
Sciences of Pharmacy
Volume 3 Issue 2
Showing 5 Articles
RESEARCH ARTICLE
- research article
Larvicidal Activity of Red Betel Leaves (Piper ornatum) Ethanolic Extract Against Mosquito Larvae
Amelia Soyata, Khoirunnisa Khoirunnisa, Sabda Wahab
Larvae are the initial carriers of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and culex, making them significant in disease transmission. Excessive chemical larvicides pose serious risks to human health, thus driving the development of biological alternatives like red betel leaf extract. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of red betel leaf extract in larval control. Using 300 larvae, concentrations of 5%, 6%, and 7% were tested with three replicates over 24 h. The bioassay involved placing the larvae into a plastic container filled with the extract. It was found that ethanol extract from Piper ornatum leaves contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. After 24 h, results revealed 83% mortality at 5%, 98% at 6%, and 100% at 7% of extract concentration. Consequently, the 7% concentration showed the fastest efficacy in killing mosquito larvae (100% in 50 min). The LC50 value, representing the concentration at which 50% of larvae are killed, was determined to be 0.04%. Additionally, the LT50 value, indicating the time required to kill 50% of larvae (based on the LC50 value), was found to be 3.34 hours. In conclusion, red betel leaf extract demonstrated promising larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae. Future research is anticipated to prove its safety via in vitro and in vivo test.
Sciences of Pharmacy
13 Jun 20245 pages - research article
Effect of Combination of Porang and Moringa Flour on Blood Glucose Levels and Body Weight in Rats
Dian Ratih Laksmitawati, Umi Marwati, Fauzia Noprima Okta, Citra Prastuti Partana
Porang tuber is rich in fiber and low in calories of carbohydrates. Moringa oleifera leaf has a high protein and a low content of lipids. Obesity and diabetes mellitus are the risk factors of cardiovascular disease, also known as cardiovascular disease risk factors. Combining of porang and moringa as feed can increase nutrition without causing weight gain. This study aims to determine these two materials as antidiabetic and antiobesity agents. The samples are porang tuber, a combination of porang tuber and M. oleifera leaves, a combination of M. oleifera leaves and wheat flour, wheat flour, and standard feed of mice. The parameters tested in this study are analysis of macronutrients of feed, loss of weight of mice, average consuming feed in 28 days, and reduction of blood glucose with a glucometer. The results obtained are a combination of porang tuber and moringa had a low contain carbohydrates and a high contain lipids and protein, can reduction in body weight of 21%, the lowest consumption of feed, and the lowest fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels compared to the other feeds. A combination of porang and moringa can be an antidiabetic and antiobesity agent.
Sciences of Pharmacy
2 Apr 20247 pages
research articleBioactive Compounds of Rosa canina L. and Their Effect on Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-1β Activity in Diabetes-Induced Rats
İlayda Sezin YALÇINKAYA, Onur AKTAN, Leyla AÇIK, Gülnihal KULAKSIZ ERKMEN, NILUFER VURAL, Sibel KAYMAK, Yiğit Can ATEŞ
The ethnopharmacological significance of Rosa canina, or dog rose, transcends diverse cultures, with traditional applications in treating various diseases. This study investigates the potential pharmacological application of R. canina for diabetes treatment, aiming to assess its antidiabetic properties through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico analyses targeting pro-cytokines. Biochemical profiling utilizing HPLC, and phenolic content analyses were conducted to reveal the antioxidant properties of R. canina. In diabetic rats, root extracts influenced the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, with an exploration of DNA-binding and protective activities. DPPH scavenging and iron chelating activities were measured, identifying significant IC50 values. The chromatographic analysis identified various compounds, with Kaempferol 3-O-glucoside and Rutin exhibiting high inhibitory activity against TNF-alpha. In silico analyses highlighted inhibitory activities by molecular docking against TNF-α and IL-1β (PDB IDs 2AZ5 and 9ILB, respectively) and their drug potential based on ADMET properties. The obtained results have demonstrated a significant decrease in blood glucose levels in mice through the reduction of TNF-α and IL-1β mediated diabetic processes, facilitated by the R. canina extract. In conclusion, this study exploring the effects of R. canina extracts on diabetic rats have provided valuable insights into its potential therapeutic benefits. The observed reductions in blood glucose levels, improvements in lipid profiles, and modulation of antioxidant activity highlight its promising role in managing diabetes-related complications. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the dosage regimens for harnessing the full therapeutic potential of R. canina extracts in diabetes management.
