Journal of Pharmacy (JOP)
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Optimisation of Supercritical Fluid Extraction for Fatty Acids from Benincasa hispida Seed Oil: A Response Surface Approach
Get PDFIntroduction: The goal of this study was the optimisation of the process parameters for the extraction of Benincasa hispida seed extract using the supercritical carbon dioxide. Methods: Response surface methodology was carried out using the design expert software with the implementation of process parameters including the temperature (40°C – 70°C), pressure (100 bar – 400 bar) and supercritical carbon dioxide flow rate (2 g/min – 10 g/min) in this study due to their significant impact towards the oil yield and the polyunsaturated fatty acids. Results: The optimised parameter for this supercritical fluid model is 70°C, 247 bar and 7 g/min while 0.36 bar and 40 °C has been chosen from previous studies as the optimised parameter for Soxhlet extraction. The oil yield (33% from Soxhlet extract and 9.67% from supercritical fluid extract) obtained was quite similar with previous studies, however, the polyunsaturated fatty acids obtained throughout this optimisation were much higher indicating that this study provided better output of the polyunsaturated fatty acids obtained from the seed oil. Moreover, the polyunsaturated fatty acids contents were also compared between the extract obtained from the conventional Soxhlet extraction versus novel supercritical fluid extraction techniques. Conclusion: The result shows the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the supercritical fluid extraction were significantly higher than the Soxhlet extraction due to the advantages and suitability of the polyunsaturated fatty acids extraction using the supercritical fluid extraction method.
The Effects of Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) in Rhinosinusitis Subjects: A Systematic Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Allergic rhinitis is a persistent inflammatory nasal condition triggered by an exaggerated immune response to allergens. Its primary complication is sinusitis which progresses to rhinosinusitis. Nigella Sativa known for its anti-inflammatory effects, has shown promising efficacy in treating rhinosinusitis. While various studies have reported Nigella Sativa's effects on rhinosinusitis, there is paucity in specifically addressing the optimal therapeutic dose and efficacy compared to conventional anti-histamine or anti-allergic drugs. Thus, this study aims to systematically review the effects of Nigella Sativa on rhinosinusitis in both human and animal subjects. Method: This systematic review followed the guidelines of PRISMA. A systematic literature search was performed through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, along with the application of the snowball technique. Two authors independently evaluated the identified articles at various stages, including title, abstract, and full text, against predefined eligibility criteria. The assessment of potential bias in the studies incorporated the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for critical appraisal of human studies and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool for assessing bias in animal studies. Results: Twelve studies were included in this study. Six studies were found to exhibit a low risk of bias, whereas three studies were categorized with a moderate risk of bias, and an additional three studies were identified as having a high risk of bias. Seven studies recorded significant symptom reduction while other studies showed better histological changes and chemical parameters compared with conventional medication. Conclusion: Nigella Sativa demonstrates anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, and antimicrobial properties, aiding in alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. 10 to 100 mg/kg/day Nigella Sativa is proposed to be considered as the optimum dose range as an alternative to conventional drugs such as montelukast, mometasone furoate, and dexamethasone due to its minimal side effects
Pharmacy Students’ Views on Pilot Interprofessional Learning at a Teaching Hospital in Pahang, Malaysia
Get PDFIntroduction: Interprofessional learning (IPL) has been practiced in pharmacy curricula worldwide. The unique approach and design for IPL must be tailored within the context of practice to be effective. This study aimed to explore the reflection of experiences by pharmacy students regarding a pilot interprofessional learning activity at a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Methods: Data were collected from 21 pharmacy students using reflective diaries to explore actual experiences, perceived challenges, and learning. All students completed a four-week pilot IPL activity in a clinical setting at a teaching hospital. Data were extracted, analysed sorted, and coded using Atlas.ti® version 9 and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: 1) Professional development and interdisciplinary insight 2) Favourable interprofessional engagement, 3) Valuing the application of IPL, and 4) Operational flaws in IPL implementation. Conclusion: The pilot IPL has become a useful platform for pharmacy students to develop metacognitive skills during interprofessional experiences with students, healthcare professionals, and patients. Improvement in its implementation requires strategies tailored to contextual needs. Future studies are required to ensure continuous assessments of improvised IPL components to prepare competent pharmacists for patient-centred care
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aidia densiflora Leaf Extract: Characterisation and Bioactivities
Get PDFIntroduction: Plant-mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles has become a promising option in green nanotechnology because it is simple, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and biologically effective. This study focused on the synthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aidia densiflora leaf extract, as well as the evaluation of their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Methods: AgNPs were synthesised with A. densiflora leaf extract and their formation was confirmed using an ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight was utilised for phytochemical profiling. The synthesised AgNPs were characterised using a zetasizer and zeta potential analyser, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier Transform Infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis. Antimicrobial activity of AD-AgNPs was tested against six microorganisms using the disc diffusion method, while cytotoxicity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells was evaluated via MTT assay. Results: AgNP formation was confirmed by XRD and UV–Vis analysis, with absorbance peaks at 399–424 nm. Optimal synthesis was achieved using 10 mM AgNO? at 60°C and pH 7. SEM showed spherical-like nanoparticles averaging 96.06 nm with significant aggregation. The zeta potential was –35.6 mV, and XRD indicated a face-centred cubic structure with a crystalline size of 6.94 nm. AD-AgNPs showed no antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity. Conclusion: A. densiflora leaf extract can be used to synthesise AgNPs, however, further optimisation is required for better nanoparticle stabilisation and improvement of bioactivities.
