Co-producing research on psychosis: a scoping review on barriers, facilitators and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Co-production is a collaborative approach to service user involvement in which users and researchers share power and responsibility in the research process. Although previous reviews have investigated co-production in mental health research, these do not typically focus on psychosis or severe mental health conditions. Meanwhile, people with psychosis may be under-represented in co-production efforts. This scoping review aims to explore the peer-reviewed literature to better understand the processes and terminology employed, as well as the barriers, facilitators, and outcomes of co-production in psychosis research. METHODS: Three databases were searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO) using terms and headings related to psychosis and co-production. All titles, abstracts and full texts were independently double-screened. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Original research articles reporting on processes and methods of co-production involving adults with psychosis as well as barriers, facilitators, and/or outcomes of co-production were included. Data was extracted using a standardised template and synthesised narratively. Joanna Briggs Institute and the AGREE Reporting Checklist were used for quality assessment. RESULTS: The search returned 1243 references. Fifteen studies were included: five qualitative, two cross-sectional, and eight descriptive studies. Most studies took place in the UK, and all reported user involvement in the research process; however, the amount and methods of involvement varied greatly. Although all studies were required to satisfy INVOLVE (2018) principles of co-production to be included, seven were missing several of the key features of co-production and often used different terms to describe their collaborative approaches. Commonly reported outcomes included improvements in mutual engagement as well as depth of understanding and exploration. Key barriers were power differentials between researchers and service users and stigma. Key facilitators were stakeholder buy-in and effective communication. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology, terminology and quality of the studies varied considerably; meanwhile, over-representation of UK studies suggests there may be even more heterogeneity in the global literature not captured by our review. This study makes recommendations for encouraging co-production and improving the reporting of co-produced research, while also identifying several limitations that could be improved upon for a more comprehensive review of the literature.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF COLLABORATORS INVESTIGATING THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL AND DENTAL INTERNS: A MEDICAL INTERNSHIP TRAINING IN NIGERIA (MINTING) STUDY COLLABORATION.

Introduction: The internship period is a peculiar time in a doctor's career, and some have described it as a "nuisance year" during which the junior doctor assumes many roles at the same time. Junior doctors especially house officers are faced with many unique challenges; this is even more pronounced in poor resource settings like Nigeria. This study aimed to unravel and improve understanding of the challenges faced by medical and dental interns in Nigeria. Methodology: A nine-member House officers Research and Statistics Committee (HRSC) was immediately set up to include three senior colleagues - Senior Registrars and Registrar. To carry out her responsibility efficiently the committee created the House Officers Research Collaboration Network (HRCN), a 103- member team comprising medical and dental interns from across Nigeria under a collaborative - Medical INternship Training in Nigeria (MINTING) study. Results: Out of a total of the 103 House Officers Research Collaboration Network, 80 of them participated in this survey giving a 78% response rate. Ten of the intern Collaborators had additional qualification and seven of them had BSc as an initial degree. About 66 % of the Collaborators have never authored any publication. Of the 27 that have published an article; three collaborators are said to have published 15, 13, 16 articles respectively. Male collaborators where more likely to have published at least one article in the past. Thirty one of the 80 Collaborators have never been in a research collaborative group prior to this MINTING collaborative. Conclusion: This commentary is set out to describe in detail Nigerian House Officers initiative in terms of the structure, functions, operational modalities, and to investigate the demographics of the HRCN collaborators which showed that over two third of collaborators have never authored any publication and about a third of them have never been involved in collaborative research. We also believe the findings will serve as policy guide and benchmark in training the critical medical health force.

Identifying the Clinical and Histological Risk Factors affecting Post-Biopsy Voiding Efficiency: An Observational Closed Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: There is a variability in the reported rate of post-prostate biopsy voiding inefficiency. The burden and potential predictors of this morbidity is not well studied in African patients. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence as well as the clinical and histological factors affecting voiding function in patients undergoing trans-rectal prostate biopsy in an African population. SUBJECTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cohort study was carried out in 68 adult males, 40 years and above, scheduled for trans-rectal prostate biopsy for suspected prostate cancer. Those who could not void spontaneously, had either neurological conditions or were on drugs that could affect voiding, were excluded from the research. Data on demographic characteristics of the patients were collected. Uroflowmetry was done to obtain the peak urine flow rate of the patients at baseline and seven days after the procedure. The prostate volume was determined and the presence of other potential clinical and histological risk factors were recorded. The presence of other bleeding-related biopsy complications was also recorded. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS with a p-value of less than 0.05 reported as significant. RESULTS: Voiding inefficiency was recorded in 28 (41.2%) of the patients with majority, 21 (75.0%), experiencing a five to nine-point decrease in their seventh day peak flow rate values. Post-biopsy haematuria occurred in 37 (54.4%) of the population. The presence of haematuria with blood clots was associated with a 10.9 times increased risk of voiding inefficiency after the procedure (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: About two in five patients developed post-prostate biopsy voiding inefficiency. Blood clot presence was independently. associated with the occurrence of this morbidity.

