Project report & Thesis (Bachelor of Pharmacy)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10361/3212

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Open Access
A narrative review: Expanding therapeutic roles of SGLT2 inhibitors beyond glycemic control
(BRAC University, 2026) Siddiqua, Ayasha; Mustafa, Nashrah; School of Pharmacy
Persistent hyperglycemia causes type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which is a metabolic disorder that eventually leads to increased cardiovascular and renal complications. A newer class of antidiabetic medication, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, helps to lower blood sugar by excreting extra glucose in urine, rather than relying on insulin. This narrative review explores how these inhibitors do a lot more than just controlling blood glucose. Studies show SGLT2 inhibitors can slow down chronic kidney disease and lower the risk of heart failure and heart related death-even in people who do not have diabetes. They provide these benefits by easing the physical strain on heart and kidneys. Promoting weight loss and lowering blood pressure. Overall. SGLT2 inhibitors have completely changed how previously we treated diabetic conditions, though further studies required to fully understand their long- term safety and their use in non-diabetic patients.
Open Access
In silico screening study for the identification of potential tankyrase 1 inhibitors against ovarian cancer
(BRAC University, 2026-06) Islam, Gazi Taznur; Anu, Anima Rahman; Chowdhury, Namara Mariam
Ovarian cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women, highlighting the need for developing effective therapeutic strategies. The tankyrase 1 (TNKS1), a key regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, presents itself as a potential target in treatment of cancer. In this study, a multi-stage in silico approach involving several steps was used to find potential TNKS1 inhibitors out of 6,000 DrugBank compounds. Following molecular docking, the top candidates were further filtered through binding interaction analysis with critical active-site residues and ADMET evaluation. Among 34 compounds, Ligand 16752640 is identified as the best candidate for having the most favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile, showing the lowest predicted toxicity, minimal blood-brain barrier permeability, having the least plasma clearance, weak CYP inhibition, hERG inhibition and the best drug-likeness based on Lipinski's rule of five. Ligand 449087 and Tasosartan (60919) also showed promising characteristics. Overall, the identified lead compounds represent promising candidates for TNKS1-targeted therapy and provide a foundation for future experimental validation and potential drug repurposing in ovarian cancer treatment.
Open Access
Extraction of humic acid from peat soil and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antacid properties
(BRAC University, 2026) Shovon, Salman Shah; Fariha, Luluel Maknun; School of Pharmacy
The purpose of this study was to determine the biological activity of humic acid and to separate and describe it from peat soil. Tests for soil characterization that evaluated bulk density, organic matter content, and color were used to validate the peat soil. The log K value (0.070) and E4/E6 ratio (1.174) were used to measure the degree of humification, and the results indicated a well-humified humic substance. The alkaline-acid precipitation method was used to produce humic acid. The antioxidant activity showed 58.69% inhibition at a dosage of 800 μg/mL concentration, as assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Using human blood at three different doses and the HRBC membrane stabilization method, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated. E2 (200 μg/mL) showed the highest inhibition (35%) in comparison to the reference standard, diclofenac sodium. Modest buffering capability was confirmed by the Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC), which was determined using the acid-base back titration method. All things considered, the isolated humic acid showed encouraging neutralizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities.
Open Access
Interleukin patterns and anxiety mechanisms in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Understanding the pathophysiology and biomarker insights
(BRAC University, 2026) Bhuiyan, Fahmida Fiaza; Islam, Md. Rabiul; School of Pharmacy
In this thesis, interleukin patterns and their involvement in the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) biological processes are examined. The paper evaluates the presence of inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology of anxiety and whether they can be used as a biomarker. The presence of immune imbalance and the severity of anxiety were investigated by comparing the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1b, IL-17, and IL-10). The results indicate that patients with GAD have high pro-inflammatory cytokines and low anti-inflammatory controls, which means that there is an inflammatory dominance pattern. The IL-6/IL-10 ratio proved to be an important predictor of immune imbalance associated with the severity of symptoms. These findings back a neuroimmune theory of inflammatory dysregulation interacting with biological systems of stress. The research adds to the growing body of research in psychoneuroimmunology and demonstrates the importance of inflammatory biomarkers in the study and understanding of anxiety as well as in enhancing precision-based mental health studies.
