Journal of Pharmacy (JOP)
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Optimising Palm Olein-Based Betamethasone 17-Valerate Emulsions for Scalable Manufacturing and Stability
Get PDFIntroduction: Palm olein has been used as an excipient in the formulation of topical emulsions due to its rich source of natural antioxidants that can lead to better skin health and higher stability upon storage. Despite its potential as a topical drug delivery vehicle, the practical implementation of manufacturing 20% (w/w) palm olein-in-water emulsions for commercial purposes has not been explored extensively, and obtaining experimental data on scale-up studies would be helpful in facilitating this realisation. Methods: This research work established and optimised the manufacturing process parameters for the production of cream and lotion formulations containing betamethasone 17-valerate, utilising palm olein as the vehicle, with scale-up from lab-scale 5 kg batches to pilot-scale 80 kg batches. Design of experiments (DoE) where response surface methodology as well as three-level, two-factors (32) full factorial design were used to develop statistical models for representing the possible relationships between factors: homogenisation time and speed, and responses: particle size and phase separation. Results: The findings established that the quadratic model was the most suitable model as it could predict the interactions between factors and responses in an accurate manner as well as suggest the optimum operating conditions. The optimum homogenisation time and speed were found to be 40 minutes and 3400 rpm, respectively. These conditions produced emulsions with the smallest particle size (3.2 µm ± 0.03) and the least phase separation value (29.7% ± 0.35). Conclusion: The study successfully demonstrated the potential to scale up the manufacturing of 20% (w/w) palm olein-in-water emulsions for commercial purposes. The optimised parameters, obtained through DoE, facilitate the large-scale production of stable emulsions containing betamethasone 17-valerate
Pharmacy Students’ Views on the Inclusion of Immunisation Training in the Pharmacy Curriculum
Get PDFIntroduction: Immunisation services are usually provided by healthcare workers who receive training in the field of immunisation. In Malaysia, limited exposure of pharmacy students in receiving immunisation training is partly due to lack involvement of pharmacists in immunisation programme. This study aimed to explore the insights of pharmacy students who received introductory training on the role of pharmacist in immunisation and the feasibility of introducing immunisation modules in the pharmacy curriculum.
Materials and method: Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with undergraduate final year pharmacy students who participated in an immunisation workshop. A guide was used to explore students’ experiences, challenges faced, learning perceived, perception, and suggestions for improvement from participants. Data were extracted from interview transcripts, sorted, and coded using Atlas.ti® version 9 and subjected to thematic analysis.
Results: There were four themes emerged from the FGDs: 1) Acquisition of new learning and skills, 2) Challenges in competency development, 3) Applicability of knowledge in practice, and 4) University initiatives on immunisation training.
Conclusion: Pharmacy students who received introductory training on the role of pharmacist in immunisation perceived its importance and suggested introducing immunisation modules into pharmacy curriculum
In vitro antiplasmodial activity of six plants against chloroquine-sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum
Get PDFIntroduction: The effectiveness of the first-line malaria treatment has been affected by drug resistance and adverse side effects leading to a limited number of treatment options. This calls for the search for alternative antimalarial agents. The study evaluated the in vitro antimalarial activity of six plants frequently used in herbal antimalarial products in Ghana against chloroquine-sensitive strain (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant strain (DD2) of Plasmodium falciparum. Method: Aqueous extracts were prepared from the plants by decoction and freeze-dried. A fluorescence-based SYBR Green assay was used to evaluate the antimalarial activity of the extracts against Plasmodium falciparum strains 3D7 and DD2. Also, the cytotoxic e?ects (CC50) of the plant extracts against red blood cells were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) rapid calorimetric assay technique. Results: Alstonia boonei, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, and Azadirachta indica were the most effective mono-herbal extracts with IC50 of 8.64 ?g/mL, 6.12 ?g/mL, and 5.22 ?g/mL respectively against 3D7 lab strain and 8.47 ?g/mL, 5.12 ?g/mL and 5.22?g/mL respectively against DD2 lab strain. The aqueous extracts of Paullinia pinnata, Citrus aurantiifolia, and Tetrapleura tetraptera exhibited moderate activity against both lab strains with IC50 values of 24.72 ?g/mL, 34.89 ?g/mL and 14.94 ?g/mL respectively against 3D7 strain and 14.84 ?g/mL, 31.01 ?g/mL and14.74 ?g/mL respectively against DD2 strain. All plant extracts exhibited no cytotoxicity against RBC (?100 ?g/mL, except Cryptolepis sanguinolenta with CC50 92.7 ?g/mL). Moreover, except Paullinia pinnata, Citrus aurantiifolia and Tetrapleura tetraptera (with low selectivity index: SI < 10), all the plants displayed a good selectivity index (SI>10). Conclusion: All six frequently used antimalarial plants in monotherapy possess significant antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) and (DD2) strains. The data obtained from this study support the folkloric and frequent use of these plants in several herbal antimalarial products on the Ghanaian market
