FACULTY OF PHARMACY

The meaning of probiotics has been altered with expanding information in the field of how they work. (Thantsha, 2012) The term is gotten from the Greek language meaning 'for life. In the past, there have been many endeavors to characterize the term probiotic, one of the first being portrayed by Lilly and Stillwell in 1965 (Thantsha, 2012) . They defined probiotics as “substances secreted by one microorganism, which stimulates the growth of another”. The focal point of this definition was to recognize them and clarify that they are something contrary to antibiotics. Hence, in 1974, Parker characterized them as “organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance” (Schrezenmier & de Vrese, 2001). In 1989, Fuller tried to improve on Parker’s definition by proposing the following definition: “live microbial feed supplement, which beneficially affects the host (animal or human) by improving its intestinal microbial balance” (Salminen et al, 1999; Vilsiljevic & Shah, 2008). Then, Havenaar & Huis In’t Veld (1992) defined probiotics acceptably as ‘a viable mono- or mixed culture of microorganisms which applies to animal or man, beneficially affects the host by improving the properties of the indigenous microflora’. Schrezenmeir & de Vrese (2001) defined the term probiotic as “a preparation of or a product containing viable, defined microorganisms in sufficient numbers, which alter the microflora by implantation or colonization, in a compartment of the host and by that, exert beneficial effects on host health”. Among these depictions and definitions, there were numerous others,

Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries. It is preventable and curable. Because current medication have begun to lose their effectiveness due to resistance in the causative agent, Plasmodium, there is need to develop new antimalarial lead candidates. Using an in silico approach, this study aimed to explore the bioactive compounds present in the Piper guineense and Chrysobalanus icaco with the possibility of inhibiting plasmepsin II (PDB ID:1LF3), a drug target protein of Plasmodium falciparum. Dihydroartemisinin was used as a positive control in
this study to explore the possible function of plasmepsin II. The software used include; PyRx, PyMol, ProTox-3.0, Biovia Discovery Studio 2020, and SwissADME web server; the databases used were Protein Data Bank (PDB) and PubChem. The docking study revealed that β-Cubebene (P. guineense) and Spiro[androst-5-ene-17,1'- cyclobutan]-2'-one, 3-hydroxy-, (3beta,17beta)- (C. icaco) have the highest binding free energies of -7.4kcal/mol and -9.1kcal/mol respectively with the target protein, Plasmepsin II. Compounds from Piper guineense; Epiglobulol, (-)-alpha-Copaene, Agarospirol, 4,6,6- Trimethyl-2-(3-methylbuta-1,3-dienyl)-3-oxatricyclo[5.1.0.0(2,4)]octane, Bulnesol had similar amino acid interaction as the positive control, Dihydroatremisinin (DHA) but with however lower binding affinities compared to it. In conclusion, compounds from Piper guineense presented with more promising bioactive compounds for antimalarial drug development. Further analytical study can, therefore be done
to establish evidence of concept and promote the development of new antimalarial lead candidates.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to dopamine depletion, oxidative stress, and motor dysfunction. Despite advances in neuropharmacology, current treatment options remain largely symptomatic and fail to halt disease progression. This has intensified the search for novel neuroprotective agents, particularly from natural sources. Afzelia africana, a medicinal plant traditionally used across West Africa for the management of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions, contains phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids that may possess neuroprotective properties. This study investigated the neuroprotective and histopathological effects of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Afzelia africana in a rotenone-induced Parkinsonism model using male Wistar rats. The plant material was extracted by cold maceration in ethanol and subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. Acute toxicity was evaluated using a modified Lorke’s method. The animals used for this study were randomly distributed in 5 different treatment groups, namely: control (no treatment), vehicle alone, rotenone and vehicle, rotenone and 250 mg/kg Afzelia africana extract and rotenone and 500 mg/kg Afzelia africana extract. Animals in all groups received the different drug treatments daily while those in the last three groups received 1 mg/kg of rotenone on days 1,4,7 and 10. Neurobehavioural performance was assessed using the wire hanging and elevated plus maze tests on days 0, 5 and 10. On the 11th day, animals were sacrificed via ketamine injection, organs were harvested, weighed and preserved in formalin and used for histopathological studies. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenolic compounds; the LD50 was estimated to be than 5000 mg/kg. Rotenone administration caused marked impairment in motor coordination and increased anxiety-like behaviour; however, treatment with A. africana extract significantly improved (p<0.05) motor strength, prolonged latency to fall in the wire hanging test, and enhanced open-arm exploration in the elevated plus maze. Histopathological examination of the striatum showed that A. africana attenuated neuronal atrophy and pyknosis, while also ameliorating hepatic and renal alterations induced by rotenone exposure. The findings demonstrate that the ethanolic stem bark extract of Afzelia africana possesses neuroprotective and anxiolytic activities suggesting its potential as a promising natural therapeutic candidate drug discovery.

