University of Nairobi Journal Systems
Not a member yet
1034 research outputs found
Sort by
The effect of Lisinopril on blood glucose level given alone and in combination with oral anti-diabetic drugs in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
No full textBackground: In diabetic patients, ACE (Angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors prevent the development and progression of incipient or established nephropathy and delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy hence these drugs are routinely prescribed with oral anti-diabetic drugs in these conditions. The picture of actual impact of ACE inhibitors on blood glucose is controversial and still not clear. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of Lisinopril on blood glucose level and the interaction with the oral anti-diabetic drugs metformin, gliclazide and pioglitazone in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Method: Rats were classified into ten groups (n = 6). The Group I –II were normal and Group III –X were diabetic. The Lisinopril at the dose of 3.6 mg/kg body weight was administered to the normal and diabetic rats. In diabetic groups, the Lisinopril was also given with the oral anti-diabetic drugs to assess any alteration in blood glucose level. All drugs administered orally once a day for 13 days and at the end of the experimentation Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was conducted. Results: It was observed that in normal rats the Lisinopril slightly reduced the blood glucose level at all time points which was significant only at 30 and 120 min time points (P≤0.05) but in alloxan-induced diabetic rats Lisinopril exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic activity at all time points (P≤0.01) when given alone and even more significantly when given with the oral anti-diabetic drugs (P≤0.001). Conclusion: The present study has showed that the Lisinopril has significant anti-hyperglycemic activities and also enhances the effect of oral anti-diabetic drugs in diabetic animal. Keywords: ACE inhibitor, Lisinopril, Blood glucose, Alloxan-induced diabetic rats, Oral anti-diabetic drug
Antimicrobial properties and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel, Fuerstia africana T.C.E. Fries, Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) and Ekebergia capensis Sparrm.
No full textBackground: The world health organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of population in Africa relies on traditional remedies for their healthcare. However, very few studies have been carried out to establish the therapeutic effects of these remedies. Objective: Four medicinal plants were investigated for antimicrobial activity and toxicity. Materials and Methods: Plants were collected from their natural habitat, dried, and extracted with organic and aqueous solvents. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the disc diffusion assay technique. In vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out on extracts using MTT assay on Vero cell lines while acute toxicity in Swiss mice. Results: Extracts from H. abyssinica, F. africana and A. racemosus exhibited antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration of ≤ 6.25mg/ml against S. aureus, MRSA and P. aeruginosa. However, the plants studied had weak antifungal activity. H. abyssinica and F. africana extracts were found to be cytotoxic with CC50 of ˂ 90 µg/ml. These extracts were tested for acute toxicity and found to be safe at 5000 mg/kg body weight per day. Conclusion: The results of the study support the medicinal use of these plants and indicate that useful compounds from Hagenia abyssinica and Fuerstia africana can be isolated for further exploitation. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Antimicrobial activity, Cytotoxicity, Acute toxicit
The Antinociceptive Effects of Hydrazinocurcumin
No full textBackground Analgesics in clinical used have many side effects and are not always effective. Hence need for safer and more effective agents. Hydrazinocurcumin is an azole derivative of the natural product curcumin. It is reported to have antiangiogenic, antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities. Objective: The antinociceptive activity of hydrazinocurcumin was evaluated. Methodology: Hydrazinocurcumin was synthesized by reacting curcumin with hydrazine at room temperature and a yield of 81 % was obtained. It was investigated for in vivo antinociceptive activity using the acetic acid induced-writhing test while central antinociceptive activity was investigated using the hot plate method. Results: Hydrazinocurcumin (22.4mg/kg) reduced acetic acid induced writhing by 42.7%. Its activity was comparable to that of sodium salicylate (50mg/kg). It did not increase reaction times of mice on the hot plate after 30 minutes of administration but increased the reaction time after 60 minutes. Discussion: The findings suggest that hydrazinocurcmin has peripheral and delayed centrally mediated antinociceptive activity. Conclusion: Hydrazinocurcumin may be a potential lead compound for agents with analgesic effects. Keywords: hydrazinocurcumin, antinociceptive, hot plate method, acetic acid writhing tes
Choice and Sources of Antimalarial Drugs Used for Self-medication in Kisumu, Western Kenya
