A UPLC- MS/MS Method to Quantify ß-Sitosterol and Ferulic Acid of Pygeum Africanum Extract in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Preparation.

This study uses a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method to determine ß-Sitosterol and Ferulic acid in Pygeum africanum extract. Chromatographic separation of the two analytes was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC H-Class system coupled with Xevo TQD mass spectrometer and HSS T3 C18 column (2.1 X 50 mm, 1.8 µm). Mobile phase A consisted of an aqueous solution of 0.1% formic acid (v/v), and mobile phase B was 0.1% formic acid (v/v) in methanol pumped through a gradient elution mode. Mass spectrometer parameters were optimized using an electrospray ionization source in the positive and negative ionization modes. The quantification of the two analytes was performed using multiple reaction monitoring transitions. The method was fully validated per (FDA) guidelines regarding linearity, accuracy, precision, carryover and selectivity. The proposed method was applied successfully to determine the two investigated compounds in commercially available pharmaceutical products.

The African cherry: A review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae), commonly known as "Pygeum" or "African cherry", occurs in mainland montane forests scattered across sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and some surrounding islands. Traditionally, decoctions of the stem-bark are taken orally for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), stomach ache, chest pain, malaria, heart conditions, and gonorrhoea, as well as urinary and kidney diseases. The timber is used to make axe handles and for other household needs. The dense wood is also sawn for timber. AIM: The fragmented information available on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and biological activities of the medicinally important P. africana was collated, organised, and analysed in this review, to highlight knowledge voids that can be addressed through future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliometric analysis of research output on P. africana was conducted on literature retrieved, using the Scopus® database. The trend in the publications over time was assessed and a network analysis of collaborations between countries and authors was carried out. Furthermore, a detailed review of the literature over the period 1971 to 2021, acquired through Scopus, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Pubmed, Scirp, DOAJ and Google Scholar, was conducted. All relevant abstracts, full-text articles and various book chapters on the botanical and ethnopharmacological aspects of P. africana, written in English and German, were consulted. RESULTS: A total of 455 documents published from 1971 to 2021, were retrieved using the Scopus search. Analysis of the data showed that the majority of these documents were original research articles, followed by reviews and lastly a miscellaneous group comprising conference papers, book chapters, short surveys, editorials and letters. Data were analysed for annual output and areas of intense research focus, and countries with high research output, productive institutions and authors, and collaborative networks were identified. Prunus africana is reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antiviral, antimutagenic, anti-asthmatic, anti-androgenic, antiproliferative and apoptotic activities amongst others. Phytosterols and other secondary metabolites such as phenols, triterpenes, fatty acids, and linear alcohols have been the focus of phytochemical investigations. The biological activity has largely been ascribed to the phytosterols (mainly 3-ß-sitosterol, 3-ß-sitostenone, and 3-ß-sitosterol-glucoside), which inhibit the production of prostaglandins in the prostate, thereby suppressing the inflammatory symptoms associated with BPH and chronic prostatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the ethnobotanical assertions for the biological activity of P. africana have been confirmed through in vitro and in vivo studies. However, a disparity exists between the biological activity of the whole extract and that of single compounds isolated from the extract, which were reported to be less effective. This finding suggests that a different approach to biological activity studies should be encouraged that takes all secondary metabolites present into consideration. A robust technique, such as multivariate biochemometric data analysis, which allows for a holistic intervention to study the biological activity of a species is suggested. Furthermore, there is a need to develop rapid and efficient quality control methods for both raw materials and products to replace the time-consuming and laborious methods currently in use.

Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Alginate-Gelatin Hydrogels with the Addition of Pygeum africanum with Potential Application in Urology.

New hydrogel materials developed to improve soft tissue healing are an alternative for medical applications, such as tissue regeneration or enhancing the biotolerance effect in the tissue-implant-body fluid system. The biggest advantages of hydrogel materials are the presence of a large amount of water and a polymeric structure that corresponds to the extracellular matrix, which allows to create healing conditions similar to physiological ones. The present work deals with the change in mechanical properties of sodium alginate mixed with gelatin containing Pygeum africanum. The work primarily concentrates on the evaluation of the mechanical properties of the hydrogel materials produced by the sol-gel method. The antimicrobial activity of the hydrogels was investigated based on the population growth dynamics of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, as well as the degree of degradation after contact with urine using an innovative method with a urine flow simulation stand. On the basis of mechanical tests, it was found that sodium alginate-based hydrogels with gelatin showed weaker mechanical properties than without the additive. In addition, gelatin accelerates the degradation process of the produced hydrogel materials. Antimicrobial studies have shown that the presence of African plum bark extract in the hydrogel enhances the inhibitory effect on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The research topic was considered due to the increased demand from patients for medical devices to promote healing of urethral epithelial injuries in order to prevent the formation of urethral strictures.