CONTEXTE: Le taux d'inefficacité mictionnelle après une biopsie de la prostate est variable l'inefficacité prostate. Le fardeau et les et les prédicteurs potentiels de cette morbidité ne sont pas bien étudiés chez les patients africains. Cette étude visait à évaluer l'incidence ainsi que les facteurs cliniques et histologiques affectant la fonction mictionnelle chez les patients subissant une biopsie transrectale de la prostate dans une population africaine. SUJETS, MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Une étude de cohorte observationnelle a été réalisée chez 68 adultes âgés de 40 ans et plus, programmés pour une biopsie transrectale de la prostate. Ceux qui ne pouvaient pas uriner spontanément, souffraient de troubles neurologiques ou etaient drogues qui peut agissaient la miction ont été exclus de la recherche. Les données sur les caractéristiques démographiques des patients ont été recueillies. Une uroflowmétrie a été fait pour obtenir le débit urinaire de pointe des patients au début de l'étude et sept jours après l'intervention. Le volume de la prostate a été déterminé et la présence d'autres facteurs de risque cliniques et facteurs de risque potentiels, cliniques et histologiques, ont été enregistrés. La présence d'autres complications de la biopsie liées au saignement a également été enregistrée. L'analyse statistique a été effectuée à l'aide du logiciel SPSS, une valeur p inférieure à 0,05 étant considérée comme significative. RÉSULTATS: L'insuffisance mictionnelle a été enregistrée chez 28 (41,2 %) des patients. La majorité d'entre eux, 21 (75,0 %), présentant une diminution de cinq à neuf points dans leurs valeurs de débit de pointe au septième jour. Une hématurie post-biopsie est survenue chez 37 (54,4 %) de la population. La présence d'une hématurie avec caillots sanguins était associée à un risque 10,9 fois plus élevé d'inefficacité mictionnelle après la procédure (p = 0,006). CONCLUSION: Environ deux patients sur cinq ont développé une insuffisance mictionnelle après une biopsie de la prostate. La présence de caillots sanguins était indépendamment associée à l'apparition de cette morbidité. Mots-clés: Symptômes du bas appareil urinaire, biopsie de la prostate, facteurs de risque, rétention urinaire.

Effects of growth stage and seasons on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activities of crude extracts of Celosia argentea L.

This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of crude extracts of C. argentea at different maturity stages and seasons. Total phenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidin content from water, acetone and methanol extracts were evaluated spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activities were measured using 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) models. Results showed that the flowering stages in all the solvent extracts gave the highest polyphenolic content with the acetone extract significantly higher than the methanol and aqueous extracts (P < 0.05). The highest value for total polyhenolic content 80.75 ± 4.21 for the first trial and 89.69 ± 2.13 µg/mL in the second trial; while the flavonoids was 874.76 ± 7.87 and 946.19 ± 7.87 µg/mL in the first and second trials respectively; and proanthocyanidin content was 170.00 ± 0 and 100.90 ± 1.29 µg/mL. Overall, the aqueous extracts had the lowest content of all the phytochemicals. The antioxidant activities ranged from low to high at different growth stages of the plant. While low to no activity was observed in the aqueous extracts in all the assays, the methanol extracts of the flowering stages showeds the best activity in the first and second trials with IC50 values of 104.10 ± 8.59 and 120.02 ± 13.37 µg/mL respectively in ABTS. Similar trend was obtained in the DPPH assay with the highest activity in the methanol flowering extract with IC50 of 52.36 ± 0.76 µg/mL (first trial) and 49.36 ± 0.29 µg/mL (second trial). The FRAP and TAC also had the highest activity in the flowering stages in all solvents, but with the acetone extracts having the overall inhibition on both radicals. This study revealed that Celosia argentea phytoconsituents and antioxidant potential can be influenced by physiological and developmental stages of the plant.

