HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF BANANA PEEL FLOUR ON HISTOLOGICAL AND LIVER FUNCTION IN DIABETIC RATS

In diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to hyperglycemia metabolism. This study aimed to find out how a banana peel supplemented diet affected histological and liver function changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and tryptophan are all contained in banana peel flour (BPF). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been linked to depression and anxiety. This post-test-only control group study was conducted on twenty-five male Wistar rats which were separated into five groups with different treatments. Groups II to V were diabetic rats model groups that consumed standard diet mixed with BPF 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%, respectively, while group I was a healthy control group fed a standard diet. Hepatic enzyme transaminase (Alanine Aminotransferase-ALT and Aspartate Aminotransferase - AST) and Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining were analyzed with the NAFLD score to examine the liver function and hepatocellular morphology. A change in liver function was observed, as well as a substantial change in the levels of ALT and AST. The NAFLD score with HE staining showed substantial improvements in liver morphology, which was better seen at a 20% BPF dose. The current study supported the hypothesis that BPF had a hepatoprotective effect in diabetic rats, which may be due to the mechanism of controlling the hepatic enzyme transaminase and inducing liver regeneration.

Immunostimulant Activity of Marchantia paleacea Bertol. Herb Liverwort Ethanol Extract in BALB/c Mice

Immunostimulants are compounds that can stimulate an immune response by increasing the activity of non-specific and specific components of the immune system (humoral and cellular) against certain infections and diseases. The liverwort plant species Marchantia paleacea Bertol. has long been used as a source of nutrition and empirical medicine. However, scientifically there is still not much research data on immunomodulators in these plants. This study aims to determine the activity of immunomodulators in the ethanol extract of the herb Marchantia paleacea Bertol. in male mice of BALB/c strain. Bioactive compounds from this plant were extracted by maceration method using 96% ethanol. Extract characterization and phytochemical screening were determined according to WHO guidelines and standard procedures from previous studies. The immunomodulatory activity of the extract was tested by carbon clearance method and lymphoid organ index (non-specific responses), primary and secondary antibody titer tests (humoral specific responses), IL-2 cytokine levels and IFN-ɣ from serum secondary antibodies and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction/DTH (cellular specific response). The results of qualitative phytochemical screening contained flavonoid compounds, saponins, phenolics, tannins and steroids/triterpenoids. The results of the non-specific immune response immunomodulator test showed that the dose of 52 mg/kg bw had the largest phagocytic index of 1.52 which included strong immunostimulation (K > 1.5) and the organ spleen index of 0.55 ± 0.11 which increased significantly compared to the control (p<0.05). The data on the acquisition of specific immune responses in the primary and secondary antibody titer test in the three test extracts resulted in increased titer levels compared to the control and at a dose of 52 mg/kg bw could significantly increase the levels of IL-2 cytokines in the control group (p<0,05). Meanwhile, in the DTH test, doses of 13 and 26 mg/kg bw could significantly increase the thickness of the soles of mice compared to controls (p<0.05).

A Novel Stability Study of Simvastatin Generic Tablet in Public Pharmacy Facilities of Purwakarta District, Indonesia

Drug stability is one of the most important criteria for producing safe, excellent and effective products. Some environmental factors that influence drug stability are light, temperature, and humidity. Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug that is known to be sensitive to high temperature and humidity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of 6 months of real-time storage conditions on the stability of generic simvastatin tablets in public pharmacy facilities. This study used simulation method with 4 brands of simvastatin generic tablets with two different strengths (10 mg and 20 mg). In the process, the sample was conditioned in 6 different regions for 6 months. The results of temperature and humidity monitoring showed 2 locations at ≤ 25 ° C, 4 locations had a temperature of ≥ 25 °C and all locations had humidity > 65 %. The drug was evaluated for physical and chemical quality parameters at months 0, 3, and 6. After being stored for 6 months, the tablets showed a decrease in disintegration time and an increase in the friability, showing lack of durability. Similarly, there was a decrease in the content concentration in the tablets but fortunately the level was still within the accepted specification range (90 – 110 %). However, there was one tablet that did not meet the dissolution test requirements after the storage duration (Q ≤ 75 % at 30 minutes). The results of the stress test showed that simvastatin degraded in all conditions. This stress test confirmed the extreme instability of simvastatin. Poor storage conditions can reduce the quality of generic simvastatin tablets, thus a well-controlled environment is vital in pharmacy facilities.

