This study evaluated the larvicidal efficacy of the crude methanol extract of the leaves of Quassia amara and the hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions partitioned based on their polarities, against the fourth instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae. Larvicidal studies were carried out on larvae collected from mosquito breeding sites, at concentrations ranging from 125 to 2000 μg/mL for the crude extract, 125 to 500 μg/mL for the partitioned fractions and 7.5 to 120 μg/mL for the sub-fractions. Larvae were exposed to extracts/fractions for 24 h. The percentage mortalities were calculated and the LC50 values were obtained using GraphPad Prism, a nonlinear regression analysis. The structures of compounds present in the active fractions were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques. The crude methanol extract was toxic to the larvae displaying 100 % mortality at 2000 μg/mL and an LC50 of 640 μg/mL. Results were concentration dependent. The LC50 values for the hexane and chloroform soluble fractions were 37.38 and 283 μg/mL respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction had a percentage mortality of <50 % at the highest dose tested. Further bioactivity led chromatographic separation of the hexane soluble fraction (LC50= 17.84 μg/mL) obtained methyl gallate. Results obtained from this study suggest that Q. amara could serve as an alternative to synthetic larvicides. Keywords: Quassia amara, Anopheles gambiae, larvae, extracts, methyl gallate, toxicity
Recently, there is a growing awareness of the role of plant-derived natural products in modern medicine. This study brought forth the case of anti-microbial properties of root extracts of Anacadiumoccidentale Linn (Cashew) against urogenital clinical pathogens. The clinical pathogens (Candidaalbicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) were isolated from body fluid (High Vaginal Swab, (HVS), urine, semen EndoCervical Swab (ECS), Urethral Swab, US, and blood) of patients attending outpatient clinic of Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka. Protocols for ethical clearance were duly observed, and first person informed consent was obtained from each patient before collection of the body fluid. The A. occidentale roots were washed, room-dried and pulverized with laboratory hammer mill to a fine texture/size of 60 micron size. Aqueous extracts of the plant was obtained by hot water maceration for 24 h, and strained with clean muslin clothes. Methanol or n-hexane extracts were obtained by soxhlet extraction technique following standard procedures. The extracts were concentrated using rotary evaporator under vacuum. Antimicrobial properties of the extracts against the clinical isolates were investigated using the agar well dilution technique. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of each extract against the clinical isolates was determined using agar dilution technique. Results of phytochemical screening showed that the extracts contained alkaloids, glycosides, resins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. The mean of the methanol extracts of A. occidentaleoil against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 13.3 μg/ml, 13.5 μg/ml, 9.8 μg/ml respectively. The urogenital clinical pathogens were sensitive to the effects of methanol extracts of A. occidentale root. The results justify the folkloric ethno-medicinal uses of the plants in the treatment of tropical diseases. This could be attributed to the presence of natural products seen in the phytochemical screening. Keywords: antimicrobial, Anacardium occidentale, urogenital, clinical isolates, MIC
This study was aimed at evaluating the healing effect of the leaves of Leptadenia reticulata formulated as ointment, on burn wounds inoculated with microorganisms isolated from burn patients. Test organisms were isolated from burn patients in National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, Nigeria after approval from the Hospital’s Ethics Committee and identified morphologically and phenotypically using standard biochemical analysis. The leaves of Leptadenia reticulata were subjected to extraction by cold maceration using 95 % methanol. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis, and also formulated into ointments of varying concentrations which were used to screen for wound healing activities utilizing burn wound model on Wistar albino rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 6) and each group challenged with three identified organisms on different sites. Group I received 10 % ointment, group II received 5 % ointment, group III served as the standard and received burn cream (sulphadiazine cream) and group IV served as the negative control receiving plain ointment base. The treatment was continued for 16 days and wound size was measured daily. The 10 % extract ointment had a greater burn wound healing activity than the 5 % extract concentration and standard drug used against burn wounds challenged with Pseudomonas spp and Proteus spp. It had similar effect as silver sulfadiazine on burn wounds challenged with Staphylococcus spp.. Therefore, this study suggested that topical application of methanolic extract of Leptadenia reticulata as 10 % ointment will play an important role in burn wound healing. The study also revealed that its leaves contain bioactive phytochemical constituents that have burn wound healing activity. Keywords: Leptadenia reticulata, wound healing, wound infections, burn wound, silver sulfadiazine.
