FACULTY OF PHARMACY

Plasmodium falciparum malaria, contributing 26.8% of global malaria deaths in 2022, drives Nigeria's health burden, with artemisinin resistance necessitating novel natural product-derived treatments. This study bridges Nigeria's ethnobotanical heritage with modern pharmacognosy to evaluate the extracts of Alchornea cordifolia (Ogwu obi) and Enantia chlorantha (Awopa). This study aims to assess the antiplasmodial potential of a combined A. cordifolia and E. chlorantha extract via molecular docking against P. falciparum Plasmepsin II and evaluate its acute toxicity in mice. Leaves of A. cordifolia and stem bark of E. chlorantha were extracted with methanol, freeze-dried, and concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 40℃, respectively. Molecular docking targeted Plasmepsin II (PDB ID: 1LEE) using PyRx 0.9.8, with dihydroartemisinin (standard antimalarial drug) and R36 (co-crystallized ligand) as comparators. Compounds with binding affinities ≤ -6.5 kcal/mol were prioritised. Acute toxicity was assessed in Swiss mice using Lorke's method (10–5000 mg/kg). Drug-likeness was evaluated via SwissADME 2025.2 and ProTox-3.0. Binding affinity trends were analysed descriptively. Docking revealed 10 A. cordifolia compounds (e.g., CID:236432, -9.1 kcal/mol) and 15 E. chlorantha compounds (e.g., CID:91710667, -8.6 kcal/mol) with binding affinities ≤ -6.5 kcal/mol, comparable to dihydroartemisinin (-7.1 kcal/mol) and R36 (-10.0 kcal/mol), indicating strong Plasmepsin II inhibition. No toxicity was observed at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. Most compounds showed favourable drug-likeness.

Access to essential medicines is central to Universal Health Coverage, yet patients continue to face high out-of-pocket costs, frequent drug stock-outs and limited formularies. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA, formerly NHIS) aims to improve affordability and access, but its real-world impact on medicine accessibility at tertiary hospitals requires evaluation. Objectives General: To evaluate the impact of NHIA on accessibility to medicines at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey of NHIA-enrolled patients attending the General Patients Clinic (GPC) and Consultant Out-patients (COPD) NHIA pharmacy units at UBTH. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was completed by 311 patients (100% response rate). Data were coded and analysed in SPSS v21, using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests;
significance set at p < 0.05. Results: 311 respondents (majority 41–60 years, 58.2% male) participated in the study. Overall,
accessibility and service efficiency under NHIA were rated moderate: respondents acknowledged improved affordability, but reported persistent problems with drug availability and the collection process. Major barriers were drug stock-outs, long waiting times and poor staff communication. Statistically significant associations were observed between medicine accessibility and age
(χ²=22.0, p=0.005), education (χ²=13.8, p=0.03), duration of NHIA enrolment (χ²=16.9, p=0.02) and awareness (χ²=6.00, p=0.05). Perceived NHIA efficiency was significantly associated with age (χ²=15.5, p=0.04). A cross-tabulation of barriers/recommendations versus efficiency showed no significant association (χ²=11.46, p=0.32). Conclusions: NHIA enrolment at UBTH provides measurable financial relief and improves affordability of medicines, but is constrained by operational challenges—chiefly inconsistent medicine supply, limited formulary coverage and administrative delays. Strengthening supplychain
management, expanding the NHIA drug list, digitalizing claims and pharmacy workflows, improving staffing and instituting routine beneficiary feedback are recommended to enhance medicine accessibility and service efficiency

