Levels of elements in selected food substances that support usage in the management and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The use of fruits and vegetables for the management and treatment of erectile dysfunction has gained popularity due to the cheaper cost, accessibility and perceived absence of side effects. Much of the work done on plant-based aphrodisiacs has focused on the phytochemistry of secondary metabolites. AIM: This work sought to analyze selected fruits and vegetables that are commonly used in the management of erectile dysfunction in Ghana and quantify the levels of some micro- and macro-elements necessary for good penile health in order to determine the usefulness or otherwise of the selected produce. METHODS: Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to detect and quantify the levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in carrot roots, cucumber fruit, garlic bulb, ginger rhizome, nutmeg fruit, sweet potato tuber, tiger nut tuber and watermelon fruit. RESULTS: The analysis revealed the presence of K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn. Levels of Se were below detection. The concentration of K was the highest in each of the food substances. However, in terms of recommended daily allowance, Mg had the highest contribution. Cucumber fruit and the rind of watermelon fruit had the highest levels of micro- and macro-elements implicated in erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The potential use of these foods to treat and manage erectile dysfunction may not only be due to the presence of phytochemicals alone but also the presence of significant levels of micro- and macro-elements required for good penile health.

The Unethical Use of Paracetamol As a Food Tenderizer in Four Selected African Countries: A Major Public Health Concern?

Paracetamol poisoning is the commonest cause of acute liver injury. Therefore, the unethical use of paracetamol as a food tenderizer poses a threat to human health. Although this is a common practice in Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and Kenya, there are few or no scientific records on the use of paracetamol as a food tenderizer and its deleterious effects, thus making it difficult to regulate this practice. This review aims to fully collate and present a systematic overview of the literature on the use of paracetamol as a food tenderizer in these countries, the potentially harmful effects posed by the practice, and measures in place to curb the situation. Additionally, this review aims to reveal the scientific gaps and areas requiring more research, thus providing a reference for further research to regulate this unscrupulous practice. From our extensive review of the literature, the high cost of fuel used in cooking and longer cooking times are the main reasons for the inappropriate use of paracetamol as a food tenderizer. Also, this review concludes that little has been done to create public awareness of this unethical practice. Furthermore, few ways to monitor, control and regulate this practice have been proposed.

Toxicity, mutagenicity and trace metal constituent of Termitomyces schimperi (Pat.) R. Heim (Lyophyllaceae) and kaolin, a recipe used traditionally in cancer management in Cote d'Ivoire.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Some local communities in Cote d'Ivoire use the mushroom Termitomyces schimperi combined with kaolin (TSK) to manage various cancers in patients. However, there is a paucity of data on toxicity, mutagenicity and trace metal constituent of TSK. AIM OF THE STUDY: We sought to investigate the acute and sub-chronic toxicities, mutagenic potential, and trace metal constituents of TSK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess acute toxicity, single doses (1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg) of aqueous extract of TSK were administrated per os to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats on Day 1. The rats were then monitored for 13 consecutive days. Sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated by daily administration of 200 and 500 mg/kg of the extract per os for 90 consecutive days. SD rats used as control received distilled water. Signs of toxicity, changes in body weight and mortality were monitored. After the aforementioned monitoring processes, rats were sacrificed and blood collected for full blood count and biochemistry analysis. Animal organs were also collected for histopathological examination. The mutagenic potential of the aqueous extract of TSK (10000 µg/mL) on TA98 Salmonella typhimurium was estimated. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) method was employed to determine trace metal constituents of TSK. RESULTS: Single-dose administration of 5000 mg/kg of TSK did not cause any death in the SD rats; thus, LD50 was above 5000 mg/kg. Administration of 1000 and 3000 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of TSK did not cause any significant change in behaviour and body weight of SD rats during the 14-day monitoring period. However, the mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration increased significantly (p < 0.01) among rats administered 1000 and 3000 mg/kg of TSK. There was a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in alanine transaminase levels in rats administered 1000 and 3000 mg/kg of TSK extract compared with control. Conversely, there was a significant decrease (p=0.0122) in serum creatine level among rats administered 1000 and 3000 mg/kg of TSK extract compared with control. After 14 days, there were minimal changes with isolated organs of TSK-treated and control rats. Furthermore, 90-day treatment with extract of TSK caused no significant change in parameters assessed. TSK induced frameshift gene mutation in S. typhimurium before (p < 0.05) and after metabolic activation (p < 0.001). Elemental analysis of TSK revealed the presence of toxic (aluminium) or potentially toxic (silver, rabidium, titanium and zirconium) elements. CONCLUSIONS: The aqueous extract of TSK showed no toxicity (acute and sub-chronic) at doses tested. These findings are consistent with the absence of heavy metals (i.e., cadmium) and potentially toxic elements (i.e., uranium) in TSK samples analysed. TSK showed some level of mutagenic potential. Further mutagenic and chronic toxicity studies on TSK are required.