Cardiac complications and diseases constitute a major cause of death, globally. Piliostigma thonningii has been claimed to be ethnomedicinally relevant for the treatment of heart pains among others. It is against this background that the phytochemical composition, oral acute toxicity and the effect of the methanol leaf extract on the lipid profile of physiologically normal rats, were investigated using established procedures. Results confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, saponin, steroid, phenolics and tannins. While the extract in a dose - dependent manner caused a significant decrease in the total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased in the treated rats when compared to the control group. The HDL/LDL ratio in all the treated groups was significantly higher than that of the control group signalling the usefulness of the plant extract in the prophylactic and curative management of lipid peroxidation, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disorders. There was no mortality at 2 g/kg p.o after 24 hours and no sign of delayed toxicity or mortality after 14 days of observation. Keywords: Antilipidemia, Phytochemical, Piliostigma thonningii, Toxicity
Personal experience of side effects with antidepressant medicines has a major impact on treatment continuation as it directly influences medication adherence. The aim of this study was to assess self-reported antidepressant side effects and associated factors in patients with major depressive disorders at a tertiary health facility in North east Nigeria. A cross sectional study involving 101 participants was conducted at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri from September 2019 to November 2019. Data were gathered using a data collecting form and interviews with respondents. Most of the patients (51.50%) were prescribed the tricyclic class of antidepressants, especially amitriptyline. About 59.4% of the study participants reported some side effects they attributed to their medications. The most commonly reported side effects were headache (19.90%), sleeplessness (19.90%), palpitation (19.90%) and sedation (13.40%). Factors such as; being male (p=0.044, OR= 3.36), having no formal education (p=0.005, OR=4.3) and being unemployed (p=0.029, OR=3) were found to be associated with self report of antidepressant medication side effects among the study participants. In conclusion, self -reported medication side effects are highly prevalent in patients with major depressive disorder in this study site. The most commonly reported side effects were headache, sleeplessness, sedation and palpitation.Socio-demographic factors such as being male, having just primary or no formal level of education and being unemployed were found to be significantly associated to self report of antidepressant side effects in these patients. Keywords: Antidepressants, Medication side effects, Major depressive disorder, Nigeria
Carica papaya L. is one of the traditionally important medicinal plants belonging to the family, Caricaceae. It is well known for its nutritional value as well as medicinal usefulness in treating various disease conditions. Herbal medicines are prone to contamination, adulteration, and or substitution; to prevent these, it is always essential to lay down quality control and standardization parameters. The objective of the study is to compare the physicochemical parameters of C. papaya L. leaves collected at different seasons from five different local government areas of Kaduna State. Physicochemical parameters namely; moisture content, ash values (total ash, acid insoluble and water soluble ash), extractible values, foaming index, and swelling index, were determined according to the WHO guidelines of quality control methods of herbal materials. Significant difference (P≤0.05) was observed in the percentage of moisture content for rainy and dry seasons with sample in rainy season having the highest (15.58 %) in Makarfi compared to Soba with the lowest (6.5 %) in dry season. Total ash, acid insoluble and water soluble ash values also differed significantly (P≤0.05) based on the seasons and sites of collection. Water, as extracting solvent yielded higher amount of extractible substance than ethanol. The length of the foam was found to be less than 1 cm foaming indicating a foaming index of less than 100. The results of the swelling index were also compared and significant differences between the samples at P≤0.05 were observed. The physicochemical parameters of C. papaya leaf evaluated were found to vary based on seasons and sites of samples collection. Keywords: Carica papaya, Physicochemical, Comparative, Seasons, Kaduna
