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Research Article
Employing Co-grinding Technique for Improving Cefpodoxime Proxetil Dissolution Characteristics
Nouran Abdel Kader*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
37-52
Received:
21 May 2025
Accepted:
16 June 2025
Published:
21 July 2025
Abstract: Cefpodoxime Proxetil (CP) is an oral prodrug. Its extremely poor solubility in the biological fluids, is what causes its poor bioavailability. And since dissolution is rate-limiting stage in attaining the required bioavailability, co-grinding technique was exploited, it comprises grinding the medicine with excipients (one or more excipients) to create nanoparticles. Formulations were prepared by dry co-grinding technique, for different durations 5, 10 and 20 minutes either alone or with the selected carrier using mortar and pestle. Different premixes of CP as binary or ternary mixtures using fixed concentration of the API (260mg of CP equivalent to 200mg Cefpodoxime base) along with various ratios of other additives. Carriers used were Aerosil 200, Glycine, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K25 and HPMC E6. The prepared formulations were characterized through dissolution testing, FTIR and DSC techniques. Dissolution parameters such as dissolution efficiency (DE%), amount released after 5 minutes (Q5) and 60 minutes (Q60) were calculated. Statistical evaluation covering student’s T-test, f1, dissimilarity factor and f2, similarity factor was calculated. The findings from the binary mixtures of CP with Aerosil 200 has shown to be very promising, and hence, ternary mixtures of the CP/Aerosil 200 and one of the three carriers -namely, glycine, PVP K25 and HPMC E6- at the ratio of 1:1:1, were separately co-grounded to give mixtures where Q5 ranged from 60% – 68%, Q60 ranged from 80 to 100% and DE% ranged from 67-82%. These results are suggested augmenting effect of the large surface area of Aerosil 200 and the hydrophilic nature of the other carriers. Upon decreasing the weight ratios of Aerosil 200 and other carriers to 1:0.25:0.5, PVP K25 was the most effective tested polymer in terms of improving drug dissolution rate at the lowest weight ratio.
Abstract: Cefpodoxime Proxetil (CP) is an oral prodrug. Its extremely poor solubility in the biological fluids, is what causes its poor bioavailability. And since dissolution is rate-limiting stage in attaining the required bioavailability, co-grinding technique was exploited, it comprises grinding the medicine with excipients (one or more excipients) to cre...
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Research Article
Development of a Capsule Formulation Containing Dry Bark Extract of Annickia Polycarpa: Laboratory to Pilot Scale-up
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
53-63
Received:
9 August 2025
Accepted:
20 August 2025
Published:
11 September 2025
Abstract: This study focuses on the development and scale-up of a capsule formulation based on the dry extract of Annickia polycarpa bark, a West African medicinal plant known for its antimalarial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The objective was to adapt the process, initially optimized at laboratory scale, to a pilot scale for pharmaceutical valorization. Hot maceration followed by drying yielded a higher extraction rate at pilot scale (24%) compared to laboratory scale (18.46%). Powder characterization revealed very fine particles (Dx50 < 125 µm), residual moisture within pharmacopeial limits (4%), and good solubility (100-200 g/L). However, the powders exhibited poor flowability, requiring wet granulation with pregelatinized starch or carboxymethylcellulose as binders. This step significantly improved flow properties and particle cohesion. Capsules produced from the granules met uniformity of mass requirements according to the European Pharmacopeia and displayed a rapid disintegration time (< 7 minutes), ensuring efficient release of active compounds. The human equivalent dose (HED), extrapolated from animal studies, was estimated at 3,402 mg/day for a 70 kg adult, allowing the definition of capsule size 2 with 247-296 mg of extract per unit. Overall, these findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and robustness of the encapsulation process for Annickia polycarpa, providing promising perspectives for industrial development and the production of standardized phytomedicines. However, further studies on long-term stability, bioavailability, and clinical efficacy are required to ensure the quality, safety, and therapeutic effectiveness of the final product.
Abstract: This study focuses on the development and scale-up of a capsule formulation based on the dry extract of Annickia polycarpa bark, a West African medicinal plant known for its antimalarial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The objective was to adapt the process, initially optimized at laboratory scale, to a pilot scale for pharmaceutical va...