GC-MS and LC-TOF-MS profiles, toxicity, and macrophage-dependent in vitro anti-osteoporosis activity of Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkman Bark.

Osteoporosis affects millions of people worldwide. As such, this study assessed the macrophage-dependent in vitro anti-osteoporosis, phytochemical profile and hepatotoxicity effects in zebrafish larvae of the stem bark extracts of P. africana. Mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMM) cells were plated in 96-well plates and treated with P. africana methanolic bark extracts at concentrations of 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/ml for 24 h. The osteoclast tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and cell viability were measured. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced Nitrite (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production inhibitory effects of P. africana bark extracts (Methanolic, 150 µg/ml) and ß-sitosterol (100 µM) were conducted using RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, inhibition of IL-1ß secretion and TRAP activity were determined for chlorogenic acid, catechin, naringenin and ß-sitosterol. For toxicity study, zebrafish larvae were exposed to different concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/ml P. africana methanolic, ethanolic and water bark extracts. Dimethyl sulfoxide (0.05%) was used as a negative control and tamoxifen (5 µM) and dexamethasone (40 µM or 80 µM) were positive controls. The methanolic P. africana extracts significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) TRAP activity at all concentrations and at 12.5 and 25 µg/ml, the extract exhibited significant (p < 0.05) BMM cell viability. NO production was significantly inhibited (all p < 0.0001) by the sample. IL-6 secretion was significantly inhibited by P. africana methanolic extract (p < 0.0001) and ß-sitosterol (p < 0.0001) and further, chlorogenic acid and naringenin remarkably inhibited IL-1ß production. The P. africana methanolic extract significantly inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP activity. The phytochemical study of P. africana stem bark revealed a number of chemical compounds with anti-osteoporosis activity. There was no observed hepatocyte apoptosis in the liver of zebrafish larvae. In conclusion, the stem bark of P. africana is non-toxic to the liver and its inhibition of TRAP activity makes it an important source for future anti-osteoporosis drug development.