Cleaning tablet press before operation, and when transiting between formulations, is mandatory, tedious and requires significant personal exposure and downtime. Transiting between batches of same formulation in continuous manufacturing, requires quick turnaround clean-in-place process that does not reduce production quality or efficiency. The effect of cleaning tablet press, using quick turnaround clean-in-place process of vacuuming and isopropyl alcohol, on compression of acetylsalicylic acid was evaluated by assessing the physicochemical properties of the finished caplets. Isopropyl alcohol was chosen as cleaning agent because it dries rapidly without leaving toxic residue. Acetylsalicylic acid was chosen as model API because it is freely soluble in alcohol cleaning solvent. Acetylsalicylic acid granules were prepared using non-aqueous solvent granulation method. For stage ‘A’ operation, single punch tablet press operation was shutdown, disassembled, washed, dried, reassembled, validated, and set at 35 KN pressure to compress 660 mg caplet. For continuous tableting of the granules, the press was used to compress 500 first batch caplets, de-dusted with rubber brush and used to compress second batch caplets, and de-dusted again with rubber brush, and used to compress third batch caplets. Stage ‘B’ operation and continuous tableting was carried out as in stage ‘A’, but in place of the cleaning process of de-dusting with rubber brush, cleaning was done using combination of brushing with rubber brush to de-dust, vacuum cleaning, and wiping cup and barrel to stem chamfer of punches and die-bore and chamfer thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol, and drying, to get three batches of 500 caplets each. Caplets from all six batches were tested for hardness, friability, thickness, and disintegration time. The results were analysed using a one-tailed t-test statistical analysis. The analysis showed significant (p < 0.05) difference in physicochemical properties of acetylsalicylic acid caplets produced after using different press cleaning techniques. Cleaning tableting press with vacuuming and nonaqueous solvent in continuous manufacturing produced better caplets with 1.4 – 3.9 % weight improvement, new-like outlook and sustained physicochemical qualities. The quick turnaround clean-in-place produced quality caplets and achieve regulatory compliance to safety and hygiene, while maintaining machine, machine parts and operation. Keywords: Continuous manufacturing, non-aqueous solvent granulation, downtime, shutdown time, changeover time, clean-in-place.
The leaves of Asystasia gangetica (Creeping fox-glove) are used to treat gastric ulcers, rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation by herbal medicine practitioners in southern Nigeria. The aim of the present study is to investigate the antiulcer potentials of the hydro-methanol leaf extract of A. gangetica . The dried leaves (480 g) of A.gangetica were extracted in 50% methanol. Apparently healthy Wistar rats (150-180 g) of either sex were used for this study. Oral LD50 was evaluated.. The protective effect of the extract was evaluated on each of indomethacin-, ethanol-, and stress-induced ulcer models. For each model, overnight-fasted rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5) comprising 200 and 400 mg/kg dried extract, 20 mg/kg omeprazole, and 10 ml/kg distilled water. Treatments were done per os one hour before induction of ulcers. The animals were afterwards sacrificed under diethylether anesthesia and stomach of each, excised for macroscopic examination and calculation of ulcer index. The oral LD50 was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The extract-treated groups at all doses had a significantly lower (p<0.01) ulcer indices compared to the distilled water-treated group. In the ethanol and indomethacin models 400 mg/kg of the extract gave results that were not significantly different from those of 20 mg/kg omeprazole. In the stress-induced ulcer model, 400 mg/kg caused a significantly lower (p<0.01) ulcer index compared to 20 mg/kg omeprazole. Leaf extract of A. gangetica appears to be safe in acute doses and possesses antiulcer properties. Key words: Asystasia gangetica, ethanol, indomethacin, gastro-protection, gastric ulcer
