Polyherbal Combinations Used by Traditional Health Practitioners against Mental Illnesses in Bamako, Mali, West Africa.

This study explores the traditional knowledge of plants used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) in the treatment of symptoms or syndromes related to mental illnesses in the district of Bamako in Mali, along with the identification of affiliated traditional treating methods. An exploratory and cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in the district of Bamako. The Malian Federation of Associations of Therapists and Herbalists (FEMATH) assisted in the identification and inclusion of the THPs. Data sampling included semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were evaluated by analysing reports of the use of different medicinal plants and the number of participants. Fifteen THPs belonging to the district of Bamako participated. In total, 43 medicinal plants belonging to 22 plant families were used by the THPs. The most cited plant species was Securidaca longepedunculata (violet tree), followed by Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany) and Boscia integrifolia (rough-leaved shepherds tree). A great number of herbal combinations, preparation methods, and administration routes were used, often with honey as an adjuvant. To our knowledge, this is the first ethnobotanical survey on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of all types of mental disorders in Bamako.

Inhibition of Seizure-Like Paroxysms and Toxicity Effects of Securidaca longepedunculata Extracts and Constituents in Zebrafish Danio rerio.

Plants used in traditional medicine in the management of epilepsy could potentially yield novel drug compounds with antiepileptic properties. The medicinal plant Securidaca longepedunculata is widely used in traditional medicine in the African continent, and epilepsy is among several indications. Limited knowledge is available on its toxicity and medicinal effects, such as anticonvulsant activities. This study explores the potential in vivo inhibition of seizure-like paroxysms and toxicity effects of dichloromethane (DCM) and ethanol (EtOH) extracts, as well as isolated xanthones and benzoates of S. longepedunculata. Ten phenolic compounds were isolated from the DCM extract. All of the substances were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Assays for toxicity and inhibition of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure-like paroxysms were performed in zebrafish larvae. Among the compounds assessed in the assay for maximum tolerated concentration (MTC), benzyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-benzoate (MTC 12.5 µM), 4,8-dihydroxy-1,2,3,5,6-pentamethoxyxanthone (MTC 25 µM), and 1,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyxanthone (MTC 6.25 µM) were the most toxic. The DCM extract, 1,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxyxanthone and 2-hydroxy-1,7-dimethoxyxanthone displayed the most significant inhibition of paroxysms by altering the locomotor behavior in GABAA receptor antagonist, PTZ, which induced seizures in larval zebrafish. The EtOH extract, benzyl benzoate, and benzyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-benzoate unexpectedly increased locomotor activity in treated larval zebrafish and decreased locomotor activity in nontreated larval zebrafish, seemingly due to paradoxical excitation. The results reveal promising medicinal activities of this plant, contributing to our understanding of its use as an antiepileptic drug. It also shows us the presence of potentially new lead compounds for future drug development.

Experiences and challenges of African traditional medicine: lessons from COVID-19 pandemic.

Management of COVID-19 in Africa is challenging due to limited resources, including the high cost of vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices and routine pharmaceuticals. These challenges, in addition to wide acceptability, have resulted in increased use of herbal medicines based on African traditional medicines (ATMs) by patients in Africa. This is in spite of the often-significant gaps in evidence regarding these traditional medicines as to their efficacy and safety for COVID-19. African scientists, with some support from their governments, and guidance from WHO and other bodies, are addressing this evidence gap, developing and testing herbal medicines based on ATMs to manage mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19. Such efforts need further support to meet public health needs.

Isolation, characterisation and complement fixation activity of acidic polysaccharides from Argemone mexicana used as antimalarials in Mali.

