In vitro antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of five medicinal plants from Burkina Faso.

After ethnobotanical surveys in central and western regions of Burkina Faso, five plants namely Lantana ukambensis (Verbenaceae), Xeoderris sthulmannii (Fabaceae), Parinari curatellifollia (Chrysobalanaceae), Ozoroa insignis (Anacardiaceae), and Ficus platyphylla (Moraceae) were selected for their traditional use in the treatment of parasitic diseases and cancer. Our previous studies have focused on the phytochemical, genotoxicity, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of these plants. In this study, the methanol extract of each plant was tested to reveal probable antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities. Colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods were used for the detection of antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities. Leishmania donovani (LV9 WT) and Trypanosoma brucei brucei GVR 35 were used to test the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities, respectively. All extracts of tested plants showed a significant antitrypanosomal activity with minimum lethal concentrations between 1.5 and 25 µg/ml, the L. ukambensis extract being the most active. In the antileishmanial test, only the extract from L. ukambensis showed significant activity with an inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 6.9 µg/ml. The results of this study contribute to the promotion of traditional medicine products and are preliminary for the isolation of new natural molecules for the treatment of leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis.

Mutagenic effect, antioxidant and anticancer activities of six medicinal plants from Burkina Faso.

The antiproliferative activities of six medicinal plant extracts from Burkina Faso were evaluated in order to justify their traditional use for the treatment of cancer. The SOS chromotest method was used in vitro on Escherichia coli PQ37 to evaluate the mutagenic effect of the plant extracts. The DPPH method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of each plant. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated by MTS method on normal cells (Vero and MCR5) and cancer cells (KB) in contact with the extracts for 72 h. The results showed that the studied plants are not genotoxic. Lantana ukambensis and Acacia macrostachya induced a very significant antiproliferative effect against cancer cells with 94% and 95%, respectively. They also developed a strong antioxidant activity. The IC50 values were 5.96 ± 0.40 µg mL⁻¹ for L. ukambensis and 4.30 ± 0.26 µg mL⁻¹ for A. macrostachya. These two plants are therefore potential sources for isolating new antioxidant and anticancer molecules.

Acute intoxications in two university hospitals in Burkina Faso.

INTRODUCTION: Acute intoxications become more and more a serious problem in developing countries. However, epidemiologic data are very scarce in these countries. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of acute intoxications in two University Hospitals of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). METHODS: All cases admitted to the emergency services of the two sole University Hospitals of Ouagadougou from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007, were included. We analysed the medical records for demographical and etiological characteristics of the acute poisoned-patients. RESULTS: Acute poisoned-patients (436) represented 1.9% of the patients admitted to these services. The majority of acute poisoned-patients were pre-school children followed by young adults. Accidental intoxications (70.8%) were more common than intentional (28.9) and suicidal attempts (0.3%). Among poisoned-patients, female patients represented a great majority. Pharmaceuticals were the most common cause of acute intoxication, followed by chemicals, animals' toxins, food, alcohol and addictive drugs. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that pharmaceuticals were the most common cause of acute intoxications. The great majority of poisoned-patients were young. Female patients were the major poisoned-patients. Most admissions in the emergency services due to acute intoxications resulted from accidental poisoning.

Etude comparee des effets anti-hepatotoxiques d'extraits d'Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae); une plante utilisee dans le traitement traditionnel de la jaunisse au Burkina Faso

Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) fait l'objet de nombreuses indications therapeutiques en medecine traditionnelle dans la region des Cascades au Burkina Faso. Dans une etude preliminaire de 2006; il a ete mis en evidence une activite anti-hepatotoxique du decocte aqueux lyophilise des feuilles chez le rat Wistar prealablement icterise par une administration de tetrachlorure de carbone CCl4 (0;5 mL/kg; i.p.). Dans la presente etude; les auteurs projettent de comparer les effets anti-hepatotoxiques de trois (03) extraits de la plante notamment deux extraits aqueux lyophilises (decocte et macere) et un extrait du totum alcaloidique; tous administres a differents lots de rats rendus initialement icteriques par injection de l'hepatotoxique. La silymarine (100 mg/kg) a ete utilisee comme produit de reference anti-hepatotoxique. Les trois extraits (250 mg/kg; p.o.) ont temoigne une action anti-hepatotoxique significative (p0;05) objectivee par un pourcentage de reduction notable des marqueurs biochimiques enzymatiques notamment les transaminases (ASAT/GOT; ALAT/GPT); la phosphatase alcaline (PAL) et la bilirubine directe (DBil). Les pourcentages moyens de reduction d'hepato-toxicite induite ont ete de 79;4 (silymarine); 69;73 (decocte lyophilise); 70;63 (macere lyophilise) et 72 (totum alcaloidique). Ces resultats illustrent d'une part la preeminence de l'action pharmacologique anti-hepatotoxique de l'extrait de totum alcaloidique compare aux extraits aqueux lyophilises et d'autre part; l'effet des extraits pris isolement reste en deca de celui de la silymarine

Dichloromethane-methanol extract from Borassus aethiopumn mart. (Arecaceae) induces apoptosis of human colon cancer HT-29 cells.