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Research Article
Development of Microparticles Based on Natural and Synthetic Pectin for the Encapsulation of Salicylic Acid in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
64-71
Received:
21 August 2025
Accepted:
12 September 2025
Published:
14 October 2025
Abstract: Acne is the leading cause of consultations for facial skin conditions. The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize pectin-based microparticles for the encapsulation of Salicylic Acid (SA), a keratolytic agent widely used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Two types of pectin were evaluated: a natural pectin extracted from mango peel (Mangifera indica, « Amélie » variety), and a synthetic pectin. Ionotropic gelation was selected for its accessibility and its avoidance of organic solvents. Several formulations were tested by varying the pectin concentration (2% and 3%), the presence or absence of calcium chloride (0.2%), and the type of solvent (water or citrate buffer at pH 5). The microparticles were evaluated using macroscopic, microscopic, and granulometric analyses, as well as through the determination of encapsulation efficiency and yield. The results showed that synthetic pectin allowed the formation of smaller, more regular microparticles with a higher encapsulation efficiency (17.72%) compared to natural pectin (6.08%). Nevertheless, the latter demonstrated interesting potential despite morphological limitations. Both types of pectin showed acceptable encapsulation yields (> 78%). These results suggest that pectin-based microparticles are a promising option for a local delivery system of salicylic acid. Further optimizations, especially concerning the drying process and excipient ratios, could improve the performance of the formulations.
Abstract: Acne is the leading cause of consultations for facial skin conditions. The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize pectin-based microparticles for the encapsulation of Salicylic Acid (SA), a keratolytic agent widely used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Two types of pectin were evaluated: a natural pectin extracted from mango peel (Ma...
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Research Article
Simultaneous Use of Medicinal Plants and Anticancer and Antihypertensive Drugs in Cancer Patients and Hypertensive Patients: A Case Study from Point G Hospital
Mahamadou Ballo*,
Hamidou Kassogue,
Abdoulaye Traore,
Sekou Bah
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
72-78
Received:
23 September 2025
Accepted:
5 October 2025
Published:
28 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.pst.20250902.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Cancer and hypertension are two of the leading causes of death worldwide. Earlier detection, treatment and better monitoring ensure effective management. The objective was to study the prevalence and identify the medicinal plants consumed by patients with cancer and high blood pressure. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study on the use of medicinal plants by patients undergoing chemotherapy and patients taking antihypertensive drugs, monitored respectively in the medical hematology-oncology department and the cardiology department of the Point-G University Hospital. The prevalence of medicinal plant use was 41.7% (n = 79) among patients undergoing chemotherapy and 59.2% (n = 61) among patients taking antihypertensive medication. Among these patients, women accounted for more than 62% in both cases. The main sources of information on the use of plants were traditional healers, followed by parents. A total of 37 plants species belonging to 22 families were recorded. The Fabaceae family was the most represented, followed by the Combretaceae family. The three most commonly used plants were Guiera senegalensis, Combretum micranthum and Saba senegalensis in patients undergoing chemotherapy and used in combination with carboplatin and ondansetron. Those of patients taking antihypertensive drugs were Euphorbia hirta, Combretum micranthum and Moringa oleifera, used in combination with Amlodipine, Furosemide and Bisoprolol. The risk of side effects was twice as high (relative risk = 2.07) in patients taking antihypertensive drugs who also consumed plants. The study revealed a high prevalence of medicinal plant use. There is a link between the occurrence of adverse effects and plant use.
Abstract: Cancer and hypertension are two of the leading causes of death worldwide. Earlier detection, treatment and better monitoring ensure effective management. The objective was to study the prevalence and identify the medicinal plants consumed by patients with cancer and high blood pressure. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study on the use of...
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Research Article
Voluntary Skin Depigmentation in Abidjan: Toxicological Implications of Skin Lightening Products
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
79-83
Received:
25 September 2025
Accepted:
11 October 2025
Published:
31 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.pst.20250902.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Voluntary skin depigmentation is a widespread social and cosmetic practice in sub-Saharan Africa. Although motivated by the pursuit of a lighter complexion, it exposes users to numerous dermatological and systemic complications. In Côte d’Ivoire, a survey conducted in Abidjan in 2008 reported a prevalence of 53%. This study aimed to assess voluntary depigmentation practices, the types of products employed, reported adverse effects, and the level of awareness of associated risks among users. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to March 2019 among 150 patients recruited from five private pharmacies in Abidjan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic charac-teristics, motivations, products used, adverse effects, and perception of risks. Results were analyzed using frequency and per-centage distributions. The sample consisted predominantly of women (93%), aged 20-40 years. The main motivation was the desire for a beautiful complexion (78%). The most frequently used substances were corticosteroids (38%) and hydroquinone (33%). 94% of participants were unaware of the exact composition of the products applied. Although 35% vaguely acknowl-edged potential dangers, their overall knowledge of complications remained poor. Twenty-five percent of the study population reported adverse effects voluntary skin. An integrated strategy combining health edu-cation, stricter regulatory measures, and the active involvement of pharmacists is urgently required to mitigate the prevalence and consequences of this practice.
Abstract: Voluntary skin depigmentation is a widespread social and cosmetic practice in sub-Saharan Africa. Although motivated by the pursuit of a lighter complexion, it exposes users to numerous dermatological and systemic complications. In Côte d’Ivoire, a survey conducted in Abidjan in 2008 reported a prevalence of 53%. This study aimed to assess voluntar...
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