FACULTY OF PHARMACY

Background: Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to pose a significant public health burden in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting underserved populations. Pharmacy students, as future healthcare professionals, are positioned to play key roles in community education, early
case detection, and prevention efforts. However, gaps in awareness and knowledge may limit their contributions. Objective: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of NTDs among pharmacy students
at the University of Benin and to evaluate their attitudes toward participating in the prevention and control of these diseases. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 pharmacy students intheir 500- and 600-levels. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics-including frequencies, percentages, and means-were used to summarize
socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes. Results were presented in tables. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection. Results: A total of 311 respondents participated (response rate: 88.9%). Awareness of NTDs was moderate, with 56.9% reporting they had heard of NTDs and 46.9% aware that Nigeria is
endemic for several NTDs. Knowledge levels were also moderate; 54.3% correctly identified examples of NTDs, while misconceptions persisted, including misclassification of malaria and tuberculosis. Most respondents (88.1%) recognized rural dwellers as the most at-risk population, and 55.6% correctly identified major transmission routes. Attitudes were positive overall: 67.2% agreed that pharmacists have an important role in NTD control, and 69.4% supported including NTD-related content in the pharmacy curriculum. Willingness to volunteer for awareness
programs was also high (59.8%). Conclusion: Pharmacy students demonstrated moderate levels of awareness and knowledge
regarding NTDs but expressed strong positive attitudes toward participating in their prevention and control. Strengthening pharmacy curricula, providing targeted training, and increasing opportunities for practical involvement can enhance students’ preparedness to contribute
effectively to national NTD control efforts.

Background: Oral hygiene is an important part of the body overall well-being, and should be treated with the utmost care to prevent dental problems. Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg. Euphorbiaceae), commonly known as copper leaf, is a tropical lant native to West Africa, with notable antimicrobial activities. This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial properties of the methanol leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana formulated as herbal toothpaste. Method: Toothpaste was formulated using the leaf extract of A. wilkesiana. The extract was incorporated into a toothpaste base prepared using calcium carbonate, starch, glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate, saccharine and peppermint oil. Sensory and physicochemical properties of the toothpaste were evaluated. Antimicrobial evaluation was by the Agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, acillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella aerogenes, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger at concentrations of 100-500
mg/ml. Results: The A. wilkesiana formulated toothpaste had a pleasant smell and was sweet to taste. It had good foaming abilities with a pH range of 7.4-7.8. The formulated herbal toothpaste had poor antibacterial activity but no antifungal activity against the clinical isolates at low concentrations. Significant activities were recorded at 500 mg/ml against all five (5) bacteria isolates, with Bacillus subtilis recording the highest zone of inhibition. Conclusion: The formulated A. wilkesiana toothpaste showed significant antibacterial effects against microbes implicated in periodontal diseases and dental caries, hence serving as a potential alternative to orthodox toothpastes for maintaining oral hygiene. Keywords: Acalypha wilkesiana, Euphorbiaceae, Antimicrobial, Toothpaste

The increasing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) underscores the urgent need for novel bioactive agents from natural sources. This study evaluated the antimicrobial potential and chemical composition of volatile oils obtained from Citrus sinensis and Eupatorium capillifolium, two plants widely used in traditional medicine.
Fresh leaves of both species were subjected to hydro-distillation using clevenger apparatus, and the percentage yield was determined to be 0.3% for Citrus sinensis and 0.6% for Eupatorium capillifolium. Gas Chromatography (GC-MS) analysis revealed that Citrus sinenesis oil contain major components such as D-limonene (11%), linalool (7.94%), gamma-terpene (9.93), 2, 6-octadienal (7.03), while Eupatorium capilifolium revealed
alpha-phellandrene (8.84%), 3-carene (8.67%), alpha-pinene (2.95%).
Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the cup-plate diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella aerogenes, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The volatile oil of C. sinensis demonstrated a high level of activity
against the fungal species at all concentration (5 to 25%w/v), the zone of inhibition range from 12mm to 30mm for Candida albicans and 8mm to 20mm for Aspergillus aerogenes, and showed weak inhibitory activities against bacteria species with activities shown at the highest concentration of (25%w/v), with a zone of inhibition of 10mm for P.aeruginosa,14mm for K.aerogenes, and 15mm for B.subtilis, with no inhibition against S.aureus and E.coli E. capillifolium oil showed high level of inhibitory activity at all concentration (5 to 25%w/v) with range of 10mm to 20mm for E. coli and 11mm to 19mm for P.aeruginosa,
with no activity seen against K.aeregenes, S.aureus, B.subtilis, C.albicans and A.niger. The result obtained indicate that the volatile oil of each plants has pharmaceutical importance and can be utilize d in the treatment of some ailments.