THE METABOLITE FINGERPRINTS, ANTIMALARIAL ACTIVITIES AND TOXICITIES OF ARTOCARPUS CHAMPEDEN STEMBARK FROM VARIOUS REGIONS IN INDONESIA

In Indonesia, cempedak (Artocarpus champeden Spreng) stembark from family of moraceae had been traditionally used for malarial treatment. Difference in the location of growth could cause the difference of metabolite fingerprints. As a result, there might be different toxicity and antimalarial activity in the same plants. The goal of this study was to obtain the fingerprints of the metabolites found in A. champeden stembark from different parts of Indonesia in order to authenticate and control the extract's quality. Fingerprints were performed using the HPTLC-Densitometry technique, in vitro toxicity and antimalarial activity were also determined using MTT assay and HRP2 assay. The correlation between metabolite fingerprints, toxicity and antimalarial activity was analysed using chemometrics tools: Principle Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Square (PLS) and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA). As a result, there is significant difference between fingerprints and toxicity profiles of A. champeden (p<0.05), whereas for antimalarial profiles, there is no significant difference between of them (p>0.05). Meanwhile, the nutrients (copper, zinc and manganese) are suspected to be responsible for the metabolite content. Besides morachalcone-A, compounds with Rf values ​​of 0.66 and 0.63 can be proposed as additional markers because they have responsibility for antimalarial activity and toxicity.

Clinical Characteristics and Severity Profile of COVID-19 Patient with Hypertension in Palu, Central Sulawesi

Corona virus infection (COVID-19) is still an unsolved problem in Indonesia until this year. Apart from Java, other islands, including Sulawesi, were also badly affected. The very high mortality rate in Central Sulawesi (3.36%) poses a challenge for health workers; therefore, they should be well informed and with up-to-date information about correct therapeutic decisions. One of the most common comorbidities that often occurs with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 is hypertension. This study aims to determine the clinical characteristics and severity profile and their relationship with the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients with hypertension in Palu, Central Sulawesi. A total of 185 data on COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment at the Palu City Hospital during 2021 and meeting the criteria were recruited as research samples. Patients were divided into two categories, hypertensive (43%) and non-hypertensive (57%). The results showed that the age group, comorbid diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels showed a significant relationship between the two groups (p < 0.05). The median length of stay was 12 days, with conditions leading to discharge (83%) and death (17%); patients who died were hospitalized in moderate and severe clinical conditions. Age group, liver function, and kidney function were positively correlated with severity and mortality. However, hypertension did not show a significant relationship with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients.

Immunomodulatory effect of petroleum ether extract and ethyl acetate fraction of bengkoang (Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban) in vitro

Bengkoang (Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban) contains phytosterol and the isoflavone daidzein, which are thought to have immunomodulatory activity. There have been no studies reporting on the immunomodulatory effects of bengkoang extract containing polar and semi-polar compounds, such as phytosterols and isoflavone-like compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of bengkoang extracts, including petroleum ether extract (PEE), methanol extract (ME), and the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of bengkoang, in vitro. The immunomodulatory effects of PEE, ME, and EAF of bengkoang were determined according to the phagocytic activity of macrophages based on phagocytosis of latex beads, lymphocyte proliferation, and detection of cytokine production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels. Results: The phagocytic index and phagocytic capacity of ME, PEE, and EAF of bengkoang on macrophage cells were significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas lymphocyte proliferation was unchanged compared with the control (p > 0.05), and ME of bengkoang enhanced the levels of the cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. In contrast, PEE and EAF of bengkoang decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels compared with the control group. All of the bengkoang extracts decrease the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In conclusion, this study showed that PEE, ME, and EAF of bengkoang could increase the non-specific immune response (phagocytic activity) but had a lesser effect on the specific immune response (lymphocyte proliferation). The ME of bengkoang acts as an immunostimulant by increasing the levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and decreasing those of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Medication Nonadherence: Implications for patient health outcomes in pharmacy practice

ABSTRACT Objectives: The primary objective of this review is (1) to better understand the prevalence and impact of medication nonadherence, (2) to identify risk factors for medication nonadherence, (3) to understand the association between nonadherence and its implications on patient health outcomes in pharmacy practice, and (4) to study interventions designed to improve patient adherence to prescribed medications for medical conditions, considering its impact on both medication adherence and patient health outcomes. Methods: Published journal articles were manually sorted. Additional references were obtained from citations within the retrieved articles. This review surveyed the findings of the identified articles with data extracted to presents various strategies and resources on medication nonadherence related to patients and healthcare providers. English languages were considered inclusion criteria in reviewing published articles related to medication nonadherence. This review also surveyed identified articles to determine both subjective and objective medication adherence measures. Key findings: The research in this field needs advances, including improved design of feasible long‐term interventions, objective adherence measures, and sufficient study power to detect improvements in patient health outcomes. Conclusion: Current methods of improving medication adherence for chronic health problems are mostly complex and ineffective so full benefits of treatment cannot be realized. To date, monitoring of patient medication adherence and use of interventions to improve adherence are rare in routine clinical practice.