Borassus aetihiopum MART (Arecaceae) is a plant used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases (bronchitis, laryngitis, antiseptic). In particular, their male inflorcscences were reported to exhibit cicatrizing, antiseptic and fungicidal properties. In the present study, the biological activity of E2F2, an apolar extract from Borassus aethiopum male inflorescence was investigated on colon cancer HT29 cells. Phytochemical screening was carried according to methodology for chemical analysis for vegetable drugs. Cells proliferation was determined by the MTT assay and cells cycle distribution was analysed by using laser flow cytometer (Beckman coulter). The cytoskeleton organisation was examined under a laser scanning confocal microscope (Zess). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of E2F2 extract revealed the presence of sterols, triterpenes and saponosids. E2F2 extract (1 microg and 100 microg mL(-1)) significantly inhibited cell proliferation by blocking cell population in G0/G1 phase. Flow Cytometric analysis of E2F2-treated HT29 cells showed that hypoploïd cell population (sub G1 phase) increased with processing time exposures. Immunofluorescence confocal analysis revealed a disrupt actin microfilaments network in E2F2 treated-cells with a significant reduction in actin stress fibres and appearance of a random, non-oriented distribution of focal adhesion sites. These data indicate that E2F2 extract has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities. Further studies are required to unravel the mechanisms of action of E2F2 extract.

Antisickling properties of divanilloylquinic acids isolated from Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam. (Rutaceae).

Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam. (syn. Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides) (Rutaceae) is the most cited Fagara species for the treatment and the prevention of sickle cell disease crisis. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a public health problem in many countries particularly in Africa. The present study was designed to evaluate the antisickling properties of three isomeric divanilloylquinic acids (3,4-O-divanilloylquinic acid or burkinabin A; 3,5-O-divanilloylquinic acid or burkinabin B and 4,5-O-divanilloylquinic acid or burkinabin C) identified previously by LC/MS/NMR analysis in the root bark of F. zanthoxyloides [Ouattara et al., 2004. LC/MS/NMR analysis of isomeric divanilloylquinic acids from the root bark of Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam. Phytochemistry 65, 1145-1151]. The three isomers showed interesting antisickling properties which increased from burkinabins A to C.

[Self-medication in the treatment of acute malaria: study based on users of private health drug stores in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso]. / Automédication dans le traitement de l'accès palustre: étude auprès de clients d'officines pharmaceutiques privées de la ville de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

In order to contribute to the national debate on the change of protocol of the simple forms of malaria treatment in Burkina Faso, we conducted a transversal descriptive study among 397 private pharmacies users in Ouagadougou. The aims of the study were: - making an inventory of the antimalarials and signs which led to self-medication; - identifying the factors favouring self-treatment and the reasons why these antimalarials have been bought; - making an inventory of the misuses of antimalarial drugs by individuals practicing self-medication; - checking the knowledge base in individuals practicing self-medication in relation to resistance to antimalarials. We noticed that chloroquine (39.3%), sulfadoxine-pyrimethamin (24.4%), arthemisinin and its by products (15.1%) were the three main molecules which account for antimalarial self-treatment However the use of these molecules was inappropriate regarding the dosage (41.3%) as well as the rate of intake (40.7%). Self-medication was motivated by the common signs of malaria and the way in which this parasitosis has become an every day feature in people's minds. The choice of the molecule, the knowledge of the directions for use and the rate of intake were significantly linked to the level of education (p < 0.001). Self-medication being one of the major causes of resistance development, it is necessary together with local pharmacies retailers, to organize information campaigns on the correct use of molecules of the new antimalarial therapeutic scheme which will be adopted.

Comparative study of leaf and stem bark extracts of Parkia biglobosa against enterobacteria.

Hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of leaf and stem bark of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Benth. (Mimosaceae) were tested against clinical isolates Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae and Enterococcus faecalis, and corresponding collection strains E. coli CIP 105 182, Salmonella enterica CIP 105 150, Shigella dysenteriae CIP 54-51 and Enterococcus faecalis CIP 103 907. Discs of Gentamicin, a broad spectrum antibiotic were used as positive controls. The results showed that all the extracts possess antimicrobial activities. A comparative study of the antibacterial activity of the leaves and that of the bark showed that for all the tested microorganisms, the hydroalcoholic extract of the bark is more active than the aqueous extract of the leaf. The hydroethanolic extract of the leaves is as effective as the aqueous extract of the stem bark prescribed by the traditional healer, suggesting it is possible to use leaves other than the roots and bark. The phytochemical screening showed that sterols and triterpenes, saponosides, tannins, reducing compounds, coumarins, anthocyanosides, flavonosides are present in both bark and leaf but in different concentrations.