The crude extract of Anthocleista djalonensis has been evaluated to have an effect on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. This study aims to evaluate the effect of chromatographic fractions of the plant on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The aqueous extract of the leaves of the plant obtained, was subjected to Vacuum Liquid Chromatography, and the Ethyl acetate - Methanol Fraction and the 100% Methanol fraction (MEL) were bulked together and concentrated. Column Chromatography was performed on MEL; thereafter, thin-layer chromatography was performed, which showed that Fractions 2 and 3 contained similar constituents, hence were bulked together to afford Fraction A Nineteen male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups and were used for this study. Group 1 was the normal control group, animals in this group were neither induced nor treated. Group 2 was the negative control group and were induced with BPH using 5 mg/kg testosterone acetate (dissolved in coconut oil) once daily via the subcutaneous route. Animals in group 3 and 4 were administered 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of Fraction A respectively using the orogastric tube. Group 5 was the positive control group and were also administered 4 mg/kg finasteride (The reference) once daily using the orogastric tube after having dissolved it in a vehicle. This administration was done across 14 days. At the end of the 14th day, the rats were sacrificed, the prostate was harvested, and blood was collected. Histological evaluation of the prostate was done. Serum hormonal profile of testosterone and prostate-specific antigen was analysed using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique (ELISA). Also, prostate weight and volume was determined from the harvested prostate. Results showed that doses of fraction A impacted prostatic indices, and histological studies showed reduced hyperplasia. These advocates that the leave extract of Anthocleista djalonensis possess Anti-BPH activity supporting ethnobotanical studies. However, further studies have to be carried out in order to ascertain its specific mechanism of action as well as toxicity
studies in order to ascertain its safety

Background: Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances globally, and its use is particularly common among university students seeking to enhance alertness, concentration, and academic performance. However excessive consumption may result in dependence and other health related effects. Objective: This study assessed the habits, patterns, and influencing factors of caffeine consumption among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured self- administered questionnaire distributed to 381 students selected through stratified random sampling across various faculties. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between demographic variables and caffeine use. Results: Findings revealed that caffeine consumption was highly prevalent (91.86%) among respondents. The most frequently consumed sources were carbonated soft drinks, tea, and energy drinks, with most students (62.47%) reporting daily intake, primarily for pleasure, relaxation, and improved concentration during study. Significant associations were found between caffeine consumption and variables such as age and place of residence, while gender, academic level, and faculty showed no significant influence. The results indicate that caffeine use is a socially accepted and academically functional behavior among students, often driven by environmental and academic pressures. Conclusion: The study concludes that although most students consume caffeine moderately, there is a need for continuous health education on safe consumption limits and the potential adverse effects of excessive use. It recommends that the university health unit incorporate caffeine awareness into student orientation programs and promote healthier coping strategies for academic stress.