No full textBackground: The choice and sources of antimalarial drugs used for self-medication has important implication to the current malaria treatment policies in Kenya. However, data on the choice of antimalarial drugs used for self-medication and their sources remains scanty. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of self-medication, the choice and sources of antimalarial drugs used for malaria self-medication in Kisumu city, Western Kenya. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional community based study, in which semi-structured questionnaires were randomly administered to 338 participants, in five administrative wards of Kisumu city. Results: Overall, 250 (74%) of the participants reported self-medication for perceived malaria illness. Of the 250 participants, 219 (87.6%) had used an antimalarial drug(s), while 31 (12.4%) took other drugs (antipyretics and herbs), which they perceived to have antimalarial effect. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT), was the drug of choice for majority 154 (70.3%) of those who had self-medicated. The other antimalarials used were sulphadoxine/sulphalene-pyrimethamine 25 (11.4%), amodiaquine 11 (5%), chloroquine 5 (2.3%), quinine 2 (0.9%), dihydroartemisinin 1 (0.5%), halofantrene 1 (0.5%) and 20 (9%) of participants had used two different antimalarials. The antimalarial drugs were sourced from private pharmacies/chemists (78.4%), general retail shops (29.2%), left over drugs at home (1.6%), or friends, relatives and neighbors (2.8%). Conclusion: Self-medication for perceived malaria is prevalent in Kisumu city. ACT is the drug of choice for self-medication. However, a substantial proportion of individuals use currently ineffective antimalarials or other drugs, for example antipyretics, with no known antimalarial efficacy. Pharmacies/chemists and general retail shops are the major sources for self-prescribed drugs. Key words: Self-medication, antimalarial drugs, choices, source
In vivo antimalarial and acute toxicity properties of hexane and chloroform extracts from Clausena anisata (Willd.) Benth.
Get PDFMalaria is a disease caused byPlasmodium parasites and, though preventable and curable, is still one of the greatest global public health problems especially in sub- Saharan Africa. This can be partly attributed to the malaria in endemic areas. Unfortunately, recent reports indicate a decline in efficacy of artemisinin derivatives along Thai-Cambodia border, a site historically known for the recurrent emergence of drug resistant malaria parasites (Dondorp et al, 2009; Noedl et al, 2008). New classes of antimalarial agents are therefore urgently needed given that drug resistance is likely to eventually compromise the efficacy of currently available antimalarial drugs; identification of lead antimalarial agents from medicinal plants could boost the search.Clausena anisatain vivo antimalarial activity and acute toxicity of C. anisata extracts were investigated. The plant was selected as it has been traditionally used to treat malaria (Kokwaro, 2009; Beentje, 1994). (Willd.) Benth is a deciduous shrub/tree whose leaves are aromatic. In Kenya, it is known locally as Mjarikali (Swahili) and Mutathi (Kikuyu). Traditionally, soup boiled with the roots of the plant was given to women after birth to cleanse the uterus. This soup is also highly recommended for headache, malaria, influenza and indigestion. Twigs are used as toothbrushes and are believed to cure toothache. Decoctions of the root are also drunk to treat syphilis (Kokwaro, 2009; Beentje, 1994; Gachathi, 1989).Pharmacological activities associated with extracts from this plant include antifungal and antibacterial activity (Senthilkumar and Venkatesalu, 2009; Hamza et al, 2006; Gundidza et al, 1994), antidiabetic activity (Ojewole, 2002), anticonvulsant activity (Makanju, 1983) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity (Duncan et al, 1999) and antiviral activity (Ayisi and Nyadedzor, 2003). Phytochemical investigations indicate carbazole alkaloids as the major component of this plant (Ito et al, 2000; Ito et al, 2009).Coumarins and limonoids have also been isolated (Ngadjui et al, 1991; Ngadjui et al, 1989; Lakshmia et al, 1984). Pharmacological activities associated with carbazole alkaloids include antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral activities (Ito et al, 2009; Ito et al, 2000; Chakraborty et al, 1995). Coumarins are reported to have anticoagulant properties (Emerole et al, 1981). Steam distillation of fresh leaves yielded sweet smelling, brownish-yellow oil whose major component is the acute toxin estragole (Okunade, 1987).As part of our continuing efforts to identify antimalarial agents from medicinal plants, in vivo antimalarial activity and acute toxicity of C. anisata extracts were investigated. The plant was selected as it has been traditionally used to treat malaria (Kokwaro, 2009; Beentje, 1994)
Buah Duku Unggul Dari Bumi Ruwa Jurai Komoditas Pertanian Unggulan
No full textDuku Palembang yang kesohor bakal punya pesaing. Calon kompetitor itu adalah duku sabu dari Lampung. Rasa daging buah yang tebal sangat manis. Kulit tebal menyelimuti daging buah yang putih bersih sehingga tahan simpan dan tak mudah rusak dalam pengangkutan.