Background:Drug therapy problems(DTPs)are a major healthcare challenge which are associated with increased cost of treatment, misdiagnosis, increased length of hospitalization, decreased patient satisfaction with care and increased morbidity and mortality. Pharmacists play a crucial role in optimising medication use and improving patient outcomes within hospitals. Their clinical interventions span medication reconciliation, drug-drug interaction identification, dosage adjustments, and therapeutic optimisation.However,the extent and impact of these interventions often remain undocumented hindering both individual
pharmacist accountability and the evaluation of pharmacy services on patient care. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the drug therapy problem documented by clinical pharmacists at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital(UBTH) Benin between April 2015 and April 2024.Method:This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in thirteen pharmacy
departments of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital(UBTH),Benin. All DTPs identified and interventions made by clinical pharmacists evidenced by documentation were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of clinical pharmacist interventions.The prescribers’ acceptance rate of the pharmacists' recommendation on the identified drug therapy problem was calculated by dividing the number of accepted interventions by the total number of interventions and then multiplying by 100.
Result: A total of 986 drug therapy problems were identified during the study with 48.17% of them being identified in 2023 as compared to 0% drug therapy problems in 2017. Between 2015 and 2020, only 189 DTPs were documented across the various pharmacy departments.COPD-NHIS documented the most DTPs with 135 drug therapy problems representing 13.7% v of the total DTPs documented while Main Theatre pharmacy recorded the fewest DTPs, accounting for only 1.4% (14) of the DTPs. Dosage too high is the most prevalent DTP occurring 363 times representing 36.8% whereas inappropriate adherence is the least prevalent occurring 15 times and accounting for 1.5% of the DTPs. About 22.2% (219) of these interventions were directetowards paediatrics (below 12 years) and 31.7% (313) to adults (>19 years). Antibiotics were the most affected drug occurring 249 times accounting for 25.1% of the drugs affected.It's closely followed by antihypertensives occurring 103 representing10.4%and closely followed by centrally acting drugs with 91 occurrences accounting for 9.2% of the drugs affected. About 22.1% (218) of the interventions were directed towards the males and 29.0% (286) towards the females. Of the 986 DTPs recorded, the prescribers were contacted 851 times and they accepted 847 pharmacists’ recommendations.Conclusion: Over a decade, the documented drug therapy problems (DTPs) were surprisingly low for a major teaching hospital. A review of the recorded DTPs revealed a notable proportion occurred in females, while a smaller proportion affected males, and a significant number lacked gender documentation.A significant proportion of the interventions were focused on pediatric patients under12years old, while a notable proportion was directed toward adults over 19 years old. All 7 classes of DTPs were represented with a dosage too high being the most prevalent DTP while inappropriate adherence is the least prevalent.All drug therapy problems recorded were resolved.The prescribers demonstrated a remarkably high acceptance rate of the pharmacists'recommendations for the identified drugtherapy problem, with nearly all suggested interventions being implemented, indicating a strong collaborative approach to addressing drug therapy problems