[Effectiveness of treatment with Pygeum africanum in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study in the real-world clinical practice in Spain (The PROFIT Study)]. / Efectividad del tratamiento con Pygeum africanum en pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior e hiperplasia benigna de próstata: estudio transversal en la práctica clínica real en España (Estudio PROFIT).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectivenessand tolerability of treatment with P africanum(P. africanum) in patients with lower urinary tractsymptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatichyperplasia (BPH) in routine clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional observationalstudy in which 115 patients with LUTS/BPHtreated for 6 months with P. africanum (Tebetane® compuesto)in real-world clinical practice conditions wereincluded. The primary objective was to assess thequality of life (QoL) according to changes in the scoresof item 8 of the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS) questionnaire (a score ≥ 4 indicates a significantimpairment of QoL). Secondary objectives includedimprovement of urinary symptoms, urinary flow, satisfactionand compliance with treatment as well astolerability. Data were collected in a single scheduledvisit at 6 months of treatment with P. africanum andwere compared with data registered in the medicalrecords at the beginning of treatment. RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment withP. africanum, the percentage of patient with significantimpairment of QoL was 22.6% as compared with45.2% at the initiation of treatment (P 0,-001). Theoverall IPSS score showed a mean decreas of -4,-5points (median -4,0, interquartile range [IQR] -7,-0 to-2,0) and 69 patients (60%) showed a clinically significantimprovement (reduction of ≥ 4 points). Therewere significant decreases in IPSS subscales of storage(mean -1,-8; median -2,-0, IQR -3,-0 to 0 (P 0,-001)and voiding (mean -1,-9; median -2,-0, IQR -3,-0 to 0)(P 0,-001) symptoms. The degree of satisfaction and compliance with treatment was high with mean scores(median) of 6,9 (7,0) and 9,2 (10), respectively in the1-10 visual analogue scale. Treatment-related adverseeffects did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with P. africanum during6 months improved significantly QoL and LUTS inpatients with BPH, with a high level of satisfaction andcompliance with treatment, without adverse events.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad y latolerabilidad del tratamiento con Pygeum africanum (P.africanum) en pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinarioinferior (STUI) asociados a hiperplasia benigna depróstata (HBP) en la práctica clínica habitual.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacionaltransversal en el que se incluyeron 115 pacientes conSTUI/HBP tratados durante 6 meses con P. africanum (Tebetane® compuesto) en condiciones de prácticaclínica real. El objetivo primario fue evaluar la calidadde vida (CdV) en función del cambio en la pregunta 8del cuestionario de Puntuación Internacional de losSíntomas Prostáticos (IPSS) (puntuación ≥ 4 indicaafectación significativa de la CdV). Los objetivos secundariosincluyeron la mejoría de síntomas urinarios,flujo urinario, satisfacción y cumplimiento con eltratamiento, así como la tolerabilidad del mismo. Losdatos se recogieron en una única visita programada alos 6 meses de tratamiento con P. africanum y se compararoncon los registrados en la historia clínica alinicio del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Tras 6 meses de tratamiento conP. africanum, el porcentaje de pacientes con afectaciónsignificativa de la CdV fue del 22,6% en comparacióncon un 45,2% al inicio del tratamiento (P 0,001).La puntuación global del IPSS disminuyó de mediaen -4,5 puntos (mediana -4,0, rango intercuartílico [RIQ] -7,0 a -2,0) y 69 pacientes (60%) mostraron unamejoría clínicamente significativa (disminución ≥ 4puntos). Se observaron disminuciones significativasen las subescalas del IPSS de los síntomas de llenado(media -1,8; mediana -2,0, RIQ -3,0 a 0) (P 0,001) yvaciado (media -1,9; mediana -2,0, RIQ -3,0 a 0) (P 0,001). El grado de satisfacción y cumplimiento con eltratamiento fue elevado con valores medios (mediana)de 6,9 (7,0) y 9,2 (10) respectivamente, en una escalaanalógica visual 1-10 cm. No se registraron efectosadversos relacionados con el tratamiento. CONCLUSION: El tratamiento con P. africanum(P. africanum) durante 6 meses mejoró significativamentela CdV y los STUI en pacientes con HBP, con unalto grado de satisfacción y cumplimiento con el tratamiento,sin registrarse reacciones adversas.

Efectividad del tratamiento con pygeum africanum en pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior e hiperplasia benigna de próstata: estudio transversal en la práctica clínica real en españa (estudio profit) / Effectiveness of treatment with Pygeum africanum in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study in the real-world clinical practice in Spain (The PROFIT Study)

