The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal

6-9

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

The wild yam, Discorea Villosa, alata and bulbifera tubers used for this study, was obtained from the farm in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State. The samples were prepared by cleaning, washing, peeling and cutting into smaller sizes, dried for one month. The sample were powdered in Willey milled at 60 mesh size and stored in screw cap bottle at room temperature for further analysis. The samples were evaluated for its nutritional quality, from the present investigation, it is observed that most of the yams were found to be a good source of protein but that of villosa (7.44±0.04) is higher than that of alata (5.15±0.10) and bulbifera (4.88±0.14). Lipids were significantly low in villosa (0.04±0.02) than the rest, alata (5.28±0.18) and bulbifera (6.14±0.11). Crude fibre, moisture contents of the three samples had no significant difference while carloric value of villosa in terms of carbohydrates was higher (81.12±2.98) than the rest. No significant difference in vitamin contents while potassium was higher in villosa (24.30±1.78) than alata (7.86±0.14) and bulbifera (15.54±0.30) in terms of minerals composition. These tubers which have great potentials to serve as a source of very necessary nutrients can be used as food for humans and animals

18-22

Authors: Nuning Nurcahyani, Hendri Busman, Sutyarso, Pratami Dwi Rahmawati, Mohammad Kanedi

To enrich new evidence about the anti-fertility activity of seeds extract of papaya (Carica papaya L.) in test animals, especially mice. Male mice (n=20) were grouped into four. The first group received only distilled water containing 1% CMC as the control. Group 2, 3 and 4 consecutively received papaya seeds extract of 2, 4 and 8 mg/40 g body weight. All treatment administered orally using stomach sonde once daily for 35 days. Study parameters assessed were the number spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermatid cell counts, diameter and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules of the testis. There is no significant different in the number of spermatogonia between treatment groups. Spermatocyte and spermatid cells significantly decreased by the extract, especially at the highest dose. Additionally, the diameter and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules of testis are siginicantly reduced by the extract at the dose of 8 mg/40g body weight. Papaya seeds extract as potential to be used as anti fertility agent.

29-36

Authors: Nuriye Değirmen, Filiz Özyiğit, Özlem Arık

Nursing and midwifery professions require ethically sensitive approaches because they involve various applications on human beings, including medication applications. However, it is important to undertake initiatives based on scientific evidence within the framework of rules and specific procedures. To review the situation of medication applications during the training of nurses and midwives. This was a questionnaire study conducted on nursing and midwifery students in Kütahya Health Science University, Health Science Faculty. This study was conducted during 2014-2015 academic year on 345 nursing and midwifery students at the 2nd and 4th grade. The questionnaire items of this study were based on the Hospital Service Quality Standards Guide (HSQSG). Of the students (87% females), 17% were in the midwifery department at the 2nd grade and 23% were at the 4th grade and 26% were in the nursing department at the 2nd grade and 34% were at the 4th grade. While 10% of the students read the whole HSQSG, 78% did not read, and the remaining 12% just skimmed it trough. There was no difference between groups regarding reading the HSQSG (p>0.05).Gender of the students, their accommodation, reading the HSQSG, and the answers to the questions were compared and it was seen that they did not affect the answers. The students are not sufficient in patient safety procedure, correct medication storage, and procedures for administration of medicines brought by patients. The level of knowledge of the students increased as the class levels increased.

42-49

Authors: Sawsen Zramda, Tekaya Meriam, Ben Salma Mohamed Zied, Mohamed Hammami, Raja Chaaba

Opuntiaficus indica (OFI) has been used in traditional folk medicine. Many parts of the plant were investigated. However fewer data about seeds are available. In this study, the lipid fraction was extracted from OFI seeds in two different regions of Tunisia, then investigated for their phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in order to evaluate their importance in health field. The results showed that the content of seed oil in unsaturated fatty acids is relatively high (83 %) mainly in linoleic acid (58.14 %). Also, the content in phenolic compound and vitamin E was high which leads to significant antioxidant activity. These compounds and antioxidant activity vary between the seeds collected from two regions. The oil from region 1 (Sidi El hani) is richer than the oil from region 2 (Kasserine) in polyphenols, flavonoids and alpha-tocopherols (366.36±18.73 vs 233.82 ± 10.50 mg gallic acid / kg of oil; 205.8 ± 10.65 vs 155.24 ± 10.96 mg catechine / kg of oil, 185.90 ± 30.62vs82.12± 24.66 mg / kg of oil). In the same way, the anti-free radical activity and resistance to oxidation were higher in region 1compared to region 2 samples. The OFI oil can be used in food and pharmaceutical industry due to its special characteristics. However, the effectiveness of this oil depends on the area of collection.

56-62

Authors: Tesfaye Nuru, Solomon Girmay, Yadessa Melaku, Milkyas Endale

Teclea nobilis is widely distributed in tropical Africa and used as the remedy for gonorrhea, fever and analgesics. The roots of Teclea nobilis were exhaustively extracted using dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) and methanol to give 2.36% and 2.12% yield, respectively. Phytochemical screening analysis conducted on roots extracts of Teclea nobilis revealed the presence of alkaloid, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. Silica gel column chromatographic separation of the crude extract afforded benzoylbetulin (3), isolated for the first time from natural source, along with a known furoquinoline alkaloid maculine (1) and a known steroid lupane (2). The structures of compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR and DEPT-135). The extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro for antibacterial activities using disc diffusion method against E coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and K. Pneumonia. Moderate inhibition zone (9 mm) was observed for maculine (1) against S. aureus compared to standard Ceftriaxone (20 mm).

71-80

Authors: Bohdan Hejna

In this paper we are thinking, in a free way, about possible applications of the Information-Thermodynamics point of view in biology1. We can consider a principle loss of information (structure) within the process of generation of cells by their duplication (dividing). Within any duplication of a cell (the predecessor) its follower is generated and the distortion of the duplicated (copied) structure (information) of the parent cell in the follower arises. This loss is measurable by the quantity of (average) information amount. It is a loss of part of message being copied (transferred), it is a loss of information within this process of such an information transfer. (The whole structure of the cell is a message, also including ’a program’ for its functionality in a texture.) This mechanism of aging by a ’tooth of time’ can be described in a functional way by the ’carnotized’ model of information transfer - direct Carnot Cycle viewed informationally. The growth of thermodynamic entropy in its environment is similar to the mentioned loss of the cell structure, measured, in biology, by the shortenning the length of the cell telomere. The telomere is, approximatelly, a box of chromozomes and its length codes the age of the cell, or, the number of the cell’s predecessors in the normal situation. Within the pathological proliferation of cells the opposite situation arises. In this case the cells with a precise structure (but, of an another type in comparison with the normal structure of its own original and ’normal’ type) are generated. But, this grow of structure in a certain locality in the whole organism is paid by a pumping off energy from an environment of this locality. This situation is describable again by our Information-Thermodynamic model, but by a reverse this time. The decreasing value of thermodynamic entropy or increasing value of information entropy is now evidenced locally with the higher growth of the thermodynamic entropy in the environment. This process is similar to the growth of the cell structure in the pathological case which growth is now measured by the lengthening of the cell telomeres.

