Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology- Scholarly Publications

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    Open Access
    Acute and sub-chronic toxicities and antimicrobial profiling of hydro-ethanol extracts of Moringa oleifera (L) seed in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats
    (Natural Product Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin., 2018-07) Igbokwe, N.H.; Ogbonnia, S.O.; Azubuike, C.P.; Idowu, A.O.; Orajiaka, S.C.; Ota, D.A.
    Seeds and nuts have been employed since prehistoric era for their therapeutics and health benefits. Moringa oleifera (L.) is one of such seeds with poly-therapeutic activities and is consumed extensively in Nigeria for various health reasons. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-microbial potency, acute and sub-chronic toxicities of Moringa oleifera seed extracts in rodents. The antibacterial activity of the hydro-alcohol extract of Moringa oleifera seeds were evaluated using standard methods. The acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated in Swiss albino mice by feeding the mice with the graded oral doses of the extract between 1.0 to 20.0 g/kg body weight while the graded oral doses of the extracts were administered to Wistar rats in sub-chronic toxicity evaluations. The extract revealed remarkable antimicrobial activities. In the acute toxicity, the animals fed with 15.0 and 20.0 g/kg body weight did not survive beyond 24 hours. The LD50 was 14.0 g/kg bodyweight. There was significant increase (p < 0.05) in the body weight, the serum electrolytes and the MCH values while a significant decrease in the MCV value was observed. The serum liver enzymes showed significant decrease while increase in the serum protein metabolites was observed. The high doses of the extract had some deleterious effects on the liver, kidney and testes. Although the extracts showed a good safety margin with high LD50 value (14.0 g/kg), cautions should be exercised in the consumption since higher doses or prolonged consumption may exert deleterious effects on some organs.
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    Open Access
    Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicities and Antimicrobial Profiling of Hydro-Ethanol Extracts of Moringa oleifera (L) Seed in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats
    (Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research ,Natural Product Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin., 2018-07-08) Igbokwe, N.H.; Ogbonnia, S.O.; Azubuike, C.P.; Idowu, A.O.; Orajiaka, S.C.; Ota, D.A.
    Seeds and nuts have been employed since the prehistoric era for their therapeutics and health benefits. Moringa oleifera (L.) is one of such seeds with poly-therapeutic activities and is consumed extensively in Nigeria for various health reasons. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potency, acute and sub-chronic toxicities of Moringa oleifera seed extracts in rodents. The antibacterial activity of the hydro-alcohol extract of Moringa oleifera seeds was evaluated using standard methods. The acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated in Swiss albino mice by feeding the mice with the graded oral doses of the extract between 1.0 to 20.0 g/kg body weight while the graded oral doses of the extracts were administered to Wistar rats in sub-chronic toxicity evaluations. The extract revealed remarkable antimicrobial activities. In the acute toxicity, the animals fed with 15.0 and 20.0 g/kg body weight did not survive beyond 24 hours. The LD50 was 14.0 g/kg bodyweight. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the body weight, the serum electrolytes, and the MCH values while a significant decrease in the MCV value was observed. The serum liver enzymes showed a significant decrease while an increase in the serum protein metabolites was observed. The high doses of the extract had some deleterious effects on the liver, kidney, and testes. Although the extracts showed a good safety margin with a high LD50 value (14.0 g/kg), caution should be exercised in the consumption since higher doses or prolonged consumption may exert deleterious effects on some organs.
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    Open Access
    Advances in Intravesical drug delivery systems to treat bladder cancer
    (Elsevier, 2017) Kolawole, OM; Lau, WM; Khutoryanskiy, VV
    Chemotherapeutic agents administered intravesically to treat bladder cancer have limited efficacy due to periodic dilution and wash-out during urine formation and elimination. This review describes the pathophysiology, prevalence and staging of bladder cancer, and discusses several formulation strategies used to improve drug residence within the bladder. These include the use of amphiphilic copolymers, mucoadhesive formulations, hydrogels, floating systems, and liposomes. Various in vitro and in vivo models recently employed for intravesical drug delivery studies are discussed. Some of the challenges that have prevented the clinical use of some promising formulations are identified.