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad y latolerabilidad del tratamiento con Pygeum africanum (P.africanum) en pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior (STUI) asociados a hiperplasia benigna depróstata (HBP) en la práctica clínica habitual.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacionaltransversal en el que se incluyeron 115 pacientes conSTUI/HBP tratados durante 6 meses con P. africanum (Tebetane® compuesto) en condiciones de prácticaclínica real. El objetivo primario fue evaluar la calidadde vida (CdV) en función del cambio en la pregunta 8del cuestionario de Puntuación Internacional de losSíntomas Prostáticos (IPSS) (puntuación ≥ 4 indicaafectación significativa de la CdV). Los objetivos secundarios incluyeron la mejoría de síntomas urinarios, flujo urinario, satisfacción y cumplimiento con eltratamiento, así como la tolerabilidad del mismo. Losdatos se recogieron en una única visita programada alos 6 meses de tratamiento con P. africanum y se compararon con los registrados en la historia clínica alinicio del tratamiento.RESULTADOS: Tras 6 meses de tratamiento conP. africanum, el porcentaje de pacientes con afectaciónsignificativa de la CdV fue del 22,6% en comparacióncon un 45,2% al inicio del tratamiento (P < 0,001).La puntuación global del IPSS disminuyó de mediaen -4,5 puntos (mediana -4,0, rango intercuartílico [RIQ] -7,0 a -2,0) y 69 pacientes (60%) mostraron unamejoría clínicamente significativa (disminución ≥ 4puntos). Se observaron disminuciones significativasen las subescalas del IPSS de los síntomas de llenado(media -1,8; mediana -2,0, RIQ -3,0 a 0) (P < 0,001) yvaciado (media -1,9; mediana -2,0, RIQ -3,0 a 0) (P <0,001). El grado de satisfacción y cumplimiento con eltratamiento fue elevado con valores medios (mediana)de 6,9 (7,0) y 9,2 (10) respectivamente, en una escalaanalógica visual 1-10 cm. No se registraron efectosadversos relacionados con el tratamiento.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of treatment with P africanum(P. africanum) in patients with lower urinary tractsymptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatichyperplasia (BPH) in routine clinical practice.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study in which 115 patients with LUTS/BPHtreated for 6 months with P. africanum (Tebetane® compuesto) in real-world clinical practice conditions wereincluded. The primary objective was to assess thequality of life (QoL) according to changes in the scoresof item 8 of the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS) questionnaire (a score ≥ 4 indicates a significantimpairment of QoL). Secondary objectives includedimprovement of urinary symptoms, urinary flow, satisfaction and compliance with treatment as well astolerability. Data were collected in a single scheduledvisit at 6 months of treatment with P. africanum andwere compared with data registered in the medicalrecords at the beginning of treatment.RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment withP. africanum, the percentage of patient with significant impairment of QoL was 22.6% as compared with45.2% at the initiation of treatment (P < 0,-001). Theoverall IPSS score showed a mean decreas of -4,-5points (median -4,0, interquartile range [IQR] -7,-0 to-2,0) and 69 patients (60%) showed a clinically significant improvement (reduction of ≥ 4 points). Therewere significant decreases in IPSS subscales of storage(mean -1,-8; median -2,-0, IQR -3,-0 to 0 (P < 0,-001)and voiding (mean -1,-9; median -2,-0, IQR -3,-0 to 0)(P < 0,-001) symptoms. The degree of satisfaction and compliance with treatment was high with mean scores(median) of 6,9 (7,0) and 9,2 (10), respectively in the1-10 visual analogue scale. Treatment-related adverseeffects did not occur.CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with P. africanum during 6 months improved significantly QoL and LUTS inpatients with BPH, with a high level of satisfaction

Revisión sobre la experiencia y evidencias del Pygeum africanum en Urología / Review of the experience and evidence of Pygeum africanum in urological practice

CONTEXTO: El Pygeum africanum (P. africanum) sigue siendo utilizado por parte de los urólogos para el tratamiento de los síntomas urinarios del tracto urinario inferior secundarios a hiperplasia benigna de próstata. Adquisición de la evidencia: Se ha realizado una revisión no exhaustiva sobre el P. africanum, sus mecanismos de acción, tanto «in vitro» como «in vivo», de los ensayos clínicos y en la práctica clínica habitual. Síntesis de la evidencia: Se muestran las conclusiones de la revisión y las reflexiones de los autores sobre la utilización del P. africanum. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque con un nivel de evidencia 4 (basado en la opinión de expertos), la utilización del P. africanum parece ser una opción en el arsenal terapéutico del urólogo

CONTEXT: Pygeum africanum(P. africanum) is still being employed in urology practice for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostate hyperplasia. Evidence acquisition: A non-exhaustive review has been carried out about P. africanum, its mechanisms of action "in vitro" as well as "in vivo", clinical trials and routine clinical practice. Evidence synthesis: The conclusions of the review and the reflections of the authors on the use of P. africanum are described. CONCLUSIONS: Although with an evidence level IV (based on expert opinion) the use of P. africanum seems to be an option in the urological therapeutic arsenal

Review of the experience and evidence of Pygeum africanum in urological practice. / Revisión sobre la experiencia y evidencias del Pygeum africanum en Urología.

CONTEXT: Pygeum africanum(P. africanum) is still being employed in urology practice for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostate hyperplasia. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A non-exhaustive review has been carried out about P. africanum, its mechanisms of action "in vitro" as well as "in vivo", clinical trials and routine clinical practice. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The conclusions of the review and the reflections of the authors on the use of P. africanum are described. CONCLUSIONS: Although with an evidence level IV (based on expert opinion) the use of P. africanum seems to be an option in the urological therapeutic arsenal.

