PT. ETFLIN Scientific Society (Sciences of Phytochemistry)
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Viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus in Effervescent Granules Prepared via Wet Granulation Method: In Vitro Study
Full text linkLactobacillus acidophilus, a strain of lactic acid bacteria widely used as a probiotic microorganism, has been extensively employed in developing probiotic products including in effervescent granules. This study's objectives were to ensure that the resultant granules possessed the desired physical attributes and retained the requisite viability of lactic acid bacteria. A wet granulation method was used. The formula was physically evaluated and analyzed using Design Expert software, followed by gram staining and bacterial harvesting. Gram staining verification demonstrated the gram-positive nature of the pure L. acidophilus bacterial isolates, as evidenced by their consistent purple coloration and characteristic basil shape. Evaluation of physical properties revealed organoleptic attributes such as granular shape, white coloration devoid of odor, flow rate of 1.497 g/sec, an angle of repose at 40.75o, compressibility of 11.45%, drying loss of 0.62%, and a foam height of 3.075 cm, consistently meeting the stipulated criteria. Furthermore, formula I, II, and III preserved L. acidophilus bacteria after being converted into effervescent granules, as evidenced by viable lactic acid bacteria counts, with formula I (412.5 x 101 cfu/g), formula II (422.7 x 101 cfu/g), and formula III (highest at 522.7 x 101 cfu/g). The formula I emerges as the most favorable effervescent granules containing L. acidophilus 3%; polyvinylpyrrolidone 3%; citric acid 0.3%; tartaric acid 49.7%; sodium bicarbonate 25% and lactose as filler. Based on the finding, this probiotic effervescent granules has the potential to be developed as a daily supplement, especially for flora normal stabilization
In Silico Studies of Drug Discovery and Design Against COVID-19 Focusing on ACE2 and Spike Protein Virus Receptors: A Systematic Review
Full text linkThe emergence of COVID-19 has prompted researchers worldwide to focus on developing drugs that specifically target ACE2 receptors and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein receptors. They have embraced an in-silico approach that employs virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics to achieve this. This innovative method harnesses existing chemical and natural product databases to identify the most suitable ACE2 receptor blockers and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein inhibitors. By following the PRISMA statement guidelines, a thorough literature search yielded 21 relevant articles, forming the basis of this systematic review. The review provides a comprehensive summary and detailed description of the methodologies, protocols, software tools, and noteworthy drug candidates identified in these studies. Additionally, it sheds light on the crucial molecular interactions by presenting an overview of the interacting residues elucidated in the reviewed articles, offering valuable insights for effective therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, the review presents thought-provoking suggestions for future research directions, aiming to inspire and guide advancements in drug development efforts
In Vitro Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibition Test on Extract Dayak Onion Herb (Eleutherine americana (Aubl.) Merr. ex K. Heyne)
Full text linkOne of the world's silent killer diseases is hypertension. Hypertension occurs when angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II, causing vasoconstriction and decreasing sodium and water excretion. The mechanism of angiotensin I conversion to angiotensin II appears in the presence of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE). Dayak onion is widely used as an antihypertensive in traditional medicine. This study aims to identify secondary metabolites, determine total flavonoid content, determine extract quality parameters, and ACE inhibitory activity of the Dayak onion herb. Dayak onion herb was extracted with 70% ethanol by kinetic maceration, followed by phytochemical screening, extract quality assessment, and ACE inhibitory test. The results show that the Dayak onion extract has a good properties with total ash content of 4.49%, water-soluble ash content of 4.00%, acid-insoluble ash content of 0.41%, drying shrinkage of 9.70%, water content of 5.72%, solvent residue of 0.67%, Pb heavy metal content of 0.2908 mg/kg, Cd heavy metal content of 0.0880 mg/kg, total plate number ≤103 colonies/g, and yeast mold numbers ≤103 colonies/g. Dayak onions herbs extract contains flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, tannin, triterpenoid, quinone, steroid and essential oil compounds. The total flavonoid content was 2.24% and the IC50 in ACE inhibitory test was 98.5 ± 0.77 ppm, making it two times more potent than Veronica biloba and Schoenoplectus triqueter. The result of this study indicates that the Dayak onion herb can be used as an alternative for antihypertensive treatment
Phytochemicals Modify the Action of Cancer Cells Mitochondrial Drug-Resistance Mechanism
Full text linkThe genesis and evolution of cancer are known to be significantly influenced by mitochondria, and recent studies have indicated that mitochondrial modifications may potentially contribute to the emergence of treatment resistance. Additionally, drug-resistant cancer cells may also display modifications in mitochondrial metabolism, such as changes in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are biological byproducts of mitochondrial respiration. These changes can alter the cell's sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs and contribute to drug resistance. The expression of specific genes or proteins that are crucial in the control of cell growth and survival may be altered by mitochondrial mutations, which may also contribute to medication resistance. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring, biologically active substances found in plants that have been demonstrated to offer a variety of health advantages, including anti-cancer effects. It has been demonstrated that phytochemicals target these altered mitochondrial pathways in cancer cells, increasing the potency of chemotherapy medications and overcoming drug resistance. For instance, it has been demonstrated that some phytochemicals, including curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin, can block the function of mitochondrial membrane proteins that lead to drug resistance in cancer cells. Other phytochemicals, including berberine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been demonstrated to directly interfere with mitochondrial activity, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Overall, the capacity of phytochemicals to modify the functioning of cancer cell mitochondrial drug-resistance systems is a viable strategy for the creation of novel anti-cancer treatments
Chatbots in Pharmacy: A Boon or a Bane for Patient Care and Pharmacy Practice?