Artemether/Lumefantrine (AL) is one of the most widely used artemisinin- based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Given its extensive use in Nigeria and globally, a proper understanding of its drug-drug interaction potential is essential. A key mechanism underlying such interactions is the regulation of hepatic Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. However, there is a pharmacological paradox: artemisinin derivatives such as artemether are often reported as enzyme inducers, whereas lumefantrine has been associated with inhibitory effects. It remains unclear what net effect the AL combination exerts on CYP450 expression, and this knowledge is critical for predicting clinical outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the potential inductive or inhibitory action of AL on hepatic CYP450 enzymes in albino rats. Methods: Twenty-four albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): Group A (Olive oil vehicle control), Group B (Cimetidine inhibition control), Group C (Phenobarbital induction control), and Group D (AL test group). Treatments were administered orally once daily for 14 days, with AL given twice daily to reflect its clinical regimen. On day 15, animals were sacrificed and livers harvested for microsomal preparation. Microsomal protein concentration was determined using the Modified Lowry method, while total CYP450 content was quantified spectrophotometrically using the reduced carbon monoxide (CO) difference method. Results: The normalized CYP450 content (nmol/mg protein) of AL (0.165 ± 0.020) was not significantly different from the olive oil control (0.204 ± 0.022) but was significantly lower than cimetidine (0.451 ± 0.069) and phenobarbital (0.717 ± 0.186). This indicates that the expected substrate-driven induction was nullified in the AL group, aligning its CYP450 content with the inhibitory baseline. There was no significant difference in the percentage weight change between the AL group (20.10 ± 1.85) and the control group (14.20 ± 4.18). Supporting parameters such as protein concentration (16.87 ± 2.20) and denatured protein (37.70 ± 0.03) confirms that AL’s effect was specific to CYP450 modulation and not due to systemic toxicity. Conclusion: This study shows that Artemether/Lumefantrine (AL) is a net hepatic CYP450 enzyme inhibitor in albino rats. Clinically, AL may slow the metabolism of co- administered drugs, increasing the risk of accumulation and toxicity in polypharmacy cases common in malaria-endemic regions. This highlights the need for careful monitoring and possible dose adjustments of concomitant medications.

Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide and imposes a treatment gap of 60–90% in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, due to the cost and limited availability of conventional antiseizure medications. This study evaluated the
anticonvulsant-like potential of methanol leaf extracts of Ficus iteophylla (MEFI) and Tamarindus indica (METI) in mice, guided by their ethnomedicinal use in Nigerian traditional medicine for convulsions and neurological disorders.
Phytochemical screening confirmed alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and reducing sugars in both extracts; terpenoids were present only in METI. Acute oral toxicity (Lorke’s method) yielded LD₅₀ > 5,000 mg/kg for MEFI and METI, with only
transient mild sedation at high doses, establishing a broad safety margin. Doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) were selected for behavioral assays. Anticonvulsant evaluation employed the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure
model (GABAergic modulation) and maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test (sodium channel blockade/seizure spread prevention). In the PTZ model, both extracts produced significant, dose-dependent protection, delaying seizure onset
and reducing severity (peak efficacy at 400 mg/kg for METI and 200 mg/kg for MEFI, comparable to diazepam 2 mg/kg and phenobarbitone 20 mg/kg). In the MES test, extracts displayed complex non-linear responses with partial protection at 200 and
400 mg/kg but inconsistent abolition of tonic hind-limb extension, failing to reach statistical significance for full sodium-channel blockade. Brain tissue analysis in nonseizing treated animals revealed enhanced antioxidant defense: elevated activities
of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The robust anticonvulsant-like effects in the PTZ model, coupled with pronounced CNS antioxidant modulation and diverse neuroactive phytoconstituents, strongly support GABAergic enhancement and oxidative stress mitigation as primary mechanisms. Although MES outcomes were inconclusive, the findings validate ethnomedicinal claims for F. iteophylla and T. indica as safe, multi-mechanistic anticonvulsant candidates. Further studies with isolated fractions or alternative
solvents are warranted to optimize sodium-channel effects.

PURPOSE: A dispersion containing indispersible solids undergo rapid sedimentation and this makes it difficult to withdraw uniform and consistent dosing. Aim: Hence the aim of this study is to evaluate the gum extracted from Chrysophyllum albidum fruit as a suspending agent in the formulation of magnesium trisilicate and light magnesium carbonate suspension in comparison with acacia gum as a standard. Methods: The gum was extracted from the pulp of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit by precipitation with methanol and dried into powder form at room temperature for 3 days. The resulting powdered gum was subjected to physiochemical characterization and its organoleptic properties. Varying concentration (5-20%w/v) of the gum were employed in the formulation of mist magnesium trisilicate and carbonate suspension respectively and the resulting suspension were evaluated for sedimentation rates, flow rate and redispersibility index over seven days of storage respectively. Results: The viscosity indices obtained for gums were 9.38-50.33 (C.albidum) and 6.12-39.50 (A.senegal) at varying concentration 5-20%w/v respectively. Viscosity of the suspension were concentration dependent; an increase in concentration lead to corresponding increase in viscosity. The suspension displayed a decrease in sedimentation rate with increase in concentration of the gum and this is in tandem with stokes law. The results of the flow rate of freshly made suspension showed a corresponding decrease in flow rate as gum concentration increased 1.25-0.08ml/s (C.albidum) and 1.67-0.10ml/s, (A.senegal) and this affect was more marked with C.albidum. Both gums displayed similar redispersibility indices and again this was concentration dependent. Conclusion: The study showed that the gum obtained from Chrysophyllum albidum compares favourably with Acacia gum as a suspending agents in the formulation of pharmaceutical dispersion and hence they can be substituted as suspending agents in pharmaceutical suspension. From the study, research should be carried out on improved and a better method for the extraction of gum from Chrysophyllum albidum fruits.

