Phytochemical and anticonvulsant screening of three medicinal plants used in the treatment of epilepsy in the south-western part of Nigeria

The burden of epilepsy in developing countries made medicinal plants like Xylopia aethiopica fruit; Khaya grandifoliola, Alstonia boonei etc an alternative source in epilepsy management in the south-western part of Nigeria. The aim of the study was to provide pharmacological rationale for the ethnomedicinal use of the plants in epilepsy management. The oral medial lethal dose of methanol stem bark extracts of Alstonia boonei (MEAB) and Khaya grandifoliola (MEKG) and methanol fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica (MEXAF) were done in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development guideline. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical profiling of the extracts was done. Anticonvulsant screening was carried out on the extracts (doses: 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) using the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure and maximum electroshock tests (MEST). Results showed that the MEXAF has the highest amount of phytochemicals except for saponins in MEKG; and MEAB with the least amount (but higher alkaloid) than MEKG. The TLC showed different bands of spots of the extracts. In the PTZ test, MEXAF showed 100 % protection against mortality at 300 mg/kg; MEAB with 66.67 % protection at 75 mg/kg and MEKG 0 % protection. MEAB, MEKG and MEXAF nonsignificantly increased the onset of seizure and latency to death. In the MEST, MEXAF, MEKG and MEAB at 75 mg/kg protected 50, 33.3 and 16.67% of the animals against tonic hind limb extension respectively and nonsignificantly (p˃0.05) decreased the recovery time at a dose of 75 mg/kg. It was concluded that the extracts possess anticonvulsant activities hence, the pharmacological credence for the ethnomedicinal use of these plants in treating epilepsy.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Egyptian medicinal plants and bacteriophages

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common cause of gastric infections worldwide. Due to antibiotic resistance and adverse effects, phytotherapy and phage therapy have been a research focus as an alternative therapy for H. pylori infection. Objectives: To assess the medicinal plant extracts and bacteriophages as a treatment of H. pylori infection. Methodology: Thirty five gastric biopsies were cultured for H. pylori isolation. Screening of medicinal plants extract efficiency was done by Disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of extracts were assessed. In vivo effect of Punica granatum peel extract was tested by bacterial density and histopathology in rats. Sewage water samples were screened for H. pylori specific bacteriophages. Single plaque isolation technique was used for phage purification. Results: Ten out of 35 (28.57%) patients had positive gastric biopsy for H. pylori by culture. Four out of 10 (40%) isolates were resistant to all antibiotics. Inhibitory effect of Rosemarinus officinalis, Syzygium aromaticum, Rhus coriaria and Ammi visagna on H. pylori was detected. Punica granatum extract was the most efficient in vitro. In vivo, Punica granatum peel extract caused significant reduction of bacterial density (Pty (P<0.05) and enhanced ulcer healing. Sewage water filtrates contained 3 types ofH. pylorispecific bacteriophages. During phagepurification,phage infectivity waslost.Conclusions:Punicagranatumpeel extract revealed better in vivo activity againstH. pylorithanv standard regimen antimicrobials. Other effective plants can be beneficial inH. Pylori infection management .Loss of bacteriophage infectivity may be an obstacle to phage therapy of H. pylori

Evaluation comparative de l'activité anti-oxydante des extraits éthanoliques des feuilles d'Olea europaea L. de l'Est Algérien / Comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts from leaves of Olea europaea L. from Eastern Algeria

Introduction: Objectif-Dans les dernières décennies il y a eu un intérêt croissant pour l'étude des plantes médicinales et leur utilisation traditionnelle pour le traitement de diverses maladies. L'olivier ou Olea europaea L. constitue une entité indissociable des peuples méditerranéens. Cette plante appartient à la grande famille des oleaceae. L'objectif de cette étude a été d'évaluer l'activité anti-oxydante des extraits éthanoliques de quatre variétés sauvages de la plante O.europaea des régions de l'Est algérien : Batna et Mila (hautes-plateaux), Biskra (Sahara) et Skikda (ville côtière). Matériels et méthodes - L'évaluation de l'activité anti-oxydante in vitro des extraits éthanoliques de la plante O.europaea a été réalisée par différentes méthodes, notamment le piégeage du radical libre DPPH• et le pouvoir réducteur des ions ferriques. Résultats : L'analyse quantitative des extraits éthanoliques des feuilles de la plante O.europaea a révélé que l'extrait de Mila était plus riche (420.36 mg GAE/g MS), suivi de celui de Batna (396.84 mg GAE/g MS), puis celui de Biskra (de 380.69 mg GAE/g MS) et enfin de l'extrait de Skikda (368.45 mg GAE/g MS). Les résultats de l'activité antiradicalaire des extraits éthanoliques ont montré que ceux de Batna et Mila possédaient le pouvoir le plus important. Conclusion -Les résultats obtenus confirment favorablement l'utilisation des feuilles d'O.europaea en médecine traditionnelle algérienne pour le traitement de diverses maladies.

