MP491/6-Undergraduate Research Project Proposal 1. Title ... - UCSI

MP491/6-Undergraduate Research Project Proposal
1. Title: HPLC method development for analysis of Limonia acidissima bark extract
Supervisor(s)
Main: Dr. Thet Thet Htar
Co- : Dr. Gabriel Akowuah
Objective(s)
1. Quantification of bioactive compounds of Limonia acidissima bark extract using HPLC
Abstract
Limonia acidissima (Rutaceae) is commonly known as wood apple (locally
named belinggai), is distributed in dry warm regions of Burma, India, Malaya and Sri
Lanka. Traditionally, the constituents (in paste form) from the stem bark of Limonia
acidissima is mixed with water and applied mainly to the face. 2 It may be used to remove
small spots or lesions which appear on the skin. it is believed that the regular application
on the skin helps to keep skin cool, smooth, fair and well-textured complexion. 3 It is also
known to be protecting against skin cancer by blocking UV rays.
Limonia acidissima is well-known for its medicinal properties. Oil and constituents
derived from the leave, bark, roots and fruit pulp are used as topical application on
venomous wounds and against snakebite. It has been reported that the leaves and fruit
of Limonia acidissima contain fungicides and bactericides and it is insecticidal at high
concentration.
The plant has been reported to contain limonoids in stem bark and root bark,
alkaloids, benzoquinone, flavonoids, triterpenoids in root bark, stem bark, leaves and
fruits. Coumarins isolated from different parts of the plant exhibited antifungal and
insecticidal activities.
As constituents from the stem bark of this plant have been used as a skin
conditioner in traditional cosmetic, we are interested to find out the value of anti-oxidant
activity. Pharmacological activity of botanical products depends on the absorption of
specific active constituents through the skin. Therefore, the chemical identification and
quantification of the active constituents which are responsible for the pharmacological
activities of the bark of Limonia acidissima will be useful in illustrating their mechanism
and promoting their commercial development.
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2. Title: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Murraya koenigii extract on
Staphylococcus aureus
Supervisor(s)
Main: Ms Priya
Co- : Dr. Thet Thet Htar
Objective(s)
1. To determine the minimal inhibitory concentration value using disk diffusion method
and microdilution assay on Staphylococcus aureus cultures.
Abstract
Natural products have shown that they are potential source of antimicrobial
agents, such as neem leaves and curry leaves. Since antimicrobial therapy is going
through a crisis with the increasing resistance towards antimicrobial agents, it is
important to screen new plants and study their effectiveness in their antimicrobial
activities.
Staphylococcus aureus, gram positive bacteria that typically occur in grape-like
clusters have yellow pigmented colonies. They seem to be the most pathogenic of all the
staphylococci and are often a problem in the hospital environment. Infections by
staphylococci have become difficult to treat as they have become resistant to many
antibiotics that are exposed in the hospital environment. Folliculitis, food poisoning, toxic
shock syndrome, impetigo are some of the diseases caused by S. aureus strains.
3. Title: Sub-chronic (28 days) toxicity study of Limonia acidissima bark extract in rats.
Supervisor(s)
Main: Dr. Chin Jin Han
Co-: Dr. Gabriel Akowuah
Objective(s)
1. To examine the possible toxic or adverse effect of L. acidissima bark extract in rats.
2. To determine LD 50 of Limonia acidissima extract.
Abstract
Limonia acidissima (Rutaceae) is commonly known as wood apple (locally
named belinggai), is distributed in dry warm regions of Burma, India, Malaya and Sri
Lanka. Oil and constituents derived from the leave, bark, roots and fruit pulp are used as
topical application on venomous wounds and against snakebite. An interesting feature of
the plants classified within the family Rutaceae is that they contain several types of
cytotoxic, antimicrobial, neuroactive quinoleic alkaloids derived from anthranilic acid. The
plant has been reported to contain limonoids in stem bark and root bark, alkaloids,
benzoquinone, flavonoids, triterpenoids in root bark, stem bark, leaves and fruits.