Ethnopharmacology of Psychotria: Potential Use of P. malayana Jack Leaves as Antidiabetic Agent
Get PDFThis review provides a comprehensive exploration of the Psychotria species, a genus of plants known for their medicinal properties and traditional uses. The focus is on the species’ ethnomedicinal applications, their potential as an antidiabetic agent, the pharmacologically active antidiabetic compounds possessed, and their toxicological profiles. The escalating global prevalence of diabetes underscores the need for alternative therapeutic agents. The Psychotria species, with their antidiabetic properties, present a promising area of research. The traditional medicinal uses of the Psychotria species across various cultures are examined, providing valuable insights for the development of novel treatments. This review delves into the mechanisms through which these species exert their antidiabetic effects especially Psychotria malayana. The review discusses the pharmacologically active compounds unique to these species, which are of considerable interest for drug development in diabetes treatment. A summary of these studies and their implications is presented. Finally, the review addresses the toxicological studies on the Psychotria species, assessing their safety as therapeutic agents
Home Medication Review among Patients with Chronic Diseases in Rural Villages of Pahang, Malaysia: A Case Report
Get PDFIntroduction: Home Medication Review (HMR) is crucial for optimising medication use and improving patient’s outcomes. Despite its potential benefits, HMR implementation in rural areas faces challenges. This study evaluates the impact of HMR programs on patients with chronic diseases in a rural setting, addressing challenges and proposing strategies for improvement. Case Presentations: This case report presents two cases involving patients with chronic diseases residing in a rural area of Pahang, Malaysia, who participated in pharmacist-led HMR visits. The first case describes a 62-year-old single Malay female with multiple chronic conditions, including Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and bronchial asthma, managed with eight prescribed medications. The second case involves a 34-year-old married Malay female diagnosed with hypertension and T2DM, receiving nine prescribed medications. Both patients underwent a follow-up HMR visit six months after the initial consultation. During each visit, assessments included blood pressure (BP), pulse rate (PR), and blood glucose tests. HMR activities encompassed medication reconciliation, review, patient interviews, evaluation of medication knowledge and adherence, inspection of medication storage, and patient counseling. Identified drug-related problems (DRPs) were addressed through appropriate interventions. Results: The study reveals improved patient understanding post-HMR and emphasising the role of pharmacists in addressing medication-related issues. Challenges like non-adherence, uncontrolled disease conditions, and incorrect insulin storage persist. The discussion explores these challenges, citing the need for patient education, regular follow-ups, multidisciplinary collaboration, and technology integration to enhance patient outcomes. Summary: These cases underscore the challenges of managing chronic diseases in resource-limited rural settings and highlight the critical role of pharmacist-led HMR in optimizing medication use and improving patient outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of regular follow-up, tailored interventions to address drug-related problems, and collaborative care approaches. They also advocate for integrating technology, enhancing patient education, and addressing social determinants to improve medication understanding and overall health outcomes in underserved populations
Terpenoid Profiling of Thai Strain Cannabis Leaves (Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa) by Headspace (HS) Couple with GC/MS
Get PDFIntroduction: Cannabis terpenoids, especially volatile terpenes, were used for the classification of cannabis strains. The leaves of Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa Thai strain ‘Hang Krarok’ are used legally in traditional Thai medicines, cosmetics, and food ingredients in Thailand under the control of the tetrahydrocannabinol (if lower than 0.2% dry weight). One of the specific characteristics of this plant is the volatile oil which consists of mono-and the sesqui-terpenoids.