Introduction-Objective-In recent decades the study of medicinal proprieties of Olea europaea showed an increase interest of medicinal plants and their traditional use for the treatment of various diseases. The olive tree or Olea europaea L. is an inseparable entity of the Mediterranean people. This plant belongs to the large family of oleaceae. The purpose of this study was to assess the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts from four wild varieties of O.europea in the eastern regions of Algeria: Batna and Mila (highlands), Biskra (Sahara) and Skikda (coastal city). Material and methods - The evaluation of the antioxidant activity in vitro of the ethanolic extracts of O.europaea plant was carried out by various methods, in particular, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging effect and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results -Quantitative analysis of ethanolic extracts from the leaves of the plant O.europaea revealed that Mila's extract was richer (420.36 mg GAE / g DM), followed by that of Batna (396.84 mg GAE / g DM), then that of Biskra (380.69 mg GAE / g MS) and finally by Skikda extract (368.45 mg GAE / g MS). The results of DPPH free radical scavenging of the ethanolic extracts showed that those of Batna and Mila had the most important power. Conclusion - The obtained results favorably confirm the use of O.europaea leaves in traditional Algerian medicine for the treatment of various diseases.

Ethiopian medicinal plants traditionally used for wound treatment: a systematic review

Background: There are rich knowledge and practice in Ethiopian traditional medicine of using plants for the treatment of various ailments, including wounds. Though scholars have been working on documenting the ethnobotanical use of plants, the studies are still ongoing. Objectives: This study systematically reviewed medicinal plants traditionally employed for the treatment of wounds in Ethiopia. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar; a search of grey literature was also carried out as part of the review. Search terms and phrases included 'traditional medicine', 'ethnomedicine', 'ethnobotany' and 'Ethiopia'. Data regarding the scientific name, family, local name, growth form of the plant, mode of administration, and availability of voucher specimen were extracted. Results: Based on the eligibility criteria, 29 studies were retrieved from PubMed, and 25 from Google Scholar and the grey literature. Around 200 medicinal plants which are used to treat wounds in Ethiopian traditional medicine were recorded. Leaves and roots were the most commonly used plant parts to treat wounds, while shrubs and herbs were reported to be the growth forms of most plants. The mode of administration was topical in almost all cases. Conclusions: Medicinal plants have been used extensively to treat wounds in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the scientific exploration of plants' efficacy and safety is inadequate, and relevant activity studies ought to be conducted to provide scientific evidence to the traditional claims of these plants

Traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in the Sudan : A review

The prevalence of metabolic disorders such as diabetes among population is of increasing concern worldwide. Sudan is a developing country, where several areas frequently depend on folk medicine. Several herbal preparations have been used in folklore practice in Sudan for the management of diabetes with claims asserting their hypoglycemic effect. Basic research relating to these plants are reviewed in this paper with the intention to highlight their therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes and promote their regular use in Sudan. Ethnobotanical information was obtained by an assessment of the available literature in electronic data bases with publications describing the medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes. In this review paper, different parts of 38 plant species, are described that are used in the Sudanese traditional medicine and belong to 35 genera and 23 families. Thirty three plants have been documented in scientific literature to possess in vivo antidiabetic activity and only one was ineffective in lowering blood glucose level, namely Striga hermonthica. Many of the plants in the study review have been studied in in vitro models (such as α-amylase or α-glucosidase inhibition) in an effort to explain some of their biomedical interaction. The role of isolated bioactive compounds like trigonelline and 3, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in diabetes management is also evaluated in the present review. Ten plants original from Sudan have been already used in clinical trials for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This review provides useful information on the characterization of such herbal medicines that are utilized in the Sudanese traditional medicine for the control of metabolic syndromes such as diabetes

Investigation of medicinal plants traditionally used as dietary supplements: A review on Moringa oleifera

