Color Reaction Test Research Articles

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Tobacco Flower Extract in Different Solvents

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is a commercial plant that is extensively used, particularly for its leaves. Thus far, exploration on the flower part is still limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of tobacco flower extracts in different solvents. Tobacco flowers were macerated separately in methanol, ethanol, and n-hexane. Each extract was assayed by color reaction test to detect the phytochemical content. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH methods, respectively. Flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and triterpenoids are detected in methanol and ethanol extract, anthraquinones is only detected in methanol, while glycosides and steroids are only detected in n-hexane extracts. Among the other extracts, the methanol extract was the richest in phytochemical compounds and had the highest TPC (132.589±0.662 mgGAE/g). However, tobacco flower extract in all solvents were less effective as antioxidant due to very high IC50 values (>500 µg/mL).

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extracts from Leaves and Flowers of Katang-Katang Ipomoea pes-caprae (L) R.Br Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The resistance character and infection pathogenicity of bacteria to humans is currently increasing, so there is a need for new alternative drugs. The bioactive compounds contained in katang-katang plant are one of the new sources of antibacterials obtained from nature. This study used leaves and flower samples of Katang-katang (Ipomoea pes-caprae (L)R.Br) obtained from the coastal area of Bengkulu City. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical compounds of the leaves and flower extracts of Katang-katang using color reaction test method and to determine the antibacterial activity of the extracts of the leaves and flowers of Katang-katang against the testing pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) at concentrations of 10%,25%,50%,75% using disc diffusion method. The leaves and flowers ethanolic extracts of the Katang - katang were proven contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavanoids, saponins, tannins and steroids. Antibacterial effectiveness of the ethanol extract from leaves was classified as moderate at a concentration of 50% with a measured inhibition zone of 6.30 mm and a concentration of 75% with an inhibition zone size 8.13 mm. In contrast, effectiveness of the antibacterial extracted from flower was classified as weak at a concentration of 50% with an inhibition zone 4.50mm and moderate at a concentration of 75% with a measured inhibition zone size of 6.40 mm. The experiment revealed that the leaves and flowers of the Katang-katang have antibacterial potential against P. aeruginosa which could be developed as a medicinal ingredient in the future

Identifikasi Sakarin Dalam Sediaan Jamu Instan Beras Kencur Yang Beredar Di Pasar Gede Kota

Saccharin is a synthetic chemical substance that is classified as a food or beverage additive. Excessive consumption of saccharin can cause side effects, including migraines and headaches, memory loss, confusion, insomnia, irritation, asthma, hypertension, diarrhea, stomach pain, allergies, impotence and sexual disorders, baldness, and brain and bladder cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify saccharin in beras kencur instant herbal preparations circulating in Pasar Gede, Surakarta. This research was conducted to determine the content of saccharin in instant herbal medicine using the color reaction method, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and FTIR Spectroscopy. This research is an experimental descriptive research. The results of this study were 10 samples of instant herbal beras kencur MF, JM, SPA, IE, MR, BK, SP, BC, AG on the color reaction test, the negative TLC test contained saccharin. The FTIR spectral profile contains functional groups in the standard saccharin N-H (Stretching) secondary amine, C-H aromatic, C=O (stretching) carbonyl, C=C (stretching) cyclic aromatic, S=O sulfoksida, C-N (stretching) amine, C-H (bending) 1,2- substituted benzene (ortho) with wave numbers respectively 3402.68 cm-1, 3093.74 cm-1, 1718.84 cm-1, 1592.92 cm-1, 1358.84 cm-1, 1054.60 cm-1, 758.43 cm-1 which is in accordance with the literature. From the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that of the 10 samples of instant herbal medicine, beras kencur that was examined tested negative for the artificial sweetener saccharin. This shows that the beras kencur instant herbal medicine in market is safe for public

The Analytical Survey of Mercury Content in Whitening Cream Sold in Banjarnegara Regency's Traditional Market

