FACULTY OF PHARMACY

Pharmaceutical nanotechnology deals with the formation and development of substances of molecules and atoms ranging from size 0.1 – 100nm which can be further developed into special structures and devices with desired characteristics. This study employed green chemistry to synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using fresh leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina. The resultant CuNPs were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Fresh leaves were collected and identified, aqueous extraction was then carried out on the washed leaves using water at 60°C. The existence of flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and alkaloids in the plant extract actas reducing, stabilizing and capping agents that reduces the metal ion to form metal nanomaterials. The UV-Vis absorption spectra show maximum absorption at 543nm. The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against the bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus using the agar well diffusion method and compared with the following test samples (copper salt solution, plant extract alone, mixture of copper salt solution and plant extract). From the result of the antimicrobial evaluation of the copper nanoparticles, the copper nanoparticles showed the highest zone of inhibition
when compared to the other test samples. This is possible due to the nano-dimension of nanoparticles which increases the surface area of the particles, hence leading to increased antimicrobial activity

Emulsions are generally unstable formulations, hence the need for an emulsifying agent to be incorporated into the preparation.Emulsifying agents can be obtained from natural sources which are readily available, cheap and biodegradable. AIM of the study-This study investigated starches obtained from two banana species i.e Musa acuminata and Musa sapientum as naturally occurring emulsifying agents that can be used in the formulation of pharmaceutical emulsions. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY-The specific objective of the study was to extract and evaluate the emulsifying properties of starch obtained from certain banana species. Method:Starches were isolated from ground unripe banana fruit species using already established method.The unripe banana fruit were peeled, washed, milled and the slurry was passed through a mesh seive.The filtrate was allowed to settle and water was decanted to obtain the starch. Varying concentrations (5-30%w/v) of the starches obtained from the banana species were employed in the preparation of the emulsion.Physicochemical characterization of the starches obtained from the banana species were carried out and compared with maize starch as standard.Parameters evaluated included viscosity and the effect of age on globule size and size distribution and the globule structure. Results:The result showed the yield of Musa acuminata and Musa sapientum was 10.17%w/w and 14.21%w/w respectively. It also showed an increase in viscosity(rate of flow)with an increase in the concentration of the emulsifying agent (5-30%w/v ) with the range 760- 10728±171.06(sec) for maize starch,466-7204.8±82.12(sec) for Musa acuminata and 114- 5618±299.83(sec)for Musa sapientum.It also showed that there was a decrease in the globule number of the emulsion and an increase in the globule size after 7days which showed 1.75- 3.94±1.37(mm) for Musa acuminata ,1.57 -3.0±0.71(mm)for Musa sapientum and 2.25- 3.0±0.71(mm) for maize starch which is the standard.The study showed that Musa acuminata is more favorable as an emulsifying agent than Musa sapientum when compared to maize starch.The study also showed cracking and phase separation in the emulsion from the 7th day and it was observed that there was a reduction in the viscosity of the preparation with time . Conclusion: The study showed that the yield obtained from Musa sapientum and Musa acuminata were 14.21% and 10.17% respectively. However the yields are poor and not economical.This calls for improvement in the methods for extraction of the starch from the unripe fruit .Musa acuminata compared more favorably with maize starch than Musa acuminata and hence can be used as emulsifying agents in the formulation of pharmaceutical emulsions and hence they can be used as an emulsifying agent in pharmaceutical emulsions

This study investigated the modulatory effects of ethanol extract and solvent fractions of Momordica charantia on corpus cavernosum smooth muscle, aiming to identify potential therapeutic agents for erectile dysfunction. Powdered M. charantia was macerated in 1.5 L ethanol, yielding a concentrated extract (15.57 % yield, 77.85 g). The crude extract was dissolved and fractionated sequentially with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate to obtain distinct fractions alongside a residual aqueous fraction.
Solutions of 1.5625, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/mL were prepared for the extract, its fractions, and a sildenafil citrate extract (used as a standard)., The corpus cavernosum smooth muscle was isolated from male rats and mounted in an organ bath containing Kreb’s solution. Incremental volumes (25 µL, 62.5 µL, 125 µL, and 250 µL) of stock solution of extract and
fraction were administered with a four-minute contact time per dose. Each extract/fraction was tested in triplicate, and the responses were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. An F-statistic of 10.9523, which exceeded the F-critical value of 2.53, indicated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the treatments. Phytochemical tests were carried out using standard
procedures to determine secondary metabolites present in the plant material Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, and cardiac glycosides. These bioactive compounds may contribute to smooth muscle relaxation via multiple mechanisms including nitric oxide (NO) release, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway activation, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibition, calcium channel blockade, and antioxidant effects. Notably, the n-hexane fraction exhibited the ix lowest EC50 (0.257 mg), suggesting it possesses the highest potency in modulating smooth
muscle tone compared to other fractions and even the sildenafil citrate extract. In conclusion, the ethanol extract and its fractions from M. charantia significantly modulate corpus cavernosum smooth muscle activity.