Ethanolic extract of Nymphaea lotus L. (Nymphaeaceae) leaves exhibits in vitro antioxidant, in vivo anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities on Jurkat and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Nymphaea lotus L. (N. lotus) is an aquatic plant with anecdotal reports suggesting its use in the traditional management of cancer. However, there is a paucity of data on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of N. lotus in relation to its phytochemical and elemental contents. This study aimed at determining the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of the hydro-ethanolic extract of N. lotus leaves (NLE), and its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents. METHODS: The antioxidant property of NLE was determined using total phenolic and flavonoid, DPPH radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assays. The anti-inflammatory activity of NLE (100-250-500 mg/kg), diclofenac and hydrocortisone (positive controls) were determined by paw oedema and skin prick tests in Sprague Dawley rats. Also, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined by Westergren method. The macro/micro-elements content was determined by the XRF method. The cytotoxic property of NLE was determined by the MTT assay, on two cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and Jurkat) and compared to a normal cell line (Chang liver). Inhibitory concentrations were determined as IC50 values (±SEM). RESULTS: The extract had appreciable levels of phenolic and flavonoids compounds and was two-fold more potent in scavenging DPPH radicals than Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). However, NLE was three- and six-fold less potent than ascorbic acid and BHT, respectively, in reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+. The extract was six-fold more potent than gallic acid in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in rat paw oedema sizes, comparable to diclofenac, and a significant decrease in wheel diameters and ESR. The elemental analysis revealed relevant concentrations of Mg2+, P2+, S2+, K2+, Mn+, Fe+, Cu+, Zn+ and Cd+. The extract exhibited cytotoxic activity on both MCF-7 (IC50 = 155.00 µg/ml) and Jurkat (IC50 = 87.29 µg/ml), with higher selectivity for Jurkat cell line. Interestingly, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to the normal Chang liver cell line (IC50 = 204.20 µg/ml). CONCLUSION: N. lotus leaves extract exhibited high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-cell-specific cytotoxic properties. These aforementioned activities could be attributed to its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents.

A dietary strategy for the management of artemether-lumefantrine-induced cardiovascular and renal toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Unsweetened natural cocoa has antimalarial properties. Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), obtained as a result of the removal of cocoa butter from a cocoa bean protects against malaria episodes. Cocoa powder, which is prepared after removal of the cocoa butter, contains about 1.9 % theobromine and 0.21 % caffeine. Concomitant consumption of cocoa and artemether/lumefantrine (A/L) is a common practice in Ghana, West Africa. This study seeks to determine the elemental composition of UNCP and its protective effect on the heart and kidney against (A/L) administration. METHODS: Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to detect the quality and quantity of the elemental composition in UNCP. Thereafter, 30 nonmalarious male guinea pigs were divided into five groups of six animals each. One group was administered with 75 mg/kg body weight A/L only and another group distilled water (control group). The rest received 300 mg/kg, 900 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg body weight UNCP for 14 days orally and A/L for the last 3 days (ie day 11 to day 14). Biochemical and histopathological examinations were carried out after euthanisation of the animals. RESULTS: A total of thirty-eight (38) micro and macro elements were detected with the ED-XRF. Macro elements like sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), phosphorus (P), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) and micro elements like chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) were identified and evaluated. Biochemical analysis revealed increases in HDL levels (p>0.05) while there were decreases in LDL levels (p>0.05), creatine kinase and AST levels (P<0.05) in animals that received UNCP compared to A/L only administered group. Urea levels reduced significantly by 53 % (p<0.05) in group that received 1500 mg/kg UNCP. Histopathological examinations of the heart and kidney buttressed the protective effects of cocoa administration. CONCLUSION: The percentage of recommended daily allowance of UNCP for chromium is 3750 % for men and 5250 % for women while % RDA for copper corresponds to 103.6 % in both sexes. UNCP proved to possess cardioprotective and renoprotective potential during artemether-lumefantrine administration.

