International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 4 (12), pp. 001-006, December, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus amarus against extended spectrum - lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolated from stool samples of HIV sero-positive patients with or without diarrhoea

O. J. Akinjogunla¹*, N. O. Eghafona², I. O. Enabulele², C. I. Mboto³ and F. O. Ogbemudia⁴

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, P.M.B 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

²Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, P.M.B.1154 Benin  City, Edo State, Nigeria.

³Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Botany and Ecological Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, P.M.B 1017, Uyo , Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Accepted 25 January, 2015

Abstract

The antibacterial activity of extracts of the root and leaf of Phyllanthus amarus was assessed against extend spectrum -lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli isolated from the stool samples of HIV sero - positive patients with or without diarrhoea between January, 2009 and April, 2009 using Bauer disc diffusion method. The phenotypic confirmation of ESBL -E. coli were done by Double Disc Synergistic Methods (DDST). The phytochemical analysis of both root and leaf revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycoside, terpenes and anthraquinones. The strains isolated from both HIV sero- positive patients were susceptible to various concentrations of the extracts (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg ml^-1). In view of the efficacy of these extracts in inhibiting the growth of extend spectrum -lactamase producing E. coli in HIV sero-positive patients, the utilization of the extracts in the formulation of new antibacterial drugs for the treatment of gastroenteritis in HIV positive patients caused by this organism is strongly recommended especially when the availability and low cost of these medicinal plants are put into strong consideration.

Key words: Escherichia coli, susceptibility, Phyllanthus amarus, HIV, cephalosporin, beta-lactamase.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 4 (12), pp. 001-007, December, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

On the production of CONAVIR^® immune-booster by good manufacturing practice: Development of specifications for the herbal component

S. J. Ameh*, O. O. Obodozie, U. S. Inyang, M. S. Abubakar and M. Garba

¹Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), P. M. B. 21, Garki, Idu Industrial Area, Abuja, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. ³Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Accepted 11 May, 2015

Abstract

CONAVIR ^® is an immunostimulant phytomedicine developed at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja. The paper describes the steps taken and the results obtained in the attempt to develop specifications for the herbal component – the aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata Ness (Family: Acanthaceae), grown in the Institute’s gardens. The said steps are vital for production as per good manufacturing practice. Qualitative and quantitative tests on the fresh and air-dried materials were carried out as prescribed in standard texts. Quantitative results on the dried herb included: bitterness value, 2.86 ± 1.74 x 10³ units per g; loss on drying, 10.64 ± 0.36 %w/w; total ash, 14.10 ± 4.49 %w/w; acid insoluble ash, 1.00 ± 0.06 %w/w; and water extractable matter, 30.37 ± 2.63 %w/w. Tests for phytochemicals revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, tannins and alkaloids, but not of anthraquinones. Normal phase thin layer chromatography of the aqueous or ethanolic extract gave 5 spots, while the reverse phase of the same extracts gave 6. These results, including macroscopic and sensory examinations of the fresh herb, provided the quantitative and descriptive data needed for identifying and characterizing the herbal component of CONAVIR^®.

Key words: Conavir, immune-booster, phytomedicine, specifications, herbal component, Andrographis paniculata, Acanthaceae, good manufacturing practice (GMP).

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 4 (11), pp. 001-009, November, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Medicinal plants and animals sold by the “Yan-Shimfidas” of Sabo Wuse in Niger State, Nigeria

J. A. Ibrahim*, I. Muazzam, I. A. Jegede and O. F. Kunle

Department of Medicinal Plant Research and Traditional Medicine, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), PMB 21, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 May, 2015

