The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal

1-5

Authors: Şükrü Hayta

In this study, the essential oil composition of the fruit of Prangos uloptera DC. collected from Turkey was analyzed. The oils obtained by hydrodistillation using Clevenger Aparatus and chemical composition were determined by gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. The oil yield was determined as 0.4% (v/w) in the essential oils. Totally 30 components were contained the 83.7% of thevolatile oil obtained from the Prangos uloptera. The major components of the volatile oil were determined as Germacrene D (17.6%), Acorenone (16.9%), -Pinene (14.9%) and -Humulene (8.2%).

12-20

Authors: Akram Hassan Zahraei, Mehrdad Modaresi

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L) and extract in comparison with ampicillin on the histological parameters of the reproductive system in male mice treated with E. coli LPS. In this research, 65 adult male mice were divided into 6 groups. Control, LPS, LPS+ampicillin, LPS+chamomile extract 50 mg/kg, LPS+chamomile extract 100 mg/kg and LPS+chamomile extract 200 mg/kg. IP injection were performed for 20 days and the fertility of each group was evaluated. The results of histological and fertility tests of each group were compared with the control group. The results of histological studies showed a significant decrease in mean number of stem cells and primary spermatocyte cells of LPS group compared to that in the control group (p≤0.05). The diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the number of embryos in the five treatment groups show a significant change compared to control group (p>0.05). According to these results, LPS can reduce stem cells and primary spermatocyte in the testicles and thereby reduce the fertility potential, while the treatment of chamomile extract in all three doses of 50, 100 and 200 can reduce the effects of LPS and increase fertility potential.

29-44

Authors: S. Ouattara, M. A. Tigori, V. Kouakou, P. M. Niamien, A. Trokourey

Copper corrosion inhibition in 1M nitric acid solution using Doxycycline has been studied by mass loss method and DFT calculations. It was found that this compound acts as a good inhibitor for copper corrosion in the acid solution (the inhibition efficiency is 95.65% at T= 308K and C =10-3M). The inhibiting action of Doxycycline (DXC) was discussed in view of its adsorption on the metal surface. The adsorption was found to be spontaneous and follows the modified Langmuir adsorption isotherm known as Villamil’s isotherm. The results show that the inhibition efficiency IE (%) increases with increasing concentration in the studied molecule, but decreases slightly with increasing temperature. The thermodynamic adsorption and activation functions were also determined and discussed. Quantum chemical calculations at B3LYP/6-31G (d) level was further used to determine molecular parameters in order to ascertain any correlation between the inhibition efficiency and the molecular structure.

54-66

Authors: AGBANGNAN Dossa Cokou Pascal, BOTHON Fifa Théomaine Diane, BOSSOU Annick Flore Arlette Dohoué, KANFON Rose Estelle, WOTTO D. Valentin, SOHOUNHLOUE C. K. Dominique

An inverse correlation was noticed between the consumption of plant based food and incidence of cancer and chronic diseases. These virtues are partly attributed to secondary metabolites which are divided into four classes according to their chemical structures. Among them, polyphenols occupy a prominent place. Polyphenols are plant metabolites characterized by the presence of several phenol groups, which derive from L-phenylalanine. They are endowed with multiple biological and pharmacological properties explaining their benefits on human health. Some of them are active due to their antioxidant power; others are involved in the enzymatic detoxification carcinogens in the body. Owing to their diverse biological and pharmacological properties, polyphenols are interesting in cancer prevention and different diseases, including cardiovascular, ophthalmic and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, phenolic compounds are generally regarded nowadays as desirable components of human food, because of their antioxidant activity. Therefore, they are considered to be of nutraceutical importance.

72-77

Authors: Happiness S. Buzugbe, Peter M. Eze, Chidimma R. Chukwunwejim, Charles U. Nwachukwu, Dominic O. Abonyi, Chika C. Abba, Festus B. C. Okoye, Charles O. Esimone

Nigeria’s rich plant biodiversity play host to endophytic fungal populations that possess enormous potentials as sources of novel bioactive molecules. This study was aimed at investigating the metabolites of an endophytic fungus isolated from Chromolaena odorata, a weedy plant commonly found in Nigeria, for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and also identifying some of its constituents. An endophytic fungus was isolated from C. odorata and fermentation extract of the fungus was tested for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities using the agar diffusion and DPPH assay methods respectively. Some of the bioactive components of the endophytic fungal extract were identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The fungal extract at 1 mg/mL showed only antibacterial activity with inhibition zone diameters of 2, 2, and 6 mm produced against S. aureus, B. subtilis, and S. typhi respectively. Also, at 100 ug/mL, the fungal extract showed average antioxidant activity with an inhibition of 46%. HPLC analysis of the extract suggested the presence of indole-3-acetic acid and acropyrone which may be responsible for the biological activities exhibited by the fungal extract. The results of this study showed that the endophytic fungus isolated from leaves of C. odorata produced secondary metabolites with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This implies that endophytic fungi associated with leaves of C. odorata could be a promising source of biologically active compounds.

87-95

Authors: Ogunka-Nnoka C.U., Ekrika D.D.

This study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional properties of Solanum macrocarpum (garden egg) stalk using standard methods. Sulphates and chloride were the most abundant anions while calcium and magnesium were the predominant mineral cations. Results for the proximate composition showed high carbohydrates (27.70 %), fibre contents (22.94 %), and ash (18.83 %) while the phytochemical composition showed higher ribalinidine, catechin, and phenol contents. Vitamin B6, C, A, and B12 were found in higher concentrations, while lysine (9.48 g/100g), phenylalanine (6.86 g/100g), leucine (6.59 g/100g), and arginine (5.66 g/100g) were the predominant essential amino acids. Results for the free radical scavenging potentials showed higher DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and ABTS radical scavenging potentials for the garden egg stalk, while their ferric reducing antioxidant power, superoxide and lipid peroxide scavenging were comparable to the standards used. This study has shown the high nutrient density of the garden egg stalk, thus encouraging its inclusion for dietary uses.

105-110

Authors: Davoud Balarak, Mohadeseh Dashtizadeh, Atefeh Namvar

Due to increased pharmaceutical sewage, the cost efficient adsorbent is extremely needed for medical wastewater treatment. Bentonite which is consists essentially of clay minerals of the smectite group; have a wide range of industrial uses. In this study, a simple approach to adsorb Tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solution by exchangeable cation by bentonite clay is presented. The effects of contact time, initial TC concentration, adsorbent dosage, and solution temperature on the adsorption of TC ions from solution were investigated. The theoretical capacity of bentonite clay adsorbent is about 31.4 mg/g. The optimum adsorption conditions were recommended.