97-114

Authors: Olakunle Alex Akinsanoye, Mopelola Abeke Omotoso

The use of watermelon seed oil as feedstock for oleochemicals was studied. Oil was extracted from the seeds which was homopolymerized using HClO4 as catalyst. The homopolymer was used to prepare a variety of oleochemicals namely amine, amide, epoxide and copolymerized Phenol-Citrullus-lanatus polymer (CPCLP). Iodine value was determined for the oil, homopolymer (CLH) and the CPCLP as a measure of unsaturation. Viscometry studies were carried out to determine the molecular weights of products. FTIR and proton NMR were used to determine the structure of the oleochemicals. 13C NMR was used to further characterize the CPCLP. The percentage oil yield is 56.86%. The iodine values were respectively 196.13g/100g, 127.96g/100g and 123.3g/100g for Citrullus-lanatus oil (CLO), homopolymer (CLH) and CPCLP. The molecular weights (x 107) of the oleochemicals were 510.8g/mol, 536.8g/mol, 543.8g/mol, 410.3g/mol, 566.8g/mol, and 759.0g/mol respectively for CLO, Citrullus-lanatus amide (CLAmide), Citrullus-lanatus amine (CLAmine), CLH, Epoxidized citrullus-lanatus polymer (ECLP) and CPCLP. FTIR spectra showed absorptions at (1720-1740) cm-1 of carbonyl group. The major peaks found in the proton NMR spectrum are vinyl protons (C=C-H) at (4.5-5.5) ppm, ᾳ-carbonyl protons and allylic protons at (2-3 and 1.8) ppm. CLAmine shows N-H peaks at 4.444 ppm and 4.490 ppm while CLAmide showed the CONHR peak at 5.775 ppm and 5.621 ppm respectively. CPCLP showed aromatic protons between 6.6ppm and 7.1ppm. The 13C NMR also confirm CPCLP structure. The results showed that watermelon oil can be used to prepare useful oleochemicals that are of great importance to the economy with little or no environmental impairment.

121-126

Authors: Ibiene Sarah Kalio, Bertha Ikechi

Trace elements such as Zinc and Copper modulate immune functions that affect the formation of insulin in the pancreatic beta cells. This study aimed to determine Zinc, Copper, Albumin and Total protein in diabetic individuals within Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Plasma Zinc, Copper, Albumin and Total protein concentrations of 28 diabetic individuals aged between 30-75 years were compared to 24 healthy non diabetic individuals aged between 30-75 years. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine Zinc and Copper concentrations while bromocresol green method was used to determine Albumin. Total protein concentration was determined using biuret method. The results showed that the mean ± standard deviation of Zinc, Copper, Albumin and Total protein for diabetic individuals are 0.58 ± 0.14 mg/L (Zinc), 0.028 ± 0.16mg/L (Copper); 42.64 ± 4.10g/L (Albumin) and 66.57 ± 11.52 g/L (Total protein) respectively while the values for non – diabetic individuals are 0.80 ± 0.30 mg/L (Zinc), 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/L (Copper), 38.5 ± 5.56 g/l (Albumin,) 58.83 ± 9.42 g/l (Total protein) respectively. The concentrations of Zinc and Copper were significantly lower in diabetic individuals when compared with control (p<0.05). This study shows that diabetic condition affects the concentrations of trace elements such as Zinc and Copper.

8-14

Authors: Md. Shahrear Biozid, Mohammad Nazmul Alam, Khandoker Usran Ferdous, Md. Masudur Rahman, Md. Rafikul Islam

To evaluate comparative cytotoxic and thrombolytic activity of crude methanol extract of F. stricta and N. nouchali leaf. The screening of cytotoxic activity was done using brine shrimp lethality bioassay while the thrombolytic activity was evaluated using the in vitro clot lysis model. In a brief, venous blood drawn from five healthy volunteers was allowed to form clots which were weighed and treated with the test plant materials to disrupt the clots. Weight of clot after and before treatment provided a percentage of clot lysis and compared the result with streptokinase as positive control and water as negative control. Moderate cytotoxicity was found for both the methanol extracts and it is compared with the standard drug vincristine sulfate in the brine shrimp bioassay. In the present study, the LC50 values of the methanol crude extract of F. stricta, N. nouchali and vincristine sulfate were 252.31, 229.94 and 12.59μg/mL, respectively and incase of thrombolytic model, both the extract F. stricta and N. nouchali. In thrombolytic study, it is found that F. stricta and N. nouchali showed 34.78±1.88% and 20.45 ± 2.13% of clot lysis respectively. Among the herbs studied F. stricta, showed very significant (p < 0.001) percentage (%) of clot lysis than the N. nouchali compared to reference drug streptokinase (63.54 ± 2.61%).The results of the study demonstrated that the leaf of the plants possess promising thrombolytic activity in vitro when tested on human blood as well as preliminary cytotoxic activity on Brine shrimp.

20-27

Authors: Joy C. Nnanna1, Peter M. Eze, Ogechi O. Anyanwu, Treasure N. Ujam, Moses N. Ikegbunam, Festus B. C. Okoye, Charles O. Esimone

Two endophytic fungi (AIn-L4 and AIn-L5) were isolated from the leaves of Azadirachta indica. The fungi were subjected to solid state fermentation on rice medium and the fungal secondary metabolites were extracted using ethyl acetate. The fungal extracts were screened for possible antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Also, some of the bioactive compounds of the extracts were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The result of the antimicrobial assay reveal that at 1 mg/mL, AIn-L5 extract showed mild antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and S. typhi with inhibition zone diameters of 4 and 5 mm respectively. Extract of AIn-L4 showed no activity against any of the test bacteria, and both fungal extracts showed no antifungal activity against the test fungi. Result of the cytotoxicity assay reveals that the extract of AIn-L4 showed 100% cytotoxic activity and completely inhibited the growth of mouse lymphoma cells L5178Y, while AIn-L5 showing no cytotoxic activity. The HPLC analysis of AIn-L4 extract revealed the presence of aureonitol, while AIn-L5 showed the presence of scytalone, cladosporin, and citreoisocoumarinol. The study showed that these endophytic fungi could be promising sources of novel bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical or industrial importance.

33-38

Authors: Paul N. Olotu, Abubakar Ahmed, Oluyemisi F. Kunle, Ijeoma A. Olotu, Ukpe Ajima, Kpadoo T. Amagu

Medicinal plants contain substances that are used for therapeutic purposes or as precursors for synthesis of useful drugs. Since time past, they have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine. The present study is to determine the total phenolic/flavonoid contents and analgesic properties of different leaf extracts of Cochlospermum planchonii Hook. F (Cochlospermaceae) using acetic acid induced writhings in both sexes of Swiss albino mice. From the results, the total phenolic content of the hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts calculated from the calibration curve (r2=0.997, 0.998, 0.999) were 50.45±1.66, 47.33±15.23 and 239.11±36.60 Gallic Acid Equivalents/g respectively, while the total flavonoid content (r2=0.992, 0.993, 0.997) were 4.94±0.50, 23.60±0.16 and 26.75±0.41 Rutin Equivalents/g respectively. The quantitative values of these secondary metabolites are quite appreciable and are used as the basis for screening the drug for antioxidant activity. The analgesic activity associated with the different leaf extracts for n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were also determined. From the results, the different extracts showed a significant difference (p< 0.05) in the percentage inhibition of the acetic acid induced writhing in mice in a dose related pattern with the methanol extract giving the highest activity. This extract is rich in phenolic compounds which are known to exhibit analgesic effects in animal models. It can therefore be concluded that the analgesic activity claimed by the traditional medical practitioners may have a scientific basis.

46-49

Authors: Monika Sachdeva, Taruna Katyal Arora, Rashita Makkar, Tapan Behl

Cardiomyopathy refers to group of diseases related to abnormal structure and functioning of the myocardium that triggers heart failure and death. These may be primary myocardial disorders which may have genetic, non genetic or acquired causes or may originate as a secondary consequence to number of conditions like ischemia, inflammation, infections, increased heart load or exposure to certain toxicants. Cardiomyopathies are now being recognized with increasing frequency due to better understanding and clinical recognition of the cases and advances in cardiac Imaging techniques. Apart from the synthetic therapeutic approaches in practice herbal medicines also play great role in cardiomyopathies. The use of herbal medicines in treatment of ailments is employed since human history. Ayurveda is seen as the most traditional and promising form of medicine in India due to inexpensive and easy availability of herbal drugs with minimum side effects. In this article we will study the major herbal drugs that can be utilized as a remedy for cardiomyopathies.

