FACULTY OF PHARMACY

Background: Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are a common type of bacterial infection that mostly affect children. Plasmid profiling is a molecular technique used to identify and characterize the types of plasmids carried by bacterial isolates. This technique has a wide range of applications in microbiology, including the study of bacterial epidemiology, antibiotic resistance, and gene transfer. It can provide valuable information about the genetic diversity of bacterial populations and the mechanisms by which bacteria acquire and transfer resistance genes. Methods: The study evaluated a hundred and twenty seven patients from the Ear, Nose and Throat department at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city. Patient’s data collected were age, gender, alcohol history, smoking history, medical history, Frequency of symptoms, ears affected, use of cotton bud, ear cleaning frequency among others. Isolates obtained were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and plasmid curing with 0.1mL and 0.4mL Ethidium bromide as the curing agent using standard agar disc diffusion method. Results: A total of 73.68% of our study participants were female, and 14.47% were male. Participants aged 21-25 had the highest occurrence (34.6%), linked to the patients ear cleaninghabits. The prevalence of Staphylococcus spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from both aerobic and anaerobic Isolate was the highest (49.33% and 47.06%) in the bacterial isolates obtained from study participants after incubation.The most prevalent mult-idrug resistant isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (25%) for aerobic isolate and Pseudomonas spp for anaerobic Isolate. Fluoroqinolones was the most effective antibiotics used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Post
curing with 0.1mg/ml and 0.4mg/ml Ethidium bromide,33.33%,100% and 0% was cured after further antimicrobial susceptibility testing with Fluoroqinolones, Macrolides and Penicillin) respectively. Conclusion:The presence of plasmid-mediated multidrug resistance genes in bacteria isolates from patients with ear infection underscores the need for antibiograms and responsible antibiotic usage in the management of ear infection.

Vernonia amygdalina Delile (bitter leaf) and Spondias mombin Linn (hog plum) are medicinal plants widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile, phytochemical constituents and toxicological effects of these extracts in Female Wistar rats. Ethanol extract of both plants were collected, authenticated and prepared. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted revealing the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolic compounds, steroids/triterpenes, saponins and cardiac glycosides, with a notable absence of cyanogenic glycosides. Sub-acute assessment on Female Wistar rats were carried out following oral gavage of the extracts at 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg doses for 28 days. The V. amygdalina extract demonstrated high systemic tolerance, with all doses maintaining stable blood, liver, and kidney functions. It exhibited beneficial immunomodulatory effects, specifically activating the spleen and mobilizing lung defense mechanisms. Meanwhile, a mild liver inflammation (portal hepatitis) was observed exclusively at the 200 mg dose. Conversely, S. mombin extract presented a safety paradox: standard blood tests suggested it was systemically protective (reduced AST/ALT and Urea), yet histopathology study revealed toxicity. This toxicity manifested as destructive localized damage, including ulceration of the coronary arteries and bronchioles, making the extract critically unsafe for internal consumption. This research validates V. amygdalina as a safe, systemic immunomodulator within the tested dose range. While S. mombin presented a safety paradox. The findings strongly necessitate the mandatory integration of detailed histopathology into regulatory safety screening protocols for traditional plant medicines to detect latent, life-threatening organ toxicity that standard blood tests can miss

Antibiotics have played monumental role in the control and management ofinfectious disease since their discovery, saved lives of countless patients and improved patient care in general. However, antibiotic misuse and unnecessary use of antibiotics contributes to the process of antibiotic resistance, which is considered a global concern.The population playsan important role in abuse or irrational use of antibiotics and spread of bacterial resistance. Aim of Study: To assess the public perception towards the use of antibiotics. Methods: A cross sectional 20 - item questionnaire survey involving a convenience sampleof611 individuals was conducted in Benin City and Lagos State. The questionnaire consists of two sections; the first section comprises of socio-demographic data including age, gender, occupational status, educational level, marital status, monthly income. The second section consists of 20 items which collected data about perception towards antibiotics use. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and inferential analysis was carried out using Graph PadInstant version 3.10. Results: From this study, a total of 611 respondents participated out of which 602 questionnaires were completed appropriately therefore giving a high response rate of 98.5%.Those whowerestudents had a higher perception of 69.88 ± 11.60 compared to those who were self-employed(63.52 ± 10.28) while respondents with a tertiary level of education had a better perception(70.37 ± 11.72) compared to those with a secondary level of education or lower. Older respondents had a high perception towards the use of antibiotics however in comparison to more than half of the respondents who were females; male respondents had a better perception towards the use of antibiotics. None of the items loaded had values < 0.4 which indicates their adequate contribution to the summary scores. Conclusion
This study revealed that occupational status and educational level of respondents was significantly associated with perception towards antibiotic use.