Full text linkChatbots in pharmacies have gained popularity in recent years, potentially revolutionizing patient care and pharmacist workflow. However, whether chatbots are, a boon or a bane for the pharmacy profession remains. This review article aims to comprehensively analyze the literature on chatbots in pharmacy, including their benefits, limitations, and future directions. Findings suggest that chatbots have the potential to improve medication adherence, provide patient education, and streamline pharmacist workflow. However, there are limitations to their use, such as the need for robust natural language processing algorithms and concerns regarding patient privacy and security. Furthermore, the lack of regulatory oversight and standardized development processes may hinder their widespread adoption. Overall, while chatbots have the potential to improve certain aspects of pharmacy practice, caution must be taken to ensure their accuracy and safety. Moreover, chatbots should be viewed as a tool to support pharmacists in providing high-quality patient care rather than replacing the valuable expertise and human connection pharmacists provide. Further research is needed to explore the full potential of chatbots in pharmacy practice and to address the limitations and concerns highlighted in this review
Penicillin Binding Protein Mutation and Beyond: A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Streptococcus pneumoniae Resistance
Full text linkAntibiotic resistance is a critical issue that threatens global health. Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common respiratory pathogen, has developed resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, which is of great concern. The primary mechanism of β-lactam resistance in S. pneumoniae is the acquisition of PBP genes from related species through recombination, resulting in changes in penicillin-binding proteins that affect cell wall synthesis. This mini-review summarized the understanding of β-lactam resistance in S. pneumoniae, focusing on the mechanisms and factors influencing resistance development. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar, with the keywords ‘Resistant Streptococcus pneumonia’, ‘Mechanism of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant’, and ‘Penicillin Resistant on Binding Protein of Streptococcus pneumonia’. Our literature review revealed that the prevalence of β-lactam resistance in S. pneumoniae has increased, leading to treatment failures and mortality rates. In addition to acquiring PBP genes, mutations in other PBP and non-PBP genes can contribute to resistance. Furthermore, S. pneumoniae has intrinsic resistance to various antibiotics, including first-generation polypeptides, aminoglycosides, and quinolones. Our review highlights the importance of understanding the complex mechanisms of β-lactam resistance and the need for continued efforts to monitor and control antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae. Further research is needed to explore novel strategies for combating antibiotic resistance in this pathogen
Potential Drug Interactions in Inpatients with Chronic Kidney Disease at Undata Hospital, Palu City, Indonesia
Full text linkPatients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) often receive a combination of medications, which can have beneficial effects but may also lead to ineffective treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze potential drug interactions in CKD patients admitted to the Seroja ward at Undata Hospital in Palu, Central Sulawesi Province, during the year 2022. The study was conducted prospectively from July 20 to September 18, 2022, involving a total of 40 patients. The research utilized a non-experimental observational design, and the results were presented descriptively using purposive sampling based on predefined criteria. Drug interaction were screened using the Drug Interaction Checker tool. The study revealed that among CKD patients, a higher percentage of men (55%) than women (44%) were observed, with the highest percentage in the age group of 46–55 (27.5%). The most commonly drug group used was loop diuretics and furosemide (18.75%). The most significant potential drug interactions were pharmacodynamic interactions (12.5% in 5 cases) with minor significance, followed by pharmacokinetic interactions (2.5% in 1 case) with major significance, particularly in the use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and statins. Based on the findings, minor interaction cases do not always yield negative outcomes. In certain clinical practices, these interactions are intentionally utilized to achieve favorable results. Instances of major interactions with drug use should be avoided, and alternative drugs should be considered. In urgent situations where the drug is necessary, restrictions can be applied, and close monitoring of the patient's clinical status is vital
Evaluating Advancements in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Through a Scientometric Mapping