Phytochemical screening of the methanol root bark extract of Annona senegalensis, a plant known for its numerous ethnomedicinal uses such antimalarial, anticonvulsant, anticancer, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenes, steroids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. The column chromatographic analysis of the chloroform fraction of the crude methanol extract led to the isolation of stigmasterol which was elucidated using IR, 1D and 2D NMR analysis. The median oral lethal dose (LD50) was estimated to be 2154 mg/kg, suggesting the extract is relatively toxic at the tested doses. The crude extract produced a significant (p ≤ 0.05) dose - dependent antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei in early infection (suppressive test) at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg suppressing the parasitemia level by 20.08%, 41.66% and 53.46% respectively, while chloroquine produced the highest parasite suppression of 85.73% at 5 mg/kg when compared to negative group. The extract also showed a dose - dependent significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in parasitemia level at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg in established infection (curative test) producing a chemo-suppression at 46.20%, 36.62% and 8.25% respectively with chloroquine producing the highest chemo-suppression of 73.24% at 5 mg/kg when compared to the negative control. The findings of this study suggest that the root bark extract of the plant is active against the malaria parasite used and this is consistent with the ethnomedicinal use of Annona senegalensis in the treatment of malaria. Keywords: Malaria, Parasite, Root Bark, Extract, Annona senegalensis, Phytochemistry
The effectiveness of antibiotics is reduced as resistant pathogens develop and spread and this poses a very serious threat to public health. For at least 2700 years, honey has been used by humans to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of honey been discovered. This work is aimed at finding an antimicrobial substitute to antibiotics especially in this era of antimicrobial resistance by investigating the antimicrobial properties of commercial honey commonly marketed at Nsukka, Nigeria. Honey samples were collected from Imilike, Ovoko and Ette, all in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Six test organisms were used, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecium, Salmonella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Screening for antimicrobial properties was done with Muller Hinton agar using agar well diffusion method. The organisms showed variation in the rate of inhibition and response to the different honey samples. There were increases in diameters of zone of inhibition with increasing concentration of all the honey samples, thus giving a linear relationship between the two parameters. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for S. aureus, E coli and Salmonella species were 1:8 dilutions for all the honey samples while that of S. faecium was 1:4 dilution. This showed that S. faecium was more resistant to the effect of honey than the others. P. aeruginosa and C. albicans were resistant to all the honey samples. The honey samples had more inhibitory effect on S. aureus and E. coli and least inhibitory effect on Salmonella species. Conclusively, the honey samples inhibited some organisms that are threat to public health. Keywords: Antibiotics; Antimicrobial; Honey; Inhibition; Resistant microorganisms.
Mimosa pudica is a medicinal plant used in ethno-medicine for the treatment of diseases which include diabetes, pile, dysentery and inflammations. In the present study, the acute and sub-chronic toxicities of hydro-ethanolic seed extract of Mimosa pudica were investigated in Wistar rats. Acute (single administration of extract) and sub-chronic (daily administration of extract for 21 days) toxicities of the extract were screened in four groups of Wistar rats (5 rats per group). Control group was administered 10 ml distilled water/body weight (kg) whereas treatment groups were administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg extract orally (p.o). At the end of the sub-chronic toxicity studies, the levels of biochemical parameters in liver homogenate [thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT)] and serum (creatinine, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), were determined.The result of acute toxicity studies showed that the extract up to 5000 mg/kg caused no mortality in rats (median lethal dose of the extract was ≥ 5000 mg/kg). In sub-chronic toxicity studies, there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in TBARS levels when compared with the control, whereas the levels of GSH and CAT increased significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to the control. In conclusion, Mimosa pudica seeds are safe when taken acutely (p.o.) and it has no toxic effect in some biochemical parameters present in the liver and kidney when administered daily for 21 days in Wistar rats. Keywords: Mimosa pudica, seeds, toxicity, liver, kidney, rats