Abstract

Sabo Wuse, a resettlement in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State inhabits the original inhabitants of Wuse in Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria. Despite the close proximity of about 65km to the urban settlement of Abuja, Sabo Wuse is still a relatively remote settlement; their lifestyle remained more or less unchanged and therefore, relied on their traditional knowledge for health care delivery. Recent ethnobotanical survey in Sabo Wuse has documented plants not indigenous to the area. In view of this, a survey was carried out to identify and document plants and animal materials sold by the Yan- shimfidas in the local settlement and to study their uses in treatment of ailments and other socio-cultural problems. The result shows that most of the herb sellers of Sabo Wuse were immigrants from the northern part of the country who had stayed in the village of Sabo Wuse for over twenty years. Thirty-four different plant species in twenty-one different families were documented. These were in the form of stem barks, leaves, roots, fruits, seeds, flower buds and fruit juices. Six different animal fats and skin, dung or other parts of animal of twenty two different species were also documented. All the materials documented were used for the treatment of various diseases and ailments ranging from the physical to the metaphysical. The study uncovered the remains of ancient medical practices which still exist in traditional societies in Nigeria. Therefore, the documentation of these practices can conserve the culture and traditional knowledge of this community.

Key words: Indigenous knowledge, ‘Yan-Shimfida’, Sabo-Wuse, Nigeria.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 4 (11), pp. 001-005, November, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Spasmogenic, spasmolytic and antihypertensive activity of Forsskalea tenacissima L.

Syed Wadood Ali Shah¹, Samir Kamil^1,2, Waqar Ahmad¹ and Niaz Ali^1*

¹Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Dir (Lower) N-W.F.P Pakistan.

²Cellulose and Paper Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.

Accepted 26 May, 2015

Abstract

Crude methanolic extract of Forsskalea tenacissima was screened for possible spasmogenic, spasmolytic and anti hypertensive activities. The extract was studied in isolated rabbit’s jejunum preparations. The extract was also screened for in vivo antihypertensive effect in spontaneous hypertensive Wistar rats. Crude methanolic extract produced spasmogenic activity (15 ± 2% of control, n = 6, p 0.05) at a test dose of 0.1 mg/ml of the cumulative test dose(s) tried as 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 5 and 10 mg/ml. However, at higher dose 5.0 mg/ml, maximum spasmolytic activity was observed (EC₅₀ = 2.7 ± 0.06 mg/ml, n = 6). The extract also produced bradycardiac effects at test doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg. Statistically significant fall in blood pressure (BP) was 19 and 21 mm Hg for test doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg, respectively (p 0.05). Our current work confirms the folkloric uses of F. tenacissima as spasmogenic, antispasmodic (in large doses) and antihypertensive drug.

Key words: Forsskalea tenacissima, spasmogenic, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, EC₅₀ values.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 4 (10), pp. 001-005, October, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of Telfairia occidentalis on oral glucose tolerance in rats

Olorunfemi Eseyin¹*, Patrick Ebong², Eyong Eyong², Oladoja Awofisayo¹ and Akeem Agboke³

¹Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Nigeria.

³Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

Accepted 10 June, 2015

Abstract

The effect of ethanolic extracts of the leaf, seed and fruit of Telfairia occidentalis on oral glucose tolerance was determined. 500 mg/kg of the leaf, seed and fruit extracts were administered separately to a set of overnight fasted rats simultaneously with glucose solution (1 g/kg). Also, 500 mg/kg of the extracts were separately administered 45 min before glucose solution (1 g/kg) was given. Blood glucose concentration was evaluated at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after treatment in both cases. In the simultaneous administration of extracts with glucose, only the leaf extract reduced glucose concentration significantly with AUC and GI values of 11,121.75 and 80.7% compared to control values of 13,782.00 and 100%. When the extracts were administered 45 min before glucose, the leaf and fruit extracts reduced glucose levels significantly with AUC and GI values of 11,240.25 and 84.5%; 10,650.75 and 80.1%, respectively, compared to control values of 13,294.50 and 100%. These results suggest that the ethanolic leaf extract of T. occidentalis could be useful in treatment of impaired oral glucose tolerance.

Key words: Telfairia occidentalis, oral glucose tolerance, glucose, area under the curve, glycemic index.