Kidney, skeletal muscle and myocardium as potential target sites of Pygeum africanum toxicity in Wistar rats / Riñón, musculoesquelético y miocardio como posibles lugares diana de los efectos tóxicos de Pygeum africanum en las ratas de raza Wistar

Objective: Extract of Pygeum africanum (PAE) is commonly used herbal medication in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In Montenegro and neighboring countries, PAE is primarily advertised as dietary supplement in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to broaden the current cognition concerning its safety profile. Material and methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were used. The first control group (O) received water and second control group (OO) received olive oil for 30 days. The third and fourth groups (PA5 and PA10) were treated with PAE dissolved in olive oil (50 and 100mg/kg p.o. daily). The behavior of animals was observed continuously, bodyweight gain (BWG) was calculated weekly and the weight of selected organs was measured at the end of experiment. Total protein and glutathione content of the liver were analyzed. Standard biochemical analyses were also performed. Results: BWG was higher in PA5 compared to both controls at all measuring intervals. Liver weight/body weight ratio was significantly higher in PA10 in comparison with O. Prostate weight/body weight ratio was lower in both PA5 and PA10 compared to OO, achieving statistical significance in PA5. The value of creatinine was higher in PA5 and PA10 compared to both control groups, but achieving statistical significance in PA10 only. LDH was also increased in PA5 and PA10 compared to both controls. Conclusions: Both dosage regimens of PAE, particularly PA10, caused some toxicological effects in Wistar rats after one month of application. Kidney, skeletal muscle and/or myocardium are suspected as target sites of PA toxicity most likely. In order to provide more reliable conclusion it is necessary to conduct an additional research on the basis of these findings

Objetivo: El extracto de Pygeum africanum (PAE) es un producto de origen vegetal que frecuentemente se utiliza en el tratamiento de la hiperplasia benigna de próstata. En Montenegro y en los países limítrofes, el PAE se anuncia principalmente como suplemento dietético en el tratamiento de la disfunción eréctil. El propósito de este estudio fue ampliar el conocimiento actual respecto a su perfil de seguridad. Material y métodos: Se utilizaron 24 ratas macho adultas de raza Wistar. El primer grupo de control (O) recibió agua y el segundo grupo de control (OO) recibió aceite de oliva durante 30 días. El tercer y cuarto grupos (PA5 y PA10) se trataron con PAE disuelto en aceite de oliva (50 y 100mg/kg vo diariamente). Se observó continuamente el comportamiento de los animales, semanalmente se calculó el incremento del peso corporal (IPC), y el peso de los órganos seleccionados se midió al final del experimento. Se analizaron el contenido total de proteína y glutatión del hígado. También se realizaron análisis bioquímicos habituales. Resultados: El IPC fue mayor en PA5 que en los 2 grupos control en todos los intervalos de medición. La relación entre peso del hígado y peso corporal fue considerablemente mayor en PA10 que en O. La relación entre peso de la próstata y peso corporal de la próstata fue menor tanto en PA5 como en PA10 en comparación con OO, por lo que se obtuvo significación estadística en PA5. El valor de la creatinina fue más elevado en PA5 y PA10 en comparación con ambos grupos de control, pero alcanzó significación estadística solo en PA10. La LDH también se incrementó en PA5 y PA10 en comparación con los 2 grupos control. Conclusiones: Las 2 pautas de dosificación de PAE, sobre todo en PA10, provocaron algunos efectos toxicológicos en ratas de raza Wistar después de un mes de aplicación. Se sospecha que muy probablemente el riñón, el musculoesquelético o el miocardio sean lugares diana de los efectos tóxicos de PAE. Para ofrecer una conclusión más fiable, es necesario llevar a cabo más investigación sobre la base de estos hallazgos

Kidney, skeletal muscle and myocardium as potential target sites of Pygeum africanum toxicity in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: Extract of Pygeum africanum (PAE) is commonly used herbal medication in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In Montenegro and neighboring countries, PAE is primarily advertised as dietary supplement in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to broaden the current cognition concerning its safety profile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were used. The first control group (O) received water and second control group (OO) received olive oil for 30 days. The third and fourth groups (PA5 and PA10) were treated with PAE dissolved in olive oil (50 and 100mg/kg p.o. daily). The behavior of animals was observed continuously, bodyweight gain (BWG) was calculated weekly and the weight of selected organs was measured at the end of experiment. Total protein and glutathione content of the liver were analyzed. Standard biochemical analyses were also performed. RESULTS: BWG was higher in PA5 compared to both controls at all measuring intervals. Liver weight/body weight ratio was significantly higher in PA10 in comparison with O. Prostate weight/body weight ratio was lower in both PA5 and PA10 compared to OO, achieving statistical significance in PA5. The value of creatinine was higher in PA5 and PA10 compared to both control groups, but achieving statistical significance in PA10 only. LDH was also increased in PA5 and PA10 compared to both controls. CONCLUSIONS: Both dosage regimens of PAE, particularly PA10, caused some toxicological effects in Wistar rats after one month of application. Kidney, skeletal muscle and/or myocardium are suspected as target sites of PA toxicity most likely. In order to provide more reliable conclusion it is necessary to conduct an additional research on the basis of these findings.