CONTEXT: Global studies on Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) traditionally used against malaria in Mali are limited to its low-mass compounds activities, and little information on its bioactive polysaccharides is available. OBJECTIVE: This study determines the structure and the immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from aerial parts of A. mexicana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acidic polysaccharides from this plant material named HMAmA1 and HMAmA2 were isolated from water extracts. Their monosaccharide composition was determined by gas chromatography. Glycosidic linkages were determined using GC-MS. NMR was also applied. The polymers were tested for effects on the human complement system in vitro at different doses. RESULTS: The monosaccharide composition showed that the two polysaccharides contained in different amounts the following monomers: arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid. Overall structural analysis showed the presence of a low ratio of 1,2-linked rhamnose compared to 1,4-linked galacturonic acid with arabinogalactans substituted on position 4 of rhamnose. NMR data showed the presence of galacturonans alternated by rhamnogalacturonans bearing arabinose and galactose units. α-Linkages were found for l-arabinose, l-rhamnose and d-galacturonic acid, while ß-linkages were found for d-galactose. The two polysaccharides exhibited strong complement fixation activities, with HMAmA1 being the highest potent fraction. ICH50 value of HMAmA1 was 5 µg/mL, compared to the control BPII being 15.9 µg/mL. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Polysaccharides form A. mexicana presented a complement fixation effect. The complement system is an important part of the immune defense, and compounds acting on the cascade are of interest. Therefore, these polymers may be useful as immunodulatory agents.

[State of play of the regulation of clinical trials in Mali]. / Etat des lieux de la reglementation des essais cliniques au Mali.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to take stock of the regulation of clinical trials in Mali. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out of the September 1 to December 15, 2019. It consisted of a literature search and a survey in research centers, ethics committees and regulatory structures in Mali. RESULTS: In 2019, there were 15 clinical trials authorized and conducted by three research centers, including 12 vaccines and 3 drugs trials all approved by an ethics committee. The legal framework for clinical trials is governed in Mali by two texts, one legislative and the other regulatory. They provide for the authorization, suspension or prohibition of biomedical research by the minister in charge of Health. The shortcomings identified relate to the low recovery and lack of evaluation of pharmacovigilance data, the scarcity of site inspections and especially the absence of a technical committee for regulatory evaluation of files at the Pharmacy and Medicines Department (DPM). CONCLUSION: The strengthening of the legal framework is, more than ever, necessary to ensure the protection of the rights, safety and well-being of research subjects in a context of increasing relocation of clinical trials to our countries.

OBJECTIF: L'objectif était de réaliser l'état des lieux de la réglementation des essais cliniques au Mali. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive réalisée du 1er septembre au 15 décembre 2019. Elle a consisté en une recherche documentaire et une enquête de terrain dans les centres de recherche, les comités d'éthique et les structures règlementaires du Mali. RÉSULTATS: En 2019, il y a eu 15 essais cliniques autorisés et réalisés par trois centres de recherche, dont 12 vaccinaux et 3 médicamenteux tous approuvés par un comité d'éthique. Le cadre juridique des essais cliniques est régi au Mali par deux textes dont l'un législatif et l'autre réglementaire. Ils prévoient l'autorisation, la suspension ou l'interdiction de la recherche biomédicale par le ministre en charge de la santé. Les insuffisances recensées sont relatives à la faible remontée et au manque d'évaluation des données de pharmacovigilance, la rareté des inspections des sites et surtout l'absence de comité technique d'évaluation règlementaire des dossiers à la Direction de la Pharmacie et du Médicament (DPM). CONCLUSION: Le renforcement du cadre juridique est, plus que jamais, nécessaire pour assurer la protection des droits, la sécurité et le bien-être des sujets de recherche dans un contexte de délocalisation croissante des essais cliniques vers nos pays.

[Role and responsibility of the pharmacist in the implementation of the Compulsory Health Insurance policy in Mali]. / Role et responsabilite du pharmacien dans la mise en œuvre de la politique de L'assurance Maladie Obligatoire au Mali.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role and responsibility of the pharmacist who can contribute to the sustainability of compulsory health insurance in Mali. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross- sectional study that took place in Bamako from October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. We conducted a literature review and interviews with 36 pharmacists, 400 policyholders, 90 prescribers, and 04 resource personsfrom delegated management organizations. Analysis of the interview data was done using SPSS 20. RESULTS: A total of 2 Acts and 6 Orders in Council enshrine the legislative and regulatory provisions of the AMO. Most insured persons (90%) thought the pharmacist was a drug specialist. More than 80% of the medications on the care sheets were fully available. Among their tasks in implementing the AMO, 38.9 % of pharmacists mentioned the availability of medicines, 27.70 % the application of good dispensing practices and 16.7 % the right to substitution. CONCLUSION: Substitution of unavailable drugs is a factor that can contribute to reducing health care costs for patients and to their satisfaction.