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    Open Access
    African Oils in Dermatology. Dermatologic Therapy.
    (WILEY, 2021) AYANLOWO, Olusola; COLE-ADEIFE, O; ILOMUANYA, Margaret; EBIE, C; ADEGBULU, A; EZEANYACHE, O; ODIASE, O; IKEBUDU, V; AKANBI, B
    Plant and seed oils have been used for centuries and possibly millennia in Nigeria and Africa for the maintenance of healthy skin and the traditional treatment of skin disorders. In recent times, some of these oils have regained popularity due to their availability and affordability coupled with concerns about the side effects of commercially processed skin care products. This is to assess the chemical properties, current knowledge, source of procurement, indications for topical use, benefits, and possible adverse effects of six plant oils and one animal fat commonly used in Nigeria. This is a literature review and interview with traditional healers and alternative health practitioners to document the traditional, medical, cosmetics, and other usage of oils for skin and scalp care in the African context. Literature review was done on the biochemical and pharmacological properties of each of the seven oils. Searches were made from PubMed, African Journal online, Medline, and Google scholar. Medical subject heading terms used in the search include shea butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, soy oil, Baobab oil, and python oil. Plant and seed oils used locally in Nigeria and other African countries for skin care and treatment have several benefits due to the constituents of the plant oils (free fatty acids, triglycerides, ceramides, phospholipids, vitamins and antioxidants) which have been shown to promote healthy skin barrier function, wound healing and have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. They are however not without adverse effects, which may be mainly due to processing and storage hygiene. Further studies are required on these oils in view of their potential in the development of novel skincare products and dermatological therapies.
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    Open Access
    Antibacterial and Wound Healing Properties of Methanolic extract of dried fresh Gossypium barbadense Leaves
    (Aurangabad : Literati Scientific and Publishers, 2012) Ikobi, E.; Igwilo, C.I.; Azubuike, C.P.; Awodele, O.
    This study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial and wound healing properties of methanolic extract of dried fresh leaves of Gossypium barbadense. The antibacterial properties of the extract were studied against five wound isolates (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Shigella sonnei) using the Well diffusion method. The wound healing properties were carried out using the excision wound model on healthy albino rats. The results showed that methanolic extract of dried fresh Gossypium barbadense leaves had a dose dependent activity against all the test organisms except Escherichia coli. The extract solvent, propylene glycol, used as a negative control, had no activity against any of the test organisms. Dettol® antiseptic, and Cicatrin® powder used for the positive control also had a dose dependent activity against all the test organisms except Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The concentrated Dettol® (i.e. the undiluted solution) however inhibited growth of all test organisms. Comparing all test substances, it was observed that after ten days of treatment of the rats that when the extract was applied at a concentration of 20mg/ml, there were about 91% healing of wound on the rats whereas about 80 % healing of wound on the rats was noticed for Cicatrin® powder. The distilled water used as a negative control however produced only about 36 % healing of wound on the rats. The distilled water treated group percentage healing of wounds was significantly different (p< 0.05) from those of extract and antibacterial-treated groups.