55-60

Authors: Ibiene Sarah Kalio, Tamunoemine Davis

Oxidative stress occurs when there is a disturbance in the balance between production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense system. Reactive oxygen species are radicals such as superoxide and hydroxyl while non radical reactive oxygen species are hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite and singlet oxygen. Auto oxidation of glucose in diabetes, glycation of anti oxidative enzymes and leakage of reactive oxygen species from mitochondria cause increase in oxidative stress in diabetes. Impaired activities of antioxidant defense enzymes such as super oxide dismutase and catalase enhance oxidative cellular stress which can lead to vascular complications in diabetes. However, enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione peroxide, glutathione reductase and catalase protect the body against the activities of free radicals by catalyzing components of superoxide to molecular oxygen and peroxide. Antioxidants such as Glutathione act as a scavenger as well as a substrate for glutathione peroxides. Non enzymatic antioxidants such as selenium, copper, zinc, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and vitamins also play a role in oxidative stress in diabetes by preventing lipid peroxidation, lowering insulin resistance and improving glucose uptake.

65-71

Authors: Alli Smith Yemisi R

Toxicological assessment of any herbal medicine is to identify adverse effects and to determine limits of exposure level at which such effects occur. Assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters could be used to determine the extent of deleterious effect of foreign compound including plant extract on biological systems. Garcinia kola is a medicinal plant with immense benefits used in traditional medicine. The effect of administration of doses of saponin extract from the root of Garcinia kola on Alanine aminotransferae (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Acid Phosphatase (ACP), bilirubin, total protein, creatinine, urea, glucose, PCV, Hb, and WBC in rats was determined to ascertain the toxic effects on vital organs and haematological parameters. The exposure of rats at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg of saponin extract of the root of Garcinia kola did not alter haematological composition negatively since there was no significant difference in the PCV and haemoglobin levels but there was a significant increase in the concentration of the WBC. The exposure of the animals to the saponin extract of the root of Garcinia kola at all the doses when tested for the biochemical parameters such as protein, urea, electrolytes; AST, ALT and ALP did not show any significant difference in their serum levels when compared with the control animals, although there were little variations in the tissues which could be as a result of increased or decreased de-novo synthesis of the enzymes. This indicates that the saponin extract may not be harmful at the levels tested and could be safely used for all the biological activities it possesses at these doses (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) respectively. Saponin extract from the root of Garcinia kola could be explored for the synthesis of novel drugs in improving health care delivery.

80-85

Authors: Thuc Dinh Ngoc, Hanh Ngo Thi My

Platanus kerrii Gagnep. belong to the family of Platanaceae, endemic to Southeast Asia, distributed on the mountains along the borders of countries Vietnam - Laos. From the stem bark of this plant, two substances were isolated in n-hexane extract. The structures of these compounds have been identified as betulinal (1) and oleanolic acid (2) by modern spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated against hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) and human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7). Betulinal exhibited medium cytotoxicity with Hep-G2 and MCF-7 with IC50 50.07, 85.63 (μg/ml) respectively while oleanolic acid showed no potiential anticancer with all cancer cell lines.

95-100

Authors: Silvania C Furtado, Naymê P Costa, Amanda B Corrêa, José Fernando M Barcellos

Spilanthes acmella known in Brazil as jambu is a typical herb of the northern region of Brazil that has application in traditional medicine to treat toothache, stomatitis and throat diseases, being antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and healing. Studies included in this systematic review are in vivo experiments using mice whose inflammation was obtained with the use of carrageenan introduced into the paw and the decrease of edema was measured by plethysmometry. There was also, in vitro experiment using murine macrophages. These studies have recognized that Spilanthes acmella has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. However, additional studies in other models and clinical trials have been recommended to confirm the results and to establish the mechanism of action of the exact as well as the active principles involved in the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Although studies investigating the anti-inflammatory effect of Spilanthes acmella are scarce, it is necessary to recognize the biological potential of this species.

118-129

Authors: Festus Chioma, Chioma D. Don-Lawson

Novel heteroleptic Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes of a Schiff base derived from 2-amino-4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine and 2-hydroxy-1-napthaldehyde were synthesized and characterized by percentage metal and elemental (CHN) analyses, FTIR, UV-VIS and 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopies, magnetic susceptibility, melting point and molar conductance measurements. The proposed molecular formula [M(L)(L’)OAc] {M= Co and Zn; L=Schiff base and L’= 2,2’-Bipyridine} for the complexes were consistent with the spectral, elemental and percentage metal data. The electronic and room temperature magnetic susceptibility values were corroborative of octahedral geometry for the heteroleptic divalent complexes. In addition, the room temperature magnetic susceptibility showed a spin crossover from high to low spin within the octahedral environment for Co(II) complex, while the CHN data indicate 1:1:1 molar ratio of the metal ions to the ligands. Low values of molar conductance in dimethylsuphoxide (DMSO) established the non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. The antimicrobial studies of the Schiff base, 2,2’-bipyridine and their heteroleptic complexes screened in vitro against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, B. cereus, P. mirabilis and K. oxytoca; and Aspergillus flevus, Aspergillus niger and R. stolonifer displayed moderate-good activities. Remarkably, the synthesized compounds showed broad spectrum activity against tested microbes with inhibitory zones of 5.5-26.0 mm proving their potentials as broad-spectrum microbial agents. Also, the antioxidant activities of the ligands and their heteroleptic complexes were determined in vitro by DPPH methods. The obtained values were mostly comparable/higher to that of the standard, ascorbic acid (55.03%) suggesting a similar pathway for their antioxidant activities and proving their potentials as probable anticancer agents.

135-142

Authors: Nwineewii, Jack Dumka, Unochukwu Peace U.G.

The new calabar river (NCR) is very important to the people of Niger delta because of the pivotal role it plays in the economic development of the place with numerous companies within the vicinity of the river. The quality of water of the river felt threaten with this development. Therefore, some physicochemical parameters of the river were investigated to determine the pollution status of the river with particular reference to physicochemical parameters. Water samples were collected from the river and subjected to standard method of analysis as provided by APHA. The results of the analysis showed the following mean concentrations of the physicochemical parameters: pH (7.46), conductivity (3847.41µS/cm), TDS (417mg/l), turbidity (4.79NTU), salinity (2560.73mg/l), DO (5.8), SO42- (22.48mg/l), NO3- (20.39mg/l), PO42- (0.83mg/l), Cl- (1557.66mg/l) and total harness (40.29mg/l). Of the twelve physicochemical parameters investigated, only pH, PO42-, and total hardness were within the limits set by WHO. The investigation revealed that the NCR is polluted with regard to the physicochemical parameters. It is our view that the operating companies within the vicinity of the river to ensure that their wastes are properly treated before discharged and government should see as a matter of necessity that proper environmental audit is carried out on the river.

150-157

Authors: Faraj Ali Abushaala, Abdalla Ben Ramadan, Mohamed Ali Fahej

This study was conducted to check the efficiency of some biocontrol agents on controlling damping-off disease incited by some tested pathogens both in laboratory and under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that all tested BBA's were effective in reducing the radial growth of the tested damping-off pathogens. Moreover B. subtilis was more effective (65.55%), whereas F. semitictum was the most sensitive to Bacterial biocontrol agents (BBA's) treatments, where reduction rates attained was 70.83%. On the contrary, M. phaseolina was the least sensitive to BBA's treatments, where reduction rate was 35.28%. Both the tested BBA's treatments significantly reduced TIP incidence caused by the tested cucurbit seed-borne pathogens. Reduction rates attained 46.29% and 42.81% in B. cereus and B. subtili respectively, compared with control. Moreover, reduction rates were higher in M. phaseolina and F. semitictum treatments. Treatments with the tested BBA's result in significant reductions in PRD values. B. cereus realized the highest reduction rates, particularly against F. moniliforme (55.95%). B. subtilis / F. semitictum gave the least effective among the other treatments, were reduction rates in PRD values 47.78%.B. cereus or B .subtilis / F. semitictum induced the highest reduction rates in PTD values (42.62%), the least reduction rates was obtained in F. moniliforme treatments with B. cereus (21.75%). Moreover B. subtilis was the least effective than B. cereus.

166-180

Authors: Shabnam, Wamik Azmi

Urate oxidase catalyzes the degradation of uric acid, a product of purine disintegration pathway, into allantoin, carbondioxide and hydrogen peroxide. Owing to its efficacious uricolytic activity, urate oxidase employed to treat hyperuricemia and gout. Urate oxidase enzyme has been isolated from a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms. This review catalogues major sources of urate oxidase enzyme, its mechanism of action, modification, dosage and administration, past and present applications along with future prospects.

