INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

186-192

Authors: Nirmal Singh1 , Lalit Sharma

The solubility enhancement process of hydrophobic drugs plays a key role in the formulation development to achieve the bioavailability and therapeutic action of the drug at the target site. As estimated, among the newly discovered chemical entities nearly 40% drugs are poorly water soluble. To get proper therapeutic level of drug in plasma, a high dose of poorly water soluble drugs is required. The orally administered drugs show its complete pharmacological effect if it is fairly soluble in water in gastric medium and such drugs show good bioavailability. The enhancement of oral bioavailability of such poorly water soluble drugs remains one of the most challenging aspects of drug development. Various methods are used to enhance the solubility of poorly water soluble drugs in aqueous medium. In this present study, surfactant micellization method was used to enhance the solubility of poorly water soluble drugs viz. glibenclamide, clofibrate. A carbohydrate based nonionic surfactants, which was synthesized in lab, were explored to encapsulate these drugs. It was found that the water solubility of these drugs increased up to many folds. Key Words: poor water soluble drugs, bioavailability, carbohydrate non-ionic surfactant, clofibrate, glibenclamide, micellization

208-216

Authors: Harish Kaushik Kotakonda1, 4 , Malothu Nagulu2 , Narsimha Reddy Yellu3*

Cetrorelix is one of the potent luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone (LH-RH) antagonist which is indicated in the treatment of preventing premature ovulation in IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedures. The objective of the study was to prepare different poly-lactic-coglycolic acid (PLGA) and Polylactic acid (PLA) based long acting release (LAR) microsphere formulations and to further evaluate the pharmacokinetics, invitro and invivo release of cetrorelix from these formulations. Microsphere 1 (MS1) and Microsphere 2 (MS2) formulations prepared with PLGA 50:50 and PLGA75:25 copolymers could sustain the release of drug for 14-28 days, whereas microsphere 3 (MS3) and microsphere 4 (MS4) formulations prepared with PLGA 85:15 copolymer and PLA could extend the release for 120days. On comparing the invitro and invivo release of the microsphere formulations it was observed that release under invivo conditions release was faster than under invitro conditions. It was observed that increase in the drug loading lead to higher rise in the initial cetrorelix plasma levels and further lead to shorter duration of release. On SC injection of MS1, MS2, MS3 & MS4 microspheres formulation to adult male Sprague Dawley rats at 0.25mg/kg lead to an initial rise in plasma cetrorelix levels which is of 23.812 ± 8.554 ng/mL, 150.701 ± 51.772 ng/mL, 57.581 ± 19.781 ng/mL and 164.466 ± 56.512 ng/mL at the median Tmax of 6hr for MS1-4 formulations respectively, where as a single subcutaneous (SC) administration of cetrorelix injection to rats at 0.25 mg/kg provided peak maximum concentration (Cmax) of 79.274 ± 17.734 ng/mL at 1.5 hr (Tmax). The exposure (AUC0-t) achieved by the microsphere formulations are of the order 628.059±127.706, 4814.86 ± 1729.582, 8324.062 ± 2859.633, 10414.69 ± 3577.844 and 15579.68 ± 5352.216 hr.ng/mL for Cetrotide® , MS1, MS2, MS3 and MS4 formulations respectively. When compared with Cetrotide® SC injection the exposures achieved by the microsphere formulations are of the order MS4 > MS3 > MS2 > MS1 formulations. Therefore based on the results of the study it can be concluded that PLGA and PLA microsphere formulations of cetrorelix can be of clinical relevance helping the patients to avoid multiple injections during their therapy. Keywords: Cetrorelix; Poly-lactic-coglycolic acid (PLGA); Polylactic acid (PLA); Subcutaneous; Pharmacokinetics; Long acting release (LAR)

225-234

Authors: Ali Esmail Al-Snafi

Digitalis lanata and Digitalis purpurea of the family Plantaginaceae were grown in Iraq. Digitalis lanata and Digitalis purpurea contains cardiac glycosides, volatile oil, fatty matter, starch, gum and sugars. They possessed cardiovascular, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, insecticidal, immunological, hepato, neuro and cardioprotective effects. This review highlights the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Digitalis lanata and Digitalis purpurea. Keywords: Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea, pharmacology, phytochemica

241-244

Authors: S.O.Mohod1* D.T.Tayade

Recently in the laboratory conductometric investigation of 2-methyl thiocarbamidophenol (L2) have been carried out at different concentration of solute in 60% ethanol-water mixture at constant temperature. G, k, µ values are determined. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔG and ΔS for the ion pair formation determine from the value of ion association constant at different temperature i.e. 298.15K and 303.15 K. This measurement revealed that solvent-solvent, solute-solvent and solute-solute interaction and the effects of various substituents. Key Words: Substituted thiocarbamidophenol, ion association constant, thermodynamic parameters.

