FACULTY OF PHARMACY

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs due to progressive loss of dopaminergic neuron resulting in motor dysfunction with symptoms such as bradykinesia, akinesia and non-motor symptoms such as anxiety and cognitive deficits. Experimental models using neurotoxins such as rotenone mimic the features of Parkinson’s disease. Afzelia africana, a medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties has shown potential neuroprotective properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biochemical and behavioural effects of Afzelia africana in rotenone-induced Parkinsonism using catalepsy and beam walking. Phytochemical screening of the stem bark of Afzelia africana was conducted to determine the bioactive phytoconstituents present and acute toxicity studies was done to determine the safety profile of the plant. Rats randomly divided into different groups viz: no treatment, vehicle only, rotenone plus vehicle, rotenone plus 250 mg/kg of stem bark extract, and rotenone plus 500 mg/kg of stem bark extract were used for the study. These were treated daily with either the vehicle or two doses of Afzelia africana. Rats subject to rotenone treatment received rotenone on days 1,4,7 and 10 of the study. Catalepsy and beam walking were conducted to assess motor performance on days 0, 5 and 10. Animals were sacrificed on the 11 th day and organs harvested for biochemical analysis. The mean lethal dose of Afzelia africana was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Afzelia africana at doses used in this study reduced the cataleptic score and increased time spent in the beam walking. Treatment with A, africana reduced rotenone elevated levels of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase in the livers of test animals. A. africana also reduced urea and creatinine levels increased by rotenone. Findings from this that the ethanol extract of Afzelia africana has nephroprotective and hepatoprotective potential.

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are unintended, harmful responses to medications at normal therapeutic doses causing significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Effective pharmacovigilance (PV) is essential for detecting, assessing and preventing ADR. Reporting of ADRs by healthcare professionals is vital for the success of pharmacovigilance. Community Pharmacists play a key role in ADR reporting but underreporting remains a serious issue. This study focuses on assessing theknowledge, attitude and practice of ADR reporting among community pharmacists in Benin City. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of community pharmacists in adverse drug reactions reporting. METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval from the Faculty of Pharmacy Ethics Committee, a cross sectional study was employed. The study employed the use of a structured questionnaire as the major instrument of data collection. The questionnaire was carefully developed to address the objectives of the study and distributed to licensed community pharmacists. The data obtained was analyzed using the software, SPSS version 29. RESULTS: From the study conducted, a total of 184 community pharmacists participated, of which 65.4% were males while 34.6% were females. The result showed an encouraging awareness levels ofcommunity pharmacists to pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting practices. Almost all respondents (98.9%) acknowledged that ADRs should be reported by community pharmacists and recognized the importance of such reporting for patient safety. Poor knowledge about drug-induced diseases was evident in only 11% of participants while 52% demonstrated good knowledge. Attitudes were primarily positive (78%) and practices vi were categorized as good for 7%, fair for 27% and poor for 66% of pharmacists. The top five reported barriers to ADR reporting were unavailability of ADR forms (27%), uncertainty about causality (13.7%), lack of time/workload (12.3%), no rewards for reporting (9.7%), and complexity of the reporting form (8.7%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that community pharmacists in Benin City had an encouraging awareness level to pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting practices, a good knowledge of drug-induced diseases, and demonstrated a positive attitude towards ADR reporting but consistent ADR reporting was still below expectations. Thus, there is poor reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by community pharmacists in Benin City

The use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the preservation of food substances most especially beans from pest has raised concerns about the potential impact on the
nutritional value of food crops, including beans. This study aimed to determine the levels of OCP residues in beans, assess their impact on the nutritional value, (proximate composition) Such as %Protein content, %Ash content, %moisture content, %crude fibre, ethyl extract and nitrogen free extract. The presence of heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and copper (Cu), minerals and some vital elements. Objective: To assess the impact of organochlorine pesticides on the nutritional values of beans. Method: Beans sample was collected from the market and was divided into four portions T0 (control), T1, T2 and T3 each portion weighing 200g respectively. Three concentration of sniper
were prepared 10%, 20% and 50%. And was used mixed the beans sample labeled (T1,T2 and T3) except the control T0,each sample were air dried and milled into fine powder, Protein content was determined using Kjeldahl digestion and the ammonia obtain was titrated again
sulphuric acid. The heavy metals (Pb) and (Cu) as well as minerals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry AAS. Result: The results for % protein was significant lesser in control (T0) 16.7, the value increased
slightly as concentration of sniper used for treated sample increased from 10 %( 18.74) to 20% however, decreased when 50 %( 18.88) sniper was used but still higher as opposed to control. Lead content was 0.00 for control and value became 0.01 for 10%,,0.02 for 20% and 0.03 for
50%.The content of copper was 0.09 for control and the content increased as the concentration of copper increased. Conclusion: Organochlorine pesticides significant affect the nutritional value of beans, and contaminate the bean samples with lead which is not safe health and can pose a diverse health risk to human such as cognitive impairment, kidney and liver toxicity as well as reproductive
issues like infertility due to lead contents.