Materials and methods: Fresh cannabis leaves were ground and 1 g samples were kept in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry glass vials at 4 °C prior to measurement using headspace.
Results: More than 50 terpenoids were identified from the fresh leaves in the cannabis samples. The major compounds were ?–ocimene, L–limonene, terpinolene, p–cymenene, ?–(E)–caryophyllene, (Z,E)–?–farnesene, ?–bisabolene, and (E)–?–bisabolene.
Conclusion: The variation in the unique terpenoids in the Thai strain could be used in novel medicines and food and cosmetic products
Evaluating the taste-masking ability and sensory attributes of alginate-encapsulated black seed oil
Get PDFIntroduction: This study aimed to evaluate the sensory attributes of alginate-encapsulated black seed oil in 12 healthy volunteers. Black seed oil, derived from Nigella sativa seeds, is known for its therapeutic properties but is characterized by a pungent taste. Alginate, a hydrophilic polysaccharide polymer derived from brown seaweeds, forms water-insoluble gels in the presence of divalent metal ions such as calcium ions. Alginate finds applications in various fields, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology engineering.
Method: The ionic gelation method was employed to encapsulate black seed oil within alginate beads for taste-masking and to enhance its sensory characteristics. Sensory analysis was conducted to assess the smell, taste, taste masking, aftertaste, and texture acceptability of different formulations, including blank beads (negative control), black seed oil (positive control), black seed oil-alginate beads with and without added flavours (vanilla, chocolate, orange, and sugar), in both dried and wet forms, and a commercial black seed oil soft-gelatine capsule.
Results: The results showed that encapsulating black seed oil within alginate beads significantly improved its taste and aftertaste, and the addition of flavours further enhanced the smell. Vanilla and orange flavours were found to be the most effective in improving palatability and taste masking ability of the beads in both wet and dried forms, surpassing sugar and chocolate flavours. However, sugar is preferred in the dried form alone.
Conclusion: Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of alginate encapsulation to mask the taste of black seed oil and improve its sensory attributes, offering broad applications for enhancing the palatability of other unpleasant bio-compounds
Prospects of Artificial Intelligence in the Improvement of Healthcare Professions: A Review
Get PDFIn 1956, the development of engineering science led to the birth of the first intelligent machines. This has led to the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) coined by a scientist named John McCarthy. The basic purpose of AI is to minimise human cognitive function. Advanced computer technology allows humans to do comparative critical thinking and simulate intelligent behaviour by producing intelligent modelling to solve boost and uplift cracking problems, imaging knowledge, and making a decision. Consequently, rapid analytical technique progress, powered by the increasing data availability in healthcare, has directed a paradigm shift in the healthcare system, especially in the analysis of medical imaging in the disease of oncology by detection of brain tumours. It helps the diagnosis of cancer stages based on the abnormal cell growth in the brain. AI is also important in diagnosis and treatment in other medical departments like dermatology, nephrology, ophthalmology, pathology, pulmonary medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and neurology. In recent years, AI has played a key role in pharmacy, drug delivery, drug discovery, drug formulation development, hospital pharmacy, and poly-pharmacology. The term AI has a broad range of applications in medicine, medical statistics, medical diagnosis, human biology, pharmacy, clinical, and robotics. Automated selective medication uses the scientific task approach of pharmacists and is only possible by the use of AI. Algorithmic tasks reserved by using AI automation and such type of AI demonstration are better than pharmacists in comparison. In general terms of AI, the minimal intervention of humans implies intelligent behaviour through computer models. The invention of robots is deemed the starting point of the AI journey. It started with the introduction of robotic biosynthetic machines utilised to support medical personnel. In the meantime, an AI is capable of analysing complex clinical and medical data where a potentially significant data set relationship can be used for treatment and predicting outcomes in the case study and diagnosis