Duku sabu mudah dikenali. Kulitnya kuning bersih semburat kemerahan ketika matang. Jangan sampai pembeli terkecoh omongan pedagang. Mereka kerap menyebut duku lain sebagai duku sabu meskipun tidak musim. Nama Duku sabu diambil dari sungai yang mengalir di desa Gebang, Padangcermin
The Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Human Papillomavirus Co-Infection on HPV Genotype Distribution and Cervical Lesion Grade in a Semi-Urban Population in Tigoni, Kenya
Get PDF1. IntroductionCervical cancer is an important global public healthproblem and a common cause of death among women,and it is attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV)(Walboomers et al, 1999; Parkin et al, 2008). In a largeseries of invasive cervical cancer from around theworld, HPV-DNA was detected in 99.7% of the tumors,leading to the conclusion that HPV was a necessarycause of cervical cancer (Bosch et al, 1995; Walboomerset al, 1999; Bosch et al, 2007). The identification ofHPV’s role in cervical cancer has led to importantadvances in primary prevention through vaccinationand diagnosis through HPV detection (Stanley et al,2008; Bosch et al, 2008). However, tangible reductionin the incidence of cervical cancer and the impact onglobal public health will probably take decades. As HPVtypes are divergent, efficacy of current vaccines is typerestricted,and therefore development of the nextgeneration of HPV vaccines will require inclusion ofrelevant antigens from several HPV types (Lowy, 2008).Geographical profiling of HPV type distribution will beimportant in making vaccines more relevant for targetpopulations.Most women will be infected with HPV sometime intheir lifetime. Results from large meta-analyses studiesindicate that at any given point in time, 10.4% (95%confidence interval (CI) 10.2-10.7) of womenworldwide are positive for cervical HPV DNA (Bosch etal, 2008). The prevalence of HPV is higher in lessdeveloped regions (13.4%; 95% CI: 13.1-13.7) than inthe more developed regions (8.4%; 95% CI: 8.3-8.6)(Bosch et al, 2008). The same studies indicate thatAfrican women at 22.1% (95% CI: 20.9-23.4) and EastAfrican women in particular, have the highest HPVprevalence rates (31.6%; 95% CI: 29.5-33.8) (Bosch etal, 2008). HPV type 16 is the most common in allcontinents, with an estimated point prevalence of 2.6%(95% CI: 2.5-2.8) worldwide, and HPV type 18 thesecond most frequently detected type (Clifford et al,2005). Regional differences are thought to be related togeographical and immunogenetic factors, such asdefects in cellular immunity through chronic cervicalinflammation, malnutrition and more recently, HIVinfection; Type 16 though appears to be less influencedby immune impairment than other types (Clifford et al,2005).Although many women get infected with HPV, most donot develop cervical cancer. Several co-factors arepostulated to influence the disease process. Thepotential co-factors include exogenous factors such astobacco smoking, hormonal contraceptives, and coinfectionswith other sexually transmitted infections(Munoz et al, 2006). In addition, viral co-factors, suchspecific HPV types, viral load, and viral integration, aswell as host co-factors such as endogenous hormones,genetic factors, and factors related to the immuneresponse may variably influence the course of HPVinfection (Munoz et al, 2006).Women with HIV infection have been shown to be morelikely not only to have a concurrent HPV infection butalso to have an increased risk for a high grade cervicalsquamous intraepithelial lesion (La Ruche et al, 1998;Temmerman et al, 1999; Womack et al, 2000; Baay et al,2004; Hawes et al, 2006; Didelot-Rousseau et al, 2006;Ngándwe et al, 2007). HPV is the commonest sexuallytransmitted infection, with more than 75% of sexuallyactive adults acquiring one or more genotypes in theirlifetime (Bosch et al, 2008). However, by age 30 years,most women clear the infection due to an effective cellmediatedimmune response, and only a small numberthereafter are diagnosed with a HPV-associated lesion(Schiffman, 1992). It is thought that it is through itseffect on CD4+ cells