ATHMSI Journals
Not a member yet
2062 research outputs found
Sort by
ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF HERBAL STEAM INHALATION (NYUNGU) IN ZANZIBAR: MEDICINAL PLANT USE, CULTURAL VALUE, AND TOURISM POTENTIAL
No full textBackground: Traditional herbal steam inhalation (Nyungu) is a key healthcare practice in Zanzibar for treating respiratory, febrile, and spiritual ailments. Despite its importance, it remains under documented and underutilized in wellness tourism. This study aimed to document the medicinal plants used in Nyungu and explore opportunities for integration into tourism.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 26 shehias (14 in Unguja and 12 in Pemba). Sixty-eight traditional healers were purposively selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data on plant use, preparation, treated ailments, and commercialization were analyzed using SPSS and Origin software.
Results: The study identified 73 and 75 plant species in Unguja and Pemba, respectively. Commonly cited species included Citrus aurantiacus, Azadirachta indica, and Ocimum americanum. The main ailments treated were runny nose (18%), fever (15%), common cold (13%), and spiritual disorders (12%). Treatment regimens varied: most healers in Unguja preferred one-day sessions, while those in Pemba favored three- to seven-day duration. Polyherbal preparations were widely used. Commercialization was limited, with 60% of healers in Unguja and 84% in Pemba not offering services to tourists. Documentation was low, as only 8% (Unguja) and 17% (Pemba) recorded their practices.
Conclusion: Nyungu remains a cornerstone of traditional healthcare in Zanzibar and holds promise for wellness tourism. However, poor documentation, limited commercialization, and lack of standardization hinder its development. Phytochemical validation, cultivation of key species, tourism integration, and supportive policies are recommended for sustainable use and cultural preservation
EMILIA PRAETERMISSA MILNE-REDHEAD (ASTERACEAE): PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND CYTOTOXIC POTENTIAL
Full text linkBackground: Emilia praetermissa Milne-Redhead, is a fast growing herb that is native to west and central Africa, the leaf is use in the treatment of ulcer, hernia, pain and tumor by traditional healers in these regions. It is explored in this study for its phytochemicals and cytotoxic activities.
Materials and Methods: The powdered leaf was screened for phytochemicals using standard methods, while profiling of the methanol extract was done by both Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxic potential was evaluated using Raniceps raninus (Tadpole-fish) at varying doses (20-320 µg/mL) of the extract (methanol) and fractions (ethylacetate and dichloromethane).
Results: Tannins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, alkaloids and saponins were revealed by the phytochemical screening. The GC-MS analysis identified thirty-three compounds, which include aziridine, benzaldehyde, benzofuran, carbazole, hydroquinone, isopropylidine, indole, piperidine, piperazine, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrrolidine and tetrazole derivatives. Twelve compounds were identified and quantified from the HPLC analysis; coumaric acid (10.2385 µg/ml), cresol (25.7350 ppm), ellagic acid (3.9547 µg/ml), ferulic acid (8.9514 µg/mL), isoflavone (22.7694 ppm), naringenin (14.1526 µg/mL), naringin (5.6179 µg/ml), pyrogallol (12.5850 µg/g), resveratrol (3.8639 ppm) and salicylic acid (17.4195 µg/mL) respectively. A dose of 160 µg/mL of the methanol extract significantly (P<0.05) resulted in (60.00 ± 5.78) % mortality rate within 90 minutes, and (100.00 ± 0.00) % mortality as the dose was double (320 µg/mL) after 120 minutes.
Conclusion: These thus indicate the presence of phytochemicals in E. praetermissa leaf with cytotoxic potential
BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO PROVIDING COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING INFORMATION AMONG ADULT NIGERIANS
Full text linkBackground – Contact tracing information as one of the measures of COVID-19 control had been met with some barriers and facilitators. This study was set to identify barriers and facilitators to providing COVID-19 contact tracing information among adult Nigerians.
Materials and Methods - The study was a prospective web-based cross-sectional descriptive design. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 1015 adult Nigerians within 18-70 years age band. Data were collected through Google forms and analyzed with the aids of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.
Results – The majority (91.1%) of the respondents indicated that they will provide contact tracing information if they were confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19. The most identified facilitator to providing Covid-19 contact tracing information by the majority (90.7%) of the participants was to help stop the spread of COVID-19. More than average (58.9%) of participants did not trust the authorities; this was the most identified barrier to providing COVID-19 contact tracing information. The intent to provide contact tracing information was significantly associated with being a healthcare professional (p = .007) and place of residence (p = .044).