Macro- and Microelemental Composition and Toxicity of Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP) is a pulverized high-grade powder of compressed solid blocks which remains after extraction. Little scientific data is available concerning its safety despite the presence of potential toxic elements. Elemental composition in UNCP was analyzed with ED-XRF spectroscopy. Single oral high dose toxicity study was conducted on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (150 g) by the limit test method. One group received water and the test group 2000 mg/kg UNCP. All animals were observed for 14 days and then euthanized for haematological, biochemical, and histopathological examinations. Thirty-eight (38) elements were found in UNCP. There was an increase in HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05), reduction in LDL cholesterol (p > 0.05), alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.05), and creatinine levels, and slight increase in urea levels (p > 0.05). Haematological changes were not significant. Histopathological analysis showed no toxic effect on the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, testis, and spleen. Intestinal erosion was observed in the test group. UNCP appears to be relatively safe when taken as a single oral high dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w.t. in rats. Caution should however be exercised at high doses due to the high elemental content of copper and high possibility of intestinal lining erosion.

Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder Has the Potential to Attenuate High Dose Artemether-Lumefantrine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Non-Malarious Guinea Pigs.

Objective. This study investigated the elemental composition of unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), its effect on nitric oxide, and its hepatoprotective potential during simultaneous administration with high-dose artemether/lumefantrine (A/L). Method. Macro- and microelements in UNCP were analyzed with EDXRF spectroscopy. Thirty (30) male guinea-pigs were then divided into five groups. For groups 3 (low-dose), 4 (medium-dose), and 5 (high-dose), the animals received oral UNCP prophylactically for 14 days. Group 1 received distilled water (14 days) and group 2 A/L for the last 3 days (days 12 to 14). After euthanisation, biochemical and histopathological examinations were carried out in all groups. Results. Phytochemical analysis of UNCP showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Thirty-eight (38) macro- and microelements were found. UNCP produced significant decreases in ALT, ALP, GGT, and AST levels. A significant increase in total protein levels was observed during A/L+UNCP administration in comparison to 75 mg/kg A/L group. Histopathological examinations buttressed the protective effects of cocoa administration. UNCP administration increased nitric oxide levels 149.71% (P < 0.05) compared to controls. Conclusion. UNCP increases nitric oxide levels and has hepatoprotective potential during A/L administration. A high level of copper was observed which may be detrimental during high daily consumptions of UNCP.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities of ethanolic extract of Pergularia daemia leaves: a possible substitute in diabetic management.

BACKGROUND: The leaves of Pergularia daemia Forsk (family Asclepidaceae) provide alternative plant-based treatments for the management of diabetes mellitus and diarrhoea in both humans and indigenous poultry species like the Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). However, no scientific investigations to validate its usefulness in Ghana have been established. This study therefore sought to investigate the anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the 70 % ethanolic extract of P. daemia using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Sprague-Dawley rats. Additionally, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the extract were investigated. METHODS: The total phenolic content, total flavonoids content, radical scavenging activity and reducing power assays were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu method, aluminium chloride colorimetric assay, Fe3+ reduction assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that P. daemia extract caused anti-hyperglycaemic activity in the STZ-induced rats at doses of 30, 60 and 90 mg/kg body weight with significant reduction in blood glucose levels. The phytosterols, saponins, phenols, alkaloids, tannins and triterpenes found in the extract may be responsible for the observed anti-hyperglycaemia and antioxidant activities. The extract also showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings justify the folkloric use of P. daemia as an anti-diabetic and antibacterial agents for susceptible species.

Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Cocoa Pod Husk Pectin Intended as a Versatile Pharmaceutical Excipient and Nutraceutical.

The physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of cocoa pod husk (CPH) pectin intended as a versatile pharmaceutical excipient and nutraceutical were studied. Properties investigated include pH, moisture content, ash values, swelling index, viscosity, degree of esterification (DE), flow properties, SEM, FTIR, NMR, and elemental content. Antimicrobial screening and determination of MICs against test microorganisms were undertaken using agar diffusion and broth dilution methods, respectively. CPH pectin had a DE of 26.8% and exhibited good physicochemical properties. Pectin had good microbiological quality and exhibited pseudoplastic, shear thinning behaviour, and high swelling capacity in aqueous media. The DE, FTIR, and NMR results were similar to those of previous studies and supported highly acetylated low methoxy pectin. CPH pectin was found to be a rich source of minerals and has potential as a nutraceutical. Pectin showed dose-dependent moderate activity against gram positive and gram negative microorganisms but weak activity against Listeria spp. and A. niger. The MICs of pectin ranged from 0.5 to 4.0 mg/mL, with the highest activity against E. coli and S. aureus (MIC: 0.5-1.0 mg/mL) and the lowest activity against A. niger (MIC: 2.0-4.0 mg/mL). The study has demonstrated that CPH pectin possesses the requisite properties for use as a nutraceutical and functional pharmaceutical excipient.