248-256

Authors: Ali Esmail Al-Snafi

Phytochemical studies revealed that Erigeron canadensis (syn. Conyza canadensis) contained saponins, diterpenoids, terpenoids, glycosides, tannin, anthraquinone, steroids and flavonoids. Pharmacological studies showed that Erigeron canadensis exerted antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, mutagenic gastric protective effect and skin depigmentation activity. The current review discussed the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Erigeron canadensis. Keywords: Erigeron canadensis, Conyza canadensis, contents, pharmacology

264-275

Authors: Swathi G *1 , K. P. R. Chowdary2 and A. Muralidhar Rao

The objective of the present study is to prepare, characterize and to evaluate a new modified starch namely cross linked starch urea for its application in the formulation of sustained release floating tablets as rate controlling polymer. Cross linked starch urea was prepared and characterized by various physical properties and IR spectra. Sustained release floating tablets of three anti-hypertensive drugs namely Captopril, Losartan and Valsartan were formulated employing cross Linked starch Urea as rate controlling polymer and were evaluated. Cross linked starch urea prepared by gelatinizing potato starch in the presence of urea and calcium chloride was insoluble in water and aqueous fluids of acidic and alkaline pHs. Cross linked starch urea exhibited good swelling in water. The swelling index was 630.2%. As crosslinked starch urea is insoluble and has good swelling in water, it is considered suitable as release retarding and rate controlling matrix polymer for sustained release floating tablets. stained release tablets of (i)captopril, (ii) losartan and (iii) valsartan prepared using cross linked starch urea as matrix polymer were non disintegrating in water, acidic (pH 1.2) and alkaline ( pH 7.4) fluids and gave slow and controlled release over longer periods of time. In each case the release rate depended on the strength or concentration of cross linked starch urea polymer in the tablets. A good linear relationship was observed between percent polymer in the matrix tablets and release rate (K0) with all the three drugs indicating that the cross linked starch urea polymer is an efficient rate controlling polymer suitable for design of sustained release tablets. Drug release from these SR tablets was by diffusion mechanism, fickian diffusion in the case of tablets containing low percent of polymer and non fickian (anamalous) diffusion in the case of tablets containing high percent of polymer. Cross linked starch urea alone and in combination with sodium bicarbonate (gas generating agent) was found not suitable for formulation of floating tablets though it has good rate controlling effect for formulation of sustained release tablets. When cross linked starch urea was used along with bees wax (lipohilic polymer) and starch acetate (good film forming polymer) it was found suitable for formulation of floating tablets. Floating tablets formulated with cross linked starch urea (50%) as matrix polymer, Bees wax (5%) and starch acetate (5%) as floating enhancers and sodium bicarbonate as gas generating agent exhibited good floating over 13 – 14 hrs with a floating lag time of 45 – 60 seconds. Drug release from these floating tablets was spread over 12 hrs with all the three drugs studied. The drug release from these tablets was by non fickian (anomalous) diffusion. Thus cross linked starch urea was found to be a good rate controlling polymer for sustained release tablets and along with bees wax and starch acetate it was also a good matrix polymer for floating tablets. Key words: Cross linked starch urea, Sustained release floating tablets, Rate controlling polymer, Captopril, Losartan, Valsartan.