Insights into the gut microbiota of Nigerian elderly with type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic elderly persons.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent non-communicable disease among the world's growing elderly population. The contribution of the gut microbiota to T2D in several Westernized countries has been established. However, there is little information on the role of the gut microbiota in T2D from the African continent where lifestyle and life expectancy are different. AIMS: This study sought to investigate gut microbiota variation in relation to elderly people living with T2D. in Nigeria. METHODS: Whole microbial community DNA were derived from the stool samples of healthy urban-dwelling elderly individuals and urban-dwelling elderly individuals with T2D. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was Illumina-sequenced and analyzed using QIIME2. RESULTS: Beta taxonomic diversity was significantly different between healthy elderly individuals and elderly individuals with T2D. However, no difference in the alpha taxonomic diversity and predicted functional alpha diversity of the gut microbiota was observed. The genus Ruminococcus (T2D versus Healthy: 2.89% vs 2.21%), families Coriobacteriaceae (Collinsella, T2D versus Healthy: 2.62 % vs 1.25%) and Bifidobacteriaceae were enriched in elderly individuals with T2D, while members of Clostridiaceae (Clostridium, Healthy versus T2D: 5.6% vs 3.2%) and Peptostreptococcaceae (Healthy versus T2D: 3.45% vs 1.99%) were enriched in healthy volunteers. Pathways involved in amino acid biosynthesis were enriched in elderly individuals with T2D, while pathways involved in respiration and the biosynthesis of vital building blocks were enriched in healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated for the first time in an African elderly population that the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae, Collinsella, and Ruminococcus within the gut varies in relation to T2D. Findings from this study suggest that the restoration of features associated with healthiness via the way of gut microbiota modification could be one step needed to improve elderly patient care.

In vitro and in vivo toxicity assessment of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles from Elaeodendron croceum.

Background The cytotoxic properties of nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their small size and ability to penetrate cellular membranes. Methods The silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Elaeodendron croceum stem bark and characterized. The oral acute toxicity studies were carried out by administration of 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg body weight to Wister rats in respective groups. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay was evaluated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells using the WST-1 Cell Proliferation assay. The percentage of cell viability after treatment with aqueous extracts of Elaeodendron croceum (ECE) and Elaeodendron croceum silver nanoparticles (ECAgNPs) was compared with that of paclitaxel. Results The in vivo studies revealed that the LD50 was higher than 2000 mg/kg and there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the treatment groups compared with the control group for mean organ-to-body weight ratio except in the liver and in all hematological parameters except WBC and hematocrit. Similarly, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) for serum electrolytes (Na+, Mg2+ K+, Cl-, and Ca2+), total protein, urea, É£-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, total and conjugated bilirubin between the treatment and the control group. However, there were changes in creatinine, urea, and cholesterol. In the in vitro assays, ECE and ECAgNPs showed IC50 values of 70.87±2.99 and 138.8±3.98 µg/mL respectively against MDA-MB-231 cells compared to paclitaxel, which showed an IC50 value of 80 ng/mL. Conclusion The results showed that the LD50 of the ECE and ECAgNPs in Wister rats was determined to be greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight. The aqueous extract also showed more cytotoxic than the ECAgNPs suggesting that the toxic compounds in aqueous extract were involved in the capping of the AgNPs.

Therapeutic uses of Amaranthus caudatus L.

The use of plants as therapy is not alien to man. Among plants that could offer novel choice to the limited therapeutic alternatives is Amaranthus caudatus. It is typically rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, lycopene, polyphenols, unsaturated fatty acids, glucosinolates, proteins, soluble peptides, flavonoids, squalene and betacarotene to say the least. As widely reported in the literature, its various capacities to fight diseases when ingested as food or medicine may not be unconnected to these bioactive compounds available in high concentrations. This current review, therefore, harmonized reports from scientific investigations that validated the use of A. caudatus for the treatment of various ailments such as Diabetes mellitus, cancer, malaria, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, helminthic and bacterial infections, inflammation, hepatic diseases and cardiovascular complications. With this, we hope to put in perspective, the key therapeutic options available in the plant.

Therapeutic uses of Amaranthus caudatus L

@#The use of plants as therapy is not alien to man. Among plants that could offer novel choice to the limited therapeutic alternatives is Amaranthus caudatus. It is typically rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, lycopene, polyphenols, unsaturated fatty acids, glucosinolates, proteins, soluble peptides, flavonoids, squalene and betacarotene to say the least. As widely reported in the literature, its various capacities to fight diseases when ingested as food or medicine may not be unconnected to these bioactive compounds available in high concentrations. This current review, therefore, harmonized reports from scientific investigations that validated the use of A. caudatus for the treatment of various ailments such as Diabetes mellitus, cancer, malaria, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, helminthic and bacterial infections, inflammation, hepatic diseases and cardiovascular complications. With this, we hope to put in perspective, the key therapeutic options available in the plant.

