Pharmaceutical Sciences articles list

Ecbalium elaterium has a very violent effect on the body and has little use in modern herbalism. Little is known about the acute and chronic toxicities of ecbalium elaterium in human. This study aims to determine the acute toxicity (LD50) of fruit extract and another aerial part extract of the ecballium elaterium in experimental animals. Thus, male albino mice were divided into different groups each group consists of six mice receiving 40, 46, 52, 61, and 69 mg/kg of fruit extract of ecballium elaterium, respectively. Other groups were given 1000, 1412, 1995, 2818, and 3981 mg/kg of the areal part of ecballium elaterium extract, respectively. The LD50 in both treatments was determined by using the Spearman-Karber method. The LD50 of the fruit and aerial parts of ecballium were 55 mg/kg and 2112.5 mg/kg, respectively. The present findings showed significant weight loss after one month of treatment with 1400 mg/kg and 40 mg/Kg of fruit and aerial part extracts, respectively. The results indicated that the fruit extract is highly toxic as compared to the extract of the aerial parts.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Uric acid has increasingly been associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients who are hyperuricemic have a risk of developing diabetic complications. Pathogenesis of uric acid may decrease nitric oxide bioavailability in vascular smooth muscle, endothelial cells and direct scavenging of nitric oxide by uric acid. A decrease in endothelial nitric oxide production by uric acid has also been associated with endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance. This study aims is to determine the relationship between uric acid and glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 161 Libyan patients (67 males and 94 females) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both levels of serum uric acid and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were determined. The patients were divided into two groups. The controllable diabetic group with HbA1c of less than 06.0% and the uncontrollable diabetic group with HbA1c of more than 06.0%. Patients who are suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications were included whereas patients with smoking, alcoholism, nephrotic disease, malignancy, hepatitis, and renal failure or kidney disease were excluded. The mean and standard deviation of uric acid, HbA1c and Pearson correlation coefficient test were considered. In the controllable diabetic group, serum uric acid mean was found to be 4.807 ± 1.39 and HbA1c was found to be 5.032 ± 1.39. In the uncontrollable diabetic group, serum uric acid was 4.897 ± 1.66 and HbA1c was 8.396 ± 1.65. Uric acid level has significantly been correlated with HBA1C in controlled and uncontrolled diabetic patients (p < 0.05). In addition, the uric acid level was found to be higher in uncontrolled diabetic group than that in the controlled group (p < 0.05). A possible relationship between serum uric acid and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was noted. Thus, uric acid can be used as a potential biomarker to indicate impaired glucose metabolism.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Beetroot is vegetable containing phytochemical ingredients with potent antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is key drivers in the pathophysiology of some metabolic syndromes. Its effect on the progress of induced metabolic syndrome has, however, hardly been investigated. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of beetroot extract on various biophysical components of metabolic syndrome in rat. Following ethical approval, 50 Wister albino rats were used in this study and divided into three groups: Group A: rats were put on a high-fat-high-fructose (HFHF) diet; Group B: rats were put on an HFHF + fresh beetroot extract while group C: rats were the control group and were given a normal diet. The animals’ body weights and fasting blood sugar were taken fortnightly. Five rats from each group were then sacrificed at weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 and the following parameters were measured: liver volume, fasting lipid profile, hepatic transaminases and blood platelet level. Compared to the HFHF group, beetroot supplementation resulted in a significant attenuation of overall weight gain (56.91% vs. 34.51%; p < 0> 0.05). Beetroot supplementation further ameliorated the thrombocytopenia caused by an HFHF. Beetroot juice supplementation attenuated the attendant effects of induced metabolic syndrome which might contribute towards averting the consequential cardiovascular sequel. Thus, lifestyle modification comprising beetroot intake as a dietary supplementation may alleviate metabolic syndrome and may offer a potential non-medical adjunct in the routine management of metabolic syndrome.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Bone resorption is created by different etiological factors, such as tumors, infections, and trauma. When defects are too large and healing is not possible in a spontaneous way, the defect is called a critical size defect, which is defined as the smallest size of an intra-osseous wound that will not heal spontaneously during the lifetime of the individual. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of a mineralized plasmatic matrix versus bone graft alone or in the augmentation of bony cavities in animals. Ten adult male dogs ranging in age from 12 months to 18 months with a mean weight of ten kilograms were used in this study. Bone cavities were made in the tibia of each animal. The upper holes were implanted with a bovine bone material substitute the medial holes were implanted with a mineralized plasmatic matrix and the lower holes were left free from any implant material acting as control. The dogs were euthanized at 2, 4, and 6 weeks and prepared for H and E stain and trichrome stain. The healing process of bone cavities implanted with mineralized plasmatic matrix was better compared to cavities filled with bone grafts and those left to heal spontaneously. Mineralized plasmatic matrix facilitates graft application, in its stabilization, and improves cell penetration into the graft.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Patients’ knowledge of hypertension and treatment has been found to affect health outcomes of hypertension. This study aimed to assess the impact of therapeutic patients’ education on knowledge of hypertension and lifestyle/dietary modification among hypertensive patients in Nigeria. The study was conducted among 317 hypertensive patients randomized into controlled and intervention groups (158 vs 159, respectively) between March 2021 and February 2022. Baseline knowledge of the patients was assessed and intervention was provided for the intervention group with a structured educational program at a baseline and six months. Descriptive data were presented with a frequency table in percentage while the chi-square test and univariate logistic regression were used to determine the association between categorical variables. Out of the total number of 318 patients, 275 completed the study (response rate: 86.8%) with 136 in the control group and 139 in the intervention group. The mean age of the patients was 59.5 (±12.5) and patients > 60 years (49.5%) were the most frequent age category. The baseline knowledge score of hypertension was 9.8 (±2.6) and 9.3 (±2.6) on a scale of 16 points in the control group and intervention group, respectively (P = 0.060) while at six months 11.9 (±2.3) vs 10.8 (±2.4) (P < 0.001) and 12 months 12.6 (±2.5) vs 9.5 (±2.0) (P < 0.001), respectively. Knowledge of lifestyle/dietary modification in the control group and intervention group at baseline was 7.0 (±2.1) and 6.6 (±2.0), respectively, while at six months 7.5 (±1.5) vs 9.9 (±1.3) (P < 0.001) and at 12 months 7.2 (±1.5) vs 10.4 (±1.2), respectively. Marital status, body mass index, and family history of hypertension were associated with knowledge of hypertension and lifestyle/dietary modification (P < 0.001). The educational intervention provided was found to be associated with a significant improvement in knowledge of hypertension and lifestyle/dietary modification. The marital status of the patients, body mass index and family history of hypertension influenced patients’ level of knowledge.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Worldwide, the focus on online learning during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic faced many challenges. The present study aimed to evaluate the preferences, perceptions, and attitudes of university students toward various strategies of learning. A pre-piloted cross-sectional survey was posted on the internet in Arabic and English language. Questions covered the demographical characteristics of the participants and their preferences and perceptions of various learning strategies. We received 270 questionnaires from various countries. The majority (n=199, 73.7%) of respondents were from the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with n=125 (46.3%) participants from the College of Pharmacy. The majority (n=198, 73.0%) of respondents were females, Arabs (n=262, 97.0%), living with their families (n=208, 77.0%), and with only the father working (n=174, 64.0%). Preference was, for online learning (n=145, 53.7%) as compared to in-class learning (n=119, 44.1%). More students (n=110, 40.7%) claimed improvement in their grades with online learning but 62 of students (23.0%) stated that their grades were worsened. Student’s performance in online exams was similar to that in paper exams. The majority (n=168, 62.2%) of students claimed that their overall expectations of online learning were not the same as those for in-class learning. 50.0%-60.0% of respondents believed that in-class learning allows them to learn more effectively, and achieve the best work preparation, best exam performance, and best education value, and they were more likely to recommend it. Despite the disadvantages of online learning, it remains the future strategy for higher education. Appropriate planning of courses, and helping students by reducing digital inequity, if any, would certainly prove satisfactory for the millennial generation of students