It has been reported (Umoh 1998), that the peppery fruits of Dennettia tripetala usually find application in food meant for pregnant women. Moreover, Dennettiatripetala seeds are very important in the diets of women after childbirth, during which time it is claimed that spices and herbs aid the contraction of the uterus (Achinewhel et al., 1995). The uterine activities of this important fruit have not been fully documented. Little is known of the uterine activity of Dennettiatripetalafruit despite its widespread multipurpose uses as food and drugs. The present study was designed to determine the uterine activity of Dennettiatripetala fruit and, consequently.The cumulative concentrations (0.01-12.21 mg/ml) of the methanolic extract of DT was tested on rhythmic spontaneous uterine contraction, while the most potent concentration 3.5 mg/kg of DT extract was tested on oxytocin (OT), high potassium chloride (KCl)-induced uterine contractions and OT-induced uterine contractions in a calcium deprived state. DT extract produced significant (P<0.05) decrease in the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions with IC50 of 0.99 ± 0.06 and 0.83 ± 0.40 mg/ml respectively. As well as OT (11.62 nM)-induced frequency of myometrial contractions and OT (11.62 nM)-induced contractions in calcium deprived state containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and significant changes on high KCl (80 mM)-induced myometrial contractions. These observations may explain the effect of DT and its folkloric use in the food of pregnancy women, however further studies are advised to know the direct mechanism of action and to characterize and isolate specific bio-constituents responsible for the observed effects.

Disintegrants expand and dissolve when wet causing the tablet to break apart in the digestive tract, releasing the active ingredients for absorption. They can be added extra-granularly, intra-granularly or both during tablet formation. A standard disintegrant used extensively for tablet formation is maize starch. There is a growing interest in locally sourced tablet excipients, hence the disintegrant property of indigenously sourced Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea) starch and its effect on metronidazole tablets is evaluated in this study The purpose of the study is to compare the effect of the disintegrant properties of various concentrations of Bambara nut starch (Vigna subterranea) and maize starch BP on metronidazole tablets. The starch from Vigna subterranea seeds was extracted and its disintegrant ability was compared to that of maize starch BP at concentrations of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% in metronidazole-based tablets. All other parameters were kept constant during the formulation process. The organoleptic properties, bulk and tapped density and the chemical properties of the starch of Vigna subterranea was determined. The flow properties of the granules formed with both starches were determined and the metronidazole tablets were evaluated for weight uniformity, dimensions, tablet hardness, friability, disintegration and dissolution rates. The metronidazole granules and tablets formulated with the starch from Vigna subterranea were comparable in granule flow properties, tablet weight, variation, hardness, friability. The study revealed that Vigna subterranea starch used as a disintegrant performed better with a shorter disintegration time than tablets formulated with the different concentrations of maize starch BP. It was discovered that 20% and 25% of the starches were not adequate for tablet formation due to their friability values of above 1%. This study revealed that Vigna subterranea starch can be used as a disintegrant in the production of tablets of adequate pharmaceutical quality. It serves as an adequate disintegrant for metronidazole tabletskey words

The increasing awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation has led to a
growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic sunscreens. Ocimum gratissimum,
commonly known as scent leaf, has demonstrated potential antioxidant and photoprotective properties, making it a viable candidate for sun protection formulations. This study aimed to evaluate the sun protective effect of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil when incorporated into a cream-based formulation. The essential oil was extracted from Ocimum gratissimum leaves using hydro-distillation with a Clevenger apparatus. Physicochemical properties such as specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponification value, and iodine value were analysed to assess oil quality. The extracted oil was formulated into a cream, which was then evaluated for its physical properties, antioxidant activity, and sun protection factor (SPF) using the Mansur equation and UV-Visible spectrophotometry. The essential oil yield was 0.753%, and its physicochemical properties indicated good stability. The formulated creams demonstrated improved spreadability, pH values between 6.38 and 6.8 (suitable for topical application), and skin compatibility. The essential oil exhibited significant antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 28.96 μg/mL in the DPPH radical scavenging assay. SPF analysis revealed modest photoprotective properties, with the essential oil alone showing a base SPF value of 1.766 at 0.01% concentration. The formulated creams exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in SPF values, ranging from 1.45 (1% EO) to 2.58 (3% EO + CO). The study highlights the potential of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil as a natural ingredient in skincare formulations, offering both antioxidant and mild photoprotective benefits. Further research is recommended to optimize the formulation and evaluate its in vivo efficacy and safety