9-15

Authors: Rabindranath Singha, Pranab Ghosh

Phytochemical investigation was carried with the crude toluene extract of the stem bark of Sapium baccatum. The isolated compounds were purified by column chromatography followed by crystallization. The structure of all compounds was established by chemical characterization and by the analysis of spectroscopic (IR, NMR and Mass) data and in some cases by comparison with authentic samples. Five compounds, namely 3, 3/ -di-o-methyl ellagic acid, taraxerone, 1-hexacosanol, taraxerol, baccatin along with a new compound 3 α-hydroxy-1 α, 2 α-epoxy lupan were identified.

23-26

Authors: Sh. N. Nurova, N. B. Nurov

The article deals with orthopedic treatment of older age. And also the treatment is analyzed in accordance with special ages.

34-39

Authors: Olufunke E. Ola-Davies, Samuel G. Olukole, Damilare O. Lanipekun

The main objective of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of Gallic acid (GA) in BPA-induced toxicities of the prostate gland of adult male Wistar rats.Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of ten animals each as follows: Group 1 (Control rats): 0.2 ml of corn oil; Group 2 (GA-treated rats): 20 mg/kg/day GA (dissolved in distilled water); Group 3 (BPA-treated rats): 10 mg/kg/day BPA suspended in 0.2 ml corn oil; Group 4 (BPA+GA-treated rats); BPA (10 mg/kg/day) with a concomitant GA (20 mg/kg/day). All treatments were orally administered for 14 days.BPA significantly increased (P<0.05) prostatic index and epithelial height of prostatic acini while inducing vascular congestion, hyperplasia of prostatic epithelium and atrophic tubules of the prostate gland. Concomitant treatment with GA ameliorated these alterations. BPA caused morphological alterations of the prostate gland of rats while concomitant treatment with GA ameliorated the alterations. Hence, low dose of GA serves a protective function against BPA-induced toxicity of the prostate gland of rats.

45-51

Authors: Francicarlos V. Cardosoa, Joacy B. de Limaa, Cícero W.B. Bezerraa, Savaş Kayab, Deyse de S. Dantasc, Robson F. de Farias

In the presente work the complexes Na3[Fe(CN)5(NC(CH2)nCN)] (n = 1 = malononitrile and n= 2 = succinonitrile) have been isolated and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, Uv-vis and FTIR spectroscopies. A metal to ligand charge-transfer transition was observed only for Na3[Fe(CN)5(NCCH2CN)] complexe (316 nm, 3,57x103 L mol-1cm-1). The succinonitrile complex of pentacyanoferrate(II) exhibits a band maximum at 370 nm, which was assigned to ligand field transition. The half wave potentials, E1/2, for [Fe(CN)5(C3H2N2)]3-/2-, [Fe(CN)5(C4H4N2)]3-/2- and [Fe(CN)5H2O]3-/2- were measured as 341, 350 and 126 ± 5 mV (vs ECS), respectively. That is, in comparison with Fe(CN)5H2O]-3, MN and SN, stabilize the Fe(II) ion by 215 and 224 mV, respectively.

62-71

Authors: Mama Sirou Amidou Ibrahima, Attakpa Sèlidji Eugène, Béhanzin Gbèssohélè Justin, Amoussa Abdou Madjid, Lagnika Latifou, Guinnin Félix, Akotègnon Rodrigue Yédomonhan Hounnankpon, Sezan Alphonse, Baba-Moussa Farid, Baba- Moussa Lamine

The main objective of this work is to make the phytochemical screening to evaluate the phenolic composition and anti-radical activity of various extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. that will explain his therapeutic effects. It will characterize the chemical groups, to identify the best solvent extraction of total polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins by testing and modifying the extraction solvents and evaluate in vitro antioxidant activity of n-Hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol extracts from Boerhaavia diffusa trapping method according to the free radical DPPH. Boerhavia diffusa Linn. a plant of the Beninese pharmacopoeia used in traditional medicine in Benin. In this work n-Hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol extracts were prepared from the stem leaves of Boerhavia diffusa Linn. The quantitative estimation of total phenols, tannins and flavonoids by the colorimetric method showed that the extracts are rich in these compounds. Evaluation of antioxidant power was performed using the method of DPPH free radical trapping.

84-91

Authors: Jorge E. Rodriguez-Chanfrau, Zalua Rodriguez-Riera

Chitosan is a derivative of chitin, a natural polymer present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters. This polymer is characterized by its high biodegradability, biocompatibility and mucoadhesivity, which is a raw material of interest for the pharmaceutical and food industry. However, its applications are limited by the insolubility at pH greater than 6. One of the most important derivatives of chitosan is N, N, N-trimethyl chitosan hydrochloride, a polymer obtained by a quaternization process of the amino groups present in chitosan. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of stirring rate and reaction time on the chitosan trimethylation process. A methylation process of the chitosan was performed, using as alkylating agent dimethyl sulfate and absolute ethanol as the precipitating agent. The influence of the speed of agitation and reaction time on this process was studied. It was found that the stirring rate influences the process. In conclusion, the results obtained in this work showed that with the use of dimethyl sulfate as an alkylating agent, applying a stirring speed of 300 rpm and a time of 2 h, it is possible to transform chitosan in N, N, N trimethylchitosan chloride.

100-109

Authors: Alemayehu Letebo Albejo

A comprehensive assessment study with the objectives of identifying and recording traditional medicinal plants and practices were carried out in Amaro Woreda, Alfachokebele, Southern Ethiopia in February – June, 2017. Purposive sampling method was used to select traditional medicinal practitioners of the study area. Information was gathered from traditional healers using integrated approach of plant collection, semi-structured and scheduled interview. A total of 25local elder informants were participated. Data was analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics. A sum of 15 medicinal plant species belonging to different genus and families were reported. The habits of the plants were20 % shrubs, 33.3% trees and 40% herbs and 6.7% climbers. Most frequently used plant part was leaves (60%) followed by roots (20%), stem (13%) and the remaining were barks (7%). Most common mode of plant remedial preparation, was in the form of decoction (61%) followed by crushing and grinding (22%) and others like concoction (6%) and chewing plant part (11%). Most of the plant remedies were prepared from fresh material of the plants and the most widely used route of administration was oral which accounted (73%) followed by topical (13.3%) and inhalation (13.3%) While, remedial preparation and knowledge of elder healer transfer vertically in family. The investigation also revealed the existence of traditional healing knowledge and secrecy of medicinal plant by the elder healer, had conserved a verities of medicinal plants. Traditional Healers still play a great role in the primary health care systems in region where the modern health facility is limited. Therefore, large number of valuable resources, practices and indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants can solve problems of shortage of drugs at rural areas as well as drug resistance in different diseases.

119-128

Authors: Iyama William Azuka, Uchendu Goodnesschinwe

This study was based on the determination of microbial and chemical evaluation of different parts of fresh and smoked Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Catfish (Clarias gariepinus). This was achieved by the study of the microflora of different parts of catfish and tilapia (head, flesh and tail) to determine the microbial diversity of these parts (tissues) and their potential hazards. The pH, moisture content and microbial counts of bacteria and fungi were determined (enumeration of coliforms staphylococci) using pH meters, weighing and plate count agar. Results show high moisture content on the heads of both fish types and the pH of the head samples were more neutral-alkali values of range 7.01-7.82. The highest bacterial count was on the heads and minimum of 2.3 x 103 Cfu/g and maximum of 9.6 x 105 Cfu/g. Similarly, the fungi count was more on the head but relatively lower than that of the bacteria counts. The minimum fungi count of 2.5 x 103 Cfu/g and maximum of 6.3 x 104 Cfu/g were recorded on the head. On the average, bacteria and fungi counts were least by the tails. The following organisms were identified, pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, shigella, salmonella, staphylococcus, micrococcus, proteus, bacillus, seretia and citrobacter. Analysis was done using bar charts and line graphs to show trend and relationships.