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    Open Access
    Antibacterial profiling of methanolic leaf extracts and herbal cosmetic cream formulations containing the leaf extracts of Urtica dioica, Amaranthus viridis and Aloe vera
    (World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2020) Igbokwe, N.H; Idowu, A.O; Abdulwahab, U.B; Oseni, B.A; Isibor, K
    Synthetic antibacterial drugs are not only expensive but often associated with toxicity, adverse reactions and resistance. There is therefore the need for drugs of natural origin with little or none of the problems associated with synthetic drugs. This study evaluated the antibacterial potency of the methanolic leaf extracts and herbal cosmetic cream formulations containing the leaf extracts of, Urtica dioica, Amaranthus viridis and Aloe vera which were extracted with methanol by cold maceration method. The antimicrobial susceptibility of some organisms to the leaf extracts and their cream formulations was determined by agar-well diffusion method using working concentrations of 100 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL and 400 mg/mL of the extracts with distilled water as the negative control. Neomycin® in the concentrations of 6.25 μg/mL, 12.5 μg/mL, 25 μg/mL, and 50 μg/mL was used as the positive control for the leaf extracts while 2% w/v mupirocin (Supirocin®) cream and penicillin® ointment were used as positive control for herbal cream evaluation. The MIC of the leaf extracts was determined by agar dilution method using various concentrations (20 mg/mL to 210 mg/mL). The leaf extracts and the formulated creams exhibited antimicrobial activities comparable with the standard antimicrobial compounds and formulations. Urtica dioica exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. The cream formulation containing a combination of 20% each of Urtica dioica and Aloe vera appeared the most potent against the bacteria used. These results suggest that herbal topical formulation containing the leaf extracts of these plants has potentials in the treatment of dermal bacterial infections.
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    Open Access
    Antibacterial profiling of methanolic leaf extracts and herbal cosmetic cream formulations containing the leaf extracts of Urtica dioica, Amaranthus viridis and Aloe vera
    (World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2020-06-16) Igbokwe, N.H.; Idowu, A.O.; Abdulwahab, U.B.; Oseni, B.A.; Isibor, K.
    Synthetic antibacterial drugs are not only expensive but often associated with toxicity, adverse reactions, and resistance. There is therefore the need for drugs of natural origin with little or none of the problems associated with synthetic drugs. This study evaluated the antibacterial potency of the methanolic leaf extracts and herbal cosmetic cream formulations containing the leaf extracts of, Urtica dioica, Amaranthus viridis, and Aloe vera which were extracted with methanol by cold maceration method. The antimicrobial susceptibility of some organisms to the leaf extracts and their cream formulations was determined by the agar well diffusion method using working concentrations of 100 mg/mL, 200 mg/ml, and 400 mg/mL of the extracts with distilled water as the negative control. Neomycin® in the concentrations of 6.25 µg/mL, 12.5 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL was used as the positive control for the leaf extracts while 2% w/v mupirocin (Supirocin®) cream and penicillin® ointment were used as a positive control for herbal cream evaluation. The MIC of the leaf extracts was determined by the agar dilution method using various concentrations (20 mg/mL to 210 mg/mL). The leaf extracts and the formulated creams exhibited antimicrobial activities compared with the standard antimicrobial compounds and formulations. Urtica dioica exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. The cream formulation containing a combination of 20% each of Urtica dioica and Aloe vera appeared the most potent against the bacteria used. These results suggest that herbal topical formulation containing the leaf extracts of these plants has potentials in the treatment of dermal bacterial infections
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    Open Access
    Antibiotic susceptibility of common bacterial pathogens in urinary tract infections in a Teaching hospital in Southwestern Nigeria
    (African Journal of Microbiological Research, 2011-10-16) oluremi, B.B.; Idowu, A.O.; Olaniyi, J.F.
    Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans and a major cause of morbidity. However, the aetiology of UTI and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns vary from time to time and across different areas. This study determines the frequently isolated UTI bacteria from inpatients and out-patients of a Teaching hospital in Southwestern Nigeria and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Sixty (60) bacterial isolates from urine of patients with significant bacteriuria in UTI were collected and evaluated for their antibiotic sensitivity using modified Kirby-Bauer method. UTI was frequently encountered in females (61.7%) and older patients (50%). 55% of the isolates were from in-patients. The most common etiological organisms of UTI were Esherichia coli (46.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.3%), Klebsiella spp (13.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.3%) and Proteus spp (6.7%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found only among hospital isolates while Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from females only. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern revealed that the Enterobacteriaceae were highly susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (71.4 to 75%) while Nitrofurantoin demonstrated the best activity against S. aureus isolates (100%) in both community and hospital-acquired UTI. All the isolates exhibited a high degree of resistance to Augmentin and amoxicillin. A high rate of multi-drug resistance was recorded among all isolates. In view of the increasing rate of resistance of UTI pathogens to commonly used antibiotics, rational prescription and use of antibiotics is advocated
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    Open Access
    Antibiotics 2020: Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of silver (Ag), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles from aqueous extract of Spondias mombin leaves
    (International Research Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2020) Adeluola, A.O.
