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BACKGROUND: Augmented reality (AR) is a technological approach which combines virtual objects such as text, pictures or videos with physical objects (real-world). The study aimed to design, implement and validate a mobile-based AR application, as a self-paced, interactive, student-centered learning tool be used in the pharmaceutical compounding laboratory course for first year pharmacy students. METHOD: A mobile-based AR application (Amplified Rx app; HeyPayLess Inc) compatible with iOS and android operating system was developed. A cross-over study design was conducted where alternatively, one group was subjected to ARx app implementation in 8 formulations and the other group served as control. The reception and benefits to students were assessed via a 10 questions survey. In this case, 69 (2019) and 55 (2020) students participated in the study. RESULT: Students' use of ARx app was increased in 2020 which indicates its usefulness. For acceptability, leaners enjoyed interactive materials and tutorial videos were the most used and appealing item. Learners described the installation, scanning and operation to be very easy in both years. 86.95% of learners were confident conducting the experiments with the assistance of ARx app in 2019 and increased to 92.73% in 2020. 33.33% considered ARx app to be the most helpful resource in 2019, and the percent was significantly increased to 76.36% in 2020. CONCLUSION: AR technology implementation in pharmaceutical education could create student-centered engaging and interactive learning experience in fundamental areas such as pharmaceutical compounding laboratories.
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OBJECTIVE: Nutraceutical products are widely used for their claimed therapeutic benefits. However, falsified or adulterated nutraceuticals present a major health threat to consumers. This study investigates the pharmaceutical quality, safety and anti-inflammatory effects of six male enhancement nutraceuticals that claim to be 100% natural. METHODS: Three batches of six male enhancement products were tested to detect the presence and levels of adulterants via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pharmaceutical quality of the selected nutraceuticals was tested with near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and SeDeM. The cytotoxic effects of these products on HepG2 cells were determined through cell proliferation (XTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assays. Lastly, the in vitro inflammatory effects of these products were investigated using murine J774 macrophages through cytokine release analysis. RESULTS: HPLC analysis detected the presence of sildenafil citrate, a vasodilator, and the active ingredient in Viagra and Revatio, in all batches of the products we analyzed. Amount of sildenafil citrate ranged from 0.45 mg to 51.85 mg among different batches. NIR assessment showed inter- and intra-batch heterogeneity in product composition. Results of the XTT and LDH assays showed significant cytotoxic effects of the analyzed products. XTT analysis revealed that the viability of HepG2 treated with tested products varied from 27.57% to 41.43%. Interestingly, the male enhancement products also showed anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSION: Despite their labeling as 100% natural, all products tested in this study contained levels of sildenafil citrate, which was not reported on the packaging. There was a lack of pharmaceutical uniformity among products of the same batch and across different batches. Additionally, the products we tested had cytotoxic effects. These study findings highlight the adulteration, poor quality and hazard of these nutraceuticals. Therefore, strict regulation of these products and standardization of the definition of nutraceuticals are urgently needed. Further, these falsely advertised products should be withdrawn from the market due to potential adverse effects on the health of their consumers.