Whitening cream is a mixture of active substances and the other additives that can be used to brighten the skin. Mercury is one of the whitening ingredients of the creams that can cause health problems when it is absorbed into the tissue. This study aims to identify whether there is a mercury content and how much mercury is contained in the whitening cream, which does not have a BPOM RI registration number (National Agency of Food and Drug Control, Republic of Indonesia) circulating in the market in Banjarnegara regency, Central Java, Indonesia. This research was conducted with purposive sampling, and 20 samples were obtained from the traditional market in Banjarnegara regency. The qualitative analysis method used the Potassium Iodide (KI) color reaction test and amalgam formation with copper rods, while the quantitative analysis used the Cold Vapor Mercury Analyzer at a wavelength of 253.7 nm. The results showed the presence of three positive samples containing mercury at average levels of 0.04217 mg / kg (ppm), 0.01814 mg / kg, and 0.91000 mg / kg. These findings suggest that mercury was added at the whitening cream and distributed in the market. Customers should be more careful when choosing a whitening cream to prevent health problems.

IDENTIFICATION OF LEAD (Pb) IN WATER SPINACH (Ipomoea aquatica forsk) IN PALLEKO SUB-DISTRICT NORTH POLONGBANGKENG TAKALAR REGENCY

The sugar factory located in Palleko Village can produce air pollution and waste which is suspected to pollute the environment and waters. Environmental pollution in the form of lead metal can contaminate water and soil around industrial plants. Environmental pollution in water is thought to be higher than on land because it is polluted from mining processes and industrial waste. Lead metal is thought to be able to contaminate plants in water, for example kale, which is a mediator of the spread of heavy metals in living things due to the entry of these metals into plants through roots and leaf mouths (stomata). Water spinach that grows around industrial factories is at risk of being exposed to pollutant substances such as lead (Pb). Lead consumed can cause symptoms of chronic poisoning, paralysis, can affect the circulatory system, nervous system, urinary system. This study aims to identify lead (Pb) in water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica forsk) in Palleko Village, North Polongbangkeng District, Takalar Regency. This research was conducted by laboratory observation with purposive sampling technique using the color reaction test as many as 9 samples. The results showed that of the 9 samples of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica forsk) examined, the results were all negative for lead metal. it was concluded that water spinach does not contain lead so it is safe for consumption according to the Decree of the Director General of Drug and Food Control Number 03725/B/SK/VII/89 concerning the maximum limit of metal contamination in food is 2.0 mg/kg.

Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaf of Jatropha nana var. bengalense C.H. Rahaman and S. Mondal: An Endemic Member of Euphorbiaceae

Pharmacognosy Research,2022,14,2,204-210.DOI:10.5530/pres.14.2.29Published:April 2022Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Swarnendu Mondal, and Nayan Roy Author(s) affiliations:Swarnendu Mondal1,*, Nayan Roy2 1Department of Botany, Tribal Medicine and Pharmacognosy Lab., MUC Women’s College, Burdwan, West Bengal, INDIA. 2Department of Zoology, Ecology Research Unit, MUC Women’s College, Burdwan, West Bengal, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies helps to maintain the quality of herbal products and purity of crude drugs by means of standardized parameters which will lead to developing the safest and efficacious natural products. Objectives: This study was undertaken to carry out pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation of the leaves of the Jatropha nana var. bengalense (Euphorbiaceae), an ethnomedicinal plant. Materials and Methods: Epidermal Micromorphology, physical and physicochemical constants like ash value determination and UV-fluorescence study have been employed for pharmacognostic evaluation. For qualitative phytochemistry, microchemical color reaction test and TLC studies performed. Variations in different biochemical parameters of leaves of different developmental stages have been examined and the obtained data statistically analyzed following standard methods. Results: Typical paracytic type of stomata is found in hypostomatic condition distributed in irregular-shaped epidermal cells. Index of these stomata was found 20.251%. Phytochemical analysis in qualitative and quantitative approaches has also been done to describe its chemical variability. Ash value was found above 8% which shows more than 50% solubility in acid whereas water and ethanol solubility is found to be just below and above the 30% respectively. In UV- fluorescence study very distinctive colour changes of the powdered leaf have been recorded. Alcoholic extracts have shown positive results for presence of most of the phytochemical groups. Quantitative phytochemical analysis confirms that a range of phytochemicals are present in good amount in the leaves of this medicinal plant which could vary in amount in different developmental states. Thin Layer Chromatography has been carried out on ethanolic extract in two different solvent systems which show 6 different Rf values further indicates the presence of important phytochemical derivatives. Conclusion: This study will finally be needful for standardization of identification of the genuine drug, its adulterants and of the chemical constituents present in the leaves and finally bioprospection. Key words: Adulteration, Bioprospection, Euphorbiaceae, Jatropha nana var. bengalense, Pharmacognosy. View:PDF (450.58 KB)

