Evaluation of sesamum gum as an excipient in matrix tablets

In developing countries modern medicines are often beyond the affordability of the majority of the population. This is due to the reliance on expensive imported raw materials despite the abundance of natural resources which could provide an equivalent or even an improved function. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of sesamum gum (SG) extracted from the leaves of Sesamum radiatum (readily cultivated in sub-Saharan Africa) as a matrix former. Directly compressed matrix tablets were prepared from the extract and compared with similar matrices of HPMC (K4M) using theophylline as a model water soluble drug. The compaction, swelling, erosion and drug release from the matrices were studied in deionized water, 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) and phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) using USP apparatus II. The data from the swelling, erosion and drug release studies were also fitted into the respective mathematical models. Results showed that the matrices underwent a combination of swelling and erosion, with the swelling action being controlled by the rate of hydration in the medium. SG also controlled the release of theophylline similar to the HPMC and therefore may have use as an alternative excipient in regions where Sesamum radiatum can be easily cultivated

Yield potentials of improved rice varieties for increased lowland rice production within the mankran watershed in Ghana

Rice production in Ghana is limited by low varietal choices, which puts farmers at a disadvantage in meeting the market demand for consumers. The objectives of this study were to (i) assess the yield potentials of improved rice varieties developed by the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), and (ii) to allow farmers to select improved varieties of their choice based on growth and yield, as observed in the field, in order to ensure a high adoption rate, increase productivity and food security. Two seasons (i.e. 2020 major and 2020–2021 minor) field experiments were conducted at two lowland within the Mankran watershed in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The experiment comprised thirteen (13) improved varieties and two local checks and was conducted using recommended good agronomic practices. The key findings of the study showed that growth and yield parameters vary significantly between varieties across locations. The biplot analysis showed that varieties FARO 66, SAHEL 317, and Amankwatia are the best in the major season while WITA 9, GT 11, ARS-957-BGJ-171-15-D-B, NERICA L36, and AGRA were the best in the minor season at both locations. Farmers’ preference for the varieties was based not only on growth and yield but on resistance to lodging, pests, and diseases. In conclusion, the best performing varieties have demonstrated yield potential which is about 92% higher than the yield of the local checks and can be recommended for adoption by farmers. Future breeding programs on these varieties should include the most preferred attributes by farmers in this study