Malaria-induced anaemia and serum micronutrients in asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infected patients.

Interaction between malaria, anaemia and malnutrition is poorly understood in asymptomatic malaria patients. This information is important in the management of malaria infection in many endemic regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria parasitaemia, full blood counts and serum levels of essential micronutrients particularly iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) of the patients attending Health Centres in Ilorin, Kwara state were investigated using microscope, auto-haemanalyzer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer respectively. A total of 123 (55.2%) of our study population were positive of Plasmodium falciparum. Infection was age-specific (p < 0.0001), and a significant proportion (88.6%) of malaria infected patients were 28.5% mild, 45.5% moderate and 14.6% severely anaemic. The severity of anaemia increases as parasite density increases. Analysis of serum micronutrients revealed a significant low level of iron (3.72 mg/l), copper (2.05 mg/l) and zinc (3.67 mg/l) in infected patients (p < 0.0001); which further increased their anaemic condition. This study confirmed a significant relationship between severity of anaemia and nutritional deficiency in the pathogenesis of malaria infection. We therefore, recommend that immunomodulation potential of micronutrients may be essential in the management of malaria infection.

Ethanol-induced male infertility: Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum.

This study investigated the effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum leaf extract on infertility induced by ethanol in male rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups of five animals each: Group 1 (positive control) received 0.9% saline only; Group 2 (ethanol alone) were given only 30% ethanol orally at 7 ml/kg body weight per day, thrice in a week; groups 3, 4 and 5 were given ethanol and co-treated with 50, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract, respectively, while Group 6 was given ethanol and co-treated with a fertility drug, clomiphene citrate. Ethanol treatment resulted in significant (p < .05) decrease in LDH activity, G-6PDH activity, glycogen content, 3ß and 17ß HSD activities and testicular and epididymal Zn and Se contents and furthermore decrease in testicular sperm count, viability and marked increment in total sperm abnormalities, rate of sperm analysis parameters and consequently decreased reproductive hormone levels. Interestingly, co-administration of ethanol with either T. conophorum extract or drug almost ameliorated the toxic assault imposed by ethanol on reproductive organs and improved seminal qualities of the rats.

Data showing chemical compositions of the essential oils of the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus obtained by varying pH of the extraction medium.

This article describes the various chemical components as obtained from the oils in the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus using hydrodistillation and solvent-free microwave extraction methods. Furthermore, extractions of the oils were also carried out with a slight in pH variation and compared, "GC-MS evaluation of C. citratus (DC) Stapf oil obtained using modified hydrodistillation and microwave extraction methods" (Ajayi et al., 2016 [1]). The current article contains one table exhibiting a list of compounds in the four different methods of extraction. Comparative studies amongst the various methods of extraction are highlighted in the table.

GC-MS evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf oil obtained using modified hydrodistillation and microwave extraction methods.

Bioactive compounds of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil, using different media have been tentatively identified with the aid of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Hydrodistillation was complemented using weakly acidic and alkaline media for the oil extraction. Solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) was also used. Analyses of the oils revealed the presence of 7, 16, 22, and 15 compounds in the water-distilled (WD), microwave-distilled (MD), acid-distilled (AD), and base-distilled (BD), essential oils, respectively. Total yield of the volatile fractions was 0.73%, 0.64%, 0.70%, and 0.45%, respectively. Citral was found to be the major component, the base extraction having the highest content. This was followed by 2-isopropenyl-5-methylhex-4-enal, p-cymene, and 2-thujene. The antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities and assessment of medicinal/nutritional uses of the essential oils are subjects of future studies.

