Dyspepsia Drug Use Pattern of Outpatients in a Public Health Center in Batununggal District Bandung

Dyspepsia is a condition of pain in the epigastrium and a burning sensation that radiates to the chest. Dyspepsia occupies the 10th position in the 20 largest non-communicable diseases in a Public Health Center in Bandung. The heterogeneous symptoms and the absence of specific treatments can lead to irrational treatment. The research objective is to determine the pattern of drug use in patients with dyspepsia, including the right indication, the proper drug selection, the correct dose, and the proper interval of administration in a Public Health Center in Batununggal District Bandung. This study was an observational study using a cross-sectional study design that was descriptive in nature. The sampling technique employed the purposive sampling method retrospectively. The research was conducted on 104 patients diagnosed with dyspepsia with comorbidities and receiving drugs at an Outpatient Clinic in a Public Health Center in Batununggal District Bandung from January-March 2020. There were 38 male patients (36.538%) and 66 female patients (63.462%). The majority of patients were aged 56-65 years (28.846%). The most used drug class was antacids (60.448%), and the dosage form that was mostly used was tablets (40.299%). The most used single drug was antacids (51.923%), while the most used drug combination was antacids and omeprazole (23.077%). The accuracy of drug selection and the accuracy of indications were 100% correct, the accuracy of the dosage was 59.62% correct, the accuracy of the time interval for drug administration was 71% correct, and the accuracy of the duration of drug administration was 9.62% correct.

Traditional Turkish Coffee with Medicinal Effect

Traditional Turkish coffee (TTC) is highly associated with caffeine and is known as a mind and heart stimulant as it helps keep tiredness at bay. Daily consumption of TTC naturally benefits human health such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, improved energy, anti-depression, reduced risk of heart disease, etc. The TTC was derived from particular types of Arabic coffee beans (ACB), and the preparation method of TTC is unique from other types of coffee. The main objective of the study was to investigate the therapeutic and biological effects of TTC. The ACB powder was characterized physicochemically using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). In vitro analysis using HaCaT (Human keratinocyte cell line) proved the biocompatibility of ACB powder. Case studies which were focusing on healthy individuals as the research populace were conducted using TTC. Consumption of TTC was found beneficially compared to other types of coffee. The TTC was obtained from ACB, which was characterized by spectroscopic techniques and displayed biocompatibility due to the results on HaCaT cell lines. The TTC has beneficial therapeutic effects on individuals. According to statistical analysis, the disease-affected ratio of diabetes, heart disease, and depression was significantly decreased.

Microbes, Clinical trials, Drug Discovery, and Vaccine Development: The Current Perspectives

Because of the frequent emergence of novel microbial species and the re-emergence of genetic variants of hitherto known microbes, the global healthcare system, and human health has been thrown into jeopardy. Also, certain microbes that possess the ability to develop multi-drug resistance (MDR) have limited the treatment options in cases of serious infections, and increased hospital and treatment costs, and associated morbidity and mortality. The recent discovery of the novel Coronavirus (n-CoV), the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is causing the CoV Disease-19 (COVID-19) has resulted in severe morbidity and mortality throughout the world affecting normal human lives. The major concern with the current pandemic is the non-availability of specific drugs and an incomplete understanding of the pathobiology of the virus. It is therefore important for pharmaceutical establishments to envisage the discovery of therapeutic interventions and potential vaccines against the novel and MDR microbes. Therefore, this review is attempted to update and explore the current perspectives in microbes, clinical research, drug discovery, and vaccine development to effectively combat the emerging novel and re-emerging genetic variants of microbes.