117-125

Authors: Nantia Akono Edouard, Soh Desire, Choumessi T. Aphrodite, Ngum N. N. Miriam, Chi H. A. Nkwenti, Kenfack Augustave

Momordica foetida (Cucurbitaceae) is a plant mainly used in Cameroon’s folk medicine for management of many diseases including malaria, cancers and diabetes. This study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant content and activity of the methanol extracts of the whole plant and fruit of M. foetida. The results revealed the presence of antioxidants in whole plant (MEMfP) and fruit (MEMfF) extracts of M. foetida. Both extracts had comparable amount of flavonoids (19.160 ± 1.589 µg QE/ g of extract vs. 22.121 ± 4.044 µg QE/ g of extract) and vitamin C (1.586 ± 0.320 µg/ g of extract vs. 1.133 ± 0.320 µg/ g of extract), but MEMfP contained higher phenolic compounds than the fruit portion (27.648 ± 0.558 µg GAE/g of extract vs. 8.220 ± 0.472 µg GAE/g of extract). The MEMfP showed higher inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 1.275 ± 0.007 µg/mL vs. 2.135 ± 0.106 µg/mL), reduction of ferric ions (EC50 = 1.160 ± 0.010 µg/mL vs. 1.610 ± 0.020 µg/mL) and stimulation of catalase activity than MEMfF. Conclusively, both whole plant and fruit methanol extracts of M. foetida displayed antioxidant content and activity with the whole plant extract having higher antioxidant properties. These results support the use of M. foetida in the management of antioxidant linked diseases such as infectious and metabolic diseases.

1-8

Authors: Abessi Mohamed, Yahyaoui Maroua, Bachrouch Olfa, Chihi Bilel, Abderrabba Manef

Mentha Pulegium L. and Thymus capitatus are acknowledged as an important aromatic and medicinal plants thanks to their richness in a variety of bioactive phytochemical components. The purpose of the study was to investigate the chemical composition of the essential oil and the antioxidant activity for Mentha Pulegium L. and Thymus capitatus species cultivated in Tunisia. The essential oil for both species was obtained by means of hydrodistillation method and analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. The essential oil yield varied considerably according to the harvest time and species processed (1.37 - 3.1 %). The Mentha Pulegium L. essential oil was characterized by the predominance of oxygenated monoterpenes. Pulegone (39.15 %), menthone (35.66%), piperitenone (3.98%) and piperitone (3.55%) were found to be the main constituents. Moreover, the oil of Thymus capitatus, gathered in two different months from Tunisia origin, was dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes. Major components were Thymol (76.50- 82.48%), with p-cymene (3.17- 4.01 %), with β- caryophyllene (1.39- 2.78%) and γ -terpinene (1.41-2.07%). Thus, Mentha Pulegium L. and Thymus capitatus species could be considered a good source of oxygenated monoterpenes. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was assessed by two different methods such as DPPH. and FRAP. Results showed that T. capitatus species collected in March exhibit the uppermost activity, followed by EO of the same species gathered in August. Whereas, the M. pulegium oil possess the lowest activity. The antioxidant activity varied according to the phytochemical constituent of the investigated essential oil.

15-22

Authors: Garrido-Acosta Osvaldo, Oro-López Brisa, Molina-López Nathalie, Altamirano-Bautista Adriana, Reyes-Ramírez Adelfo

Obesity is defined as the accumulation of adipose tissue, overweight and obesity are defined on the basis of body mass index and this is accompanied by an increased prevalence of comorbidities as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and metabolic disease in the population. The standard relationship between weight status and metabolic health is not applicable for some subtypes of individuals, the subtypes are known as “metabolically obese, but normal-weight”, and others are the “metabolically healthy, but obese” phenotypes. Regarding the problem of obesity there are areas of progress, greater social and political awareness, development of new treatments, and an extended base of evidence for its prevention and intervention. In contrast, the prevalence of this has increased rapidly in the last two decades, largely to the lifestyle of large cities. For the study of overweight, obesity and its physiopathology consequences, in addition to clinical studies in humans, are used animal models for understand the evolution of disease and support the development of therapies, the animal models, the current animal models generate rats with phenotype metabolically obese with overweight. In this research we proposed to evaluate the effect of intragastric administration of a hypercaloric emulsion composed of fructose syrup and edible vegetable oil on development of obesity in rats, we obtained rats with phenotype metabolically healthy but obesity only in eight weeks with adiposity index of 11.5 vs 5.9 of control group and 8.3 on sham group with fructose drinking solution.

35-45

Authors: Muthuselvi C, Sumathi B, Ravikumar B

The crystal of bis glycine hydro bromide was harvested from the slow evaporation method at room temperature and it was subjected to the single crystal XRD study for confirmation which ensures that the grown crystal has P212121space group with orthorhombic structure. The PXRD analysis shows crystalline nature of the title crystal. The various functional groups present in the crystal were analyzed by the FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy techniques. The optical band gap was determined by the UV-Visible spectroscopy analyzes. The SEM with EDX analyzes shows that the grown crystal has smooth surface and well defined shape. The elemental composition study confirms the presence of elements in the title crystal. The antimicrobial activity of title crystal was tested against the four different micro-organisms by disc diffusion method. This result reveals that the parent and its complex crystals have no antibacterial effect.

56-64

Authors: C Dan Piperea-Șianu, Monica Gagiu, Alice Piperea-Șianu, Adela-Maria Ceau, Daniela Bălan

Smoking is a risk factor for many pathologies, including cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and cancer. New nicotine release products have a lower health risk compared to classical cigarettes. The purpose of this review is to present the most popular forms of tobacco consumption as well as the health risks they imply, based on chemical analyzes conducted by both producers and independent studies.

73-76

Authors: Abdel Karim, M., Rogia, A., Sufian, A.

Ammi visnaga is widely used in Sudanese herbal medicine where it is used against a wide range of diseases including asthma , urinary calculi and mild anginal symptoms. The plant is diuretic and is claimed to relieve menstruation pain. Ammi visnaga contains, among others, khellin, khellinol, amiol, khellol and khellinin. It also contains coumarins and a fixed oil. This study was undertaken to investigate the major flavonoid of Ammi visnaga. The flavonoids were extracted with ethanol and the crude extract was purified by thin layer chromatography where a pure flavones was isolated. The structure of the isolated flavone has been partially characterized by some spectral data (UV and 1HNMR).

82-87

Authors: Ezealisiji Kenneth M., Ukwueze Stanley E

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method is described for the assay of cimetidine. Modern analytical technique for cimetidine in various dosage forms are limited by cost and absence of high technological equipment especially in the third World countries including Nigeria. The research investigates the use of charge transfer complexation in the spectrophotometric assay of cimetidine as an alternative method to conventional methods. Spectrophotometer was employed to determine charge transfer complex formation between cimetidine (n- donor) and chloranilic acid (π-aceptor) in 1,4- dioxan. The developed method was employed in the assay of commercial cimetidine in solid dosage forms. The wavelength of maximum absorption (λmax) of the complex was at 254 nm compared to 315 nm for π-acceptor alone. Chloranilic acid was found to form a charge-transfer complex in a 1:1 stoichiometry. Conformity with Beer’s law was evident over the concentration range 1.260 x 10-3 to 12.60 mg %. A detailed investigation of the complex formed was made with respect to its composition, association constant and molar absorptivity. This method has been applied successfully to the analysis of commercially available cimetidine tablet with good recovery (99.90 ± 1.20 %) and reproducibility.