Sciences of Pharmacy
2 May 202415 pages- research article
Nanosuspension Formula of Curcuma xanthorriza Rhizome Dry Extract: Impact of Tween 80-PEG 400 Ratio
Moch Futuchul Arifin, Elza Shafira, Yuslia Noviani, Yesi Desmiaty, Fauzia Noprima Okta
Our previous research investigated nanosuspension using the ionic gelation method with a 2:1 ratio of chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and 0.44% Curcuma xanthorriza rhizome extract. The results indicated an unstable nanosuspension with a particle size of 399.3 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.60, and an entrapment efficiency of 73.37%. This study aims to develop a nanosuspension using Tween 80-PEG 400 to improve the characteristics and dissolution at pH 6.8. Curcuma rhizome was macerated with 96% ethanol and dried using a spray dryer. The nanosuspension formulation was designed using a 22 factorial design with Tween 80 (0.1%-0.4%) and PEG 400 (0.1%-0.4%) as factors, and the formulation was analyzed using Minitab 18. The dissolution of the optimum formulation was tested. The best formulation, comprising 0.1% Tween 80 and 0.4% PEG 400, provided a spherical shape, a particle size of 111.26 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.27, a zeta potential of 30.77 mV, an entrapment efficiency of 84.30%, and a desirability value of 0.9058. The release of curcumin at pH 6.8 after 180 minutes was 37.85% ± 0.1375 with a DE180 of 83.60% ± 0.1457. The 22 factorial design proved effective for enhancing formulation attributes. Based on the result obtained, it can be concluded that the best formulation contains 0.1% Tween 80 and 0.4% PEG 400, with zero-order release kinetics and a diffusion mechanism.
Sciences of Pharmacy
10 Jun 20248 pages - research article
Characterization, In Silico Antimalarial, Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant, and ADMET Assessment of Neonauclea excelsa Merr.
Neksumi Musa, Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Enoch Buba Badgal
In our study, we identified the phytoconstituents and carried out antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ADMET assessments of Neonauclea excelsa. The phytochemicals were detected and quantified followed by identification via GC-MS. The antimalaria, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant assessments were done by molecular docking (MD) and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) while ADMET by ADMET predictions. Saponins (27.33% ±1.20) and terpenes (8.33% ±0.73) were detected while alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, and flavonoids were absent. Exactly 29 compounds were identified with squalene being the most abundant (32.41%). Compound II exhibited the lowest BA (-6.4 kcal/mol) and Ki (20.12 µM), interacting with dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase. IV exhibited the lowest respective BA and Ki interacting with Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter protein 1 (-6.2 kcal/mol and 28.20 µM), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (-7.2 kcal/mol and 5.21 µM), and myeloperoxidase (-7.4 kcal/mol and 3.71 µM). Compound VII had the lowest respective BA and Ki interacting with inducible nitric oxide synthase (-8.0 kcal/mol and 1.35 µM), xanthine oxidase (-7.2 kcal/mol and 5.21 µM), and cytochrome p450 21A2 (-7.0 kcal/mol and 7.30 µM). The MDS showed various cluster mobilities and residue fluctuations up to 5.26, 2.96, 5.10, 3.51, 5.02, 4.65, and 6.18 Å for dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase, Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter protein 1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX2), xanthine oxidase (XO), cytochrome p450 21A2, and myeloperoxidase, respectively. Additionally, these compounds demonstrated good pharmacological properties with minimal toxicity. Conclusively, the identified compounds might be significant contributors to the antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity of N. excelsa and are good sources of novel antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant drugs.