OBJECTIF: Etudier le rôle et la responsabilité du pharmacien pouvant contribuer à assurer la pérennité de l'Assurance Maladie Obligatoire (AMO) au Mali. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive qui s'est déroulée à Bamako du 1 er octobre 2016 au 31 décembre 2017. Nous avons réalisé une analyse documentaire et des entrevues avec 36 pharmaciens, 400 assurés, 90 prescripteurs et 04 personnes ressources des organismes délégués de gestion. L'analyse des données des entrevues a été faite par le logiciel SPSS 20. RÉSULTATS: Au total 2 lois et 6 décrets consacrent les dispositions législatives et réglementaires de l'AMO. La majorité des assurés (90 %) pensaient que le pharmacien est un spécialiste du médicament. Plus de 80 % des médicaments figurant sur les feuilles de soins étaient intégralement disponibles. Parmi leursmissions dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de l'AMO, 38,9% des pharmaciens ont cité la disponibilité des médicaments, 27,70 l'application des bonnes pratiques de dispensation et 16,7% le droit de substitution. CONCLUSION: La substitution des médicaments non disponibles est un facteur pouvant contribuer à la réduction des dépenses de santé pour les patients et à leur satisfaction.

Etat des lieux de la règlementation des essais cliniques au Mali / State of play of the regulation of clinical trials in Mali

Objectif: L'objectif était de réaliser l'état des lieux de la réglementation des essais cliniques au Mali. Matériel et Méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive réalisée du 1er septembre au 15 décembre 2019. Elle a consisté en une recherche documentaire et une enquête de terrain dans les centres de recherche, les comités d'éthique et les structures règlementaires du Mali. Résultats: En 2019, il y a eu 15 essais cliniques autorisés et réalisés par trois centres de recherche, dont 12 vaccinaux et 3 médicamenteux tous approuvés par un comité d'éthique. Le cadre juridique des essais cliniques est régi au Mali par deux textes dont l'un législatif et l'autre réglementaire. Ils prévoient l'autorisation, la suspension ou l'interdiction de la recherche biomédicale par le ministre en charge de la santé. Les insuffisances recensées sont relatives à la faible remontée et au manque d'évaluation des données de pharmacovigilance, la rareté des inspections des sites et surtout l'absence de comité technique d'évaluation règlementaire des dossiers à la Direction de la Pharmacie et du Médicament (DPM). Conclusion: Le renforcement du cadre juridique est, plus que jamais, nécessaire pour assurer la protection des droits, la sécurité et le bien-être des sujets de recherche dans un contexte de délocalisation croissante des essais cliniques vers nos pays

Objective: The objective was to take stockof the regulation of clinical trials in Mali. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out of the September 1 to December 15, 2019. It consisted of a literature search and a survey in research centers, ethics committees and regulatory structures in Mali. Results: In 2019, there were 15 clinical trials authorized and conducted by three research centers, including 12 vaccines and 3 drugs trials all approved by an ethics committee. The legal framework for clinical trials is governed in Mali by two texts, one legislative and the other regulatory. They provide for the authorization, suspension or prohibition of biomedical research by the minister in charge of Health. The shortcomings identified relate to the low recovery and lack of evaluation of pharmacovigilance data, the scarcity of site inspections and especially the absence of a technical committee for regulatory evaluation of files at the Pharmacy and Medicines Department (DPM). Conclusion: The strengthening of the legal framework is, more than ever, necessary to ensure the protection of the rights, safety and well-being of research subjects in a context of increasing relocation of clinical trials to our countries

Effects of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. fruits extract on the development and maturation of the reproductive system in immature male rats.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. fruits ethanolic extract in prepubertal male rats, to evaluate the influence of the extract on the reproductive system and on pubertal development. Experiments were conducted using the rodent pubertal male assay. The plant extract, analyzed by TLC, HPLC-PDA and HPLC-ESI-MS, was administered orally at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg b.w. from post-natal date 21 to post-natal day 53. Age at puberty onset, body growth, development of sexual organs exposure to plant extract or positive control were examined. Results obtained indicate that Kigelia extract, at all doses tested, significantly anticipates puberty and increases body growth and sexual organs development. These effects appears to be due to stimulation of the secretion of androgenic hormones by the compounds found in its extract and scientifically support some of its traditional uses in disorders of the male reproductive system.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) from Mali, as a Source of Health-Promoting Compounds.