Tamarindus indica, or the Tamarind tree, known for its numerous health benefits, is a large evergreen tree native to tropical Africa and now found in Asia. Its alcoholic extract has been found to possess hypotensive effects, and this study seeks to evaluate the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Tamarindus indica for vascular smooth muscle relaxation effects, as a possible mechanism of blood pressure reduction. Isolated rat thoracic aortic rings were suspended in an isolated organ bath with a pair of tungsten wires. A 50 mg/mL stock solution of the extract was prepared, from which serial dilutions were done to obtain the concentrations used (25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, 1.56 and 0.78 mg/mL), and volumes of 25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 uL were administered cumulatively. The experiment was done using rat thoracic aorta with intact and denuded endothelium, and rat thoracic aorta with intact endothelium, pre-contracted with 80 mM potassium chloride (KCl). The extract caused concentration-dependent relaxation of the rat thoracic aorta with intact and denuded endothelium, though this effect was slightly reduced with denuded endothelium. The extract also caused concentration-dependent relaxation of rat thoracic aorta pre-contracted with 80 mM KCl. From the results obtained from the study, it can be concluded that the extract possesses vascular smooth muscle relaxation effects, which might be both endothelium-dependent and independent, and is possibly mediated through blockade of the L-type Ca 2+ channels. This could be responsible for its blood pressure reduction effects

The measurement of health status is an important tool or process in assessing the level of the health status of Adults (18-70years) and also to examine the effect of socio-demographic factors (e.g. age, sex, marital status, occupation, educational level, etc.), physical functioning and psychological functioning on Adults and self-reported health status. AIMS: To assess the health status of Adults in Benin city, Edo state (Age 18 – 65+ years). OBJECTIVES: To examine effect of socio-demographic factors e.g Age, sex, marital status, occupation, educational level, physical functioning and psychological functioning on adult health status in Benin city. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to carry out the research. This study was carried out in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria, between December 2021 and January 2022. A total of 547 persons were sampled for the study. Convenience sampling technique was used. The research instrument for this study was a self-developed structured 1-page questionnaire designed in line with the variables to be measured. Data cleaning and processing was done using Microsoft Excel. nferential analysis such as student t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance was done as appropriate with the use of Graphpad Instat 3.0.

Phytochemicals constituents were screened for using different reagent to test for the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, reducing sugars and flavonoids. Diverse ethno medical applications exist for Vernonia amygdalina. However, the plant has only been the subject of a limited number of pharmacological research, and there hasn't been a thorough scientific investigation of its aphrodisiac properties. As a result, this study examined the aphrodisiac potential of extract and fractions of Vernonia amygdalina leaves utilizing physical and behavioral sexual parameters as well as in-vitro tests of the plant's effects on the corpus cavernosum muscles in male Wister rats. The powdered plant material was extracted with ethanol and the extract was subjected various solvent fractionation to obtain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and residual aqueous fractions. After 2 weeks of acclimatization, oestrus was induced in the female rats by giving them 100mcg of ethinyl oestradiol orally and 1mg of progesterone subcutaneously, respectively, 24 hours and 3 hours before mating. The 35 male wister rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 5 animals each, while 10 female rats were also obtained for the study. Animals in group 1 received 0.5mL of distilled water and each animal in this group received 20% Tween 80 (0.5mL) and this served as the negative group. Animals in groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 received 50 mg/kg of the ethanolic extract, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of V. amygdalina respectively in each group. Group 7 animals were given sildenafil 100mg/kg and served as the positive control. All administrations were done orally, and the physical parameters of aphrodisiac activity were measured. Also, the Corpus cavernosum smooth muscle was obtained from intact male rat and mounted in a 10 mL organ bath chamber containing Kreb's solution to evaluate the effects of the plant extract and fractions on the muscle. The direct effects of cumulative plant fractions concentrations were examined after tissue equilibration and response recording for 15 minutes without flushing. The plant fractions were utilized at doses of 0.78, 1.56, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/ml. In the presence of potassium, a pre-contractile agent, the identical process was done for the plant fractions. On a computer, the changes in isometric tension were monitored and noted. Following the administration of each concentration, a contact period of five minutes was permitted. The tissues were then cleansed three times and given 30 minutes to equilibrate before the next round of administration. The measurement of sexual behavior parameters, such as anogenital grooming, genital sniffing, mounting frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory frequency, mounting latency, intromission latency, and ejaculatory latency, showed a significant improvement in sexual activities. The plant fractions also generated a similar amount of relaxation of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle to that brought on by the reference medication. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the ethyl acetate and aqueous fraction of V. amygdalina leaves have strong aphrodisiac qualities and can relax the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle.