THERAPEUTIC IMPORTANCE OF CURCUMIN WITH A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON MDR CANCER CELLS AND THE FACTORS INFLUENCING PHARMACODYNAMICS.

Curcuma longa or turmeric is a plant that is used as a spice and as a phytoconstituent in many formulations from Vedic age. Curcuminoids are the most important Phyto constituents present in turmeric with various pharmacological activities. The present study reveals various pharmacological activities of curcumin with special emphasis on MDR cancer cells. The curcuminoids are the Phyto constituents showing potent activity against neurological disorders, cardio vascular diseases, auto immune disorders, Metabolic disorders, cancer, inflammatory diseases, Skin allergies and disorders. This review give emphasis on anticancer activity of curcumin and its possible mechanism of actions. Many studies revealing that various formulations and combination therapy of curcumin is increasing its bioavailability and there by effective against various diseases. This review is lighting to a treasure buried inside the soil a potential therapeutic agent without side effects.

Cytotoxic Activity, and Molecular Docking of Indole Alkaloid Voacangine and Bisindole Alkaloid Vobtusine, Vobtusine Lactone from the Indonesian Plant: Voacanga foetida (Blume) Rolfe

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to isolate and test its cytotoxic activity starting from extract fraction and its isolate compound, then carried out molecular docking to confirm the potential biological activity of ligands (vocangine, vobtusine, and vobtusine lactone) against inhibition proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1), activation protein Bax and activation of apoptotic execution protein Caspase-3. This research is an experimental quantitative study using column chromatography and HPLC methods in the isolation process, MTT assay in determining the cytotoxic activity, and molecular docking in determining the prediction of apoptotic mechanism. The cytotoxic activity of VFB-DA, VFB-DB, VFB-BuOH, VFB-DB4 fractions, voacangine compounds, vobtusine are very strong. while vobtusine lactone is moderate cytotoxic activity. The docking score for voacangine, vobtusine, and vobtusine lactone compounds against Bcl-2 is -9.93; -10.07; -9.03 kcal/mol, against Bcl-xl is -9.77; -11.69; -9.76 kcal/mol, against Mcl-1 is -10.70; -10.77; -9.53 kcal/mol, and for Bax is -8.99; -6.87; -6.99 kcal/mol, as well as against caspase3 is -12.05; -12.21; -12.02 kcal/mol. The cytotoxic activity of voacangine, vobtusine, and vobtusine lactone compounds is thought to cause cell death by suppressing Bcl-2 activity; Bcl-xl; and Mcl-1, increased Bax activity and increased caspase3 activity. Key words: Voacanga foetida, in vitro, in silico

Toxicity of Legiayu incense as Insecticide and Larvicide Against Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Mortality

Community-based DHF vector control has been implemented in Indonesia but has not yet obtained optimal results. Thus, in the community choosing synthetic insecticides to control disease vectors. However, irregular and excessive use of insecticides has a toxic effect and resistance to mosquitoes. Burning mosquito coils and incense containing synthetic dyes and fragrances have the potential to reduce environmental quality. Therefore, this research was conducted to analyze the toxicity of Legiayu incense as an insecticide and larvicide against Aedes aegypti mosquito mortality. The research design is experimental with a completely randomized design. Testing was conducted by providing exposure to smoke and ash of Legiayu incense five times on twenty-five Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Statistical analysis used one-way ANOVA, LSD, and probit test. The test result as insecticide value (p=0.000) effective exposure for 20 minutes with a durability of 6 hours. The test result as larvicide value (p=0.000) effective exposure for 24 hours. Thus, exposure toismoke and ash of iLegiayuiincense has a very noticeable effect on the mortality of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Exposureito Legiayu incense smoke obtained an LT50 value of 0,9012 ≤ 5 (super toxic category) with a time of 15 minutes 39 seconds, coefficient determination of 99.24%, and correlation coefficient of 99.62% while exposure to the ash of Legiayu incense obtained LT50 value of 0,05896 ≤ 5 (super toxic category) with time 19 hours 15 minutes 34 seconds, coefficient determination and correlation coefficient of 100%. Histopathological test results showed that Legiayu incense smoke did not cause tissue degeneration, necrosis, hyperplasia, and metaplasia in the lung tissue of mice (mus musculus) within a period of 12 weeks. Thus, Legiayu incense is effective as insecticides and larvicides against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Legiayu incense has potential substitute for mosquito repellent coils, temephos, and synthetic incense circulating in the market.