A Preliminary Study: The C-Vue Chromatograph as a Presumptive Tool to Assist Kansas Law Enforcement to Distinguish Between Legal and Illegal Forms of Cannabis

Since the federal government now controls cannabis based on the total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 0.3% by dry weight, law enforcement, particularly in states in which cannabis is still controlled, faces many new challenges regarding the potential seizure of cannabis. No longer is the traditional Duquenois-Levine color reaction test utilized by law enforcement for many years able to distinguish between legal versus illegal forms of cannabis; both federally legal and illegal cannabis contain cannabinoids, which produce positive responses for this presumptive test. Law enforcement officers often need a quick answer when it comes to deciding whether or not to seize potential cannabis without the fear of a potential lawsuit. They often do not have the time to send a sample to an analytical lab and wait weeks for the results. This study evaluated the C-Vue Liquid Chromatograph (LC) as a simple, robust, affordable presumptive tool that, within less than an hour, allows officers to determine whether the sample is most likely legal (hemp) or illegal cannabis (marijuana) based on the 0.3% THC threshold. When this data was compared against a validated research-grade LC, using a set of 50 cannabis samples from different sources, the C-Vue correctly predicted whether the THC concentration was above or below the 0.3 wt. % threshold in 48 out of 50 samples, suggesting that the C-Vue may be useful as a presumptive tool.

Analisis Fitokimia dan Aktivitas Antioksidan Ekstrak Daun Kesambi (Schleira oleosa) Metode DPPH

Kesambi (Schleichera oleosa) is one of the forest plants from Indonesia that has potential as medicine. Kesambi has active compounds that act as antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of kesambi leaf as an antioxidant using the DPPH method. Samples of kesambi leaf were extracted in methanol, ethanol, and water solvents by the maceration method. The class of compounds contained in kesambi leaf was tested by the colour reaction test method for alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenols, steroids, saponins, and tannins. Antioxidant activity was tested by the DPPH method to determine IC50 values. Based on the results of the colour reaction test showed that methanol and ethanol solvents were able to bind 6 classes of compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoid, phenols, saponins, and tannins) and water solvents were only able to bind 5 classes of compounds (flavonoids, triterpenoid, phenols, saponins, and tannins) contained in kesambi leaf. The results of antioxidant activity tests using the DPPH method showed the lowest IC50 value was methanol extract (16,12µg/ml) compared to ethanol extract (20,43µg/ml) and water (904,28µg/ml). It was concluded that the leaf extract of kesambi has potential as an antioxidant and which has the best antioxidant ability was extracted in methanol. The class of compounds which were thought to be responsible for the antioxidant activity of the kesambi leaf extract based on the color reaction test were phenols, flavonoids and tannins. Keywords: antioxidant, kesambi, Schleichera oleosa, DPPH

Analisa Kualitatif Kandungan Merkuri dalam Sediaan Pemutih Kulit yang Dijual di Online Shop

Background: Mercury (Hg) is used illegally in cosmetics as a whitening or skin lightening agent because of its ability to inhibit melanin formation on the surface of the skin. Mercury can make white skin smooth in a relatively short time, but this substance has a negative effect on health because it can accumulate in the body. This is because mercury that enters the human body is not easily excreted. This mercury can accumulate in the human body especially in the kidney, liver and brain organs.Objective: This study is aimed to find out whether mercury is sold in skin whitening product by Online Shop.Methods: This research was a descriptive study by using the color reaction test method. The samples in this study were 6 samples taken from the Online Shop. The sampling technique in this study used a purposive sampling technique. The procedure of the color reaction test was the sample is weighed 2 grams and then added 25 ml of mineral water and 10 ml of mineral water, then evaporated until it was almost dry. At the last evaporation added 10 ml mineral water. Then it was heated for a while, cooled and filtered. The next step on Potassium Iodide was 0.5 N 1 ml of sample solution put into a test tube and then add 2 drops of Potassium Iodide slowly through the tube wall, if there was a change in the color of orange with precipitate, then the positive reaction contains mercury.Results: This study showed that the six samples of non-facial skin whitening products which is sold in the Online Shop obtained three positive samples containing mercury, due to an orange discoloration with sediment and three samples containing negative mercury.Conclusion: There were three positive samples containing mercury marked by an orange discoloration in skin whitening purchased by Online Shop.Keywords: Mercury, Skin whitening products, Color reactions.

