Sciences of Pharmacy

Andi Maulana Kamri, Ainun Maharani Ashar, Rizqi Nur Azizah

Hypertension poses a considerable health challenge in Indonesia, particularly in South Sulawesi, marked by elevated rates of medication non-adherence. Pharmacist-led home intervention models may serve as effective strategies for engaging disadvantaged populations, especially in regions with restricted healthcare access. This study seeks to investigate determinants influencing medication adherence in hypertensive patients at Puskesmas Mandai, Maros Regency, to inform the development of a pharmacist-led home care intervention model. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to September 2025 with 35 participants, predominantly elderly women with limited educational attainment. Data were gathered through standardized questionnaires and analyzed descriptively and inferentially, incorporating forest plot visualization for odds ratios (OR). Research findings identified two primary drivers of adherence: belief in medication (OR=2.45) and information provided by pharmacists (OR=2.14). Current conditions reveal significant deficiencies 77.14% of patients lack sufficient information from pharmacists, and 51.42% do not comprehend the quality of medications utilized. These findings signify the necessity for shifting pharmaceutical services from reactive paradigms (awaiting patient visits) to proactive models (initiating patient engagement), exemplified by pharmacist-led home care, to address educational deficits and foster sustainable patient confidence. Augmenting pharmacist-led education and fostering patient trust in medicine are viable strategies to enhance adherence. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored interventions, such as home pharmacy care, to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen pharmacists' roles in chronic disease management. Further research with larger samples is recommended to corroborate these trends.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Indriyati Hadi Sulistyaningrum, Erki Arfianto, Kurnia Pasyah, Prasojo Pribadi, Seftika Sari

This cross-sectional study examined the association between knowledge and perception and telepharmacy utilization among pharmacy professional students in Central Java, Indonesia. A purposive sample (n = 219) completed a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test to assess associations between variables. The results showed that 75.8% of respondents had high knowledge and 96.8% had positive perceptions; however, only 36.1% reported telepharmacy utilization. A statistically significant association was found between knowledge and telepharmacy utilization (χ² = 5.62, p = 0.018, Cramer’s V = 0.16), indicating a small effect size. In contrast, perception was not significantly associated with telepharmacy utilization (p = 0.451). These findings suggest that knowledge may be related to telepharmacy utilization among students. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be established. Limitations of this study include non-probability sampling, self-reported data, and potential response bias. Further research with more robust designs is recommended.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Naniek Widyaningrum, Alda Rasni Dhea, Alina Nur Rofi, Thendi Abdul Arief, Willi Wahyu Timur

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles that affects more than 80% of adolescents and young adults. Conventional therapies such as antibiotics and topical retinoids have limitations in the form of resistance and irritation. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L. ) has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities that make it a safe natural anti-acne candidate. The preliminary pre-post clinical study without a control group aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a 6% topical EGCG cream in improving inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Ten participants aged 17-50 years with active acne applied the cream twice daily in a total of six months. Lesion counts (papules, pustules, and comedones) were assessed monthly and analyzed using a paired t-test. Statistically significant reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions were observed from the first month and sustained through month five (p < 0.05). Mean papules decrease from 9.40 ± 5.97 to 3.0 ± 3.13, pustules from 1.70 ± 1.57 to 0, and comedones from 21.5 ± 10.76 to 4.20 ± 3.05. Safety was evaluated through clinical monitoring and irritation testing, with no significant adverse reaction reported. Although limited by the small sample size and absence of a comparator group, these findings suggest that topical EGCG cream demonstrates preliminary efficacy and good tolerability.

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

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

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

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

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