Two pentacyclic triterpenoids, 3-friedelanone and lupeol, were isolated from the hexane fraction of the methanol aerial part extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum, a plant used in traditional medicine for treatment of diarrhea, epilepsy, hypertension, cough, jaundice, gout, earache, burns, abscesses, gastric ulcers, amongst numerous indications. The isolation of the compounds was carried out by a combination of column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography. The compounds were characterized using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral data as well as comparison with reported data. This is the first report of isolation of 3-friedelanone and lupeol from the aerial part of this plant. Keywords: Bryophyllum pinnatum, NMR, Pentacyclic triterpenoids, 3-Friedelanone, Lupeol
Cardiovascular diseases are upshot of patients with suboptimal control of hypertension. Prolonged hypertension will alter the myocardial structure, coronary vascularization, and the conduction system of the heart. Management of hypertension requires consideration of comorbidities and possible complications. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of comorbidities and clinical complications associated with hypertensive patients and their longterm effects. It is a retrospective study of data obtained from patient's medical records in two tertiary hospitals in Bayelsa State. A systematic sampling method was used to select patients' folders that met the study requirements. The data were collected using a pre- tested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, Excel Spreadsheet, and Graph Pad software. ANOVA was used to express the statistical difference among the variables. Findings show that there were 332 comorbidities and 142 complications from 720 patients. For comorbidities, the various percentages were: diabetes mellitus (DM) 49.2%, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) 12.7%,, arthritis 6.7%, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 4.1%, acute kidney disease (AKD) 4.1%, others 21.9%. Also, complications were observed proportionally as heart related 31%; neurological diseases 24%, eye diseases 14.7%, DM/Foot ulcer 12%, chronic kidney disease (CKD) 3.5%, others 14.8%. Cases of eye and neurological diseases seem to increase with age and suboptimal adherence to advice on life style modification in one facility only. Conclusively, the findings reveal that DM was the most prevalent comorbidity followed by PUD, arthritis and kidney diseases. Complications include heart related complications, neurological diseases, eye diseases, DM/Foot ulcer, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and others. Hence, to reduce the prevalence of comorbidities and complications, there is need for more education and closer monitoring of patients to ensure adherence to advice on lifestyle modification and medications. Keywords: Complications, comorbidities, antihypertensive agents, hypertension, Bayelsa State
Chemical safety is the handling of chemical substances in a manner that guarantees the health and safety of humans in addition to preventing environmental damage. Pharmaceutical chemistry is a core course in the pharmacy curriculum and pharmacy students are exposed to potential hazards from carrying out experiments in the pharmaceutical chemistry laboratory. The current study was carried out to investigate the present state of chemical laboratory safety awareness, attitudes and practices among undergraduate pharmacy students in a tertiary education institution in Jos, Nigeria. The study was conducted using a cross sectional survey method with a sample size of 291 students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about knowledge, attitude and practices of chemical safety which were analysed using descriptive statistics. Out of 320 questionnaires administered, 291 were returned giving a response rate of 90.94 %. About 70 % of the respondents showed high awareness of hazard identification and emergency responses employed in the laboratory. Majority of the students also showed positive attitudes towards the safe use of chemicals but however showed inadequate knowledge of safe ways of disposing chemical waste. Furthermore, 66.20 % of the students indicated that they always wear personal protective equipment in the laboratory. The study found that the knowledge and compliance of the students with chemical safety measures is generally high but they exhibited deficiencies in certain areas like waste disposal and identification of certain chemical hazard symbols. There is therefore the need for additional training and education to prevent the occurrence of chemical accidents. Keywords: Laboratory safety, Pharmacy, Chemicals, Undergraduate, Knowledge