Open Access
Role of interleukins in major depressive disorder: Understanding the pathophysiology and biomarker insights
(BRAC University, 2026-05) Hasan, Sarder Mostakim; Islam, Md. Rabiul; School of Pharmacy
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disease of complex biological origin, including much more than personality or a mere imbalance of neurotransmitters. More recently, there has been a growing appreciation that immune dysregulation, specifically interleukins, plays an important part in its pathophysiology. In addition to that, the function of these interleukins is not limited to neurotransmitter metabolism via the kynurenine pathway but may also affect neuroplasticity by means of activating the HPA axis due to decreased BDNF levels. Besides, interleukins can serve as markers of the severity and treatment efficacy of the disease. As for treatments based on targeting inflammation, they proved themselves very promising, especially when the disorder is treatment-resistant.
Open Access
Emerging approaches to the diagnosis, prevention, and personalised management of type 1 diabetes in the era of personalised medicine
(BRAC University, 2026-05) Islam, MD. Sidratul; Tanisha, Mehrin Haque; School of Pharmacy
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition characterised by selective destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in complete insulin insufficiency and a lifelong need for insulin. Current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches focus on symptom management rather than retaining residual beta-cell function and/or preventing autoimmune attack. This thesis addresses new strategies for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of T1D, looking at combined genetic, immunologic, molecular and metabolic markers for risk prediction and early intervention. Immunomodulatory therapy (anti-CD3 antibodies, vaccines and regulatory T cells) is considered alongside regenerative therapies, such as stem cellderived and gene-edited beta cells, encapsulation and combined immunotherapy-cell replacement therapy. Personalised approaches to glucose regulation, including continuous glucose monitoring, closed-loop insulin delivery, wearables, and pharmacogenomic approaches to therapy are discussed to optimise care. Ethical, regulatory and economic considerations are discussed, including the importance for fair access and implementation. Combining multi-omic technologies with machine learning allows disease and therapeutic response prediction, for predictive, precision medicine. These innovations will enable preventative, curative and personalised therapies, offering to transform treatment of T1D, prevent complications and enhance the quality of life.
Open Access
In silico identification of phytochemical inhibitors against the S1 dihydrofolate reductase variant of Staphylococcus aureus: Overcoming trimethoprim resistance
(BRAC University, 2026-05) Ahmed, Safuan; Omer, Humair Bin Md.; School of Pharmacy
This study addresses the critical challenge of trimethoprim (TMP) resistance in Staphylococcus aureus mediated by the plasmid encoded S1 DHFR variant. Using protein crystal structure (PDB ID: 2W9S), in silico molecular docking was performed to identify phytochemical inhibitors capable of overcoming the structural barriers of the S1 variant, such as a widened active site and M20 loop displacement. A library of phytochemicals from the Jahangirnagar University campus flora was screened against the mutant enzyme. Virtual screening results identified Rutin (−9.5 kcal/mol), Neferine (−9.2 kcal/mol), and Rosmarinic acid (−8.95 kcal/mol) as top candidates with better binding affinities than the standard Trimethoprim (−7.8 kcal/mol). These compounds demonstrate high binding affinity and stability, suggesting their potential to bridge the altered active site of the S1 variant. These early findings provide a molecular docking approach for potentially developing next-generation "resistance-breaking" antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Open Access
Assessing the prevalence and impact of KRAS-rs61764370 polymorphism in breast cancer development among Bangladeshi women: A case-control study
(BRAC University, 2026-04) Khan, Nissat; Samia; Lamia, Sanzana Azam; Baroi, Sinthia; Haque, Md. Aminul; School of Pharmacy
Breast cancer has increased pressure on the healthcare system to come up with unconventional preventive measures due to its rise in the number of Bangladeshi women carrying the disease. Already established diagnostic evaluation methods have improved survival rates, but the number of disease carriers has increased, which calls for deeper analysis of the disease. Among these, the presence of SNPs in the regulatory regions that alter the way genes are expressed is one of the factors in the development of breast cancer. The goal of the study is to investigate the link between the KRAS rs 6174370 and breast cancer risk in Bangladeshi women, with the intention of finding a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and risk detection. The case study comprised 236 individuals, with 112 confirmed cases of breast cancer identified through histopathology, while the remaining participants served as controls without any disease. The rs61764370 in the KRAS gene was genotyped using the PCR-RFLP technique. The results showed that patients with GT genotypes had 55.36% of cases compared to 20.97% in the control group, which increases the risk by 4.5 times (aOR = 4.548, 95% CI: 2.590-7.988, p < 0.001). The GG genotype showed the lowest effect as compared to the others. Making the GT genotype a potential biomarker to identify the potential development of breast cancer and risk assessments.
