Jordan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Investigating Factors Impacting Hospitalization Duration in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Case-Control Study in Jordan

Mahmood Al-Ibadah — 2025-03-25

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory illness of the upper respiratory tract. Evaluating the variables that influence the period of hospitalization and complications in COVID-19 patients can help effectively and safely decrease undesirable events. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate parameters influencing the length of hospital stay (LOS) in COVID-19 patients.

Patients and Methods: A retrospective case-control study involving hospitalized patients due to COVID-19. Demographic information, clinical treatment, and laboratory data were obtained from their medical records. Laboratory assessments included C-reactive protein (CRP), D-Dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, urea, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), uric acid, and complete blood count. Statistical analyses involved bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions to identify predictors of prolonged LOS.

Results: The median LOS for 83 patients was 7 days (IQR = 6–8). The median age of the patients was 58 years. Approximately half the patients were in the high-risk group (44.6%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high neutrophil count (AOR = 1.144 95% CI 1.059–1.236, p = 0.001) increased the odds of prolonged LOS. In contrast, high creatinine levels decreased the odds of prolonged LOS (AOR 0.431, 95% CI 0.211–0.880, p = 0.021).

Conclusions: LOS was associated with increased neutrophil and decreased creatinine. Understanding these factors can assist in optimizing care and resource allocation in hospitals during health crises.

Enhanced Platelet Activation Induced by Palbociclib Treatment in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Basma Ateeq Abu msafer — 2025-03-25

Background and aim: The crosstalk between platelets and cancer cells is bidirectional. Cancer cells can activate platelets, a process known as "tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation". On the other hand, platelets provide essential assistance to tumor cells by helping them adhere to blood vessels, facilitating their escape from the bloodstream, and enabling their spread to distant tissues. This study investigates the effect of Palbociclib, an FDA-approved cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitor, on breast cancer-cell-induced platelet activation.

Method: Platelet activation, as indicated by the expression of CD62P (P-selectin), was assessed by flow cytometry. In addition, platelet attachment to MCF-7 cancer cells was studied using confocal microscopy.

Results: Palbociclib's half-maximal concentration (IC₅₀) was found to be 19.54 µM after 72 h. About 36.9% + 0.98 of platelets were activated by untreated MCF-7. Pretreatment of MCF-7 cells with Palbociclib (9.75 µM equivalent to 1/2 IC₅₀) increased platelet activation significantly by 63.3% + 8.85 (P<0.01) while 4.87 µM Palbociclib (1/4 IC₅₀) increased platelet activation by 43.0% + 2.83 with no significant difference compared to untreated cells. Confocal microscopy results suggest the presence of a direct interaction between breast cancer cells and platelets.

Conclusion: Palbociclib increased tumor-induced platelet activation in MCF-7 hormone-positive breast cancer cell line.

Hypolipidemic and Vasoprotective Potential of Caralluma edulis: A Histological and Biochemical Study

Tayyaba Qanwil — 2025-03-25

Caralluma edulis (Apocynaceae) is well known for its medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic activities, and has been used as a valuable remedy in various cultures. This scientific study aimed to validate the efficacy of C. edulis in lowering lipid profiles using two hyperlipidemic animal models: lipofundin-induced rabbits and fructose-induced rats. Lipofundin was administered intravenously at 2 mL/kg for 23 days, while fructose (25% w/v) was given for 28 consecutive days by dissolving it in drinking water to induce dyslipidemia and vascular dysfunction. The hydroalcoholic extract of C. edulis was orally administered (250 and 500 mg/kg) to experimental groups, while atorvastatin (10 mg/kg p.o.) was given only to the standard control group. Blood samples were collected to assess various biochemical parameters. Furthermore, histological examinations of liver and thoracic aorta tissues from fructose-fed rats were conducted, along with an evaluation of their vasorelaxant properties. The hydro-methanolic extract of C. edulis demonstrated dose-dependent hypolipidemic effects, significantly reducing serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins at a dose of 500 mg/kg in both models, comparable to atorvastatin. Additionally, the hydroalcoholic extract exhibited significant endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant activity and hepatoprotective effects in fructose-fed rats. C. edulis also displayed antioxidant potential through free radical scavenging activity. These findings suggest that C. edulis possesses hypolipidemic and vasoprotective properties, likely attributed to its active pharmacological constituents, supporting its traditional use.