284-289

Authors: Reshu Virmani*1 , Tarun Virmani1 , Charan Singh1 , Geeta Sorout

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that can cause significant disability and decreased quality of life. It is a multidimensional disease and management needs to be holistic, incorporating the patient and family, utilizing a multidisciplinary team and addressing both medical as well as rehabilitation issues from diagnosis to advanced disease. In the present study, sustained release tablets of Rasagiline mesylate is designed using xanthan gum (XG), and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose K 100 M (HPMC) as release retarding polymers alone or in combination as Rasagiline is a better alternative and considered as drug of choice for effective treatment of Parkinson’s disease with reduced side effects. Tablets were formulated in nine batches by using different ratios of drug and excipients. The drug release profiles of various formulations showed that these were successful in effectively sustaining the drug release from the matrix tablets, as set in objectives. Keywords: Rasagiline mesylate, matrix tablet, in vitro release

296-301

Authors: Dr. Syed Fasih Ahmed Hashmi1 , Dr. Mashooq Ali Dasti 1 , Dr. Ghulam Hussain Baloch2 , Syed Imran Zaidi3 , Dr. Sumera Bukhari4 and *Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Qutrio Baloch5

Objective: To determine the frequency of cardiac complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus Patients And Methods: The six months (July 2016 to December2016) cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad, Sindh Pakistan. All the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus since 5 years duration, ≥35 years of age and of either gender were enrolled in the study. After detail history, clinical examination and baseline investigations, the electrocardiography and echocardiography was performed to see the existence of any abnormal cardiac event. The data analyzed in SPSS 16 and frequency, percentages and mean ±SD was calculated for study variables. Results: During six months study period total 100 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus were studied for cardiac complications. Majority of the patients were males (65%) and belonged to rural populated areas (72%). Coronary artery disease was the most predominant cardiac complication had 30% prevalence in diabetic population, 13% patients detected having silent ischemia; 17% of the total study had atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances. 10% diabetic individual shad left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), 9% had bundle branch block evidence on ECG while the tachy-arrhythmias were observed in 6% diabetic individuals. Conclusion: The diabetes patients are more prone to acquire life threatening cardiac complication. Therefore strict glycemic control can reduce the risk of complications. Keywords: Cardiac complications, Diabetes mellitus, Electrocardiography and Echocardiography

306-311

Authors: M. Prasanna and S. Sridhar*

Antioxidant activity, total phenol and flavonoid content of the leaf of Hygrophila auriculata collected from three geographically distant regions of Tamil Nadu (Kanchipuram, Gummidipondi and Chengalpattu) were examined using extracts of aqueous, ethanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether. Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), Gallic acid (GA) and Quercetin (Q) were taken as standard in case of antioxidant activity, phenol and flavonoid content respectively. The acetone leaf extract of Hygrophila auriculata collected from Gummidipoondi was found maximum in total phenol and flavonoid contents 20.83 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/g and 3.59 mg Quercetin Equivalents (QE) /g respectively. The leaf extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activities by DPPH (1, 1 – diphenyl -2- picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. Among three accessions with different solvents used, maximum antioxidant activity was found in acetone leaf extract (88.1 %) from Gummidipoondi - accession followed by others. The powerful antioxidant effect is attributed to the greater amount of phenols and flavonoids compound in the acetone leaf extracts of Hygrophila auriculata. Key words: Hygrophila auriculata, antioxidant activity, DPPH, phenol, flavonoid.

327-335

Authors: Md Musharraf Ali *1 and V. Saikishore

The aim of present research work is to formulate and evaluate controlled release floating tablet of Ranitidine hydrochloride in view to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic action.The tablets were formulated by employing wet granulation method using PVP K 30 as binder and isopropyl alcohol as granulating fluid. The granules were evaluated for flow properties. All the formulations showed values within the prescribed limits for tests like hardness, friability and weight variation which indicate that the prepared tablets are of standard quality. All the tablets were formulated using sodium bicarbonate as effervescent agent. All the prepared formulations floated immediately after placing into the beaker and the floating was maintained more than 14 hrs. It was observed that the carbon dioxide generated from sodium bicarbonate in presence of dissolution medium(0.1N HCL) was trapped in the polymer gel matrix formed by the hydration of polymer which decreases the density(<1) and makes the tablet buoyant. The correlation coefficient values (r) revealed that the dissolution profiles followed Zero order kinetics and the mechanism of drug release was governed by Peppas model. The n values are found to be more than 0.5 (n>0.5) indicted that the drug release was predominantly controlled by non fickian diffusion. Based on the release rate constant and % of drug release the formulations prepared with Cashew nut tree gum shown prolonged retarding nature compared with the formulations prepared with Aegle marmelos gum. Among all the formulations , F3 formulation containing drug and Cashew nut tree gum in 1:1.5 ratio was found to be optimized formulations. Key words: Ranitidine hydrochloride, Aegle marmelos, Cashew nut tree gum, Sodium bicarbonate

