Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

M. U. Adikwu ¹, O. Okorie ², A. A. Attama ¹

Affiliations
1 Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, NG
2 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology & Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, NG

Abstract

The pharmacodynamic effects of metformin in a mucoadhesive delivery system of detarium gum are presented. The gum compacts alone without the drug showed blood glucose lowering capacity. The combinations showed marked antidiabetic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models.

Keywords

Pharmacodynamics, Metformin, Detarium Gum, Mucoadhesive.

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M. U. Adikwu ¹, C. O. Okolie ², A. A. Agboke ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410 001, NG
2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410 001, NG
3 Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NG

Abstract

The effect of mucin on the ulcer-healing rate of clarithromycin has been investigated. The snail mucin extract was obtained from the giant African snail, Achatina achatina (Family Arionidae). The mucin was precipitated with acetone, collected and air-dried. Ulcers were induced with indomethacin in rats. The ulcer-healing rate was determined for clarithromycin alone, mucin alone and the combination of both. The control group did not receive any of the drugs.

The results showed that the healing rate of clarithromycin alone was less than the healing rate achieved with clarithromycin and mucin combinations. The healing rate increased with increasing concentration of mucin. It was also observed that the ulcer-healing rate of mucin alone was higher than the healing rate of clarithromycin alone.

Keywords

Snail Mucin, Effect, Ulcer Healing, Clarithromycin.

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M. U. Adikwu ¹, A. A. Attama ², L. Adima ³, F. C. Okafor ³

Affiliations
1 Science and Technology Education Post-Basic, National Commission for Colleges of Education Tower Building, Opposite Akwa-Ibom House, Plot 829 Cadastral Zone A01, Ralph Shodeinde Street, Opposite Akwa Ibom House, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, P.M.B. 0394, Garki, Abuja, NG
2 Deparment of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NG
3 Department of Statistics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NG

Abstract

One of the major problems facing the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria is the issue of raw materials. New pyrodextrins from tacca and gladiolus starches may prove to be cheap and ideal pharmaceutical excipients for use in tablet dosage forms. However, the ability of any pharmaceutical substance to substitute imported products is its ability to compare with properties of such products. In this research, statistical parameters were used to check the properties of newly formulated pyrodextrins from tacca and gladiolus starches. Pyrodextrins derived from two tropical starches: Tacca involucrata (Fam: Taccaceae) and Gladiolus actimorphantus (Fam: Iridaceae) were used for this study. The starches were extracted using standard procedures and subjected to varying temperatures to produce pyrodextrins. The effect of pyrodextrin source, pryodextrin variation and storage temperature on the drug content of paracetamol was statistically evaluated in this study using factorial experiment in randomized complete block design (RCBD). The result of the analysis showed that the sources of the pyrodextrins and the storage temperature had much effect on the drug content of paracetamol whereas the binder concentration had little or no effect on the drug content of paracetamol.

Keywords

Pyrodextrin, Source, Variation, Storage Temperature, Stability, Paracetamol, Statistical Appraisal.

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M. U. Adikwu ¹, E. C. Ibezim ¹, J. O. Okafor ², P. A. Akpa ³

Affiliations
1 Science and Technology Education Post- Basic, National Commission for Colleges of Education Tower, Opposite Akwa Ibom House, Plot 829 Cadastral Zone AO1, Abuja, FCT, NG
2 Federal Othopaedic Hospital, Enugu, NG
3 2Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Enugu State, NG

Abstract

This work focuses on the skin permeation properties of drug formulations such as ointments, creams and gels produced using various quantities of mucin, honey and their admixtures (mucinated -honey (MH) containing salicylic acid as the model drug. Permeation studies involved the assessment of the transdermal migration of salicylic acid across excised rat skin at room temperature using phosphate buffered saline as the release medium. Results obtained indicate that formulations containing mucinated honey (MH) showed higher salicylic acid release than those containing only mucin or honey alone. Furthermore, the apparent permeability (P_app) values obtained for ointments varied between 2.036 × 10^-4 to 2.372 × 10^-4 cm²S^-1 while those obtained for creams ranged from 2.726 -3.027 × 10^-4cm²S^-1. Additionally, the Papp values for the gels formulated were between 2.5174 and 2.9368 × 10^-4 cm² S^-1. Results for the steady state flux study of the formulations showed that MH formulations have much higher values than those obtained for formulations containing mucin or honey alone. Findings suggest that the materials handled could be possible candidates for the formulation of ointments, creams and gels for topical drug delivery applications to wounds.