A Comprehensive Review of Canarium odontophyllum Fruits and Their Multifaceted Benefits

Lim Joe Siang — 2025-03-25

The rare plant Canarium odontophyllum Miq., locally known as "dabai," is found in Sarawak, Malaysia. The fruit is often consumed for its purported health benefits, but it remains underutilized due to its short shelf life, particularly in rural areas. Despite being a seasonal fruit, dabai is recognized for its nutritional value, and some studies have explored Canarium odontophyllum's biological properties to support its use as a nutraceutical and health supplement. The pulp, peel, and kernel of the dabai fruit are all nutrient-dense, bioactive components, rich in dietary fiber. The fruit contains flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Furthermore, crude extracts from Canarium odontophyllum have shown a variety of therapeutic benefits, including antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antifungal effects. Dabai is particularly notable for its high nutritional content, which includes significant amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from 1980 through November 2023 to identify relevant publications.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials of Nicotiana glauca Graham Leaves Extracts and Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles: A Phytochemical Approach

Tsion Guta — 2025-03-25

Nicotiana glauca is a medicinal plant that belongs to the genus Nicotiana, traditionally used for the treatment of many diseases. This study aims to screen the phytochemical content of leaf extracts of Nicotiana glauca, synthesize silver nanoparticles using the extracts, and evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The leaf samples were collected, air-dried, and ground into powder. The leaf powder was macerated with distilled water, methanol, n-hexane, and chloroform to extract the phytochemicals. Phytochemical analysis was performed using standard methods. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was achieved by mixing a 3 mM silver nitrate solution with the plant extract, and the synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The antioxidant activities of the extracts and the synthesized silver nanoparticles were evaluated by the DPPH scavenging assay, while the in vitro antimicrobial activities were evaluated using the agar disc diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal strains. The results of the phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, phenolics, steroids, and glycosides. The results of the antioxidant activity evaluation of AgNPs, methanol extract, chloroform extract, and n-hexane extract showed that they possess remarkable antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activity analysis also indicated that percentage inhibition and IC50 were dose-dependent. Synthesized silver nanoparticles showed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 78 μg/mL, while the methanol extract gave an IC50 value of 170 μg/mL. The results of the antimicrobial activity evaluation showed that the plant extract and the synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activities. The highest zone of inhibition observed was 16.33±1.155 mm for synthesized silver nanoparticles and 15.33±1.155 mm for the plant extract. The lowest zone of inhibition observed was 9.67±0.577 mm for synthesized silver nanoparticles and 7.33±0.577 mm for the plant extract. Generally, the plant extracts and synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Further studies should be conducted on the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of this plant.

In vitro Analysis of the Anticancer and Antidiabetic Effects of Teucrium orientale Leaf Hydrophilic Extract Grown in Two Palestinian Geographic Areas