Background: The stability of pharmaceutical suspensions depends on their rheological properties, which are influenced by the type and concentration of suspending agents. This study evaluated and compared the rheological properties and performance of various suspending agents in ibuprofen suspension formulations. Methodology: Ten suspending agents Chitosan, Sodium Alginate, NaCMC, HPMC, HEC, Carbopol, CMEC, MC, Eudragit L-100, and PVP, were prepared using appropriate solvents. Eudragit L-100 was dissolved in ethanol, HEC, HPMC, and Carbopol in hot water, Chitosan in 1% H₂SO₄, while others were dispersed in distilled water. Each was evaluated for pH,
density, and viscosity. Six agents (NaCMC, CMEC, Sodium Alginate, MC, HPMC, and Carbopol) were selected to formulate ibuprofen suspensions, assessed for pH, viscosity, and sedimentation rate at ambient temperature. Results: All suspending agents produced formulations with acceptable pH (4.1–5.9). Viscosity increased with polymer concentration; Carbopol and NaCMC at 1.0% formed gel like systems, while0.5%gave smooth, pourable suspensions. Sedimentation tests showed the control settled rapidly, whereas Carbopol and NaCMC formulations exhibited the highest stability with uniform sedimentation over seven days. Conclusion: All agents improved suspension stability, though performance varied with concentration. Carbopol and NaCMC at 0.5% provided the best balance between viscosity and pourability, making them most suitable for ibuprofen suspensions

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health problem that requires exploration for new natural drug alternatives. This study examines the extraction process, chemical analysis, and assessment of the antimicrobial properties of the volatile oils from Cymbopogon citratus and Ageratum conyzoides. Whole volatile oils were extracted from the two plants by hydrodistillation. The chemical constituents of both are compared by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Five bacterial and two fungal strains were chosen for the antimicrobial studies. The cup-plate agar diffusion method was used to test microbial susceptibility to the volatile oils. The oil yield of the two plants was 1.4% for C. citratus and 0.0079% for A. conyzoides. GC-MS analysis indicated that citral is the main ingredient of C. citratus, while A. conyzoides was high in precocene. C. citratus oil exhibited potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against in vitro-tested pathogenic bacteria and fungi in a dose-dependent concentration. With a potent antifungal activity. On the other hand, the essential oil of A. conyzoides showed weak performance and hence inhibited only P. aeruginosa and C. albicans at the highest concentration tested (25% w/v) and exhibited a weak effect against the other clinical isolates used in the study. C. citratus volatile oil demonstrated a very good antimicrobial activity and could serve as a good antimicrobial agent against bacterial and fungal infection

Laurus nobilis (Bay leaf) is traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes, including the management of pain, inflammation, and menstrual disorders. Its leaves and essential oil contain bioactive compounds such as 1, 8-cineole and eugenol with known smooth muscle effects, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Some reports suggest possible reproductive and abortifacient effects of L. nobilis. However, its direct effect on uterine contractility is not well established. 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 swiss albino mice were used, and those in the estrous 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℃, and subjected to a 40 minute equilibrium period with 0.5 g resting tension. Changes in isometric contractions were recorded using LabChart Software. The L. nobilis leaf extract (0.00625 - 0.4mg/ml) was added cumulatively to assess its effects on spontaneous, oxytocin-induced (14 nM), and high potassium-induced (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). L. nobilis leaf extract significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous uterine contractions and contraction induced by high KCl. It produced a slight, non-significant inhibition of oxytocin-induced contractions. In calcium-free medium, the extract markedly suppressed the frequency but only slightly reduced the amplitude of oxytocin-induced contractions. These findings indicate that L. nobilis leaf extract exerts an inhibitory effect on spontaneous and agonist-induced uterine contractions, probably through mechanisms involving blockade of extracellular calcium influx and intracellular calcium release.

Background Polypharmacy—commonly understood as someone taking five or more
medicines at the same time—has become a major concern in geriatric populations with
chronic diseases, contributing to increased risks of adverse drug reactions, harmful drug
interactions, poor medication adherence, and an overall decline in a person’s quality of life. In Nigeria, where healthcare systems face challenges like reduced access to specialized
geriatric care and increased rates of inappropriate prescribing, the prevalence of
polypharmacy remains understudied. Deprescribing—the supervised withdrawal or dose reduction of unnecessary or potentially harmful medications—offers a promising strategy to
optimize pharmacotherapy, but its implementation is influenced by patient attitudes, healthcare provider practices, and systemic barriers. This study evaluates the extent of
polypharmacy and explores deprescribing opportunities among geriatric patients with chronic
diseases at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), a tertiary care facility in
southern Nigeria. Objective: The primary aim was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of polypharmacy in geriatric patients with chronic conditions. Secondary objectives included assessing patients' attitudes toward deprescribing, identifying potentially inappropriate
medications (PIMs) using established criteria (STOPP/START). Method: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. Participants were geriatric greater than 60 years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires containing demographics information, medication use, patients’ attitude towards deprescription and an investigator filled portion containing details on comorbidities, specific medication (including
OTC), Patients diagnosis, PIMs. The PIMs were identified using the START/STOPP criterial. Statistics analysis used were descriptive (frequencies, means, percentage) with inferential
statistics (chi square) to explore association between polypharmacy and factor like age, comorbidities etc RESULTS: The results from the study shows of the 240 geriatric patients (mean age 70.38 ±
4.13 years; 56.3% male) at UBTH, Nigeria: Sociodemographic: Predominantly 60–79 years
(96.6%), with primary/secondary education (75.4%). Comorbidity Count: 86.7% had ≥1
comorbidity (most common: 2–4); significant age variation (χ²=27.487, p=0.025). Polypharmacy: 74.2% (178 /240) on ≥ 5 medications; moderate positive correlation with comorbidities (r=0.517, p<0.01; χ²=215.89, p<0.001) . No gender difference. PIMs: 20% (48/240) had ≥1 PIM (72.9% inappropriate use, 27.1% d rugs to avoid); increased with drug
count ( highest at 8 drugs: 69.2%; χ²=46.091, p<0.001). Deprescribing Attitudes: Highly
positive (mean score 3.70 ± 0.31); 98% trusted doctor, 93.3% willing to stop meds if advised, 65.5% felt over-medicated, 68.4% concerned about side effects. CONCLUSION: Polypharmacy is alarmingly prevalent (74.2%) among elderly Nigerian patients with chronic multimorbidity, strongly linked to comorbidity burden and associated with a high rate of PIMs (20%). Patients exhibit strongly positive attitudes toward deprescribing, driven by trust in physicians. Routine PIM screening (STOPP criteria) and
physician-led deprescribing interventions are urgently needed to reduce pill burden, minimize
risks, and increase quality of life in this vulnerable population

Background and objective:
Herbosomes can be defined as modified liposomes that encapsulate botanical extracts and enhance their stability, bioavailability and helps targeted administration in herbal medicine. This study aims to evaluate various properties of Cymbopogon citratus extract herbosomal cream and complex Cymbopogon citratus extract into a herbosome and incorporate into cream.
Methodology: In this study Ethanolic extraction of Cymbopogon citratus was carried out using a maceration method. The resultant dried extract were then complex into herbosomes of ratios 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 using soy lecithin obtained from. Each of these herbosome complexes were then incorporated into a Non-ionic oil in water cream base (SQ1-SQ3) respectively along with creams containing Lecithin, Plain Cymbopogon citratus extract and Vitamin E (SQ4-SQ6) respectively. The creams were then weighed and put into their respectively labeled jars. Different tests were then carried out on the formulated creams such as evaluation of physiochemical properties( Viscosity, pH, Spreadability, Homogeneity, Freeze and thaw tests),Evaluation of Antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging test, Evaluation of Antibacterial activity, and biological and safety tests (Ex-vivo studies and Irritancy test).
Results:Creams SQ1-SQ6 showed Viscosity ranges from 26.17 to 36.70, pH ranges from 4.4 to 4.8, Spreadability ranges from 6.03 to 9.65, Homogeneity properties along with the freeze and thaw test were carried out and the cream was seen to be smooth with no coarse particles and, with no physical changes seen after the freeze and thaw test. These creams were seen to have Antioxidant properties with SQ1 showing the highest Antioxidant activity of 56.81%, However, there was no Antibacterial activity seen for the Cymbopogon citratus herbosomal creams . For the Ex-vivo studies it was seen that complexing Cymbopogon citratus extract into a Herbosome enhanced the permeability of the Cream across the skin membrane of a Sprague-Dawley rat with SQ3 showing a Percentage release of 61.7% after 3 hours. No irritancy was observed with use of the creams.
Conclusion: Cymbopogon citratus herbosomal cream exhibited good Physiochemical and Antioxidant Properties. Complexation of Cymbopogon citratus in a herbosome enhanced its lipid permeability

