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

Azis Ikhsanudin, Teuku Nanda Saifullah Sulaiman, Khadijah Zai, Navista Sri Octa Ujiantari

Curcumin has been widely reported to exhibit anticancer potential; however, its clinical application is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low permeability. This study aimed to develop a thermoresponsive hydrogel system based on Poloxamer 407 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for localized curcumin delivery through sol–gel transition at physiological temperature. Curcumin nanoparticles were prepared via ionic gelation and incorporated into hydrogel matrices containing varying ratios of Poloxamer 407 and HPMC. Optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology. pH, gelation time, and viscosity were selected as critical quality attributes reflecting the applicability of in situ hydrogels. The evaluated responses included pH (5–7), gelation time (9–11 min), and viscosity (2000–5000 mPa·s), with model validation based on lack-of-fit > 0.05, high R², a difference between adjusted and predicted R² < 0.2, and adequate precision > 4. Nano-curcumin exhibited a particle size of 423.03 ± 27.80 nm, PDI of 0.59 ± 0.08, and a zeta potential of −12.47 ± 0.74 mV. The optimized formulation (17.067% Poloxamer 407 and 4% HPMC) achieved a desirability value of 0.86, with a pH of 5.85, gelation time of 9 minutes, and viscosity of 4389.76 mPa·s. In vitro release followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, indicating diffusion-controlled release and suggesting the suitability of the optimized thermosensitive hydrogel as a localized curcumin delivery platform. These findings provide a basis for further investigation of the system’s stability and performance under extended conditions.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Niken Luthfiyanti, Burhannudin Ichsan

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among women worldwide, and hormonal therapy is a cornerstone in the management of hormone receptor-positive cases, although its impact on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and quality of life (QoL) remains a concern. This study aimed to evaluate the association between hormonal therapy patterns, ADRs, and QoL in breast cancer patients. An observational analytic study with a crosssectional design was conducted at Dr. Moewardi Regional General Hospital, Surakarta, from January to June 2025, involving 64 patients selected through consecutive sampling. Data were collected from medical records and structured interviews. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and ADRs were evaluated using the FACT-ES instrument. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Most patients were aged < 50 years (60.9%) and diagnosed at an advanced stage (57.8%). No significant associations were found between sociodemographic or clinical characteristics and type of therapy, survival duration, or ADR severity (all p> 0.05). The most common ADRs were fatigue (51.6%) and hot flushes (50%). QoL assessment showed good functional status (mean = 79.65) and low symptom burden (mean = 25.06), but poor global health status (mean = 26.30). Cancer stage (p = 0.010) and type of therapy (p = 0.027) were significantly associated with QoL. Multivariate analysis confirmed that advanced-stage cancer (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14-0.68; p = 0.004) and combination therapy (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.21-0.92; p = 0.024) were independent predictors of poorer QoL. These findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment strategies to optimize patient quality of life.

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

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

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

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

Sulistiyaningsih Sulistiyaningsih, Tri Diana Puspita Rini, Indiana Gita Anggraeni

Nicotine addiction remains a major global health problem that necessitates the development of safe and effective supportive therapies. This study aimed to characterize the metabolite profiles of lemon essential oil (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. ) and 96% ethanol extract of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.) using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and to explore their potential mechanisms in nicotine addiction management through a literature-based mechanism mapping approach. Compounds were identified based on retention time, mass spectrum matching, and relative peak area percentages. GC-MS analysis showed that lemon essential oil was predominantly composed of D-limonene (58.72%), followed by β-pinene (13.82%) and γ-terpinene (11.43%). Meanwhile, the 96% ethanol extract of mango leaves was dominated by methyl gallate (27.61%), along with several phenolic compounds and triterpenoids, including vitamin E and lupeol. The identified metabolites suggest distinct but potentially complementary biological activities. Lemon essential oil may exert supportive effects through neuromodulatory pathways, whereas mango leaf extract may contribute through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These findings indicate that both natural products possess potential complementary roles as supportive agents in nicotine addiction management. However, further biological and clinical studies are required to validate their efficacy and safety.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Abdur Rosyid, Satibi Satibi, Fita Rahmawati, Lutfan Lazuardi

Intermittent fasting has increasingly been incorporated into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) strategies for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The extent to which weekly fasting frequency dictates glycemic outcomes is well-noted; however, the distinct clinical benefit of increasing Sunnah fasting adherence to two days weekly remains an unresolved question in diabetes management. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Monday-only Sunnah fasting versus combined Monday and Thursday Sunnah fasting on Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This research is a pre-experimental employing a within-subject exploratory pilot comparison with a single-group pre-post design involving 50 participants selected through purposive sampling, with data analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test (p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that most participants (84%) were between 43 and 54 years of age, and the majority were female (56%). practicing Sunnah fasting twice weekly (Monday and Thursday) resulted in significantly lower average FBG (186,67 mg/dL) compared to fasting only once a week on Mondays (202.28 mg/dL), statistically significant reduction in FBG (Z= -2.660, p= 0.008; r= 0.37, Cohen’s d= 0.79). The study suggests that practicing Sunnah fasting twice weekly offers a more favorable impact on fasting blood glucose control for T2DM patients than fasting only once a week.

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

Lia Puspitasari, Rizky Dwi Larasati, Zahra Ayu Maharani

Chemometrics is essential in modern pharmaceutical development for enhancing analysis and quality control. Despite its importance, the evolutionary trajectory and thematic shifts of chemometrics within pharmaceutical formulation have not been comprehensively synthesized. This study aims to explore publication trends, scientific collaborations, and keywords in research related to the application of chemometrics to pharmaceutical formulations, using a bibliometric approach. Data were retrieved from Scopus (2005–2025) using a structured search strategy focusing on "pharmaceutical formulation", "drug formulation", and "pharmaceutical development". The search was limited to English-language original articles or reviews. Bibliometric mapping was performed using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R-package, applying a minimum keyword occurrence of 5, full counting method, and association strength normalization. A total of 516 documents were identified. Publications have increased significantly in the last decade, with research articles being the dominant document type. Egypt and the United States are the countries with the highest contribution and citation impact. The Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis is ranked highest in terms of the number of publications and influence. Khan, Mansoor A., is the most productive author, while the Faculty of Pharmacy at Cairo University and the FDA are the most productive organizations. Keyword analysis revealed various main themes and a division into seven clusters, highlighting an evolutionary shift from traditional analysis toward Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and Quality by Design (QbD). These findings highlight the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and the potential for further exploration of novel approaches in pharmaceutical product development.

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