Johnny Amer — 2025-03-25

Several studies have demonstrated that Teucrium orientale (T. orientale) species have therapeutic advantages, such as antioxidant, bacteriostatic, spasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to assess the possible antidiabetic and anticancer activities of T. orientale leaf hydrophilic extracts collected from two distinct geographic regions in Palestine: Jerusalem and Ramallah. T. orientale hydrophilic extract was tested for its antidiabetic and anticancer properties on α-amylase activity and Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells, respectively. The anticancer effect on LLC was evaluated by flow cytometry for cell proliferation and Annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) staining for cell apoptosis. The T. orientale extract from Jerusalem had an IC50 of 7.43±0.84 μg/ml for inhibiting α-amylase enzyme activity, whereas the Ramallah extract had an IC50 value of 23.2±0.29 μg/ml. These values were compared to the positive control, Acarbose, which had an IC50 of 43.91±1.08 μg/ml. LLC cells were treated with one of the two extracts of T. orientale at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/ml) for 24 hours, and cell proliferation was assessed using an XTT assay. Total inhibition of LLC proliferation was achieved at 400 μg/ml in both extracts. The T. orientale extract from Jerusalem demonstrated a more efficient inhibitory effect at lower concentrations. Increasing concentrations of T. orientale (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/ml) from the two geographic areas, Ramallah and Jerusalem, had no effect on the apoptosis rate in the control group. In contrast, elevated rates of apoptosis were observed following treatment with T. orientale extract in LLC cells at all tested concentrations, and this was positively associated with the late apoptosis marker Annexin-V+/PI+. Moreover, the T. orientale extract from Jerusalem exhibited an apoptotic rate of 90±3.4% at the highest concentration of 400 mg/ml, compared to 62.6±3.4% following treatment with the Ramallah extract. This suggests that the T. orientale extract from Jerusalem induced apoptosis in LLC cells more efficiently than the extract from Ramallah. The extracts derived from T. orientale show promising potential as a natural antidiabetic and anticancer agent, as evidenced by their ability to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme, impede the growth of LLC cells, and enhance apoptosis. Further in vivo and preclinical investigations are required to validate these effects.

Caregiver Views and Practices Regarding Children's Antibiotic Suspensions in Lebanon

Ghassan M. Sonji — 2025-03-25

Lebanon grapples with the pressing challenge of pediatric antibiotic misuse. To tackle this issue, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Beirut aimed at assessing caregivers' knowledge and practices regarding children's antibiotic suspensions. A total of 113 caregivers were interviewed at pharmacies to evaluate their comprehension of medication instructions, dosing accuracy, storage/disposal practices, and satisfaction with pharmacist counseling. Results indicated that while 67.3 % of caregivers demonstrated a clear understanding of medication instructions and 63.7 % followed proper reconstitution, concerning practices surfaced. Notably, 71.7 % of caregivers stored leftover suspensions in kitchens. However, 56.6 % correctly disposed of them. Widespread use of cold mineral water as a diluent (66.4 %) contradicts guidelines. Pharmacists played a crucial role, with 69.1 % of caregivers receiving counseling, yet averaging only 3.7 minutes, suggesting room for improvement. Significant correlations emerged between accurate understanding and proper reconstitution (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the need for clearer instructions for caregivers, educational initiatives on appropriate storage and disposal, and enhanced training for pharmacists. Addressing these aspects can improve health outcomes in Lebanon and contribute to the global fight against antibiotic resistance.

Assessing Minipigs as Superior Non-Rodent Pre-Clinical Models: Insights from Plasma Protein Binding and Metabolism of Marketed NSAIDs Compared Across Species

Subodh Mondal — 2025-03-25

As per regulatory authorities’ requirements, pre-clinical studies need to be conducted in at least one rodent and one non-rodent species. Usually, dogs are considered the non-rodent pre-clinical species of choice even though minipigs and monkeys are physiologically closer to humans than dogs. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that minipigs may be a better model for pre-clinical studies compared to dogs for some drug classes. In the present in vitro study, plasma protein binding and metabolic stability in liver microsomes of nine marketed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was evaluated in minipig, dog, monkey, and human species. Eight out of nine tested NSAIDs showed statistically similar plasma protein binding in minipig and human plasma which was different from dog and monkey plasma. Similarly, drug metabolism assays showed similar metabolism in minipig and human liver microsomes, which was different compared to dog and monkey liver microsomes. The results from both the assays showed greater similarity between minipigs and humans suggesting the use of minipig species as a better pre-clinical non-rodent model for NSAIDs instead of the conventional dog species. Additionally, the use of the more accessible minipig species may help in saving time and resources during pre-clinical studies and may help the safety studies in humans during later stage clinical trials.

