Chukwuemeka Azubuike

Physicochemical properties of maize cob cellulose powders reconstituted from ionic liquid solution

Suitable α-cellulose and cellulose II powders for use in the pharmaceutical industry can be derived from maize cob. α-Cellulose was extracted from an agricultural residue (maize cobs) using a non-dissolving method based on inorganic substances. Modification of this α-cellulose was carried out by its dissolution in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl), and subsequent regeneration by addition of either water or acetone at room temperature, or of boiling water. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy results showed that the regenerated celluloses had lower crystallinity, and proved that the treatment with [C4mim]Cl led to the conversion of the crystalline structure of α-cellulose from cellulose I to cellulose II. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry data showed quite similar thermal behavior for all cellulose samples, although with somewhat lower stability for the regenerated celluloses, as expected. The comparison of physicochemical properties of the regenerated celluloses and the native cellulose mainly suggests that the regenerated ones might have better flow properties. For some of the characterizations carried out, it was generally observed that the sample regenerated with boiling water had more similar characteristics to the α-cellulose sample, evidencing an influence of the regeneration strategy on the resulting powder after the ionic liquid treatment.

Physicochemical, spectroscopic and thermal properties of microcrystalline cellulose derived from corn cobs

BackgroundLow-cost and suitable microcrystalline cellulose powders for use in the pharmaceutical industry can be derived from agricultural residues. Most commercial microcrystalline cellulose powders are produced from dissolving pulp obtained from expensive hard woods using concentrated acids. α-Cellulose was extracted from an agricultural residue (corn cob) using a non-dissolving method. The spectroscopic, thermal and physicochemical properties of the derived α-cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose powders were compared with Avicel® PH 101 (Fluka, New South Wales, Australia), a commercial brand of microcrystalline cellulose (MCCA), using standard methods.ResultsX-ray diffraction showed that the microcrystalline cellulose samples obtained from maize cobs had diffraction pattern characteristics of both cellulose I and cellulose II, whereas MCCA had that of cellulose I; however, all the microcrystalline cellulose samples had similar crystallinity index (CI) values. Infrared spectroscopy results showed that the microcrystalline cellulose samples had comparable CI values and molecular structure. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry data showed quite similar thermal behaviour for all cellulose samples. Comparison of physicochemical properties of the microcrystalline cellulose powders obtained from maize cob and MCCA mainly suggests that all the celluloses have similar flow and compression properties.ConclusionsFor almost all of the characterizations carried out, it was observed that the microcrystalline cellulose powders obtained from corn cob had similar characteristics to the MCCA, showing that it can be a good low-cost alternative to the expensive commercial brand.

Analysis of metronidazole in equine plasma using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE Treatment of racehorses with bicarbonate solutions to manage acidosis and muscle cramps prior to competition is banned in Pennsylvania (PA). Use of excess bicarbonate in horses causes diarrhea, requiring treatment with an antibiotic such as metronidazole (MTNZ). At present no method exists for detecting MTNZ in equine plasma. Thus, a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the detection, quantification and confirmation of MTNZ was developed. METHODS The analyte was recovered from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction using methyl tert-butyl ether and separated on an ACE® C18 column with its guard column. The mobile phase comprised a mixture of 5 mM ammonium formate (pH 3.5) and acetonitrile (60:40; v/v). Mass analysis was performed on an LTQ XL linear ion trap mass spectrometer in positive electrospray ionization mode while accurate mass determination was also performed in positive electrospray ionization mode using high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HRAMS). RESULTS The limit of detection (LOD), limit of confirmation (LOC) and lower limit of quantification (LLOD) were 1, 2 and 50 ng/mL, respectively. The analyte in plasma was stable at -20 and -70°C for 28 days, as well as for 24 h at 20°C in the autosampler. The percentage coefficients of variation (% CV) for the intra-day and inter-day precision for the LLOQ were 5.1:3.68 and 13.21:9.95, respectively, while the intra-day accuracy was from 98.71 to 101.57% and that of the inter-day was from 88.64 to 96.6%. The matrix effect was between 9 and 24%. The precursor → product ion transition m/z 172 → 128, a retention time of 2.92 min and the accurate mass of the [M+H](+) ion of the analyte (m/z 172.0173) were used as criteria for confirmation of the presence of MTNZ in equine plasma. CONCLUSIONS The method is highly sensitive and selective for the detection, identification and confirmation of MTNZ in equine plasma. Thus, illegal use of MTNZ in racehorses can be routinely monitored within the US State of Pennsylvania. The method is fast, sensitive, reproducible, and reliable.

Physicochemical and Bioequivalence Studies on Some Brands of Levofloxacin Tablets Registered in Nigeria.

ABSTRACT Aims: This study was aimed at comparing the physicochemical and bioavailability profilesof some brands of Levofloxacin 500mg tablets that are registered in Nigeria by herregulatory authority and to examine the feasibility of interchangeability of the brands.Methodology: The physicochemical equivalence of ten brands of Levofloxacin 500 mgtablets (LEV-1 to LEV-10) were evaluated using both official and unofficial standardsincluding weight variation, hardness, friability test, chemical assay, disintegration,dissolution rate and drug content. Five of the brands were also evaluated forbioavailability profiles using a single dose randomized two period cross–over designsmeasuring the concentration of drugs in the urine. Urinary samples before dosing and atvarious appropriate time intervals up to 12 hours were analyzed by validated DoubleBeam U. V. Spectrophotometer method with 99.8% extraction recovery. Pharmacokineticparameters for bioequivalence evaluation C

Physicochemical and microbiological evaluation of acidmodified native starch derived from Borassus aethiopum (Arecaceae) shoot