    Texts attached
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    Open Access
    Antimicrobial Activity of Orange Oil on Selected Pathogens
    (2013) Obidi, O.F.; Adelowotan, A.O.; Ayoola, G.A.; Johnson, O.O.; Hassan, M.O.; Nwachukwu, S.C.U.
    The antimicrobial activity of orange oil extracted by steam distillation from peels of orange fruits (Citrus sinensis) was screened against some medically important microorganisms. Gram-positive bacteria (Staphyloccocus aureus 001, S. aureus ATCC 25923, Enteroccocus feacalis 002, E. feacalis ATCC 295212); Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa 003, Escherichia. Coli 004, E. coli ATCC 29522) and fungi (Candida albicans 010, C. albicans ATCC 90028) were used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of orange oil was estimated using disc diffusion method at concentrations ranging from (1.65-422 mg/ml). Orange oil exhibited inhibitory effects against all the organisms. The MICs observed for the isolates were: S. aureus 001 (1.65 mg/ml), S. aureus ATCC 25923 (0.69 mg/ml), Enterococcus feacalis 002 (0.09 mg/ml), E. feacalis ATCC 295212 (0.05 mg/ml), P. aeruginosa 003 (1.85 mg/ml), E. coli 004 (1.37 mg/ml), E. coli ATCC 29522 (0.82 mg/ml), C. albicans 010 (0.02 mg/ml), C. albicans ATCC 90028 (0.01 mg/ml). The GC-MS revealed that orange oil contained mainly cyclohexane, 1-methylene-4-(1-methylethenyl; bicyclo [4.1.0] hept-2-ene, 3,7,7-trimethyl; D-limonene; 1, 6-octadien-3-ol, 3,7-dimethy-l,2-aminobenzoate; 3-cyclohexen-1-ol, 4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl); 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl); 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol; 3- furanacetic acid, 4-hexyl-2, 5-dihydro-2,5-dioxo; naphthalene, 1,2,3,5,6, 8a-hexahydro-4,7-dimethyl- 1-(1-methylethyl) -, (1S-cis) and n-hexadecanoic acid. The result indicated that orange oils have antimicrobial properties and may be applied in local therapies in the treatment of diseases caused by the microorganisms tested. Further research is needed to achieve appropriate formulation.
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    Open Access
    Antimicrobial and physical properties of herbal ointments formulated with Methanolic extracts of Persea americana seed and Nauclea latifolia stem bark
    (2014) Azubuike, C.P.; Obiakor, C.V.; Igbokwe, N.H.; Usman, A.R.
    Aims: In this study the antimicrobial and physical properties of herbal ointments formulated with methanolic extracts of Persea americana seeds and Nauclea latifolia stem bark were evaluated. Methodology: The preliminary in-vitro antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extracts Persea americana seeds and Nauclea latifolia stem bark was determined using Mueller Hinton agar for bacteria isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Sabouraud Dextrose agar for fungi isolates (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). Five formulations of the herbal ointment were prepared by mixing varying concentrations of the extracts with Emulsifying ointment B.P. The results from antimicrobial evaluation of the formulated ointments were compared to those of commercial brands [Gentamicin cream and Clotrimazole cream (Ytacan®)]. Results: The diameter of zones of inhibition (mm) of the Persea extract (400mg/ml) on the growth of microorganism were 19 ± 0.3 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), 20 ± 0.5 (Escherichia coli), 12 ± 0.2 (Bacillus subtilis), 20 ± 0.3 (Staphylococcus aureus) and 20 ± 0.4 (Candida albicans) while that of Nauclea extract (400mg/ml) were 18 ± 0.2 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), 13 ± 1.1 (Bacillus subtilis) and 14 ± 0.1 (Candida albicans). No growth was observed for all the extracts against Aspergillus niger. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (mg/ml) values of Persea and Nauclea extracts were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 50, 200; Staphylococcus aureus 200, nil; Escherichia coli 50, nil; Bacillus subtilis 200, 400; Candida albicans 200, 400. The formulation containing only P. americana exhibited better antimicrobial activity than that of N. latifolia. The formulated ointments possessed good physical characteristics and comparably lesser antimicrobial properties to that of Gentamicin and Ytacan®. Conclusion: This study showed that the methanolic extracts of Persea americana seeds and Nauclea latifolia stem bark possess antimicrobial activities and also has high potential as antimicrobial agent when formulated as ointment. The herbal ointment containing P. americana extract compared favourably with commercial brand for bacteria but was less potent for fungi.