Uji Aktivitas Tabir Surya Ekstrak Metanol Kulit Batang Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) Secara In Vitro

ABSTRACT
 Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) is a plant that is usually useful as a shade tree on the side of the road, which is thought to have the potential with sunscreen activity. This study aim to determine sunscreen activity of the bark based on %Te, %Tp and SPF values ??in vitro. The extraction was done by maceration using methanol solvent, and then phytochemical screening by color reaction test that showed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, and terpenoid. Sunscreen activity and SPF values ??were determined by measuring the absorbance of extracts with several variations of concentration, using spectrophotometer. The results showed the best concentration for the sunscreen category was 700 ppm. Based on the value of %Te and %Tp, including standard suntan and sunblock categories. While based on the SPF value >15 shows that methanol extract is included in the category of ultra protection.

DPPH scavenging capacity of extracts from Camellia seed dregs using polyol compounds as solvents

This study investigated the properties of extracts of Camellia oleifera Abel seed dregs, which were extracted using polyol compounds. Solvents employed to extract the Camellia seed dregs included water, methanol, ethanol, and polyol compounds. The examined properties included ultraviolet (UV) absorbance, total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging efficiency as an antioxidant ability. The results revealed that the glycerol, glycerol plus ethanol, and propylene glycol plus ethanol solvents yielded extracts with greater DPPH scavenging efficiency and total polyphenol and flavonoid content than the water, methanol, and ethanol solvents did. In addition, the polyol plus ethanol solvents yielded extracts with greater DPPH scavenging efficiency, total polyphenol and flavonoid content, and antioxidant ability than the single polyol solvents did. Furthermore, both the UV and infrared absorption spectra and color reaction test of triterpenoid glycosides revealed that polyol or polyol–ethanol solvents effectively extracted quintessential ingredients such as flavonoids and triterpenoid glycosides and other polyphenols from the Camellia seed dregs. In addition, because polyols are moisture-retaining and nontoxic solvents, the extracts can be directly added to cosmetics after simple filtration. Without the need for solvent separation, C. oleifera Abel dregs extracts exhibit excellent potential for application in products such as body washes, shampoos, hair conditioners, skin care products, cosmetics, and sunscreen lotions.

Evaluation of Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Activities of Ben-Cha-Lo-Ka-Wi-Chian Remedy

Benchalokawichian (BLW) remedy is a Thai traditional medicine that has been notified in the List of Medicine Products of the National List of Essential Drugs A.D. 2006 and has long been used as an antipyretic. The phytochemicals of the 70% and 95% ethanolic extracts of were studied by color reaction test and HPTLC analysis. The BLW remedy showed a highest amounts of 70% ethanolic extractives (ca. 3.99 ± 0.60% of dry material weight). The several ethanolic extracts showed similar qualitative phytochemicals. The major of phytochemicals identified in these extracts were alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The analysed 70% ethanolic extract showed a highest antioxidant activity at IC50= 526.09 µg/ml and both extracts not showed tyrosinase inhibitory effect. The 95% ethanolic extract showed the greatest anti-propionibacterium acnes activity with inhibition zone of 10.10 ± 0.45 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 5.05 mg/ml

Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Activities from Banana Fruits of Several <i>Musa</i> Species for Using as Cosmetic Raw Materials

The phytochemicals of the ethanolic extracts of unripe pulp and peel of banana fruits from several banana cultivars belonging to the Musa acuminata species (namely 'Kluai Namwa', 'Kluai Hom Thong', 'Kluai Leb Mu Nang', and 'Kluai Khai') were studied by color reaction test and HPTLC analysis. Kluai Khai pulp showed a highest amounts of ethanolic extractives (ca. 9.70±5.84% of dry material weight). The peel several banana showed similar qualitative phytochemicals. The major of phytochemicals identified in these extracts were alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The analysed Kluai Hom Thong peel ethanolic extract showed a highest antioxidant activity at IC50 = 3.25±0.52 μg/ml and Kluai Hom Thong peel ethanolic extract showed a highest tyrosinase inhibitory effect at IC50 = 2.25±0.91 μg/ml. Kluai Hom Thong peel could be provide a potential natural source of bioactive compounds and could be beneficial to the cosmetic properties.

