Aframomum melegueta: Evaluation of Chronic Toxicity, HPLC Profiling, and In Vitro/In Vivo Antioxidant Assessment of Seeds Extracts.

Aframomum melegueta, commonly known as grains of paradise, is a medicinal plant celebrated for its rich phytochemical content and therapeutic properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of its ethanolic and methanolic extracts, both in vitro and in vivo, while also analyzing their chemical profiles. HPLC analysis identified key compounds, including gallic acid, caffeic acid, caffeine, coumarin, rutin, catechin, ferulic acid, and quercetin. Chronic toxicity assessments confirmed the safety of the extracts, with no adverse effects on animal health, particularly in liver histopathology. Cytotoxicity results indicated reduced splenocyte viability at the highest concentrations. The extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity in DPPH•, FRP, and phosphomolybdate assays, demonstrating their effectiveness as antiradical agents. In vivo antioxidant results showed a reduction in lipid peroxidation levels in serum and liver, highlighting the extracts' ability to mitigate oxidative stress. Additionally, the extracts provided protection against H2O2-induced erythrocyte hemolysis and modulated NO production in peritoneal macrophages. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of A. melegueta extracts, suggesting their promise in developing preventive strategies for oxidative stress-related chronic diseases.

Phytochemical analysis and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in vivo of Aframomum melegueta K Schum seed extracts.

Aframomum melegueta K Schum (A. melegueta), an herbaceous plant renowned for its medicinal seeds, was investigated for its potential immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo using ethanolic and methanolic extracts. The immunomodulatory effect was evaluated by measuring antibody titers using the agglutination technique, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model. In vitro immunomodulatory activity was measured by lysozyme release from neutrophils. Additionally, white blood cell counts were analyzed post-extracts treatment. The MTT assay was employed to determine cytotoxicity, and the biochemical parameters of liver toxicity were evaluated. Remarkably, both extracts exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in paw edema (p < 0.001), with the most significant reduction observed at 1 g/kg (78.13 and 74.27% for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively). Neutrophil degranulation was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.003), reaching maximal inhibition at 100 µg/mg (60.78 and 39.7% for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively). In comparison to the control group, both antibody production and white blood cell counts were reduced. Neither of the extracts showcased any cytotoxicity or toxicity. These findings suggest that A. melegueta extracts exhibit immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities due to the presence of various biomolecules.

High performance of a novel point-of-care blood test for Toxoplasma infection in women from diverse regions of Morocco.

Point-of-care (POC) testing for Toxoplasma infection has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and management of toxoplasmosis, especially in high-risk populations in areas with significant environmental contamination and poor health infrastructure precluding appropriate follow-up and preventing access to medical care. Toxoplasmosis is a significant public health challenge in Morocco, with a relatively heavy burden of infection and, to this point, minimal investment nationally to address this infection. Herein, we analyse the performance of a novel, low-cost rapid test using fingerstick-derived whole blood from 632 women (82 of whom were pregnant) from slums, educational centres, and from nomad groups across different geographical regions (i.e. oceanic, mountainous) of Morocco. The POC test was highly sensitive and specific from all settings. In the first group of 283 women, sera were tested by Platelia ELISA IgG and IgM along with fingerstick whole blood test. Then a matrix study with 349 women was performed in which fingerstick - POC test results and serum obtained by venipuncture contemporaneously were compared. These results show high POC test performance (Sensitivity: 96.4% [IC95 90.6-98.9%]; Specificity: 99.6% [IC95 97.3-99.9%]) and high prevalence of Toxoplasma infection among women living in rural and mountainous areas, and in urban areas with lower educational levels. The high performance of POC test confirms that it can reduce the need for venipuncture and clinical infrastructure in a low-resource setting. It can be used to efficiently perform seroprevalence determinations in large group settings across a range of demographics, and potentially expands healthcare access, thereby preventing human suffering.