Introduction: Antiaris toxicaria is a plant found in tropical Africa, among other tropical regions, non-scientifical used of this plant include; for hunting, neurological complaints, skin infections, gastrointestinal complaints. So this incite the need for chemical characterisation and laboratory evaluation of the ethanolic bark fraction. This study profiles its phytochemicals, and antibacterial.
Method: The bark parts were collected, pulverized and extracted with 70% ethanol from which the ethanolic fraction were obtained and analyzed by HPLC and GC-MS to identify non-volatile and volatile constituents found in the plant. Antibacterial activity was carried out against six clinical isolates (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus) was assessed by Inhibitory Zone Diameter (IZD), Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC).
Results: Chromatographic and spectrometric analyses revealed the presence of major constituents such as (Ephedrine),(Proanthocyanin compound ) and (Amphyllidine compound ) with (Ephedrine) occurring at the highest concentration (17.81 µg/Ml) for HPLC, while for GC-MS, constituents such as (n-Hexadecanoic acid), (d-Glucohexodialdose) and (2-Furanmethanol, 5-ethenyltetrahydro-.alpha.,.alpha.,5-trimethyl-,cis-) with n-Hexadecanoic as the highest occurring (15.07 %). The extract produced moderate inhibition zones (14–20 mm) against the six clinical isolates. The findings of this study revealed that the 70% ethanolic extract of Antiaris toxicaria possesses measurable antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms, particularly to Gram positive bacteria than that of Gram negative with MBC/MIC ratio to be ≥ 4 for S. aureus, E. cloacae, E. coli, B. cereus depicting bacteriostatic and ≤ 4 for P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis depicting bactericidal.
Conclusion: Th ethanolic bark exract of Antiaris toxicaria contains a complex mixture of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins constituents that together reveals measurable antibacterial effect

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) management faces rising challenges from antibiotic resistance and side effects of synthetic drugs. The plant Sida acuta Burm. f. is traditionally used in African Traditional medicine for gastrointestinal ailments. Preliminary studies confirmed its anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant potential. This study aims to evaluate the in vivo curative anti-ulcer activity of the fractions of the crude methanol extract of S. acuta leaves and to identify the most potent fraction and its possible mechanism of action. The study involved methanol extraction and subsequent fractionation of the extract using solvents of increasing polarity: n-Hexane, Dichloromethane, Ethyl acetate and Aqueous methanol. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant efficacy tests (DPPH, FRAP) were carried out to confirm the extract's components. The in vivo anti-ulcer activity was assessed in Wistar rats using the ethanol-induced ulcer model over five days. Groups received 100 or 200 mg/kg of each fraction, or 40 mg/kg Omeprazole (standard). Ulcer severity was determined via the Mean Ulcer Index (MUI) and percentage ulcer inhibition. Qualitative analysis confirmed Alkaloids, Carbohydrate, Saponins, Terpenoids, Phenols, and Flavonoids. The crude methanol extract, containing significant levels of Total Phenol (38.61 mg GAE/g) and Total Flavonoid (20.70 mg QE/g), exhibited potent antioxidant activity, confirmed by the DPPH (IC50 of 32.26μg/ml) and FRAP (0.21 mM FeSO4 equivalent/g) assays. The in vivo anti-ulcer study, using the ethanolinduced ulcer model in Wistar rats, showed the standard treatment group achieved 73.95% ulcer inhibition. Among the fractions, the n-Hexane fraction exhibited the superior anti-ulcer potential, achieving 61.5% inhibition at 100 mg/kg. The DCM, EtOAC, and Aqueous- Methanol fractions showed moderate to low inhibition (39.70% to 57.07%). The dominant activity concentrated in the non-polar n-Hexane fraction suggests that the primary anti-ulcer mechanism of S. acuta is rooted in cytoprotection (mucosal stabilization) rather than the polar antioxidant effects. This finding successfully validates the traditional use of the plant in treatment of gastrointestinal ailments and identifies the n-Hexane fraction as the primary candidate for future bioassay-guided isolation of novel anti-ulcer compounds.