136-143

Authors: Nwaokobia K, Idibie CA, Ogboru RO, Okolie PL

The extraction of oil from mango seeds was investigated using a Soxhlet Extractor. Mango seeds were collected, dried and grounded into powder. Hexane and ethanol were used to extract the oil at varying time of extraction of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 hours, respectively. Result shows that yield is time dependent, as increase in time of extraction results into increase in yield where the least time of 4hrs yielded an average of 4.00 % and 8hrs yielded an average of 13.06 % for hexane. While the use of ethanol at 4hr and 8hrs only yielded 1.99 % and 8.22 %.Thus the use of hexane achieved the maximum yield (13.06 %) of oil extracted. The effects of time and extraction solvent on the yield of oil was investigated by using a 22 factorial design and, result shows that factor ‘A’ which is time, produces the greatest effect (7.665) in the yield of mango than factors ‘B’ (3.335) being solvent and ‘AB’(1.335) being interaction between solvent and time. The effect of the extraction solvent on the physicochemical properties was also investigated where the oil extracted with hexane was found to possess better overall quality than the ethanol extracts, acid value, saponification value, ester value, refractive index and specific gravity were 5.61mgKOH/gOil, 207 mgKOH/gOil, 201.39mgKOH/gOil, 1.443 and 0.909, respectively as against 30.30mgKOH/gOil, 205 mgKOH/gOil, 174.70mgKOH/gOil and 0.909, respectively of ethanol. The results didn’t only show that hexane gives a higher yield of oil than ethanol but also revealed that hexane is a much better solvent for the extraction of mango seed oil.

167-175

Authors: Tsygankova V.A., Andrusevich Ya.V., Shtompel O.I., Pilyo S.G., Kornienko A.M., Brovarets V.S.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important cereal crop cultivated in the most economically developed coutries. The elaboration of new effective growth regulators for intensification of seed germination stage and vegetative growth of wheat is an actual problem for modern agriculture. In our work the comparative analysis of regulating activity of low molecular weight heterocyclic compounds, derivatives of [1,3]oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine and N-sulfonyl substituted of 1,3-oxazole, and plant hormones auxins IAA (1H-Indol-3-ylacetic acid) and NAA (1-Naphthylacetic acid) on acceleration of vegetative stage of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Zimoyarka was conducted. The growth parameters of roots and shoots of the 20th-day-old wheat seedlings grown on the water solution of the chemical heterocyclic compounds used at the concentration 10-9M were similar or higher of the growth parameters of roots and shoots of the wheat seedlings grown on the distilled water (control) or water solution of auxins IAA and NAA used at the same concentration 10-9M. The obtained results confirmed the high auxin-like stimulating effect of derivatives of [1,3]oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine and N-sulfonyl substituted of 1,3-oxazole on growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Zimoyarka during vegetative stage.

179-182

Authors: Ali Alidadi, Elham Taheri Boroujeni

Advanced Renal Failure or ESRD is one of the most serious and growing issues in the community necessitating the delivery of appropriate services to patients suffering from the disease. Carrying out medical interventions in the early stages of chronic renal failure can delay disease progression and reduce mortality. Results of the Literature review were exported to Endnote. Prior to the formal screening process, a calibration exercise was undertaken to pilot and refine the screening. Formal screening process of titles and abstracts were conducted by two researchers according to the eligibility criteria, and consensus method was used for solving controversies among the two researchers. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive disease of kidney failure in a period of months to years. Renal failure refers to temporary or permanent kidney damage that results in the loss of normal kidney function. Reduced function of some nephrons causes hypertrophy of other remaining nephrons. The plasma flow in one nephron and the pressure inside the glomeruli increases due to the vasodilatation of the aphrodisiacs. Patients with CKD usually do not show symptoms until GFR decreases down to 15 ml / min. Uremia is a syndrome that affects each organ. Uremic syndrome is probably the result of a series of factors, including retention of molecules, major hormonal deficiencies and metabolic factors, more than the effect of a single uremic poison. Among these toxic compounds, urea can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting and headache. The product of the decomposition of this material (cyanate) can lead to carbamylation of lipoproteins and peptides and adverse effects which, in turn, disturb several organs.

190-196

Authors: Mahya Bayat, Ahmad Riahi

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) and nano sized membrane bioreactor (NSMBR) are both promising technologies for wastewater treatment in pharmaceutical company, but both with limitations. In this study, a novel MFC–MBR integrated system, which combines the advantages of the individual systems, was proposed for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery. A new hybrid, air-bio cathode microbial fuel cell nano sized membrane bioreactor (MFC-MBR) system was developed to achieve simultaneous wastewater treatment and ultrafiltration to produce water for direct reclamation. The combined advantages of this system were achieved by using an electrically conductive ultrafiltration membrane as both the cathode and the membrane for wastewater filtration. In this study, an integrated MFC–MBR system was demonstrated to favor low-cost and efficient wastewater treatment and power generation. The nano sized membrane bioreactor (NSMBR) was used to guarantee the effluent quality and to provide a low-cost and effective bio-cathode for MFC, while the MFC promises an energy offset to the overall treatment process. An average current of 1.9 ± 0.4 mA was generated over a long period of about 40 days. The maximum power density reached 6.0Wm3. In addition, cost-effective materials were adopted for the system construction, suggesting a high economical attractiveness and practical applicability of this system. However, the nitrogen removal was limited due to the negative surface charge of the thin-film composite membrane and solution chemistry, which led to higher flux of ammonium toward the OMBR draw solution. This study reveals synergy between MFCs and OMBRs for sustainable wastewater treatment and energy production. This integrated system shows great promise for practical wastewater treatment application.

213-216

Authors: Maryam Nakhaee Moghadam, Mohadese Keykhanasab

Oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory response can emerge at the same time, exacerbate the effect of the other, and cause irreversible damage. In addition to the fundamental role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, molecular evidence of high levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is also found. 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 specific search strategies were created by a Health Sciences Librarian with expertise in systematic review search using the MESH terms and free terms according to the PRESS standard. The most important lesion of the pairs in preeclampsia is acute atherosclerosis of decidua arteries. This lesion is partly due to the abnormal alignment between the spiral arteries and the cytotrophoblast that causes insufficient ventilation. This can lead to inadequate blood supply, which causes oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth retardation, pairing, fetal distress, and ultimately fetal death.

10-16

Authors: Ugwu, Melvin N, Asuk, Atamgba A, Eteng, Mbeh U, Amaku, Etetim E

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disease, as the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra. The symptoms of BPH vary, but the most common is problems with urination which makes life unbearable. We investigated seed extract of Nigerian indigenous plant Prosopis africana (PA) effect on BPH. BPH was induced in male rats weighing 250-350g through exogenous administration of testosterone and estradiol. A total of 25 rats were divided into five groups. One group was used as a control and the other groups received subcutaneous injections of the two hormones. Groups 1 to 2 were treated orally with different doses of extracts and group 3 received finasteride, group 4 was left untreated and group 5 served as normal control. After forty-five days of treatment with the extract the animals were sacrificed blood collected through cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. The prostate were harvested and weighed. Treatment with extract caused a significant decrease in the size of the enlarged prostate in a dose related manner (p<0.05) when compared with the BPH control group. Progressive weight gain occurred in extract and finasteride treated groups. The level of cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly reduced when compared to the BPH control. There was no significant change in HDL concentration in all groups. The significant reduction of cholesterol and LDL supported by reduced prostate weight suggest that the extract hold potentials for reversal and reduction of induced BPH in rats model.