Full text linkThe study focused on using scientometric methods to analyze forensic medicine and toxicology literature. The selected period for the study was from 2013 to 2022, allowing for a recent and comprehensive field analysis. The study used bibliographic data from a PubMed database, a widely used biomedical literature database. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of the production and dissemination of the literature in the field. To achieve this, the study analyzed various bibliometric indicators, including theme analysis, keyword evolvement, and collaboration map. The analysis of trending topics and future thematic directions in the field was also conducted to provide insight that could inform and stimulate the research interests of young researchers. This scholarly article explains the construction of author networks, the assessment of author productivity yearly, and the analysis of affiliation networks and organizations. The number of articles published by an institution is an essential indicator of research productivity and expertise in the particular field. The study's findings provided valuable insights into the trends and patterns in forensic medicine and toxicology
Alpha Lipoic Acid Improves Memory and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity in Diabetic Wistar Rats
Full text linkDiabetes mellitus (DM) and oxidative stress are among the leading causes of memory loss and dementia. Dietary supplements have been used to manage many disorders. This research aimed to determine the effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on memory and oxidative stress in diabetic Wistar rats. 30 rats were grouped into six (5 in each). Diabetes was induced using a high-fat diet followed by a single low dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Group I served as normoglycemic control (1 mL/kg normal saline), while groups II, III, IV, V, and VI were diabetic and received 1 mL/kg at normal saline, glibenclamide at 1 mg/kg, ALA at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively for 21 days. Blood glucose level was determined before and after treatment. Long-term and recognition memory were determined using novel object recognition tasks (NORT). Brain tissues were used for antioxidant enzymes. The result obtained showed that at 400 mg/kg after 21 days of administration of ALA, long-term memory and recognition ability were increased significantly (45.65±3.43s and 83.77±1.49%) compared to the diabetic control (26.24 ± 3.81s and 65.09 ± 2.52%) respectively. Antioxidant enzymes’ levels were increased significantly in the group VI including catalase (1.76±0.02 IU/mg) superoxide dismutase (1.02±0.71 IU/mg) and reduced glutathione (91.08±3.49 µg/mL) compared to the diabetic control group (0.84±0.03 IU/mg, 0.49±0.03 IU/mg and 51.64±0.87 µg/mL) respectively. The findings suggest that ALA has antioxidant activity and improves memory in diabetic Wistar rats
Assessing the Influential Factors Associated with Medication Non-Adherence and Self-Care Practices Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Tripoli, Libya
Full text linkInfluential factors causing poor adherence to antidiabetic medications and self-care practices among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients have not been reported before in Libya. To assess such factors that contribute to non-adherence, a single health facility, cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on T2DM patients attending the NCDE in Tripoli/ Libya; using a pre-tested questionnaire. Crude odds ratios in the binary logistic regression were used to describe the associations between medication adherence and various independent factors using SPSS version 26. Adjusted odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were further generated in the multivariable analysis, to determine variables which were independently associated with medication adherence and were considered significant at a p-value of <0.05. Of the 380 study participants, only 225(67.1%) were adherent. 159(41.8%) were non-adherence to physician recommendations and were careless when taking their medication, 200(52.6%) found difficulty maintaining recommended dietary restrictions, 211(55.5%) and 97(25.5%) didn’t adhere to regular exercise or blood glucose monitoring; respectively. Factors significant association with non-adherence were; medication being taken; especially patients who were prescribed OHA and insulin ([AOR] [95% CI] = 0.214[0.073-0.632]), being careless and not taking prescribed medication as recommended ([AOR] [95% CI] = 2.880 [1.387- 5.983]), forgetfulness ([AOR] [95% CI] =0.199 [0.070- 0.570], stop taking prescribed antidiabetic medication when feeling well ( [AOR] [95% CI] = 0.153[0.058- 0.402], medications side effects ( [AOR] [95% CI]=0.382 [0.181- 0.809] and unawareness of the consequences of not adhering to medication as recommended and the consequences skipping doses ([AOR] [95% CI] = 0.146 [0.037- 0.581]). Adherence to recommended medication and self-care practices in Libya is unsatisfactory. Diabetes education, awareness programs, and regular monitoring of T2DM individuals’ medication adherence and self-care practices are vitally required