Background: Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae), also known as baobab, is a tree attracting recent interest especially due to the high nutritional value of the fruit pulp. However, few studies are reported on the secondary metabolite content, showing high variability depending on the geographic region. METHODS: In this study, the chemical profiles of Malian commercial baobab fruits and leaves, focused on phenolic content, were investigated by HPLC coupled with a photodiode array (PDA)/UV and an electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometer (MS) and gas chromatography (GC)/MS. In addition, the extracts of fruit pulps obtained from three different markets (Fruits 1, 2, and 3) were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition. RESULTS: Baobab fruit pulps were found to be rich in procyanidins and flavonol glycosides, with tiliroside as the major constituent. The baobab leaves showed a similar profile respect to the fruits, but with more detected phenolics. All fruit pulp extracts exerted antioxidant activity (highest for Fruit 3) and higher α-glucosidase inhibition than acarbose used as standard. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the variability of baobab with different origins and indicated Malian species baobab as a promising source of health-promoting substances.

World hepatitis day in Burkina Faso, 2017: seroprevalence and vaccination against hepatitis B virus to achieve the 2030 elimination goal.

BACKGROUND: Burkina Faso is a high endemicity country for HBV infection. However, there are few data on vaccine coverage against HBV. The aim of this study was to contribute to the improvement of HBV vaccine coverage in Ouagadougou through HBV screening. METHODS: Awareness campaigns and voluntary hepatitis B screening were organized in the twelve districts of Ouagadougou by the "SOS Hepatitis Burkina" association. A rapid HBsAg detection test (Abon Biopharma Guangzhou, Co., Ltd. Chine) was performed on 2216 individuals, who voluntarily answered a series of questions. Vaccination against hepatitis B was proposed to HBV negative participants. RESULTS: In a sample of 2216 participants, aged 1 to 78 years (mean age 29.7 ± 14.7 years); a prevalence of 10.4% (230/2216) of HBsAg was obtained. This prevalence was high in the age groups 31 to 40 years (14.5%) and 41 to 50 years (15.0%). The prevalence of HBV was higher in the sixth district (14.3%) of Ouagadougou. At the end of the screening, 1202/1986 HBV negative participants were vaccinated, resulting in a vaccination rate of 60.5%. Vaccination coverage ranged from 44.5 to 73.7% all twelve districts. CONCLUSIONS: This study still reports a high prevalence of HBV infection among young people with a peak in the sixth district of Ouagadougou. The study achieved high vaccination coverage in all age groups and districts of Ouagadougou. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present study has been approved by the Ethics Committee for Health Research of Burkina Faso. CERS201501006 Registered 14 January 2015.