Tetracarpidium conophorum ameliorates oxidative reproductive toxicity induced by ethanol in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull. Arg.) Hutch. & Dalz is one of the many medicinal plants used for ages in folklore as male fertility enhancers. The current study evaluates the effect of the plant leaf extract on alcohol - induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups of five animals each; Group 1 (positive control) received normal saline only; Group 2 (ethanol alone) were given only 30 % ethanol orally at 7 ml/kg body weight per day, thrice in a week; Group 3, 4, 5 were given ethanol and co-treated with 50 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract respectively while Group 6 were given ethanol and co-treated with a fertility drug, clomiphene citrate. All the drugs were given daily and the experiment lasted for twenty one consecutive days. RESULTS: Alcohol ingestion resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in water, food intake and marked elevation of lipid peroxidation as assessed by the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the reproductive tissues. Precisely, MDA level was elevated in the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland by 81 %, 63 %, 95 % and 91 %, respectively. Furthermore, levels of total protein, reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and activities of antioxidant enzymes in the reproductive tissues were significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced in ethanol-ingested rats. Interestingly, co-administration of T. conophorum with ethanol led to almost complete inhibition of lipid peroxidation thereby enhancing antioxidant status of the reproductive tissues. CONCLUSION: Overall, T. conophorum ameliorates oxidative reproductive toxicity induced by ethanol in male rats and its ameliorative effect comparable well with the fertility drug, clomiphene citrate.

The antibacterial, phytochemicals and antioxidants evaluation of the root extracts of Hydnora africanaThunb. used as antidysenteric in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: To determine the anti-dysenteric, phytochemicals and antioxidative properties of the root extracts of Hydnora africana. The use of plants for the treatment of dysentery and other diseases in traditional medicine has increased on the basis of these rich traditional medicine systems. Series of pharmacological tests are recommended since the aetiology of many diseases may be due to more than one factor. METHODS: The agar well diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of bacterial strains to crude extracts of the plant. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the microdilution test. The presence of phytochemicals and antioxidant was also assessed using standard methods. RESULTS: The antimicrobial activity of H. africana against all the tested organisms demonstrated a mean zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 0 to 25 mm. The MIC of the extracts ranged from 0.071 to 5.0 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity showed lower ferric reducing activities, moderate nitric oxide, moderate DPPH and higher ABTS scavenging activities of the plant. Phytochemical assay revealed the presence and equivalent quantity of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and phenolic acid in the extracts. The water and methanol extracts were also shown as the best solvents of extraction for the phytochemicals. CONCLUSIONS: The methanol and acetone extracts of H. africana exhibited a significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, suggesting the presence of either good bioactive potency or the high concentration of the active principle in the extracts which may serve as a guide for selecting bio- medicinal substances of plant origin in antidysenteric drugs.

An inventory of plants commonly used in the treatment of some disease conditions in Ogbomoso, South West, Nigeria.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This study was designed to take an inventory of medicinal plants, recipes and methods commonly used traditionally to treat some cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases in five local government areas in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: First-hand field survey through semi-structured questionnaire was employed in the 5 months study. RESULTS: A total of 101 plant species (medicinal plants (80.90%), spices (17.5%) and vegetables (1.53%)) belonging to 51 different families were mentioned for the treatment of various types of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. The survey revealed that 51.5% of the plants mentioned are used for the management of inflammatory diseases, 34.7% for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and 11.9% of the plants are used for the treatment of both diseases. Euphorbiaceae (7.9%) are the most frequently used families of plants for the treatment of the various types of diseases mentioned, followed by Caesalpiaceae, (4.9%), Apocynoceae (4.9%) and Poaceae (4.9%). Fifty-nine recipes are usually prepared for the treatment of the six types of inflammatory diseases while twenty-three recipes are reportedly used for the treatment of the four types of cardiovascular diseases mentioned in this study. The recipes covered in the survey were mostly prepared from leaves (37.6%) and roots (23.8%) decoction or infusions. Medications are mostly administered orally with few numbers of the recipes showing side effect. CONCLUSION: The study has documented indigenous plants in Ogbomoso as a potential source for the development of new drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

Alepidea amatymbica Eckl. & Zeyh.: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology.

Alepidea amatymbica is an important medicinal plant in Southern Africa with a long history of traditional use for the management of conditions like colds, coughs, sore throat, influenza, asthma, and abdominal cramps. Despite the much acclaimed traditional uses of the plant, there is a dearth of scientific information on the review of this plant. Hence, this review is aimed at providing information on the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of A. amatymbica. This review uses all the synonyms of the plant obtained from the plant list. Google scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus were made use of in addition to the University of Fort Hare's online databases. All the phytochemical studies on Alepidea amatymbica obtained from the literature reported the presence of kaurene-type diterpenoids and their derivatives. Pharmacological areas identified on A. amatymbica fresh and dried extract include antibacterial, antifungal, sedative, astringent, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antihelminthes, antihypertensive, anti-HIV, and diuretic activities. Literature search on A. amatymbica revealed the use of cell line, brine shrimps, and rats for the determination of the toxicity in the plant. Clinical trials and product development to fully exploit the medicinal value are also required to validate its folklore use in traditional medicine.