Purpose: To evaluate the physicochemical properties and microbiological quality of Borassus aethiopum shoot acid-modified starch (AMS) for potential pharmaceutical applications. Methods : Modification of Borassus aethiopum native starch (NS) was carried out using 6 % w/v HCl at 37 ± 2 oC for 192 h. The AMS was characterised for their morphological, micromeritics, rheological, thermal properties as well as their microbiological quality using standard protocols. Results: AMS demonstrated increased aqueous solubility, crystallinity and slight increase in flow properties. There was a reduction in swelling and hydration capacities, amylose content as well as viscosity of the modified starch. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the integrity of the modified starch granules were maintained and there was no disruption of the granular structure. Fourier transform infrared spectrophometer data confirmed the hydrolysis of NS with the increase in the intensity of the O-H stretch. AMS met United States Pharmacopoeia requirements in terms of microbiological quality, however, there was presence of Aspergillus niger. Conclusion: Modification of Borassus aethiopum shoot starch by acid treatment led to desirable improvement in some of its physicochemical properties which could improve its functional properties in pharmaceutical industries. Keywords: Native starch, Acid-modified starch, Borassus aethiopum, Microbiological quality, Physicochemical properties

Evaluation of Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicities and the Effect of Ointment Bases on the Antimicrobial Potency of the Ethanolic Extracts of Alchornea cordifolia Leaf and Terminalia superba Stem Bark

In developing countries, the major causes of diseases are the poor quality of accessible drinking Water, contaminated food, poor standard of personal hygiene and lack of appropriate sanitation. Antimicrobials are the mainstay of extract treatment strategy of infectious diseases worldwide. Regardless of this fact, the problems of antimicrobial resistance and toxicity have triggered interest in research for newer antimicrobial compounds of natural origin and likely to be less toxic to man. Apart from the problem of resistance, environmental degradation, cost and pollution associated with irrational use of orthodox medicines have necessitated renewed interest in the use of medicinal plants as sources of effective and safer alternatives in the management of human infections. Plants occupy a very important place in modern medicine as they are used as either raw materials for drugs or as a template for discovery and synthesis of drugs. According to the World Health Organization, medicinal plants can provide the best alternative source for obtaining a variety of drugs, since they possess a variety of bioactive principles known as

Extraction and Characterization of the Gum Exudate of Anacardium occidentale for its potential as an Excipient in Drug Delivery Systems

1Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria. Centre of Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Chandigarh, Punjab, India. Drug Design and Development, Department of Pharmaceutics, M.S.Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India. Department of Pharmaceutics, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, India.

Evaluation of the frequency of use of herbal drugs with concomitant administration of highly active antiretroviral therapy and its effect on medication adherence in two health care facilities in south western Nigeria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the concomitant use of herbal medicine and anti-retroviral drugs in people living with HIV/AIDs and to evaluate the reasons given by the patients for concomitant administration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with herbal drugs in order to establish a possible link between the use of herbal medicines and adherence. A cross sectional study design was utilized via systematic sampling for recruitment of HIV positive individuals receiving their medications in Amuwo-Odofin and Ojo areas in Lagos, Nigeria. Based on the inclusion criteria, 351 HIV positive patients were recruited into the study from the HIV outpatient clinics of two hospitals and had the questionnaires administered to them. 42.7% of the respondents stated that they use herbal medicines. The association for each of the herbal medicines with side effects experienced with the use of ARVs was statistically significant upon cross-tabulation and was a major predictor of herbal drug use. The prevalence of herbal drug use in patients who were adhering to HAART medication was not significantly different from those who were not adhering to medication (p = 0.75 and χ2 = 6.902). The use or lack of use of herbal medicine is not a determinant for adherence. The most profound reason for herb use was to improve treatment. However, herb/drug interaction studies are imperative to ascertain if interactions occurring are beneficial or harmful. The pharmacist must counsel and re-counsel patients on HAART, not to use herbal products with their antiretroviral medications to avoid drug-herb interactions which could be potentially life threatening. Key words: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), herbal drugs, adherence.

Pharmacopoeial and physicochemical properties of α-cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose powders derived from cornstalks

Background: Suitable α-cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose powders for use in the pharmaceutical industry can be derived from agricultural wastes. Aims: The pharmacopoeial and physicochemical properties of cornstalk α-cellulose (CCC) and cornstalk microcrystalline cellulose powders (MCCC) were compared to a commercial brand of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH101) to evaluate their usefulness as pharmaceutical excipients. Settings and Design: Physicochemical properties of an excipient play a very crucial role in the functions of the excipient; hence, these properties were evaluated and compared with a commercial brand. Materials and Methods: α-cellulose was extracted from cornstalks. Modification of this α-cellulose powder was carried out by its partial hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to obtain a microcrystalline cellulose powder. Their pharmacopoeial, physicochemical and microbiological properties were evaluated using standard methods. Statistical Analysis: OriginPro 8 SR2 v. 0891 (B891) software (OriginLab Corporation USA) was used for statistical evaluation. One-way analysis of variance was used to differentiate between samples and decide where significant differences were established. Results: The yield of α–cellulose from the cornstalks was 32.5%w/w and that of microcrystalline cellulose 26%w/w. All the cellulose samples met all the pharmacopoeial parameters that were carried out. The comparison of physicochemical properties of the CCC, MCCC and Avicel PH101 suggests that the microcrystalline celluloses might have better flow and compression properties than the CCC sample. The three cellulose powders were of high microbial excipient quality. For almost all parameters evaluated, it was generally observed that the MCCC has similar characteristics to Avicel PH101. Conclusions: MCCC can be a suitable alternative to the expensive Avicel PH101as pharmaceutical excipients. Key words: Cornstalk, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmacopoeial properties, physicochemical properties, α-cellulose