Embargoed
The role of interleukins in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Pathophysiological insights and potential biomarkers
(BRAC University, 2026-04) Mahmud, Sami; Islam, Md. Rabiul; School of Pharmacy
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a long-term mental illness which is characterized by unwanted thoughts and repetitive compulsive behaviors that hampers our daily life. The previous analysis of OCD was focused on neurotransmitter dysregulation mainly within serotonergic and dopaminergic systems and results suggests that immune and inflammatory mechanisms are contributing to the disorder’s pathophysiology. The role of interleukins in OCD, tells about the primary involvement in neurobiological mechanisms and how they are becoming useful as biomarkers are mentioned in this literature review. Reports which are recently shows that changed levels of interleukins, including pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17, also anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, probably affect neural signaling and immune responses in OCD patients. A neural pathway involved in the development of OCD behaviors and cytokines can affect neurotransmitter regulation, microglial activation, and synaptic communication within the cortico-striato thalamo cortical circuit. Inflammatory signaling is connected with damages in glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission and contributing to the hyperactivity of circuits and the mental rigidity seen in OCD. Reports which are recently shows that increasing of OCD is not only by neurotransmitter imbalance but also by neuroimmune interactions. Disease mechanisms and treatment resistance are interleukin-mediated inflammatory processes which provided important insights. The formulation of targeted therapeutic approach may changed cytokine profiles which likely serve as promising peripheral biomarkers for early detection and disease monitoring. Continued investigation of OCD enhanced understanding of its complex pathophysiology and facilitate new exploration.
Open Access
Assessing the prevalence and impact of KRAS-rs712 polymorphism in breast cancer development among Bangladeshi women: A case-control study
(BRAC University, 2026) Hasan, Abid Al; Rifa, Fatima Akter; Tasnim, Sadia; Choudhury, Shahjin; Haque, Md. Aminul; School of Pharmacy
Breast cancer affects Bangladeshi women especially poor women. The fact that diagnosis and treatment have improved means that even though people can no longer die due to lack of tests, some individuals still end up dying owing to the time-consuming nature of tests. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are a form of genetic mutation that increases the probability of an individual developing breast cancer by a considerable margin. To determine whether there was any relationship between the higher probability of getting breast cancer among Bangladeshi women and the KRAS gene, scientists examined the KRAS gene polymorphism (rs712). There were 124 healthy people and 112 people with breast cancer in the case-control study. These findings should be validated and how this difference influences the course of breast cancer should be established through more studies. The distribution of genotypes of rs712 was tested by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. TT genotype was linked with reduced risk of breast cancer with an Adjusted Odds Ratio of 0.065 (95% CI:0.009-0.504) and GT was associated with a potential risk of breast cancer with an Adjusted Odds Ratio of 1.870 (95% CI:1.071-3.263, p-value:0.028). However, following subsequent consideration of multiple testing and restricted covariate regulation, such associations are to be approached with caution. These results are to be supported by larger research studies with complex adjustment of confounders and categorization of multiple tests.