Diet and nutrition are important factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health throughout the entire life course. A plant-based diet may be able to prevent and treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, obesity, chronic inflammation and cancer. Phytonutrient rich foods are found in traditional African diet which is mostly vegetarian, and most of these food plants are often used for medicinal purposes. This review focuses on a peculiar plant Moringa oleifera, called the "Miracle Tree", considered to be one of nature's healthiest and most nutritious foods. Countless studies describe the benefits of Moringa leaves, pods, seeds and flowers. Its well-documented role in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases is hypothesized here as a result of possible of cross-kingdom regulation by exogenous vegetal microRNAs and synergistic action of plant bioactive components on endogenous human microRNA regulation. The potential health impact of phytocomplexes from African dietary plants within the context of cross-kingdom and endogenous microRNA regulation on health improvement and the overall economic well-being of the continent is estimated to be enormous

A-21 day safety evaluation of methanol extract of stem bark of artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) fosberg (Moraceae) in wistar rats

Background: Medicinal plants have been used as therapeutic agents since prehistoric era. Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit)is used in African traditional medicine to treat hypertension with scanty information on its safety profile in animals.Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the toxicological effects of oral administration of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (MEAA) in rats.Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 5 animals each and were treated orally with corn oil (control), 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of MEAA for twenty one days.Results: MEAA caused insignificant (p>0.05) changes in the activities of serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases(ALT and AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) relative to the control. Cardiac and hepatic AST (114.8±4.8 and(111.0±1.0) serum urea (1.1±0.2), creatinine (0.3±0.1), lactate dehydrogenase (17.3±5.8) and creatinine kinase (15.5±4.4)were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in rats treated with 2000 mg/kg of MEAA when compared to control [(134.8±5.8and 129.7±5.0), 2.94±0.3, 0.4±0.1, 38.5±13.3 and 41.3±2.9]. The MEAA significantly decreased (p<0.05) serum total cholesterol and triglyceride while high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-c) level was increased. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney and aorta slides from MEAA- treated rats showed little alteration from the control.Conclusions: The MEAA could be safe when used over a long period for therapeutic purposes

A Survey of Plants used in Treatment of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Background: Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus have emerged as the leading non-communicable disease worldwide, thus, the increasing need to continuously explore more and better ways of treating these diseases.Objectives: To carry out a survey of plants used in the treatment of hypertension and Diabetes mellitus in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Interview was conducted among respondents using semi-structured questionnaires and asking open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.Result: A total of 30 respondents comprising of 60.0% male and 40.0% female with the highest distribution of age range at above 50 years old (50.0%) was reported. Forty (40) medicinal plant species belonging to thirty-one (31) plant families were cited with the Apocynaceae family having the highest number of medicinal plants, followed by Asteraceae. For hypertension, 32 plant species were reported of which the most cited were Allium sativum (4) and Ficus asperifolia (2) while for Diabetes mellitus, 20 plant species were mentioned, of which the most cited were Hunteria umbellata (10) and Vernonia amygdalina (9). Of particular interest in this study were the plants that appeared for both hypertension and Diabetes treatment.Conclusion: This survey has helped to increase available medicinal plants knowledge and documentation in the management of hypertension and Diabetes. However, further work on the pharmacological activity of these plants as well as formulation in proper dosage form is recommended

Health promotion through herb information: a special discussion of GEGEMU herb in yoruba setting of Nigeria

Gegemu herb (Datura Stramonium) is a plant that is common in the environment. It is a cosmopolitan weed of word wide distribution. It is found in many countries. The herb is widely available and dominates the surroundings of houses in Yoruba land. However, only few people know about its uses, toxicity and hazards. This paper is a review on Gegemu herb, the toxic effects of the plant and the various uses in Yoruba land. The paper recommendations that information about gegemu should be made known to the public through print and other mass media, Librarians should make efforts to communicate indigenous knowledge and herb information to the community and Researchers on health sciences and pharmacology are urged to further study this plant for the benefits of mankind. Keywords: Gegemu Herb, Datura Stramonium, Herb Information, Health Promotion.