Preliminary Phytochemicals and Pharmacologic Activities Assessment of White and Pink <i>Nelumbo nucifera</i> Gaertn. Flowers

The phytochemicals of the ethanolic extracts of petals and stamens of lotus flowers from several lotus cultivars belonging to the Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (namely 'lotus white flower' and 'lotus pink flower') were studied by color reaction test and HPTLC analysis. The lotus pink flower stamens showed a highest amount of ethanolic extractives (ca. 18.33±2.14% of dry material weight). The several the ethanolic extracts of N. nucifera petals and stamens showed similar qualitative phytochemicals. The crude extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoinds, tannins and polyphenols. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The analyzed lotus pink flower stamens ethanolic extract showed a highest antioxidant activity at IC50 = 0.61±0.16 μg/ml and lotus pink flower petals ethanolic extract showed a highest tyrosinase inhibitory effect at IC50 = 2.25±0.21 μg/ml. N. nucifera flowers could be provide a potential natural source of phytochemicals and could be beneficial to the cosmetic properties.

PENETAPAN KADAR KLORIN PADA BEBERAPA MERK PEMBALUT WANITA YANG ADA DI PASARAN DENGAN METODE IODOMETRI

Sanitary napkin is a device product used by women during menstruation, sanitary napkins function to absorb blood from the vagina so that the blood that comes out does not interfere. Currently, there are many problems that arise in sanitary napkins, due to the presence of chlorine additives which function as an ingredient in the initial bleaching process of sanitary napkins. The purpose of this study was to identify the color reaction test, and to determine the chlorine content by iodometry method in sanitary napkins on the market. This research is an experimental study using a sample of sanitary napkins on the market. Sampling by random sampling (random). Determination of chlorine in sanitary napkins by testing qualitatively with a color reaction and quantitatively using the iodometric method.Based on the results of the study, it was found that of the 5 (five) samples used, 3 (three) positive samples contained chlorine, namely samples A, B and sample C. The chlorine content obtained in sample A was 0.0035%, sample B was 0.0014 % and sample C is 0.0027%. According to YLKI, the normal threshold for the use of chlorine in sanitary napkins is 5-55 ppm, so the samples tested still meet the stipulated conditions.

DETEKSI KANDUNGAN RHODAMIN B PADA SAUS SERTA CEMARAN BORAKS DAN BAKTERI SALMONELLA SP. PADACILOK KELILING SALATIGA

<p>ABSTRACT</p><p>Borax and rhodamine B are preservative and dye banned to be used in food products. However, some traders still use borax and rhodamine B to their food and drink products. Cilok is a kind of food liked by schoolchildren and categorized as street vendor food (PKL). Most of food sold by street vendor has not touched by strict control from BPOM, so its quality is not good. Pentol cilok is a food made by starch. It tastes delicious and chewy. Furthermore, it is liked by schoolchildren. Cilok is also served by adding the sauce in order to make it tastier. It is common to add dye in that sauce and the dye is not natural dye nor food coloring. In the cilok, the contamination of microbe especially Salmonella sp. is influenced by unhygienic process. This research aims to find out borax and Salmonella sp. contamination and also the existence of rhodamine B on the cilok sauce. The methods used in this research are qualitative, quantitative, and the detection of Salmonella sp. contamination. The result shows, of the 8 tested samples, 4 samples (sample B, C, E, and H) contain little amount of borax, the sauce contains no rhodamine B. This can be seen from Rf value and color reaction test. On the testing of Salmonella sp., there are bacteria before boiling process (when cilok is still in the form of dough) and there are no bacteria after boiling and steaming process, so it is safe to be consumed.</p>