In vivo validation of anti-malarial activity of crude extracts of Terminalia macroptera, a Malian medicinal plant.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum malaria is still one of the most deadly pathology worldwide. Efficient treatment is jeopardized by parasite resistance to artemisinin and its derivatives, and by poor access to treatment in endemic regions. Anti-malarial traditional remedies still offer new tracks for identifying promising antiplasmodial molecules, and a way to ensure that all people have access to care. The present study aims to validate the traditional use of Terminalia macroptera, a Malian plant used in traditional medicine. METHODS: Terminalia macroptera was collected in Mali. Leaves (TML) and roots ethanolic extracts (TMR) were prepared and tested at 2000 mg/kg for in vivo acute toxicity in Albino Swiss mice. Antiplasmodial activity of the extracts was assessed against a chloroquine resistant strain P. falciparum (FcB1) in vitro. In vivo, anti-malarial efficacy was assessed by a 4-day suppressive test at 100 mg/kg in two malaria murine models of uncomplicated malaria (Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi infection) and cerebral malaria (Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA infection). Constituents of TMR were characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. Top ranked compounds were putatively identified using plant databases and in silico fragmentation pattern. RESULTS: Lethal dose of TML and TMR were greater than 2000 mg/kg in Albino Swiss mice. According to the OECD's Globally Harmonized System of Classification, both extracts are non-toxic orally. Antiplasmodial activity of T. macroptera extracts was confirmed in vitro against P. falciparum FcB1 strain with IC50 values of 1.2 and 1.6 µg/mL for TML and TMR, respectively. In vivo, oral administration of TML and TMR induced significant reduction of parasitaemia (37.2 and 46.4% respectively) in P. chabaudi chabaudi infected mice at the 7th day of infection compared to untreated mice. In the cerebral malaria experimental model, mice treated with TMR and TML presented respectively 50 and 66.7% survival rates at day 9 post-infection when all untreated mice died. Eleven major compounds were found in TMR. Among them, several molecules already known could be responsible for the antiplasmodial activity of the roots extract of T. macroptera. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms both safety and anti-malarial activity of T. macroptera, thus validating its traditional use.

Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Associated Genotypes among HBsAg-negative Subjects in Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: The presence of HBV DNA in the liver (with detectable or undetectable HBV DNA in the serum) of individuals tested HBsAg negative by currently available assays is defined occult B Infection (OBI). It remains a potential transmission threat and risk to HBV chronic infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the OBI prevalence among HBsAg negative subjects and to characterize associated genotypes. METHODS: Blood samples of 219 HBsAg-negative subjects tested by ELISA were collected. HBV DNA was investigated in all samples. Viral loads were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. All samples were screened for HBV markers (anti-HBc, anti-HBe, HBsAg). The Pre-S/S region of the HBV genome was sequenced. The database was analyzed using the SPSS and Epi info software. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the BioEdit and MEGA software. RESULTS: Of the 219 samples, 20.1% were anti-HBc positive, 1.8% HBeAg and 22.8% were anti-HBe positive. Fifty-six (56) (25.6%) of the samples had a detectable HBV DNA and viral loads ranging from 4 IU/mL to 13.6 106 IU/mL. Sixteen of them (16/56) had a viral load < 200 IU/mL, resulting in an OBI prevalence of 7.3% (16/219) in our study. The remaining 40 subjects had viral loads > 200 IU/mL, resulting in a "false OBI" prevalence of 18.3% (40/219). HBV genotype E was predominant followed by the quasi-sub-genotype A3. A single "false OBI" strain had the characteristic mutation G145R. Other mutations were observed and all located in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the S gene. CONCLUSION: The study reported a prevalence of 7.3% of occult hepatitis B infection. It confirms the predominance of genotype E and the existence of a subgroup of quasi-sub-genotype A3 of HBV in Burkina Faso. It further provides information on the presence of "false OBI." This study has found mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the pre-S/S gene of HBV.

Sesquiterpene Lactones from Vernonia nigritiana.

Two new sesquiterpenes, 8α-(4-hydroxymethacryloyl)-14-acetoxy-salonitenolide (1) and 8α-(2-hydroxymethyl 2-butenoyl)-14-acetoxy-salonitenolide (2), together with five known sesquiterpenes were isolated from the leaves of Vernonia nigritiana Oliv. & Hiern. Their structural characterization was obtained on the basis of extensive NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric studies.

Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus in blood donors from Burkina Faso: Prevalence of quasi-subgenotype A3, genotype E, and mixed infections.

