FACULTY OF PHARMACY

Background: Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries as it is pumped by the heart. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: Systolic BP (the pressure during heart contraction) over diastolic BP (the pressure during relaxation). Hypertension and hypotension are two common conditions associated with blood pressure dysregulation. Accurate measurement of BP is crucial in diagnosing and managing hypertension, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney failure. Body and arm positioning significantly affect the accuracy of blood pressure readings. Purpose: This study is to investigate the effect of body and arm positions on blood pressure readings.
Methods: The study checks the blood pressure of 60 student participants using a digital and a mercury sphygmomanometer to compare the difference in readings obtained before the digital sphygmomanometer was then used to measure the blood pressure of 60 staff of the University of Benin.
Results: The difference between the digital sphygmomanometer readings against mercury sphygmomanometer was determined to not be statistically significant (P>0.05). The findings show that the difference between the blood pressure values derived from the standard blood pressure measurement posture compared to the other 9 different arm and body positions used in this study was determined to be statistically significant (P-value <0.0001).
Conclusion: Body and arm positioning have significant effects on blood pressure readings, regardless of sex, age, or body mass index. Improper positioning such as unsupported back, crossed legs, or arm below heart level results in elevated readings that may lead to overestimation of blood pressure and potential misdiagnosis of hypertension. Digital sphygmomanometers can provide reliable results if proper blood pressure measurement techniques are followed.

Alstonia boonei has long been used in traditional medicine on various health conditions such as,
cardiovascular conditions, though its precise vasorelaxant mechanism remains unclear. Hypertension, often linked to vascular smooth muscle hyper contraction and endothelial dysfunction, is a leading cardiovascular risk. While conventional anti hypertensive target these pathways, they can have side
effects, high costs, and limited accessibility, prompting interest in medicinal plants as alternative therapies. This study evaluated the vasorelaxant effect of Alstonia boonei extracton rat thoracic aorta
rings precontracted with KCl and norepinephrine. Thoracic aortae were isolated from Wistar rats and sectioned into3–4 mm rings, mounted in a 25 mL organ bath at 37°C with continuous aeration (95%O₂,5%CO₂), and equilibrated under 1 g resting tension. Contractions were induced with 80mM KCl or 1 μM norepinephrine to establish baselines. The extract was then administered cumulatively, and vascular responses were recorded via Power Lab. Relaxation was expressed as a percentage of the initial contraction, with data analyzed using Graph Pad Prism (mean ± SEM, P < 0.05). The extract induced concentration-dependent relaxation in aortic rings precontracted with both KCl and norepinephrine, suggesting inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium channels and attenuation of receptor-mediated contraction. These findings support the vasorelaxant potential of Alstonia boonei and provide a mechanistic rationale for its ethnomedicinal use in hypertension. The study highlights its promise as a natural source of vasorelaxant compounds, though further work is needed to isolate active constituents, elucidate molecular pathways, and assess long-term therapeutic effect.

Medication adherence remains a critical determinant of therapeutic success, particularly in the management of chronic or recurrent conditions such as peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This study assessed the level of adherence to prescribed ulcer medications among pharmacy students at the University of Benin, identified key factors influencing adherence, and examined facilitators that promote consistent medication use. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 300 purposively selected respondents. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were utilized to summarize participants’ characteristics, while Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between adherence levels and influencing variables at a 5% significance level. Findings revealed that 24.7% of respondents demonstrated high medication adherence, 40.2% showed moderate adherence, and 35.1% exhibited low adherence. The major barriers identified included inadequate knowledge (53.1%), forgetfulness (42.8%), financial constraints (48.0%), and academic stress (48.0%). Significant determinants of adherence were gender (p = 0.038), forgetfulness (p = 0.005), medication cost (p = 0.030), inadequate knowledge (p < 0.001), limited healthcare access (p = 0.002), and academic stress (p < 0.001). Conversely, access to free or subsidized medications (p = 0.028) and counselling (p = 0.030) positively influenced adherence levels. In summary, the findings emphasize the need for multifaceted interventions, incorporating education, financial support, and counselling to improve medication adherence and optimize therapeutic outcomes among students managing peptic ulcers.