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The significance of fermentation is gaining more relevance due to the need for better preparation of plants, the desire for better plant constituents, and the aim for the preservation of medicinal plants. Hence, this study sets out to determine and compare the pH, proximate composition, chemical constituents, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects of 3-day and 7-day fermented seeds of Nigella sativa. The fermentation of the seed was done for 3 and 7 days using 2.5% sugar. The pH of the sample declined from 3.5 to 3.45 during the fermentation. The proximate composition (moisture, ash, lipid, protein, and carbohydrates) was higher for the 3-day fermented sample while fiber was higher for the 7-day sample. The phytochemical constituents (tannins, saponins, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, phytates, oxalates, terpenoids, steroids, and glycosides) were higher for the 3-day than the 7-day sample. The Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry technique showed peaks that were characterized as 17 and 20 constituents on days 3 and 7 of the sample, respectively. The antioxidant capacity (ranging from 35.50% to 82.69% for the 3-day and from 37.50% to 84.99% for the 7-day sample) varies by the increasing concentration (7.81 mg/mL to 1000 mg/mL) of the sample. The diameter of zones of inhibition tested at different concentrations (25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL) showed varying degrees of activity against Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus. The zones obtained were higher 8-10 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and 10-12 mg/mL against Proteus vulgaris for the 7-day fermented sample while 8.0 to 9.0 mg/mL was obtained for the 3-day fermented against Staphylococcus aureus and 8.0 to 10.0 mg/mL against Proteus vulgaris. Overall, the results of this study indicated that fermentation contributed to enhancing the bioactive components and antioxidant capacity of the fermented seeds of N. sativa thereby supporting the use of fermentation in the production of value-added functional foods.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Elevated arterial blood pressure is the most important public health problem in developed countries. It often leads to lethal complications if left untreated. Brewer's yeast is celebrated for its various beneficial effects, including a possible hypotensive effect. Thus, the anti-hypertensive effects of brewer’s yeast were investigated. The hypertensive model was done by a once-weekly intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone at a dose of 25 mg/kg combined with drinking a 1.0% sodium chloride solution containing 0.2% KCl and 2.0% glucose for six weeks. The blood pressure was measured by the rat carotid artery cannulation preparation. Different doses of brewer's yeast dissolved in distilled water were injected into the internal jugular vein, with measurement of blood pressure at each time. To explore the mechanism of the hypotensive effect of yeast, the yeast cardiac effect was verified by the use of isolated perfused rabbit heart preparations using different antagonists. It was found that dexamethasone elevated systolic blood pressure to 178.3±11.6 and diastolic blood pressure to 133.3±16.6 from normal levels of 115.0±9.1 for systolic and 74.0±4.1 for diastolic. The gradual increase in intravenous yeast doses ranging from 0.05 to 0.40 effectively lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure in rats with normal pressure, bringing them to approximately 80.0±05.6 mmHg for systolic and 40.0±3.5 mmHg for diastolic. While doses exceeding 0.04 resulted in a drop in systolic pressure to 60.0±3.9 mmHg, diastolic pressure became unrecordable. The administration of the 0.20 dose resulted in unrecordable blood pressure. In hypertensive rats, a decrease in blood pressure was observed with doses ranging from 0.60-1.0 mg, leading to a reduction to 110.0±2.8 mmHg for systolic and 52.0±9.9 mmHg for diastolic pressures. Doses exceeding 1.0 mg further lowered systolic and diastolic pressures to 20.0±3.9 mmHg. There was a mild increase in heart rate with no change in cardiac force of contraction. This effect was not mediated through beta, calcium receptors, or the histamine effect. The findings show that the yeast has a dose-dependent blood pressure-lowering effect. The mechanism of the chronotropic effect is possibly due to its direct action.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

There is an upsurge in gestational diabetes mellitus with many devastating consequences for the mother and developing fetus. Insulin therapy remains a mainstay. However, insulin is expensive and comes with the pain of multiple injections. Therefore, there is a need to explore commonly administered oral hypoglycemic agents to cater for the increasing gestational diabetes mellitus-associated neurological complications. This study assesses the effects of glibenclamide, metformin and insulin on the pups’ prefrontal cortex in diabetic pregnant rats. 35 sexually matured adult female rats weighing between 120 g and 160 g were used and assigned into five groups (A to E) of seven rats each group. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg and 35 mg/kg; ip). Hyperglycemic rats were treated with insulin (1.0 UI daily), metformin (200 mg/kg/day) and glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg/day). Body weight and blood glucose levels were evaluated. Rats were sacrificed at 18-day gestation, the pups were harvested, and their brains were processed for tissue oxidative stress markers and various histological examinations. Glibenclamide and metformin caused a significant blood glucose reduction at 37.9% and 40.7%, respectively, compared to the insulin group (33.09%). There was no significant difference in the body-organ ratio in rats treated with metformin when compared to rats treated with insulin. Metformin and glibenclamide had a significant increase in tissue glutathione reductase and a decrease in malondialdehyde compared with insulin and diabetic control groups. The pups’ prefrontal cortex showed degenerated neuronal cells in the diabetic control animals. The diabetic rats treated with metformin and glibenclamide showed improved pyramidal neurons compared with diabetic and insulin groups. This study suggests that metformin and glibenclamide glycemic control may prevent and improve antioxidant enzymes and reverse some neurotoxic effects caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