Burkina Faso is a highly endemic area for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) which remains a major challenge for blood safety with >13% of candidate blood donors being chronically infected. However, little is known about the molecular epidemiology of the viral strains currently circulating. In this study, 99 HBV strains from HBsAg positive candidate blood donors in Ougadougou were genetically characterized by sequencing the pre-S/S region of the viral genome. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a 25% prevalence of HBV quasi-subgenotype A3 (A3QS ) co-circulating with the confirmed dominant HBV genotype E (72%). HBV/A3QS sequences formed a sub-cluster closely related to West-African sequences previously characterized, and showed a low intra-group genetic diversity (0.75%) suggesting a relatively recent spreading of HBV/A3QS strains in Burkina Faso. Low genetic diversity of genotype E strains compared to A3QS was confirmed. Mixed infections with the two genotypes were identified in 3% of the donors tested and contributed to artifacts during PCR amplification of the viral genome leading to erroneous apparent intergenotype recombinant sequences. While the co-circulation of two HBV genotypes in a restricted area may favor the emergence of intergenotype recombinant variants, strictly controlled molecular experimental procedures should be used to accurately characterize HBV circulating recombinant forms. J. Med. Virol. 88:2145-2156, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Medicinal Plants Used in Mali for the Treatment of Malaria and Liver Diseases.

Today, ethno-pharmacology is a very important resource in order to discover new therapies for the current diseases. Moreover, another good justification for the ethno-pharmacological approach is to obtain new, effective, less expensive and simple therapies, limiting at the same time the cost of pharmaceutical research. Two major anti-malarial drugs widely used today, i.e. quinine and artemisinin, came respectively from Peruvian and Chinese ancestral treatments reported in the traditional medicines. In this contest, there is an urgent need for the discovery of new drugs, due to the critical epidemiological situation of this disease and to the growth of resistances. In Mali, malaria and liver diseases remain one of the leading public health problems. Many medicinal plants are often used, in local traditional medicine, for the treatment at the same time of malaria and liver diseases, including hepatic syndromes, jaundice, hepatitis and other hepatic disorders. Moreover, in the local language Bamanan, the word "Sumaya" is used both for malaria and some liver diseases. In addition, we noted that some of the improved traditional phytomedicines produced by the Department of Traditional Medicine are prescribed by modern doctors both for malaria and liver diseases. In this review, pharmacological, toxicological and phytochemical data on Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae), Cochlospermum tinctorium Perr. ex A. Rich (Cochlospermaceae), Combretum micranthum G.Don (Combretaceae), Entada africana Guillet Perr. (Mimosaceae), Erythrina senegalensis A. DC (Fabaceae), Mitragyna inermis (Willd) Kuntze (Rubiaceae), Nauclea latifolia Smith syn. Sarcocephalus latifolius (Smith) Bruce (Rubiaceae), Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae), Trichilia emetica Vahl. (Meliaceae), and Vernonia colorata (Willd) Drake (Asteraceae) are reported. Some of the collected data could be used to improve the actual herbal drugs and to propose new phytomedicines for the management of malaria and liver diseases.

Intellectual property rights, benefit-sharing and development of "improved traditional medicines": A new approach.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Protection of intellectual property rights and benefit-sharing are key issues for all ethnopharmacological research. The International Society of Ethnobiology has produced helpful guidelines on access and benefit-sharing which are widely viewed as a "gold standard" but the question remains how best to apply these guidelines in practice. Difficult questions include ownership of traditional knowledge, making appropriate agreements, and how appropriately to share benefits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the case study of the development of an "improved traditional medicine" for malaria in Mali and we report how benefit-sharing was applied in this case. RESULTS: The knowledge about the selected plant came independently from several families and traditional healers. The IPR approach was to recognise that this traditional knowledge belongs to the people of Mali and was used for their benefit in developing a new "improved traditional medicine" (ITM). The traditional healer whose method of preparation was used, and who collaborated in clinical trials, did not request any financial reward but asked for the ITM to be named after him. The most sustainable benefit for the community was sharing the results of which preparation of which medicinal plant seemed to be the most effective for treating malaria. Attempts at providing a health centre and training a health worker for the village did not prove to be sustainable. CONCLUSIONS: Respect for intellectual property rights and benefit-sharing are possible even in a context where the knowledge is not owned by a clearly identified person or group of people. The most sustainable benefits are intangible rather than material: namely recognition, improved knowledge about which traditional treatment is the best and how to prepare and take it.

Minerals salt composition and secondary metabolites of Euphorbia hirta Linn., an antihyperglycemic plant.

