Jordan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Recent Advances in Development of Vesicular Carrier for Transdermal Drug Delivery: A Review

Praveen Kumar Gaur, Sakshi Minocha, Rosaline Mishra, Niharika Lal, Kanak Lata — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Transdermal drug delivery has gained significant attention as a non-invasive and convenient method for administering drugs. However, the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, poses a significant barrier to drug permeation. To overcome this challenge, vesicular carriers have emerged as promising systems for enhancing drug delivery through the skin. This review highlights recent advances in the development of vesicular carriers for transdermal drug delivery. Liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes, ethosomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles are among the commonly used vesicular carriers. These carriers offer advantages such as improved drug solubility, prolonged drug release, and enhanced drug stability. Additionally, they can encapsulate a wide range of drugs, including hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. Various strategies have been employed to optimize vesicular carriers for transdermal drug delivery. These include modifying the vesicle composition, size, and surface charge to enhance skin penetration. The incorporation of penetration enhancers, such as surfactants, has also been explored to improve drug permeation across the skin. Furthermore, advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of novel vesicular carriers, such as nanostructured lipid carriers and elastic liposomes. These carriers offer improved drug loading capacity, sustained release profiles, and enhanced skin penetration. Moreover, the use of vesicular carriers has shown promise in delivering a wide range of therapeutic agents, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, and genetic material. The ability to encapsulate and deliver these diverse drug entities opens new possibilities for transdermal drug delivery in various therapeutic areas.

Navigating Changes in Patient Drug and Non-Drug Item Demands in Community Pharmacies Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems worldwide faced unprecedented challenges, with pharmacists playing a crucial role on the frontlines. They encountered a surge in patient requests for drugs and non-drug items related to the treatment and prevention of the disease. This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess changes in demand for selected drugs and non-drug items from the perspective of pharmacists in Jordan in the period from March to June 2021, and to explore the factors influencing this demand. An online questionnaire targeting pharmacists working in community pharmacies was developed, validated, and disseminated using social media (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger). The study collected 390 responses from pharmacists working in community pharmacies. The findings revealed significant increases in demand for prescription drugs such as antibiotics (97.4%), antithrombotics (84.1%), and antivirals (66.2%), often without prescriptions. Non-prescription items, specifically minerals and vitamins, were highly sought after (100%). Demand also rose for non-drug items such as thermometers (89.0%), oximeters (85.1%) and oxygen concentrators (68.2%). Changes in drug requirements were consistent across Jordan’s districts. However, an association was observed between the increase in demand for antivirals and herbal supplements and chain pharmacies (p-value 0.037 and p-value <0.005, respectively). In conclusion, COVID-19 led to a significant upsurge in the demand for pharmaceutical products and devices, placing immense pressure on community pharmacies. The public's reaction to the pandemic, to combat and manage the disease, was consistent across Jordan, regardless of social, financial, and spatial differences among the population. The study highlights the importance of adequately preparing and educating pharmacists to provide accurate information and counseling to patients in such circumstances. Therefore, health authorities must ensure that pharmacists have access to the latest treatments and management protocols and provide clear guidance on using home treatment devices to the public.

Assessing the Awareness and Attitude Towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Aids Factors among Jordanian People: A cross-sectional Study

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination among the Jordanian population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated questionnaire. The awareness and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine were assessed via five-item and seven-item scales, respectively. The survey results were analyzed using SPSS with a chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. A total of 407 participants were enrolled, with the majority being female (74.9%), under 49 years old (73.2%), holding a bachelor's degree (57.7%), and working in the private sector (46.2%). Results revealed a fairly high level of awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine (51.4%), with no significant association between awareness and demographic characteristics. While 51.4% of the participants perceived the importance of getting the vaccine, only 37.1% agreed that the newly developed vaccine was safe, and 77.4% expressed a preference for natural immunity. The overall attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination appears cautiously optimistic, with 60.2% of respondents scoring above Bloom's 60.0% cutoff point, despite mixed opinions on vaccine safety and necessity. Moreover, attitudes towards the vaccine showed a significant association with participants' age and occupation. Among the age group of 18-29 years old, 47.6% had a positive attitude towards the vaccine, compared to 33.3% in the 30-49 years old group, and 38.5% in the ≥50 years old group. In terms of occupation, 30.7% in the public sector had a positive attitude, compared to 44.1% in the private sector and 48.5% among students. Given the mixed but cautiously optimistic attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination observed among the Jordanian population, this study underscores the critical importance of targeted educational and communication strategies. Such initiatives should focus on enhancing the perception of vaccine safety and efficacy to improve vaccination acceptance and uptake across different age and occupational groups within Jordan.

