Utilization of purple sweet potato synbiotic drink as a source of lactic acid bacteria exopolysaccharides for immunomodulation

Immunomodulators, such as exopolysaccharides (EPS), can be found in products processed through lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation. Purple sweet potatoes have the potential to be used as ingredients for making synbiotic drinks because of the high content of oligosaccharides. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of purple sweet potato synbiotic drinks in improving the immune system in vivo. The experiment was conducted on male mice (Balb-C, 12 weeks old, 25±5 g BW) which were given purple sweet potato synbiotic drink for 14 days with doses of A1, A2, and A3 (50, 100, 150 mg/kg BW) given once a day. On the 14th day, the mice were induced with S. aureus bacteria given intraperitoneally (1 mL, 108 cfu/mL). The immunomodulation-related parameters measured were phagocytic activity, the number of lymphocyte cells, and the relative spleen weight of mice. The results showed that the synbiotic drink of purple sweet potato (A1, A2, and A3) can increase phagocytic activity and lymphocyte cell count and have a significant effect on relative spleen weight (p<0.05). The higher the dose of synbiotic drink, the higher the phagocytic activity and the number of lymphocyte cells, and the smaller the relative spleen weight of the mice

Formulation of a sheet mask essence incorporating Betel leaf (Piper betle L.) ethanol extract and its antibacterial efficacy against Propionibacterium acnes

Betel leaf (Piper betle L.) encompasses a multitude of bioactive constituents, including tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which possess significant antibacterial properties. An ethanol extract derived from betel leaf was meticulously formulated and assessed for its potential as an antibacterial agent specifically targeting Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium associated with the etiology of acne. This investigation was undertaken with the aim of mitigating the antibiotic resistance commonly observed with traditional acne therapies. The ethanol extract of betel leaf was incorporated into a sheet mask essence, resulting in the development of four distinct formulations (F0, F1, F2, and F3), which were subsequently subjected to comprehensive evaluations of their physical quality and stability. The formulation exhibiting optimal physical characteristics and stability was further scrutinized for its antibacterial efficacy against Propionibacterium acnes. The antibacterial performance of the selected formulation was benchmarked against a positive control comprising a sheet mask infused with clindamycin gel, as well as another containing tea tree oil. Empirical results identified Formula 2, containing 1.5% ethanol extract of betel leaf, as the most efficacious formulation. Formula 2 demonstrated pronounced antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, with an inhibitory zone measuring 24.67 mm. Although this inhibitory zone was slightly less extensive than that produced by the clindamycin gel sheet mask (32.00 mm), it was comparable to the tea tree oil sheet mask, which exhibited an inhibitory zone of 23.00 mm. In conclusion, the selected sheet mask formulation (Formula 2) exhibits significant antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, surpassing the efficacy of commercially available tea tree oil sheet masks, thereby presenting a promising alternative for acne management with a diminished risk of promoting antibiotic resistance

Comparative trends and effectiveness of amlodipine and nifedipine as oral antihypertensives in preeclampsia management

The use of amlodipine in preeclampsia remains limited as it is not a treatment option officially. Whereas amlodipine's long half-life allows less frequent dosing in preeclampsia patients, potentially improving preeclampsia treatment more efficiently compared to nifedipine (standard medicine). Ensuring the effectiveness of amlodipine for preeclampsia is essential for optimizing delivery outcomes, in addition to efficiency aspects. However, the effectiveness study of amlodipine in preeclampsia patients is still not definitively known. This study aims to determine the prescription trends and effectiveness of amlodipine as an antihypertensive in preeclampsia. The study used a cross-sectional approach conducted at a one of the secondary healthcare facilities in Tasikmalaya, utilizing medical records from January 2019 to December 2023. The data were analyzed using Chi-Square test to determine the trends using and effectiveness of amlodipine compared to nifedipine in controlling blood pressure in preeclampsia. The study shows that the trends using of amlodipine in preeclampsia is decreasing over the past 5 years (2019 to 2023). This phenomenon may be influenced by limited evidence, established clinical practice guidelines, and priority of drug use. There was no significant difference in effectiveness of amlodipine compared to nifedipine in single therapy (p= 0.698) or dual therapy (p=0.1). Furthermore, the study found that amlodipine and nifedipine exhibited comparable effectiveness in controlling blood pressure in preeclampsia. Therefore, amlodipine may be considered as an alternative antihypertensive option for controlling blood pressure in preeclampsia