93-98

Authors: Garrido-Acosta Osvaldo, Molina-López Nathalie,Oro-López Brisa, Guzmán-Andrade Dolores E, Reyes-Ramírez Adelfo

Obesity is defined as the accumulation of adipose tissue, overweight and obesity are defined on the basis of body mass index and this is accompanied by an increased prevalence of comorbidities as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and metabolic disease in the population. The research related to obesity, overweight and metabolic syndrome use animal models, rats and mice generally, these animal models use hypercaloric diets with fat content ranging from 12% to 49% in fat, in addition to the high-calorie diet with a high content of fats, solutions with a varied concentration of sweeteners up to 30% are used (fructose, glucose, galactose), with duration of treatment with diet and sweetened drinking water that goes from 3 to 5 months, also find genetically manipulated animals, but in most cases they are costly and inaccessible models for researchers. In 1959 William M. S. Russell and Rex L. Burch published the principle of the 3 R's for research (Replace, Reduce, and Refine), in this sense, we proposed to refine the model and to evaluate the intragastric administration of fructose syrup (80%), the results were rats with phenotype metabolically healthy but obesity in eight weeks with adiposity index of 11.4 for fructose syrup group vs 8.0 of water control group (fructose solution as drinking water) and 6.2 for control group, with elevated blood glucose at the fourth and seventh week of treatment.

105-110

Authors: Ahmed Seif-eddine Bennia, Asma Yangui, Manef Abderrabba

The main aim of this work is to determinate the adsorption of tyrosol on fullerene C60. By varying the amount of carbon fullerene C60 and maintaining tyrosol solution concentration constant, the adsorption percentage was evaluated. Detailed analysis on the adsorption isotherms were accomplished successfully. Four isotherms which are Freundlich, Langmuir, Sips and Redlich-Peterson were adopted to predict the experimental works and Sips model was the most appropriate to fit the experimental data. In fixed experimental conditions, the adsorption of tyrosol on C60 could reach 80%.

122-128

Authors: K. Tadzabia, Blessed J. Dimas, Joseph J. Deshi

The leaves and stem bark of Balanites aegyptiaca are popularly consumed as vegetables or herbs in Adamawa state of Nigeria. In view of its importance in Hong local government area, the leaves and stem bark were collected from 10 locations for elemental and phytochemical determination. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was employed for the elemental determination. The results obtained contained some essential elements (Na, K, Mg and Ca) in the leaves and stem bark. For heavy metals, Cd was recorded in the entire samples analyzed, Cu was found in four locations (Gaya, Mugili, Pubba and Uba), and Zn was only recorded in the leaves and stem bark from two locations (Pubba and Mugili respectively). Pb was not observed in the entire samples by the instrument used. Quantitative methods were used for phytochemical screening. Tannin was recorded in the samples investigated while flavonoid and saponin were recorded in some areas. The essential elements and phytochemicals revealed could be good source of minerals and herbs.

135-142

Authors: Gulden DOGAN, Eyup BAGCI, Azize DEMIRPOLAT

In this study, the essential oil composition of Ferula communis L. subsp. communis and Smyrnium cordifolium collected from Turkey were studied. The qualitative and quantitative essential oil composition were determined and compared with each other. The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from Ferula communis subsp. communis and Smyrnium cordifolium were investigated by GC and GC-MS. The oil yield was determined as 0.2 and 0.3% (v/w) in the both essential oils respectively. Sixty three constituents were comprised the 99.4 % of the total essential oil extracted from the Ferula communis subsp. communis. The predominant compounds of the oil were determined as -eudesmol (35.5%), 2-naphtalonemethanol (18%), di-epi--cedrene (3.5%) and t-muurolol (2.7%). The furanodiene (28%), bicyclogermacrene (19.5%), β-phellandrene (13.5%), cyclohexadecane (10.0%) and 2-pentadecanone (5.0%) were the main compounds identified in the oil of Smyrnium cordifolium, representing 99.2% total oil. The result has been discussed in view of natural products and chemotaxonomical approach in the genera patterns.

150-154

Authors: Tahereh Khosravi, Mehrdad Modaresi, Ilnaz Sajjadian

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that is classified as mood disorder. Medicinal plants have long been used as a treatment for depression. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is widely used in traditional medicine as a nutritional supplements and also a drug. Sixty male mice in the weight range of 25-30g were divided into eight groups of control, depression, imipramine and 50,100, and 200mg/kg of ginger’s extract. Mice were kept under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, natural light cycles with sufficient water and food. 24 hours before test, mice transferred to the test site. On the morning of the test, Drug injections were done and after 55 minutes, tail suspension and forced swimming tests were performed. After that, blood samples were taken and cortisol amount was measured. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS program. Ginger’s extract in dose of 50mg/kg had different cortisol amount from imipramine and control groups (P<0.01). 100 and 200mg/kg doses had different cortisol amount from depressed group (P<0.01) but not from imipramine and control groups. According to results, hydroalcoholic extract of ginger in 100 and 200 mg/kg doses can increase cortisol amount and act similar to imipramine in depression.

1-5

Authors: Jide Alfred O., Aladekoyi Gbenga, Karimu O., Alademeyin J.O.

Proximate composition of flour from raw and Boil (defatted) samples of locust bean as well as its physicochemical composition of the oil extracted from the two samples were determined to know their potentials for industrial and human consumption without due fermentation method normally adopted for its consumption. The results revealed that the moisture content for raw and Boil (defatted) samples (11.21±0.51, 7.25±0.01) respectively. Crude protein (25.52±0.31, 28.00±0.32), crude fibre (8.40±0.21, 8.41±0.22), Ash content (5.45±0.25, 5.44±0.26), crude fat (20.65±0.71, 10.55±0.01) while carbohydrate is (28.77±0.25, 38.35±0.33) respectively. The oil samples were investigated for their physicochemical parameters. The result investigated for physical properties for both raw and boiled sample oil showed no significant difference for refractive index (1.45±0.02, 1.46±0.01), specific gravity (0.84±0.01, 0.86±0.01), smoke point (185.00±0.01, 160.00±0.01), flash point (225.00±0.02, 220.00±0.01 and fire point (235.00±0.01, 230.00±0.02) °C, but differ for pH (3.80±0.00, 4.60±0.00) and % oil yield (25.50±0.02, 35.05±0.02) respectively. The result of the chemical parameters of raw and boiled locust bean seed oil (Parkia biglobosa) revealed that Acid value (1.80±0.02, 1.32±0.01) mg/g, free fatty acid (8.45±0.03, 7.48±0.02) oleic, saponification value (320.05±0.02, 230.06±0.01)mg/g, iodine value (120.42±0.01, 125.01±0.03)mg/g, while peroxide value (5.50±0.03, 3.45±0.05) meq/kg for raw and boiled locust bean seed oil respectively. The yield indicates that both oil samples are good source of oil. But the assessment of both indicated that flour and oil from the boil sample had good domestic, industrial and commercial application for human consumption.

10-17

Authors: Mojgan Pourmokhtar

Plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are valuable group of medications which are used for prevention, control and treatment of several life-threatening diseases. Today, due to the increasing demand for PDMPs, the industrial scale production of these medicinal products has modified from those mainly based on cold ethanol fractionation, to combined consecutive processes including cryoprecipitation, ethanol fractionation, chromatographic procedures and pathogen reduction methods. However it has been proved that the implementation and combination of selective and specific chromatographic procedures in the plasma fractionation industry will be accompanied by main advantages such as improvement of product purity, safety, and quality, optimization of protein recovery, increasing the diversity of plasma products, removal of unwanted compounds and improvement of cost-effectiveness of plasma processing. Thus in this review some of the upstream or downstream applications of chromatographic procedures in extraction, isolation, purification, manufacture and analysis of Plasma-derived medicinal products will be briefly discussed.