Chemical comparison of Prunus africana bark and pygeum products marketed for prostate health.

The bark of Prunus africana may contain atranorin, atraric acid, beta-sitosterol and its esters, ferulic acid and its esters, and N-butylbenzene sulfonamide, compounds that have been shown to improve the conditions of benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate. An analytical scheme, involving liquid-solid extractions, saponifications, and LC-APCI-MS (triple quadrupole) analysis, was developed, optimized, and validated to determine the compounds at µg/g levels. Limits of quantification were in the low ng/mL range except for beta-sitosterol. All of the compounds plus two internal standards eluted in under 10 min on a phenyl-hexyl column with gradient elution involving water-methanol and acetonitrile. The mass fraction of the compounds in Prunus africana bark (four samples) and commercial pygeum products (seven samples), derived from bark, were compared. Bark and pygeum were similar in their content of atranorin and atraric acid, found at low µg/g levels, and in the fact that ferulic acid was almost totally (> 90%) in the form of esters. In contrast, the total amount of ferulic acid was on average four times higher in bark (450 µg/g) than in pygeum while the opposite was true for total beta-sitosterol. Some pygeum samples had levels of total beta-sitosterol above 10,000 µg/g while the compound in bark was relatively invariant at about 680 µg/g. The fraction of free beta-sitosterol varied significantly between bark (33%) and pygeum (nearly all). In pygeum, the measured total beta-sitosterol concentration generally followed the labeled values for phytosterol content. No N-butylbenzene sulfonamide was found in any of the bark and pygeum samples.

Nuevas perspectivas en el tratamiento de la alopecia androgenética / New Perspectives on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

No disponible

Detection of Self Incompatibility Genotypes in Prunus africana: Characterization, Evolution and Spatial Analysis.

In flowering plants, self-incompatibility is an effective genetic mechanism that prevents self-fertilization. Most Prunus tree species exhibit a homomorphic gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system, in which the pollen phenotype is encoded by its own haploid genome. To date, no identification of S-alleles had been done in Prunus africana, the only member of the genus in Africa. To identify S-RNase alleles and hence determine S-genotypes in African cherry (Prunus africana) from Mabira Forest Reserve, Uganda, primers flanking the first and second intron were designed and these amplified two bands in most individuals. PCR bands on agarose indicated 26 and 8 different S-alleles for second and first intron respectively. Partial or full sequences were obtained for all these fragments. Comparison with published S-RNase data indicated that the amplified products were S-RNase alleles with very high interspecies homology despite the high intraspecific variation. Against expectations for a locus under balancing selection, frequency and spatial distribution of the alleles in a study plot was not random. Implications of the results to breeding efforts in the species are discussed, and mating experiments are strongly suggested to finally prove the functionality of SI in P. africana.

PHYTOCHEMISTRY, CYTOTOXICITY AND APOPTOSIS STUDIES OF B-SITOSTEROL-3-O-GLUCOSIDE AND Β -AMYRIN FROM PRUNUS AFRICANA.

BACKGROUND: Prunus africana is used traditionally in many countries for the treatment of cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, compounds from the leaves and bark of this plant were isolated and tested for their cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in two human cancer cell lines (hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colorectal carcinoma (Caco-2)) and a non-cancer cell line (embryonic kidney (HEK293)). GC-MS profiling of the extract was also conducted. RESULTS: Three compounds (ß-sitosterol, ß-amyrin and ß-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside) were isolated and the cytotoxic activity of ß-amyrin and ß-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside on the HepG2, Caco-2 and HEK293 was determined using the MTT cell viability assay. Both compounds had significant cytotoxic activity towards the Caco-2 cell line with IC50 values of 81 µg mL-1 and 54 µg mL-1 for ß-amyrin and ß-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively while low cytotoxicity was observed on HepG2 cell lines with IC50 values of 206 µg mL-1 and 251 µg mL-1 for ß-amyrin and ß-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively. Apoptosis induction in cells was studied using acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining. In both cases, the compounds tested demonstrated selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells with high apoptosis indices in cells exposed to ß-amyrin. Low IC50 values of 156 µg mL-1 and 937 µg mL-1 for ß-amyrin and ß-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively, were observed in the HEK293 cell line. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that the plant is rich biologically active compounds thereby validating its ethno-medicinal use.