However, toxicity studies on this plant have not been reported extensively. Therefore,
this study aims to ensure the safe use of this plant for therapeutic purposes.
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4. Title: Toxicity effects of sub-chronic administration of Limonia acidissima bark extract
on blood parameters of rats.
Supervisor(s)
Main: Prof Noran
Co- : Dr Chin
Objectives
1. To measure the haematocrit values of normal and treated rats.
2. To determine RBC and WBC counts.
3. To measure the Hb content of RBC.
4. To prepare blood smears of normal and treated rats using giemsa and Wright
staining methods for morphological evaluation.
Abstract
The cellular components of blood are essential for carrying out its vital functions. The
erythrocytes (RBC) are primarily involved in oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, the
leucocytes (WBC) constitute an important part of the defence and immune systems of
the body, and thrombocytes (platelets) are vital for blood clotting. Any changes in these
blood components due to infections or exposure to chemicals will ultimately affect
normal physiological functions, hence monitoring these parameters is one of the
approaches in determining the effects of exposure to Limonia acidissima bark extract.
5. Title: Toxicity effects of sub-chronic administration of Limonia acidissima bark extract
on sperm quality of rats.
Supervisor(s)
Main: Prof Noran
Co- : Dr Chin
Objective(s)
1.Extraction of seminal fluid from isolated rat epididymis for determination of mortality
rate, sperm counts and percentage of progressive forward movements.
2.Preparation of sperm smears for morphological analyses.
Abstract
Sub-chronic or chronic exposure to various chemicals or drugs may affect sperm
production and morphology in males. Although application of extract from the plant
Limonia acidissima has been reported to have many beneficial effects but there has
been no report on the effects of exposure to sub-chronic doses of its bark extract on
fertility. One of the first sign would be damages to sperm production, hence the fist step
would be to look at semen quality by studying sperm viability.
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6. Title: Evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Limonia acidissima bark extract.
Supervisor(s)
Main: Mr. Nalamolu Koteswara Rao.
Co- : Dr. Gabriel Akowuah.
Objective(s)
1. Evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Limonia acidissima bark extract using
streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia and
a number of complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and
cardiopathy. A worldwide survey showed that nearly 10% of the population is affected by
this disorder. Modern treatment of diabetes based on oral hypoglycaemics
(sulphonylureas, biguanides and –glucosidase inhibitors) and insulin showed an
adverse effect with relatively high rates of secondary failure. As an alternative approach,
scientific investigation on traditional remedies has led to the discovery of herbal drugs for
the treatment of diabetes mellitus. An estimated 90% of the population in rural areas of
developing countries still relies on traditional medicines for their primary health care.
Limonia acidissima (Rutaceae), commonly known as wood apple (locally named
belinggai), is distributed in dry warm regions of Burma, India, Malaya and Sri Lanka.
Traditionally, the constituents (in paste form) from the bark of L. acidissima is mixed with
water and applied mainly to the face for removal of small spots or lesions for a smooth,
fair and well-textured complexion. It is also known to protect against skin cancer by
blocking UV rays. Oil and constituents derived from the leaf, bark, root and fruit pulp are
used against snake bites, and as fungicides, bactericides and insecticides.
As constituents of bark extract from this plant have been used in traditional medicine
for diabetes management, we are interested to find out the value of its hypoglycemic
activity. Therefore, the evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of bark extract of L.
acidissima will be useful in illustrating its mechanism of action and promote its
commercial development.
7. Title: Patient-Focused Medication Adherence Type-II Diabetes Mellitus
Supervisor(s)
Main: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeong Siew Wei
Co- : None
Objectives:
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of a patient-focused tool in improving medication adherence
among Type-II diabetic patients.
2. To develop a patient Medication Adherence Plan (MAP) for improving medication adherence in
diabetes mellitus.