In-vitro antibacterial screening of methanol extracts of three combretum species against seven strains of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Background: Medicinal plants are valued as sources of natural compounds some of which are effective against several infectious diseases. Plants from the genus Combretum have been used traditionally in various African societies to treat variety of medical problems especially infectious diseases.Objective: In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of the methanol extracts from the leaves of three Combretum species namely Combretum hispidum, Combretum racemosum and Combretum platypterum against seven strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro.Materials and methods: Methanol extract from Combretum hispidum, Combretum racemosum and Combretum platypterum were subjected to agar diffusion assay and broth micro-dilution test for the determination of antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), all the extracts were tested against eight different strain of MRSA. Imipenem and ciprofloxacin were used as control.Results: Extract from Combretum racemosum leaves showed significant anti-MRSA activity with zone of inhibition as high as 37 mm and MIC values ranging from 0.16 - 1.25 mg/mL on all tested strains of MRSA. Extracts from the two other species did not exhibit any activity on all tested strain.Conclusion: Methanol extract from C. racemosum is highly effective against MRSA and it could be a potential source of newer antimicrobial agent against MRSA infections

Enquête sur les aspects toxicologiques de la phytothérapie utilisée par un herboriste à Fès, Maroc

Introduction:Dans le but d'étudier l'aspect toxicologique des plantes médicinales utilisées en médecine traditionnelle, une étude ethnobotanique a été réalisée à la ville de Fès au centre du Maroc. Méthodes: Ont été inclus dans l'étude tous les patients ayant bénéficié d'une prescription par l'herboriste de plantes à visée thérapeutique. La discussion de nos résultats s'est faite sur la base d'une revue de la littérature avec identification des principales plantes toxiques utilisées en phytothérapie au Maroc. L'approche bibliographique a permis de compléter les informations. Résultats: L'âge moyen des patients traités par des plantes (38 femmes, 32 hommes) était de 35 ± 18 ans. L'enquête ethnobotanique à révélé que la majorité des plantes médicinales étaient utilisées contre les affections urinaires (21%), suivi des maladies de l'appareil digestif (19.6%) et des maladies rhumatologiques (18.2%). Le nombre de plantes prescrits par l'herboriste a été de 53 dont 5 sont potentiellement toxiques. L'identification taxonomique des plantes prescrites a recensé 30 familles dont les plus représentées sont les Lamiaceae (23.33%), les Apiaceae (13,33%) et les Asteraceae (10%). La prescription des plantes considérées comme toxiques a concerné 7,1% des consultants traités par les plantes médicinales. Aucune complication inhérente aux plantes prescrites n'a été déplorée. Conclusion: Malgré les résultats encourageants de notre enquête sur le compte de la phytothérapie, la pratique de la phytothérapie est laissée à la vulgarisation et à l'oubli scientifique, législatif et universitaire

Production des medicaments traditionnels ameliores au Cameroun : cas d'un hypoglycemiant oral

Introduction/but de l'etude.Le diabete est une affection metabolique chronique; multifactorielle; aux complications fatales en recrudescence dans le monde en general et au Cameroun en particulier. Le cout eleve des traitements conventionnels; ainsi que la modicite des revenus des populations suscitent depuis quelques annees; un interet croissant et une forte demande pour les medicaments traditionnels a base de plantes. Cet enorme potentiel medical souffre malheureusement du manque de preuves scientifiques de l'innocuite et de l'efficacite therapeutique de ces phytomedicaments. Methodes:Des etudes ethnobotaniques et ethnopharmacologiques et des analyses de laboratoire realisees sur Laportea ovalifolia ont permis d'etablir la preuve de son innocuite et la confirmation de ses activites hypoglycemiantes chez les rats. Le choix de la recette a base de cette plante parmi tant autres recensees au Cameroun en 2008 a ete fait a travers les indices de credibilite. Resultats:Cette recette a permis de produire un medicament traditionnel ameliore (MTA) antidiabetique sous quatre formes : les comprimes; les gelules; la poudre en sachets et le solute buvable. Conclusion: La determination de la posologie et le conditionnement non reconnus en medecine traditionnelle et obeissant aux methodes de fabrication modernes des formes galeniques; facilitent l'administration et la conservation du produit

In vivo antitrypanosomal effects of some ethnomedicinal plants from Nupeland of North Central Nigeria