In this review work, we have extracted the essential details from prior patents about the synthesis of popular drug Lamotrigine. This initiative will provide a platform for the global researchers to invent new or innovate over the existing synthetic routes to isolate Lamotrigine with good yield and purity. The details of patents were sourced from “Google patents” search tool and the process specific details were elaborated with reaction schemes. In this context, twenty-four reactions schemes were tabulated for the better understanding of the disclosed ventures. The entire chronological exfoliation of details on the synthesis of Lamotrigine provides a clear evolutional vision of its synthetic flourish towards drug commercialization.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The research into plant is used to search for new agents with pharmacological activities. This study seeks to evaluate the effects of the palm leaf methanolic extract against nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and weight loss induced by chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin in a rat’s model. Five groups of rats (n= 4 in each group) were treated with or without doxorubicin (3.0 mg/kg/day, ip) and with palm leaf methanolic extract (400 mg/kg/day or 1200 mg/kg/day, po), followed by evaluation of renal and hepatic biochemical markers. The findings obtained indicated that palm leaf methanolic extract exerts protective effects against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Doxorubicin significantly elevated renal function markers, namely creatinine, uric acid and urea, however, these biomarkers remained within normal levels after treatment with palm leaf methanolic extract (400 mg/kg/day) as compared to the control group. Treating the rats with doxorubicin and palm leaf methanolic extract at doses 400 mg/kg/day and 1200 mg/kg/day, counteracts the doxorubicin-induced elevation of serum creatinine and uric acid compared to the doxorubicin group. Doxorubicin also significantly increased hepatic function tests namely alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and bilirubin as compared to the control group. In addition, treating the rats with palm leaf methanolic extract doses and doxorubicin caused a significant decrease in the serum levels of hepatic markers compared to the doxorubicin group. Doxorubicin treatment resulted in a weight loss of 34.1%, the weight loss caused by doxorubicin was prevented by treating the rats with the extract at 1200 mg/kg/day as compared to their baseline body weight. Thus, the results of the current study suggest that the active constituents present in the palm leaf methanolic extract have a protective effect against hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and weight loss-induced by doxorubicin.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Jobelyn® is a multi-functional natural dietary supplement made from Sorghum bicolour with very high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. The study investigated the role of Jobelyn® in the attenuation of oxido-inflammatory markers induced by tramadol use, abuse and discontinuation over 17 days in rats. The experimental observational study was carried out using male adult albino rats weighing between 100 and 170 g. The experimental design involved five groups. Rats were randomly divided into groups of five, consisting of group 1 (normal control rats), and group 2 (rats treated with tramadol at 40 mg/kg/day) were administered for 10 days and discontinued for seven days. Group 3 administered incremental doses of tramadol from 40 mg/kg/day to 100 mg/kg/day over 10 days and discontinued for seven days. A similar treatment protocol was administered for group 4 and group 5 but were treated with Jobelyn® at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day at the discontinuation phases for seven days. Behavioral assessments (elevated plus maze model of anxiety and open field model of locomotor activity) and biomarkers of oxido-inflammatory stress were assessed. Tramadol-treated groups had significant anxiety responses and locomotory deficits in comparison to the control group. Tramadol-treated groups had significant elevations of nitrites and malondehyde and reduced enzymatic markers such as catalase, glutathione, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, G-s-transferase, glutamic acid decarboxylase and increased activity of acetylcholinesterase when compared to control group. Administration of Jobelyn® attenuated the responses and ameliorated the oxido-inflammatory biomarkers similar to levels in control group. Tramadol induces oxido-inflammatory stress markers in the prefrontal, striatum and hippocampus in rats. Anxiety and locomotory behavioral actions on tramadol treatment were elevated despite discontinuation for seven days. Thus, Jobelyn® at 200 mg/kg/day ameliorated oxido-inflammatory markers induced by tramadol and decreased anxiety responses in albino rats.