Advanced Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Letters

Antidiabetic and Toxicological Potentials of the Ethanol Leaf Extract of Annona muricata (L.) (Annonaceae)

Tavs A. Abere — 2026-03-29

Drug resistance and adverse effects plague conventional diabetic treatments. Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) leaves have been reported to be relatively safe and possess antidiabetic activities amongst other medicinal uses. This study was aimed at confirming the antidiabetic activity of the leaf of A. muricata and evaluating its toxicological profile. Doses of the ethanol extract ranging from 100 – 500 mg/kg were evaluated in normoglycaemic rats. Wistar rats were induced with diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight). The dose of 500 mg/kg of ethanol extract was administered to the diabetic rats with glibenclamide (1.25 mg/kg) as the reference standard. Acute toxicity of the extract (1-5 g/kg) was tested in Swiss albino mice. Animals were monitored for 10 min after 6 h and for 10 min every day for the next two days. Wistar rats were administered with 5 ml/kg of normal saline (vehicle) and 250 mg/kg of the ethanol extract, respectively for 30 consecutive days. The effects of the extract on the livers, kidneys, hearts, and testes were examined. Various doses of the extract produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels in normoglycaemic and Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The LD50 in mice was above 5 g/kg body weight. Sub-acute evaluation in rats showed that the extract induced a mild chronic inflammation in the testes and epididymis, while in the tissues of the liver, kidney, and heart, the extract provoked a mild chronic inflammatory response, in addition to vascular reactions leading to rupture of the blood vessels and haemorrhage. It was concluded that A. muricata leaves have antidiabetic properties. The inflammatory and immune responses evoked in the sub-acute toxicological evaluation could be a protective response.

Heavy Metal Analysis of Some Branded Herbal Products Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Chinwe M. Onah — 2026-05-14

Herbal products are preparations made from medicinal plants which contribute significantly to traditional medicine, having a long- lasting history of therapeutic application worldwide. The quality and safety of herbal products have become a significant concern, particularly regarding contamination from heavy metals. This research investigated the prevalence and concentration of heavy metals, specifically cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, and iron in selected herbal products (labeled P1- P9) using atomic absorption spectroscopy for precise quantification. The samples were prepared by treating with concentrated HNO₃and HCl. After treatment and filtration, the samples were examined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The samples were analyzed three times to ensure accuracy and precision. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value of less than 0.05. Quantitative analysis of herbal product samples selected confirmed the presence and concentrations (mg/L) of lead (0.0435 – 1.6163), cadmium (0.0060-0.1477), chromium (0.0042- 0.4317), nickel (0.0141-0.0640), and iron (0.5339-12.1509). The results showed that lead, cadmium, chromium, and iron were above permissible limits of consumption in all the samples analyzed. The result underscores the importance of quality control measures during the processing and production of these herbal products, considering the potential for long-term accumulation and synergistic toxic effects of multiple heavy metals.

Comparative Antibacterial Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Gambeya albida and Newbouldia laevis on Selected Bacterial Isolates

Ogechukwu C. Dozie-Nwakile — 2026-07-13

Gambeya albida and Newbouldia laevis are West African medicinal plants traditionally used to treat infectious diseases. This study comparatively evaluated the phytochemical profiles and antibacterial activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of both plants against five clinically sourced bacterial isolates (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Quantitative phytochemical screening was performed on both extracts, while antibacterial activity was determined by agar well diffusion, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) determined by broth microdilution. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, were present in both plants at varying concentrations. N. laevis had higher steroids (44.61 mg/g) than alkaloids (12.66 mg/g) content, while G. albida had higher flavonoid (13.7 mg/100g) and tannins (2.56 g/100g) levels. G. albida extract produced the largest inhibition zone diameter (IZD) against E. coli (IZD = 18.5 mm at 100 mg/mL; MIC = 6.25 mg/mL; MBC = 12.5 mg/mL) and moderate activity against S. aureus (IZD = 10 mm; MIC = 50 mg/mL; MBC = 100 mg/mL). N. laevis extract inhibited only E. coli (IZD = 10 mm; MIC = 50 mg/mL; MBC = 100 mg/mL). Neither extract inhibited Proteus spp., P. aeruginosa, or Klebsiella spp. The difference in antibacterial activity against E. coli between the two extracts was statistically significant (p = 0.0002 at 100 mg/ml; p = 0.0010 at 50 mg/ml). These findings validate the traditional use of G. albida in managing bacterial infections and support its potential as a complementary antimicrobial agent.