Cover, Content, and Editorial Note from Borneo J Pharm Vol. 4 No. 4 November 2021

Assalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb. Alhamdulillahirabbil ‘alamin. The next edition of Borneo Journal of Pharmacy (Borneo J Pharm), has been published at November 2021. Starting from this volume, Borneo J Pharm increases the frequency of publishing four times a year. This change aims to improve circulation of the best articles published by Borneo J Pharm. This edition contains ten articles consisting of Pharmacognosy-Phytochemistry, Analytical Pharmacy-Medicinal Chemistry, Microbiology Pharmacy, Natural Product Development, and Clinical-Community Pharmacy. This edition includes writings from six countries including India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. The authors come from several institutions, including the University of Jaffna, Shri Gopichand College of Pharmacy, Government College University Faisalabad, Galgotias University, University of Delhi, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Universitas Sembilanbelas November Kolaka, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Ege Üniversitesi, Universitas Sam Ratulangi, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Ganapathy Degree College, National Agency of Drug and Food Control of Republic of Indonesia, National Agency of Drug and Food Control of Republic of Indonesia in Gorontalo, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, and Ibrahim Adjie Health Center. Editorial boards are fully aware that there are still room for improvement in this edition, hence with all humility willing to accept constructive suggestions and feedback for improvements to the publication for the next editions. We hope that all parties, especially the contributors, could re-participate for the publication in the next edition on February 2022. Wassalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.

Correlation Analysis of Antioxidant Activities with Tannin, Total Flavonoid, and Total Phenolic Contents of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) Fruit Precipitated by Egg white

The nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) flesh extract has a strong antioxidant activity. Therefore, M. fragrans flesh can be developed for functional drinks which are sources rich in antioxidants good for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, the tannins' content can cause a bitter and sour taste. Therefore, the tannins content should be reduced by the addition of egg white. The purpose of this study is to find out the comparison of antioxidant activity between a combination of M. fragrans flesh extract with various concentrations of egg white and to correlate its antioxidant activities with tannin, total flavonoid, and total phenolic contents. The antioxidant activities were conducted on M. fragrans flesh extract by using DPPH and ABTS radicals. Tannin, total flavonoid, and total phenolic contents from M. fragrans flesh extract were also tested. The M. fragrans flesh extracts without addition egg white have a strong antioxidant in scavenging the stable free radical ABTS (89.980±0.480 µg/mL) and intermediate antioxidant in scavenging the stable free radical DPPH (105.669±0.102 µg/mL). It is followed accordingly by tannin, total flavonoid, and total phenolic contents, namely 14.034±0.100 %w/w TAE, 26.929±0.129 %w/w QE, and 53.164±0.129 %w/w GAE, respectively. Correlation of tannin, total flavonoid, and total phenolic contents, which inhibited DPPH and ABTS radicals had R2 values of about 89.23-97.63%. It showed that antioxidant activity is strongly influenced by the tannin, total flavonoid, and total phenolic contents. Therefore, precipitation from the tannin-protein bond caused antioxidant activities were decreased.

Compressional Physics of Binary Mixture of Dried Andrographis paniculata and Moringa oleifera Leaves

Traditionally, the leafy part of Andrographis paniculata and Moringa oleifera have been widely reported to manage hypertension. Investigation of its pharmacological actions justifies its use. As part of formulation studies to standardize them, this study focused on their compaction and compression properties. Compacts equivalent to 250 mg of A. paniculata and M. oleifera were produced by compressing powders and granules at various compression pressure. Results show that M. oleifera met the WHO limit for ash values. Relative density values for granulated batches were higher, while their moisture content values were lower when compared to those of direct compression. The result from Heckel plots shows that batches deform mainly by plastic flow. For Kawakita plots, values of 1/b show that batches containing microcrystalline cellulose were less cohesive. The plot of tensile strength signifies that granulated batches achieved maximum crushing strength faster at low pressure. Formulations containing maize starch were shown to have higher percent porosity, and granulated batches gave higher values for apparent density-pressure relationship and lower friability values. Tablets produced by the wet granulation method showed better compression and compaction properties than those formulated by direct compression.

Immunity-Boosting Natural Herbs to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

Coronaviruses cause some severe forms of respiratory infections such as Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). These viruses cause diarrhea in pigs and cows and upper respiratory disease in chickens, while other symptoms may differ. In humans, a total of six coronaviruses have been identified HCoVs-NL63, HCoVs-OC43, HCoVs-229E, HCoVs-HKU1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV. The world health organization (WHO) has done a great deal of hard work regarding combating the monstrous effects of this virus. So far, no specific antiviral drugs have been developed for the treatment of Covid-19. Therefore, the medicinal plants used for the previous epidemic outbreaks are getting attention for their potential treatment against the virus. It has been reported that 70 to 80% of people in developing countries depend on medicinal plants or phytomedicine compared to allopathic drugs for their primary healthcare. The south Asian subcontinents have used almost up to 25,000 formulations and extracts obtained from medicinal plants for treatment in folk medicine. The present review discusses an overview of the coronavirus, its immune responses, and some immunity-boosting herbs to combat Covid-19.