and regulation of immuneresponses to a variety of antigens that HIV attenuatesthe systemic response to HPV (Palefsky, 2006).The prevalence of HIV among adult Kenyan women was13% in 2003 with trends reported to have decreased to5.1% by 2006 (KDHS, 2003). The high prevalence ofHIV may increase the incidence of cervical pre-cancerand potentially, of cervical cancer. Gichangi et al (2002),however, demonstrated that a two to three-foldincrease in HIV prevalence did not translate to aproportionate increment in incidence of cervical cancer.They hypothesized that HIV-infected women die fromHIV-related opportunistic infections before theydevelop invasive cervical cancer. The mean survivaltime for women with HIV in 2008 was reported to be 5years (Yamada et al, 2008) while typically more than 10years elapse before the development of cervical cancerafter HPV infection. Yamada et al (2008) also advancedthe possibility that sub-clinical cervical cancer may bemissed in many women dying prematurely from AIDSrelatedopportunistic infections.This study was carried out to establish whether the coinfectionof HIV and HPV has an influence on HPVgenotype distribution and on the prevalence and gradeof cervical neoplasia
Development of a nutraceutical from natural products: A case study of a herbal-based low sodium table salt
Get PDFBackground: Cyperus papyrus reed ash has been used traditionally as a salt substitute in Western Kenya. Previous work carried out at Kenya Medical Research Institute indicated that potassium salt substitution derived from local papyrus reed has a favourable potassium/sodium ratio that is suitable for use to regulate high blood pressure. Objective: To develop and design a process flow for pilot scale production and to develop suitable analytical methods for quality assurance for a herbal based low sodium table salt. Methodology: The plant material was collected from two study sites in Rift Valley then cleaned, chopped, dried, ashed and extracted at laboratory and optimized industrial scale to yield laboratory and pilot scale samples. Elemental analysis was determined using Atomic Absorption and Flame emission spectroscopy. Results: The herbal salt yield for the laboratory scale processing was about 10% for both samples but 13% and 22%, respectively, using the optimized industrial procedure. Elemental analysis results indicate the presence of both essential and non-essential elements and heavy metal was within the World Health Organization acceptable limits. The potassium/sodium ratios obtained were between 3 and 11. Discussion: The herbal salt has the capacity to preserve meat and is a source of other essential trace elements such as chromium, Zinc and manganese. Key words: Nutraceuticals; process optimization; low sodium; herbal salt; elemental compositio
Larvicidal effect of Mundulea sericea (Leguminosaea) plant extract against Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Get PDFIntroductionThe medical importance of mosquitoes as vectors forthe transmission of serious diseases that causemorbidity, mortality, economic loss, and socialdisruption such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, andviral diseases is well recorded (Becker et al, 2003).Aedes aegypti, the main carrier for viruses that causedengue and dengue hemorrhagic and yellow fevers, isfound majorly in the tropics and subtropics. There is noeffective vaccine against dengue, and thus the only wayof significantly lowering the incidence of this disease isthrough mosquito control (Malavige et al, 2004).Chemical measures were first tried, but they failed sincetheir overuse led to disruption of natural biologicalcontrol systems and outbreak of new insect species. Inaddition, use of insecticides led to the development ofmosquito resistance, environmental pollution, andundesirable effect on non-target organisms (Brown,1986). In a bid to resolve these problems, interest ininsecticides of natural origin, specifically plant-derivedproducts has recently received close attention.Several studies have emphasized the importance ofresearch and development of herbal substances