Fabrication, Applications and Future Prospects of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Get PDFIn past decades, nanomedicine has become a prominent area of focus within the discipline of nanotechnology, eliciting significant anticipation within the field of biomedical research. Scientists are creating unique nanoparticles for diagnosis, utilising techniques for imaging as well as therapy applications using medication delivery techniques. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), a recent addition to this area, serve as a sterling example of innovative nanostructures that offer distinctive and exceptional features. These features make them valuable for developing drug delivery systems with consistent and positive advancements in preclinical. MSNs efficiently encapsulate, control, and sometimes deliver biologic agents intracellularly for clinical use due to their distinct physicochemical characteristics, such as high porosity, large surface area, adjustable pore size and dimensions, good biocompatibility, and significant loading capacity. In this article, we discuss the latest advancements in fabrication, their presumed usefulness in delivering medications, and their application as diagnostic tools. It has been demonstrated that silica can store and release therapeutics, such as antibiotics, in a sustained and controlled manner. The desirable properties of MSNs have been further enhanced by modifying the surface of the siliceous frameworks through incorporating supramolecular assemblies and various metal species and their conjugates. These substantial advancements in innovative colloidal inorganic nanocontainers have driven researchers to explore their use in novel applications, such as stimuli (light/ultrasound/ magnetic)-responsive delivery-associated therapies with exceptional in vivo performance. This article provides a brief overview of the fabrication of siliceous frameworks and discusses significant advances in the engineering of MSNs. The precise control of the shape, dimension, homogeneity, and dispersity of MSNs is crucial, as these characteristics are critical quality attributes necessary for regulatory approval. Currently, explicit FDA guidelines for developing nanomaterial-based formulations intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes are lacking. Therefore, establishing standardised protocols and techniques for the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles, particularly for their use as theranostics, is essential for future commercial potential
Green Synthesized of Silver Nanoparticles from Anisophyllea corneri Leaf Extract and Its Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities
Get PDFIntroduction: The escalating global threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens necessitates innovative approaches to combat drug resistance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their potent antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties. Green synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective method. This study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AC-AgNPs) using Anisophyllea corneri leaf extracts and evaluates their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.
Materials and methods: An eco-friendly synthesis approach was employed, utilizing A. corneri leaf extracts as reducing agents. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized for phytochemical profiling. The synthesis process was optimized at various temperatures (60?C, 70?C, 80?C) and pH levels (4, 9) to achieve optimal AgNPs outcomes. Characterization of AC-AgNPs included UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, SEM, Zeta potential, and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). Antimicrobial evaluation was conducted against four bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) using paper disc diffusion. Cytotoxicity was assessed through the MTT assay on MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line).
Results: A. corneri leaf extract exhibited abundant active compounds facilitating the reduction of silver ions. Optimization revealed that 70?C at pH 9 produced AC-AgNPs with a minimal particle size of 135.5 nm and a stable zeta potential (-45.1±11.7 mV). AC-AgNPs displayed a spherical morphology. Antimicrobial trials demonstrated moderate efficacy against the tested bacteria, with inhibition zones ranging from 8 to 10 mm. Additionally, AC-AgNPs exhibited cytotoxic potential with a moderate IC50 of 74.9 µg/mL.
Conclusion: The green synthesis, characterisation and biological activities of AgNPs from A. corneri leaf extracts have been established. It is recommended to optimise the synthesis process and validate the biological activities