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of 'saye', an herbal remedy used in Burkina Faso traditional medicine.

'Saye', a traditional medicine used in Burkina Faso, which consists of extracts of Cochlospermum planchonii (rhizome), Cassia alata (leaf) and Phyllanthus amarus (whole plant), showed a significant effect against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei parasites grown in vivo (IC(50) = 80.11 +/- 3.40 microg/mL; ED(50) = 112.78 +/- 32.32 mg/kg). In vitro the activity was lower.

[Haematological and biochemical outline of patients with sickle cell disease SS and SC in steady state in the National Hospital Center Yalgado Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou]. / Profil hematologique et biochimique des drepanocytaires ss et SC en phase stationnaire au Centre Hospitalier National Yalgado Ouedraogo de Ouagadougou.

Burkina Faso belongs to the sicklemic's belt of LEHMAN and is the epicenter of haemoglobin C. This is the reason of this study on the haematological and biochemical parameters of homozygotes SS and double heterozygotes SC in stationary stage. These parameters will be use for comparison during crisis and to evaluate the therapy efficiency. So 20 homozygotes and 20 double heterozygotes were studied. The blood film showed anaemia with an haemoglobin rate average of 7.8 g/dl for SS against 9.8 g/dl for SC (p < 0.001). An serum's iron elevated in 26.3% of the SS with an average of 23 micromoles /l against 36.8% with an average of 21.7 micromoles /l in the SC (p < 0.001). These results show the importance of SS anaemia's and biochemical's disorders in comparison to the SC.

[Bioequivalence in vitro evaluation of some antibacterial generic dosage forms]. / Evaluation in vitro de la bio-équivalence de quelques formes génériques d'antibactériens.

In this work, bioequivalence between generic and corresponding original brand-name dosage forms of some antibacterial drugs, frequently prescribed in developing countries, have been examined using in vitro dissolution testing. For this purpose, tablet or hard capsule formulations of five active substances (amoxycillin, ampicillin, co-trimoxazole (sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim), metronidazole and penicillin V) have been retained. For each active substance, batch samples of three generic and one test formulations have been submitted to the pharmaceutical quality control and dissolution testing. Results obtained have shown that all samples examined met the specifications of quality edited by the pharmacopeias. On the other hand, interchangeability between generic and corresponding test formulations should be possible since their dissolution profiles are superposables enough.

[Reference values of 15 clinical blood constituent for African adult from Ougadougou (Burkina Faso)]. / Etablissement des valeurs de référence de 15 constituants biochimiques sanguins chez l'adulte burkinabé à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

In order to establish reference values of biochemical profile of the adult (n = 559) in tropical sahelian area (Burkina Faso), assumed to be healthy, age between 15 and 50, 15 clinical blood constituents appearing among the most commonly explored were determined. Most constituents levels are influenced by sex et and age. The reference values stemming from the adult native of Burkina Faso were compared with those of the european adult and difference ares observed.

[Epidemiology and management of snake envenomations in the Dano health district, Ioba province (Burkina Faso) from 1981 to 2000]. / Epidémiologie et prise en charge des envenimations ophidiennes dans le district sanitaire de Dano, province du Ioba (Burkina Faso) de 1981 à 2000.

A series of investigations concerning snakebites and management of envenomations was carried out from 1981 to 2000 in the medical District of Dano, Province of loba in Burkina Faso. Viper bites were more frequent than Elapid ones. The seasonal distribution of the envenomations reflected the cycle of field work and other specific activities. Care seeking within the Traditional System of Health Care (STSS) was more frequent than within the Conventional System of Health Care (SCSS). Lethality was higher at STSS level in cases of viper bites and, conversely, higher in SCSS in the cases of Elapid envenomations. This highlighted the interest in medicinal plants for treating snakebites particularly in case of neurotoxic envenomation. We classified several dozens medicinal plants within an inventory. Some of them have been studied and deemed worthy of interest. Others are used for the treatment of other types of poisoning (pesticides, plants toxic) and/or used in traditional rites. We hope to follow the Côte d'Ivoire experience such that African snake venom, neutralised by modern antivenom, might also be neutralised by the African natural resources.

[Writing quality of medical prescriptions at the Social Security System of Ouagadougou]. / Etude de la qualité rédactionnelle des ordonnances médicales à la Caisse de sécurité sociale de Ouagadougou.