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    Open Access
    Antimicrobial Evaluation of Preservative Efficacy in Formulations of Locally Sourced Kaolin
    (2020) Ezeobiora C.E; Adeluola A.O; Mendie U.E
    Kaolin anti-diarrheal suspension is a pharmaceutical preparation having high water content and of earthy source. This makes it vulnerable to microbial degradation and spoilage. It therefore requires adequate preservation to retard proliferation of microbial contaminants. This study intended to evaluate and compare the efficacy of different preservative agents employed in the formulations of locally sourced kaolin raw material. Suspensions of kaolin were prepared following standard laboratory procedures from a locally sourced, processed and standardized sample. Samples of kaolin suspension containing 0.25% chloroform, 0.1% benzoic acid, 0.2% methyl paraben and a combination of 0.2% methyl paraben with 0.02% propyl paraben were challenged with 3 bacterial and 2 fungal strains and results were periodically assessed on day 0, the 7th, 14th and 28th days. Standard microbiological pourplate dilution technique was used to determine the number of surviving microorganisms. The log number of surviving microorganism (cfu/ml) was tabulated and plotted against time (days). Results from our studies showed a remarkable log reduction of microbial counts observed in all samples preserved with 0.2% methyl paraben and the combination of 0.2% methyl paraben with 0.02% propyl paraben on the 7th day with a continuous decline in the number of surviving microorganisms up to the 28th day. Samples preserved with 0.1% benzoic acid and 0.25% chloroform showed continuous increase in the log numbers of surviving organisms over the period of test. In Conclusion, methyl paraben and combination of methyl and propyl parabens were effective against all the challenged microorganisms in the kaolin suspension. The combination of methyl paraben and propyl paraben was the most effective preservative system showing the greatest decline in the number of surviving microorganisms over time and ability to prevent contamination during use and storage of the product. Benzoic acid (0.1%) and chloroform (0.25%) on the other hand were ineffective preservative systems in the kaolin suspension. KEYWORDS: kaolin suspension, microorganism, preservative, challenge test.
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    Open Access
    Are High Potency Multivitamin Syrups Toxic
    (Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine, 2005) Mendie, U.E.; Emeka, P.M.; Banjo, A.F.
    Background: High potency liquid multivitamin preparations contain many active vitamin ingredients having maximal daily dosage and formulated for prolonged administrations. They are intended to be used as food supplements and in the treatment or prophylaxis of vitamin deficiencies. Multivitamin preparations are highly nutritive products containing mixtures of parabens as preservatives, or used as appetizers. Parabens are highly active against most bacteria, yeast, and moulds. Vitamin ingredients are hardly toxic when used individually; nonetheless, when formulated to contain a high concentration of multivitamin ingredients, the possibility of its toxicity cannot be ignored. Study design: The toxicity of test multivitamin syrup containing 10 ingredients has been evaluated using acute and sub-acute toxicity studies. Results: Our results showed that the LD50 of the preparation following oral administration in albino rats with average weight of 184.5g was found to be 8.53ml. An equivalent amount of this toxic dose volume in 70g adult human subject will give a value of 3236.31ml implying a relatively harmless product. Generally, there was a significant (P<0.05) dose dependent increase in body weight of the rats implying that multivitamin syrups can serve as a food supplement. The haematological parameters including Hb, PCV, and WBC counts showed significant increases (P<0.05) indicative of a stimulatory effect on erythropoiesis and WBC formation. No toxic effects were observed in the systemic organs such as the liver, heart, kidney, and spleen which showed no marked changes in their sizes or histologies. Conclusion: Based on these findings, multivitamin syrup containing up to 10 ingredients apart from serving as food supplements is safe for short and long-term administration.