Plant parts have been widely used in the treatment of human diseases and the use of herbal medicine is the major form of medicine in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Synclisia scabrida (Miers) is an important medicinal plant that is widely distributed and valued for its vast therapeutic properties. The root bark of Synclisia scabrida (Miers) was collected, air-dried and extracted with ethanol using soxhlet extraction apparatus.. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract and the standard antibiotics were determined by agar dilution method..Preliminary sensitivity test showed that Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis were susceptible to the plant extract. The MIC values of the extract against the organisms ranged from 1.25-2.50 mg/ml. Those of standard drugs ranged from 0.00625-0.0125 μg/ml for ciprofloxacin, 0.0015625-0.006250 μg/ml for levofloxacin and ofloxacin and 0.0015625-0.0031250 μg/ml for pefloxacin. The results of this work support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of enteric disorders. Keywords: Antimicrobial; Crude extract; Synclisia scabrida Miers; Menispermaceae; Enteric
The anti-arthritic effect of crude methanol (MeOH) extract of Jaundea pinnata (Connaraceae) leaf, as well as its dichloromethane (DCM) and aqueous (AQ) fractions, was investigated by both bovine serum albumin and fresh hen’s egg albumin in vitro models. In addition, rats dosed with the MeOH extract and its fractions, and standard anti-arthritic drug, diclofenac sodium® (50 mg/kg) up to 14 days were investigated for effects on rat paw oedema in a formaldehyde model. Further assessment of anti-arthritic activity was by assessing the alteration of haematological and biochemical parameters by tested agents. Oral administration with methanol extract and fractions up to Day 14 produced progressive reductions in rat paw oedema diameter. DCM fraction was more active than AQ fraction in reducing paw diameter, and was comparable to MeOH extract and standard drug, diclofenac sodium®. MeOH extract and DCM fraction reduced erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in a dose-dependent fashion. On haematological parameters, extract gave dosedependent increase only in packed cell volume (PCV) and was comparable to diclofenac sodium®1000 mg/kg. DCM fraction gave comparable PCV as the standard drug but AQ fraction was less effective. Extract and fractions were comparable to diclofenac sodium® in haemoglobin count, while neutrophil count was positively affected by extract and DCM fraction as the standard drug. Extract and fractions had no significant effect on white blood cell count. Effect of extract at 1000 mg/kg on liver function parameters (total protein, albumin and alanine aminotransferase) was comparable to that of standard drug. DCM fraction was a better inhibitor of protein denaturation than AQ fraction in both models. Overall, results of this study support the folkloric use of J. pinnata leaf in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Keywords: Jaundea pinnata, methanol leaf extract, dichloromethane fraction, anti-arthritic activity, rats.
Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are broad spectrum β-lactam degrading enzymes with the „last resort antibiotics‟, carbapenems, in their hydrolytic spectrum. Their emergence and rapid global spread have become a threat to the antibiotics armamentarium. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of carbapenem non-susceptible Escherichia. coli isolates harbouring MBL enzymes in major meat sources within Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 250 randomized non-duplicate rectal swab samples of birds and cattle at different poultry and ranches, as well as meat vendors‟ tables were cultured for E. coli isolates. Susceptibility of the properly characterized E. coli isolates to carbapenems and other commonly administered antibiotics was evaluated using disk diffusion method according to Clinical & Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) 2018 guideline. MBL production and Multiple Antibiotics Resistance (MAR) Index of the isolates were determined using standard formula and Combined Disc Test (CDT) technique respectively. A total of 138 E. coli were identified, out of which 57% (n = 78) were resistant to carbapenems, while 60% (n = 47) of the carbapenem-non-susceptible isolates were phenotypically confirmed as MBLs-producers. Their MAR Indices and level of resistance to other antibiotics ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 and 20 to 100% respectively. The work identified high levels of carbapenem resistance mediated by MBL enzymes in meat sources among occupants of Nsukka metropolis, necessitating an urgent need for sensitization of livestock and meat handlers, as well as the institutionalization and implementation of proper infection control measures to contain their spread. Further molecular studies are also needed for the full characterization of other carbapenem resistance mechanisms that could be associated. Keywords: E. coli, Carbapenem, Resistance, MBL, CDT, CLSI