THE ANALYSIS ON THE CHLORINE CONTENTS IN RICE CIRCULATION IN PASAR BESAR OF MALANG AS THE BIOLOGICAL LEARNING RESOURCE

This research aimed to investigate the chlorine contents in rice circulation in Pasar Besar of which findings were supposed to be applicable as Biological learning resource. This research was officially conducted at March 29 – April 6 2016 in Putra Indonesia Malang Laboratory. This research was of descriptively quantitative design since the main aim of this research was to describe the chlorine contents in rice. The sampling technique engaging regarding this research was purposive sampling with two repetitions in total. The sample of rice that was going to be analyzed was originally from Pasar Besar comprised 19 types (considering the brands), they were: Piala, Mentari, Padi Wangi, Bintang Biru, Rosita Super, Kancil, Bintang Mas, Bulan Mas, Puteri, Lombok, Maknyus, Apel, Manggis, Mangga, Cucak Rowo, Beras Padi, Raja Boga dan Monas. In addition, the methods accommodated in terms of testing the reaction included testing the color reaction test, testing the iodometric titration, and measuring the average percentage of chlorine contents in the whole sample. Moreover, this research revealed that the 19 types sample of rice taken from Pasar Besar is 0 % or negative of chlorine contents. Consequently, they were safe to consume.

Cognitive dysfunction in elderly females with depressive symptoms

SummaryBackgroundA depressive state is a common symptom in the elderly and often accompanies cognitive impairment. The coexistence of depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment is a serious problem, as it increases adverse outcomes for health, functional status, and mortality. It would thus be of great value to clarify the cognitive dysfunction associated with depressive symptoms. We aimed to identify the cognitive dysfunction, in particular, impairment of the response inhibition component of executive function, associated with depressive symptoms in elderly females using the Simple Color Reaction Test and Modified Stroop Color-Word Test.Material/MethodsThe study group consisted of 35 elderly women. They performed cognitive function task trials for 9 min. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of the depressive state.ResultsLonger reaction time and lower correction rate of response inhibition trials were related to the prevalence of the depressive symptoms.ConclusionsImpaired function of response inhibition may be a specific feature of the depressive state. Our findings may help clarify the neural mechanisms underlying the depressive state of elderly females.

MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MALARIA IN CAMEROON. XIX. QUALITY OF ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS USED FOR SELF-MEDICATION

Substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products are increasingly circulating and distributed around the world, in particular in less developed countries. These low-quality or counterfeit products often involve drugs that are in high demand for the prevention and treatment of highly prevalent diseases, such as antimalarial drugs in endemic countries. Self-medication for presumed malarial infections with drugs purchased from unofficial drug vendors is a common practice in Africa. The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of chloroquine, quinine, and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine obtained from illegitimate sector in urban and rural areas in Cameroon and analyze the impact of these drugs on patients. We collected 284 samples of three antimalarial drugs from 132 different sources in 16 villages and cities throughout the country. We also collected antimalarial drugs that were used for self-medication by malaria-infected patients. Drug quality was assessed by a simple color reaction test and semi-quantitative thin-layer chromatography. Fifty (38%) of 133 chloroquine, 52 (74%) of 70 quinine, and 10 (12%) of 81 antifolates had either no active ingredient, an insufficient active ingredient, the wrong ingredient, or unknown ingredient(s). Self-medication with antimalarial drugs purchased from unofficial vendors is not a reliable strategy to diminish morbidity and mortality. These counterfeit drugs contribute to the spread of drug-resistant malaria parasites and may lead to increasing therapeutic failure and medical expense.

Screening Test for Methamphetamine in Urine. II. Color Reaction Test with Tropaeolin 00

The aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines react with tropaeolin 00 to form chloroform soluble compounds. This reaction was applicable to a screening test for methamphetamine in the urines. The experimental procedure is as follows : 5 ml of the urine sample is added to a tropaeolin 00 solution. The mixture is allowed to stand for 2 minutes and then added 5 ml of chloroform. After shaking for 30 seconds, the chloroform layer is separated and dehydrated by anhydrous sodium sulfate, and methanol solution of sulfuric acid is added to the chloroform layer. The red or reddish-violet color of the chloroform layer suggests the presence of methamphetamine. The limit of identification for methamphetamine was 3 μg/ml of urine. No detectable interference was observed to identify methamphetamine in the presence of such drugs as barbiturates, analgesics, antacids, and vitamins.