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EFFECT OF RUANGANJIEDU DECOCTION INHIBIT EXPERIMENTAL HEPATIC FIBROSIS OF RATS.
Get PDFBackground: RuanGanJieDu (RGJD) is a traditional Chinese medicine comprising nine Chinese medicinal herbs. The clinical use of RGJD by us was found that it has a good control effect on hepatic fibrosis (HF) patient. In order to further investigate the Anti-fibrosis mechanism of RGJD, hence this experiment has been carried out.
Methods: After treatment, the general conditions of rats in each group were observed. The liver tissues morphology and HF phases were observed under light microscope. The weights of livers and spleens were recorded; the indices of liver and spleen were calculated. The α-SMA and E-cadherin of the liver tissues were determined by Immunohistochemistry, and the contents of ALT、AST and PCIII+PCIV+HA+LN in rat serum were detected by ELISA.
Results: After treatment, the rats in model group presented with abdominal distention and rough hair, lethargy and mental sluggishness, slow movement and irritability; Most rats in RGJD group and colchicine(Col) group were in good spirits and no obvious abnormal motion state. The RGJD had shown significant effects in improving the liver tissue morphology. The HF phases of RGJD group and Col group mainly distributed in the S1-S2 phases, were finer than the model group in the S3 phase (
POTENTIAL ADMINISTRATION OF LIPOIC ACID AND COENZYME Q AGAINST ADIPOGENSIS: TARGET FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION
Get PDFBackground: Body overweight and obesity were considered as a risk factor for many systemic diseases as diabetic
hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers. The lipoic acid and Co Q are considered as coenzymes
needed for enhancement metabolic rate. The goal of this study is to evaluate the anti-obese effect of lipoic acid alone or
combined with Co-Q in rats.
Materials and Methods: Ninety male albino rats (100–150g) were used in this study, divided into six groups (15
each). Group I: Normal rats fed normal diet. Group II: Rats fed high fat diet (HFD). Group III: Rats fed HFD were
given lipoic acid (10 μg/kg b w /day) intra-gastric by stomach tube. Group IV: Rats fed HFD were given Co-Q (10 μg
/kg b.w/day) intra-gastric. Group V: Rats fed HFD were given lipoic acid (50 mg/kg b w /day) and Co-Q (10 μg /kg b.
w/day). Group VI: Rats were given orlistat intra-gastric (10 mg/kg b w/day) as positive control for 6 weeks. Serum was
subjected for determination of lipid profile, liver function tests atherogenic factor and lipoprotein lipase.
Results: It was found that treatment with lipoic acid or Co-Q or combined showed increase in the activity of
lipoprotein lipase
THE EVALUATION OF DOMESTIC DUCKS AS POTENTIAL RESERVOIR OF AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS IN POST HPAI H5N1 OUTBREAK AREA, SUNYANI MUNICIPALITY, BRONG AHAFO REGION OF GHANA
Get PDFBackground: Avian influenza (AI) is an important zoonotic disease responsible for significant losses in most sub-Saharan countries.
However, the role of poultry other than chicken in the epidemiology of the disease, especially after the first AI outbreak in Ghana, has
not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study is to determine whether the AI virus infection that was reported in the area in May
2007 was circulating silently in ducks in nine randomly selected farms in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana.
Materials and Methods: The sample size was calculated using Epi info version 3.4.1 at 95% confidence level, absolute precision of 5%
and assuming 0.5 prevalence of Avian Influenza A virus in ducks. Samples collection was done simultaneously with questionnaire
administration to farmers. A total of 526 samples made up of 384 cloacal swabs and 142 feather tissues from ducks from a commercial
duck farm, seven backyard holdings and one live birds market in six randomly selected communities in the Sunyani Municipality, Brong
Ahafo region of Ghana. The samples were processed and subjected to Influenza Type A Matrix Gene analysis using RRT-PCR.
Results: All the 526 samples subjected to Influenza Type A Matrix Gene analysis using RRT-PCR were negative for Influenza Type A
viruses. However, it was observed that bio-security practices which are keys to reintroduction of the virus in the area were not adhered to
in 89 % of the sites investigated. Our finding also revealed that only the commercial farm investigated in this study complied with fifteen
(78.9%) of the nineteen different farm practices observed.