BACKGROUND: Drug Therapy Problems (DTPs) are a major global public health concern, contributing significantly to preventable morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, particularly
in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Community pharmacists, as the most accessible healthcare providers, are pivotal in addressing DTPs, which range from inappropriate prescribing and dosing errors to patient non-adherence. However, the prevalence and specific characteristics of DTPs encountered in Nigerian
community practice are often underreported and undocumented, creating a critical knowledge
gap that hinders targeted intervention development. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the Drug Therapy Problems (DTPs) encountered by community pharmacists in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to
determine the prevalence and classes of DTPs using Cipolle’s classification and to explore
factors associated with their occurrence in community pharmacy practice. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a calculated sample of 169 community pharmacists in five local government areas of Benin City. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire focused on pharmacist demographics and the frequency of DTPs experienced over a three-month period, classified according to the Cipolle–Strand–Morley model. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 30, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and Chi-square tests to assess associations, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Out of 169 pharmacist respondents, the majority were male (55.6%) and relatively
young, aged 30–39 years (34.3%), with Pharm.D being the highest qualification (47.3%). The
study confirmed a high occurrence of DTPs. The most frequently encountered DTPs were
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) (49.1% reported often/always), Dosage too high (46.1%
reported often/always), Ineffective drug therapy (41.4% reported often/always), and Non- adherence to medication regimen (39.1% reported often/always). Chi-square analysis showed no
statistically significant association between demographic factors (gender, age, years of
experience, qualification, or ownership) and the overall occurrence of DTPs (p > 0.05) although
descriptive trends indicated that younger pharmacists (20–39 years), those with less than 10
years of experience, and Pharm.D holders reported higher DTP rates. CONCLUSION: Drug therapy problems are highly prevalent in community pharmacy practice in
Benin City, with issues related to dosage errors, adverse reactions, and patient non-adherence
being the most dominant. This high prevalence necessitates the urgent adoption of structured
pharmaceutical care documentation systems, enhanced patient counselling, and institutionalized
collaboration between community pharmacists and prescribers to mitigate medication-related
harm and optimize patient outcomes

Introduction: The role of community pharmacies in healthcare delivery is indispensable, they serve as vital hubs within the healthcare system. Objectives: The research works aims to assess the services that community pharmacies in Edo state Nigeria offer and also limitations that prevent them or reduce their capacity to perform these services. Method: A cross sectional survey was distributed among community pharmacists in Edo state, Nigeria, The data was collected using a well validated questionnaire utilizing the convenience sampling technique. The data gotten was analyzed using SPSS 21.
Results: Out of the 99 respondents, 58.6% were male and 41.4% were female. The top services that were offered often by Community pharmacies were: handling and storage of medication (90.9%), sore throat, cough and flu (87.9%), aches and pains (83.8%), blood pressure tests (81.8%), prescribed medication counselling (79.8%), Stomach issues (diarrhoea, constipation) (78.8%). Major challenges to community pharmacy service were time constraints(43.4%) and capacity constraints(43.4%)
Conclusion: This survey uncovers services and challenges in community pharmacies, emphasizing their vital role in accessible healthcare. The prevalent services highlight their importance. Challenges of time and capacity (42.2%) underline difficulties. Addressing these challenges will be crucial in ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality services to the community