342-345

Authors: Dr. Zubair Ahmed Yousfani1 , Dr. Jabeen Atta2 , Dr. Kirshan Lal Soofi1 , Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Qutrio Baloch3*, Muhammed Ayyaz 3 and Munis Raza

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients with menstrual disturbances. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multidisciplinary case series study of six months was conducted from Jan 2016 to June 2016 at LUMHS Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan. All the ladies with menstrual disturbances were evaluated for thyroid dysfunction by screen their serum fT3, fT4 and TSH level. The data was collected and analyzed in SPSS 16 while the frequency and percentages (%) was calculated. RESULTS: Total fifty ladies with menstrual disturbances recruited and screened for their serum thyroid hormone levels. The means age ± SD for whole population was 37.87 ±6.87 while the frequency for thyroid dysfunction was 40 (80%) with hypothyroidism being the predominant disorder 25 (50%). The common menstrual disturbances observed was menorrhagia 20(40%) and oligomenorrhea 15 (20%) respectively. CONCLUSION: Thyroid dysfunction should be taken as an important etiological factor for menstrual abnormalities. Key Words: Hypothyroidism, Thyroid dysfunction and Menstrual disturbances

359-367

Authors: SK. Shaista Fatima, P. Nagaraju*, V. Mounika, G. Indira Priyadarshini and V. Vasu Naik

for analysis of lamivudine (LAMI), abacavir (ABA), dolutegravir (DOLU) in the bulk drug and in the formulation was developed. Compounds were separated on Inersil ODS (4.6 × 250 mm x 5 mm). A gradient program of mobile phase at different proportions of Phosphate Buffer pH-7 & Acetonitrile was used. The retention times of LAMI, ABA & DOLU were 2.555, 4.282, 7.101 minutes (mins.) respectively. The drugs were subjected to the stress conditions of acid, base, oxidative & thermal degradation. The degradation products were well resolved from main peak and its impurities, proving the stability-indicating ability of the method. The method was linear in the concentration range of 0– 150μg/mL, 0-300 μg/mL and 0-25 μg/mL for LAMI, ABA & DOLU respectively. The method was accurate and precise with a limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 0.31 and 0.94 µg/ mL, 0.21 and 0.65 µg/ mL and 0.48 and 1.46 µg/ mL for LAMI, ABA & DOLU respectively. The method was applied for the analysis of LAMI, ABA & DOLU in the presence of its degradation products and commonly used excipients and was found to be specific. The developed method is stability indicating, precise and specific which can be applied for the routine analysis. Key words: Lamivudine, Abacavir, Dolutegravi and stability-indicating

373-377

Authors: Dr. Syed Zulfiquar Ali Shah* 1 , Dr. Ghulam Hussain Baloch 1 , Dr. Zubair Ahmed Yousfani 2 , Dr. Shabber Agha Abbas 3 , Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Qutrio Baloch 4 , Dr. Sumera Bukhari 5 and Dr. Imran Karim

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical profile of patients with iron deficiency anemia at tertiary care teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This descriptive case study of six months was conducted January 2016 to June 2016 at LUMHS Jamshoro Sindh Pakistan. All the patients with iron deficiency anemia were recruited and evaluated as far as etiology is concerned by taking 2 ml venous blood sample and send to laboratory for serum iron, ferritin and TIBC. The frequency / percentages (%) and means ±SD computed for study variables. RESULTS: During six months study period total fifty individuals with iron deficiency anemia were recruited. The mean serum iron, ferritin and TIBC level in whole population was 37.97±7.87 mcg/dL, 10.76 ±1.42 (ng/mL) and 616.76 ±12.72 mcg/dL while the mean age ±SD for whole population was 48.87±7.85. Majority of the subjects (72%) belonged to rural areas of Sindh province and were males 27(54%). The common sign and symptoms observed were tiredness, GI discomfort and loss of weight while the etiology was identified in 42 (84%) patients with Helicobacter pylori 10(23.8%), chronic kidney 4 (9.5%) and liver diseases 5(11.9%) were predominant etiological factors. CONCLUSION: The chronic systemic disorders are responsible for iron deficiency anemia including helicobacter pylori being the most important cause. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Iron deficiency anemia, Chronic systemic disorders