Phytotherapeutic information on plants used for the treatment of tuberculosis in eastern cape province, South Africa.

The current rate of deforestation in Africa constitutes a serious danger to the future of medicinal plants on this continent. Conservation of these medicinal plants in the field and the scientific documentation of our knowledge about them are therefore crucial. An ethnobotanical survey of plants used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) was carried out in selected areas of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. These areas were Hala, Ncera, Sheshegu, and Gquamashe, all within the Nkonkobe Municipality. One hundred informants were interviewed. The survey included the identification of scientific and vernacular names of the plants used for treatment of TB as well as the methods of preparation and administration, the part used, dosage, and duration of treatment. The survey revealed 30 plants belonging to 21 families which are commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of TB and associated diseases. Of these plants Clausena anisata, Haemanthus albiflos, and Artemisia afra were the most cited. The leaves were the most common part used in the medicinal preparations. Our findings are discussed in relation to the importance of the documentation of medicinal plants.

Polyphenolic contents and free radical scavenging potential of extracts from leaves of Ocimum americanum L.

This study assessed the polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activity of ethanol, butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Ocimum americanum leaves using in vitro models. The ability of the extracts to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryihydrazyl (DPPH*), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS*+), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Nitric Oxide (NO) and hydroxyl radical (OH*) was investigated. The inhibition of lipid oxidation, reducing power, total flavonoids, phenols and flavonols contents of the extracts were also determined using spectrophotometric methods. The result revealed highest concentration of polyphenolic compounds in the ethanol extract followed by n-butanol while ethyl acetate extract contained the least concentration. Free radical scavenging potentials of the extracts were found to be proportional to their respective polyphenolic contents. This study provides evidence that O. americanum leaves contain biologically active components with effective antioxidant activity and thus could be used for the management of radical related diseases.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of malaria in Ogbomoso, Southwest Nigeria.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Malaria infection is the second largest killer disease after HIV in Nigeria. Failure of the orthodox medications due to drug adulteration, high cost of procurement of antimalarial drugs and inconvenience experienced in the use of high dosage of the new antimalarial drug combination therapy has turned the attention of the people in the world towards the use of local herbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the indigenous people of Ogbomoso for the treatment of malaria infection was conducted. Investigations were carried out on the names of plants, their parts (leaf, stem or root) used, method of preparing herbal antimalarial remedies, likely side effect and how it is administered were recorded through the use of a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The results of the survey revealed that 40 plant species from 32 plant families were mostly used for treating malaria infection in Ogbomoso. Twenty-three different antimalarial recipes were mentioned in the survey. The Asteraceae and Anacardinceae were the most represented plant families followed by Malvaceae, Solanaceae, Annonaceae, Poaceae, Rutaceae and Meliaceae. The leaf and the stem bark have been the most frequently used plant parts while concoction and decoction were the most common method of preparation. Treatment regimens of malaria generally included drinking, bathing and steam inhalation of the aqueous herbal preparations for 5-7 days or until symptoms of malaria disappear. About 53% of the plants mentioned in the survey had side effect. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, the need for documentation of these plants for further investigation becomes necessary.

Antimicrobial activity of the solvent fractions from Bulbine natalensis Tuber.

Bulbine natalensis Baker has been acclaimed to be used as an antimicrobial agent in the folklore medicine of South Africa without scientific evidence to substantiate or refute this claim. In view of this, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of solvent fractions (ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) from Bulbine natalensis Tuber against 4 Gram positive and 12 Gram negative bacteria as well as 3 fungal species were investigated using agar dilution. The ethanolic extract, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions inhibited 75, 87.5 and 100% respectively of the bacterial species in this study. The ethanolic, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions produced growth inhibition at MIC range of 1-10, 3-10 as well as 1 and 5 mg/ml respectively whereas the water fraction did not inhibit the growth of any of the bacterial species. Again, it was only the ethyl acetate fraction that inhibited the growth of Shigelli flexneri, Staphyloccus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ethanolic, ethyl acetate and n-butanolic fractions dose dependently inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger and A. flavus whereas the water fraction produced 100% growth inhibition of the Aspergillus species at all the doses investigated. In contrast, no growth inhibition was produced on Candida albicans. The growth inhibition produced by the solvent fractions of B. natalensis Tuber in this study thus justifies the acclaimed use of the plant as an antimicrobial agent. The ethyl acetate fraction was the most potent.