Background:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques, a process largely influenced by the activity of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1). Current therapeutic options are mainly symptomatic and do not alter the course of the disease, highlighting the need for treatments that can target its underlying pathology. Protease inhibitors have therefore emerged as promising candidates for modulating this key pathological mechanism.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of the protease inhibitor Ritonavir on BACE-1 gene expression, cognitive performance, and depression-like behaviours in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease induced by aluminium chloride (AlCl₃). Methods: Fifty-six Swiss albino mice were allocated into seven groups: a control group, three groups treated with Ritonavir at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, an AlCl₃-induced Alzheimer’s model group, and two positive control groups administered Donepezil (5 mg/kg) and Ascorbic Acid (100 mg/kg). After 28 days of treatment, molecular analysis was carried out to quantify BACE-1 gene expression. Cognitive function and depression-related behaviours were assessed using the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test and the Tail Suspension Test (TST), respectively.
Results: The high dose of Ritonavir (400 mg/kg) significantly suppressed AlCl₃-induced BACE-1 gene overexpression, demonstrating efficacy comparable to the positive controls. However, this robust molecular effect did not translate into significant improvements in the behavioural assays. No significant differences were observed in the NOR test discrimination index or in the immobility duration during the TST across all treatment groups. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Ritonavir is effective in normalizing BACE-1 gene expression at a high dose, indicating potential disease-modifying properties at the molecular level. However, its inability to reverse cognitive deficits or depression-like behaviour in this model suggests that BACE-1 inhibition alone may be insufficient for comprehensive functional recovery. Further investigation in chronic models and exploration of combination therapies is warranted.

Preterm labor and miscarriages are reproductive complications that often require various pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions such as bed rest, hormonal therapy and tocolytic agents. Various cultures have also exploited the use of herbs and some medicinal plants to manage these gynaecological problems. Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine in the treatment of hypertension and also for its female health benefits. While Phyllanthus amarus has been reported to be used in ethno-medicine as an abortifacient agent, it has also been reported to have toxic in female reproductive health. This work investigated the effect of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Phyllanthus amarus on uterine smooth muscle reactivity, and on pregnancy outcome in female Wistar rats. The ethanol extract of Phyllantus amarus was prepared and tested using both in vivo and in vitro models. In the in vivo study, the female wistar rats were administered graded doses of the extract (6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) orally for 14 days and each groups were mated with two male wistar rats on the first day of administration. For the in-vitro study, isolated uterine tissues were used to evaluate the effect of the extract on spontaneous contraction of the uterus as well as oxytocin, and KCl-induced pre-contracted uterus. The extract produced a dose- dependent relaxation of uterine smooth muscle. The extract also had a positive outcome on conception in some treated groups, This study suggests that Phyllanthus amarus possesses utero-relaxant, and positive pregnancy oucomes in female wistar rats.

Hypertension remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity, necessitating novel multitarget inhibitors. Imidazole derivatives exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, including potential modulation of vasoconstrictive pathways, yet few studies integrate computational
screening with synthetic validation for antihypertensive lead discovery. Four imidazole compounds were subjected to molecular docking using AutoDock Vina against
ACE (7bvq), AT1R (7ej8), ETAR (6ke5), and renin (5xpr) to predict binding affinities. The lead compound, 2-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole, was synthesized via one-pot condensation of benzil, acetaldehyde, and ammonium acetate under reflux, followed by recrystallization. Physicochemical properties, ADMET parameters, and toxicity profiles were evaluated using SwissADME and Pro Tox 3 platforms. Docking revealed 2-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole as the most potent ligand, with binding energies of -8.9 to -6.9 kcal/mol across all targets, driven by hydrophobic. It displayed high gastrointestinal absorption, blood-brain barrier permeability, balanced lipophilicity, and no
cardiotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. Synthesis yielded 57.36 % of pure yellowish crystals (m.p. 69- 71 °C). Other derivatives showed weaker binding, restricted distribution, or higher genotoxic risks. 2-Methyl-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole is identified as a promising multitarget antihypertensive
lead with favorable drug-like properties and synthetic accessibility. It warrants further biological evaluation in enzyme inhibition, vasorelaxation, and in vivo models to advance toward clinical development.