Uterine fibroids also known as leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive tract which is mostly seen in women of reproductive age. Tetrapleura tetraptera is mostly used in herbal medicine for the management and/or control of a wide range of human ailments, which includes arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.This study aimed at evaluating the anti-fibroid potential of the ethanol extract of the stem bark of Tetrapleura tetraptera plant on monosodium glutamate induced fibroid in Sprague-Dawley rats.The objective of the study was to evaluate the ability of the extract to reduce Monosodium glutamate induced increase in cholesterol, total protein and estradiol respectively. The study also assessed the effect of the extract in ameliorating leiomyoma formation through histological studies. The stem bark of Tetrapleura tetraptera were dried, pulverized by milling, extracted using soxhlet apparatus and concentrated using a water bath. The percentage of the extract obtained from the bark of Tetrapleura tetraptera was 21.27% after extraction. For the preventive treatment the rats were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D, and E), of five rats each. Group A (control) received only food and water. In other to stimulate uterine fibroid, groups B, C, D, and E were given 800 mg/kg of MSG for 30 days. Then, groups C, D, and E were also given 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of T. tetraptera stem bark extract, respectively alongside the MSG, once daily for 30 days. For the curative treatment; Five rats divided into groups labelled A,B,C,D and E respectively were used. Group A (control) received only food and water. In other to stimulate uterine fibroid, groups B, C, D, and E were given 800 mg/kg of MSG for 30 days. Then, groups C, D, and E were also given 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract respectively once daily from the 31st day for another 30 days after which the animals were sacrificed on the 61st day.All administration was done by the means of oral gavage. The animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and assessed.Histopathology studies of the uterus in addition to serum total protein, total cholesterol and estradiol levels were determined. Significant increase in cholesterol and estradiol levels were observed in MSGtreated animals in relation to the groups treated with the extract in both treatment groups.There was no significant difference in the protein levels when different concentrations groups were compared to MSG group (p>0.05).The extract prevented and also led to a mild reversal of these biomarkers in the curative group of this study.MSG also resulted in endometrial epithelium distortion and lamina propria fibrosis while the extract ameliorated the distortion observed in the
uterus. These findings suggest that T. tetraptera stem bark extract contains bioactive constituents that are useful in having amore preventive effect than curative effect in the management of fibroid as it reduces serum hormone levels which play roles in the etiology of uterine fibroid

Introduction: Ear infections, particularly otitis media, represent a common health concern globally, impacting individuals across diverse demographics. In developing countries like Nigeria, the prevalence and incidence of ear infections and demographics is not well documented. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, bacterial etiology, susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of ear infections among patients presenting with otitis symptoms thus contributing to the wealth of available knowledge on ear infections.
Methodology: This study evaluated 43 patients who visited the Ear, Nose and Throat clinic in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for washing and check-up of their ear. Patient data and specimen were obtained at the study centre. Microbiology analysis as well as antimicrobial susceptibility and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration determination were carried out in the specimen at the Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, using standard techniques.
Results: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa accounted for the most predominant isolates from the specimens obtained from participants with vary susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, results obtained revealed the presence of Klebsiella oxytoca and Enteriobacteria in the ear of respondents which is in contrast to what already exist in literature.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated the activity of specific antibiotics against bacteria isolates from ear infections both Gram-positive and Gram-negative present in the ear of patients in the study center.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between Beta Cleanser Bitters and two antibiotics, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin. Method: Commercial brands of Ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin and Beta Cleanser Bitters were purchased and evaluated for the physiochemical properties. The interaction between the antibiotics and Beta Cleanser Bitters were evaluated using the disintegration time test and dissolution studies. Further interactions studies were carried out using absorbance inference studies and FTIR studies. Results: The presence of Beta Cleanser Bitters showed no contrasting effects on the disintegration times of the two drugs. For ciprofloxacin in the presence of Beta Cleanser Bitters, the dissolution drug release remained relatively stable and no significant difference while for amoxicillin there was a decrease in drug release in the presence of the bitters. FTIR analysis revealed similarity in spectra, suggesting minimal chemical interactions between amoxicillin and Beta Cleanser Bitters and for Ciprofloxacin, revealed difference in spectra, indicating an interaction. Conclusion: The study suggests that Beta Cleanser Bitters may exert some influence on the dissolution and disintegration behavior of ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin, though chemical interactions appear to be limited