Exploring Payment Refusals for Health Insurance-Covered Medical Costs: A Hospital Case Study in Vietnam

Duyen Thi My Huynh — 2025-03-25

Adjudication and rejection of payment for healthcare costs covered by health insurance pose challenges in maintaining healthcare operations and ensuring the rights of patients and healthcare staff at hospitals. Research on this issue is limited globally and in Vietnam. This study was conducted to understand the current status of refusal to pay medical examinations and treatment costs covered by health insurance at a hospital in Can Tho, Vietnam, and to explore the reasons for payment refusal. A cross-sectional descriptive study retrieved data on health insurance-covered medical expenses that were refused at a hospital in Can Tho, Vietnam, over three years from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. This study found that from 2020 to 2022, the number of settlements was consistently lower than the proposed costs. The highest refused payment amount in 2022 was 334,232,049 Vietnamese dong (0.4%). Inpatient health insurance-covered medical expenses faced greater payment refusal than outpatient expenses. Medications, surgical procedures, and bed charges were the top three reasons for payment refusal from 2020 to 2022. The primary cause of payment refusal remains predominantly associated with medication costs. This poses challenges in cost management and necessitates measures to address the issue of payment refusal within the health insurance system.

Diclofenac Adsorption from Contaminated Water onto Olive-Leaf-Derived Adsorbent

Zuhier Alakayleh — 2025-03-25

This study investigates the adsorption of diclofenac (DCF) onto an olive leaf-derived adsorbent. The harvested olive leaves were washed, dried, and powdered then extracted with 80% ethanol. The extraction was filtered, washed with sodium hypochlorite, and ethanol, and then dried. The material was then activated using sodium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, and dead sea water, for the adsorption of DCF from contaminated water being investigated. Various operational parameters such as dosage, contact time, DCF concentration, and pH were systematically varied to understand their influence on adsorption efficiency. The kinetics of DCF adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Isothermal studies revealed that the adsorption process conforms well with the Freundlich isotherm, suggesting multilayer adsorption onto a heterogeneous surface. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. Morphological analysis completed using the SEM data demonstrated a transformation in the porous structure of the adsorbent, indicating effective pore occupation by DCF molecules post-adsorption. Overall, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of olive leaf-derived adsorbent in efficiently removing DCF from aqueous solutions.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Cardamom Extract on Nephropathy Induced by Aspirin in Rats Model

Bayan AlMallah — 2025-03-25

Analgesic-induced nephropathy is a serious complication resulting from the chronic overuse of analgesics, especially over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin. The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of cardamom extract on aspirin-induced nephropathy in rat models. Twenty-four female Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=8/group): control(no treatment); (ASA) aspirin 600 mg/kg/day for 4 days, and (ASA + Card) aspirin + cardamom extract 200 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Cardamom aqueous extract was prepared. Phenol and flavonoid contents were calculated. The kidney/body weight ratio was calculated, and serum urea and creatinine were measured. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by measuring Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in kidney tissue. Histological alterations were also assessed. Parametric data were evaluated using the One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, followed by Tukey's test. Nonparametric data were evaluated by the Mann–Whitney test and Fisher’s tests. The results were considered significant at P<0.05. Total phenol 23.4 mg gallic acid equivalents / g dry extract, and flavonoids 1.77 mg quercetin equivalents /g dry extract. In the ASA group, kidney weight/body weight ratio, Serum biomarkers, and MDA concentrations were significantly increased, while SOD levels decreased, compared with the control group. The histological examinations showed significant tubular and glomerular injuries. There was a significant improvement in the Card histological and serum when compared with the aspirin group. Cardamom aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) showed effective therapeutic ability against aspirin-induced nephropathy by improving kidney functions, and enzymatic and histological parameters, due to their antioxidant activity in oxidative stress induced by aspirin.