Sciences of Pharmacy
8 May 202416 pages
Journal Key Facts
Publishing Fee (APC)
IDR 1,100,000
Open Access License
CC BY 4.0
Language
English
Overview
Sciences of Pharmacy (SciPhar) is an international, peer-reviewed open-access journal of pharmacy published by ETFLIN. We offer a platform and place for researchers and intellectuals, especially the youth, to share their insights and works. SciPhar accepts original article, reviews, mini-review, book-review, technical note, case report, case series, clinical trial, opinion/perspective, conference proceeding, and pictorial essay. Author may submit or suggest another type of scientific manuscript. Sciphar publishes 4 issues a year. Sciences of Pharmacy is affiliated with Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung.
Latest Articles
Recently published research articles, review papers, and technical notes from the current volume of the journal.
- research article
Analysis of Psychotropic Drug Utilization in Patients With Organic Mental Disorders
Yuliawati Yuliawati, Indah Sri Wulan Sofyan, Nurul Kamilah Sadli, Fathnur Sani Kasmadi
Organic mental disorders are psychiatric conditions caused by identifiable brain pathology or specific systemic diseases, characterized by psychotic, affective, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms that can impair daily functioning. Psychotropic medications play a central role in their management; however, data on utilization patterns, particularly among outpatients in regional psychiatric hospitals, remain limited. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the use of psychotropic drugs using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/Defined Daily Dose (ATC/DDD) method recommended by the World Health Organization, and to identify drugs within the Drug Utilization 90% (DU90%) segment to support rational drug use. This retrospective descriptive study utilized secondary data from medical records of outpatients diagnosed with organic mental disorders at Kolonel H. M. Syukur Regional Psychiatric Hospital, Jambi, in 2024, with a total sampling of 100 patients. The results showed that the total psychotropic drug utilization was 9.89 DDD per patient per day. Antipsychotics were the most frequently used class, followed by antidepressants and anxiolytics. The DU90% segment consisted of eleven drugs, predominantly atypical antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines, with olanzapine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, and alprazolam being the most commonly prescribed. Most patients were male, in the productive age group, and diagnosed with unspecified organic mental disorders. Overall, the pattern of psychotropic drug utilization reflects the complexity of clinical manifestations in organic mental disorders and underscores the importance of monitoring drug use to promote rational prescribing practices in clinical settings.
Sciences of Pharmacy
9 Apr 202611 pages - research article
Association Between Medication Adherence and Quality of Life Among Tuberculosis Patients: A Study at Permata Kuningan Hospital
Wawang Anwarudin , Salwa Diana Hanum, Liska Marlindasari, Anna Khalida Sya'bany, Nur Azizah
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, particularly in high-burden countries such as Indonesia. Although TB is curable, prolonged therapy, potential adverse effects, and social stigma may affect medication adherence and patients’ quality of life (QoL). Evaluating the association between adherence and QoL is important to support patient-centered TB management. This study aimed to examine the association between medication adherence and quality of life among tuberculosis patients at Permata Kuningan Hospital. A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted involving 62 TB patients selected through purposive sampling. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Data were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. Most patients demonstrated high adherence (95.2%) and reported good quality of life (96.8%). Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between medication adherence and quality of life (r = 0.384; p = 0.002), indicating that higher adherence was associated with better quality of life. These findings suggest a significant association between medication adherence and quality of life among TB patients. Strategies to support adherence, including education, counseling, and monitoring, may be considered as part of comprehensive TB care to optimize patient-centered outcomes.
