Research articles list

The article is a discourse analysis of the Wildflower telerserye, exploring the themes and portrayals of the main character and the ambiguities projected by her characterization. The research’s objective revolves around the details that upon the attempt of the telersye to flaunt the modern archetypes of a Filipina, a strong and empowered woman who liberates under the yoke of patriarchal hegemony, her actions and ways were deemed crucial and subjected to great scrutiny. The researcher also dealt with how these portrayals affect and reflect the Filipinos’ way of thinking and sense of morality. Two major literary theories were used to underscore the article’s crucial points. To show how the woman portrayals in teleserye try to subvert the idea and configuration of patriarchy, Feminism (Helene Cixous) was used. Meanwhile, Deconstructionism (Jacques Derrida) was employed to show that in the attempt of the teleserye to empower the woman lead character, remove her from her marginalized and stereotypical views, and liberate her from the yoke of patriarchal hegemony, the result was otherwise. Based on these analyses, a synthesis of Filipinos’ sensibilities on how it affects and reflects their ways of thinking was crafted.

Darrel Ocampo

The study identified the pragmatic competence level of the second language (L2) learners through Written Discourse Completion Test (WDCT) administered to purposively selected 40 first-year education students. A modified questionnaire based on Survey for Academic English Language Exposure (SAELE) was used to determine the effectiveness of academic English language exposure on the pragmatic competence development of the respondents. The study employed the descriptive-correlational method, while various statistical tools were utilized to analyze and interpret the data. Weighted mean was used to determine the respondents’ pragmatic competence level and the effectiveness of academic English language exposure on the pragmatic competence development of the respondents. Moreover, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was employed to determine the significant relationship between the two variables. Results in WDCT showed that the average scores in the pre-test and post-test results fall under the competent level. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of academic English language exposure on the pragmatic competence development of the respondents was 0.207, which is ineffective. Lastly, the statistical correlation of the two variables showed no significant relationship between them (r=0.046, p>0.05). Based on the study’s results, pedagogical implications for pragmatic and L2 teaching and learning were conceptualized.

Darrel Ocampo

This exploratory case study employed Appreciative Inquiry Framework in answering the following questions: 1) What are the expectations set by the following to the student homosexuals; a) Self, b) Parents and c) Teachers; 2. What are the positive and negative effects of these expectations to the student homosexuals? and 3) How do these expectations affect the process of identity development of the student homosexuals?. The participants are five college students who identified themselves as homosexual. Written consent was secured to ensure that the research abides to the ethical standards. The data was triangulated through analysing the point of view of the student participants, their parents and their teachers. Results revealed that expectations set by the student homosexuals, their parent and teachers are all contributory factors that affect the identity development of student homosexuals. Moreover, it was revealed that those who have problems in their identity development experienced difficulties in their performance in school. Positive and negative effects of expectations were also noted as the participants shared their stories. With the results, it was recommended that teachers must treat all their students equally regardless of their gender preferences in life. Activities that support the holistic personalities of students must be given emphasis. The parents must support their children in whatever endeavour they take and provide them guidance to be successful in their academic pursuits. Lastly, a model of counselling procedure for student homosexuals was proposed.

