FACULTY OF PHARMACY

Background: Herbal products, typically derived from plant sources, are often perceived as safer
alternatives and are widely used for their therapeutic and antioxidant benefits. This study will help to determine physicochemical and antioxidant properties of some selected liquid herbal products. Methods: Seven selected liquid herbal products (Mojeaga herbal remedy, Goodwill's herbal mixture, pro-life herbal remedy malaria & Typhoid, Goko cleanser, Ganacin G-7 ulcer solution, Evaking herbs ulcer & pile removal and orijin bitter) were obtained from various pharmacies throughout Edo State, Nigeria. Samples underwent sensory evaluation, followed by measurements of specific gravity, pH, viscosity, and antioxidant properties through DPPH radical scavenging activity using spectrophotometric analysis at 517 nm wavelength. Results: The organoleptic properties evaluation of the products revealed that most of the samples had a very strong characteristics odor, except Mojeaga and Goodswill that have aromatic scent, they
all taste bitter except Ganacin and Evakings herbs that were sweet and tasteless. In terms of color, majority of the products showed deep brown coloration, while Ganacin and goko cleanser appeared moudy and dark. The specific gravity ranges from (0.72 to 1.83 g/mL). The pH analysis showed that all products were acidic (ranging from 3.10 to 6.96). All seven herbal products exhibited high viscosity which ranges from (2805 to 5748 cp). The antioxidant assay indicated that all the products contain antioxidant which ranges from (39.13% to 65.22%). Conclusion: The findings suggest that most of the evaluated herbal products possess notable
antioxidant properties and favorable physicochemical characteristics. These attributes act
synergistically to enhance product stability and reduce the risk of degradation or contamination
during storage. Moreover, the antioxidant potential of these formulations may contribute to
protection against infections and minimize adverse effects when used by patients.

Background: - Herbal medicine, defined as the therapeutic use of plants and plant-based products, has long played a vital role in African healthcare systems. In Nigeria, where approximately 70–80% of the population depends on traditional remedies, medicinal plants such as Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, and Ocimum gratissimum are commonly used for managing diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite their popularity, concerns remain regarding their clinical efficacy, safety, dosage standardization, and possible interactions with conventional anti-diabetic drugs. Objectives:- This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and pattern of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients and to evaluate their knowledge regarding these therapies. Methods:- A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), specifically in the Consultant Outpatient Department (COPD) and Consultant Outpatient Department–National Health Insurance Scheme (COPD–NHIS). A total of 205 diabetic patients participated through structured interviews and questionnaires. Data were
analyzed to determine the prevalence of herbal medicine use and the level of awareness among respondents. Results:- It shows that the majority of participants (93.2%) were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. About one-fifth (20%) of the respondents reported using herbal medicines alongside conventional therapy, while 14.6% were currently combining both forms of treatment at the time of the study. Only a small proportion demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential interactions of herbal products with prescribed medications. Conclusion: - the study revealed a moderate prevalence of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients, often in combination with standard anti-diabetic drugs. These findings highlight the
need for enhanced patient education, improved regulation, and strengthened pharmacovigilance to ensure the safe and effective integration of herbal medicine into diabetes management in Nigeria.

Annona muricata (soursop) is commonly used in traditional medicine, necessitating toxicological evaluation. This study evaluated the safety profile, phytochemical constituents, and physiological effects of the ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata in adult female Wistar rats after administering doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg for 28 days. Phytochemical screening confirmed a rich composition of carbohydrates, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenolics, and steroids/triterpenes, with a notable absence of saponins and cyanogenic glycosides. Hematological analysis demonstrated overall safety of red cell indices, but revealed a reduction in WBC count at 100mg/kg (p<0.05), suggesting immune modulation that was histologically corroborated by lymphoid activation. Biochemically, the extract conferred significant hepatoprotection, evidenced by a marked reduction in AST and ALT at 200mg/kg. In addition, the extract exhibited hypolipidemic effect, with optimal reductions in Total Cholesterol and LDL observed exclusively at 100mg/kg. The primary cautionary finding was a functional elevation of Creatinine at 200mg/kg (p<0.05), though this occurred without structural renal damage.

Anxiety disorders are prevalent globally and the limitations in current treatments necessitate the exploration of ethnomedicinal plants. This study evaluated the putative anxiolytic-like potential of methanol leaf extracts of Ficus iteophylla (MEFI) and Tamarindus indica (METI) in mice, based on their traditional uses in Nigeria for neurobehavioural conditions. Qualitative phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity in mice were conducted on the extract. For each extract, mice were randomly allotted to groups (n=4): group 1 (negative control, given oral 1% Tween 80), groups 2, 3, 4 (extract-treated with doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg p.o.), and group 5 (given 0.5 mg/kg of diazepam, i.p.). The animals were subjected to the hole- board test (HBT) and elevated plus maze (EPM). Groups of mice given 0.2 ml/day, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day of the extract for 14 consecutive days. After the last dose on the 14th day, their brains were for the assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (Gr), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.