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The current study seeks to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography method for atorvastatin diastereomer separation and analysis. In particular, we wish to identify the many diastereomers in atorvastatin, which can help us to better understand their pharmacological properties and provide significant information for pharmaceutical applications. Atorvastatin was chromatographed on a Chiralcel® OD-RH column and n-hexan-2-propanol (95:05 v/v) as the mobile phase, with an injection volume of 10 µL. The solution was pumped at a continuous flow rate of 1 mL/min, with a detection wavelength of 260 nm. The investigation found two peaks with retention times of 3.23 and 3.85 min, respectively. The resolution, capacity, and selectivity factors obtained were Rs = 1.2, k′1 = 3.50, k′2 = 4.37, and α = 1.24.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Resveratrol, a polyphenol predominantly present in red grapes, has attracted interest due to its possible health advantages. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties of this substance indicate that it may have a beneficial effect on wound healing in individuals with diabetes mellitus. This study aims to determine the role of resveratrol on type 2 diabetic wound healing on total protein and albumin levels in rats. 20 male adult Albino Wistar rats were rendered diabetic using a high-fat diet and an alloxan injection (120 mg/kg). The rats were grouped into four: non-diabetic control group (negative control), diabetic control group (positive control), diabetic treatment group 1 (resveratrol: 10 mg/kg) and diabetic treatment group 2 (resveratrol: 20 mg/kg). Excisional wounds were created and monitored for wound closure over a defined treatment period of 14 days. Studies were conducted and expressed using physical and biochemical indices. The data demonstrated wound healing activities via biochemical indices, and histological and macroscopic methods. There was a difference in fasting blood glucose between the diabetic control group with the treatment groups. There was a difference between the diabetic control group compared to the group treated with resveratrol 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg in the weight of the rats. There was no significant acceleration in total albumin and globulin levels in the diabetic wounded group treated with resveratrol (10 mg and 20 mg). The results suggest that resveratrol treatment does not affect on total albumin and globulin levels in diabetic rats.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The butanol fraction of the leaves of Castanospermum australe Cunn. & Fraser., was tested on adult Callosobruchus analis (pulse beetle) for its insecticidal activity by impregnation method at concentrations of 3, 9, 48, 240 and 354 μg / cm2. The result showed that the extract is toxic to Callosobruchus analis and the LD50 was found to be 38 µg/cm2. The insecticidal activity of the butanol fraction of Castanospermum australe leaves against adult Callosobruchus analis was determined by impregnation method in five different concentrations and the result so obtained revealed that the extract is toxic against the test insect (pulse beetle). The mortality was lowest (14 %) at 3 µg/cm2 and highest (96 %) at 354 µg/cm2 (Table). The LD50 by log-log graph was found to be 38 µg/cm2. It may be said that the saponins of this plant could be utilized as a natural insecticide that could be an effective alternative for insect pest management.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

In the Indo-Pak subcontinent, the traditional systems of medicine, both Ayurvedic and Unani, are primarily based on herbs and herb-based preparation for therapy. Therefore, the importance of the herbal identification process remains critical in achieving the desired and successful therapeutic effect. To support the manufacturers and practitioners of both systems, many herbs are still collected from wild sources, as herbal farming is not very developed in this part of the world. During a survey program conducted in different areas of Pakistan, significant lacks and gaps were noted to be present in the identification & characterization of herbs, which needs to be addressed and fulfilled as many species look alike apparently or physically but have different biological or pharmacological activity. Based on this objective and approach, Centella asiatica was selected for the pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical investigation to establish a better correlation and to provide useful methods in its identification as the use of Centella asiatica is very common in Pakistan and other South Asian countries for CNS disorders therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to develop & report some and rapid identification methods for Centella asiatica. The present study includes physical, physicochemical, preliminary phytochemical and fluorescence analysis. For the first time, in the present study, NIR and FT-IR spectra of Centella asiatica have been reported for identification. The findings of the present study are quite promising and can be helpful for the manufacturers and researchers in the identification and development of Centella asiatica-based new drugs or formulations.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Ethanol extract of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. Fruit peel was evaluated for antiemetic and anti-inflammatory effects using the chick emesis model and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The antiemetic effect was observed at 150 mg /kg body weight whereas the anti-inflammatory effect was observed at doses of 500, 750 and 1000 mg /kg body weight orally. Chlorpromazine 150mg/kg and indomethacin 10mg/kg orally were used as standard anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The anti-emetic effect was determined by calculating the mean decrease in the number of retchings compared to those of the control group after 10 minutes of copper sulfate (50mg/kg orally) administration. The degree of paw oedema of all the groups was measured using a plethysmometer at the 5th hour of carrageenan (1% w/v) administration. The extract exhibited statistically significant anti-emetic (P< 0.001) and anti-inflammatory (P< 0.05) effects.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Hypnea pannosa J. Agardh (a methanol extract of the whole alga) was subjected to antifungal screening. The extract showed good activity against Trichophyton longifusus, low activity against Candida glabrata, and inactivity against Fusarium solani.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Prescription drug misuse has emerged as a significant problem over the past decade, particularly topical corticosteroids for skin lightening. This study aimed to assess the misuse of topical corticosteroids among the female population in southern Libya; to determine prevalence, awareness, attitude, and practice regarding this drug misuse. A descriptive, cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed on January 2022 to females aged between 16-45 years old in southern Libya. Out of 200 distributed questionnaires, 155 were returned with a response rate of 77.5%. The majority of the participants were aged 16-25 years (n=138, 89.0%) and over two-thirds of participants, said they obtained lightening products containing cortisone from pharmacies (n=107, 69.0%) while 36 participants indicated they obtained these products from cosmetic shops (23.2%). More than three-quarters of the participants said they were aware that they should read product ingredients (n=120, 77.4%). Just over one-quarter of respondents indicated they used the product on their face almost daily (n=41, 26.5%) while 28 participants denied using it (18.1%). The most common source of information about topical corticosteroids among participants was the Internet (n=51, 32.9%), followed by dermatologists (n=41, 26.5%), and pharmacists (n=31, 20.0%). Almost half of respondents were aware that topical corticosteroids can cause harmful effects (n=75, 48.4%). The most common indications reported for using topical corticosteroids were whitening (23.3%), and acne treatment (54.2%). Over two-thirds of participants, declared they would not use topical lightening products if they contained corticosteroids (n=107, 69.0%). In a similar attitude, nearly a third of participants stated that they would never use corticosteroid medications again if they knew about the negative effects of whitening (n=51, 32.9%). The majority of females, (87.7%), concur that only pharmacies should be able to sell and prescribe topical corticosteroid medications. The study's findings indicate that topical corticosteroids are frequently misused and that to lessen contraindications, especially for prolonged use, it is imperative to provide basic care to females who continue using topical corticosteroids in public or unlicensed marketing settings.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Monosodium urate monohydrate crystals are deposited in peripheral joints, causing gout and eliciting an intense localized inflammatory attack. In contrast, collecting ducts and medullary interstitium is a urinary calculus, which causes dysuria, nausea and hematuria. The purpose of the present study is to observe possible growth patterns of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. The crystals were grown in test tubes using a single diffusion gel technique and were observed on the 7th,14th, 21st, 28th, and 40th days. Needle and spherulite-type crystals were observed on the 14th day, while arboresque, crystal sheaves, densely branched, dumbbell, mushroom-type spherulites, plumose and hexagonal prismatic crystals were observed for the first time. After the 40th day, complete spherulites were observed with their aggregates. The crystals were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopies. The pattern of MSUM will help determine the role of different natural products in the modulation, inhibition or promotion of these crystals by affecting the shape, size, transparency, approximate number and total mass of growing crystals. In case of inhibition or modulation, it will help evaluate prophylactic management. In contrast, the promotion of the crystal will give an idea about the risk factors of gout and kidney stones.

Dr. Salman Ahmed