Optimizing Drug Delivery Vehicle with Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) - Based Excipient Selection

Ibrahim Omoyayi, Süleyman Aşır, Abdullahi U. Ibrahim — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Excipients are used in drug delivery systems as a means of effectively delivering drugs to their target site. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are tools for decision-making that consider multidimensional factors. Such methods are a comparative technology used in medicine that combines individual criteria into the total assessment of selected alternatives. This study aims to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of drugs through the application of MCDM-based excipient selection. By incorporating the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE), various excipients can be evaluated and ranked based on their suitability for specific applications, considering parameters related to drug solubility and bioavailability. The results highlight the potential of cyclodextrins (net flow: 0.0023) and Eudragit polymers (net flow: 0.0016) as preferred options for drug carriers, while Poloxamer 188 (P188) (net flow: -0.0030) is identified as the least preferred option. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the PROMETHEE method in improving the performance of poorly soluble and bioavailable drugs, ultimately contributing to the development of new drug delivery systems. The findings have significant implications for therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of diseases.

Evaluation of the Impact of Orange Juice on Apixaban Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Rats

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Juice derived from the "sweet orange" cultivar is widely consumed and is considered one of the most popular juices globally. It contains many bioactive compounds that can interact with pharmaceutical agents. This study aimed to assess the impact of oral co-ingestion of orange juice (OJ) and Apixaban (AP) on the fundamental pharmacokinetic characteristics of AP, Cmax, and AUC0-t. Two groups of Wistar rats were used in this study: one was given the drug alone, and the other was given the drug with OJ. Each animal was given 10 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice two hours before the administration of AP at a dose of 5 mg/kg and 10 ml concurrently with it. The plasma samples were withdrawn up to 72 hours later and analyzed using the LC/MS technique, and pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using Winnonlin version 8.3. The findings indicated a statistically significant increase in Cmax of AP from 28.12±3.78 ng/mL to 56.97±9.8 ng/mL, as well as an increase in AUC0-12 levels from 285.04±24.5 ng. hr/mL to 827.17±46.58 ng.hr/mL when ingested with OJ, without a significant change in Tmax and half-life (t1/2). The results determined that consuming sweet OJ exhibits a noteworthy interaction with orally administered AP.

A Review on Recent Advances of Natural Products as Larvicides in Vector Control Management

Muktarul Rahaman, Arpita Gope, Jayeeta Khanrah, Anjali Rawani — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The mosquito, a biological vector, is responsible for the transmission of serious and dreaded diseases worldwide. These diseases, which are chiefly endemic to tropical countries, cause millions of deaths each year. The significance of plant-based and environmentally friendly insecticides has increased in recent years. Due to their easy biodegradability and target selectivity, they can be used safely in aquatic environments. Despite their effectiveness in controlling target vector species, pesticide applications pose a threat as they can lead to increased chemical insecticide resistance, causing a rebound in vectorial capacity. This review explores the efficacy of phytochemicals in controlling mosquito populations. In mosquito control programs, phytochemicals play a significant role. Plants serve as an immense repository for primary and secondary metabolites. Various types of polar and nonpolar solvents can be used to extract the bioactive plant ingredient(s) from either the whole plant or a specific part of it. This literature review defines natural products and provides an overview of the different types of natural products that can be used to control mosquito larvae. Particularly, it examines the effectiveness of natural products in vector control without causing resistance or harm to non-target organisms. The purpose of this paper is to offer a comprehensive review of the use of natural products as mosquito larvicides and to underscore their potential as an alternative to traditional chemical methods. Ultimately, it encourages further research into the development and use of natural products for successful vector mosquito control.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Activities and Molecular Docking Analysis of Rubus idaeus Leaf Extract