Open Access
GC-MS profiling and in silico evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic potential of Ixora cuneifolia leaf extract
(BRAC University, 2026-05) Mumu, Tabassum Mahiya; Mim, Syeda Tamannur; Raj, Asef; School of Pharmacy
Medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive compounds and play a significant role in the discovery of new therapeutic agents. Ixora cuneifolia, a member of the Rubiaceae family, is traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases including fever, pain, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, the leaf of the plant I. cuneifolia were tested to explore its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, anti-diarrheal, and analgesic activity using in silico approaches. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was performed to identify the chemical compounds present in the plant extract. Several bioactive phytochemicals were detected in the extract, indicating the presence of compounds that may contribute to its biological activities. To further understand the mechanism of action of these compounds, molecular docking analysis was conducted against selected target proteins. The docking results revealed that several identified compounds exhibited favorable binding affinities with the selected receptors through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, suggesting strong ligand–protein interactions within the active sites of the target proteins. Among the detected compounds, certain molecules demonstrated particularly strong binding scores, indicating their potential as promising therapeutic candidates. The results suggested that several compounds possess acceptable pharmacokinetic characteristics and comply with standard drug-likeness criteria. Overall, the findings of this study support the traditional medicinal use of I. cuneifolia and suggest that its phytochemical constituents may serve as potential candidates for the development of novel anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic drugs. Further experimental and clinical studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore the therapeutic potential of the identified compounds.
Open Access
Assessment of the quality control criteria for five brands of Ciprofloxacin (500 mg) tablets available in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2026-06) Apsara, Samihat Safa; Jamiruddin, Mohd. Raeed; School of Pharmacy
Five brands of 500 mg Ciprofloxacin tablets sold in Bangladesh were assessed for quality control characteristics in this study. This is to evaluate their adherence to USP guidelines. Tests were conducted on randomly chosen samples from each brand to measure weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration, and dissolution. Every brand showed outstanding friability performance (<1% weight loss) and complied with weight variation standards (±5% deviation). In the disintegration test, all five brands of Ciprofloxacin tablets tested broke in the medium in 3 minutes 5 seconds to 9 minutes 3 seconds. This means they all met the medicine standards. Moreover, in the dissolution test, a drug release profile of less than 31% means patients would not get enough therapeutic effect as it doesn’t fulfill the USP/BP guidelines of drug dissolution testing.
Open Access
Evaluation of antidiarrheal and hypoglycemic activities of methanolic extract of Hygrophila erecta in mice
(BRAC University, 2026-06) Farin, Naziba; Tuly, Abanti Sarker; Prattay, Kazi Milenur Rahman; School of Pharmacy
Hygrophila erecta is a medicinal plant with a variety numbers of pharmacological properties. In the study, an attempt was made to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antidiarrheal activities of the methanolic crude extract of H. erecta using experimental animal models.The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated by monitoring blood glucose levels after oral administration of the extract at two different doses. Both doses produced a significant time-dependent reduction in blood glucose, with the maximum effect observed at the later observation period, indicating a mild hypoglycemic potential compared to previously reported standard plant extracts. The anti-diarrheal activity was assessed using a castor oil-induced diarrhea model. The extract showed a reduction in diarrheal frequency at both tested doses.These findings suggest that H. erecta possesses mild pharmacological activities in both hypoglycemic and antidiarrheal models.
Open Access
Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from yogurt samples and evaluation of their fermentation efficiency
(BRAC University, 2026-06) Fahim, Abu Horaira Bhuiyan; Barikder, Gift; Jahan, Farjana; Akter, Mehnaz Tamanna Bintay; Abir, Ahanafe Shahriar; Jamiruddin, Mohd. Raeed; School of Pharmacy
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are essential microorganisms in the manufacture of dairy products because they produce lactic acid, a well-known preservative, are used in food fermentation and can have probiotic properties. The present study was designed to isolate and characterise LAB from the local samples of yogurt and compare its fermentation efficiency in milk. Five samples of yogurt (A-E) were taken from various places of Bangladesh and cultured by serial dilution technique on MRS agar. Selected isolates were purified in MRS slants in an anaerobic candle-jar and transferred to pasteurized milk. The pH, liquid volume and dry yogurt weight were used to measure fermentation performance. Sample D was the most successful in colony growth, slant culture development and yogurt formation. The pH of fermented milk samples was in the range 3.98-4.19, showing an effective acidification. The mean dry weight of the yogurt was between 54.68 to 71.11 g and liquid was between 50.25 to 68.25 mL. The optimal performance in fermentation was achieved with the application of 200–300 μL of the starter culture per 150 mL of milk, which corresponds to about 0.13–0.20% (v/v).The results indicate that the yogurt may be a good source of LAB that can be used in the dairy, food preservation, probiotics and pharmaceutical research.