Comparative In Vitro Antioxidant Activities, Phenolic and Flavonoid Profiles of Different Morphological Parts of Commiphora africana (A. Rich.) Engl. (Burseraceae)

Abdulmumin Zayd Abubakar — 2026-08-05

Commiphora africana (A. Rich.) Engl. is widely used in African traditional medicine for managing oxidative stress-related disorders, but scientific validation of this part-specific use remains limited. This study evaluated and compared the antioxidant activities and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of leaf, stem bark, and root bark extracts of C. africana. Powdered plant materials were macerated in 80% aqueous ethanol for 48 h. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), phosphomolybdenum, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified by the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods. All extracts showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. Initial DPPH screening gave IC₅₀ values of 26.90 ± 0.004 (leaf), 58.27 ± 0.006 (stem bark), and 39.34 ± 0.003 μg/mL (root bark), versus 6.43 ± 0.004 μg/mL for ascorbic acid. In extended testing, stem bark outperformed leaf in H₂O₂ scavenging (155.26 vs. 325.43 μg/mL), phosphomolybdenum reduction (1224.25 vs. 1682.33 μg/mL), and FRAP (658.56 vs. 942.17 μg/mL). Total phenolic content was highest in leaf (2.17 mg GAE/g dw); total flavonoid content was highest in stem bark (0.85 mg QE/g dw); all pairwise differences were significant (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate that the antioxidant activity of Commiphora africana varies among plant parts, with the leaf exhibiting the highest phenolic content and strongest DPPH radical-scavenging activity, while the stem bark showed superior hydrogen peroxide scavenging and reducing power.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Implementation of Nigeria’s Chloroquine Withdrawal Policy in a Federal University Community

Daniel U. Eze — 2026-08-10

Chloroquine was withdrawn from first-line malaria treatment in Nigeria because of widespread Plasmodium falciparum resistance and was replaced by artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Nevertheless, continued access to and use of chloroquine may weaken implementation of the withdrawal policy. This study assessed implementation of the policy by examining knowledge, attitudes, practices, barriers, and predictors of compliant malaria treatment. A convergent mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was conducted among 456 students and staff of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Quantitative data were analysed in Stata version 17 using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Open-ended responses were analysed thematically. Policy implementation was incomplete: 44.1% of respondents had low compliance, 47.1% moderate compliance, and 8.8% high compliance. Occupation was associated with knowledge (p < 0.001), while attitude was associated with treatment practice (p < 0.001). Higher knowledge predicted positive attitudes (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.56–1.94) and compliant practices (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.29). Major barriers were inadequate public awareness, continued chloroquine availability, weak enforcement, and limited affordability of ACTs. Nigeria’s chloroquine withdrawal policy remains only partially implemented in the study setting. Coordinated public education, regulatory enforcement, affordable access to ACTs, and training of healthcare providers and medicine vendors are required to improve compliance.

Regulatory Mechanisms and Pathological Significance of Crohn’s Disease Focused on Recent Advancements: A Narrative Review

