported neuroactive properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like behavioral effects of the ethanolic extract of C. alata leaves in mice using acute behavioral despair tests. Male mice (n = 5 per group) were orally administered ethanolic extract of C. alata leaves at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight. A sub-acute stress exposure protocol using the Tail Suspension Test was applied, and antidepressant-like activity was subsequently evaluated using the Forced Swimming Test, with immobility time at T2 as the primary outcome measure. Amitriptyline served as the standard drug. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test (p < 0.05). Chemical profiling was performed using LC–MS/MS. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in immobility time among groups (F (4,20) = 21.465, p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed that all extract-treated groups exhibited significantly lower immobility times compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). The highest dose (400 mg/kgBW) was not significantly different from amitriptyline (p > 0.05), while lower doses showed intermediate effects. LC–MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 17 compounds, including flavonoid derivatives, luteolin, and anthraquinones. Under present experimental conditions, the ethanolic extract of C. alata leaves exhibited antidepressant-like behavioral activity in acute animal models. These findings are limited to short-term behavioral observations and do not establish clinical efficacy, safety, or underlying mechanisms. Further studies are required to clarify pharmacological relevance and translational potential of this extract for future preclinical and clinical investigations.

Sciences of Pharmacy