Open Access
In silico epitope prediction and multi-epitope vaccine design targeting human elongation factor 1-Alpha 1 (EF1A1)
(BRAC University, 2026-06) Alif, Mottakian Ahamed; Siam, Mohammad Kawsar Sharif; School of Pharmacy
Worldwide dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 have accentuated the necessity for effective vaccines. Here, a design for multiepitope vaccine (MEV) was applied. The epitope pools were computationally predicted, and many tests were done for CTL, HTL and B-cell epitopes. The chosen epitopes were connected to form a single construct using appropriate linkers in order to maintain structural configuration and maximise immunogenicity. The vaccine's physicochemical properties and stability were tested utilizing ProtParam, its 3D structure predicted through Phyre2 and validated via Ramachandran plots, ERRAT, QMEAN affirming a credible stereochemical conformation. The docking study of interaction with Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) is for binding affinity of the design. In silico simulations utilizing C-ImmSim indicated strong antibody responses (IgM, IgG1, IgG2), activated CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in balanced states with quality memory formation based on combined Th1/Th2-derived cytokine profiles. In summary, the in-silico analyses suggest that it is highly immunogenic, not structurally unstable. Now it should provide a logic basis for experimental validation and rapid vaccine development against current and emergent viral variants.
Open Access
Efficacy of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
(BRAC University, 2026-06) Khandaker, Meharin; Chowdhury, Namara Mariam; School of Pharmacy
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer. PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors have recently shown promise when combined with chemotherapy to treat TNBC. This thesis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in TNBC through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nine randomized controlled trials were included. This study covers both early-stage and advanced or metastatic TNBC. The main efficacy outcomes were pathological complete response (pCR) in early-stage TNBC and objective response rate (ORR) in advanced or metastatic TNBC. Safety was assessed using Grade ≥3 adverse events. The pooled analysis showed that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy significantly improved pCR in early-stage TNBC (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.43-2.31; p < 0.00001) and ORR in advanced or metastatic TNBC (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.09-1.51; p = 0.003). Safety analysis showed no statistically significant increase in Grade ≥3 adverse events with immunotherapy-based treatment compared with control therapy (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.99-1.11; p = 0.14). Overall, the findings suggest that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy provide meaningful clinical benefit in TNBC.
Open Access
In silico design of a multi epitope vaccine for epithelial cancer immunotherapy-a comparative study
(BRAC University, 2026-05) Rafique, Zubair Bin; Siam, Mohammad Kawsar Sharif; School of Pharmacy
Epithelial cancers remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and many patients either fail or cannot tolerate conventional therapies. Cancer immunotherapy, particularly multi-epitope peptide and mRNA vaccines, has emerged as a promising strategy to induce precise, durable anti-tumor immune responses while limiting systemic toxicity. Leveraging tumor-associated and cancer-testis antigens as well as oncogenic drivers enables rational vaccine design tailored to epithelial malignancies such as breast, lung, colorectal and cervical cancers. This study presents a comparative analysis of in silico based multi epitope vaccine construction against epithelial cancer targeting 4 different proteins. Each protein was evaluated for vaccine antigenicity, physicochemical properties and structural stability using immune informative approach to identify the most suitable vaccine candidate. Various tools were used to identify the different epitopes of HTL, CTL, Bcell, which were connected using suitable linkers. Physicochemical properties were also check for the prepared vaccine through using Protparam. Molecular Docking was done with TLR-3 for checking the residual interaction. Among the proteins investigated, fascin1 emerged as the most promising candidate demonstrating superior vaccine antigenicity, favorable physical properties and structural stability. Collectively, this approach is expected to yield a structurally stable, antigenic, and globally applicable multi-epitope vaccine candidate capable of eliciting coordinated humoral and cellular immunity against epithelial cancers, warranting subsequent in vitro and in vivo validation.