Medical Cannabis Regulation in East and Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review and Policy Insights for Malaysia
Get PDFIntroduction: A global shift towards legalising cannabis for therapeutic use has sparked significant debate in East and Southeast Asia, a region historically defined by stringent anti-narcotics laws. As nations navigate the tension between therapeutic evidence and public health concerns, regulatory responses have diverged, ranging from progressive legalisation to the continuation of strict prohibition. Methods: This scoping review examines the regulatory frameworks across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan to identify divergent models, persistent challenges, and potential policy insights for Malaysia. Results: The findings reveal a fragmented landscape. Thailand is a regional outlier, having legalised medical cannabis through a controlled system integrating pharmaceutical and traditional medicine. Japan permits only cannabidiol products with negligible tetrahydrocannabinol. Conversely, countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines maintain strict prohibition with severe penalties, despite ongoing debates and legislative proposals. This regulatory diversity highlights the tension between public health concerns, economic opportunities, and treaty obligations. For Malaysia, a cautious, incremental policy reform guided by scientific evidence is recommended. Conclusion: Adopting a regulated CBD-only framework could offer Malaysia a low-risk entry point, balancing therapeutic potential with strict controls. The study underscores the need for evidence-based strategies and stakeholder engagement to facilitate safe patient access while minimising risks of misuse
Perspectives of Pharmacists Towards Patient-Centred Mental Health Pharmacy Services: A Focus Group Study
Get PDFIntroduction: The rising prevalence of mental illness is a growing concern. Integrating pharmacists into mental health care teams could help address this challenge by improving service quality and accessibility for patients. This study investigates pharmacists' opinions regarding treatment care in the Kuantan and Pekan areas and their attitudes toward patient-centred mental health pharmacy services. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with 63 pharmacists around Kuantan and Pekan, Pahang, utilising a focus group discussion (FGD) style. The pharmacists were selected through purposive sampling from 2 general hospitals, 2 district health offices, and 1 teaching hospital. All locations are primary healthcare in Malaysia. The focus group topic guide was created using the relevant literature research. The entire interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed inductively to analyse the data. Results: This study involved 14 focus group sessions with all 63 pharmacists participating. Every interview was in person at the designated sites. From the interviews, 6 key themes were identified. 1. Role of pharmacists in mental health care. 2. Pharmacists-patients’ interactions. 3. Interprofessional collaborations with other healthcare workers. 4. Challenges and barriers. 5. Training needs for pharmacists and lastly 6. Improvement on the role of pharmacists and future practice. Conclusion: This research explores Malaysian pharmacists' perspectives on mental health treatments. It highlights pharmacists' potential contributions to mental health care, the challenges they face when assisting patients with mental health conditions, and the current limitations of mental health services in Malaysia's primary healthcare settings, hospitals, and Klinik Kesihatan
Flavonoids as Antidiabetic Agents, Challenges and Future Directions
Get PDFDiabetes is a global health concern, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The number of adults living with diabetes has risen dramatically, from approximately 200 million in 1990 to nearly 589 million in 2024. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) accounts for 90% of all cases. The incidence is increasing more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. By 2050, the number of people with diabetes is likely to reach over 853 million. Diabetes was the ninth leading cause of death globally in 2020, contributing to over 2 million deaths annually. In 2021, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes were responsible for more than 2 million deaths, and approximately 11% of cardiovascular deaths were associated with high blood glucose (International Diabetes Federation, 2025)
Mobile Application Intervention Effectiveness in Improving Hypertensive Patients Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Hypertension and its complications are massive global health issues. Major limitations in hypertensive patients’ treatment include suboptimal blood pressure control and nonadherence to medication. The popularity of telemedicine has risen in recent years. Mobile phone applications intervention in particular, provides features including medication-taking, refilling reminders, and biometric results tracker resulting in better health outcomes and improved medication adherence. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of mobile application in improving adherence in hypertensive patients. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched with filters applied for studies published between 2013 and 2023 and content published in English with the keywords; telemedicine, mobile apps, medication adherence, and hypertension. These keywords were joined using Boolean operators for an effective search. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement was followed for this systematic review. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The data was extracted by the authors and validated by another for accuracy and completeness. Results: Twelve studies ranging from moderate to high quality were included in this review. A total of 10 studies showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in medication adherence with mobile apps intervention. The combined apps features from the mobile apps empower patients to be more adherent, involved and informed about their treatment progress. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients’ medication adherence improved with mobile apps intervention. However, the heterogeneity of adherence measurement methods and apps functionality in the included studies calls for further studies to determine the effectiveness of specific mobile apps feature as well as the standardisation of the adherence measurement method used
Formulation and evaluation of topical gels containing Phyllanthus muellerianus leaf extract using various gelling agents
Get PDFIntroduction: The high expense of current pharmaceuticals used to treat wounds, as well as some of their adverse effects, has spurred the quest for alternatives, particularly those derived from natural sources that have minimum side effects, less microbial susceptibility and are less expensive. Phyllanthus muellerianus leaf extract incorporated in creams and ointments greatly decreased wound closure time and increased epithelialization at the wound site. This study aims to formulate and evaluate a gel made from P. muellerianus. Methods: Leaves of P. muellerianus were extracted using water. Phytochemical screening for tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and reducing sugars was performed on the extract. The water extract was used to formulate twenty gels with varying gelling agents. Physicochemical analysis, toxicity, wound healing and stability studies were performed on the gels. Results: The extraction of P. muellerianus leaves yielded 13.1 %w/w. Only tannins, glycosides, saponins, sterols and triterpenoids were present. P. muellerianus gels (1 %w/v) were formulated with five different concentrations of each of four different gelling agents. The gels had satisfactory physicochemical properties, and the microbial load and drug content were within the acceptable range for herbal formulations. There was no indication of chemical interactions between the extract, polymer, and other excipients in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigations. There were no significant changes in the pH, spreadability, viscosity and drug content of the gels throughout the stability assay period. Dermal toxicity studies revealed that the P. muellerianus gels were not toxic to the skin (acute and repeated dose dermal toxicity tests). Wounds treated with formulations A4 and C5 showed significantly decreased wound area from the fifth day to day 15 post-injury compared to the positive and negative control groups, with an increased rate of re-epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition and neovascularization. Conclusion: Ultimately, P. muellerianus gels (A4 and C5) showed tremendous wound healing activity, stability and safety
Stingless Bee Honey Stick Deodorant: Formulation, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities
Get PDFIntroduction: Deodorant often contain ingredients like aluminium salts, triclosan, fragrances, propylene glycol, and parabens that are usually associated with skin irritation and other health conditions. This study addresses the problem by formulating and characterising a natural deodorant that was free from these ingredients by using stingless bee honey (SBH) as an antibacterial and antioxidant ingredient. SBH, recognised for its efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation of odour-producing bacteria like Staphylococcus sp, was integrated into a stick deodorant formulation owing to its significant benefits. Methods: The evaluation of SBH began with testing its antioxidant activity, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH assay. Thereafter, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Based on the MIC value, an SBH-stick deodorant was formulated and then characterised based on its pH, softening point, antimicrobial study by using well diffusion method and stability study (30 °C ± 2 °C /75% RH ± 5%) for two weeks. Results: The TPC and TFC in this study were 57.99 ± 0.38 mg GAE/100g and 0.132 ± 0.04 mg QE/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, the DPPH scavenging activity was 66.78 ± 0.45%. The result showed that 20% w/w and 50% w/w of SBH were needed as MIC and MBC, respectively. The formulated stick deodorant was reported to have suitable pH, softening point and exhibit its antibacterial activity towards Staphyloccoccus aureus after being formulated as deodorant. It was also stable during the two weeks of storage. Conclusion: The SBH stick deodorant was successfully formulated and demonstrated potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a known body-odour causing bacteria. These findings highlight the potential application of SBH as a natural antibacterial agent in personal care products, offering a promising alternative to synthetic deodorants