Background: Managing medical complications in pregnancy is a challenge to clinicians since only a few medicines have been specifically tested for safety. Objectives: The prescription pattern for pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic visits was assessed and the level of adherence of prescribers to protocol on the use of medicines in pregnancy was assessed. The prevalence of different medical conditions among pregnant who attended the antenatal clinic was evaluated. Methods: Medical case files of 201 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic visits were systematically sampled and investigated from a population of 789 pregnant women who registered for antenatal clinic visits and received prescriptions within the period of study (December 2022 to May 2023). Disease pattern was determined from their diagnoses. The prescription pattern was assessed using WHO indicators, and the United States Food and Drug Administration classification of medicines according to risk to the foetus
Results: Among the 201 pregnant women, 56.72% were in the age group of 25-34, which happened to be the majority and represents the normal reproductive age. Among the medical conditions to which drugs were prescribed in different trimesters, malaria was the most common ailment which comprised 22.45%, 37.56%, and 29.53% in the first, second, and third trimesters respectively. Out of the total drugs prescribed, category A comprised 8.92%, category B 46.79% and category C 36.62%. Category D and X were not prescribed. The average number of drugs per prescription was 3.18, Percentages encountered with antibiotics, injections, and generics were 11.11%, 7.36%, and 86.70% respectively. Conclusion: Malaria fever occurred most frequently (32.75%) followed by upper respiratory tract (11.91%) and fungal infection (8.68%) among the pregnant women. The average number of prescriptions per encounter was much higher than WHO standard, indicating occurrence of polypharmacy. There was no occurrence of contraindicated drugs. WHO core indicators of good prescription behaviour were adhered to with regard to the use of antibiotics, injections and generic names in prescriptions.

Peptic ulcer disease is a set of conditions characterized by ulceration in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Pennisetum pedicellatum have historically been used to cure wounds, pain-related conditions, to feed animals, and to treat parasite diseases and eye infections. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if Pennisetum pedicellatum alone or in combination with Sorghum bicolor aqueous extract has gastro-protective properties using chemicallyinduced (ethanol and indomethacin) ulcer model in rats. The reference treatment was ranitidine (100 mg/kg). All extracts and drugs were administered through the oral route. The results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) followed by Dunnet post hoc test. The extract of Pennisetum pedicellatum (100 -500 mg/kg) significantly (p

Background: Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) systems offer a non-invasive and efficient
means of administering therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. Purpose: To investigate how the incorporation of castor oil affects diclofenac potassium
transdermal films. Methods: Patches of diclofenac potassium were prepared using the solvent casting method. Patches labelled PQ0, PQ1, PQ2, PQ3, PO1, PO2, PO3 were prepared by dissolving a
combination of measured amount of HPMC and diclofenac potassium in distilled water. Next, calculated amount of Tween 80 and castor oil were added. This mixture was then agitated for
approximately five minutes to form a slur, then poured into a petri dish and allowed to air dry for
48 hours. Air-dried patches were cut into ten 1x1cm2 sections. Cut patches were evaluated for
their physicochemical properties, bioadhesion, drug content, folding endurance, in vitro and ex
vivo release profile. Results: Physicochemical tests demonstrated slightly varying weight and thickness, but were
still within the pharmaceutically acceptable range of 5 ± 10% according to the USP. Bioadhesion
test showed an increase with reduction in percentage of castor oil (5%). Highest bioadhesion
obtained from a batch with oil was 2.90g/sec (batch without oil gave bioadhesion of 3.60 g/sec). Evaluation for the drug content demonstrated no significant difference. Also, folding endurance
test demonstrated a good range between 200 - 400 folds. In vitro and ex vivo tests showed a
better release with batches where the drug was dispersed in the oily phase with ex vivo peaking
80% release. Conclusion: This study suggests that transdermal patches formulated by dispersing drug in the
lowest percentage of oil possible (in this case, 5%) promises good bioadhesion and better
diclofenac release across skin.

Background: Access to safe drinking water is a critical global concern. In Benin City, Nigeria, the quality of drinking water has been a recurring issue due to pollution and inadequate treatment facilities. This study investigates the water purity situation in Benin City and explores potential solutions. Objective: To investigate the quality of drinking water and water purification methods
employed. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving assessment of water purification, quality and treatment services of 125 participants from five local government area. A semi- structured questionnaire sequel to obtaining ethical approval and patient’s consent was employed to collect qualitative data from 125 participants in order to gather information on current water treatment practices and community perceptions. Results: From the study, seventy-seven participants 61.6% (n=77) did not use water treatment method at home and out of the 38.4% that treated their water, 58.9% used boiling as a method of water treatment. Surveys revealed that participants (84%, n=105) were convinced that their water should be free off any form of contamination, but a low adoption of water treatment methods at home among residents. Conclusion: The quality of drinking water among majority of individuals is below standard and the practice of water purification is poor. Addressing these issues is essential for safeguarding public health and enhancing the overall quality of life in the city.