Conclusion- This study has identified facilitators and barriers to providing COVID-19 contact information. Despite the progress in management of COVID-19, the future is not predictive; therefore, providing contact tracing information will remain relevant in planning strategic and specific interventions for controlling infectious diseases. Government should make more effort to improve public trust on confidentiality of information and governance in general
MEAN DIFFERENCE OF ZINC AND SELENIUM LEVELS AND TUBERCULOSIS OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN RECEIVING TREATMENT IN INDONESIA
Full text linkBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health issue, particularly among children in TB-endemic regions. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as zinc and selenium, may influence TB treatment outcomes. However, the relationship between these micronutrients and TB outcomes in children is not well-established in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the mean difference of zinc and selenium levels on TB treatment outcomes in children receiving treatment in Padang, Indonesia.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the district level hospitals in Padang City, Indonesia, from April to October 2024. The study included children aged 1–14 years diagnosed with TB and receiving treatment. Serum zinc and selenium levels were measured using Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA). The treatment outcomes were categorized as success (cured and completed treatment) or failure (death, treatment failure, or default).
Results: Zinc levels were significantly lower in the failure group (71.61±8.18 ng/mL) compared to the success group (79.72±8.12 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Similarly, selenium levels were lower in the failure group (89.56±23.47 ng/mL) compared to the success group (115.09±17.86 ng/mL) (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The study found a significant association between lower zinc and selenium levels and unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes in children. These findings suggest that addressing micronutrient deficiencies may play an important role in improving TB treatment outcomes in pediatric populations. Further research is needed to explore potential interventions to improve micronutrient status in TB patients
A CRYPTOLEPIS SANGUINOLENTA-BASED PREPARATION REDUCED HOSPITAL STAY AND MORTALITY OF COVID-19 PATIENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC
Full text linkBackground: In 2020, the World Health Organization urged nations to take domestic steps to curb the spread and contain the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, also referred to as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the meantime, there was growing clinical evidence that reported favourable effects of using herbal medicine in managing COVID-19. We, therefore, repurposed Nibima (a Cryptolepis sanguinolenta-based herbal preparation) as an adjunct to conventional therapy for COVID-19. This was premised on our previous in vitro investigations that showed that Nibima has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities.
Materials and Methods: This trial (FDA/CT/11) was an open-label, randomised controlled phase II pilot study, which was conducted from March 2021 to October 2022 among hospitalised COVID-19 patients in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Participants were either randomised to aqua (water) or Nibima, the investigational product as adjunct to COVID therapy.
Results: Nibima was well tolerated by the study participants, and the patients who were administered that together with the standard COVID-19 therapy had rapid clinical recovery compared to those taking aqua and the standard or conventional COVID-19 therapy. The evidence obtained provides a strong basis for future studies with large numbers of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections.
Conclusion: Though COVID-19 is no longer a pandemic, it is still a public health challenge. We recommend that Nibima be further investigated for its broad-spectrum antiviral and immunomodulatory activities against SARS-COV-2 and other viral infections in preparedness for the re-emergence of future pandemics
INVESTIGATION OF ACUTE AND REPEATED DOSING ORGANOTOXICITY POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL ROOT EXTRACT OF SOLANUM ERIANTHUM IN WISTAR RATS
No full textBackground: Solanum erianthum root (SER) extract is used in traditional medicine to treat dysentery, fever and for pain management. This study examined the toxicity and safety profile of ethanol extract of SER in rats.
Method: The LD50 of SER was determined using Lorke’s method. Groups of rats were administered 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg of the ethanol extract of SER daily for 28 days, this was followed by 21 days of recovery study. Various endpoints of toxicity on the kidney, liver and brain including haematological and biochemical parameters as well as histopathological examination were assessed.
Result: The LD50 of SER was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. There was no significant difference across the weight and haematological parameters as well as the lipid profile across all the doses investigated when compared to control in the repeated dose toxicity and recovery studies. The results of biochemical evaluations of liver and kidney injury biomarkers in the serum suggest varying degree of effects on the organs marked by significant increases in serum AST, ALT, urea and creatinine. Histopathological examination revealed that the extract caused dose dependent inflammation and vascular congestion to the brain, liver, and kidney in the toxicity study. However, these effects resolved significantly in the recovery study.
Conclusion: The ethanol extract of SER is safe for acute use but has potential to induce reversible toxic manifestations on the brain, liver and kidney following prolonged repeated administration
The THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT CONDITION AND DENGUE HEMORRHAGE FEVER INCIDENCE AT PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
No full textBackground: Dengue cases in Indonesia remain a significant public health concern, with incidence rates increasing over the years. The school environment, including lighting, humidity, temperature, and ventilation, plays a crucial role in the spread of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). This study aims to analyze the relationship between school environmental conditions and DHF incidence.