Traditional herbal remedies according to World Health Organization, will have a place in the health-care system only if recommendations for their use are founded on research that establishes their credibility and acceptability. The goal of standardization is to validate herbal products in terms of their safety, efficacy, quality and reproducibility. Hence this research work, designed to study some inherent characteristics of the leaf of Margaritaria discoidea that determines thequality of its product. The plant leaves were collected and identified. Pharmacognostic studies for the determination of some quality control parameters for the leaves of M. discoidea were conducted using standard prescribed methods. Macroscopy of M. discoidea leaves revealed that the leaves were simple, petiolated, alternate with entire margins and reticulate venation. Microscopy showed the presence of straight-walled epidermal cells, unicellular trichomes, calcium oxalate crystals and paracytic stomata. The transverse cut through the mid-rib section showed isobilateral tissue arrangement. chemo-microscopy showed the presence of lignin, cellulose, mucilage, tannins, starch and fixed oils. Phytochemical screening of the powdered leaves showed the presence of glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroidal nucleus and alkaloids. Thin layer
chromatography (TLC) revealed the presence of a number of separated constituents in the methanolic extract of the plant. Quantitative determinations for proximate analysis were moisture content (8.23%), total ash (8.62%), crude fibre (3.43%), crude fat (9.10%), crude protein (19.80%)and carbohydrates (59.05%). Vitamin C was present in minute quantity. Elemental analysis showed the presence of calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, sodium, copper, zinc and potassium. Methanol extractive value, Foaming and Swelling indices were 25.83%, < 100 and 5 ml/g, respectively. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
confirmed twelve constituents in the plant material. The compounds with the highest concentrations are kaempferol, phyllochrysine, phyllanthine and betulinic acid. From this research work, standardization indices which could be used for the proper identification of the plant (M. discoidea) so as to prevent adulteration, have been provided. These details could be recorded in an official monograph

Schiff bases are synthesized through condensation reactions between primary amines and aldehydes or ketones. They have been identified as promising lead compounds for drug design and development. The study aims to synthesize, characterize, and assess the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of Schiff base derivatives. Para-aminophenol (3.0 g) was reacted with benzaldehyde (3.0 g), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (3.2 g), 3-OH-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (4 g), methylene-dioxybenzaldehyde (4 g), 4- chlorobenzaldehyde (4 g), 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (4 g), 3,4-dimethyl-aminobenzaldehyde (4 g), and cinnamaldehyde (3.3 g). The reaction was microwaved at 140 W (20 % intensity) after 3-5 drops of glacial acetic acid for 5 minutes. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, then filtered and recrystallized using either methanol or ethanol to produce samples BS1 to BS8. The reaction was monitored via TLC. Elemental composition was confirmed with spectroscopic analysis. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar diffusion method, toxicity was determined following the Lorke method, and analgesic properties were assessed using the hot plate model. In silico analyses were also performed on all products to determine their potential protein-ligand binding interactions. Antimicrobial screening indicated that BS1, BS2, BS5, BS6, and BS8 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. BS3 showed zones of inhibition for E. coli and S. aureus, 14 mm and 13 mm, respectively. The MIC was determined to be 62.5 µg/ml, while the MBC for BS1 and BS2 was 125 µg/ml. Acute toxicity studies revealed an LD₅₀ of 316 to 1265 mg/kg. Analgesic evaluation demonstrated promising activity when compared to pethidine. In silico analyses showed BS3 and BS7 favorable binding affinities with cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes (-8.62 and -8.49 kcal/mol, respectively). The findings suggest that these derivatives have potential therapeutic applications, particularly as analgesics and antimicrobial agents, with further optimization of their structural efficiency, pharmacological efficacy, pharmacokinetic parameters, and safety

Persea americana (avocado) leaves are reported to exhibit antimicrobial properties. As herbal products become increasingly popular, it is crucial to investigate whether formulation excipients affect the antimicrobial efficacy of plant extracts such as avocado leaves. This study investigates the antimicrobial efficacy of Persea americana leaf extract formulated into balms, comparing its effectiveness to that of the crude n-hexane extract. Fresh leaves of Persea americana were harvesteddried, pulverized and macerated in n- hexane.The extract obtained was subjected to phytochemical screening, then formulated into balms (0,100 and 200 mg/mL) and tested against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillussubtilis using the ditch method. Ciprofloxacin was used as a positive control. Statistical significance was determined using a One Way ANOVA, with a significance level set at p≤ 0.05.The hexane extract contained alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, phenolics, and proteins. At 100 mg/mL, the balm exhibited antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus,while the hexane extract showed no activity. At 200 mg/mL, the extract showed broader antimicrobial activity against the five test organisms compared to the balm.The balm containing no extract showed no activity against any of the test organisms.The crude n-hexane extract exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of 17–20 mm at 200 mg/mL and 22–24 mm at 400 mg/mL, corresponding to approximately 50–77% of ciprofloxacin (4 mg/mL) activity.When formulated into a balm, antimicrobial potency of the extract decreased slightly, indicating possible interactions between the plant extract and the components of the balm. Formulating the n-hexane extract of Persea americana leaves into balm reduced the extract's antimicrobial activity. This suggests that excipient-extract interactions are essential factors to consider in the development of herbal formulations.