Background:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a major public health concern associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in early detection, management, and education regarding GDM, yet their knowledge and practices remain inconsistent in many low- and middle-income settings.
Objective:
This study assessed the knowledge, perception, and practice related to GDM among healthcare providers in primary healthcare facilities in Egor and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas,Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 176 healthcare providers selected from 25 primary health facilities using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statisticundergraal Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Associations
between knowledge and demographic variables were tested using Fisher’s Exact Test and Chi- square analysis at a significance level ofp < 0.05. The reliability ofthe knowledge scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.
Results:
Most respondents were female (84.1%) and nurses or midwives (43.8%). About 78.4% had heard ofGDM, and 50.6% reported receiving formal training on it. The overall knowledge level was fair, with 52.8% scoring in the “fair knowledge” range, 37.5% poor, and 9.7% good. Years ofprofessional experience showed a significant association with GDM knowledge (p = 0.045). Significant relationships were also observed between GDM knowledge and variables such as prior training (p = 0.020) and location ofscreening practices (p = 0.037). Cronbach’s alpha of 0.744 indicated good internal consistency ofthe questionnaire.
Conclusion:
Healthcare providers demonstrated moderate awareness and fair knowledge ofGDM, influenced significantly by years ofexperience and prior training. Continuous professional education and standardized screening protocols are recommended to improve GDM management practices and ultimately enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Keywords:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Knowledge, Perception, Practice, Healthcare Providers, Primary Health Care in Nigeria.

SARS-CoV-2, an RNA virus from the Coronaviridae family, remains a global threat due to its rapid variant evolution and immune evasion. Artemisia annua is used traditionally to treat malaria and has documented antiviral activity. This study assesses the inhibitory potential of A. annua extracts against the SARS-CoV-2 helicase 5RMM responsible for viral replication using computational and biochemical methods. Phytoconstituents present in this plant were obtained from literature sources as well as GC-MS analysis. Their 3D structures were obtained from PubChem; the protein helicase (5RMM) was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and processed using Biovia Discovery Studio 2025. Molecular docking was performed using PyRx. Post-docking analysis was done using Biovia Discovery Studio 2025, and ADMET profiling was conducted using the Swiss ADME web server and Pro-Tox 3.0 virtual lab. Eighteen (18) phytoconstituents from the isolated compounds showed low ΔG energy ˂-7 kcal/mol. Others have ΔG energy <-6.5 kcal/mol. Post-docking analysis and ADMET profiling of the ligands showed that Quercimeritrin and Rhamnetin were identified as putative drug molecules based on their high binding affinity and hydrogen-bond interactions with the target protein's active-site amino acid residues. deoxyartemisinin from the n-Hexane extract and 3H- Cyclodeca[b]furan-2-one,4,9-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3,10-dimethylene-3a,4,7,8,9,10,11,11a- octahydro- from the dichloromethane extract were also highlighted for their high binding affinity scores. Isolated compounds, especially flavonols from Artemisia annua, demonstrate notable in- silico antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Findings suggest the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Further investigation is required to confirm the compounds’ efficacy, elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action, and assess their safety across diverse biological systems