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Abstract
Definition of the expected results:
The effectiveness of the patient-focused tool will be evaluated by analysing data with
various statistical tools. A significant level will be set at < 0.05.
The patient-focused tool from the project will be refined and to be suggested to the
relevant authority as a practical tool for improving medication adherence in the practical
settings.
Patients and practitioners
Knowledge of effective communication from this project will translate into better patientpractitioner’s
communication. This will help in enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of
therapy.
Patients would be able to identify and recognize their roles in taking charge of their own
health.
Practitioners would gain important skills and tools in effectively communicating to their
patients on medication adherence.
8. Title: Development of improved (high performance thin layer chromatography)
HPTLC method for estimation of levofloxacin in dosage forms.
Supervisor(s)
Main: A. Mohamed Saleem.
Co- : None.
Fig. 1. Levofloxacin [(-)-(S)-9-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-
oxo-7H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid]
CAS Registry Number: 100986-85-4
Chemical Formula: C 18 H 20 FN 3 O 4
Molecular Weight: 361.37
Abstract
During the last two decades, quinolones have become an increasingly important
and expanding family of antibacterial agents. The quinolone, levofloxacin (Fig. 1) have
activity against both Gram(+) and Gram(–) bacteria (aerobic and anaerobic) through
inhibition of the bacterial enzyme (DNA gyrase) that maintains the super-twisted helical
structure of DNA. Levofloxacin is administered to patients with urinary, respiratory or
cutaneous infections in 500 mg day –1 dose.
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Due to the overlap of their absorption and emission spectra and matrix effects
found when working with chemical/biological samples (emission or absorption of the
matrix components, attenuation of analyte signals, etc.), the determination of
levofloxacin, by means of spectrophotometric or spectrofluorometric methods,
traditionally requires a prior separation stage. This step is usually performed by HPLC
techniques.
Considering the rapid nature and economical advantages of HPTLC method of
analysis when compared to HPLC method of analysis, development of HPTLC method
for analysis of levofloxacin in different dosage forms is proposed through this project
proposal.
Also, the literature review indicated that only one HPTLC method has been
reported so far for the analysis of levofloxacin. However, the detailed introspection of the
reported method revealed that lamotrigine was used as an internal standard. It is
proposed to use levofloxacin as an internal standard in our method. Also the mobile
phase used was water-methanol-n-butanol-ammonia solution. In our previous personal
study, it was found that this mobile phase took long time to ascend the TLC plate
resulting in unusually longer duration of analysis. So, it is proposed to use a better
mobile phase in our method to shorten the analysis time.
The methodology to be used for development of HPTLC analysis method in this
project is described as follows. A suitable solvent would be identified for dissolving the
different dosage forms so as to get maximum amount of levofloxacin in solution (this
would again be confirmed with recovery study also). Then a suitable mobile phase would
be selected based on the chemistry of levofloxacin and trial and error method. Then the
UV densitometric analysis by absorbance mode would be carried out to estimate the
amount of levofloxacin in different dosage forms.
The objective of this study is to develop an improved HPTLC method which can
be used for routine analysis of levofloxacin dosage forms in a pharmaceutical quality
control laboratory.
9. Title: Determination of Heavy Metals in Herbal Supplements in Malaysia Market
Supervisor(s)
Main: Ms. Wong Pooi See
Co- : Dr. Gabriel Akowuah
Objective(s)
1. To identify type of heavy metals in herbal supplements in Malaysia market
2. To determine the concentration/level of heavy metals in herbal supplements in
Malaysia market.
