Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 

About: Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research is an academic journal published by Pharmacotherapy Group, University of Benin, Benin City. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Internal medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 1596-9827. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 3494 publications have been published receiving 33524 citations. The journal is also known as: Official journal of Pharmacotherapy Group & TJPR.

Nanoparticles - A Review

Abstract: For the past few decades, there has been a considerable research interest in the area of drug delivery using particulate delivery systems as carriers for small and large molecules. Particulate systems like nanoparticles have been used as a physical approach to alter and improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of various types of drug molecules. They have been used in vivo to protect the drug entity in the systemic circulation, restrict access of the drug to the chosen sites and to deliver the drug at a controlled and sustained rate to the site of action. Various polymers have been used in the formulation of nanoparticles for drug delivery research to increase therapeutic benefit, while minimizing side effects. Here, we review various aspects of nanoparticle formulation, characterization, effect of their characteristics and their applications in delivery of drug molecules and therapeutic genes.

Effect of Zeta Potential on the Properties of Nano-Drug Delivery Systems - A Review (Part 2)

Abstract: The zeta potential (ZP) of colloidal systems and nano-medicines, as well as their particle size exert a major effect on the various properties of nano-drug delivery systems. Not only the stability of dosage forms and their release rate are affected but also their circulation in the blood stream and absorption into body membranes are dramatically altered by ZP. In this paper the effect of ZP on the various properties of nano-medicines are reviewed. Furthermore, the ability of employing zeta potential to target drug delivery systems to, and drug release at specific sites of the body are discussed.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activities of Some Selected Medicinal Plants Used for Malaria Therapy in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract: Purpose : Oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the development of anaemia in malaria. Indeed, increase in total antioxidant status has been shown to be important in recovery from malaria. The antioxidant activities of four medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in southwestern Nigeria were determined. Methods : The ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Carica papaya Linn. [Caricaceae] , stem bark of Magnifera indica Linn. [Anacardiaceae], leaves of Psidium guajava Linn. [Myrtaceae] and the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Del. [Compositae], were used in the present study. The plant parts commonly used in the locality in malaria therapy were employed in this study. The plants were screened for the presence of phytochemicals and, their effect on 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) was used to determine their free radical scavenging activity. Results : Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and reducing sugars. M. indica did not contain cardiac glycosides and alkaloids while, P. guajava also showed the absence of alkaloids and anthraquinones. Anthraquinones was similarly absent from V. amygdalina. Concentrations of the plant extracts required for 50% inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC 50 ) were recorded as 0.04 mg/ml, 0.313 mg/ml, 0.58 mg/ml, 2.30 mg/ml and 0.054 mg/ml for P. guajava, M. Indica, C. papaya, V. amygdalina and Vitamin C, respectively. Conclusion : All the plants showed potent inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging activity, P. guajava being the most potent. The free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activities of these plants probably contribute to the effectiveness of the above plants in malaria therapy.

Flavonoids as Nutraceuticals: A Review

Abstract: Phenolic compounds form one of the main classes of secondary metabolites. They display a large range of structures and are responsible for the major organoleptic characteristics of plant-derived foods and beverages, particularly color and taste properties. They also contribute to the nutritional qualities of fruits and vegetables. Among these compounds, flavonoids constitute one of the most ubiquitous groups of plant phenolics. Owing to their importance in food organoleptic properties and human health, a better understanding of their structures and biological activities indicates their potentials as therapeutic agents and also for predicting and controlling food quality. Due to the variety of pharmacological activities in the mammalian body, flavonoids are more correctly referred as “nutraceuticals”. Keywords : Bioflavonoids, Structure-Classification, Nutraceuticals, Antimicrobial activities, Anti-oxidant activity, Metabolic effects Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 7 (3) 2008: pp. 1089-1099

Antimicrobial Activity of Tamarindus indica Linn

Abstract: Purpose: Tamarindus indica is a plant that is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cold, fever, stomach disorder, diarrhea and jaundice and as skin cleanser. To evaluate the scientific basis for the use of the plant, the antimicrobial activities of extracts of the stem bark and leaves were evaluated against some common gram negative and gram positive bacteria and fungi. The study also investigated the chemical constituents of the plant and the effect of temperature and pH on its antimicrobial activity. Methods: The phytochemical constituents of the dried powdered plant parts were extracted using aqueous and organic solvents (acetone and ethanol). The antimicrobial activity of the concentrated extracts was evaluated by determination of the diameter of zone of inhibition against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria and fungi using the paper disc diffusion method. Results: Results of the phytochemical studies revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, sesquiterpenes, alkaloids and phlobatamins and the extracts were active against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The activity of the plant extracts were not affected when treated at different temperature ranges (4 o C, 30 o C, 60 o C and 100 o C), but was reduced at alkaline pH. Studies on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts on the test organisms showed that the lowest MIC and the MBC were demonstrated against Salmonella paratyphi, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi and the highest MIC and MBC was exhibited against Staphylococcus aureus . Conclusions: Tamarindus indica has broad spectrum antibacterial activity and a potential source of new classes of antibiotics that could be useful for infectious disease chemotherapy and control. Keywords : Tamarindus indica , Antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, chemotherapy, infectious disease. > Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 5 (2) 2006: pp. 597-603