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    Open Access
    Bacterial pathogens associated with hand-dug wells in Ibadan city,Nigeria
    (African Journal of Microbiological Research, 2015-03-11) Odeleye, F.O.; Idowu, A.O.
    The supply of pipe-borne water in Nigeria has over the years become grossly inadequate or totally non-existent. This has led many people to seek alternative sources of water from streams, springs, and especially hand-dug wells. This study was carried out to investigate the bacteriological quality of water from hand-dug wells in Ibadan city. This was done by investigating bacterial indicators of water quality in samples collected from 50 hand-dug wells and three boreholes from five different local government areas within Ibadan Municipal city and examined for total coliform and faecal coliform. Water samples from 96% of the wells were found to be contaminated with both total coliform and faecal coliform. The total coliform counts and fecal coliform counts ranged between 0 to 160x103/100 ml and 0 to 22x103/100 ml, respectively. The predominant bacterial isolates include Escherichia coli (38.5%), Klebsiella spp. (16.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.8%) and Enterobacter spp. (9.2%). While antibiotic susceptibility to nitrofurantoin (96.9%), gentamycin (93.6%), and streptomycin (93.3%) was high, it was low in ampicillin (37.8%) and to a lesser extent in Cotrimoxazole(66.7%). 24.1% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant with about seven patterns observed. Hand-dug wells in the area of study were highly contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and this exposes consumers of water drawn from these wells to the risk of contracting various waterborne diseases.
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    Open Access
    Bacteriological Analysis of Well Water Samples in Sagamu
    (African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, 2011-05) Idowu, A.O.; Oluremi, B.B.; Odubawo, K.M.
    The majority of the population in semi-urban and urban areas of Nigeria depends on wells as their source of water supply. Due to increasing cases of water-borne diseases in recent times, this study was carried out to examine the microbial quality of well water in Sagamu, Nigeria as a way of safeguarding public health against water-borne diseases. Water samples from a total of forty wells, covered and uncovered from four different locations of varying socio-economic and demographic status were assessed for their bacteriological quality using serial dilution to obtain total bacteria count and the multiple tube fermentation techniques to determine the coliform count using the most probable number method. Positive tubes of the presumptive test were further cultured on appropriate solid media. The organisms isolated were further characterized using standard procedures. The result of the study revealed that all the wells were grossly contaminated with bacteria pathogens such as Klebsiella spp (95%), Escherichia coli (72%), and Salmonella typhi (32.5%). Comparatively, the uncovered wells were more highly contaminated with bacteria pathogens than the covered well especially in the highly populated areas. All the water samples exceeded the standard limit of the most probable number (MPN) per 100ml set for untreated drinking water. This result highlights the fact that most well water in Sagamu metropolis is not safe microbiologically for drinking without additional treatment such as boiling or disinfection and this could lead to an outbreak of water-borne diseases. Good and proper environmental and personal hygiene must be maintained especially by the users of those wells to prevent their contamination with bacterial pathogens.
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    Open Access
    Bacteriological Analysis of Well Water Samples in Sagamu
    (African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, 2011-05) Idowu, A.O.; Oluremi, B.B.; Odubawo, K.M.