23-28

Authors: Gül Özdemir, Haydar Yüksek, Sevda Manap, Özlem Gürsoy-Kol

A series of new 1,3,5-tri-{4-[(3-alkyl/aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-one-4-yl)-azomethin]-phenoxycarbonyl} benzenes (4) were obtained from the reactions of 3-alkyl/aryl-4-amino-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ones (2) with 1,3,5-tri-(4-formylphenoxycarbonyl)-benzene (1) and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectral data. In addition, to investigate the effects of solvents and molecular structure upon acidity, the new nine compounds 4 were titrated potentiometrically with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide in four non-aqueous solvents (isopropyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, N,N-dimethylformamide and acetone). The half-neutralization potential values and the corresponding pKa values were determined for all cases.

37-41

Authors: Junaid Mahmood Alam, Amna Salman, Syed Riaz Mahmood

PE is heterogeneous type of disease, profoundly defined by existence of hypertension and proteinuria, mostly after 20 weeks of gestations. It was reported that placental dysfunction due to PE manifests into alteration of circulating pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic mediators, such as placental growth factor (PlGF), and the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1 (sFlt-1). We assessed the importance of sFlt-1/PlGF as a predictive marker for early-onset PE in women at risk of PE with a hypothesis that sFlt-1/PlGF ratio can improve prediction of early-onset PE for women at risk of this condition. Seventy patients were included in the study over period of 10 months with age range 24-42 years. Blood sample were analyzed for serum sFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations and to calculate the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio measured using electro-chemiluminescence (ECL) Elecsys immunoassay technology on a Roche Diagnostics Cobas e411 system (Roche Diagnostics, Basil). sFlt-1 and PlGF manifest different ranges for various gestational week and provided as per manufacturer advise with scientific reference. sFlt-1:PlGF ratio greater than (>) 85.50 is indicator of pre-eclampsia inclusion. Pre-eclampsia was noted in 2 patients with gestational weeks 15-20 whereas in gestational week 21-25, 2 out of 6 in pre-eclampsia group showed sFlt-1:PlGF ratio > 85.40. In gestational weeks 26-31 and 32-37, 3 out of 7 and 4 out 8 in pre-eclampsia group showed sFlt-1:PlGF ratio > 85.50, respectively. Sum of sFlt-1:PlGF ratio in group of pre-eclampsia was calculated as 55.60±10.15 whereas in non-pre-eclampsia it was 20.35±3.4. We determined the diagnostic importance of sFlt-1:PlGF ratio as a predictive marker for early-onset PE in women at risk of PE. Furthermore, it was noted that sFlt-1/PlGF ratio manifestation above > 85.5 can improve prediction of early-onset PE for women at risk of this condition.

50-55

Authors: Ashoka Shenoy M, Arshad Mohamed, A R Shabaraya

Diabetes is a common and very prevalent disease and a major health problem worldwide. It has been reported to be the major cause of blindness, kidney failure, lower-extremity amputation cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality. Diabetes has increasing cases in rural and poor populations throughout the world. The possibility of its management by the oral administration of hypoglycemic agents has stimulated great research interest in over the years. Considering that diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disorder with multiple causes, the combination of therapeutic agents aimed at specific patho-biological pathways of diabetes and its complications may result in a better and more effective management of this disorder. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of Glibenclamide in combination with Ginger. Diabetes was induced by administration of Streptozotocin (i.p 65 mg/Kg). Biochemical parameters were evaluated in the study. When Glibenclamide is used in combination with Ginger, even at sub therapeutic level of Glibenclamide showed similar effects as that of therapeutic dose of Glibenclamide.

63-70

Authors: Fathi B. Alamyel, Faraj Ali Abushaala, Raja M Abshwigir, Muhannad M Alwoshesh, Md. Sarfaraj Hussain

Poroplis, a sticky material collected by bees and used in their hives as a general purpose sealer, is well known for its diverse and useful biological activities: antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating, and many others. The aim of the present research was focused on investigating the preliminary phytochemical screening, antibacterial and antifungal activity of Propolisvia in vitro approach. The ethanolic extract of Propolis was tested against E. coli, Shegella sonnei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia by agar well diffusion method and broth dilution method. The antifungal activity was tested with ten different fungal strain A. oryza, A. niger, A. altera, A. flavus, P. chrogin, P. notatum, B. fubae, P. digitatum, F. solanai and F. moliniforme. Results showed promising antibacterial and antifungal activity against the bacterial and fungal strain tested. The ethanolic extract was found to have a more potent inhibitory effect comparing with the standard antibiotics which prove the potentiality of the plant extracts for the treatment of various skin and gastrointestinal infections in humans.

81-96

Authors: Eman G. Mohamed, Marwa A. Masoud, Ebtehal Mohammad F., Gehan S. Georgy

Cinnamon is commonly used as a spice and has also been broadly employed in the treatment and prevention of disease. Cadmium is a heavy metal of considerable toxicity with destructive impact on most organ systems and in some cases it can cause deaths annually. The study was designed to evaluate the impact of low and high intake of cinnamon against cadmium-induced liver and brain toxicity in rats. Adult male albino rats were randomly classified into six groups. Group I control rats received distilled water for 45 days. Group II and III were given daily oral administration of cinnamon aqueous extract as 20 mg/kg (Cin-20) and 120 mg/kg (Cin-120), respectively. Group IV received 2 mg/kg CdCl2, once daily for 45 consecutive days. Group V and VI received CdCl2+Cin-20 and CdCl2+Cin-120, respectively. The evaluation of the effects of both doses of cinnamon was measured using open field test, cerebral neurotransmitters, GABA, and choline esterase. Cerebral and hepatic oxidative biomarkers, myeloproxidase activity, liver functional tests, lysosomal enzymes, as well as histopathological examination of liver, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus were also estimated. The significantly disturbed brain-liver biomarkers by cadmium toxicity were restored to nearly normal values by administration of cin-20. While, cin-120 showed less improvement in some parameters. Also, the histopathological effect of cadmium on brain and liver was also markedly overturned by co-administration of cin-20. Our findings concluded that cinnamon aqueous extracts at the low dose rather than high dose possessed protective activity against cadmium induced hepatic-cerebral toxicity in rats.

115-120

Authors: Tari Marcella Joshua, Ibiene Sarah Kalio

The increase of certain neurological, metabolical and multigenetical diseases such as those found in arthritis, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, cancers as well as the high cost in providing medical healthcare has made scientists to look into phytomedicine as an alternative way for providing modalities in treatment. A natural root herb of high interest in phytomedicine used for alleviating the aforementioned diseases is the rhizome of turmeric plant (Curcuma longa Linn.). The phytochemicals of the turmeric rhizomes include curcuminoids, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. Curcuminoids have been found to be in high abundance with its three forms commercially available as Curcumin. These three forms are diferulorylmethane, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is the active agent of Curcuma longa Linn. Curcumin functions in modulating signaling pathways in targeted cells which helps it to act as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, wound healing agent.