Pharmacological screening of Eryngium foetidum Linn – A Review

Eryngium foetidum L. (Family Apiaceae) is a biennial herb, and it is used as a culinary herb and spice across the different countries of the world, including Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. due to its high aroma quality. Also, it is used to treat several ailments, such as respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal ailments, and skin diseases among different indigenous populations for its medicinal properties. Based on ethnomedical evidence, many studies have been conducted to identify the phytoconstituents, underlying mechanisms, and related pharmacological effects of different parts of this plant. This study reviewed the current state of findings related to the Pharmacological activities of E. foetidum. Based on this review, this plant is widely used for ethnomedical and culinary purposes. Pharmacological screening of the plant revealed that it had different activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anthelminthic, anticonvulsant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimalarial, larvicidal, and hepatoprotective activities. This review further promised that potential new chemical entities could be elicited from the phytoconstituents of E. foetidum.

Use of Direct PCR Technique Without DNA Extraction in Confirmation Test for Salmonella typhimurium Bacteria on Meatball Samples

The use of direct PCR technique without DNA extraction in the confirmation test for Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 bacteria on meatball samples was carried out in the Food and Drug molecular biology testing laboratory Administration in Gorontalo. The basis of this research is to have an impact on economic value in carrying out the confirmation test for S. typhimurium ATCC 14028, where testing is carried out conventionally, namely DNA extraction, which requires a large amount of money. Hence, it is necessary to innovate to modify the testing phase so that it is more effective and efficient. The purpose of this study was to see whether the direct PCR technique without DNA extraction can be done for the confirmation test of S. typhimurium ATCC 14028 on meatball samples. This study's sample consisted of 20 types of meatball samples spiked with S. typhimurium ATCC 14028 cultures. The method used in this study was qPCR analysis using the SYBR Green method. Data analysis was carried out based on 2 main criteria: (1) Ct analysis and (2) Tm analysis. Real-time PCR analysis results obtained Ct values ​​in the range 14.14 - 15.20 with an average of 14.82 and Tm values ​​85.20 - 86.30 with an average of 85.79. Based on these data, it can be concluded that using direct PCR can be used for testing confirmation of S. typhimurium ATCC 14028 on meatball samples.

Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Melothria scabra Naudin Fruits

The fruit of Melothria scabra Naudin is traditionally used by natives of South East Sulawesi and has economic values in the local markets. Nonetheless, little scientific information was gained from this plant to support its development for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical aspects. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals contained in the ethanol extract and organic fractions (methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane) of the fruits using specific reagents and an LC-MS/MS analysis, as well as to evaluate their total phenolics, total flavonoids, and DPPH radical scavenging activity using a dot-blot staining and spectrophotometric assays. Results showed that the fruits of M. scabra contained alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins. Six compounds were successfully identified from the ethanol extract of the fruits for the first time that is D-1-[(3-carboxypropyl)amino]-1-deoxyfructose (1), fructose-C3H5NO (2), valine (3), 1β, 3α, 9β-trihydroxyeudesma-5,11(13)-dien-12-oic acid (4), Cucurbitacin B-2-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(H)-quinolone (6). Total phenolics in the extract and organic fractions were in the range of 54.2 ± 2.4 to 259.1 ± 8.4 mg GAE/g, while total flavonoids were in the range of 1.6 ± 0.2 to 22.4 ± 0.2 mg QE/g. The ethanol extract and its organic fractions (methanol and ethyl acetate) were potent radical scavengers with SC50 values ranging from 20.7 to 37.5 µg/mL when compared with ascorbic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin (SC50 of 2.8 to 9.4 µg/mL). This study concludes that M. scabra fruits could be developed as a source of natural antioxidant agents for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals purposes.