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurones, motor dysfunction and accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein in the brains of affected individuals. There is currently no cure for this disorder which is prevalent in African and Hispanic men. Drugs currently in use only alleviate symptoms but do not reverse underlying neurodegeneration, thus the need for novel therapies cannot be over emphasized. Afzelia africana, a plant used in Ethnomedicine for a host of diseases is credited with neuroprotective properties. This study evaluated the effect of the ethanol extract of Afzelia africana stem bark in neurobehaviour, haemotological indices and the presence of misfolded alpha synuclein protein in rotenoneinduced PD in Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening was conducted to determine the bioactive constituents present in the extract. Acute toxicity (LD50) was assessed in mice using the modified Lorke’s method, while the neurobehaviour was evaluated in rats using the beam walking and catalepsy tests. Thirty male rats randomly distributed into five groups were used for the second phase of this study. There were either untreated (control), treated with the vehicle only, 250 or 500 mg/kg A. Africana daily for 10 days (Groups 1-5). Animals in groups 3-5 received 1 mg/kg of rotenone on days 1, 4, 7 and 10. All animals were subjected to the beam walking assay and catalepsy tests on days 0,5 and 10. On the 11th day, animals were sacrificed with ketamine, the brains and blood of test animals were collected and used for assay of misfolded alpha synuclein and haematological analysis respectively. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, reducing sugars, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins and cardiac glycosides while steroids were absent. Acute toxicity studies showed no mortality at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, indicating a high safety margin. Treatment with both doses of A. africana significantly (p<0.05) increased time spent in the beam walking assay and reduced the cataleptic score following treatment with rotenone. Haematological indices were also significantly increased at both doses while only the low dose caused a decrease in the expression of misfolded alpha synuclein post treatment with rotenone. The ethanol extract of Afzelia africana exhibited a favourable safety profile, reduced neurological deficits, improved haematological indices and reduced expression of misfolded alpha synuclein protein, and thus may be a candidate in the search for agents useful in the amelioration of PD

Dracaena arborea is traditionally used in African medicine for treating cardiovascular ailments, including palpitations and irregular heartbeat, yet its antiarrhythmic mechanism remains poorly defined. Cardiac arrhythmias, a major cause of morbidity and mortality, often
result from disturbances in ion channel activity, altered cardiac excitability, or impaired conduction. Although conventional antiarrhythmic drugs effectively target these pathways, their side effects and limited accessibility have prompted growing interest in plant-based
alternatives. This study investigated the in vitro antiarrhythmic potential of the methanol stem bark extract of Dracaena arborea using isolated animal heart preparations.Isolated rat atrial tissues were mounted in an organ bath containing aerated Locke-Ringer’s
solution at 37°C, while contractile responses were recorded using a force transducer connected to a data acquisition system. The effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on cardiac contractility and rhythm was assessed. Additionally, the Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart model was employed to evaluate the extract’s influence on experimentally induced arrhythmias. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analysed using GraphPad Prism, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. The results demonstrated that the Dracaena arborea extract produced a concentrationdependent reduction in the force and rate of contraction of isolated rat atria. In the Langendorff model, the extract significantly suppressed arrhythmic activity induced by adrenaline and calcium overload, showing a stabilizing effect on cardiac rhythm comparable to standard antiarrhythmic agents such as propranolol. These findings suggest that the extract may exert its action through modulation of calcium influx or β-adrenergic receptor blockade. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying its antiarrhythmic properties could contribute to the development of novel plant-based therapeutic agents for arrhythmia and vascular dysfunction.

Background of Study:
Recently, financial mental health has garnered increasing attention from researchers, although practitioners have long been aware of clients whose financial issues affect their cognitive, emotional, and relational well-being. The latest studies in financial mental health have focused on financial disorders and money scripts (Klontz et al., 2012; Klontz et al., 2011; Klontz et al., 2016). Identified financial disorders include: a) financial enabling, b) compulsive buying disorder, c) compulsive hoarding, d) pathological gambling, e) workaholism, f) financial dependence, g) financial infidelity, and h) financial enmeshment (Klontz et al., 2016; Klontz et al., 2011). Financial stress and anxiety are also considered integral aspects of financial mental health. Financial anxiety can be described as the subjective experience of stress and worried thoughts related to one's financial situation. Studies indicate that financial anxiety is distinct from general anxiety, with a correlation of about 0.40 (Shapiro and Burchell, 2012). Additionally, financial anxiety can hinder a person's ability to make effective financial decisions (Ali et al., 2020), decrease the likelihood of seeking financial advice (Gerrans and Hershey, 2017), and adversely affect overall mental health (Greene et al., 2016). Therefore, identifying and understanding the predictors of financial anxiety is considered important. The prevalence of financial anxiety among students is well-documented. Many students struggle with the costs of tuition, living expenses, and student loans (though this is not common in Nigeria). These financial pressures are compounded by the need to balance part-time work with academic responsibilities, exacerbating feelings of stress and anxiety. Pharmacy students, in particular, may experience higher levels of financial anxiety due to the demanding nature of their programs and the associated costs. The implications of financial anxiety therefore extend beyond financial decision-making, impacting overall mental health. Chronic financial stress can lead to conditions such as depression and anxiety, further complicating students' ability to succeed academically. Identifying and addressing the predictors of financial anxiety, therefore, becomes essential in fostering a supportive environment for students.

Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity in Nigeria, and community pharmacists are positioned to bridge the documented "profoundly poor" self-care gap in Lokoja. This study evaluated the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Lokoja's community pharmacists regarding evidence-based hypertension management. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated KAP questionnaire, achieving an 88% participation rate (n=44) from the total population (N=50) of community pharmacists in Lokoja. Pharmacists demonstrated a highly positive attitude towards their role (WM=4.70) but perceived their pharmacies as unprepared for these services (WM=3.39). A critical knowledge deficit was identified: 75.8% were familiar with the outdated 2003 JNC 7 guideline, while only 27.3% knew the current 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. This correlated with poor knowledge of current Stage 1 (59.1%) and Stage 2 (54.5%) hypertension definitions. Practice was clearly divided, with high engagement in passive counseling (e.g., "Medication Counseling," 86.4% "Always") but low engagement in systematic, long-term care (e.g., "Documentation," WM=3.48; "Patient follow-up," WM=4.02). A significant knowledge-practice gap exists among Lokoja's pharmacists, driven not by poor attitude but by outdated guideline knowledge and environmental barriers. Mandated CPD on current guidelines and implementation of structured in-pharmacy systems are recommended..

The traditional use of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) includes the treatment of various ailments, notably diabetes, and its application as an abortifacient and contraceptive. Reports that its seeds can induce uterine contractions raise concerns regarding its safety during
pregnancy. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the effect of the M. charantia leaf extract on the isolated uterus of non-pregnant mice. Hydro-alcoholic extract was obtained from extracting the powdered leaf material with Hydro-ethanol (1:1) solvent using a Soxhlet
apparatus. Twenty-five non-pregnant albino mice were used, and those in the estrus phase (identified by vaginal smears) were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Uterine strips were isolated, cleaned, mounted in a 10 ml organ bath containing aerated physiological saline
solution maintained at 37∘C, and subjected to a 40-minute equilibration period with 0.5 g resting tension. Changes in isometric contractions were recorded using LabChart Software. The M. charantia leaf extract (0.00625 – 0.4 mg/mL) was added cumulatively to assess its
effects on spontaneous, oxytocin-induced (14 nM), and high potassium-induced contractions (80 mM) as well as oxytocin-induced contractions in a calcium-free medium. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test (p<0.05). The leaf extract of M.
charantia inhibited spontaneous uterine contractions in a concentration-dependent manner, causing a significant decrease in the force of contraction(amplitude) but not the frequency. The extract also significantly and concentration-dependently decreased the force of contractions
induced by both oxytocin and high potassium, again with no observable changes in contraction frequency. However, the extract did not significantly alter oxytocin-induced contractions when tested in a calcium-free medium. In conclusion the inhibitory effect of M. charantia leaf extract on both spontaneous and induced uterine contractions suggests a calcium-dependent
mechanism. This mechanism likely involves the blockade of calcium influx from the extracellular compartment rather than the inhibition of intracellular calcium release, offering insight into the plant's traditional use and potential pharmacological targets.