127-147

Authors: Sérgio Henrique Monteiro, Graziela C. R. Moura Andrade, Fabiana Garcia, Fabiana Pilarski

Fish are treated routinely with antibiotics to prevent, treat, or control diseases. One consequence of the use of antibiotics in aquaculture is the presence of residues of the drug in the edible tissues of the treated fish, as well as environmental hazards. Another potential consequence is the exposure of the human consumer to resistant bacteria. Regulatory frameworks have concerns about the use of veterinary drugs, including antibiotics in aquaculture, and one of these concerns is that it does not lead to residues in fish. However, effective analytical methods are required to rapidly and accurately detect, quantify, and confirm antibiotic residues in food aiming to verify that regulatory standards have been fulfilled and have avoided the appearance of antibiotic resistant bacteria in aquaculture environments, in the decrease of antibiotic resistance in fish pathogens, and in the avoid the transfer of these resistance determinants to bacteria of other animals and to human pathogens. This review summarizes the current knowledge and concerns about antibiotics residues and resistant bacteria in aquaculture, including the main techniques of analysis and what has been studied around the world. Researchers, policy makers, governments, and aquaculture industries must invest and collaborate in exchanging critical information and developing targeted policies that are practical, effective, and enforceable in order to adequately understand and prevent the impacts of the antibiotics use in aquaculture.

1-7

Authors: Stanley E. Ukwueze, Festus B.C. Okoye

A guided fractionation and characterization of the methanol extract from the leaves of Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) yielded two new benzophenone glycosides, Guajaphenone C (I) and Guajaphenone D (II) together with three known compounds, Guajaphenone A (III), Garcimangosone D (IV) and Guaijaverin (V). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). These data were also compared with those reported in the literature.

15-19

Authors: Bintu Babagana, Lukman O. Sadiq

The effect of Moringa oleifera crude leaf extract on Chlorpyriphos-induced hepato-toxicity in Wistar albino rats was investigated. Sixteen (16) adult Wistar albino rats of weighing about 100g and 250g were divided into a group of four (4) of four (4) rats each. Group I served as the control and were given a standard feed while groups II, III and IV were given 200mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 100mg/kg of the feed respectively following different treatments with Moringa and Chlorpyriphos. All feed were administered in pelleted form for a period of 28days. On the 29th day, the animals were humanely sacrificed and blood collected for some biochemical analysis (liver enzymes marker). Body weight/feed consumption increased significantly (p<0.001) in group III when compared with groups I and IV. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) increase in group IV when compared with group II. The values of Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) were not significant (p>0.05) and decreased in group IV treated with Moringa/Chlorpyriphos compared with group II contaminated with Chlorpyriphos. The Alanine transaminase (ALP) level was significantly different (p<0.001) and increased in group II when compared with other groups. This study therefore showed that Moringa oleifera has the potential to increase body weight and offer some level of protection against Chlorpyriphos-induced hepato-toxicity.

28-32

Authors: Ayari Jihene, Lamjed Bouslama, Majdi Hammami, Iness Jabri Karoui, Manef Abderrabba

The in vitro effect of propolis on several RNA and DNA viruses including Coxsackie virus type B3 (CVB-3) and Herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2), was investigated. The overuse of some drug as a usual therapy led to the emergence of resistant strains. Therefore, the search for new alternative molecules to overcome this obstacle is needed. In this objective, Propolis is used for its CVB-3 and HSV-2 activity. Propolis samples from four different origins in Tunisia were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on Vero cells by the MTT test and anti CVB-3 and HSV-2 activity by plaque reduction assay. Only the extract of propolis collected from the region of Zelligua exhibited activity against CVB-3 with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and a selectivity index (SI) of 30 and 9μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the study of the antiviral mode of action revealed that this extract exerts a virucidal action both during the entry of viruses and the release of the newly formed virions. The active extract went through a liquid-liquid fractionation and only the Ethyl Acetate fraction was found active against CVB-3.

39-45

Authors: Shahin Aziz, Md. Abu Bakar Siddique, Most. Hosney Ara Begum

Cotton tree is often called silk cotton tree containing non edible oil in its seeds and grows widely in hilly areas in Bangladesh. Oil extracted from the seeds of this plant is used as energy source as well as in tanneries while the cake (a byproduct after extracting oil) was found to be rich in all plant nutrients. In order to reduce the production cost by minimizing or utterly eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers, decreasing environmental hazards, improve soil structure, promote leveraging agriculture and obtain high quality crops, cotton seed oil cake getting importance due its rich mineral contents. Cotton seed oil cake was assessed and it was found to be a potential source of bio-fertilizer due to richness of minerals in the form of plant nutrients. The analysis of valuable elements present in this oil cake was done by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

50-54

Authors: Kalio, Ibiene Sarah, Victoria Umor

This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of trace elements in carpenters exposed to sawdust within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers state. A total of thirty carpenters exposed to sawdust were compared with twenty-six apparently healthy individuals who work in an offices setting far away from saw dust as control. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to estimate the plasma concentrations of zinc, cobalt, selenium and copper in all subjects. The mean concentrations of zinc, cobalt, selenium and copper for carpenters is 0.785 ± 0.111mg/l, 0.028 ± 0.011mg/l, 0.303 ± 0.238mg/l, and 0.236 ± 0.048mg/l respectively while the concentrations in control are 0.705± 0.106mg/l,0.032 ± 0.230mg/l, 0.785 ± 0.106mg/l and 0.796 ± 0.172mg/l. The result showed that Zinc concentration is significantly higher (P<0.05) in carpenters exposed to sawdust compared to control while cobalt concentration was not significantly deferent in carpenters exposed to sawdust when compared to control (P>0.05). However selenium and copper concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.05) in carpenter expose to sawdust when compared to control. The study has shown that sawdust caused changes in trace elements among carpenters.

61-64

Authors: Rosa Lelyana

Currently nanomedicine and nanotechnology have been widely used in the community. However, some people still do not understand what the meaning of nanomedicine and nanotechnology is currently increasingly widespread use in the field of cosmetics and even drugs, as well as food and beverages. Lack of public understanding is due to the low level of publication about the benefits of nanomedicine and nanotechnology in the public media in the community. Many ordinary people have not understood the importance and usefulness of nanomedicine and nanotechnology itself for the medical world and what is the difference with cosmetics and drugs without nano formulations and even foods / beverages that do not use nano technology in food processing. Even medical personnel and nutritionists as well as many other health workers have not understood the meaning and benefits of nanomedicine and nanotechnology for medicine and nutrition. It is therefore the purpose of this paper to discuss the benefits of using nanomedicine and nanotechnology in the field of nutritional science and the field of medical science.