Olexander Maslov, Mykola Komisarenko, Sergii Kolisnyk, Lyudmyla Derymedvid — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The study aimed to identify the most abundant compounds in raspberry leaf extract via HPLC analysis, conduct theoretical and practical assessments of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities both in silico, in vitro, and in vivo, and evaluate the correlation between antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Polyphenols were quantified using HPLC; molecular docking was carried out using AutoDockTools 1.5.6; antioxidant activity was ascertained via the potentiometric method; and anti-inflammatory activity was examined based on the carrageenan edema method. The extract was found to be rich in epicatechin (0.417%), (+)-catechin (0.501%), and ellagitannins (0.401%). The free energy of (+)-catechin and epicatechin was -8.40 and -7.20 respectively for the active sites of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and -6.60 and -7.11 for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase). Notably, the antioxidant activity of the raspberry leaf extract was 1.43%, 1.04%, and 10.62% higher than that of green tea leaf extract for doses of 4.00, 2.00, 0.20 mg/mL, respectively. Treatment with the raspberry leaf extract at a dose of 13.0 mg/kg resulted in a significant decrease in edema after 1, 2, and 3 hours by 38.8%, 41.8%, and 48.8%, respectively, compared to the control group. The study demonstrated a correspondence between experimental and theoretical results in evaluating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Correlation analysis further substantiated that the anti-inflammatory action is dependent on antioxidant activity.

Comparative Analysis of Histamine in Fresh and Processed Fish Sold in Jordanian Market

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Food poisoning from histamine, a biogenic amine formed due to the decarboxylation of histidine by bacteria in fish and fish products, has become a pivotal concern in food safety. This study measured the concentration of histamine in various fish products available in the Jordanian market, but manufactured in multiple countries, utilizing an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The ELISA kit and the protocol were provided by Veratox for histamine. Approximately 93.69% of the samples tested positive for the presence of histamine, with levels ranging between 0.317 and 230.41 mg/kg. Solely 0.9% of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible level established by the European Union (EU) and only 4.5% of the fish samples were free of histamine. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the type of fish was the most significant source of variability in histamine concentration, explaining 31.2% of the variability. Conversely, the sample weight accounted for the least variability (only 20.2%), implying that it has little or no effect on the concentration of histamine in the fish samples.

Patterns of Antibiotic Use, Knowledge, and Perceptions among Jordanian Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Manal Ayyash, Rana Abu-Farha, Kamel Jaber, Suleiman Ateih, Amal Akour — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Practices concerning antibiotic use have detrimental impacts on body immunity, bacterial resistance, and the overall health of the general population. Misconceptions regarding antibiotic use can lead to improper use and malpractice, posing numerous health threats.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, practices, and awareness of Jordanian adults about antibiotics. This includes an analysis of their understanding of antibiotic uses and the sources from which they acquire such knowledge. Methods: A representative sample of Jordanian adults was invited to participate in an online survey distributed through social media platforms.

Key findings: The results showed that 77.6% of the participants had received an antibiotic at least once in the past 12 months. About two thirds reported no problems with using a different brand name (alternative) for the prescribed antibiotic. The majority of respondents trust the decisions made by pharmacists. Moreover, participants with higher ages, female participants, those with a higher level of education, uninsured participants, and those with a medicine-related degree showed better antibiotic knowledge compared to others (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusion: There is a good level of antibiotic-related knowledge amongst Jordanian adults. However, prevalent misconceptions and improper use also exist, indicating the need for focused attention on correcting such practices that might adversely impact the health of the community as a whole.

Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions of the most Important Interventions Implemented in Supporting Breastfeeding Women During Maternal Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to investigate and analyze community pharmacists' perspectives on the most essential interventions implemented to support breastfeeding women during their maternal life in Jordan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed using a self-administered survey. A convenience sample (n = 381) of community pharmacists was recruited via social media resources. Responses were subject to various statistical analyses using SPSS.

Key Findings: In the study with 381 participants, the majority were females (86.4%, n=329) aged between 23 and 30 (78.7%, n=300). A total of 55.1% (n=210) had previous breastfeeding experience. Pharmacists (65.9%, n=251) stressed the significance of health education for improved breastfeeding support. During prenatal care, 42% (n=160) underscored the importance of engaging parents, while 37% (n=141) highlighted the need for additional lactation support during the delivery stage. Finally, 34.4% (n=131) identified serving as an informational resource for the "mother-baby dyad" as being crucial in the postnatal stage.

Conclusions: The study spotlights the critical role of pharmacists in breastfeeding support, underscoring the importance of tailored interventions based upon their demographics and perceptions. These insights provide invaluable guidance for optimizing community pharmacists' contributions to maternal care.

Assessment of Extraction Methods Effects on the Biological Activities (Antioxidant and Antiamylase) and Chemistry (Total Phenolics and Flavonoids) of Guazuma ulmifolia Leaves

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The antioxidant activity was tested using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method. Antiamylase activity was evaluated through a colorimetric assay that employs 3,5-dinitro salicylic acid (DNSA) as a substrate. Total phenolics and flavonoids content were quantified by the colorimetric method. The highest yield from the extraction of G. ulmifolia leaves was obtained from the water extract (9.64%). The infusion showed the most robust antioxidant and antiamylase activities (IC50 = 6.853 ± 0.504 µg/mL and 261.03 ± 6.83 µg/mL, respectively). The highest total phenolics and flavonoids content were found in the ethanolic extract, with 69.848 ± 1.871 mg GAE/g extract and 118.854 ± 1.001 mg QE/g extract respectively. Total phenolics and flavonoids content significantly influenced the antioxidant activity, but not the antiamylase activity. In conclusion, infusions were the best extraction method for obtaining high antiamylase activity, even though they did not yield the highest total phenolics and flavonoids content. Further research is needed to identify the compound in G. ulmifolia leaf infusions that contribute to antioxidant and antiamylase activities.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Emulsion-Based Gel Containing Combined Essential Oils from Melaleuca alternifolia and Citrus hystrix

Thanh Kim Nguyen Le, Son L.Hoang, Ngoc Le — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of combined essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia and Citrus hystrix peel.

Methodology: An emulsion-based gel containing combined essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia and Citrus hystrix peel was topically applied to the injected area of the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema mouse model. Diclofenac sodium was used as a positive control. The inhibition percentage of protein denaturation in all mice was assessed and calculated based on paw volume (Pv).

Results: The highest inhibition percentage, recorded at the third hour in the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema mouse model, was 44.76%, achieved by the mice treated with combined essential oils. This was followed by diclofenac-treated (37.14%), tea tree essential oil-treated (27.62%), and kaffir lime peel essential oil-treated mice (20.10%). A similar trend was observed after 24 hours of treatment, with the anti-inflammatory activity of combined essential oils-treated mice recorded at 46.74%, followed by diclofenac-treated (35.87%), tea tree essential oil-treated (24.97%) and kaffir lime peel essential oil-treated mice (11.97%).

Conclusion: These findings confirm the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of the combined essential oils-incorporated emulsion-based gel on the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema mouse model.

Knowledge and Consumption Practice of Energy Drinks among Medical University Students in Mosul, Iraq

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: Energy drinks are gaining popularity, and their consumption is associated with adverse effects. This study aims to explore the level of knowledge regarding energy drinks among medical students and the practices of those students who consume these products.

Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study design was adopted for this work. The survey was distributed among students of medical colleges at the University of Mosul to assess their knowledge and practices regarding energy drinks.