Materials and Methods: This was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 157 individuals selected using simple random sampling. Data collection was conducted from August to October 2023 using a validated questionnaire assessing school environmental conditions and DHF incidence. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and logistic regression tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: School environmental factors significantly associated with DHF incidence included lighting (p = 0.008, PR = 1.82), humidity (p = 0.008, PR = 1.75), temperature (p = 0.045, PR = 1.498), and screen ventilation (p = 0.000, PR = 2.26). Logistic regression analysis identified humidity (OR = 7.16; 95% CI, 2.09–38.37) and ventilation (OR = 18.12; 95% CI, 3.36–56.70) as the most influential factors.
Conclusion: The incidence of DHF is closely related to school environmental conditions. Preventive measures focusing on environmental cleanliness and improved ventilation could significantly reduce the risk of dengue transmission among school children
The Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicological Evaluation of n-Hexane Fraction of Uvaria chamae Leaves
No full textBackground: The plant species identified as Uvaria chamae, a member of Annonaceae has exhibited notable biological effect in in-vivo studies. However, a comprehensive toxicity profile is essential to assess the safety of U. chamae for potential therapeutic applications. This research investigated the toxicity U. chamae leaves (n-hexane fraction) in order to identify any potential adverse effects and establish a safer dosage threshold for prolonged use.
Methods: The n-hexane partitioned fraction obtained from U. chamae leaves was subjected to acute and sub-chronic toxicity evaluations. The short-term toxicity assessment followed established procedures. For the sub-chronic study, a total of 30 animals received the fraction continuously for 35 days. Biochemical analyses were performed on serum and liver homogenates to assess key parameters, including Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Triglycerides (TRIG) and Total cholesterol (TC). Also, histopathological examinations were performed on selected tissue samples.
Results: The acute toxicity assessment showed an LD₅₀ value exceeding 5000 mg/kg. For the repeated dose toxicity study, results showed statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) variations in AST and ALT levels within both liver and serum homogenates in relation to dosage. Additionally, histopathological analysis identified morphological alterations that distinct from the control group and consistent with those typically observed in damaged tissues.
Conclusion: At high dosages, the acute toxicity evaluation revealed that the U. chamae (n-hexane partitioned fraction) was non-toxic. On the other hand, prolonged administration led to significant biochemical and morphological alterations. A dose below 200 mg/kg is a suggested safer threshold when considering extended use
ANTIPLASMODIAL AND Β-HEMATIN INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF THE EXTRACT AND SOLVENT FRACTIONS OF NEPHROLEPIS UNDULATA
Full text linkNi
PHENOTYPIC ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PROFILES OF GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA IN CLINICAL SAMPLES PRE AND DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC AT ZONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL NORTHERN TANZANIA
Full text linkBackground: COVID-19 has aggravated antimicrobial use owing to limited treatment options, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance, which was previously estimated to potentially cause 10 million global deaths within 30 years. This study evaluated the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic resistance in referral hospitals.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre analyzed clinical bacterial samples from pre-COVID-19 (2018) and during COVID-19 (2020, 2023). Two hundred isolates from 2018 and 2020, and 121 samples from 2023, were examined. Bacterial isolates were identified using API 20E for Enterobacteriaceae (bioMérieux) and standard biochemical tests, while antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method.
Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, antibiotic resistance among bacteria has increased significantly. Resistance to ampicillin 113 (95.8%, p=0.018), ceftriaxone 102 (74.5%, p=0.043), and ciprofloxacin 119 (68.8%, p=0.003) increased. Conversely, resistance to chloramphenicol 19 (16.1%, p=0.021) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid decreased to 62 (52.5 %, p = 0.007). Klebsiella pneumoniae showed decreased resistance to chloramphenicol 11(20.8%, p=0.004) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 27(50.9%, p=0.034). Acinetobacter species also showed a significant increase in ceftriaxone resistance 18(94.7%, p=0.018). Among the 233 isolates, ESBL-producing bacteria were identified in 101 (43.4%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli showed the highest frequencies at 40 (39.6%) and 54 (53.5%), respectively.
Conclusion: During COVID-19, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone resistance significantly increased, whereas restricted antibiotics, such as meropenem, showed lower resistance. The extensive and uncontrolled use of antibiotics during the pandemic has aggravated antimicrobial resistance, necessitating intensified and coordinated efforts to combat it