Background: Metronidazole, a widely used antimicrobial agent, is susceptible to environmental factors that may compromise its stability and efficacy. This study investigates the stability of metronidazole suspension stored in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles under different environmental conditions. Given the potential interaction between PET packaging and liquid pharmaceuticals, it is crucial to assess how temperature, light exposure, and pH affect drug degradation.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the stability of metronidazole suspension under various environmental conditions to determine the optimal storage practices and highlight the impact of temperature, light exposure, and packaging materials on drug degradation and drug concentrations.
Method: Metronidazole suspensions were formulated and stored under various conditions, including refrigerator (4°C), room temperature (25°C), elevated temperature (55°C), sunlight exposure (38°C), and acidic and basic pH environments. Spectrophotometric analysis at 277 nm was conducted weekly for 10 weeks to determine the concentration of metronidazole remaining in each sample. The percentage of the drug remaining was calculated for each condition to evaluate the extent of degradation.
Result: By week 10, samples stored under elevated temperature (55°C) and sunlight exposure (38°C) showed significant degradation, with metronidazole content reduced to 27.33% and 41.90%, respectively. At room temperature (RT) it reduced to 76.34%, at acidic pH (AP) to 69.04%, and basic pH (BP) to 58.62%. Refrigerated storage (4°C) and dark storage provided optimal stability, maintaining over 94% of the initial drug concentration.
Discussion: The results indicate that temperature and light are critical factors affecting the stability of metronidazole in suspension. Elevated temperatures accelerate degradation, likely due to increased hydrolysis and photodegradation. In contrast, refrigeration effectively preserves the drug’s stability, reducing the risk of degradation. These findings emphasize the importance of storage conditions for maintaining the efficacy of metronidazole.
Conclusion:
Refrigeration and storage in light-protected environments are recommended for main taining the stability of metronidazole suspension. Further studies on alternative packaging materials and the long-term effects of extreme pH conditions could provide additional insights into improving drug formulation and packaging

Organochlorine pesticides, such as lindane and endosulfan are widely used in Agriculture. They have been reported to have negative impacts on human health and the environment. The decontamination of food crops from these pesticides is therefore of great importance. In this study, the effectiveness of 10% Sodium bicarbonate in removing the aforementioned pesticides from cowpeas was evaluated. Sodium bicarbonate is a natural and inexpensive substance that has been shown to be effective in removing other types ofpesticides from food crops. The results of this study showed that treatment with sodium bicarbonate was able to significantly reduce the levels of lindane and endosulfan on the cowpeas. This suggests that sodium bicarbonate is a promising option for the decontamination of cowpeas and potentially other food crops from organochlorine pesticides. Further research is needed to fully understand the optimal conditions and mechanisms for using sodium bicarbonate as a decontaminating agent and to determine its potential for use in other crops and in different regions

Ensuring that medications are effective is crucial for the pharmaceutical industry. Factors like humidity can have undesirable impact on the Dissolution Profiles of these drugs, which could affect their therapeutic efficacy. This study explores the frequently disregarded connection between humidity and the Dissolution Profiles of aspirin tablet for five popular brands in the
Nigerian market. It is essential to understand this relationship to guarantee both patient safety and standard drug performance. Aim and objectives: the aim of this study was to investigate how varying relative humidity affects the dissolution profiles of the various brands aspirin tablets after prolonged storage under these conditions. Methods: The dissolution profiles of five well-known brands of aspirin tablets available in Nigeria were investigated using standard pharmacopeial methods. Two humidity levels, 0% and 70%, were used for the dissolution studies to replicate typical Nigerian ambient conditions. Dissolution Profiles were produced, and the rates and extents of dissolution under various humidity levels were compared. Results : the results from the experiment showed that Elevated relative humidity seems to quicken the process of dissolution for the five brands of aspirin used in the study which could result in quicker drug release and absorption. On the other hand, reduced humidity can hinder drug disintegration and cause a delayed release of the medication. Conclusion : This study confirmed that changes in the dissolution profiles occur when Aspirin tablets are stored under varying relative humidity conditions of 0% Relative humidity and 70%Relative humidity. This study revealed that there is an undesired reduction in the percentage of the drug released when stored at 0% relative humidity and also an undesired increase in the percentage of drug released when stored at 70% relative humidity as seen from the results over the 10 week period. It is imperative that patients, caregivers and even manufacturers are educated on the need to store tablets in facilities and areas of optimum relative humidity in order to preserve the efficacy of these drugs.