Phytochemical study and research on acute toxicity were performed on the aerial parts (leaves and stems) of Euphorbia hirta Linn. The phytochemical screening and chromatography revealed the presence of saponin, sterol, terpene, alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids and especially mucilage. The evaluation of total polyphenols and total flavonoids gave 120.97 ± 7.07 gallic acid equivalents (GAE) mg/g (mg of GAE/g of extract) of dry extract and 41.4 ± 0.5 mg quercetin equivalent per gram (QE/g) (mg of QE/g of plant extract) of dry extract respectively. The physicochemical study revealed moisture content of 7.73% ± 0.00%, total ash 7.48% ± 0.03%. Sulfuric ash 9.05% ± 0.01%, hydrochloric acid insoluble ash of 0.8% ± 0.02%. The search for minerals salt revealed the presence of Cr, Zn, K, Ca and Mg having an important role in glucose metabolism. The acute toxicity study showed that the toxic dose may be above 3000 mg/kg. The results of these studies indicate that extracts from the leaves and stem of E. hirta Linn. contains trace elements and minerals salt and bioactive secondary metabolites which explain their therapeutic uses for treating diabetes mellitus.

Anti-angiogenic activity of Entada africana root.

Entada africana roots are used in African traditional medicine for various diseases including inflammation. This application may be mediated through anti-angiogenic effects. Thus, in this study the anti-angiogenic activity of E. africana root extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, chloroform/methanol and methanol) was preliminarily evaluated by the quantitative determination of endogenous alkaline phosphatase in zebrafish embryos. A bioactivity-guided fractionation of chloroform/methanol extract yielded apigenin and robinetin as the main constituents from the most active fractions. In addition, a marked reduction on capillary formation was evidenced in chick chorioallantoic membrane after treatment with the active fractions or isolated compounds. Results obtained in this study suggest that the anti-angiogenic effects of E. africana root may account for its use in inflammatory diseases and other related pathological conditions.

Androstanes and pregnanes from Trichilia emetica ssp. suberosa J.J. de Wilde.

Four pregnanes: 1-methoxy-pregnan-17(R)-1,4-dien-3,16-dione (1), 1-methoxy-pregnan-17(S)-1,4-dien-3,16-dione (2), 2,3-seco-pregnan-17(S)-2,3-dioic acid-16-oxo-dimethyl ester (4), 2α,3α,16α-trihydroxy-5α-pregnan-17(R)-20-yl acetate (7), three androstanes: 1-methoxy-androstan-1,4-dien-3,16-dione (3), 2,3-seco-androstan-2,3-dioic acid-16-oxo-dimethyl ester (5), 3-methoxycarbonyl-2,3-seco-androstan-3-oic acid-16-oxo-2,19-lactone (6), together with three known pregnane derivatives, were isolated from the roots of Trichilia emetica ssp. suberosa. Their structures were determined by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry analysis, as well as by quantum chemical calculations.

Steroids with anti-inflammatory activity from Vernonia nigritiana Oliv. & Hiern.

The leaves of Vernonia nigritiana Oliv. & Hiern. (Asteraceae) were investigated for their in vivo topical anti-inflammatory properties, following a bioassay-oriented fractionation approach. Petroleum ether, chloroform and chloroform-methanol extracts inhibited the Croton oil-induced ear dermatitis in mice. The chloroform extract was only about half as active as the non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (ID50=237 and 93 µg/cm(2), respectively). Phytochemical investigation of this extract led to the isolation of nine polyhydroxylated stigmasterol glycosides and six polyhydroxylated stigmasterols. Their structures were elucidated by NMR, MS and chemical methods. Each compound exerted a significant anti-oedema activity, the most active being 1 (3ß-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy-5α-stigmasta-7,9(11),24(28)Z-triene-6ß,16ß,26,29-tetrol) and 3 (3ß-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy-5α-stigmasta-7,9(11),24(28)Z-triene-6ß,16ß,29-triol), only two and five fold less potent than the steroidal drug hydrocortisone (ID50=0.10, 0.21 and 0.04 µmol/cm(2), respectively). Compound 1 (50 µM) also completely inhibited the transcription factor NF-κB in vitro.