Power, policy and the Prunus africana bark trade, 1972-2015.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: After almost 50 years of international trade in wild harvested medicinal bark from Africa and Madagascar, the example of Prunus africana holds several lessons for both policy and practice in the fields of forestry, conservation and rural development. Due to recent CITES restrictions on P. africana exports from Burundi, Kenya and Madagascar, coupled with the lifting of the 2007 European Union (EU) ban in 2011, Cameroon's share of the global P. africana bark trade has risen from an average of 38% between 1995 and 2004, to 72.6% (658.6 metric tons) in 2012. Cameroon is therefore at the center of this international policy arena. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This paper draws upon several approaches, combining knowledge in working with P. africana over a 30-year period with a thorough literature review and updated trade data with "ground-truthing" in the field in 2013 and 2014. This enabled the construction of a good perspective on trade volumes (1991-2012), bark prices (and value-chain data) and the gaps between research reports and practice. Two approaches provided excellent lenses for a deeper understanding of policy failure and the "knowing-doing gap" in the P. africana case. A similar approach to Médard's (1992) analyses of power, politics and African development was taken and secondly, studies of commodity chains that assess the power relations that coalesce around different commodities (Ribot, 1998; Ribot and Peluso, 2003). RESULTS: Despite the need to conserve genetically and chemically diverse P. africana, wild populations are vulnerable, even in several "protected areas" in Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and in the forest reserves of Madagascar. Secondly, hopes of decentralized governance of this forest product are misplaced due to elite capture, market monopolies and subsidized management regimes. At the current European price, for P. africana bark (US$6 per kg) for example, the 2012 bark quota (658.675t) from Cameroon alone was worth over US$3.9 million, with the majority of this accruing to a single company. In contrast to lucrative bark exports, the livelihood benefits and financial returns to local harvesters from wild harvest are extremely low. For example, in 2012, the 48 active harvesters working within Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP) received less than 1US$ per day from bark harvests, due to a net bark price of 0.33 US$ per kg (or 43% of the farm gate price for wild harvested bark). In addition, the costs of inventory, monitoring and managing sustainable wild harvests are far greater than the benefits to harvesters. CONCLUSION: Without the current substantial international donor subsidies, sustainable harvest cannot be sustained. What is required to supply the current and future market is to develop separate, traceable P. africana bark supply chains based on cultivated stocks. On-farm production would benefit thousands of small-scale farmers cultivating P. africana, including local women, for whom wild harvesting is too onerous. This change requires CITES and EU support and would catalyze P. africana cultivation in across several montane African countries and Madagascar, increasing farm-gate prices to harvesters compared to economic returns from wild harvest.

Complementary and alternative medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: The use of complementary and alternative medications has become a multi-million dollar business in the United States and comprises more than half of all filled prescriptions for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Europe. For the practicing urologist, understanding the phytotherapeutic agents available, their proposed mechanism of action, the research supporting their use, and their safety profiles has become increasingly important as more patients inquire into their use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify pertinent articles pertaining to alternative and complementary treatment options for the management of BPH. Treatments demonstrating adequate clinical data, including Serona repens, Pygeum africanum, and Secale cereal, were selected for in depth review. RESULTS: Small clinical trials for each of the agents demonstrated mixed results while larger more soundly constructed studies found no significant benefit for the use of phytotherapy in the treatment of BPH. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available literature, there is no evidence that phytotherapy significantly improves symptoms of BPH against placebo, despite being largely safe for ingestion. In patients with mild BPH symptoms who are reluctant to take standard pharmaceutical medications may try these agents provided that the patient understands their current limitations. Those with moderate or severe BPH should be discouraged from alternative and complementary treatments.

Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman: the overexploitation of a medicinal plant species and its legal context.