    The majority of the population in semi-urban and urban areas of Nigeria depends on wells as their source of water supply. Due to increasing cases of water-borne diseases in recent times, this study was carried out to examine the microbial quality of well water in Sagamu, Nigeria as a way of safeguarding public health against water-borne diseases. Water samples from a total of forty wells, covered and uncovered from four different locations of varying socio-economic and demographic status were assessed for their bacteriological quality using serial dilution to obtain total bacteria count and the multiple tube fermentation techniques to determine the coliform count using the most probable number method. Positive tubes of the presumptive test were further cultured on appropriate solid media. The organisms isolated were further characterized using standard procedures. The result of the study revealed that all the wells were grossly contaminated with bacteria pathogens such as Klebsiella spp (95%), Escherichia coli (72%), and Salmonella typhi (32.5%). Comparatively, the uncovered wells were more highly contaminated with bacteria pathogens than the covered well especially in the highly populated areas. All the water samples exceeded the standard limit of the most probable number (MPN) per 100ml set for untreated drinking water. This result highlights the fact that most well water in Sagamu metropolis is not safe microbiologically for drinking without additional treatment such as boiling or disinfection and this could lead to an outbreak of water-borne diseases. Good and proper environmental and personal hygiene must be maintained especially by the users of those wells to prevent their contamination with bacterial pathogens.
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    Open Access
    Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig: A review on its phytochemistry, pharmacological and nutritional properties
    (Elsevier, 2019) Aloko, S.; Bello, O.; Azubuike, C.P.
    Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ackee plant (Blighia sapida K. D. Koenig) (Sapindaceae) is used in Sub-Saharan Africa (where it has its origin) and in different parts of the world (The Caribbean, North and South America, Europe). Traditionally it is used to manage numerous ailments like backache, constipation, cancer, fever in young children, gonorrhea, dysentery, psychosis, hernia, stomach ache, malaria, rheumatism, typhoid etc. It is also used as a cosmetic and food source. The fruit aril is the main constituent of the Jamaican National Dish. This review summarizes its phytochemistry, nutritional properties, ethnobotany and pharmacology. The need to gather up to date information on this plant, to facilitate in vivo and in vitro investigations for verification of some of the local claims necessitated this review. Materials and methods: A literature search was performed on Ackee using ethno botanical text books and scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Science-direct, Google, Google Scholar and other web sources like records from PROTA, PROSEA, JSTOR and Botanical Dermatology Database. Results and discussion: This review highlights the traditional uses of parts of the Ackee plant: the bark, the leaves, capsules, roots and seeds. They are used in the management of diverse disease conditions such as diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, fever, internal hemorrhage, dysentery, cutaneous skin infections, and bacterial infections amongst others. Only nineteen compounds have been reportedly isolated from the parts of B. sapida; Alkaloids, quinines, polyphenols, and steroids, their glycosides, sesquiterpenes and triterpenes. Some of the plant extracts and its isolated compounds showed anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities both in vitro and in vivo. The seed/leaves have also been used as insect repellants and the leaves have been reported to have lethal effects on larvae of various mosquitoes’ species. The oil contains a lot of nutrients and may be considered for edible consumption after safety has been confirmed. Hypoglycin A and the less malignant hypoglycin B are found in the unripe aril of Ackee and consumption results in hypoglycemia, vomiting, gluconeogenesis disruption which can result in coma and death. The untapped economic potential of its fruits is glaring in West Africa countries. Conclusion: Though B.sapida has been put to enormous traditional use, the pharmacological studies conducted are not sufficient, most studies are either in-vivo or in-vitro. More work is required (well-designed pharmacological tests, randomized clinical trials) to evaluate these medicinal claims. This review provides a basis for future research. The isolation of more compounds,detailed pharmacological investigations, exploration of food use and detoxification techniques are key areas to investigate.
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    Characterization and Application of Borassus aethiopum (Arecaceae) Shoot Pregelatinized Starch as Binding Agent in Paracetamol Tablets
    (Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2019) Azubuike, C.; Ubani-ukoma, U.; Madu, S.J.; Yomi-Fasheun, O.; Yusuf, S.
