Raw Materials In Nigeria For Pharmaceutical Industry

Question 1

Mention five examples of medicinal plants in Nigeria.

Answer 1

Ginger
Turmeric
Neem
Garlic
Aloe Vera
Cassava Roots
Gums

Question 2

Mention four examples of essential oils.

Answer 2

Peppermint oil
Eucalyptus oil
Spearmint oil
Lemongrass oil

Question 3

Mention five uses of essential oils.

Answer 3

As:
i. Natural preservatives
ii. Anti-oxidants
iii. Anxiolytics
iv. Anti-inflammatory agents
v. Antimicrobial agents
vi. Pharmaceutical flavourants

Question 4

Mentioned three examples of mineral resources found in Nigeria.

Answer 4

Kaolin
Limestone
Silica

Question 5

Mention two examples of animal-derived ingredients.

Answer 5

Gelatin
Collagen

Question 6

Mention five types of materials obtained from petroleum and examples.

Answer 6

1. Solvents: hexane, heptane, methanol, ethanol
2. Lubricants: petroleum jelly, mineral oil
3. Surfacts: polysorbates
4. Plasticisers: phthalates used in packaging materials
5. Intermediates: benzene, toluene, xylene

Question 7

What are the two main types of evaporators?

Answer 7

i. Tubular evaporators
ii. Plate-based evaporators

Question 8

What are the applications of evaporators?

Answer 8

1. They are used to concentrate active pharmaceutical ingredients while protecting their stability and biofunction.
2. They are used to remove organic solvents from temperature sensitive products by distillation.
3. They can help to remove excess water to completely dry products, in order to extend shelf life
4. They are used to remove impurities down to safe-to-use levels.

Question 9

What are the important considerations when using an evaporator?

Answer 9

1. The equipment needs to be able to withstand heat and chemical corrosion from acid and solvents.
2. The material of the evaporator should not react with samples.
3. The production volume determines the size of the evaporator.
4. The use of instrumented equipment will ensure batch-to-batch consistency in drug production.