The linkage between herbal medicines and the sustainability of medical plants from which they are manufactured is increasingly being understood and receiving attention through international accords and trade labeling systems. However, little attention is paid to the fair trade aspects of this sector, including the issue of benefit-sharing agreements with traditional societies whose knowledge and resources are being exploited for commercial herbal medicine development and production. This article examines the case of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, from equatorial Africa. While the conservation and cultivation dimension of the trade in P. africana has been much discussed in literature, no research appears to have focused on the traditional resource rights and related ethical dimensions of this trade in traditional medicine of Africa. Serving as a cautionary tale for the unbridled exploitation of medicinal plants, the history of P. africana extraction is considered here in the context of relevant treaties and agreements existing today. These include the Nagoya Protocol, a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement from the World Trade Organization, and two African regional frameworks: the Swakopmund Protocol and the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle Initiative. In the context of strengthening medicinal plant research in Africa, a novel international capacity-building project on traditional medicines for better public health in Africa will be discussed, illustrating how access and benefit sharing principles might be incorporated in future projects on traditional medicines.

A prospective interventional study in chronic prostatitis with emphasis to clinical features.

PURPOSE: Chronic bacterial prostatitis displays a variety of symptoms (mainly local pain exhibiting vari­ability in origin and intensity). These symptoms often persist despite bacterial eradication. The purpose of this article is to exam the role of phytotherapeutic agents as complementary treatment in patients with bacterial prostatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material consisted of individuals with reported pelvic discomfort and genital pain with or without lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction visiting our department from March 2009 to March 2011. Patients underwent Stamey-Meares test (several cases underwent the two glass test). Depending on history and specific symptoms urethral smear and semen cultures were additionally obtained from several patients. All patients were randomized into two groups. Subjects in the first group (72 patients) received appropriate antibiotic (according to the sensitivity test) for 15 days, while subjects in the second group (72 patients) received phytotherapeutic agents for 30 days, additionally the conventional 15 days antibiotic treatment. The response was tested using laboratory and clinical criteria. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding bacterial and symptom persistence rate, however, symptoms burden was lower in patients receiving combinational treatment. CONCLUSION: Phytotherapeutic agents may improve pain and prostatitis related difficulty in urination. Further randomized, placebo-controlled studies are needed to substantiate safer conclusions.

Fine-scale spatial genetic dynamics over the life cycle of the tropical tree Prunus africana.

Studying fine-scale spatial genetic patterns across life stages is a powerful approach to identify ecological processes acting within tree populations. We investigated spatial genetic dynamics across five life stages in the insect-pollinated and vertebrate-dispersed tropical tree Prunus africana in Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Using six highly polymorphic microsatellite loci, we assessed genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure (SGS) from seed rain and seedlings, and different sapling stages to adult trees. We found significant SGS in all stages, potentially caused by limited seed dispersal and high recruitment rates in areas with high light availability. SGS decreased from seed and early seedling stages to older juvenile stages. Interestingly, SGS was stronger in adults than in late juveniles. The initial decrease in SGS was probably driven by both random and non-random thinning of offspring clusters during recruitment. Intergenerational variation in SGS could have been driven by variation in gene flow processes, overlapping generations in the adult stage or local selection. Our study shows that complex sequential processes during recruitment contribute to SGS of tree populations.

[Drug therapy of urethral diseases]. / Les médicaments de l'urètre.

AIM: To describe drugs targeting urethra and prostate to treat dysfunctions such LUTS related to BPH, primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO), detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) or sphincter deficiency (SD). METHOD: Pubmed search for efficacy, mode of action and side effects for each molecule. Additional data were searched from the French regulatory agencies web sites (HAS and ANSM). RESULTS: To treat LUTS related to BPH alpha-blockers (AB) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) have a clearer efficacy than plant extract. Daily Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) alone or in association with AB also demonstrate efficacy in this indication. AB are an option in PBNO and DSD related to multiple sclerosis. Although Botulinum toxin A derived molecules decrease urethral pressure in patient with DSD related to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, efficiency remains to be demonstrated. Duloxetine a serotonin reuptake inhibitor increases urethral sphincter pressure and reduce stress urinary incontinence in women and men. Nevertheless, moderate efficacy combine with frequent side effects lead French regulation agency to reject its agreement. CONCLUSION: Armamenterium to treat urethral dysfunctions has recently increases. Two new therapeutic classes emerge: PDE5Is to treat LUTS related to BPH and an SRIs (Duloxetine) to treat stress urinary incontinence. Efficacy and safety evaluation of all the possible associations between drugs targeting urethra and/or bladder is needed to a subtler and more efficient pharmacologic modulation of lower urinary tract dysfunction.