72-79

Authors: Ebru Yuce Babacan, Gülden Dogan, Azize Demirpolat, Eyüp Bagci

Tunceli is a province that has different kind plants and large biodiversity and also there are more endemic and local endemic species. It has also consist of more medicinal and aromatic plants naturally grown. The essential oil from plants has more widely used for different purposes. The essential ois of wild-growing Allium tuncelianum from Munzur Valley in Turkey was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. In the oil of the Allium tuncelianum were characterized 1-propene 3,3- thiobis (21.2%), disulfide di-2-propenyl (12.9%), trisulfide di-2-propenyl (21.2%), diallyl tetrasulphide (17.35%) and linoleic acid ethyl ester (6.2%) as the main constituents. The light and scanning electron microscope results showed that the pollen grain Allium tuncelianum is monads, oblate (P/E= 1.39), monosulcate. The exine sculpturing is rugulate-perforate. The sulcus extends to the proximal side of pollen.

86-94

Authors: Ghizlane Hajjaj, Rabab chakour, Aziz Bahlouli, Mouna Tajani, Yahia Cherrah, Amina Zellou

This work was carried out within the framework of the valorization of the Moroccan aromatic and medicinal plants, we chose to study Pistacia atlantica Desf. whose use for a long time by the populations, in the nutrition and the traditional medicine. The objective of this study is to determine the yield of Pistacia atlantica Desf. fruit essential oil (PAEO) extracted by the hydrodistillation method and to investigate the chemical composition by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).The central nervous system (CNS) activity of PAEO was investigated using different models based on mice and rats behavior and anti-inflammatory effect were performed using the carrageenan induced hind paw edema test. Pistacia atlantica Desf provided a 0.058% yield of essential oil with constituents representing approximately 97.35% of the total oil, the major compounds are: anisole (25.62%), cineol (1.4) (16.88%), sabinene (14.45%) and cresylacetate para (8.55%). In the pharmacological activities tests it was found that the pretreatment of Pistacia atlantica Desf. fruit essential oil has a potent sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.

101-117

Authors: Hussain, M. Musharraf, Ali, M. Umar

Prophetic medicine or Medicine of the Prophet (peace be upon him) comprises the divinely inspired words of therapy of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet (pbuh) made specific statements on 61 medicinal plants, herbs and shrubs while making prescriptions for the sick people. Therefore, although the Prophet’s arrival was not as a physician or pharmacist he was inspired by Allah (God) to make nearly 1000 statements on healing for the benefits of man, because, man needs to remain well, free from sickness to fulfill his brief mission on earth. However, it is amazing that not a single statement of the Prophet (pbuh) is found to be contradictory to the basic principles of modern medical science. The Qur’an says, “He does not speak anything of his own desire. It is only a Revelation revealed” (An-Najm 53:3-4). So traditions of the Prophet (pbuh) on healing are also true, and modern science has proved it through research after 14 centuries. About Nigella sativa Abu Hurayrah (ra) narrates that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Hold on (use this seed regularly)! Because it is a remedy (cure) for every disease except death." (Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Mâjah and Aḥmad) This amazing statement generated tremendous interest among the world’s scientific community. Their question was, how an unlettered man of the desert without having any pen and paper, could make such a wonderful statement on medical science? Moreover, the Prophet (pbuh) made the statement at a time when there was no chemistry, no science, no pharmacy. The statement finally led the scientific community to carry out extensive phytochemical and biological investigations on Nigella sativa and its oil. However, the researchers after having carried out hundreds of scientific researches around the globe finally came to the conclusion that this tiny plant seed can effectively cure 129 different types of ailments including 17 types of cancer, AIDS, hypertension and diabetes. This large number of diseases curable by Nigella sativa demonstrates the authenticity of the Prophet’s statement. In this paper the learned readers will be enlightened with findings of modern scientific researches on how Nigella sativa can effectively cure numerous ailments particularly diabetes mellitus (DM) 2.

130-134

Authors: Usman A Garkuwa, Alhassan A Wahab, Yusuf T, Buhari I, Bello Y Adamu, Garkuwa N Adamu, Ibrahim A, and Ahmad A Ladan

Diabetes mellitus is associated with chronic hyperglycemia, impaired liver function, end organ damage among others. Therefore, curcumin may provide a better treatment for this disease. The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of curcumin on liver enzymes and liver proteins of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Twenty rats weighing between 100-150g were used for the study. The animals were divided into five (5) groups of four each (n=4). Group I were non-diabeticand received distilled water, group II, III, IV and V were diabetic and received olive oil 1 ml/kg, glibenclamide 2 mg/kg, curcumin 50 mg/kg and curcumin 100mg/kg respectively. Alloxan (150mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes. Diabetes was confirmed 72 hours after induction by glucose oxidase principle. All administrations were done via oral gavage for duration of 21 days. On day 21, the animals were sacrificed and the blood samples were collected for biochemical assays. The result obtained from this study showed that there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the liver enzymes activity (ALT and ALP) when compared with the control group. Also, serum albumin level significantly increases at curcumin 50 mg/kg dose compared to the control group. The findings of this study suggest that curcumin has hepatoprotective effect and improve blood glucose level and may ameliorate diabetes-induced liver disorders.

143-149

Authors: Emmanuel Paul Okoi, Gregory Elayeche Oko, Margaret Akpana Odey , Khuyen Thi Kim Vo , and Maryam Ammani Lawal

Parkinson disease is a multi-factorial neurological disorder instigated by a collapse in the dopaminergic pathways due to an inhibition in the normal flow of dopamine in the brain neurons. The prevalence of this disease is notable among people who are over 60 years and above. The ineffectiveness of most drugs currently in use with no definite treatment regimes is hinged on the lack of understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that transcends in the manifestation of its pathogenesis. Understanding the biochemical processes of the dopaminergic pathways is essential for specificities in drug design and discovery as drugs must be designed to target the missing functionalities thus avoiding drug failure. In this review, series of causative agents classified under genetic and environmental factors were discussed alongside their underlining cellular and molecular pathways that reveals failure of biochemical systems and release of harmful enzymatic activities.

158-165

Authors: Nagham Sheblaq, Mohamad Al Kaiyat, Ahmed Qudaimat, Samir Shnikat, Marwan El Bagoury, Ahmed M Elagouz, Omar M Hussein

Background: The role of CRC is crucial for the success of clinical trials. However, a lot of health care providers are not fully aware of the roles and responsibilities of CRC. Purpose: To explore the awareness of health care providers in MENA region about roles and responsibilities of CRC. Method: A qualitative study was conducted using survey monkey software between17th of February 2015, and 18th of January 2018, where 103 health care providers from different regions and specialties completed the survey. Results: 80.81 % of respondents claimed that they were aware of GCP Guidelines. GCP certified respondents represented 50.51 % of study population. Respondents were asked about 28 tasks if they belong to responsibilities of clinical research coordinator in conducting clinical research, and they indicated their level of agreement or disagreement on a Likert scale. The mean percentage of the right answers of nurses was 50.89 %, followed by clinical research specialties "CRAs and CRCs" (47.62 %), pharmacists (41.67 %), and MD/PhD (37.14 %). However, the results were not statistically significant (p= 0.19). Conclusion: A higher level of awareness about GCP guidelines and CRC job description is required.