A medical prescription may sometimes include errors which might have a negative impact on the patient's health. The objective of this study was to analyse the key elements of medical prescriptions given to patients covered by the Ouagadougou social security health insurance system. The population of practitioners included in the study comprises all of the medical doctors practicing in Ouagadougou. The study consisted of a review of all prescriptions registered by the family benefits and professional hazards service branches dating from January 1st to December 31st 1997. The identification of the doctors and patients was satisfactory in more than 97% of the prescriptions. However, certain errors were frequent such as the omission of the treatment's duration, the medication's dosage, and the form. The oversights observed were comparable to those described in the literature. Repeating similar periodic evaluations with a systematic feedback relayed to the practitioners will bring about an improvement of medical prescriptions.

[Chloroquine resistance of Plasmodium falciparum. Study of a surveillance method based on placental apposition and determination of blood chloroquine in pregnant women]. / Chloroquino-résistance de Plasmodium falciparum. Etude d'une méthode de surveillance reposant sur l'apposition placentaire couplée au dosage de la chloroquinémie chez la femme enceinte.

We investigated placental malaria infection and blood chloroquine concentration in pregnant women to assess a new method of monitoring the chloroquine resistance (CQ-R) of Plasmodium falciparum. We studied two groups of women: 96 women taking the usual prophylactic treatment of 300 mg chloroquine per week and 108 controls given no treatment. We carried out placental apposition, a thick smear and determination of blood chloroquine concentration after delivery. Malarial infection of the placenta was more frequent and the density of parasites higher in controls than in women given prophylaxis. Blood chloroquine concentrations were adequate in all women given prophylaxis (above 200 ng/ml, with a mean of 500 ng/ml). Twenty-six per cent of placentas in the treated group and 51% of placentas in the control group were infected. The placental infection rates for the two groups were compared. The frequency of chloroquine-resistant strains was about 50% (2 or 3 times higher than the CQ-R frequencies obtained in studies using in vivo tests). The simplicity of placental apposition makes this technique potentially valuable. However, determination of blood chloroquine concentration is also required and can only be carried out in a reference center.

Etude de l'effet antihelminthique des amandes de balanites aegyptiaca (L) del (balanitacaea)

Les auteurs rapportent des resultats d'etudes pharmacologiques d'extraits aqueux des amandes de balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del de la famille des balanitaceae recoltees dans la region de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). L'extrait de plante s'est avere doue d'activite de type vermicide par effet letal sur le lombric; puis pris comme modele animal. Un effet lytique de membrane participerait au support pharmacologique. Le test de toxicite generale aigue a permis de cibler une DL50 de 150 mg/kg; placant l'extrait sur l'echelle de toxicite comme doue de toxicite moyenne. Le screening chimique classique a mis en evidence une richesse en principes chimiques des extraits hydroalcooliques et aqueux de balanites aegytiaca (L) Del expliquant des indications diversifiees. La presence de saponosides peut etre correlee a l'action lytique. La chromatographie en couche mince a montre une identite de groupe chimique entre l'extrait teste et celui de la recette utilisee en traditherapeutique

Inhibition des contractions intestinales du rat par l'extrait acqueux (macerations) des ecorces de tronc de Khaya senegalensis (desr.) A. Juss (maliaceae)

"Khaya senegalensis ou cailcedrat est une des nombreuses plantes utilisees au Burkina Faso en traditherapie dans le traitement des pathologies gastro-enterologiques. Une etude ""in vitro"" sur l'intestin isole de rat a permis de mettre en evidence une activite spamolytique et antispasmodique vis-a-vis des contractions provoquees par l'acetylcholine et le chlorure de baryum. Ces actions antispasmodique et spasmolytique peuvent constituer un support pharmacodynamique explicatif de l'utilisation traditherapeutique de cette plante alors medicinale"

Mise en evidence d'une activite antibacterienne de nauclea latifolia Sm. (Rubiaceae); vis-a-vis d'enterobacteries responsables de gastro-enterites infantiles au Burkina-Faso

L'extrait hydroalcoolique de maceration de la poudre d'ecorces de racines de nauclea latifolia Sm. (Rubiaceae) de meme que la solution hydroalcoolique du totum alcaloidique des ecorces de racines ont montre une action inhibitrice sur la croissance des souches microbiennes isolees de produits pathologiques au Centre Hospitalier National de Ouagadougou et testees au cours de cette etude. Cette propriete antibacterienne mise en evidence in-vitro; justifierait l'utilisation de nauclea latifolia en medecine traditionnelle locale; notamment dans le traitement d'un grand groupe d'affections dont les gastro-enterites infantiles constituent l'une des plus frequentes