Ethanol solvent and pH effect on antioxidant activity of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Air pollution induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause tissue damage when excessive. Antioxidants help counteract this damage, and purple sweet potatoes, rich in anthocyanins, are a promising natural antioxidant source. This study aimed to determine the effect of solvent acidity variations on the antioxidant activity of purple sweet potato (PSP) tuber extract and identify the optimal pH condition. Using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assay, ethanol solvents at different pH levels (non-acidified ethanol, pH 2.5, pH 2, and pH 1.5) were tested. The results showed that higher acidity enhanced antioxidant activity, with the strongest activity observed at pH 1.5, yielding an IC50 value of 9.74±0.23 ppm. Although less potent than Vitamin C (IC50 1.22±0.04 ppm), the extract demonstrated significant potential as a natural antioxidant source. Further studies on anthocyanin content are recommended to better understand its contribution to antioxidant activity

Antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Tulak wood leaf extract (schefflera elliptica harms)

Nanoparticles have been used in therapies applied to target specific parts. By delivering electrons to free radicals, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can reduce their activity and stop a chain reaction that would otherwise result in the creation of more free radicals. But the most common way to create silver nanoparticles is to use a variety of organic and inorganic reducing agents to chemically reduce silver precursors, usually silver salts. Various stabilizing or capping agents are frequently used to this process. Green synthesis and other ecologically friendly synthesis techniques are becoming more popular for producing metal nanoparticles that adhere to biodiversity principles. Accordingly, this study has determined that the tulak tree is a plant that effectively reduces green space. This study uses different concentrations of AgNO3 solution at 1 mM and 2 mM. A Particle Size Analyzer's (PSA), The distribution of sizes of the artificially produced AgNPs was examined. The particles measuring between 1 and 100 nm made from the Tulak wood leaf extract with the corresponding AgNO3 concentrations had average diameters of 88.2 nm and 16.9 nm. AgNPs were also shown to exist in a range of shapes, encompassing sphere, hexagonal, and triangular ones, according to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) examination. Antioxidant qualities are displayed by AgNPs made with Tulak wood leaf extract. These antioxidant properties were assessed utilizing DPPH, which has 517 nm is the greatest absorption. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity's outcomes tests show that the AgNPs made using Tulak wood leaf extract biosynthesis have comparatively low antioxidant activity

Pharmacist counseling improves medication compliance of schizophrenia patients

Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by abnormal behavior, impaired thinking, disorganized speech, and a reduced ability to perceive reality. One of the key factors influencing the success of schizophrenia therapy is patient adherence. Pharmacy plays a crucial role in the treatment of schizophrenia patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of pharmacist counseling on drug adherence of schizophrenia patients from the first month to the second month. The method used in this study was a one-group pre-test and post-test design that used quasi-experimental research. The subjects of this study were schizophrenia patients in the outpatient installation of Prof.Dr.Soerojo Mental Hospital, Magelang. This study used the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) questionnaire to measure the level of adherence and drug use monitoring sheet (pill count) to monitor the amount of patient medication. The population in this study was calculated using the Lameshow formula. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and the Wilcoxon test. After analyzing data of 108 patients, it was found that there was a significant difference between before and after counseling conducted by pharmacists on medication adherence in schizophrenia patients, with a significance value of p <0.05. Counseling conducted by pharmacists has a good impact on patient medication adherence and monitoring the amount of medication taken. These results indicate the effect of counseling conducted by pharmacists on adherence to taking medication and the monitoring of the amount of medication taken by patients

Nicotine-free vape liquids containing essential oils of peppermint, lavender, and tangerine: safety and efficacy profiles

Despite low nicotine levels, cigarettes and vape liquids can cause addiction, which makes quitting smoking difficult owing to withdrawal syndrome. Hence, we created a nicotine-free liquid vape using essential oils (EOs) like peppermint (Mentha piperita), lavender (Lavandula latifolia), and tangerine (Citrus reticulata) to substitute the nicotine in inducing relaxation without addiction. Thus, this study aimed to examine (1) the safety profile of this nicotine-free liquid vape by observing chemical characteristics using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and (2) its efficacy in reducing short-term anxiety in healthy volunteers who had previously used nicotine vape. The most complicated vape liquid formula (F4), containing propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, with those three EOs, was injected into GC-MS, and the mass spectra were compared to the Wiley mass spectral library to identify the compound name. For the efficacy test, subjects who met inclusion criteria and fulfilled informed consent were randomly assigned to five groups (four groups received test liquids formula (F1-F4) while one group received placebo). Before and after using the vape liquid, subjects were asked to complete the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire to assess its anxiety-reduction effects. The result showed that nicotine-free vape liquids containing three EOs did not show any foreign substances that had never been encountered before, which means our product is safer than nicotine-containing vape liquids. This safety was also supported by all study subjects who did not report any adverse effects. The efficacy test showed that subjects who used vape liquids with essential oils (F1-F4) experienced a significant decrease in heart rate and systolic blood pressure. At the same time, 50% had a lower post-test STAI score, indicating a decrease in anxiety, although it was not statistically significant