Sciences of Pharmacy
6 Mar 20265 pages - research article
Effect of Tween 80 and Span 80 Surfactants Systems on the Malus domestica Emulsions for Anti-Cutibacterium acnes
Theodorus Rexa Handoyo, Juniar Kalpika Resmi, Rahmi Hutabarat, Yovi Guanse
Red apple (Malus domestica) extract, rich in hydrophobic quercetin, was formulated into oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion using a 22 factorial design to evaluate Tween 80 (8-10 g) and Span 80 (2-4 g) concentrations, targeting pH (4.5-6.0), transmittance (90-100%), and viscosity (10-2000 cPs). Design-Expert® 13 analysis identified formulations F1, FA, and FAB within acceptable physical property ranges, with all red apple emulsions exhibiting O/W type, skin-compatible pH (5.20-5.48), high transmittance, and suitable viscosity. Freeze-thaw cycling (3 cycles, -15/25°C) and centrifugation showed physical stability with non-significant changes for F1 (p > 0.05). The agar well diffusion assay was performed on F1 (n = 3), which exhibited optimal physical parameters and met stability criteria, revealing Cutibacterium acnes inhibition zones up to 22.7 ± 0.577 mm. Thus, F1 emerges as a promising nanoemulsion candidate demonstrating antibacterial activity against acne-causing bacteria.
Sciences of Pharmacy
16 Feb 20268 pages - review
Nanochemistry in Vaccine Delivery: Lipid Nanoparticles, Polymers, and Hybrid Systems
Courage Chandipwisa, Agness Shimilimo, Tendai Pride Zenda, Harrison Banda
Conventional vaccines face challenges in antigen stability, delivery efficiency, and scalability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Nanochemistry offers innovative approaches through lipid nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, and hybrid systems. This review evaluates these platforms using criteria such as physicochemical properties, immunological outcomes, translational feasibility, and One Health relevance. A narrative literature review was conducted across major databases between 2015 and 2025. Studies were screened by title and abstract, excluded if not directly relevant to vaccine delivery, and weighted according to design, with clinical trials prioritized over in vitro or modeling studies. Reference lists of key papers were also examined to ensure comprehensive coverage. Lipid nanoparticles supported mRNA delivery in licensed COVID-19 vaccines, achieving strong immune responses but with variability across populations and reported adverse events including myocarditis and anaphylaxis. Polymeric nanoparticles such as PLGA and chitosan enabled controlled antigen release, though cost-effectiveness remains constrained by manufacturing and scalability challenges. Hybrid lipid-polymer systems demonstrated enhanced stability and multi-antigen presentation, with current evidence largely limited to preclinical studies. One Health implications are defined as the potential of nanochemistry to contribute to zoonotic disease prevention, food safety, and cross-species vaccine design, requiring clearer frameworks for integration. In conclusion, nanochemistry-based vaccine platforms show promise for advancing immunization strategies, but unresolved issues in safety evaluation, regulatory harmonization, and equitable access highlight the need for cautious interpretation and further interdisciplinary collaboration.
Sciences of Pharmacy
19 Jan 202612 pages - letter to editor
Inappropriate Use of Parenteral Analgesics for Mild Pain and Uncomplicated Fever in the Emergency Department: Findings from an Internal Audit
Rissa Maharani Dewi, Abdur Rosyid, Willi Wahyu Timur, Nindita Sari Nastiti, Dwi Monika Ningrum, Dimas Widiyanto
Inappropriate prescribing of parenteral analgesics in patients with mild pain or uncomplicated fever remains a relevant concern in emergency care. This study reports findings from a retrospective internal audit conducted in the emergency department of a private hospital in Banjarbaru, Indonesia, to evaluate the appropriateness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Medical records of 384 emergency department visits were reviewed, including data on pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), clinical indications, route of administration, and immediate adverse reactions. Inappropriate use was defined as administration of parenteral NSAIDs in patients with mild pain (NRS 1–3) or uncomplicated fever when oral therapy was feasible, based on Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) guidelines. The audit identified inappropriate parenteral NSAID use in 7 patients (3.6%). These cases were associated with mild, immediate adverse effects such as nausea and dizziness. Although the proportion was small, the findings indicate potentially avoidable use of injectable analgesics and highlight the need for improved adherence to guideline-based analgesic selection. Reinforcement of routine pain assessment, clinician re-education, and periodic prescribing audits are recommended to support rational and patient-centered analgesic use in emergency settings.
Sciences of Pharmacy
12 Feb 20263 pages