Darrel Ocampo

Lifelong learning is becoming part of the philosophy of professional education. Continuing medical education is the responsibility of all personnel who are responsible for the delivery of components of the health care delivery system. Continuing education is becoming increasingly obvious for medical universities, hospitals, and health care providers. Pharmacists who practice in a community pharmacy and hospital, and who are participating in residency recognize that the traditional role of the pharmacist is changing. Over the last decades, a host of new services have been identified as a function of the pharmacist [1]. A review of these services revealed a personal commitment to continuing education. It is the absolute need to develop a level of competence that will improve patient care. In Libya, pharmacists working in the community practice setting are pharmacists with a diploma of pharmacy or with a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D). The main objective is that the graduates possess the knowledge and skills needed to perform optimally to man the pharmaceutical services [1, 2]. Patient's expectations from pharmacists are that the medicine should be effective, safe and affordable. Other expectations from Libyan pharmacists would be to dispense the drugs according to the rules with the right advice on how and when the medicines should be used, and what to do in the case of adverse drug reactions, and the provision of advice on common illnesses. Nevertheless, it is an undeniable fact that the pharmacist has failed to provide all these patient-oriented services [3]. It should be noted that the quality of pharmacy education and training can be improved through certain processes of accreditation.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Hybanthus enneaspermus, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac was investigated for its potential to reverse antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in female rats. The aqueous extract was evaluated for secondary metabolite, amino acid and mineral constituents. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, terpenoids, phenolics, calcium, potassium, sodium, glutamine and leucine are some of its notable constituents. 60 healthy, sexually responsive female albino rats (144.7±5.9 gm) were divided into six groups (A-F) of 10 rats each; of which 50 were induced into sexual dysfunction. Rats in group A were administered distilled water throughout the experimental period and served as a control group, while rats induced into sexual dysfunction (Groups B-F) by fluoxetine were given water, the reference medication (Tadalafil) and oral doses of the extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) once daily for seven days, respectively. When administered to sexually active rats, fluoxetine significantly decreased the frequency of darting, hopping, lordosis, genital grooming, and licking behavior by 57.4%, 42.5%, 43.9%, 64.0%, and 41.8%, respectively. However, the latency of darting, hopping and lordosis were significantly increased by 50.6%, 47.7%, and 54.9%, respectively. Hybanthus enneaspermus aqueous extract administered at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg significantly reversed fluoxetine-mediated changes in all sexual behavior parameters. The extract's ability to reverse the characteristics of sexual behavior at 1000 mg/kg was comparable to those of tadalafil-treated rats. Additionally, all the extract dosages reversed the levels of blood luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, prolactin and estrogen after it has significantly been altered by fluoxetine. The results indicated that the aqueous extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus improved the proceptive, receptive and orientational behavior of rats. The extract also enhanced reproductive hormone concentration by restoring sexual competence in sexually-impaired female rats. The findings of this study provide further evidence in favor of Hybanthus enneaspermus widespread usage in the management of female sexual dysfunction.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The anti-emetic activity of the leaves methanolic extracts of Cassia angustifolia Vahl., Cassia holosericea Fresen., Cassia italica Miller. Lam. ex F.W. Ander and Cassia purpurea Roxb., was evaluated in young chicks. Emesis was induced by copper sulfate (50 mg/kg), and the extracts were tested orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg. All the extracts significantly decreased the number of retching (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) compared with standard chlorpromazine.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The current study was designed to explore the antiemetic effect of the methanolic extracts of Acalypha fimbriata Schumach. & Thonn., Acalypha ornata Hochst., and Acalypha wilkesiana cv. godseffiana Muell Arg., aerial parts using chick emesis model to validate their folk use in G.I. disorders. Emesis was induced by the oral administration of copper sulfate to male chicks. All the extracts (150 mg/kg orally) showed an antiemetic effect and were compared with the reference drug chlorpromazine. Among all the extracts, Acalypha ornata Hochst., leaves extract showed the highest (94.51%) and Acalypha fimbriata Schumach. & Thonn., stem extract showed the lowest (35.04%) antiemetic effect.

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

The current study was conducted to explore the antiemetic activity of two marine algae, Iyengaria stellata Børgesen (Phaeophycota) and Valoniopsis pachynema Børgesen (Chlorophycota), by chick emesis model. Emesis was induced by copper sulphate (50 mg/kg), and the extracts were tested orally at 150 mg/kg. Chlorpromazine (150 mg/kg orally) was used as a standard antiemetic drug. The results showed that methanol extracts of both seaweeds have antiemetic activity.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Cleome brachycarpa Vahl . and Cleome viscosa L. were evaluated for anti-emetic activity in the copper sulfate-induced chick emesis model. Emesis was induced by copper sulfate (50 mg/kg), and the methanolic extracts of leaves were tested orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg. Chlorpromazine (150mg/kg orally) was used as standard anti-emetic drug. The anti-emetic activity was determined by calculating the mean decrease in the number of retching as compared with the control. Cleome brachycarpa and Cleome viscosa showed comparable anti-emetic activity with chlorpromazine.Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ., and Cleome viscosa L., leaves extract in a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight., reduced the numbers of retches by 57.57% and 43.06%. Cleome brachycarpa significantly (**P<0.005) reduced the number of retches. The group of chicks treated with chlorpromazine had 45 retches compared to the 71 retches of the control group, thus chlorpromazine reduced the retches by 36.99%. From the results, it is clear that Cleome brachycarpa Vahl. and Cleome viscosa L. leaves extracts have antiemetic potential and are comparable with standard chlorpromazine. Although the result is significant the mode of action is not known. Antiemetic activity by using copper sulfate proposed 5-HT3, 5-HT4, or NK1 receptor antagonism. Therefore, the extracts effectively prevented its effect and had a peripheral anti-emetic action. As mentioned earlier, triterpenoids such as brachycarpone, deacetoxybrachycarpone, cabralealactone and ursolic acid are reported from Cleome brachycarpa6, whereas flavonoids are reported from Cleome viscosa. Flavonoids and triterpenoids possess anti-emetic properties18. So, if flavonoids and triterpenoids are present in the studied extracts, the observed anti-emetic effects may be due to flavonoids and triterpenoids. The present study is on the preliminary level, and further investigation is required to confirm the anti-emetic effect of Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ., and Cleome viscosa L. leaves and determine the compounds responsible for this activity with their possible mode of action.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Emesis, also known as nausea and vomiting, are common symptoms associated with ingestion of toxicants, drug side effects, advanced terminal diseases such as cancer and postoperative procedures. Emesis is mediated through the coordinated action of central and peripheral regulatory centres that involve receptors including dopamine Type 2, serotonin, muscarinic cholinergic, histamine, cannabinoids and NK-1 receptors. Many anti-emetic drugs targeting these receptors are currently in use, but they also cause undesirable side effects such as excessive sedation, hypotension, dry mouth, dysphoria, hallucinations and extrapyramidal signs. This review highlights the pharmacological mechanism of emesis, current antiemetic drugs, and a detailed analysis of in vitro and in vivo anti-emetic bioassay models. The pharmacology of crude natural products extracts and purified anti-emetic compounds (cannabinoids, chalcones, diarylheptanoids, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, lignans, phenylpropanoids, polysaccharides, saponins, terpenes and glycosidic derivatives) are also systematically presented with their mechanism of action. The potential of natural products as sources of new clinically proven anti-emetic drugs is discussed.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The current study used the chick emesis model to explore the anti-emetic effect of the methanolic extract of Acalypha ornata Hochst—roots. Emesis was induced by the oral administration of copper sulfate to male chicks. Acalypha ornata root extract (150 mg/kg orally) showed an anti-emetic effect and was compared with the reference drug chlorpromazine