394-398

Authors: Ali Esmail Al-Snafi

Echium italicum contained naphthoquinone pigments such as alkannin and shikonin derivatives. However, nine shikonin pigments: shikonin, acetylshikonin, propionylshikonin, isobutyrylshikonin, tiglylshikonin, 3,3-dimethylacrylshikonin, angelylshikonin, 2-methyl-n-butyrylshikonin and isovalerylshikonin were isolated from the root epidermis of Echium italicum. The total phenolic content of the herb and root of Echium italicum was 11.46 ± 0.08 mg GA/g. The chemical analysis of three different stages (early, middle and late stage) of maturity of the seeds of Echium italicum from Turkey revealed that they contained total oil 15.22, 26.25 and 28.78 g/100 consisted of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, α- linolenic, ϒ-Linolenic, heneicosanoic acids, while stigmasterol and brassicasterol were recorded only in the last stage. pharmacological studies showed that the plant possessed anxiolytic, sedative, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and other effects. The current review discussed the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Echium italicum. Keywords: pharmacology, medicinal plant, chemical constituents, Echium italicum

407-413

Authors: Ali Esmail Al-Snafi

Erodium cicutarium contained tannin, catechins, gallic and elagic acids, sugars (glucose, galactose, fructose), amino acids (glycine,alanine, proline, histidine, tryptophan, tyrosine, glutamic acid), vitamins K and C. The essential oils of Erodium cicutarium contained isomenthone (11.2%), citronellol (15.4%), geraniol (16.7%) and methyl eugenol (10.6%). Erodium cicutarium possessed many pharmacological effects included antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, interferon inducing effects, antioxidant, spasmogenic effects on uterus and diaphragmtic muscles and cardiac negative ionotropic action. The current review discussed the constituents and pharmacological effects of Erodium cicutarium. Keywords: Erodium cicutarium, pharmacology, medicinal plants, constituents.

420-430

Authors: Orji Jerry O1 , Asobie Ifeanyi M1 , Agah Maduka V1 , Okeh C. O2 , Uzoh Chukwuma V2 , OkataNwali Oluchi D2 , Egwu-Ikechukwu M.M2 , Olaosebikan Oluwatosin O2 and Braide Wesley

Study of soil bacteria and growth behavioral response of rice paddy treated with Agro herbicides in two seasons in Abakaliki L.G.A. was investigated using standard Microbiological procedures. The results obtained from Bacteria enumeration showed that soil samples from treated rice paddy analyzed during dry season had aerobic plate count ranging from 3.2 x 109 cfu/g to 9.5 x 109 cfu/g for treated soil samples and 9.2 x 109 to 1.04 x 1010 cfu/g for the controls. The result of aerobic plate count from soil samples simulated with Butachlor and Bispyribac-sodium at varying concentrations during rainy season showed lower colony counts on 7 days of application and higher colony counts on 55 days of application. Moreover, result of aerobic plate count obtained from soil samples simulated with mixture of Butachlor and Bispyribac-sodium at varying concentrations had lowest colony count of 5 x 108 cfu/g at 3.13ml/333.3ml concentration on 7days and highest colony count of 4.1 x 109 cfu/g at same concentration on 55days after applications. The control samples showed colony counts within the ranges of 8.3 x 109 cfu/g to 8.9 x 109 cfu/g. There is no significant difference between bacteria load of treated and untreated soil samples during dry and rainy seasons at p > 0.05. The results of isolation and identification revealed that six and five bacteria were isolated from treated soil samples during dry and rainy seasons respectively. Nine bacteria were also isolated from control soil samples studied. The bacterial isolates are of the genera: Bacillus, Pseudomonus, Escherichia, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Enterobacter, Proteus, Micrococcus, and Staphylococcus. Finally, the result of growth behavioral response of treated rice paddy showed delayed growth 15 days after application in most cases except PRE 3 that extended to 30 days while there were gradual increase in the rice growth with highest growth rates observed 55 days after application. This growth increase could be as a result of degradation of hydrocarbon component of agroherbicides used and soil enrichment by beneficial bacterial isolates initially affected by the agroherbicides. Keywords: Soil Bacteria, Growth Behavior, Rice Paddy, Agro Herbicides and Abakaliki.

439-449

Authors: Nworie, Okoro1 ,Udu Nkechinyere, 1 Orji Jerry O2 , Egwu Eze3 , Nnorom Mac-Anthony Ezennia1 ,Ukpabi Nkechinyere Nwali2 and Onu Euslar N4

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is used by millions of people each day and it is likely to be contaminated with different microorganisms. The ATM keypads were examined to assess them as a potential source of bacterial contamination and to provide the antibiogram of the isolated bacteria. The study lasted from April, 2016 to June, 2016. The procedures involved culturing and identifying swabs from the keypads of 20 ATMs using biochemical tests and Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method for the antibiotic sensitivity tests. The result indicated contamination of the keypads with Staphylococcus aureus 15 (44 %), Escherichia coli 8 (24 %), Klebsiella species 10 (29 %) and Enterobacter species 1 (3 %). There was no significant difference among the bacteria isolated (p > 0.05). The result of the antibiogram showed variation in the susceptibility pattern of the isolates to the antibiotics. Stapphylococcus was 92% resistance to penicillin, followed by ampiclox 85 %, erythromycin 77 % and augmentine 62 %, and while 62 %, 46 % were susceptible to levofloxacine and streptomycine respectively. Escherichia coli was 100% resistance to norfloxacine, followed by penicillin and amoxyl 86%, while 71% of E. coli was susceptible to levofloxacine, followed by ciprofloxacine 57 % and gentamycine 43 %. Klebsiella species were 80 % resistance to penicillin and erythromycin, followed by ampiclox and nalidixic acid 60 %, but 80 % susceptible to levofloxacine, and 60 % susceptible to augmentine, ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol. The variation of the isolates to the antibiotics demands the need for periodic screening of common bacterial pathogen. Keywords: Antibiogram, Bacteria, Automated teller machine (ATM), Abakaliki and Afikpo.

457-463

Authors: Eze - Ilochi Nkechinyere Olivia 1 , Oti Wilberforce J.O

This work investigated the combustion properties of coal briquette blends from mangonut shells and empty fruit bunches. The coal briquette blends were prepared by blending pulverized mangonut shells and empty fruit bunches with coal, the ratio of coal to the biomass used were 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, 0;100. The mixture was treated with starch (which serves as binder) and calcium hydroxide (which serves as a desulphurizing agent) before briquetting. Proximate analyses and combustion properties (calorific value, ignition time and water boiling time) of the briquettes produced were analyzed and compared to that of coal briquette (100:0). ANOVA was used in the analysis of the differences between the mean results. The proximate analyses results showed 7.20% moisture content for coal, ranged from 7.40%-7.90% for coal empty fruit bunch (CE) briquettes and 6.18-7.12% for coal mango nut shell (CM) briquettes. Ash content of coal was 14.11% and ranged from 9.42%-7.40% for CE and 9.00%-5.41% for CM. The calorific values were 28.2MJ/kg, 24.7MJ/kg-21.8MJ/kg and 25.9MJ/kg-22.9MJ/kg for coal briquette, CE and CM briquettes respectively, and varied significantly (p<0.05). The results obtained showed that coal briquette blends from empty fruit bunches and mango nut shell can be used for small scale industrial and domestic cooking. Keywords: Coal briquette blends, empty fruit bunch, mangonut shell, water boiling test, ignition time.

471-4763

Authors: Aja, P. M1 , Uzuegbu U. E2 , Opajobi A. O2 , Udeh S.M.C3 , Alum, E. U1 , Abara P.N4 , Nwite, F1 and Ibere, J. B1

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ethanol leaf-extracts of Ficus capensis and Moringa oleifera on some haematological indices in normal albino rats. Forty albino rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups A, B, C and D. Group A with 5 rats received water and feed only and served as the positive control. Group B with five rats received feed, water and astyfer (multivitamin) and served as standard control. Groups C and D were sub divided into 3 groups designated as C1, C2, C3, D1, D2 and D3 with 5 rats each. The two sub-groups were administered twice daily of the ethanol leaf-extracts of Ficus capensis and Moringa oleifera at the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. Haematological indices were determined by standard methods. The result of the study showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the mean body weight of the albino rats in groups that received the extracts and multivitamin. The result also revealed a significant (P <0.05) increments in the levels of haemoglobin(Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell counts in the groups administered with ethanol leaf-extracts of Ficus capensis and Moringa oleifera relative to positive control. A significant (p<0.05) increase in PCV and Hb levels in albino rats administered ethanol leaf-extract of Moringa oleifera in a dose dependent manner relative to groups administered ethanol leaf extract of Ficus capensis except in WBC and RBC where a significant (p<0.05) increase was recorded in those groups administered Ficus capensis ethanol leaf extract relative to groups administered Moringa oleifera extract. Generally there was no significant (p<0.05) effect on the haematological indices in rats administered ethanol leaf extract of Ficus capensis relative to rats administered Moringa oleifera extract. This confirms the use of Ficus capensis and Moringa oleifera in ethno-medicine to boast blood for anaemic patient and pregnant women. Key Words: Hematological indices, Ficus capensis, Moringa oleifera, Albino rats, Weight and Ethanol leaf- extract