Conclusion: Though AI was not detected in the ducks sampled, there is the need for continuous surveillance and education of
stakeholders on standard bio-security and farm management practices in the area
EFFECT OF TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFAMETHOXAZOLE PROPHYLAXIS ON FEACAL CARRIAGE RATES OF RESISTANT ISOLATES OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN HIV-INFECTED ADULT PATIENTS IN LAGOS.
Get PDFBackground: The daily use of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) prophylaxis reduces morbidity and mortality among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but its impact on increasing antimicrobial resistance rates has been of public health concern, globally. This study investigated the effect of daily TMP-SMX prophylaxis on feacal carriage rates of resistant isolates of Escherichia coli in HIV-infected adult patients in Lagos.
Methods: A total of 550 HIV-infected patients with CD4-cell counts of less than 350 cells/mm3 who were eligible for TMP-SMX prophylaxis and attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, were recruited for this study. Stool/rectal swab samples were aseptically collected from the patients and processed using standard methods for culture and sensitivity.
Results: There was a baseline Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole resistance rate of 54% which increased to 77.9% in first 3 months, rising to 96.1% by 6 months and all isolates were resistant by the 9th month. There was also evidence of cross-resistance to other antibiotics with significance in association with TMP-SMX resistance (
THREATENED MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SOUTH AFRICA: CASE OF THE FAMILY HYACINTHACEAE
Get PDFBackground: Traditional medicine plays a major role in the primary health care of many people living in rural areas. South Africa is a
home to over 30,000 species of higher plants and 3,000 of these species have been found to be used in traditional medicine across the
country. South African medicinal plants are decreasing at an alarming rate as a result of over exploitation. Today many medicinal plants
face extinction but detailed information is lacking. The purpose of this paper was to review current and proposed cultivation strategies
that could be used to improve plant conservation statuses, livelihoods of the people involved in medicinal plant industry and
sustainability of this industry.
Methods: In this review, emphasis was on the members of Hyacinthaceae family and the species Siphonochilus aethiopicus (Schweinf)
B.L. Burtt (Zingiberaceae), which are some of the most traded and used in traditional herbal medicine. Detailed literature search was
conducted on the current strategies that are being used for the cultivation of medicinal and food crops and a conceptual analysis of how
technologies used for the cultivation of non-medicinal crops could be adopted for cultivation of medicinal plants in Africa. Siphonochilus
aethiopicus was used as a case study to demonstrate the potential of using alternative cultivation strategy such as hydroponics in the
cultivation of medicinal plants.
Results: The results showed that hydroponics has the potential to improve plant growth. In conclusion, evidences suggest that there is
potential for growth in the medicinal plant industry if optimum cultivation technologies such as hydroponics are implemented despite the
perception that Africans have an ingrained traditional preference of wild harvested plants, on the contrary many Africans have no issues
with cultivated medicinal plants
ACUTE AND SUB-CHRONIC ORAL TOXICITY STUDIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF CLINACANTHUS NUTANS IN MICE
Get PDFBackground: Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) Lindau (family Acanthaceae) is a shrub widely cultivated in the South East Asia region,
including Malaysia. It has been traditionally used for treatment of various ailments including pain-mediated diseases. Various
pharmacological activities of C. nutans have been reported except for its pain-relieving activity. This study was performed to evaluate the
acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity of the methanol extract of Clinacanthus nutans (MECN) in male and female mice.
Methods: In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000 mg kg-1 of body weight MECN was administered orally, and was monitored
for 14 consecutive days. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, the MECN was administered orally at doses of 50, 500, and 2500 mg kg-1 day-1
for 28 days. Results: Results showed that there were no clinical signs of toxicity, mortality and body weight changes in both acute and
subchronic toxicity studies. There were no significant differences in relative organ weight, haematological parameters, and biochemical
parameters; except for the creatinine level, which indicated significant (
DAIDZEIN: A REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Get PDFBackground: Daidzein is an isoflavone with extensive nutritious value and is mainly extracted from soy plants. It is also called
phytoestrogen due to its structural similarity to the human hormone estrogen. However, daidzein is distinct from estrogen due to the
specificity of the estrogen receptor (ER) complex. In recent years, the pharmacological properties of daidzein have been extensively
investigated and considerable progress has been made. The present review aims to evaluate the pharmacological effects and
mechanisms of daidzein as reported in scientific literature.