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The current study was designed to explore the antiemetic effect of the methanolic extract of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray., leaves using chick emesis model to validate their folk use in G.I. disorders. Emesis was induced by the oral administration of copper sulfate 50mg/kg body weight to male chicks of four days of age. The antiemetic activity was determined by calculating the mean decrease in the number of retching compared to the control. Tithonia diversifolia leaves extract (150 mg/kg orally) showed a significant (p <0.05) antiemetic effect and was compared with the reference drug chlorpromazine.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Ethanol extracts of leaves, male flowers and fruit peel of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., were evaluated for analgesic effect using the analgesy meter test, a mechanically induced pain model. Extracts at 500 mg/kg, p.o., were tested and compared with diclofenac sodium 50mg/kg as a standard analgesic drug. The mechanical force was applied to the rat's paw and continuously increased. The point at which the rat can’t bear further pressure and starts to struggle to free the paw was taken as a nociceptive response. Readings were taken before and after 1, 2 and 3hr following drug administration. The analgesic response was continuously increasing till 3hrs. Tested extracts produced significant and comparable analgesic effects as with diclofenac sodium.

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

Legumes are the richest source of protein, starch, minerals, and vitamins and are considered the earliest domestic plants. They belong to the leguminosae family, one of the largest and most important families of flowering plants. The present review describes the history, consumption, nutritional aspects, traditional medicinal uses, pharmacology, and commercial aspects of legumes.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Emesis encompasses the forceful expulsion of the stomach's contents via the mouth or sometimes the nose. The adverse effects of currently available anti-emetic agents potentiate the natural product researchers to explore natural anti-emetics with fewer side effects. The presented communication reviews the anti-emetic effect of two hundred and forty-five plants belonging to seventy-eight families in different parts of the world. It also outlined the anti-emetic effect of plant extracts and isolated secondary metabolites studied through a variety of animal models of emesis. The reported anti-emetic plants in different countries and cultures and the scientific studies on extracts may help in the identification of promising single chemical compound(s) that may be used as potential leads for developing safe anti-emetic agents in future. Moreover, the reported secondary metabolites having the same effect may open the door for the search for the same secondary metabolites from other natural sources. This review will provide useful information for discovering natural anti-emetic compounds and fill the gaps in knowledge.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The presented study initially attempted to discover bergenin as an antiemetic compound isolated from Peltophorum roxburghii L. leaves. It is the extension of antiemetic activity from the methanol extract of Peltophorum roxburghii L. leaves. The antiemetic activity was assessed using copper sulfate-induced emesis in the chick’s model. Bergenin (25 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited significant antiemetic activity compared to the standard drug, chlorpromazine. This is the first time that bergenin has declared antiemetic activity. Bergenin has already been evaluated positively for its anti-inflammatory activity, and this paper will report its antiemetic activity. Both the activities of the same compound may be beneficial for drug design against the disease, as they have anti-inflammatory and antiemetic symptoms like migraines. The preliminary antiemetic evaluation of bergenin was conducted on a single dose due to the low yield of Bergenin. However, the result was significant in terms of the standard used. Further, the isolation and purification of Bergenin are in the process of establishing detailed data on different doses of Bergenin.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The methanol extract of the whole alga Hypnea pannosa J. Agardh was subjected to antifungal screening. It showed low activity against Aspergillus flavus Link ex Gray 1821.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Standardization of crude drugs is a code of conduct and an essential need of the time. Substitution and adulteration now become a widespread practice, which makes the global crude drug market unsafe for crude drugs depending on the world population. Moreover, crude drug evaluation is not easy because numerous influential factors affect the bio-efficacy and reproducibility of therapeutic effects. The broad spectrum of standardization ensures the correct substance in the proper amount for desired therapeutic effects. It also provides all possible careful measures taken from collection and manufacturing to drug dispensing for clinical application. The authors have tried to cover precise tools for crude drug standardization in the present review.

Dr. Salman Ahmed