181-192

Authors: OLAYE1 Théophile, TCHOBO Fidèle Paul, SESSOU, Philippe YEDOMONHAN Hounnakpon, ALITONOU Guy Alain, AVLESSI1 Félicien, SOHOUNHLOUE Dominique

Free radicals are risk factors that can lead to certain oral infections. The contributions of antioxidants is necessary to fight effectively against these free radicals, in the oral cavity. Plants being recognized as a source of natural antioxidants, chewing stick still used today in several developing countries can serve as a remedy to fight against these free radicals. Thus, in this study, we studied the antioxidant activity of plants used as a chewing stick in Benin by the DPPH method, both in ethanolic and micellar medium. The results show that the DPPH method in micellar medium is a credible alternative to the conventional method which takes place in ethanolic or methanolic medium. Depending on the concentration of antioxidant present, the percentage inhibition of DPPH increases with the concentration of CTAB to a given value where it begins to fall. The activity also depends on the number of hydroxyl groups provided by the phenolic compounds.

1-8

Authors: Muñoz MD, DellaVedova MC, Gomez Mejiba SE, Ramirez DC

M1-like inflammatory phenotype of macrophages plays a critical role in tissue damage in chronic inflammatory diseases. M1-like macrophages produce reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IFN-b), express inflammatory protein such as nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and surface markers such as CD80; CD86; CD14; CD44. Because M1-like activation contributes to inflammation, decoding its mechanism may lead to find novel therapies. The nitrone spin trap DMPO reacts with free radicals to form adducts, thus reducing its chain reactions. Our studies have shown that DMPO has also anti-inflammatory effects that may not be related to its free radical trapping properties. Herein, we hypothesize that DMPO can reduce LPS-induced M1-like activation of macrophages by changing its transcriptome and proteome. To test this hypothesis we incubated RAW 264.7 cells with 1 ng/ml LPS in the presence or absence of 50 mM DMPO for 6h or 24h. Cells were used for the mRNA detection of M1-phenotypic molecular markers. Transcriptomic analyses are consistent with DMPO preventing the inflammatory M1-like of macrophages by reducing surface markers, inflammatory molecules and type-1 interferon signaling. To corroborate these data we used western-blots for IRF7 protein expression and ELISA technique for IFN-b1 determination. DMPO-reduced IFN-b1 production and IRF7 expression, whereas increased hemoxygenase-1 expression and restores PPARδ expression. Taken together our results indicate that DMPO prevents LPS-triggered M1-like phenotypic switch of macrophages. Our studies provide critical data for further studies on the possible use of DMPO as a structural platform for the design of novel mechanism-based anti-inflammatory drugs.

16-22

Authors: Md. Hasanuzzaman, Wahedul Md. Islam

Objective: To observe antibacterial, antifungal, MIC of two compounds from methanol root extract. Methodology: The powdered root extracted n-Hexane, acetone, chloroform and methanol using separating funnel. The antibacterial activity of S. cumini were tested against thirteen bacteria following by disc diffusion assay method and Ciprofloxacin was used as a control. Antifungal activity were tested against five pathogenic fungi and Nystatin used as control. Serial dilution technique was used for Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC). Results: Ciprofloxacin responsive with highest inhibition of zones at 30 µg/disc concentration. Both the compounds were highly responsive of tested bacteria. Nystatin showed the larger zone of inhibition for all the tested fungi. C. albicans possessed higher responsive zone of inhibition than A. niger but there was no zone of inhibition recorded on other tested fungi. The MIC of the purified compound S2 were 128 µg/ml against S. -β-haemolyticus, S. dysenteriae and B. cereus. Conclusion: The results summarized that antibacterial and antifungal activities of both the compounds S. cumini against life threatening pathogens which appears to be an effective material for development of antimicrobial drugs and ecofriendly biopesticides.

27-33

Authors: Nabatchian Fariba, Davoudi Negin, Ashteeani Mojtaba

Introduction and Objective: Oxidative reactions are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The formation of oxygen and peroxy radicals and LDL-cholesterol oxidation are some examples. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of bilirubin and coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: We evaluated 85 patients and 92 healthy participants. Total and direct bilirubin levels were measured using the diazo method, and levels of TG and total cholesterol were measured using the enzymatic method. The poly anion-cation and the direct method were used for HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, respectively. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 17. Chi-square and student t test was used for qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The level of direct, indirect, and total bilirubin was 0.213, 0.375, and 0.588 in healthy controls and 0.228, 0.365, and 0.593 mg/dl in patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in the level of direct, indirect, and total bilirubin between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in the level of TG and total cholesterol between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the mean serum level of HDL-cholesterol (P=0.001), family history (P=0.006), mean blood pressure (P<0.001), and smoking (P=0.031) between the two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study show that bilirubin can be used as an indicator to predict CAD. Our findings are in line with some previous reports and contradictory to some others.

40-44

Authors: Ezealisiji Kenneth Maduabuchi, Ukwueze Stanley Ejike, Ishmael F. Jaja

Azithromycin an antibiotic drug has a half-life of 50-60 hours and a bioavailability of 37-42 %, it undergoes appreciable first pass metabolism, has very poor aqueous solubility with an expected poor skin permeability. The aim of present work was to evaluate the effect of permeability enhancers: Tween 80, Tween 20, Sodium lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol on the drug permeability profile using Franz diffusion glass cell. The flux and enhancement ratio calculation of azithromycin were studied. The results indicated that the steady state flux (Jss) increased linearly with increasing donor (enhancer) concentration. The observed steady state flux value was higher with 4 % sodium lauryl sulphate (27.30 µg/cm/hr) and least for 4% Tween 80 and aqueous suspension of azithromycin (control). Skin permeability of azithromycin was well enhanced in the presence of co-solvents and surfactants.

52-61

Authors: Dorcas O. Moronkola, Olaoluwa O. Olaoluwa, Ibrahim A. Oladosu, Sherifat A. Aboaba, Olapeju O. Aiyelaagbe

Six out of forty plants attested to be utilized in antimalarial in South West Nigeria by herbal traders and native doctors were collected. The plants are Sphenocentrum jollyanum, Spathodea campanulata, Kigelia africana, Harungana madagascariensis, Ficus exasperata and Antiaris africana. Their methanol extracts were obtained by cold extraction. Extracts were subjected to phytochemical tests using standard methods. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) were determined against five microbes [Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans]; to assess antibacterial and antifungal activities of each extract. All the eighteen extracts contain saponins, almost all have reducing sugars. Five of the plants contain alkaloids and resins. Flavonoids and phenols were moderately present in the extracts. Phlobatannins and anthraquinones were not abundant in the plant extracts. Antibacterial activities of the extracts are more pronounced than their antifungal potentials.