Materials and Methods: Studies were identified as reported in PubMed, Elsevier, Scholar, and Springer over the last ten years and
this resulted in the identification of 112 papers.
Results: Daidzein is reported to play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases such as cancer,
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, skin disease, and neurodegenerative disease. This pharmacological activity is
attributed to various metabolites including equol and trihydroxy isoflavone.
Conclusion: Daidzein appears to play a significant role in the prevention of a variety of diseases and has the potential of being used
in a clinical setting. However, further research is needed to understand its molecular mechanisms and safety for use in humans
ELECTROACUPUNCTURE AT THE WANGU ACUPOINT SUPPRESSES EXPRESSION OF INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES IN THE HIPPOCAMPUS OF RATS WITH VASCULAR DEMENTIA
Get PDFBackground: Vascular dementia (VD) is the most frequent psychiatric complication of stroke, and is often difficult to treat.
Incidence rate of vascular cognition impairment is still 70% after stroke in one year (Sui R et al.2011). Stroke patients with VD
suffer from a higher mortality rate and have worse functional outcomes and quality of life. However, despite the extensive literatures
on this topic, there is no agreement on the causal mechanisms and effective therapy for VD. The objective of this study is to examine
if electroacupuncture at the Wangu acupoint (GB 12), whose position is similar to the cerebellar fastigial nucleus, could reduce
inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of rats with vascular dementia (VD).
Materials and Methods: The 54 healthy, male, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, 9 months old, and of clean grade (300-450) g, were
randomly divided into three groups: sham surgery group, VD group and electro-acupuncture group. The ethology scores of VD rats
were evaluated and the mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in the hippocampus were assessed
and the hippocampal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.
Results: Compared with the VD group, in the electroacupuncture group, the rats’ learning ability improved significantly and the
mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β decreased. Simultaneously, the damage extent of nerve cells in the hippocampal tissues
decreased, with their morphology recovered to nearly normal.
Conclusions: Electro-acupuncture at the Wangu acupoint can decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus,
reduce the damage extent of nerve cells in the hippocampus, and thus provide a new neuroprotective method in V
HERBAL RECIPES USED FOR THE TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF INFANTILE DERMATITIS IN ODEDA, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
Get PDFBackground: The period of infancy, spanning through the neonatal stage to two years, is characterized by a series of health
challenges for the affected child and concerned parents. This study conducted in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State,
Nigeria was aimed at investigating the plants used in the traditional management of infantile dermatitis and other neonatal skin
infections with emphasis on the role of SPICES.
Methods: Structured questionnaires (and personal interview) were administered to 36 nursing mothers (age range, 15 – 50) and 30
herbsellers (age range, 21 – 60) in the LGA. The herbsellers prescribed recipes used in the management of general skin diseases
including abscess, chicken pox, eczema, flaky skin spots, measles, rashes, ringworm, and small pox.
Results: The survey yielded 69 plants belonging to 38 families and forming 25 polyherbal and mono-recipes. Fabaceae, Rutaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Annonaceae, Poaceae, Meliaceae, and Amaryllidaceae had high species representation. Trees (40.58%) were the
most frequently used plant habit while leaves (40.58%) formed the most frequently used plant part. Decoction and infusion using
pure water were the methods of preparation suggested. Administration ranged from drinking extracts (2-3 teaspoonfuls) three times
daily, to bathing with warm extracts of the plants and the use of coconut oil as cream. Traditional black soap and Shea butter also
featured in the herbal remedy for bath and as cream respectively. Local sponge was preferred for bathing.
Conclusion: This study has documented the alternative medical approach in the management of infantile skin diseases. The cultural
relevance of plants calls for sustainable use of plant resources. This research finds application in primary health care, microbiology,
and in cosmetic industries for the development of new or improved baby skin care products. Further research should be conducted to
confirm the claimed ethnomedicinal values as well as evaluate possible harm of crude plant extracts to skin structures of infants