Various research works by experts and relevant national and international organizations have consistently revealed the dangerous rising case of drug use among youths in the country and the negative health complications it has resulted to. Globally, the harmful use of alcohol alone has been estimated to result in about 3.3 million deaths each year and at least 15.3 million persons worldwide have been documented to be suffering from drug use disorders (WHO, Substance Abuse, 2014). Substance abuse refers to the use of psychoactive substances, that creates pleasurable effect on the brain, on the other hand, substance misuse is the use of a substance for a purpose not consistent with legal or medical guidelines (WHO,2006). Aims and objections: This study determined the knowledge and attitude of female secondary school students to drug abuse, factors that affect the use of substances, and possible ways of preventing substance use. Method: A descriptive research method was adopted for the study and a simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Asemi-structured questionnaire was the instrument utilized for this research to obtain information from respondents. The questionnaire was administered to a total of 500students from four selected female secondary schools via convenient sampling technique. Participants included for the study were those who had knowledge of the topic and were above 12 years of age. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics like percentage, means etc. Results: The findings of the research among participants revealed that majority of respondents had knowledge of substance abuse and a negative attitude to its use by and around them. The findings also revealed that the main contributing factors to substance use were depression, peer pressure, availability of the substance and
environmental influence. It was, however, recommended among others that secondary school curriculum be designed to provide basic knowledge of substance abuse as well as adverts and enlightenment programs on the dangers of substance abuse should be made public by the government and school authorities as ways of preventing substance abuse. Conclusion: The study revealed that the respondents had a good knowledge of substance abuse and its effect, their attitude was negative to its use, various factors that contribute to substance use and recommendations to prevent further abuse of substances were provided. Key words: Substance abuse, substance misuse, drugs, knowledge, attitude

Background: Pharmacists play a vital role in medication management, patient counseling, and healthcare coordination and the integration of eHealth technology has the potential to enhance these roles by providing pharmacists with efficient tools for information sharing, communication, and improving patient care. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the attitude and belief of pharmacists towards the adoption of eHealth technology in community pharmacy practice in Benin City. Methods: Convenience sampling was used to select the pharmacists working at community pharmacies in Benin City. Among which 140 questionnaires were disseminated, 125 were duly completed and served as the dataset for subsequent percentage calculations. Key findings: The majority of respondents are male, making up 65.6%, The largest age group among the participants is 30-49 years, representing 51.2%, and Superintendent pharmacists are the largest group, making up 61.6%. On how effective is the use of eHealth technology in improving medication management and safety in community pharmacy practice Excellent: 10 (8%), Good: 29 (23.2%), Average: 45 (36%) Poor: 33 (26.4%) Very poor: 8 (6.4%). The Chi- Square tests show a significant relationship between the variables under examination, with p- values of .002 and .001. Conclusion: The level prevalence of adoption of eHealth technology in community pharmacy practice is low and some factors hinder adoption of eHealth technology in community pharmacy practice, pharmacists have positive opinions and attitudes towards the integration of eHealth technology in community pharmacy practice and there are difficulties and challenges encountered in implementing eHealth technology in community pharmacy practice in Benin City

Background Cancer have been a global problem irrespective of the etiology. Drugs and related agents have been identified to cause cancer by the induction of the markers. The study therefore accesses the possibility of cancer marker induction by artesunate-mefloquine in albino rats. Method Healthy albino rats were selected after acclimatization for two weeks. They are grouped in the categories of induction and drug exposure. Induction: Mesterolone (0.36mg/kg), Disethylstibesterol (0.07mg/kg), Artesunate mefloquine (8.57/10.71mg/kg). These agents were administered orally using orogastric tube for 28 days. They were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia. Serum samples were collected and assay for the possibility of cancer marker induction or inhibition by artesunate mefloquine. The indicators of markers were as follows: breast cancer marker: cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), liver cancer marker: prostate specific antigen (PSA), ovarian cancer marker: cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) and liver cancer marker: Alfa fetoprotein (AFP). Results Prostate cancer marker (PSA) has the following results: standard concentration was (9.5 ± 3.8188), mesterolone (positive control) (1.0707 ± 0.0089), olive oil (negative control) (0.961 ± 0.0191), quarter therapeutic dose (0.936 ± 0.0014), half therapeutic dose (0.935 ± 0.0007) and therapeutic dose (0.9423 ± 0.0055). Elevations of PSA within the treatment groups were seen in the order: TD > 1/2 TD > 1/4 TD. Ovarian cancer marker (CA 125) has the following result: standard concentration was (127.5 ± 61.9643), diethylstibesterol (positive control) (4.4 ± 0.1702), olive oil (negative control) (2.8697 ± 0.0366), quarter therapeutic dose (-0.5423 ± 0.1766), half therapeutic dose (-0.0077 ± 0.2643) and therapeutic dose (0.237 ± 0.2391). Elevations of CA 125 within the treatment groups were seen in the order: TD > 1/2 TD > 1/4 TD. Breast cancer marker (CA 15-3) has the following result: standard concentration was (125 ± 62.703), diethylstibesterol (positive control) (6.9453 ± 0.0554), olive oil (negative control) (6.2943 ± 0.2404), quarter therapeutic dose (0.275 ± 0), half therapeutic dose (1.259 ± 0.2981) and therapeutic dose (2.0617 ± 0.3829). Elevations of CA 15-3 within the treatment groups were seen in the order: TD > 1/2 TD > 1/4 TD. Liver cancer marker (AFP) has the following result: standard concentration was (96.6667 ± 152.927), water (negative control) (6.5163 ± 0.7044), quarter therapeutic dose (1.339 ± 0.5872), half therapeutic dose (5.4387 ± 3.9322) and therapeutic dose (2.3537 ± 0.2696). Elevations of AFP within the treatment groups were seen in the order: 1/2 TD > TD > 1/4 TD. None of the animals died in the group during the course of the study. Conclusion Findings in this study has shown that therapeutic and sub-therapeutic doses (half therapeutic and quarter therapeutic doses) of artesunate-mefloquine have the possibility of decreasing cancer markers with variations in the different doses.

Background: Doping, or the use of performance-enhancing substances, threatens fairness and athlete health worldwide. Pharmacists, as medication experts, are well-positioned to prevent both intentional and inadvertent doping by guiding athletes on safe drug, supplement, and herbal use. However, in Nigeria, pharmacists’ involvement remains limited, with gaps in knowledge, training, and policy integration. Understanding their awareness and perceptions can inform strategies to strengthen their role in promoting clean and ethical sports. Objective: This study evaluates community pharmacists’ knowledge and perceptions of anti-doping practices in Benin City, identifying knowledge gaps and exploring influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 169 registered community pharmacists in Benin City, Nigeria, using convenience sampling. Data were collected via a structured self- administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, perceptions, information sources, and barriers related to anti-doping. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression to explore associations and significance. Results: All 169 community pharmacists invited participated in the study. Most were male (65.7%), aged between 26 and 35 years (66.9%), held a BPharm degree (67.5%), and had 1–5 years of work
experience (53.3%). The majority occupied senior roles (92.3%). Their anti-doping knowledge was generally fair (53.3%) or poor (42.6%), with noticeable gaps related to beta-blockers, CPD content, and legal aspects. Overall perceptions of their anti-doping role were strongly positive (75.1%). Longer professional experience and higher qualifications were linked to greater role awareness, though knowledge had only a weak influence on perceptions (p = 0.028, R² = 0.028). Conclusion: Community pharmacists demonstrated fair to poor knowledge of anti-doping, yet they held strongly positive attitudes toward their role in prevention. Significant gaps remain in training, access to resources, and procedural awareness. While more experienced and highly qualified pharmacists recognized their responsibilities better, knowledge had minimal impact on attitudes. Focused CPD, integration of WADA resources, and clear professional guidelines are crucial to fully equip pharmacists for doping prevention.

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.

Background: In hospital practice, the roles of pharmacists as assets are very significant in achieving the overall goals of the hospital which is provision of humanistic, economical and clinical outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the role of hospital pharmacist during the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Method: The study was conducted on pharmacists practicing in either government or private owned hospitals within Benin-City, Edo state. Descriptive survey design was used for the study and 3 research questions was developed for the study. Random sampling method was used. The instrument used for collection of data was a structured questionnaire.
Key findings: Total 180 hospital pharmacist were involved in the study. This study highlights the various roles and pharmaceutical care services provided and implemented by pharmacists
during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Pharmaceutical care services like patient education and counselling, social distancing, wearing of mask, providing information, addressing medication shortages, teleconsultation, medication review, optimizing medication regimen, adverse drug reaction monitoringand addressing the medication-related problems are being delivered by the pharmacists in this ongoing pandemic. Conclusion: All the studies described the roles and responsibilities of the pharmacists duringCOVID-19 in Nigeria. This pandemic adversity has opened up new avenues for the hospital pharmacists which have broadened their scope as the member of multidisciplinary healthcare team. Pharmacists have to overcome the unforeseen barriers and challenges and continue providing need based pharmaceutical care services.

BACKGROUND: In the digital era, university students are increasingly exposed to high levels of online
engagement through academic platforms, social media, and entertainment, leading to a phenomenon known as digital overload. This study examined the relationship between digital overload, mental health (depression), and academic burnout among pharmacy students at the University of Benin, Nigeria, and explored how these factors influence academic performance. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of digital overload among pharmacy students in UNIBEN. To measure the degree of academic burnout (emotional exhaustion and academic inefficacy) among the respondents. To examine the relationship between digital overload and mental health on academic burnout. To assess the extent to which digital overload and academic burnout affect students academic performance. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, with data collected from 334 pharmacy students across all levels using a structured questionnaire comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and one-way ANOVA tests.