24-30

Authors: E.I. Okoye, A.E. Usiakpebru

This work analyzed ten capsules of amocycillin 500 mg each from drug resolving stores (shop 1), Opaclsas Pharmacy (shop 2), Happy Home Pharmacy (shop 3), Cheff Pharmacy Ltd (shop 4) Chimezie Medicine Stores (shop 5). The anti-hypertensive drugs (Nifedipine, 20 mg) were obtained from drug resolving stores (shop 1), Happy Home Pharmacy (shop 2), Cheff Pharmacy (shop 3), Chimezie Medicine stores (shop 4) and D-Global Pharmacy (shop 5). All capsules and tablets were obtained from different locations in Asaba. The analysis carried out on them are disintegration time, percentage uniformity of weight and percentage active ingredients they contain. The disintegration time for amoxicillin obtained from shop 1, shop 2, shop 3, shop 4 and shop 5 are: 11 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes and 10 minutes respectively. The percentage uniformity of weight for the five amoxicillin are 100 % each. The percentage active ingredients were found to be 104.9 %, 108.1 %, 109.98 %, 103.2 % and 109.3 % respectively. The disintegration time, percentage uniformity of weight and percentage active ingredients conformed to British pharmacopeia specifications. The disintegration time for the five antihypertensive drugs were found to be: 120 minutes, 20 seconds, 18 seconds, 25 seconds and 20 seconds respectively. The percentage uniformity of weight for the five antihypertensive drugs are 100 % each. The percentage active ingredients for them are 102.5 %, 95.4 %, 107.6 %, 101.5 % and 92.8 % respectively. Again, the disintegration time, percentage uniformity of weight and percentage active ingredients, all conformed to B.P. specification.

38-48

Authors: Akwasi Acheampong, Lydia T. Amankwaa, Isaac O. Afriyie, Kennedy A. Baah

Microdesmis puberula is a plant that is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, stomach-ache, intestinal worms, menstrual complaints, sterility, miscarriage, loss of virility and venereal diseases, treat skin conditions, renal pain, severe headache, erectile dysfunction, and snake bite. In this work, methanol and petroleum ether extracts of the stem of Microdesmis puberula were evaluated for phytochemical constituents, antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity. DPPH scavenging assay and total antioxidant capacity were used for the determination of the antioxidant activity. The agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activities of the extracts against the test organisms, Klebsiellapneumonia, Bacillussubtilis, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, Neisseria gonorhoeae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The broth dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the methanol and petroleum ether extracts. The methanol extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative test organisms with zones of growth inhibition ranging from 12 to 16 mm in the agar well diffusion test, but the petroleum ether did not exhibit antimicrobial activity as it recorded no zone of growth inhibition. The methanol extract was active against the test organisms with MIC range of 6.25 to 12.5 mg/mL and that of petroleum ether ranged from 50 to 200 mg/mL. The reference drug showed activity between 1.56 to 25 mg/mL. The IC50 of the methanol and petroleum ether extract, and the reference drug with regard to the DPPH scavenging activity, were 1.1µg/mL, 1.2 µg/mL and 0.2 µg/mL respectively. Both the methanol and petroleum ether extracts exhibited antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

57-61

Authors: Nagwa S. Zayed, Mustafa N.S., I.M. El-Berry, Samson Daudet Medza Mve, Haba A.E. Soliman

Current study aimed to maximize multiplication rate, growth parameters and producing superior plantlets which can tolerate acclimatization conditions of Conadria fig cultivar through utilizing of Thidiazuron (TDZ), isopentenyladenine (2iP) separately. Shoots- that passed establishment stage- were cultured on MS medium that contained different concentrations of TDZ and 2iP (0.5,1 and 1.5 mg/l). In addition, activated charcoal and auxin type indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were applied in rooting stage to evaluate their influences on root formation. Data indicated that number of shoots was produced on lower concentration of 0.5 mg/l 2iP while, 0.5 mg/l TDZ improved shoot thickness. Also, supplementation of the culture medium with 1.5 mg/l TDZ raised chlorophyll content. However, the optimal combination for number of roots and root length was 1.0 mg/l IBA+0.1mg/l IAA. Meanwhile, using of 1.0 mg/l IBA+0.1 mg/l IAA or 0.1 mg/l IAA increased root percentage (100%) as compared with auxin free medium plus activated charcoal, On another hand no beneficial effect was obtained from adding 0.1 mg/l IAA and1.0mg/l IBA+0.1mg/l IAA to the culture medium when root percentage was concerned. Conclusion of current study was gathering both of 2iP and TDZ since each hormone had a positive impact on proliferation rate, plantlet growth performance and chlorophyll content of fig (Conadria cv.), thereby gathering both of them may lead to promising results. Also, more studies should be carried out to state the optimum combination of TDZ and 2iP to produce ideal proliferation rate with vigor plantlets.

77-83

Authors: Ukpanukpong R.U., Bassey S.O., Edoamodu C.E., Ugor J.A., Omang W.A., Odutuga, A.A.

This study was aimed at investigating the haematological and histological effects of ethanolic leaves extract of Jatropha curcas on Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Forty eight mice weighing between 22-24g were assigned into six study groups of eight mice each. Forty mice were parasitized by Plasmodium berghei and used for extract and orthodox treated groups while eight mice were unparasitized. Group 1 was designated as positive control, group 2 was parasitized and designated as negative control. Group 3 was parasitized and designated as orthodox treated group of 100mg/kg body weight of Lonart DS. Group 4 to 6 were parasitized groups and treated with 400mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas leaves. Haematological parameters analyzed were hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell (WBC). The hematological and histological investigations in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 in orthodox and extract treated mice with 400mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas leaves showed significant reduction in their parasitemia levels compared to negative control group. The ameliorating effect of extract treated groups showed anti-plasmodia and anti-anemic activities which were confirmed in the histological tissues of Plasmodium berghei infected mice.

96-116

Authors: Nermien Z. Ahmed, Shaimaa R. Ibrahim

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a chemotherapy drug used for treatment of wide variety of cancers and the most effective antitumor agents, soon proved to be hampered by such serious problems as the development of cardiotoxicity and heart damage by producing free radicals and oxidative stress along the period of treatment. The current study aims at evaluating the cardio protective effect of Cymbopogon citrates known as lemon grass (LG) and the role of trace element selenium (SE), which is an essential element possessing antioxidant properties and has protective effects against toxicity of some drugs, in attenuating cardiac and heart damages induced by doxorubicin alone and in combination. Animals were divided into seven groups each of seven rats, normal control group; selenium group received (1.5mg/kg b. w., orally) for 7 days, LG group received (200mg/kg b.w. orally) for 7 days and doxorubicin -treated group injecting doxorubicin i.p. 48hrs before decapitation at a dose of (20 mg/kg b.w. / i.p). The doxorubicin - treated animals were divided into 3 groups, one (doxorubicin + SE), second group (doxorubicin + LG) and the third group (doxorubicin+ SE+ LG). Serum CK-MB, LDH, as cardiac damage markers; ALT, AST as indicator of hepatic damage and Urea, creatinine as indicator of renal damage, were measured. MDA, TAC, ROS, TP and genomic DNA, as cardiac oxidative status indices and cardiac antioxidant capacity, were also estemated. Histopathological changes in cardiac tissues were examined. Doxorubicin induced significant increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); CK-MB; alanine aminotransferase activities, Urea, Creatinine, malondialdehyde levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents. However, significant reduction in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total proteins (TP) were observed. Selenium and Lemon Grass pretreatment caused significant decrease in serum LDH and CK-MB levels; ALT, AST, Urea, Creatinine in serum, significant decrease in cardiac malondialdehyde, whereas, significant elevation in cardiac total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Total protein (TP), compared to doxorubicin -treated group. Histopathological examination of cardiac heart, liver and kidney tissues confirmed with the previous biochemical results, also, genomic DNA of cardiac heart tissues confirmed with the previous biochemical results. Chronic doxorubicin administration caused cardio toxicity and DNA damage. Selenium (SE) and Lemon Grass (LG) pretreated exerted significant protection against DOX-induced cardiac damage.