Exploring Anti-inflammatory Targets of Flavonoids through Integrated Molecular Docking and Network Pharmacology

Revati Thakre — 2025-03-25

Inflammation is a complex physiological response associated with numerous diseases. Flavonoids, a class of natural compounds widely distributed in plants, have demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory properties. However, their comprehensive mechanisms of action and potential molecular targets remain indefinable. In the present study, we employed a network pharmacology approach combined with molecular docking to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of some flavonoids. Initially, we collected and curated a comprehensive database such as ADMET parameters and targets from Swiss ADME, ADMET 2.O and Swiss target predication. We further constructed a protein-protein interaction network to identify key proteins involved in inflammation by using string database. Subsequently, we integrated the flavonoid dataset with the protein network to establish potential flavonoid-protein interactions by using Cytosacpe vina. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were done with the help of David database. Molecular docking was accomplished through Autodock Vina, and assessed the binding affinity of selected flavonoids towards the identified target proteins. The docking analysis provided insights into the specific interactions between flavonoids and target proteins, elucidating the potential mechanisms underlying their anti-inflammatory effects. The bioactive components ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin and hesperidin modulates many molecular and cellular processes and then exerts anti-inflammatory effects. From the analysis the key targets were participated in inflammatory bowel disease, IL 17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, rheumatoid arthritis, lipopolysaccharides etc. Further molecular docking studies also revealed that binding affinity of selected flavonoids were higher than that of diclofenac.

A Recent Review of PLGA-PEG Hybrid Nanoparticles for Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Applications

Sina Matalqah — 2025-03-25

Numerous synthetic polymers have been investigated to be used in nanomedicine over the past few decades, particularly in drug delivery systems. Necessitating properties including non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible. Among these, polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) which stands out due to its complete biodegradability and ability to self-assemble into nanometric micelles. However, their large diameter (150–200 nm), poor stability in aqueous media, and their removal from the bloodstream by the liver and spleen hindering the in vivo treatments. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most widely used polymer in drug delivery systems, and the first PEGylated product has been on the market for over 20 years. PEG has a stealth behavior; therefore, it will not be recognized by the immune system. Further, PEG is hydrophilic polymer that could stabilize nanoparticles through steric rather than ionic effects. In this review article, the important of utilizing PLGA-PEG nanoparticles as polymeric drug carriers has been revised and the advantages of employing PLGA-PEG copolymer to form stable and well-defined, nanoparticles for drug delivery applications have been summarized. Moreover, the review aimed to shed light on the various methods employed in their preparation. Additionally, recent advancements in PLGA-PEG copolymer preparations for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory therapies, are discussed in detail. The other applications of PGA-PEG have been extensively reviewed in other publications. Therefore, it was not addressed in this review.

Exploration of Antidiabetic and Diuretic Activities of Lumnitzera racemosa and Eclipta alba with Molecular Docking Study

Mrinal Mitra — 2025-03-25

The goal of the current study was to look at the leaves of Lumnitzera racemosa (Family: Combretaceae) and aerial part of Eclipta alba (Family: Asteraceae) for its phytochemical constituents and selected pharmacological activities (diuretic and antidiabetic). Diuretic medications are used to treat hypertension. Diabetes and hypertension are two common disease of geriatric patients and our aim was to explore medicinal plants of Sundarbans to find therapeutic of these diseases. The presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, reducing sugar, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, gum, steroids, saponin, and acidic chemicals was shown by phytochemical study of L. racemosa and E. alba showed the existence of tannin, saponin, flavonoid, gum, alkaloid, steroid, and terpenoid. Both plants extract was fractionated depending on polarity using n-hexane (non-polar), ethyl acetate (medium-polar) and water (polar). In the diuretic activity assay using Swiss Albino mice, none of the fractions of L. racemosa and E. alba showed diuretic activity but n-hexane 500 mg/kg of E. alba exhibited little diuretic activity compared to the standard frusemide. Swiss Albino mice were used to assess the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in order to measure antidiabetic activity. In OGTT, water fraction 500 mg/kg of L. racemosa and E. alba showed blood glucose lowering activity compared to the standard Glibenclamide. We had performed in silico study among reported eight (08) compounds of L. racemosa against 1V4S (human glucokinase) protein. In comparison to classic glibenclamide (-8.5 kcal/mol), myricitrin had a good docking score of -8.4 kcal/mol. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that L. racemosa and E. alba could be a possible source of therapeutic leads for hypertension and hyperglycemia.

Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Niacin and Pterostilbene in Single and Multi-Doses in Healthy Subjects

Abdul Hannan Peer — 2025-03-25

Background: The potential of natural antioxidants blends in metabolic syndromes and other ailments have been repeatedly investigated. Majority of studies are based on pharmacologic interactions and limited on their pharmacokinetic interactions. This study aimed to provide insight about pharmacokinetic interactions of niacin and pterostilbene upon concurrent administration and to quantify their blood concentrations in single and multiple doses.

Methodology: A randomized, open label, crossover design was followed to study pharmacokinetic interaction between niacin (NA) and pterostilbene (PT) in single- and multi-dose combinations in healthy volunteers. Subjects were administered with single and multiple doses (250mg/dose each) in individual and combinations for one week. Blood samples were collected and analyzed on newly developed HPLC-UV method for simultaneous quantification employing hexa-decyltrimethylammonium-bromide as ion pairing.

Results: Our method was found linear over applied concentration range (0.020-20µg mL^-1) and sensitive (lower quantification limits were 50 and 22ng mL^-1 for NA and PT). Pharmacokinetic profiling (C_max,T_max,AUC_,MRT, and t_1/2) of administered antioxidants showed no significant influence of analytes over one another in both single and multidose therapies. Comparing individual vs. combinations, statistically insignificant (p>0.05) variations were observed in plasma drug concentrations.

Conclusion: Findings of this study revealed the biocompatibility of test drugs proven by pharmacokinetic data and therefore can be used safely at their recommended doses in combined formulations.

In Silico Antioxidant Activity of Six Volatile Constituents in Capsella bursa-pastoris

Mawadda Al-Shaar — 2025-03-25

Capsella bursa-pastoris is a wild herb with high nutritional value that can be eaten raw or cooked in some countries. It is also used in the traditional medicine of many countries as an anti-bleeding agent and to relieve inflammation. This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of essential oil and assess the in silico antioxidant activity of six volatile constituents in Capsella bursa-pastoris grown in Syria. The essential oil was extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, in silico pharmacokinetics and molecular docking of six volatile constituents (Phytone, Phytol, Farnesylacetone, Octa-3,5-dien-2-one, m-menthane, and beta-ionone) were performed on Xanthine oxidase (PDB ID: 1 FIQ). The results revealed the presence of thirty-eight compounds. The main compounds were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (Phytone) at 20.2%, diacetyl-4,4',6,6'-tetramethoxy-2,2'-biphenyldiol at 8.46%, diisopropyl methylphosphonate at 6.45%, and beta-ionone at 5.24%. Farnesyl acetone and beta-ionone exhibited the highest binding affinity, ranging from -5.4 to -6.4 kcal/mol. The essential oil of Capsella bursa-pastoris is a potential source of antioxidants.

Polypharmacy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients of the PROLANIS Program in Indonesia: Identification of Potential Drug-Drug Interaction

Ida Lisni — 2025-03-25

The identification of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) becomes critical in evaluating medication safety among diabetes mellitus patients. This study aimed to identify the pDDIs of polypharmacy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients of the Chronic Disease Management Program or Program Pengelolaan Penyakit Kronis (PROLANIS) Program. The T2D patients aged ≥18 were selected consecutively. A total sample of prescriptions containing ≥5 drugs was included. The mean age of patients was 62.70 ± 9.85 years (range 24–92 years), 62% were elderly, and 56.8% were females. Polypharmacy prescriptions were most prevalent in the Internal Medicine Department (92.8%). Of the 250 prescriptions, approximately 78.4% contained at least one pDDI. A total of 515 pDDIs were identified, with a median of 2 pDDIs per patient. Of these, 89.7% were of moderate severity. The drug pairs involved in moderate-severity pDDIs were glimepiride-metformin, glimepiride-bisoprolol, and metformin-ramipril. The number of drugs per prescription is a significant predictor of pDDIs (aOR = 7.48; 95% CI = 1.73-32.32). Subsequent analysis revealed that prescriptions containing eight or more drugs were 4.31 times more likely to have more than five pDDIs (p=0.010). Pharmacists must play a pivotal role in managing chronic disease medication to reduce drug interaction risks. This study suggests developing a digital system for healthcare professionals to improve patient medication safety.