Background: Amlodipine is a third-generation dihydropyridine antihypertensive that blocks calcium on calcium channels used frequently in hypertension and angina. It has even been listed by WHO as an Essential Medicine. Although very practical, it belongs to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS Class) II - the drug is very permeable across the intestinal wall but very low water solubility. Even the low solubility is the slowest step in absorption which may lead to the release of tablets being not fully done, inconsistent bioavailability between different patients and reliance on food. Consequently, by enhancing solubility of amlodipine we desire to make the administration of amlodipine more effective orally.
Purpose: The purpose of this work was the development, characterization, and testing of solid dispersions (SDs) of amlodipine with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30). We thought that the method would help us to change the drug which is not soluble in large quantities but exists as crystals to a high- energy, highly soluble amorphous one. The research rigorously investigated system of varying drug- polymer ratios and characterized the optimally dispersed system completely, as a solubility was demonstrated and the in-vitro rate of solubility was significantly increased.
Material and Methods: Amlodipine solid dispersions through solvent evaporation method were prepared by us. A common organic solvent (ethanol) was used to dissolve the drug as well as the hydrophilic carrier, PVP K30. A rotary evaporator was then used to remove the solvent under reduced pressure leaving a mass of solid. This mass was dried, ground and sieved. Five ratios of drug-polymer weight were made: 1:1, 1: 2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5. Lastly, all Solid dispersion had their apparent aqueous solubility determined. And lastly we pressed this optimized powder into tablet form and compared the drug release of this tablet in in-vitro with that of a normal tablet in a dissolution experiment. Results: There was distinct polymer-dose-dependent increase in aqueous solubility of Mamlodipine in the solid dispersions relative to pure, unprocessed amlodipine drug. This ratio was the best solubility enhancer with the highest level of 1:5 (drug: polymer), and it was determined to completely analyze. FTIR of 1:5 Solid dispersion showed the typical peaks of the amlodipine and PVP K30, and no new peak or significant change, meaning strong chemical interaction. The most important was the Differentiated Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermogram, which indicated the total loss of the sharp endothermic melting point of crystalline amlodipine, which confirmed the drug had been transformed to a molecularly dispersed or amorphous form. Most importantly, the 1:5 solid dispersion to tablets discharged the drug far quicker and more certainly in-vitro when compared to the control tablets to the pure drug.
Conclusion: This experiment proves the application of PVP30 as a hydrophilic carrier in a solvent evaporation solid-dispersion method is an efficient approach to increase the solubility and dissolution rate of the poorly water-soluble amlodipine drug. The 1:4 optimization resulted in the drug being altered to a stable and amorphous form, thus a significantly better release profile. This method presents a good avenue towards the generation of novel oral dosage shapes of amlodipine that may confer improved bioavailability and dependable therapeutic results

The nasal cavity hosts a wide array of organisms. Pathogenic organisms may find access into the sinuses leading to infection. Plasmids, which are small extracellular DNA molecules, play a role by transferring resistance encoded genes among bacteria, facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance. By investigating the role of plasmid genes in potential treatment failures, the research seeks to broaden our understanding on how plasmids mediate
antibiotic resistance. This knowledge is key for developing effective strategies to combat
sinusitis disease using anti microbialagents.
Methods: The study evaluated forty-three patients from the Ear Nose and Throat Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city. Patient’s data collected were age,gender, alcoholhistory, smokinghistory, medical history. Isolates obtainedwere subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and plasmid curing with acridine orange as the curing agentusingstandardagardiscdiffusionmethod. Results: A total of 58.1% of our study participants were female, and 41.9% were male. Participants aged 16-25 had the highest sinusitis occurrence (27.9%). Nasal discharge was the most encountered symptom across all participants. Staphylococcus aureus dominated in
the nasal cavity of study participants (35.1% aerobic) compared to other organisms isolated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for the highest abundance (31.3%) under anaerobic condition. Multi-drug resistance was observed in 23.4% and 25% of total aerobic and anaerobic isolates respectively. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was lost post curing in Staphylococcusspp,Klebsiellaspp.
Conclusion: Females were more susceptible to sinusitis with recurrent episodes experienced compared to males. The presence of plasmid-mediated multidrug resistance genes
underscores the need for antibiograms, and rational antibiotics use insinusitis treatment.

Background: Chronic disease such as diabetes and hypertension have become significant public health concerns worldwide. Effective self-care behavior amongst these patients is crucial for successful management of their health and prevention of complications. With the emergence of
mobile health technology there is a vast growing interest in utilizing this technology to facilitate and improve self-care behaviors amongst patients
Aim: To assess the impact of the "MedPlan Mobile App," an mHealth solution, on self-care behavior among hypertensive and diabetic patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted was used to collect data
on self-care behaviors and the use of the "MedPlan Mobile App” among hypertensive and diabetic patients. Out of the 280 questionnaires distributed, 267 were completed and used . Key findings: The largest demographic groups in the study were respondents aged 46-55 (44.2%), males (50.2%), and those diagnosed with a chronic condition for 1- <5 years (46.1%). Usage of the MedPlan mobile app, 68.4% reported using it most of the time or always, and 64.7% monitored their blood pressure/glucose levels regularly (most of the time or always). 69.9% reported using the App medication reminder feature and 70.3% found the video health tips feature useful (useful or very useful). Cronbach's Alpha, is high at 0.827. The t-value is 11.921, and the p-value is 0.000, indicating a significant positive association.
Conclusion: there is relationship between the duration of using the "MedPlan Mobile App" and the improvement of self-care behaviors among hypertensive and diabetic patients, there are some factors that influence patient engagement and adoption of the "MedPlan Mobile App", and there are challenges that hypertensive and diabetic patients face in adopting and using the "MedPlan Mobile App" to improve their self-care behaviors.