123-135

Authors: Adriana Teixeira, Márcio P. de Souza, Thais A. P. Bartiê, Ariovaldo Bolzan, Leonel T. Pinto

The reaction of hemoglobin with oxygen allows oxygenation of the body, ensuring homeostasis and cell survival. Although it occurs in four reversible, successive, and cooperative steps, the reaction is usually treated as a one-step reaction. This article aims to point out experimental and theoretical aspects relevant to the kinetic study of this reaction, but which are generally not taken into account. Just the oxyhemoglobin deoxygenation is discussed, since this step is easier to perform experimentally when compared to oxygenation. Oxyhemoglobin was obtained from the reduction of meta-hemoglobin by size exclusion liquid chromatography using sodium dithionite. Deoxygenation of oxyhemoglobin was performed by rapid mixing with interrupted flow, also using sodium dithionite, but in the absence of oxygen. From the experimental results, the dissociation constant was determined considering the pseudo-first order model. Subsequently, experimental questions were discussed, such as the contribution of at least two hemoglobin conformations in the measured absorbance and theoretical questions, such as limitations of the first order pseudo model. The results indicate that a more complete model is needed to describe oxyhemoglobin deoxygenation as well as a more sophisticated treatment in the experimental data, considering that more than one hemoglobin conformation has a significant absorbance value at a given wavelength.

145-152

Authors: Daniela V. Pencheva, Katia S. Ivancheva, Mina V.Rumenkina, Aleksandrina M. Al-Dzhasem, Ivan N. Ivanov

Objectives: The main goal of the provided experiments was to test the influence of the used in the Disc Diffusion Method (DDM) Mueller Hinton agar (MHA) and to establish its reflection on the interpretation of the antimicrobial test. Methods: This study is based on developed microbiological methodology and outworked protocol for qualification of the Mueller Hinton agar when it is used in Disc Diffusion Method in order to obtain reliable and reproducible results on quality indicators for MHA, appointed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Results: Conducted studies showed the influence of the used medium MHA or MHA II on the zones of inhibition of antimicrobial discs in DDM, which can impact the interpretation of antibiotic susceptibility of isolates. This kind of testing of the medium MHA gives also the opportunity to establish some deviations in the activity of the antimicrobials used in the production of antimicrobial discs. In serial experiments was encountered a problem with the activity of Gentamicin substance that affects the quality of produced batches antimicrobial discs with him. Conclusions: The experiments established the influence of the used medium MHA or MHA II on the zones of inhibition of antimicrobial discs in DDM. The used protocol with microbiological testing was very helpful as for evaluation of the MHA and for establishment of antimicrobials activity deviations.

163-173

Authors: Akanksha Sharma, Vishal Garg, Manish Kumar Gupta, Vijay Sharma

Febuxostat, is a medication used in the treatment of chronic gout and hyperuricemia. Febuxostat is a non-purine xanthine oxidase. It is a BCS class II drug. It exhibits poor bioavailability about 49% which is attributed to its poor bioavailability and poor solubility. The present work was aimed to overcome its limitation of poor solubility. Drug and beta cyclodextrin complexes were prepared in the ratio 1:1 and 1:2. Studies show that solubility was better for 1:2 ratio (855.20 µg/ml) as compared to that of pure drug (10.50 µg/ml). Tablets were prepared by using ingredients such as Beta-Cyclodextrin, Crospovidone, Locust Bean Gum, Crosscarmellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Mannitol, Magnesium Stereate, Sodium Saccharine.

182-190

Authors: Srihari Murthy

Around forty percent of new chemical entities (NCEs) are reported to be poorly soluble in water. This translates to poor bioavailability and, thereby, limits the development of these molecules as drug candidates. It is suggested that nanoformulations of poorly-water soluble NCEs/Drugs are viable routes to increase the bioavailability of these molecules. The role of particle size in molecular dissolution is discussed. Different nanostructures that can incorporate poorly-water soluble NCEs/Drugs and which have been previously reported in the literature such as nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions and nanoscale NCE/Drug-Polymer composites are presented. Methods for the preparation of these nanostructures are discussed. Characterization techniques such as Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential Measurement, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) are discussed. Finally, an example of an NCE-Polymer Nanocomposite is presented.

196-203

Authors: Tran Vu Phuong, Phan Van Ha Lam, Cao Ngoc Diep

The objectives of this study were analysis of the secondary metabolite products from extract of marine Streptomyces sp. strain ND7a which isolated from sponges at Ha Tien Sea, Kien Giang province, Vietnam. Six bioactive compounds were identified in the organic solvent hexan-aceton and aceton-methanol. The identification of bioactive chemical compounds is based on the peak area, retention time, molecular weight and molecular formular. GC-MS analysis of Streptomyces sp. strain ND7a revealed the existence of the 2-Pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl, Cyclohexasiloxane, dodecamethyl, Cycloheptasiloxane, tetradecamethyl, Oxime-, methoxy-phenyl, Hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester and Diisooctyl phthalate.

211-224

Authors: Nguyen Tan Binh, Phan Van Ha Lam, Cao Ngoc Diep

The objectives of this study were analysis of the secondary metabolite products from extract of marine Penicillium citrinum strain ND7a which isolated from sponges at Ha Tien Sea, Kien Giang province, Vietnam. Sixteen bioactive compounds were identified in the organic solvent hexan-aceton and aceton-methanol. The identification of bioactive chemical compounds is based on the peak area, retention time, molecular weight and molecular formular. GC-MS analysis of Penicillium citrinum strain ND7a revealed the existence of the 9-Hexadecenoic acid, Hexadecane, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Heptacosane, Octadecane, 3-ethyl-5-(2-ethylbutyl), Tributyl acetylcitrate, 17-Pentatriacontene, Hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (in organic solvent hexan-aceton) and Oxime-, methoxy-phenyl, 2-Hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone, 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione, Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, 1-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-ethanediyl ester, Stigmasterol, γ-Sitosterol (in organic solvent aceton-methanol).

232-239

Authors: Xinming Yu, Meng Zhao, Pingfang Han, Xiaoping Lv

In this paper, two kinds of preparation methods were used to synthesize CdO nanoparticles. NaOH and citric acid were severally mixed with cadmium nitrate to produce the nanocatalyst via precipitation and sol-gel auto-combustion method respectively. The reactants were either ultrasonicated or mechanically shear-mixed for comparison. And the synthesised samples were characterized for their size and structure using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. And some molecular groups containing in the nanoparticle were detected by Fourier transformer Infra Red (FT-IR).The result revealed that the catalyst prepared by precipitation method under ultrasonic irradiation possesses the better surface characteristics and optical property, which means that theoretically it will shows great photocatalytic properties in the chemical reaction.

5-14

Authors: Bitrus Apagu, Binta A Kyari, Mohammed S Waziri, Musa A Ibrahim, Bitrus Y Duhu, Mustapha Bulama‒Modu, Tayib Yagana Alkali, Mari H

The phytochemical analyses of the leaves of some selected plants species (Amaranthus caudatum, Brasica oleracea, Ipomea batata, Manihot esculenta and Telfera occidentalis) and in vitro antimicrobial activities on some bacteria species were determined using aqueous and ethanol solvents in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Analysis revealed the presence of tannin, cardiac glycoside, saponin, glycoside, flavonoid and tapenoid in all the plants, while anthraquinine, phylobatanin were not detected. Alkaloid was only present in Manihot esculenta leaves. The antibacterial assay of the leaf extracts on the tested bacteria showed that the extracts are effective against Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas auriginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus feacalis, this was determined using crude antibiotic disc to investigate its potential use as antibacterial agent and standard antibiotic drugs as positive control for comparison. The extracts showed higher antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus.

28-33

Authors: Mojahidul Islam, Vandana Arora Sethi

A series of 3-substituted phenyl -6-substituted phenyl (1,2,4) triazolo (4,3-b) pyridazine has been synthesized. An appropriate aromatic hydrocarbon reacts with succinic anhydride in presence of AlCl3 to yield β-aroyl propionic acid. The corresponding acid was cyclised with hydrazine hydrate to give 6-(substituted aryl)-2, 3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-3-pyridazinone, which was heated on steam bath with phosphorous oxy chloride to yield 3-chloro 6-substituted phenyl pyradazine. This intermediate after reaction with hydrazine hydrate was converted into 3-hydrazino-6-substituted phenyl pyradazine. The resulting product was converted into3-substituted phenyl 6-substituted phenyl (1,2,4) triazolo (4,3-b) pyridazine by reacting with substituted aroyl chloride. Spectral data (IR, NMR, mass spectra) confirmed the structures of the synthesized compounds. The synthesized compounds were investigated for their antiviral activity. The results indicated that the synthesized compounds have mild to potent activity with reference to their appropriate reference standards.

41-45

Authors: Atefeh Mehrabifar, Fahimeh Hashemiarani, Masoumeh Piryaei, Ahmad Riahi

A rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatogaphic method was developed for the estimation of nimodipine in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Nimodipine was chromatographed on a reverse phase C- 18 column in a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water in the ratio of 58:42 (v/v). The mobile phase was pumped at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and the eluents were monitored at 241 nm. A pre-concentration of nimodipine was applied using Nanoparticles Modified with Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.1-40 µg/mL. The intra and inter-day variation was found to be less than 1% showing high precision of the assay method. The mean recovery of the from the solution containing 10 µg/mL was 99.95 ± 0.86% indicating high accuracy of the proposed HPLC method. Due to its simplicity, rapidness, high precision and the proposed HPLC method may be used for determining nimodipine in bulk drug samples and pharmaceutical dosage forms.

53-60

Authors: Akintoye A.O.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of natural radioactivity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the surface (0-5cm) soil samples collected from Odigbo in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. The surface soils were collected along the streets of this city. The activity concentrations of naturally-occurring radioactive materials in the 238U, 232Th and 40K were determined by means of a Sodium Iodide (NaI) gamma-ray spectrometry system detector in a low background configuration. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K for Odigbo were found to be 179.07±11.36, 152.32 ±32.71 and 1617.43±9.90 Bq kg-1. The results of this current study have been compared with the world mean values of 37, 33 and 400 Bq kg-1, respectively specified by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. The average annual effective dose obtained from this study is 0.22 mSv y-1 for Odigbo, which is still less than the recommended limit of 1 mSv y-1 by International Commission on Radiation Protection [ICRP] for non occupational population. Also the mean radium equivalent for Odigbo is 535.56 Bq kg-1 and its absorbed dose is 175.21 nGy h-1. It was shown that in most of the locations studied 40K has the highest concentration.

68-86

Authors: Nermien Z. Ahmed, Omar A. Ahmed- Farid

Background: There is an abundance of herbal medicines that may introduce to cure the human patient for different syndromes with mild side effect. This study aimed to investigate In-vitro and In-vivo bioactivities potential of some Egyptian wild plants as anti-ulcerogenic on male albino rats. Polyphenols constitute a distinct group of natural compounds of medicinal plants as Monsonia nivea; Savignya parviflora; Heterocaryum subsessile, and Trigonella anguina ethanolic extracts exhibit a wide range of multi-physiological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcerogenic activities. 1st experiment In-vitro antioxidant properties DPPH radical assay; OH•; FRAP; TP; TF, NO, and flavonoid concentrations. Also, determine the Fe++/Ascorbate on mitochondria and microsomal fractions. Acid phosphatase; β-galactosidase; β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and β- glucuronidase were determined in liver lysosomes against CCl4. the 2nd experiment carried out the In-vivo study, focusing the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of herbal cocktail ratio due to the best constituent results from the In-vitro study. Methods: Thirty-six male albino rats divided into six groups; 1st group: control. 2nd herbal cocktail group (100 mg/kg b.wt/day o.p) from Mn, Sp, Hs, and Ta extract with ratio 1:2:1:3 respectively, along with the experiment. The 3rd group treated with acetylsalicylic acid (500mg/kg b.wt/day o.p) for three successive days (positive group). The 4th group treated with herbal along 2 weeks then induction with ASA (protective group). The 5th group treated with ranitidine (27 mg/kg b.wt/day o.p) after induction with ASA (curative ranitidine group). The 6th group treated with herbal extract (27 mg/kg b.wt/day o.p) after induction with ASA (curative herbal cocktail group), the experiment lasted for 30 days. Results: Revealed data showed that the ASA induces a significant increase in blood leucocytes, neutrophils and stomach MDA, GSSG, NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase. On the other hand, ASA induces a significant decrease in blood RBCs and stomach GSH. Protective and curative effect of HC extract showed ameliorated effect for parameters near to control group. Conclusion: Obtained data concluded that individual wield herbal extract have In-vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and In-vivo antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic properties due to reached flavonoids of the mixture.

99-106

Authors: Synodalia C. Wattimena, Felsdian I. Belegur, Monica Kailola, Edwin T. Apituley

Ina sua is a traditional salted fish product belongs to Teo Nila Sarua (TNS) community, Maluku, Indonesia. The first aim of this study is to find out the effect of salt concentration on protein content and bacteria number of cakalang fish (Katsuwonus pelamis) Ina sua. Three salt concentrations (10%, 20% & 30%) are used with incubation time of two weeks at 35° C. The second aim of this study is to find out the effect of incubation time on protein content and bacteria number of cakalang fish (Katsuwonus pelamis) Ina sua. Four incubation times (2, 3, 4, 5 weeks) at 35°C are used with salt concentration of 20%. For a control, protein content and bacteria number of fresh cakalang fish are analysed. The result shows that Ina sua with the highest protein content (30.7 %) and the lowest bacterial number (2.3 x 104 CFU/ml) is obtained from the use of 30% salt concentration. The value of pH decreases with increasing salt concentrations. The result also shows that Ina sua with the highest protein content (±30%) is obtained at incubation time of 3 and 4 weeks but for all incubation time used the numbers of bacteria are not significantly different (2.5 x 106 – 1.2 x 108 CFU/ml). The values of pH are not significantly different for all incubation time used.

114-120

Authors: Abdel Karim M, Maha A, Khalid MS

Jatropha curcas seed oil was studied by GC-MS. The oil was also evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Twenty two components were detected by GC-MS analysis. Main constituents are: Z,Z-9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (37.56%); Z-9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester (26.03%%); hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (19.09%); methyl stearate (13.20%). The antibacterial activity of the oil was evaluated via the cup plate agar diffusion bioassay against five standard pathogenic bacteria: Gram positive: Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtitlis; Gram negative: Esherichia coli and Pseudomonasa aeruginosa and the fungus Candida albicans. The oil showed excellent activity against Escherichia coli and excellent anticandidal activity.

131-140

Authors: Kalu Okonwu, Love A Akonye, Stephen I Mensah

The anti-nutrient compositions of fluted pumpkin leaf grown in three different geoponic media were quantified. These media were white-sand (WS), humus soil (HS) and sawdust (SD). The anti-nutrients composition of matured pumpkin leaf assessed were alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, hydrogen cyanide, trypsin-inhibitor, oxalate, tannins and phytate. Standard analytical methods were followed in the determination of the anti-nutrient compositions. Phytate, tannin, oxalate, trypsin-inhibitor, hydrogen cyanide, and saponins contents (ppm) in fluted pumpkin leaf grown in WS, HS and SD were 7.131, 8.857 and 8.866; 1.436, 2.127 and 4.348; 3.814, 5.927 and 4.882; 0.959, 2.584 and 1.556; 0.007, 0.001 and 0.002; 4.175, 7.253 and 5.108, respectively while total flavonoids and total alkaloids contents (g/100g) were 7.679, 8.064 and 13.387, and 17.848, 9.077 and 12.445 in that same order. Among the groups of alkaloids, indole/benzypyrole (5.959, 1.059 and 3.885 g/100g) and quinoline (4.493, 4.507 and 5.041 g/100g) were the most abundant while acridine (0.008, 0.009 and 0.011 g/100g) and imidazole (0.001, 0.003 and 0.001 g/100g) were the least in the three treatments. Also, isoflavones (2.321, 3.731 and 5.551 g/100g) and flavan-3-ols (4.648, 3.918 and 7.226 g/100g) were the most concentrated subgroups of flavonoids while anthocyanin was the least (0.083, 0.083 and 0.082 g/100g) for WS, HS and SD, respectively. The study revealed that the bioactive content of T. occidentalis changes depending on the growth medium.