This study aimed to determine the required hydrophile-lipophile balance (RHLB) value of shea oil to facilitate producing its stable emulsions using mixed nonionic surfactants as emulsifier. Oil-in-water (o/w) and water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion formulations were produced, containing shea oil/liquid paraffin blends as oil phase, and o/wemulsifiers: Tween 20/Span 20, Tween 80/Span 80, or w/o-emulsifier Span 85/Tween 80; using the hydrophilelipophile balance (HLB) number of each surfactant in the mixed-emulsifier pair to compute requisite proportions to use for specific prospective RHLB-value targets for shea oil (SHO*) in formulation. Physical stability characteristics of each formulation (creaming rate, mean globule size and viscosity) were monitored for 12 weeks. The stability qualities of the formulations made with different o/w-emulsifiers were significantly different. RHLB value of shea oil for o/w emulsion system (deduced from the most stable formulations using the different emulsifiers) differed; and the values for o/w and w/o systems (determined from least mean globule sizes) varied with sampling time over a broad range of prospective SHO* targets; attributed to limitations of HLB theory. Stable o/w or w/o emulsion formulations were thus produced by each emulsifier over a broad range of shea oil RHLB values. The RHLB parameter inadequately defines stability of shea oil emulsion formulations. Keywords: Shea oil, Required hydrophile-lipophile balance (RHLB), Mixed nonionic surfactants, Emulsion formulation.
Viral diseases are possible causes of epidemics and pandemics. Ebola virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever of humans with high morbidity and mortality rate. It is a disease of economic and public health concern, therefore adequate knowledge relating to the prevention and control is vital. The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and attitude to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) control among non -clinical students of the University of Benin, Nigeria.. A descriptive study of undergraduate non- clinical students was carried out at the University of Benin main campus. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data and then analyzed with SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were done and frequencies and proportions were used to summarize variables of interest. Three hundred and fifty (350) students were recruited and 99.4% response rate was achieved of which 197 (56.6%) were females and 273 (78.4%) were between the age of 16-25 years. Amongst the 348 respondents, 345(99.1%) have heard of Ebola virus disease. The respondent’s knowledge of some of the symptoms of Ebola virus disease were as follows; fever 333 (95.7%), headache 325 (93.4%), vomiting 325 (93.4%), diarrhoea 302 (86.8%), intense fatigue/general weakness 300 (86.2%), abdominal pain 274 (78.7%), and bleeding 314 (90.2%). Knowledge relating to universal health precaution was average as 199 (57.2%) knew about universal health precautions. About 282(81.0%) respondents feel the need for more information on Ebola virus disease especially the availability of drug therapy. A total of 318 (91.4%) of the respondents agreed to Ebola virus disease being a serious disease. Thus, non-clinical students demonstrated a good knowledge and attitude to Ebola virus disease control. Awareness campaigns, drug information service and public health education are important means of communicating health information to prevent and control viral epidemics or pandemics. Keywords: Viral epidemic, Ebola Virus Disease, Students, Knowledge, Attitude
This study was designed to explore new antibacterial agent(s) from the crude and defatted methanol extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The extracts were extracted by cold maceration, prepared, reconstituted and examined for their antibacterial activity using standard procedures. The extracts were challenged with pure clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinectobacter baumanii and Burkolderia cepacia viz-a-viz standard antibiotics of chloramphenicol, gentamicin and amoxicillin at 25 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml concentrations using spectrophotometric method. Using the zone of inhibition as inhibitory parameter, both the crude and defatted methanol extracts of E. camaldulensis showed promising antimicrobial activity comparable to the standard antibiotics for all tested microorganisms. This research holds promise for the exploration of various potentially active secondary metabolites which would help in developing pharmaceuticals especially antibacterial drugs. The isolation and characterization of the exact metabolites responsible for these activities are therefore highly recommended. Keywords: Antimicrobial, Eucalyptus camaldulesnsis, Spectrophotometric method