Daniel I. Oraekei — 2026-06-22

Crohn’s disease is a multifactorial inflammatory bowel disease that involves genetic susceptibility, dysregulated immune responses, and environmental triggers. This study was a narrative review of the regulatory mechanisms and pathological significance of Crohn’s disease. Scientific databases were searched, including: PUBMED, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. The studies considered were original research articles, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews published between 2020 and 2026. A total of 118 articles were screened for eligibility (except those articles used during the ‘Introduction section’). A total of 98 articles were eligible, while 20 were ineligible. The articles reviewed provided information on the fundamental pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease and its regulatory mechanisms; genetic and molecular drivers; immune regulation and dysregulation; the microbiome and environmental factors; and emerging therapeutic targets and mechanisms. The fundamental pathophysiology and regulatory mechanisms identified include: intestinal barrier dysfunction, defective bacterial clearance, transmural inflammation and granuloma formation, fibrosis and stricture formation, and mesenteric fat hypertrophy. Other parameters highlighted were the microbiome and environmental factors, including dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, smoking, dietary factors, and vitamin D deficiency. Others were medications, psychological and environmental stress, infections, urbanization, pollution, and exposomes. New findings include: exposome-diet epigenome and E-cigarettes. Emerging therapeutic targets and mechanisms were emphasized: anti-TNF/IL-12/IL-23 inhibitors, adhesion molecule inhibitors, restoring barrier formation, and mesentery-based surgery. Despite Crohn’s disease being studied extensively, and many pathophysiological and regulatory mechanisms elucidated, there has not been a radical cure for the ailment. This necessitated research and a consequent development of new treatment approaches.

Systemic Inflammation and Psychological Trauma in Endometriosis: A Narrative Review Towards Integrated Management

Daniel Ikechukwu Oraekei — 2026-08-23

Endometriosis is increasingly recognized as a systemic inflammatory disease with complex immune and neuroendocrine dysregulation. This narrative review synthesized evidence on the bidirectional relationship between systemic inflammation and psychiatric comorbidities, drawing from 32 peer-reviewed studies (2020–2026). Results indicate that endometriotic lesions release interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) into systemic circulation, driving chronic immune activation and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. This leads to significant (p < 0.05) alteration of cortisol secretion, neuroinflammation, and structural changes in the hippocampus and amygdala, which in turn perpetuate hyperalgesia, fatigue, and heightened vulnerability to depression and anxiety. Conversely, psychological trauma and diagnostic delays exacerbate inflammatory profiles, forming a self-perpetuating cycle. To break this neuro-immune cycle, clinicians must transition from isolated surgical management to integrated, multidisciplinary care. This requires operationalizing trauma-informed practices through routine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) screening, validated pelvic pain psychological distress tools, and explicit referral pathways to specialized psychiatric support and pelvic-floor physical therapy. Future research must address a critical gap in the literature by identifying the precise dose-response thresholds linking specific circulating cytokines to localized psychiatric symptom severity; these key gaps regarding optimal screening tools and intervention timing warrant future prospective studies.

Trends, Manifestations, Issues and Prospects of Chloroquine Resistance in Nigeria: A Structured Narrative Review

Oderah E Enem-Osuigwe — 2026-08-29

Chloroquine was once central to malaria treatment in Nigeria, but widespread resistance prompted its withdrawal as first-line therapy in 2005. This narrative review characterized Nigerian research on chloroquine resistance, examined trends in use and resistance, and assessed evidence of continued use after withdrawal. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched from 1 to 14 August 2025 for English-language studies using terms related to chloroquine, Nigeria, pfcrt, K76T, pfmdr1, mutation, polymorphism, and resistance. The search covered publications from 1980 to 2025; the studies meeting the eligibility criteria were published between 1989 and 2025. Of 1,490 records retrieved, 150 full texts were assessed, and 60 studies met the eligibility criteria. Evidence was summarized by design, period, geographical distribution, and level. Observational studies predominated, while randomized trials and systematic reviews were uncommon, indicating that most evidence was surveillance-based rather than trial-based. Research was concentrated in the South West and South-South, with comparatively limited coverage in the South East and North East. Molecular evidence suggests that the prevalence of the pfcrt K76T resistance allele has declined in some settings; however, continued informal use, affordability, accessibility, and renewed exposure during the COVID-19 period may sustain drug pressure. The findings indicate uneven surveillance rather than a uniform national picture and do not establish complete restoration of chloroquine susceptibility. Nigeria should strengthen pharmacovigilance, nationwide molecular and genomic surveillance of pfcrt and pfmdr1, periodic resistance mapping, enforcement of withdrawal restrictions among Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors, and monitoring of informal medicine markets.