Chemical Constituents and in Vitro/In Vivo Pharmacological Effects of Mentha piperita L. Essential oil in Different Regions of Algeria

Latifa Halli — 2025-03-25

This study focuses on Mentha piperita L. cultivated in two regions with distinct bioclimatic levels. The aim is to assess and compare the yield, chemical composition, and pharmacological activities of the plant in these diverse environmental conditions. The phytochemical profile of Mentha piperita L essential oils was established using gas chromatographic analysis. The pharmacological activities were performed in vivo and in vitro using analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant assays. The optimal yield of essential oil is obtained from the region of Oued Souf with 1.02% and that of the region of Algiers is equal to 0.86%. The GC/MS analysis revealed a richness of the essential oil in Linalool as well as its derivatives linalyl acetate for Oued Souf and linalyl butyrate for Algiers. In all pharmacological activities, the essential oil of Mentha piperita L from Oued Souf region was significantly more potent than essential oil from Algiers. This study can contribute to the application of Mentha piperita L essential oil in the pharmaceutical industry as a promising natural reservoir of volatile compounds with noteworthy therapeutic properties.

Vitamin A Precursor: Beta-Carotene Alleviates the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Retinopathy in Male Adult Zebrafish via the Regulation of the Polyol Pathway

Yamunna Paramaswaran — 2025-03-25

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a progressive neurovascular disorder due to damage to retinal blood vessels. Beta-carotene acts as retinal chromophores and initiates photo-transduction and epithelial maintenance. Beta-carotene (BC) is present in palm oil mill effluent, and it is called palm oil mill effluent-derived beta-carotene (PBC). The present study is designed to evaluate the effect of PBC in streptozotocin-induced DR in zebrafish by measuring the oxidative stress, inflammation, and polyol pathway markers. The five groups of healthy Danio rerio were used in this study. The diabetes retinopathy was instigated by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ) followed by intravitreal administration of STZ on the 7^th day. The exposure of PBC (50 and 100 mg/L) and dexamethasone (DEX) was administered for 21 continuous days. The DR-associated visual behaviours i.e., optomotor response (OMR) and startle response (SR) were appraised on 0, 7, 14, and 21^st days. The biochemical changes i.e., plasma glucose & homocysteine (HCY); retinal tissue lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total protein levels were estimated. The lens was used for the evaluation of polyol pathway markers i.e., sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and aldose reductase (AR) activity. The PBC potentially attenuated the DR with the regulation of biochemical abnormalities which is similar to DEX treated group. Hence, PBC can be used for the management of DR due to its anti-hyperglycemia, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and polyol pathway regulatory actions.

Therapeutic Effect of Propolis against Biofilm Gene Expression in Candida albicans

Mouna Akeel Hamed Al-Oebady — 2025-03-25

The sticky substance called propolis is made from plants and is produced by honeybees. It has been used as a folk remedy since ancient times, and it has numerous pharmaceutical benefits, such as antibacterial and antifungal. The objective of this work was to determine the impact of propolis on the expression of three genes (Ece1, Sap5, and Als3) known to be implicated in the development of C.albicans biofilms and define the minimum inhibitory concentration of propolis required for this purpose. The XTT test was used to assess the anti-biofilm activity of propolis in order to ascertain the formation of biofilm on 100 C. albicans isolates from stool samples and calculate the minimum inhibitory concentration of propolis that inhibits the biofilm of C. albicans during 24 and 48 h. Finally, the impact of propolis on the expression of the Ece1, Sap5, and Als3 genes in C. albicans was examined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction and compared with the results that appeared in the gene expression of the biofilm C. albicans untreated propolis during 24 and 48 h, and it was considered a control. Through comparison, biofilm formation was found to decrease as propolis concentration and time increased. Accordingly, the MIC of propolis was 40% w/v, and its minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was 50% (w/v) in biofilm-forming C .albicans. Additionally, gene expression level analysis revealed a decrease in Ece1, Sap5, and Als3 expression levels with propolis treatment during 24 and 48h.