Medicinal plant use plays an important role in the healthcare of many South Africans. Furthermore, in orthodox medicine, conventional antimicrobial agents are amongst themost commonly prescribed groups of drugs. Therefore, due to the prevalence of use of these two forms of healthcare, there is a high probability for their concurrent use. Thus, the aimof this study was to evaluate the interactive antimicrobial and toxicity profiles of six Southern African medicinal plants (Agathosma betulina, Aloe ferox, Artemisia afra, Lippia javanica, Pelargonium sidoides and Sutherlandia frutescens) when combined with seven conventional antimicrobials (ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, penicillin G, tetracycline, amphotericin B and nystatin). Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against a range of pathogens and interactions were further classified using the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration (SFIC). Notable synergistic or antagonistic interactions were studied at various ratios (isobolograms). The toxicity of the individual samples, aswell as the notable combinations, was assessed using the brine-shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) and the 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on the HEK-293 human cell line. Of the 420 antimicrobial: plant combinations studied, 14.29% showed synergistic interactions, 7.56% antagonistic, 35.71% additive and 42.44% indifferent interactions. Some notable synergistic interactions (ciprofloxacin with A. betulina and S. frutescens against Escherichia coli) and antagonistic interactions (ciprofloxacin with A. afra organic extract against Escherichia coli) were identified. None of the notable combinations were found to show toxicity in the BSLA or MTT assay. In conclusion, the majority of combinations were found to have no notable interaction, alleviating some concern related to the concurrent use of these two forms of healthcare.No Full Tex

One of the most commonly consumed and commercially relevant herbal teas in South Africa is rooibos tea, prepared from the plant, Aspalathus linearis (Burm. F.) Dahlg. In orthodox medicine, antimicrobial agents are amongst the most commonly prescribed groups of drugs and thus there is a considerable possibility for the concurrent use of these drugs with the highly popular beverage, rooibos tea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the interactive antimicrobial and toxicity profiles of A. linearis (aqueous and organic extract), when combined with seven conventional antimicrobials (ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, penicillin G, tetracycline, amphotericin B and nystatin). The antimicrobial activity of A. linearis was evaluated, independently and in combination, using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against two yeasts, three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria. The interactions were further evaluated using the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration (∑FIC) assessment. Combinations demonstrating notable synergistic or antagonistic interactions were investigated in various ratios (isobolograms). The toxicity of A. linearis extracts and antimicrobials was assessed independently and in combination, using the brine-shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), and the 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell proliferation assay on the human HEK-293 cell line. A. linearis (aqueous and organic extract) with penicillin G demonstrated the most notable interactions, when tested against the Gram-positive bacteria, with ∑FIC values ranging from 0.01 (synergistic) to 0.94 (additive). Varied ratio studies of this combination were most synergistic against Staphylococcus aureus. Four antagonistic combinations were identified against the Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. In the BSLA, no combinations were identified to be toxic. However, in the MTT assay, two combinations were found to demonstrate a possible toxic effect (A. linearis aqueous and organic extract with nystatin), with inhibitory effects of 73.76±3.36% and 56.88±6.61%, respectively, thus warranting further in vivo studies

Illegible prescriptions are an illegal, frequent, and longstanding problem for pharmacy personnel engaged in dispensing. These contribute to patient safety issues and negatively impact safe dispensing in pharmaceutical delivery. To date, little is documented on measures taken to assess the negative impact posed by illegible prescriptions on South African pharmacy dispensing personnel. Therefore, this pilot study was performed to evaluate the ability of pharmacy personnel to read and interpret illegible prescriptions correctly; and to report on their perceived challenges, views and concerns when presented with an illegible prescription to dispense. A cross-sectional, three-tiered self-administered survey was conducted among pharmacy personnel. A total of 885 measurements were recorded. The ability to read an illegible prescription is not an indicator of competency, as all (100%) participants (novice and experienced) made errors and experienced difficulty evaluating and deciphering the illegible prescription. The medication names and dosages were correctly identified by only 20% and 18% of all participants. The use of digital prescriptions was indicated by 70% of the participants as a probable solution to the problem. Overall, improving the quality of written prescriptions and instructions can potentially assist dispensing pharmacy personnel in reducing illegible prescription-related patient safety issues and dispensing errors.

Equity in education ensures access to success-supporting tools for all, transcending backgrounds, languages, races, and more. Despite global efforts, achieving equity in higher education remains a challenge, amplified by COVID-19 in pharmaceutical education. Addressing these disparities is vital for fostering a capable, adaptable pharmaceutical workforce meeting diverse healthcare needs. The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) introduces its toolkit to counter such inequities, propelling transformative changes worldwide. This narrative review outlines the toolkit, contextualising educational disparities, probing influential themes, and furnishing resources. It incorporates insights, recommendations, self-assessment tools, and expert perspectives, aiming to rectify inequities in pharmaceutical education universally and at local levels, promoting a proficient and responsive pharmaceutical workforce aligned with society's evolving healthcare demands.