https://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/issue/feedOrapuh Journal2025-10-11T18:33:01+02:00Prof. V. E. Adamu[email protected]Open Journal Systems<p>Orapuh Journal (Orap J) is an open-access, internationally peer-reviewed online journal dedicated to oral and public health. The journal provides accessible, high-quality, peer-reviewed knowledge to oral and public health professionals, educators, consumers, and the global community.</p> <p><strong>Aim</strong><br>Orapuh Journal aims to enhance access to superior information and research in oral and public health while fostering the development of emerging researchers and authors, particularly from underserved areas within these disciplines.</p> <p><strong>Scope</strong><br>Orapuh Journal prioritises:</p> <p>1. Original research<br>2. Comprehensive and critical review articles<br>3. Evidence-based information<br>4. Interactive clinical and related content<br>5. Content contributions focused on advancing oral and public health disciplines.</p> <p><strong>Open Access Information</strong></p> <p>All articles in Orap J are open-access articles distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International License.</p> <p>Click <a href="https://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/about"><strong>here</strong></a> to read more about the Journal. Find out <a href="http://orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/why-choose">why <em>Orap J</em> is your quick access to being</a>!</p> <p><strong><a href="https://orapuh.org/the-vital-role-of-communicating-dental-and-public-health-research-findings/">Click here</a></strong> to read an article about the vital role of communicating oral and public health research findings to the scientific community.</p> <p><a href="http://orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/editorial-policies">Editorial Policies</a> | <a href="https://orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/about/editorialTeam">Editorial Team</a> | <a href="http://orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/about/submissions">Author Guidelines</a></p>https://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/e1291Mineral composition and secondary metabolites in the leaves of Lophira lanceolata (Ochnaceae) from Bondo City in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2025-10-03T18:30:58+02:00Aziza Baka Zawa[email protected]Dieudonné Agenonga Upoki [email protected]Emmanuel Kasayi Tebandite[email protected]Jérémie Kindenge Mbinze [email protected]Roland Marini Djang'eing'a[email protected]<p><strong>Introduction</strong></p> <p>Many nutrient-rich plants remain underutilised in the diets of sub-Saharan populations, particularly in the Bondo area of northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is therefore necessary to valorise them through appropriate laboratory investigations.</p> <p><strong>Purpose </strong></p> <p>This study focused on <em>Lophira lanceolata</em> to investigate the phytochemical composition and mineral content of its leaves.</p> <p><strong>Method </strong></p> <p>Standard chemical screening and atomic absorption spectrometry were employed to assess phytochemical composition and mineral content, respectively.</p> <p><strong>Results </strong></p> <p>Leaves were collected approximately 54 km from Bondo City. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids (flavones) at 12.7 ± 0.31%, terpenes at 2.49 ± 0.23%, saponins at 0.65 ± 0.02%, and sterols at 0.60 ± 0.05%. Gallic tannins and alkaloids were detected but not quantified. The loss on drying was 10.70 ± 0.35% and the total ash content was 5.90 ± 0.11%. Mineral analysis indicated high concentrations of iron (15.63 ± 0.15%), sulfur (13.85 ± 0.11%), and silicon (5.25 ± 0.02%), along with moderate levels of zinc (3.47 ± 0.56%), calcium (2.68 ± 0.01%), potassium (1.89 ± 0.04%), phosphorus (0.80 ± 0.001%), copper (0.61 ± 0.02%), and trace titanium (<0.24%). The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (3.35) suggests potential use in livestock nutrition, particularly during the dry season.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion </strong></p> <p>Our findings demonstrate that <em>Lophira lanceolata</em> leaves from Bondo are a rich source of bioactive compounds and essential minerals, supporting their traditional use against anaemia, infections, hypertension, and inflammatory conditions. The presence of silicon and sulfur suggests additional benefits for bone health, dermatological conditions, and pest resistance. These results highlight the plant’s potential applications in phytotherapy, veterinary medicine, and agro-nutrition.</p>2025-10-03T15:59:03+02:00Copyright (c) 2025 Aziza Baka Zawa, Dieudonné Agenonga Upoki , Emmanuel Kasayi Tebandite, Jérémie Kindenge Mbinze , Roland Marini Djang'eing'ahttps://www.orapuh.org/ojs/ojs-3.1.2-4/index.php/orapj/article/view/e1292Post-marketing surveillance of doxycycline hyclate capsules used in self-medication in the Maluku I Health Zone, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2025-10-11T18:33:01+02:00Bony MUYA CIDINGI[email protected]Michel NTAMBWE NGOYI[email protected]Beni Bisuta Lifayifi[email protected]Bernadette Miyila Mundongo[email protected]Glody Sita Ngutuka[email protected]Devine Mafuta Kitoko[email protected]Victoire Masansa[email protected]JEREMIE MBINZE KINDENGE[email protected]<p><strong>Introduction</strong></p> <p>In the Democratic Republic of Congo, self-medication is a common practice, particularly with antibiotics such as doxycycline hyclate. This raises concerns about safety and efficacy in the absence of medical prescriptions and therapeutic monitoring.</p> <p><strong>Purpose </strong></p> <p>The purpose of this study was to survey pharmacy sellers regarding the most requested antibiotics for self-medication, according to the WHO AWaRe classification, and to evaluate the quality of the most commonly used antibiotic for self-medication in the Maluku I Health Zone. This zone was chosen because it is a border and porous area with potential for smuggling and illicit drug sales, as part of post-marketing surveillance.</p> <p><strong>Methods </strong></p> <p>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among sellers in 101 of 116 pharmacies in a peri-urban area of Kinshasa. The study focused on antibiotics used in self-medication, followed by quality control tests conducted according to the USP–NF 2024 pharmacopoeial standards on 12 different batches of doxycycline hyclate.</p> <p><strong>Results </strong></p> <p>The results showed that 87.06% of vendors participated in the survey, including 84.2% males and 15.8% females, with a mean age of 39.51 ± 9.84 years. Regarding educational level, 47.5% had Bac+0, 40.6% Bac+3, 7.9% Bac+5, and 4.0% other qualifications. In terms of training, 59.4% had studied nursing, while only 2% had studied pharmaceutical sciences. Doxycycline capsules were the most requested antibiotic in the Access category (89.1%), while chloramphenicol capsules were the least used (26.7%). Of the analysed batches, 41.7% had compliant marketing authorisations, 16.7% were unregistered, and 41.7% had non-compliant authorisations. All (100%) batches passed the identification and dissolution tests. However, 25% failed the mass uniformity test, while 58.3% passed the assay test and 41.7% failed.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion </strong></p> <p>Regular post-marketing surveillance is necessary to protect consumers from substandard products, given the high rate of under-dosed medicines found in circulation.</p>2025-10-11T12:59:49+02:00Copyright (c) 2025 Bony MUYA CIDINGI, Michel NTAMBWE NGOYI, Beni Bisuta Lifayifi, Bernadette Miyila Mundongo, Glody Sita Ngutuka, Devine Mafuta Kitoko, Victoire Masansa, JEREMIE MBINZE KINDENGE