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

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

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