Results: A total of 1298 students participated in the study, with 60% being females. Most of the students (89%) knew what energy drinks are, but only 42% knew their ingredients. Almost all the students (95%) were aware that energy drinks have adverse effects, but only a few knew about any beneficial effects these products might have. Only 30% of the participants admitted to consuming energy drinks, with more than half of those students drinking less than five cans monthly. Sugar-containing products were more favored than sugar-free ones, and Tiger™ was the most preferred brand of energy drinks among students. Forty-one percent of the energy drink-consuming students reported experiencing side effects. The knowledge of the side effects of energy drinks was the most commonly reported reason for not consuming these beverages. Older male students in their last two years of study and those living within the city were found to be more knowledgeable about energy drinks.

Conclusions: The level of knowledge regarding energy drinks was low, which should be a cause for concern, especially given the increasing popularity of energy drinks and the marketing campaigns targeting youth.

Potential Drug-Drug Interactions and their Associated Factors at the University Children's Hospital in Syria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Linda Hsien, Samir Srour — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: Polypharmacy among pediatric inpatients is common and exposes children to the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). This study aimed to characterize potential DDIs (pDDIs) and their associated risk factors among pediatric inpatients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the University Children's Hospital in Damascus. A total of 575 children taking two drugs or more participated. pDDIs were checked using Lexi-Interact® software. pDDIs within risk category B (No action needed), C (Monitor therapy), D (Modify regimen), and X (Avoid combination) were included. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with pDDIs.

Results: At least one pDDI was detected in 49.7% of children. Overall, 744 pDDIs were identified. The majority of pDDIs were within risk category C (71.6%), followed by D (14%), B (12.8%), and X (1.6%). The most common pDDIs were: aminoglycosides - penicillins (n=56), aminoglycosides - cephalosporins (n=27), and vitamin D analogs - calcium salts (n=23). The number of prescribed drugs and nervous system drugs were significantly associated with the presence of pDDIs.

Conclusion: pDDIs among pediatric inpatients were prevalent. The majority of the pDDIs were within risk category C, which necessitates therapy monitoring and necessary action to avoid adverse consequences.

MMP-1 and MMP-7 Expression is Influenced by Ginsenosides in Mice Exposed to Aflatoxin B1: in vivo Study

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Panax ginseng (PG), one of the most widely used herbal medicines, has demonstrated various beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer impacts. Naturally occurring ginsenosides in the ginseng plant inhibit cell proliferation and significantly reduce liver damage induced by certain chemicals. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a primary mycotoxin due to its hepatotoxic, immunotoxic, and oncogenic effects in animal models and humans. In this study, we examined the effects of assorted doses of PG aqueous crude extract on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 7 (MMP-1 and MMP-7) in the kidney, spleen, and liver of experimental AFB1-exposed mice, using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mice were orally administered 6 mg/kg body weight (bw) of refined AFB1 (isolated and extracted from Aspergillus flavus, conc. 0.05 ppm) twice weekly for two weeks. We then compared the effects of three different doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg bw) of crude ginseng. We estimated the expression of MMP-1 and 7 in organs using IHC. We used the 6 mg/kg of purified AFB1, representing a 60% concentration, as a control group. IHC analysis showed that MMP (1 and 7) expression in the spleen, liver, and kidney of mice decreased after treatment with ginseng crude extract. MMP-1 expression was reduced in the liver by approximately 2.6 times, while the effectiveness in the MMP-1 reduction reached 9 and 8 times, respectively, in the spleen and kidney when treated with a higher dose of PG compared to the control. MMP-7 expression was reduced in the liver by approximately 13 times, while the reduction effectiveness fell to 2.3 and 5.6 times in the spleen and kidney when treated with a higher dose of PG compared to the control. The reduction in MMPs expression due to the effect of PG aqueous crude extract was observed to act against the effect of AFB1 on various living organs involved in AFB1 metabolism. IHC analysis indicated a more significant reduction efficiency observed in the expression of MMP-7 compared to both studied markers in the mice's liver.