    Abstract Aims: The study sought to characterize the physicochemical properties and assess the binding properties of pregelatinized starch (PGSb) derived from Borassus aethiopum shoot at various concentrations in paracetamol (PCM) tablet formulation. Methods and Materials: PGSb was obtained by suspending 100 g of the native starch (NS) in 100 ml of deionized water at 55°C for 10 min. PGSb was characterized using different techniques and compared with a commercial brand of pregelatinized starch (PGSs). The compatibility of PGSb with PCM powder was evaluated using Fouriertransform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Three batches of PCM granules containing different concentrations of the PGSb as test binder were formulated and compared with two batches containing 1.78% polyvinylpyrrolidone and 1.78% NS as binder, respectively. Results: The evaluated parameters of PGSb were comparable to PGSs. PGSb had improved solubility, lower gelatinization temperature, and better hydration capacity properties compared to the NS. FTIR and DSC studies confirmed the modification of the NS and its compatibility with PCM powder. The tablets formulated were within acceptable limits for the parameters evaluated (tablet thickness, uniformity of weight, hardness, friability, disintegration, and dissolution profile) except the batch that contained NS as binder that failed uniformity of weight and friability tests. All the batches released more than 70% of the active drug at 30 min. The dissolution study indicated that there were variations in the drug release profiles among tablets formulated with different binding agents. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that PGSb has desirable physicochemical and binding properties.
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    Open Access
    Characterization and Disintegrant Potential of Phosphorylated Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) Starch in Immediate Release Ibuprofen Tablet Formulation
    (Bangladesh Journals Online, 2019-06) Onwuatuegwu, O; Azubuike, C; Aloko, S; Ologunagba, M; Igwilo, C
    The study was aimed at evaluating the physicochemical properties of phosphorylated tiger nut starch (TNP) and its disintegrant properties in immediate release ibuprofen tablets. Native tiger nut starch (TNS) was modified by phosphorylation with disodium hydrogen orthophosphate at 130oC and its physicochemical properties were evaluated. Ibuprofen tablets were formulated with TNP and sodium starch glycolate (SSG) at concentrations of 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0% as disintegrants. Phosphorylation of TNS led to improved flow properties and swelling and hydration capacities among other changes in the physicochemical properties. TNP had comparable properties with SSG. FTIR study confirmed modification and also showed that TNP is compatible with ibuprofen powder. Ibuprofen tablets produced with TNP as disintegrant had acceptable tablet properties comparable to those produced with SSG. The disintegrant potential improved with increased concentration of TNP. The results indicate that TNP has a promising disintegrant potential in tablet formulations.
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    Open Access
    Characterization and evaluation of the suspending potentials of Corchorus olitorius mucilage in pharmaceutical suspensions
    (Natural Product Research Group, University of Benin., 2017-07) Azubuike, C.P.; Alfa, M.A.; Oseni, B.A.
    The study was aimed at extraction, characterization and evaluation of suspending potentials of Corchorus olitorius mucilage (COM) in comparison with acacia BP (ACG) in pharmaceutical suspensions. Corchorus olitorius mucilage was extracted from its dried leaves decoction by differential precipitation with acetone, dried and micronized into powder. The powdered mucilage was screened and subjected to physico-chemical and flow properties analyses with acacia BP powder using standard methods. Functional groups elucidation and thermal analysis of the test mucilage was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) respectively. Paracetamol suspensions were formulated using various concentrations of COM and ACG (1.0 - 3.0 %w/v) and assessed for their sedimentation volume, redispersibility, degree of flocculation, flow rate, particle size, pH, viscosity, drug content and in-vitro release profile. Drug-excipients compatibility was also assessed. The phytochemical tests revealed the presence of mucilage and carbohydrates and absence of starch and enzymes in the dried mucilage. COM powders had lower pH, percentage moisture content and bulk and tapped densities than ACG powders. The true density, porosity, angle of repose, Carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio and microbial load of COM powders were higher than those of ACG. Formulation containing 1.5 %w/v COM had a comparable suspending property to formulation containing 2.5 %w/v ACG. Results of accelerated stability studies showed no significant change in pH, viscosity, sedimentation volume and degree of flocculation of formulated suspensions. Corchorus olitorius mucilage at the low concentration of 1.5 %w/v could be employed as a suspending agent for formulation of pharmaceutical suspensions.