483-489

Authors: Ugwoke Christopher Emeka Chukwunonye*, Diovu Edith Obioma, Anze Sunday Patrick Gaza and Chukwube Vincent Obisike

Crescentia cujete tree is widely and various used for wood, household materials, culinary and therapeutic purposes. Virtually all parts of this tree are useful across tropical and subtropical continents. Aim: this study covers the pharmacognostic standardization of the stem bark of C. cujete to ensure identity, quality control and purity of the plant drug material. The antimicrobial potential was also assayed to form a scientific basis for such claims by traditional therapists. Materials and Methods: This involved macroscopical studies via botanical examination techniques, anatomical sections of fresh samples of the stem bark, microscopic studies of powdered stem bark, with photomicrograps, and physicochemical (analytical) evaluation. Methanolic crude extract and various fractions were made and tested on clinical isolates of Bacillus subtitlis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, using agar well (8 mm) diffusion. Results: the tree has pale to brown multiple trunks, smooth surface and brown nodules. Cut stem bark is cylindrical. Microscopy revealed calcium oxalate embedded in the cork, bundles of elongated fibres, sclerenchymatous and phloem parenchymatous cells. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty oils were detected. Antimicrobial inhibition was observed in the reconstituted extract and serial dilution for MIC. This was concentration dependent and increased in the order: EF>MF>HF>MCE. Conclusion: The Pharmacognostic features revealed are essential in creating a monograph of the plant. More so, the observed antimicrobial activity gave credence to claims of its use in ethnopharmacology. Keywords: Crescentia cujete, macroscopical, physicochemical, clinical isolates, parenchyma

496-506

Authors: *Ugwoke Christopher Emeka Chukwunonye 1 Anze Sunday Patrick Gaza1 , Chukwube Vincent Obisike1 Nweze Anthony Ejiofor2 and Diovu Edith Obioma

Purpose: The work focused on the pharmacognostic standardization of the leaf of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Background: C. aconitifolius is a fast growing, drought resistant and heavy rain tolerating perennial shrub, highly nutritive and of wide medicinal applications. Medicinal plants are regarded as safer and cheaper alternative to synthetic drugs but these are prone to adulteration and substitution. This therefore necessitates pharmacognostic standardization of these plants to ensure identity, quality control and purity of the plant drug material. Materials and Methods: This involved macroscopic and microscopic (quantitative and Qualitative, as well as chemo microscopic) studies, anatomical sectioning with photomicrograps, and physicochemical (analytical) parameters. Results: Leaves were petiolate and palmately compound and 12.73 x 7.53 average size. The leaf was isobilateral with a thicker upper (EP1) and smaller-celled lower epidermis (EP2), a starch sheath around the vascular tissues, a wide parenchymatous pith, anomocytic stomata with 6 – 7 surrounding epidermal cells formed like the wings of a butterfly, scapula-shaped large prisms of calcium oxalate, numerous and tiny starch grains. Cellulose, tannins, calcium carbonate, proteins, lignins, fats and fatty oils were detected. Average palisade ratio was 42.5, stomata number for EP1 and EP2 were 1.5 and 5.75, silmilarly, stomatal index was 9.68 and 29.11. Average vein-islet number and vein terminations were 2 and 5 respectively. Leaf powder exhibited characteristic colours under 254 and 365 nm UV wavelengths. Average moisture content, Ash value, acid-insoluble ash and water soluble ash values were 10.56, 13.5, 02 and 08. Water and alcohol (ethanol) extractives were 10 and 04.73. Conclusion: The features of this plant as shown are important in creating a monograph for the plant especially as no known analysis in this regard has been done. Key words: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Standardization, Pulverization, Anatomical sections