Abstract
Herbal supplements become more popular in Malaysia for the past 20 years. The Drug
Control Authority (DCA) in Malaysia have recognized the increasing use of herbal
medicines and implemented the phase 3 registration of traditional medicines. The
registration criteria for any traditional medicine in Malaysia include limits for heavy
metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Most of the supplements are sold
as OTC products in the local market. Some of the products might not have gone through
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the appropriate registration procedure. High level of heavy metals in supplements will
lead to severe adverse effects to the human body such as kidney failure and
neurological damage. Four metals (Cd, Pd, Hg and As) will be determined from the
herbal supplement products by using Atomic atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and
inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The obtained
result will be assessed in compliance with the WHO Standard.
10. Title: Estimation of antioxidant activity of lawsone by using potentiometer
Supervisor(s)
Main: Mr.Bontha V S Lokesh
Co- : None
Objective(s)
1. To design a methodology for estimation of the antioxidant activity of pure lawsone and
its content in henna leaves electrochemically
2. Comparison of the antioxidant effect of lawsone with powerful antioxidant vitamins like
Vitamin C and E
3. Estimation of purity of commercial herbal henna products in Malaysia.
Abstract
Lawsonia inermis (henna) contains a red-orange pigment, (lawsone), which is
also known as hennotannic acid. When henna leaves are crushed in an acidic medium
and applied to skin, the lawsone molecules migrate from the henna paste, traverse the
outermost skin layer stratum corneum and stain the layer. It is powerful antioxidant.
Lawsone is chemically known as 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and is also
described as Natural Orange 6 industrially. The name and molecular structure of
lawsone show its congeniality to naphthalene 2 . In lawsone, two oxygen atoms are
attached to the naphthalene carbons at positions 1 and 4 to form 1,4-naphoquinone and
a hydroxyl (–OH) group is present at position 2. Its molecule formula is given to be
C 10 H 6 O 3 and its total molecular weight of 174.16. Pure lawsone is an orange powder,
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insoluble in water, with a melting point higher than 192ºC and optical absorption
maximum of 452 nm.
In the proposed project, few experiments may be conducted to estimate the
antioxidant activity of lawsone and comparison studies may also be studied with natural
antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin C and E. The developed electrochemical methods may
be further extended to determine the antioxidant activity and purity of lawsone in henna
leaves and on selected henna herbal products. To make use of current electrochemical
analytical techniques like potentiometry, the antioxidant activity may be determined
precisely with reference compounds.
11. Title: Design and synthesis of stilbene derivative(s) with potential anti-cancer activity
Supervisor(s)
Main: Dr. Thet Thet Htar
Co- : Dr. Gabriel Akowuah
Prof. Dr. Jean-Frèdèric Faizal Weber Abdullah (UiTM)
Objective(s)
1. To design and synthesize stilbene derivative(s) with potential anti-cancer activity
Abstract
It has been great interest in the study of stilbene derivatives for their biological
activities such as antileukemic, anti-cancer activity i . Stilbene itself is not a natural
product although naturally occurring stilbenoid compounds such as
polyhydroxystilbenes and their glucosides have been is present in grape vine, Southeast
Asian Timber trees. For instance, naturally hydroxylated stilbene, resveratrol
(figure 1) is well known for heart protecting activity, platelet antiaggregating
capability, herpes simplex viruses inhibition, cancer chemopreventive activity and
anti-oxidative activity ii .
HO
OH
OH
Figure 1. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is indeed the biosynthetic precursor of most oligostibenoids (e.g
viniferins) and is classified as phytoalexins. Consequence, resveratrol and its
analogues present minute amounts in plants as it occurs during the stress situation
of the pant. Therefore, other alternative sources of supply on stilbene derivatives
through retrosynthesis have been interested. Furthermore, resveratrol has been
shown to induce apoptosis in different cancer cell lines.
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Stilbene derivatives (A) and (B) prepared at the institute Kajian Ubat Semulajadi
(iKUS), under Faculty of Pharmacy, UiTM has been found with potent anti-cancer
activity on K562 cell lines. Based on these results, synthesis of more stilbene
derivatives relative to (A) and (B) has been proposed to complete the SAR study.
OH
OAc
(A)
BnO
OBn
Cl
(B)
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