Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources

Modification effects on some physicochemical properties of starch extracted from Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br. (Lamiaceae) tubers

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

There has been renewed interest in the modification of starches obtained from locally available plant materials for industrial use. This study evaluated the effects of modification on some physicochemical properties of Plectranthus esculentus starch. Modification of the native starch was achieved by acetylation, carboxymethylation, starch xerogel formation, and by dual modification processes involving a combination of acetylation followed by oxidation, and acetylation followed by xerogel formation. The native and modified starch materials were evaluated against the ICH standards and requirements for pharmaceutical grade starch: the degree of substitution, total microbial load content, starch microscopy, starch thermal behaviour, proximate, elemental and phytochemical composition. Results from the physicochemical characters revealed how modification influences the purity of the starch derivatives by decreasing
some of the major starch contaminants (proteins and fats), absence of bioactive constituents, microbial contaminant and elemental impurities makes them relevant for intended use as excipients. Derivatives of CMS, ACS-XG and XG were thermally stable and did not exhibit thermal transitions upon heating. The implication of the results is that modification of Plectranthus esculentus starch, improved on the physicochemical properties evaluated for the starch derivatives and may provide a suitable alternative as excipients in pharmaceutical application.

Removal of cationic, anionic and neutral dyes using inorganic nano-sized UiO-66 particles for sustainable water remediation

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing demand for clean water, driven by rapid population growth, industrialization, and climate change, has necessitated the development of efficient water treatment technologies. This study investigates the potential of inorganic nano-sized Universiteteti Oslo-66 (UiO-66) particles as an adsorbent for dye removal from aqueous solutions. UiO-66 was synthesized via a solvothermal method and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis
to evaluate its structural and morphological features. Adsorption experiments were performed under varying pH, temperature, stirring speed, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration. The highest dye removal efficiency (98%) was recorded at pH 7, 30°C, 3000 rpm stirring speed, 0.9 g dosage, and 100 mg/L dye concentration in 15 minutes. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic models showed good fit, while thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process was endothermic and spontaneous. The point of zero charge (pH_Pzc) of UiO-66 was also determined to understand its surface charge behaviour. The study highlights the effective adsorption capability of nano-sized UiO-66 particles and provides insights that support the development of sustainable water remediation technologies.

Inhibitory effects of rutin on uterine contractions in nonpregnant and pregnant mice ex vivo

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rutin, a naturally occurring bioflavonoid abundant in fruits and vegetables, has been extensively studied for its effects on various smooth muscle organs, including ileum, duodenum, thoracic aorta, trachea and bronchial rings. Its effects on uterine smooth muscle, are not yet documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rutin on uterine contractions in pregnant and non-pregnant mice. The isolated uterine strips from pregnant and non-pregnant mice were exposed to increasing concentrations of rutin. Effects of rutin on oxytocin- and high potassium chloride (KCl; 80 mM)-induced contractions, as well as effect on oxytocin-induced contraction in calcium-free physiological solution (PSS) were also evaluated. Rutin decreased frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions of both pregnant and non-pregnant mouse uterus in concentration-dependent manner. Rutin did not inhibit contractions
stimulated by oxytocin and high KCl. It did not also inhibit oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in a calcium-free PSS. The findings show that rutin inhibits uterine smooth muscle contractions in both pregnant and non-pregnant mice, but the exact mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear.

Pharmacognostic and fertility enhancing investigation of Desmodium scorpiurus sw. Desv. (Fabaceae) whole plant extracts

Temitayo Lucia Ohemu, Thomas Philip Yakubu, Sunshine Ogwu Ochala — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims at evaluating the pharmacognostic features and fertility enhancing potential of Desmodium scorpiurus. The fresh and powdered plant materials were subjected to macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis using official methods. The powdered plant was extracted successively by maceration using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and distilled water respectively. The four extracts were evaluated for acute oral toxicity at a dose of 2000 mg kg^-1 body weight in mice. Preliminary fertility enhancing potential of 80% methanol extract of D. scorpiurus was assessed using Drosophila melanogaster. Microscopy revealed paracytic and anisocytic stomata, glandular and non-glandular trichomes, calcium oxalate prisms, starch grains and pitted vessels. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroid, terpene and cardiac glycosides were present in the extracts of D. scorpiurus. The acute toxicity assay showed that all plant extracts were safe even at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. The preliminary fertility enhancing potential investigated in this study showed that D. scorpiurus improve fertility in fruit fly. Higher number of flies’ emergence were observed at 5, 50 and 1000 mg/10 g diet of D. scorpiurus extract for group 1 and at 25, 100 and 500 mg/10 g diet for Group 2, compared with the control.

Detection of antibiotic-producing microorganisms with antimicrobial activities against selected clinical isolates

Bashir Abdullahi, Amina M. Gumel — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Soil microorganisms, particularly from diverse environments, are known for producing bioactive compounds with potential applications in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study investigated the antimicrobial activities of secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms isolated from various soil samples sites within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria. Potential antibiotic-producing microorganisms were isolated and screened for antibiotic production using crowded plate and dual-culture methods respectively. The isolated microorganisms were identified using phenotypic characterization. Secondary metabolites of the isolated microorganisms were tested for antimicrobial activities against some clinical isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur) using agar well diffusion method. The antibiotic-producing microorganisms with antagonistic activities against these clinical isolates were phenotypically identified to be Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Candida tropicalis, Mucor circinelloides, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The secondary metabolites of these soil microorganisms exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory activities at different concentrations (12.5-100%) against the clinical isolates. Different concentrations of Candida tropicalis metabolite (12.5-100%) showed broad spectrum activities against the clinical isolates with diameter zones of inhibition ranging from 15-50 mm. This study showed the potential of the isolated soil microorganisms in developing new antimicrobial agents to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Pharmacognostic studies on the stem bark of Detarium senegalense J.F. Gmelin (Fabaceae)

Safiya K. Asma'i, Yabalu Z. Abacha, Hajara Ibrahim, Adamu A. Ambi — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Detarium senegalense, (Family: Fabaceae) tree reaching 35-40 m, is valued for its fruit, shade, and medicinal uses in Nigeria, known locally as “Kwakuragwahiu” or “Taura.” Its stem bark, leaves, seeds, and roots treat ailments like headaches and menstrual pain, yet standardisation parameters for the bark were previously undefined. This study established Pharmacognostic standards through macroscopic, microscopic, chemo-microscopic, physicochemical, and phytochemical analyses. Macroscopically, the bark is greyish-brown, aromatic, and astringent. Microscopic examination revealed epidermal layers, cortex, xylem, phloem, and pith, with powdered
bark containing cork cells, fibres, calcium oxalate crystals, and starch grains. Chemo-microscopy identified cellulose, lignin, tannins, starch, and mucilage. Physicochemical results included moisture content (3.67%), total ash (5.63%), acid-insoluble ash (1.63%), water-soluble ash (2.88%), ethanol/water extractive values (17.80%/20.20%), swelling index (19.64%), tannins (0.82%), and alkaloids (0.73%). Phytochemical screening detected alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, and carbohydrates. These findings provide critical benchmarks for quality control, ensuring the bark’s authenticity, purity, and consistency in herbal preparations. The study bridges gaps in standardisation, aiding future research and sustainable use of D. senegalense in traditional medicine.