Controlled release kinetics of furosemide from chitosan matrix tablets with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate coated

Sustained-release dosage forms were critical in drug delivery, ensuring controlled and prolonged release for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Chitosan (CH) has become pivotal in sustained-release tablet formulation due to its biocompatibility and mucoadhesive properties. This study aims to explore the release kinetics of furosemide (FS) from CH matrix tablets in a concurrent medium. The formulation involves a core tablet and coated tablet, with CH matrix as a binder and Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Phthalate (HPMCP) as a film-coated for the core tablet, and both are made using the wet granulation method. Assessment parameters include tablet hardness, disintegration, and FS release profiles across various media, analyzed using spectrophotometric methods to comprehend drug release kinetics with multiple models such as zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas employed. In the press-coated tablet comprising core tablet CH as matrix uncoated with 20 mg CH per tablet core, a zero-order release pattern emerged in the pH 1.2 medium within 0-2 h, which displayed first-order release kinetics within 2-6 h and 6-16 h in concurrent media of pH 5.8 and 7.4. Notably, a zero-order release pattern emerged in the pH 1.2 medium within 0-2 h. Press-coated tablets incorporating CH matrix with HPCMP coated (CH-HPCMP), also containing 20 mg CH per tablet, exhibited diverse drug release kinetics. These tablets showed Korsmeyer-Peppas, zero-order, and first-order kinetics in pH 1.2, 5.8, and 7.4, respectively. The study suggests that a Press-coated tablet incorporating CH-HPMCP is suitable as the candidate for sustained-release formulations. The observed versatility in release kinetics across varying pH environments underscores the potential adaptability of these formulations in addressing diverse therapeutic needs

Medication-related burden of chronic renal failure patients at regional general hospital Sleman Yogyakarta

Patients with chronic renal failure must undergo lifelong treatment. The condition raises treatment-related responsibilities and may affect their treatment adhesion. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the burden of medication and the level of medication adherence among chronic kidney failure patients at Sleman Regional Hospital in Yogyakarta. This study took the form of observational study with a cross-sectional design. Data were collected using LMQ (Living with Medicine Questionnaire) and Visual Analog Sacle (VAS) overall burden to determine the burden and MARS (Medication Adherence Rating Scale) to determine medication adherence level. The samples in this study were 60 patients from all patients  undergoing hemodialysis who met the inclusion criteria. Sampling was taken using a consecutive sampling technique with inclusion criteria of patients willing to complete the questionnaire and patients diagnosed with chronic renal  failure aged more than 18 years. To determine the relationship between medication burden and medication adherence, data was examined using the Spearman test.  The results of this study showed that 40 patients (66.7%) had moderate medication burden and 50 patients (83%) had moderate medication adherence. There was a significant correlation between the LMQ score and MARS (correlation-coefficient = 0.581, p=0.000) and a significant correlation between the VAS score and MARS (correlation-coefficient= 0.651, p=0.000). Thus, it can be concluded that there is a positive relationship between treatment burden and the level of treatment compliance, where the higher the burden, the higher the level of compliance in chronic kidney failure patients

Ethanol-based solvent system for recovery antioxidant activity Centella asiatica L. Urban and its application in sleep-deprived Rats

Antioxidants have the ability to eliminate free radicals by donating electrons to oxidants. Preclinical and clinical studies show that Centella asiatica L. Urban has antioxidant activity. Ethanol was the best solvent for extracted antioxidant compounds from Centella asiatica L. Urban. The concentration of ethanol solvents effect to the compounds extracted and its antioxidant activities. The objective of study to determine ethanol based solvent systems for best recovery of antioxidant activities and in vivo antioxidant activity of the most active extract using stress induced sleep-deprived rats with glutathione (GSH) concentration parameters. Ethanol based solvent system show different recovery antioxidant activity of Centella asiatica L. Urban. Ethanol 70% had the highest recovery of antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 76.76 ppm. Ethanol 70% Centella asiatica L. Urban extract given in sleep-deprived rats at 300 mg/kg were not significantly different in glutathione levels from those group rats that received the positive control solution (ascorbic acid). The 70% ethanol extract of C. asiatica L. Urban has the potential to ameliorate the stress induced by sleep deprivation