Keywords

Skin Permeation, Mucinated Honey, Salicylic Acid, Apparent Permeability.

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M. U. Adikwu ¹, J. O. Okafor ², E. C. Ibezim ²

Affiliations
1 Science and Technology Education Post-Basic, National Commission for Colleges of Education Tower Building, Opposite Akwa-Ibom House, Plot 829 Cadastral Zone A01, Ralph Shodeinde Street, Opposite Akwa Ibom House, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, P.M.B. 0394, Garki, Abuja, NG
2 Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, NG

Abstract

In this work, the various topical formulations of mucin, honey and their admixtures (mucinated-honey) (MH) were investigated in wound treatment. Their wound healing effects, tissue re-epithelialization and efficacy in wounds were compared to those of silver sulphadiazine cream (SSD) which was employed as the standard. Gels were used and various quantities of mucin and honey were incorporated to give the required formulations. Histological examination coupled with visual scoring allowed the assessment of changes to the wounded area. MH showed enhanced wound healing when compared with mucin alone, honey alone or SSD. The combination resulted in up to 89% wound healing on day 15 compared to 74 % for honey and 80% for mucin alone. The wounds that were treated with gel preparations of MH had the fastest resolution of the inflammatory, proliferative and maturation phases of wound healing. The wounds showed early resolution of oedema, fever, minimal scar, early establishment of angiogenesis, fibroblast cells and high density keratinocytes than mucin, honey or SSD formulations. Organoleptically, the MH formulations had better stability characteristics when stored under use conditions for 12 months. MH accelerated wound healing in rats when compared with mucin, honey and SSD. This may be attributed to the synergy in mucin-honey admixture when applied to full thickness experimental wounds in rats. The relevance of MH in wound healing has been established in this study.

Keywords

Gels, Full Thickness Wound, Mucinated-Honey, Wound Healing.

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P. O. Nnamani ¹, M. U. Adikwu ¹, A. A. Attama ¹, O. C. Eze ¹

Affiliations
1 Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department Of Pharmaceutics University Of Nigeria, Nsukka (410 001), Enugu State, NG

Abstract

The suspending properties of the polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) or co-precipitates from Ogbono gum, (Irvingia gabonensis, variety excels, Fam. Irvingiaceae) and gelatin were carried out. The gum was extracted, co-precipitated with gelatin and used to prepare chalk suspension. Parameters determined were as follows: sedimentation rate, viscosity, pH, redispersibility number and effect of electrolytes on the rheology of the suspension. The result was compared with that of a commercial brand of Mist Magnesium trisilicate (Product X) obtained from Gloria, G Pharmaceuticals, Nigeria Limited. The results of the study credited Irvingia gabonensis gum as being a better suspending agent alone than gelatin. In furtherance, the PECs-containing suspension prepared with 1:4 combination of gelatin and Irvingia gabonensis gum had the best properties in relation to the assessed parameters as being the best viscosity impacting agent with the least redispersibility number which is a marker to its suspension not forming cake upon storage as well as making for easy re-suspension of sedimented particles and ensuring accurate dosing superior to the Product X.

Keywords

Polyelectrolyte Complexes, Irvingia gabonensis, Gelatin, Chalk, Suspension.

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M. U. Adikwu ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, NG

Abstract

Mucins act as protection for the gastrointestinal tract against various invading organisms. They are also crucial in developing drugs against these organisms as well as for other therapeutic purposes. This study was carried out to investigate the binding of Staphylococcus aureus onto bovine intestinal mucin in vitro. The isolate of Staphylococcus aureus was added into graded concentrations of mucin ranging from 100 mg to 15000 mg. The mixture was agitated in test tubes for 5 min. The viable count of the bacteria in the mixture was taken at the end of the agitation period using the surface viable method and incubated along with control containing the same quantity of bacterial suspension at 37°C for 24 h. After 24 h incubation, the count was taken so as to determine the cells adsorbed by the mucin. The result of the study indicates that bovine intestinal mucin had binding capacity and hence, a reduction in the total cell counts of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Thus mucins may enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics when used in combination as they may immobilize the organisms for ready destruction by the antibiotics.

Keywords

Binding, Staphylococcus aureus, Bovine Mucin.

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