72-83

Authors: Nkiru, N. Ezeani, Udu, A. Ibiam, Obasi, U. Orji, Patrick, M. Aja, Esther, U. Alum and Christian, E. Offor

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Rauwolfia vomitoria Oliv. ethanol and aqueous root extracts on adjuvant induced arthritis in albino rats. A total of 135 female albino rats were used for this study. The albino rats were divided into nine groups, each containing 15 animals. Arthritis was induced by intradermal administration of 0.1ml Chicken type 11 collagen-Complete Freund’s adjuvant into the left hind paw of the albino rats. Treatment with the extracts at doses of 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg body weight commenced on day 10 of the 32-day study period. The parameters were analysed using a well known standard methods. The result showed that in the arthritic rats, the levels of interleukin- 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the control. Treatment of the arthritic rats with the extracts at the specified doses caused a significant reversal (P< 0.05) of the effect of the chicken type II collagen –Complete Freund’s adjuvant in the rats. The ameliorative effect of the extracts on the arthritic rats was both time and dose dependent. The anti-arthritic potentials of the root extracts was significantly (P<0.05) comparable to that of the standard drug (indomethacine). The results also showed that the potentials of Rauwofia vomitoria ethanol and aqueous root extracts to reverse the effect of the adjutant on the arthritic rats were significant (P>0.05). The plant extracts contain principles that have the potential to suppress antigen presentation and reverse arthritic conditions developed in adjuvant induced arthritic rats. Hence, this present study provides scientific evidence that Rauwolfia vomitoria ethanol and aqueous roots have anti-arthritic potentials.

92-99

Authors: NNA Prince Joe, KPEE Friday

The source identification and distribution of normal alkanes and polycyclic aromatic compounds in suspended particulate matter from Great Kwa River obtained during low and high tide was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The study involves the use of geochemical parameters (ratios) such as unresolved complex mixture (UCM), Carbon preference index (CPI), Dominant carbon maximum (Cmax), n-alkane proxy ratio (Paq) and LHS/SHC to determine the sources of n-alkanes in the study sample. The occurrence of UCM in the Gas chromatogram of the sample shows petroleum contamination. The alkane proxy (Paq) was used to evaluate the origin of long chain alkane and the result shows its source as an indication of submerged/ floating species of microphyte. The LHC/SHC ratio shows microbial/ petroleum source. The PAHs detected and quantified in the samples were not the regular PAHs and were found from diagenetic products of organic matter transformation as well as the biosynthesis of microbes and plants. The results shows that the n-alkanes were predominantly petroleum inputs as the secondary source (allochthonous) continental inputs and microbes inputs from organic matter such as macrophytes, terrestrial plant wax and phytoplanktonic derived organic matter as its primary sources (autochthonous) planktonic inputs. Low tide influences the accumulation and distribution of persistent n-alkanes and PAHs than high tide due to sedimentation.

110-118

Authors: Tran Vu Phuong, Pham Ngoc Han, Cao Ngoc Diep

The objectives of this study were analysis of the secondary metabolite products from extract of marine Bacillus subtilis strain HD16b which isolated from sponges at Ha Tien Sea, Kien Giang province, Vietnam. Eight bioactive compounds were identified in the organic solvent ethyl-acetate. The identification of bioactive chemical compounds is based on the peak area, retention time, molecular weight and molecular formular. GC-MS analysis of Bacillus subtilis strain HD16b revealed the existence of the phenylacetic acid, pentadecanoic acid, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl), n-Hexadecanoic acid, cis-10-Heptadecenoic acid, octadecanoic acid, didemnin B and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester.

129-135

Authors: Stanley E. Ukwueze, Dorcas N. Anthony

Anultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometric determination of enalapril maleate content and other biopharmaceutical parameters using five tablet generics of the drug marketed in Nigeria were conducted to access the quality and compliance of these commercial brands with pharmacopeia standard. The quality of the brands were evaluated using methods described in USP and BP which included, weight uniformity test, dissolution test, disintegration test, friability test and hardness test. Content of active ingredient was evaluated by means of the UV/Vis spectrophotometer at 240 nm. Beer Lambert’s law was obeyed over the concentration of 10-60 µg/mL with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.984. The different brands used complied with the standard specifications for the weight uniformity, disintegration, dissolution and content of active ingredient tests. Only three of the brands passed the friability and hardness tests. The in vitro bioequivalent results, however, showed that only two brands (ENP-2 and ENP-3) could be considered bioequivalent and interchangeable with the innovator brand (ENP-5), while ENP-1 and ENP-4 should be subjected to constant drug monitoring and pharmacovigilance when prescribed in place of the innovator brand.

144-166

Authors: Biswajit Das, Gangopadhyay

Here we have studied the kinetics as well as the energetics of a diffusion influenced nonequilibrium gating process of a voltage-gated K-channel for a oscillatory voltage through the master equation description. A diffusion-influenced five-state Hodgkin-Huxley type voltage-gated scheme is proposed on the basis of the established findings that the K-ions can diffuse through a mutated voltage sensing domain even if the channel protein remains in the closed conformation. At moderate frequencies of the oscillatory voltage, the dynamic hysteresis behaviour shown by the kinetic and thermodynamic response properties of this channel protein are annihilated by the diffusion of K-ions at diffusion controlled limit. Moreover, for oscillating voltage the diffusion time scale interferes with the intrinsic time scale of the ion-channel producing a beating phenomenon in the current signal whose modulation depth depends on the diffusion rate. At reaction-controlled limit, the time periodic oscillation of the total entropy production rate shows the symmetric behaviour over the two half cycles at extreme high frequencies, but at diffusion-controlled limit such symmetry is destroyed.

176-178

Authors: Maryam Nakhaee Moghadam, Mohadese Keykhanasab

Hypertension disorders are the most commonly diagnosed pregnancy complications and involve 5 to 10% of all pregnancies (1). These disorders account for, roughly, 16% of maternal mortality in developed countries. Hypertension disorders are categorized as chronic hypertension and a group of pregnancy-specific hypertension, including pregnancy and preeclampsia. Searches were conducted by two independent researchers in international (PubMed, Web of science, Scopus and Google scholar) and national (SID, Magiran) databases for related studies from the inception of the databases to September 2017 (without time limitation) in English and Persian languages. To ensure literature saturation, the reference lists of included studies or relevant reviews identified through the search were scanned. The Hypertension Classification System was first introduced by the Terminology Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In this system, four main categories are considered for pregnancy hypertension, including pregnancy hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia, chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia in line with chronic hypertension.

183-189

Authors: Mahya Bayata, Seyed Mojtaba Mostafavi

Psoriasis, Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy, and scaly. Interleukin 2 treatment reduces the relapse rate in Psoriasis, but the exact mechanism of action of the drug has remained elusive. CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) is an ectoenzyme, which produces adenosine from adenosine monophosphate (AMP) precursor by enzymatic dephosphorylation. In this study, a validated and rapid HPLC method for quantification of human serum albumin in interleukin 2 biopharmaceutical formulation was developed and linearity, robustness, specificity, accuracy and precision of samples were determined.

197-204

Authors: Mahya Bayat, Ahmad Riahi

Microencapsulation is a process in which solid, liquid or gas components are covered with a septum. The present study has focused on the effect of stirring to produce ferric saccharate capsules with alginate coating applying the coacervation method so that we can obtain the best capsules for fortification of hydrated and dehydrated food products. At first, three methods including stirrer, ultrasonic and sonic bath were compared in order to select the best way of stirring. The experiments results showed that turning was provided by the stirrer method resulted in capsulation with spherical morphology and uniform distribution of surface. In this case the other factors such as the stirrer rotations, alginate concentration and calcium salt concentration were investigated. After studying the various conditions, it is suggested that the best Capsules were formed in alginate 3% at 500 rpm with Concentration of calcium chloride salt 1M and the resulted capsules by this method had a high efficiency and were more stable in hydrated and dehydrated food ingredients network for a long time.