Picralima nitida, commonly known as Akuamma, is a plant native to West Africa and has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. This study aims to investigate the phytochemical composition and subchronic toxicity profile, with a specific focus on biochemical analysis and histopathology of rats administered the roots of Picralima nitida. Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard chemical tests and the subchronic toxicity study was done for 28 days with the administration of the methanolic root extract to the rats. Biochemical analysis and histopathological studies were carried out after to assess subchronic
toxicity effects. Picralima nitida was shown to contain phytochemicals most likely responsible for its pharmacological properties and therefore, its ethnomedicinal uses. The rats in the treatment groups based on the biochemical parameters showed no signs of toxicity when compared to the control group. In conlusion, phytochemical screening and subchronic toxicity evaluation are essential steps in assessing the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants. The study demonstrates that the root extract at doses administered were not toxic. However, further studies are needed where the animals are given higher doses with longer durations to fully understand the plant's toxicity.

Rising incidences of benign and cancerous tumours, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)and prostate cancer, coupled with the unpleasant side effects of current therapy, suggest a needtosearch for new drug molecules. The stem bark of Lonchocarpus grif onianus G. Don(Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant used in Nigeria to treat BPH and other tumourrelated ailments. No pharmacological study on the use of the plant for treating BPHhas beenreported. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of L. grif onianus (LG) on BPH. Two organs (stem and root barks) of LG were identified, collected, pulverized and extractedwithabsolute methanol (99 %) using a Soxhlet extractor. Comparative preliminary biological
evaluations were done on the L. grif onianus stem bark (LGSB) extract and root bark (LGRB)extracts using two benchtop assays (cytotoxic and antiproliferative). The acute toxicity of theLGstem bark extract was done using a modified Lorke's method. The extract was subjectedtoVacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) and Gravity Column Chromatography (GCC) toobtaintwo isolated compounds, LO1 and LO2. The compounds were subjected to MS and 1DNMRanalysis for identification. The isolated compounds (LO1 and LO2) were subjected to cytotoxicevaluation on human prostate (PC3) and uterine cervical cancer (Hela) cell lines using a 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Anti-BPHevaluationwasdone on the extract and LO1 using testosterone-induced BPH in the rat model. BPHwas inducedby the administration of testosterone propionate (4 mg/kg, s.c., in olive oil) for 28 days. LGSBextract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), LO1 (5 mg/kg), LGSB extract (200 mg/kg)+finasteride(5mg/kg) and finasteride (5 mg/kg) were orally administered daily. On day 29, the rats weresacrificed under anaesthesia and blood was collected via the abdominal aorta. The collectedblood was centrifuged, and the serum was separated. The serum was analyzed for biochemical
parameters such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone and estradiol. The prostatewasharvested for histological examination. The wet weight and volume of the prostate were taken. The prostate index (PI) was calculated. All data were expressed as mean ± SEM(standarderrorof the mean) and were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), The result of preliminary evaluations indicated that the LGSB extract has a higher activity(100±0.00% mortality at 80 µg/mL) than the LGRB extract (3.33 ± 1.29%at 80 µg/mL). Acutetoxicity results revealed no mortality in both phases after oral administration with LD50>5000mg/kg. LO1 and LO2 significantly inhibited the multiplication of PC3 and Hela cells invitro.