Open Access
Natural products in telomere protection: Potential in the prevention of ageing and longevity
(BRAC University, 2026-02-26) Sharita, Mahima Fariha; Haque, Md. Aminul; School of Pharmacy
A fundamental biological phenomenon is aging and the hallmarks for this are cellular degradation, unexpected genetics, persistent chronic health condition. An enzyme called telomerase is responsible for creating the particular DNA sequence found at telomeres, or the terminal DNA at the ends of every chromosome. Chromosome ends are shielded from being identified as damaged DNA by telomeres, which are crucial genetic components. During fetal development, telomerase is activated, preventing telomeres from being significantly lost during this time of tremendous cell expansion. In order to support healthy ageing, the main goal of this thesis is to investigate the function of telomere biology in connection to the ageing process as well as the effects of naturally occurring bioactive compounds on the ageing process. Additionally, this thesis seeks to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of telomere shortening and their connections to oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial damage, and defective DNA repair, all of which are crucial factors in the decline of physiological functions with ageing. In a translational manner there is an establishment of connection between the importance of natural object with the telomere bindings property along with the experimental data. It emphasizes the importance of dosage, effectiveness, reliability of translational relevance but points out that clinical trials, which need to be planned carefully, are required to demonstrate their role in extending lives and preventing age-associated diseases.
Open Access
In silico screening of phytochemicals against human caspase-6 for Huntington's disease therapeutics
(BRAC University, 2026-06) Utsha, Imtiaz Ahmed; Omer, Humair Bin Md; School of Pharmacy
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder caused by a Cytosine-Adenine-Guanine (CAG) repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. This study utilized a structure-based in silico virtual screening strategy via AutoDock Vina to discover competitive caspase-6 inhibitors from a library of 50 phytochemicals native to the Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus. Protocol accuracy was confirmed by an internal self-docking control yielding a root mean square deviation (RMSD) of < 2.0Å. The 50 plant compounds exhibited binding free energies ranging from −2.1 kcal/mol to −7.1 kcal/mol. There were three major potential therapeutic leads which included Andrographolide (−7.1 kcal/mol), Myricitrin (−7.0 kcal/mol), and Dasycarpidan-1-methanol (−6.7 kcal/mol). The spatial interactions have shown that these molecules can form very stable complexes by virtue of strong hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic pi-alkyl packing near the conserved Cys163-His121 catalytic diad. Since they have low molecular weight, these phytochemicals may present themselves as potential candidates against HD.
Open Access
Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of leaves of Ardisia colorata
(BRAC University, 2026-06) Mehezaben, Kasfea; Tanisha, Mehrin Haque; School of Pharmacy
Ardisia colorata Roxb. is a traditional medicinal plant of long standing in use in South and South East Asian countries, especially for treating inflammation, digestive ailments and infections. Even though there has been a great ethnomedicinal tradition for the plant, there has been little formal scientific research done on the plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract of this species. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various classes of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins and reducing sugars. Interestingly, glycosides, steroids and proteins were not detected. The antioxidant activity of the extract was then assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay, where it exhibited moderate activity in comparison to the standard ascorbic acid. The disk diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, where the concentrations of the extracts showed an increasing trend in inhibitory zones with the highest extract concentration (80μL) showing the highest antibacterial activity. Altogether, these findings provide scientific evidence that supports the therapeutic uses of this plant historically identified and also highlight its possible use as a source of biologically active molecules suitable for the development of new pharmaceutical products. The authors suggest that further studies should be directed towards the isolation of the active compounds, toxicity testing as well as clinical trials to establish the plant's therapeutic value and safety in full.

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