forcontrolling mosquitoes (Shaala et al, 2005). Theirresults may vary, but natural plant products may be apossible alternative to synthetic substances, as they areeffective and compatible with human and animal lifeand the environment (Chaithong et al, 2006).The genus Mundulea consists of about 15 species,widespread throughout Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius,India, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea. Only a singlespecies, Mundulea sericea, is found in Southern Africa.This species occurs in South Africa, Botswana, Namibiaand Angola, north to tropical Africa, and east toMadagascar, India, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea(Watt and Breyer-Brandwick, 1962).Mundulea sericea is one of the commonest fish poisonswhere both bark and seeds are used (Neuwinger, 2004).In addition, the Chinese used M. sericea to controltobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (Lepidopteriae:Noctuidae) (Yoshida and Toscano, 1994).The toxic principal of the plant is rotenone, anisoflavonoid (Vedcourt and Trump, 1969). Therotenoids deguelin and tephrosin are the potent activeprinciples which have been isolated from extracts of M.sericea (Luyengi et al, 1994). Deguelin is a natural plantderivedrotenoid, most commonly used as an insecticidein Africa and South America (Udeani et al, 1997).Rotenoids from the bark of M. sericea have beencommercially used as insecticide. These chemicalcompounds in the bark, leaves and seed are the activecompounds responsible for the fish poison. It isreported that the strength varies geographically (Wattand Breyer-Brandwick, 1962).The current study involved extraction and evaluation ofroot bark and seedpod of M. sericea for larvicidalactivities on Aedes aegypt
In vitro Antitubercular and Antibacterial activities of isolated constituents and column fractions from leaves of Cassia occidentalis, Camellia sinensis and Ananas comosus
No full textBackground: Tuberculosis still remains a leading cause of death in the world. There is currently considerable interest in natural products and their derivatives in the area of drug research for multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The present investigation focused on search for potent antitubercular and antibacterial natural leads from plants. Objective: To evaluate isolated fractions and chemical constituents from leaves of Cassia occidentalis, Camellia sinensis and Ananas comosus for antibacterial and antitubercular activities. Materials and Methods: Leaves were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, methanol and water. The obtained extracts were examined for the presence of various phytochemicals by thin layer chromatography, and then selected extracts were fractionated by column chromatography. A total of 15 column fractions were collected, and screened for antibacterial and anti-tubercular activities. The antibacterial activity was evaluated on American type cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by broth microdilution method, whilst anti-tubercular screening was carried out against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37RV by microplate alamar blue assay (MABA) method. Results: Several fractions (3, 6, 9) belong to C. occidentalis, C. sinensis showed good antibacterial activity (MIC: 2 – 8 μg/ml) and moderate antitubercular activity (MIC 25 - 50 μg/ml). Chemical constituents present in fractions 3, 6 and 9 were isolated and identified as cassiaoccidentalins, glucoronide soponin and catechin, respectively. Fractions of A. comosus showed MIC between 16 to 32 μg/ml for antibacterial activity and > 100 μg/ml for antitubercular activity. Discussion: Among these plants, C. occidentalis,was found to more potential against antitubercular and antibacterial activity. A. comosus was relatively less potent against antibacterial and in effective against mycobacteria. Cassiaoccidentalin exhibited potent antibacterial activity and moderate antitubercular activity. Key words: Cassia occidentalis, Camellia sinensis, Ananas comosus, anti-tubercular activity, antibacterial activity