Abstract: Four medicinal plants Acacia nilotica, Bombax buonopozense, Terminalia avicennioides and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides traditionally used for treatment of sleeping sickness in Nupeland were investigated for in vivo antitrypanosomal activity. Methanol extracts of different parts of each plant (stem barks and fruits) were obtained and evaluated for their in vivo antitrypanosomal activities against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts of each plant were performed by standard procedures. Methanol extracts of A. nilotica (stem bark), B. buonopozense (stem bark), T. avicennioides (round fruit) and Z. zanthoxyloides (stem bark) were effective on trypanosomes. The extracts of A. nilotica and B. buonopozense exhibited antitrypanosomal effects at 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight respectively. Doses were able to clear the parasites from circulation within 6 and 7 days of treatment respectively with prolonging survival period of up to 30 days. While the extracts of T. avicennioides and Z. zanthoxyloides showed trypanostatic effects and could not clear the parasites completely. The methanol extracts of these plants contain metabolites that are associated with antitrypanosomal effects; therefore, these medicinal plants may be sources of new compounds that may be active against T. b. brucei. This study has also justified the claim that some medicinal plants of Nupeland possess antitrypanosomal activity and could be useful in the management of trypanosomiasis

Virologic and immunologic outcome of treatment of HIV infection with a herbal concoction, A-Zam, among clients seeking herbal remedy in Nigeria

Abstract: This study was to determine the effectiveness (CD4 count and viral load) of a safe herbal concoction, α-Zam used by clients seeking herbal remedy for treatment of HIV infection in Nigeria. 51 patients taking α-Zam as complementary and alternative therapy through the herbal therapist were studied for a period of 16 months. Preliminary medical and laboratory examinations using WHO and CDC criteria were done after confirmation of HIV infection by Western blotting in the nearest teaching hospitals to the residence of the patients. Regular visits were paid to the patients after commencement of the α-Zam to assess the side-effects, drug interactions, toxicity and effectiveness of the herbal remedy. There was a statistical significance (P<0.05) between pre-treatment and post-treatment CD4 count. 4 (7.8%) of the patients had average increase in CD4 count of 262±16 cell/µL, 23 (45.1%) patients with average increase 310±16 cell/µL, 16 (31.4%) patients with average increase 456±25 cell/µL and 8 (15.7%) patients with average increase 510±36 cell/µL( %) were at WHO staging I , II, III and IV respectively within 4 months on herbal therapy. There was very marked reduction in viral (HIV-RNA) load with 41 (80.4%) and 10 (19.6%) HIV infected patients had undetectable viral load and <1000 copies/ml respectively after the therapy. All symptoms and signs associated with HIV infection in all patients fully subsided within 4 weeks of commencement of α-zam therapy and there was no evidence of negative drug interaction in those HIV patients using both the herbal and highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). The study is in progress to determine periodic immunological outcomes of post therapy in all patients

Herbal remedies and their adverse effects in Tem Tribe Traditional Medicine in Togo

Abstract: In Africa, up to 80% of the population relies on herbal concoctions for their primarily health care. In Togo, western Africa, Tem tribe is a population with old knowledge of medicinal plants, however, still very little is known about their medical practices. The present study was conducted to access for the apprehension of adverse effects of traditional remedies by Tem traditional healers (TH). Enquiry was performed by interviews with healers from August to October 2007 in Tchaoudjo prefecture (Togo). The study allowed us to interview 54 TH including 41(75.93%) males and 13(24.07%) females, who cited 102 recipes assumed to have adverse effects. The recipes were used alone to cure several diseases including haemorrhoids (22.55%), female sexual disorders and infertility (21.57%), gastrointestinal disorders (18.63%), and malaria (6.86%). A total of 34 plants belonging to 21 families were cited to be components of the recipes. Euphorbiaceae and Mimosaceae families were the most represented, however, Nauclea latifolia, Khaya senegalensis, Pseudocedrela kotschyi and Xeroderris stuhlmannii were the main components of recipes linked to adverse effects. A total of 20 adverse effects were linked to the administration of theses drugs, and among them; diarrhoea, abdominal pains, polyuria, general weakness and vomiting were the most frequently encountered. These findings were in accordance with several reports of the literature concerning medicinal plants, although they were based on empirical observations. Laboratory screenings are needed to access for the effectiveness as well as the possible toxic effects of the recipes

Structure, control and regulation of the formal market for medicinal plants' products in Nigeria

Abstract: There are informal and formal markets for medicinal plants' products in Nigeria. The formal market is subject to the national regulatory framework for Food and Drug Administration and Control. It is relatively new and underdeveloped. This study was designed to appraise this market with special emphasis on the market participants, market structure, marketing functions performed, conduct of sellers in the market and; standards and regulations to which the market is subject. Information used for this study was collected through personal interviews and interactions with key participants in the market; especially the officials of regulatory agency. The market structure was analysed in terms of the share of market controlled by participants and product types. Concentration Ratios (CR2 and CR4) were used to assess the market share. