FACULTY OF PHARMACY

THE ANTI-Escherichia coli EFFECT OF Lactobacillus rhamnosus INTHEPRESENCE OF POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERO-GELATINANDTHEOBROMA

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This study examined the modulation of Escherichia coli growth by Lactobacillus rhamnosusinthe presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), glycero-gelatin, and Theobroma. Growthkineticswere analysed using regression models of colony-forming unit counts over time. In monoculture, E. coli exhibited exponential growth (y = 6.6 + 0.21x, R² = 0.874). Co-culture with L. rhamnosussignificantly suppressed E. coli proliferation (y = 5.97 + 0.02x, R² = 0.324; p < 0.001). Theinclusion of glycero-gelatin moderately stabilized this inhibition (y = 5.93 + 0.03x, R² =0.462; p< 0.001), while PEG produced a synergistic effect, completely halting E. coli growth (y =4.46−0.003x, R² = 0.005; p < 0.001). In contrast, Theobroma reversed inhibition (y = 8.13 +0.17x, R² = 0.679; p = 0.436). These results indicate that physicochemical conditions strongly influenceprobiotic–pathogen interaction, with PEG amplifying inhibition, glycero-gelatin enhancingstability, and Theobroma antagonizing probiotic action against Escherichia coli.
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A STUDY ON THE ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF Bryophyllum pinnatum FIBROUS STEM

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The emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes has rekindled the interest on plant derived compounds as alternatives to existing antimicrobial agents.This study d et e rmi n e d the antimicrobial property of ethyl acetate extract of the fibrous stem of Bryophyllum pinnatum and phytochemical constituents of the fibrous stem. The ethyl acetate extract of the fibrous stem did not show any antimicrobial activity against the clinical fungal and bacterial isolates at 0.3g/mL concentration of the extract. Phytochemical analysis showed that alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins,saponins and glycoside which are responsible for antimicrobial activity were not detected. Gas Chromatography -Mass Spectroscopy also identified various phytocomponents. The ethyl acetate extract did not show anti-microbial activity.
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EVALUATION OF THE ACARICIDAL ACTIVITY OF THE CRUDE VOLATILE OIL AND FRACTIONS OF Ocimum gratissimum LEAF AGAINST TICKS

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In tropical and subtropical areas, tick infestations are a serious hazard to public health and livestock output. These ectoparasites act as vectors for a variety of zoonotic illnesses in addition to causing anemia, skin irritation, and secondary infections in animals. Due of extensive multi-drug resistance, environmental contamination, and public health issues such residues in meat and milk, conventional chemical acaricides are failing. Because of its antibacterial, insecticidal, and repellant properties, Ocimum gratissimum, often referred to as smell leaf, is widely used in West African ethnomedicine. Using a clevengerClevenger apparatus, the volatile oil was extracted from fresh Ocimum gratissimum leaves. Column chromatography and TLC were then used to fractionate and isolate the oil. The live cow ticks were treated with 20 μL of various oil concentrations (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%). To assess effectiveness, tick mortality was tracked over a 24-hour period. The volatile oil's effectiveness as a deadly agent against the tick genus Hyalomma rufipes was confirmed when it reached 100% mortality at 10% concentration. The oil maintained a high mean mortality of 86.67±15.28 even at the lowest concentration tested (1%). At concentrations of 2%, 5%, and 10%, the oil completely killed Rhipicephalus microplus in every replicate. A significant mean mortality of 93.3±11.55 was obtained even at the lowest concentration tested (1%). Ocimum gratissimum volatile oil is a particularly good option for developing an integrated tick management product that is ecofriendly, efficient, and sustainable.
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ANTI-OXIDANT SCREENING OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF Ficus exasperata VAHL

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Free radicals have been implicated in the occurrence of oxidative stress. They have also been found to be important in the pathophysiology of a number of disease conditions. This therefore, underlies the need for very effective antioxidants. Ficus exasperata has been used traditionally for the treatment and management of numerous disease conditions. Assessment of antioxidant properties creates opportunities for further research into the pharmacological, toxicological properties and clinical relevance of Ficus exasperata. The plant sample was collected, identified, dried, and extracted. Plant sample was assessed for its phytochemical constituents, Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), using spectrophotometric methods. Using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and Total Antioxidant Capabilities (TAC), the antioxidant properties of the plant extract was assessed using specified methods. Glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols were among the phytochemicals observed to be present. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) was -1.82±47 mg GAE/g of exteract, Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) was found to be 47.69±23.2 mg QE/g of extract. The IC50 of ascorbic acid and extract for DPPH scavenging activity was determined to be 1.31 µg/mL and 1.91 µg/mL, respectively. The IC50 for TAC of the extract was determined to be 1.23 µg/mL, while that of the standard (ascorbic acid) was found to be 8.82𝑥10−9 µg/mL.
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INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF OPIOID ABUSE AMONG UNIVERSITY OF BENIN STUDENTS

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Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. It refers to compounds that are extracted from the poppy seed (e.g morphine) as well as semi synthetic and synthetic compounds with similar properties (e.g fentanyl) (WHO, 2021). The term opioid is used to refer to all compounds that bind to opiate (opioid) receptors. Opioids are alkaloids that are directly derived from the opium poppy plant and the name “Opiate” can be used to describe them. Among these alkaloids are codeine and morphine. Opioids include synthetic opioids like methadone, fentanyl and propoxyphene as well as semi-synthetic opiates, which are medications made from naturally occurring opiates (such as heroin from morphine and oxycodone from thebaine). Narcotic is a legal term used to describe opioids and a few other drugs that are grouped with the opioids by law enforcement hence, it should not be used in the clinical setting (Naidu et al, 2015). Opioids have a number of impacts on the brain including numbing of pain. They work by attaching to opioid receptors on the cells of the brain. These cells send out signals that cause massive amounts of dopamine to be released throughout the body, thereby reducing the experience of pan and increases feelings of pleasure
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ACUTE TOXICITY STUDIES AND ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF THE ETHANOL EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA ROOT BARK IN MICE

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This study used mouse models to assess the acute toxicity and analgesic effects of Moringa oleifera extract. Acute toxicity was tested by giving different oral dose up to 5000 mg/kg, which resulted in no mortality, showing relative safety. The analgesic efficacy was assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking assays. The extract considerably reduced writhing behaviors in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), indicating peripheral analgesic effects. In the formalin test, the extract significantly reduced paw licking time in both neurogenic (early) and inflammatory (late) phases, with significant effects at moderate and high dosages (p < 0.05), indicating wide analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. These data confirm Moringa oleifera extract's potential as a safe and effective analgesic agent. Moringa oleifera's phytochemical components, which include flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic acids, are thought to work together to provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. The extract's ability to attenuate nociceptive behaviors in established experimental models backs up its longstanding use in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. The findings of this work give experimental confirmation for Moringa oleifera root bark as a promising natural analgesic with a wide range of efficacy, prompting further investigation into its pharmacological mechanisms and possible clinical applications. The extract's analgesic efficacy and safety profile make it a promising lowrisk pain management option
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ACUTE TOXICITY AND EFFECT OF Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier (COMBRETACEAE) LEAF EXTRACT ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF WISTAR RATS

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The leaf of T. mantaly is a component of traditional medicine, yet its scientific safety profile, particularly on the blood, is not well-established. This research aimed to provide information on the acute toxicity profile and a comprehensive description of the haematological effects of the plant's methanol leaf extract in Wistar rats, by examining both the immediate effect of a single high dose, and the sub – acute effect of repeated daily administrations. The leaf of T. mantaly was collected, authenticated, dried and milled into powder form. The powder (1050 g) was Soxhlet extracted using methanol, concentrated and dried to obtain 27.98% yield of extract. Acute toxicity test was done using Lorke’s method. Evaluation of the acute effect of a single high dose of 5000 mg/kg and the sub – acute effect of graded doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of the extract on haematological parameters of female Wistar rats, were done using standard methods. The acute toxicity test revealed that the extract is relatively safe with LD50 > 5000 mg/kg. However, administration of the 5000 mg/kg dose of the extract revealed a non – toxic physiological stress response, which manifested as a decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia) and lymphocytes (lymphopenia), as well as a sharp rise in neutrophils (neutrophilia). The 28 days sub – acute study demonstrated the safety profile associated with the administration of lower graded doses of the extract. An immunomodulatory effect, with a slight increase in the number of lymphocytes an platelets, were observed. In conclusion, the methanol leaf extract of T. mantaly possesses a high margin of safety and it is relatively safe, at the tested doses. However, caution is seriously advised in its use, at high doses.
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EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS FRACTION OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF CASSIAALATA L.[ FABACEAE] ON INVIVO ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN TESTOSTERONE-INDUCED BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA RATS

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Benign prostate hyperplasia is a disease of ageing men. Oxidative stress is a promoter of the ageing process. This study evaluated the effect of the aqueous fraction of the ethanol leaf extract of Cassia alata l.[fabaceae] on antioxidant and lipid per oxidation status of male rats induced with benign prostate hyperplasia. Six groups of six rats each were induced with benign prostate hyperplasia by the subcutaneous administration of testosterone (4mg/kg). Groups 1, 2, and 3 received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of the fraction respectively. Group 5 rats (negative control) received 10 ml/kg of distilled water. Group 4 animals (standard control) were treated with finasteride (5mg/kg) while Group 5 rats (negative control) received 10 ml/kg of distilled water. Group 6 animals (normal control) were neither induced nor treated. All administration was daily for 28 days by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed on the 29th day, blood was obtained, and serum enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured with Elisa assay test kits. Malondialdehyde concentration was equally measured. The extract did not significantly (P<0.05) increase the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx compared to the negative control, while MDA concentration was also not significant.
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COMPARATIVE IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ORGANOLEPTIC, PHYSICOCHEMICAL, AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF SELECTED HERBAL TEAS.

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Background: Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, are beverages prepared by infusing plants or plant parts such as seeds, bark, leaves, flowers, dried nuts, fruits, and grasses into hot water, producing a distinct taste with various health benefits. Insufficient comparative analysis exists for commonly consumed herbal teas in Nigeria, regarding antioxidant activity, organoleptic, and physicochemical parameters. The purpose of this study is to conduct an in vitro evaluation of organoleptic, physicochemical, and antioxidant properties of selected herbal teas. Method: Ten herbal tea brands (Ginseng tea, Adams Moringa tea, Organic Immune System Booster, 3 Ballerina Tea, Legend Tea and Herbs, Qualitea, Top Tea, Lipton, Costa Tea, and Richmond) were selected from supermarkets and local markets in Edo state, Nigeria. The selected herbal teas were assessed for their organoleptic and physicochemical properties (pH, moisture content, and specific gravity). In the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay, the absorbance at 517 nm of the herbal teas brewed at different temperatures (95, 28, and 10℃) was determined using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The percentage inhibition was calculated, and the results were recorded. Result: The organoleptic properties of the herbal tea brew were fresh and within acceptable sensory limits. The pH determination shows that the herbal teas have pH values within the acidic range (<7), from 4.83 to 6.03. From the test carried out, the moisture content ranged from 3.4% to 8.5% (<10%). The specific gravity determination showed that the teas have specific gravity similar to that of water (1.000 g/mL), ranging from 0.92 to 1.02 g/mL. The DPPH radical scavenging assay shows that the percentage inhibition of the teas brewed at 95℃ ranged from 0 to 83.46%. The percentage inhibition of the teas brewed at 28℃ ranged from 59.04 to 82.02%, and the percentage inhibition of teas brewed at 10℃ ranged from 65.52 to 84.62%. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the analyzed herbal teas met the basic quality requirements. The majority of the herbal teas exhibited high antioxidant activity (high percentage inhibition) when brewed at lower temperatures. Costa tea did not show activity at 95℃.
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VISUAL INSPECTION, DISSOLUTION TEST AND SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC EVALUATION OF SOME BRANDS OF TETRACYCLINE AVAILABLE IN PHARMACIES IN BENIN CITY

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Background: .The tetracycline class of antimicrobials demonstrates a broad spectrum of activity against various pathogens, encompassing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as atypical organisms.However, their use for bacterial infections has been restricted in recent years due to the emergence of resistant organisms employing efflux and ribosomal protection mechanisms.However tetracycline has been used for therapeutic reasons in both humans and animals
Aim: The primary aim is to perform a quantitative and qualitative analysis on various brands of tetracycline found in pharmacies in Benin city. Method: Visual inspection was performed according to World health Organisation Visual Inspection of Medicines Template while the dissolution test was performed using the United State Pharmacopoeia modified method of spectrometry according to Ahmed et al was used and absorbance was taken at 362nm.
Results: The visual inspection showed that 90% of the brand inspected met the required standard according to the USP. The dissolution test showed that the percentage content in 20 40 and 60 minutes was within the range of 91.31 - 99.53, 92.62 - 99.53 and 97.83 - 99.57 respectively the spectrometry test shows that all the brands met up to the 90 -125% (USP).
Conclusion: The conclusion of this research shows that the analysed tetracycline brands follow the official monographs, except for the color deviation that was noted in the T7 tablets.
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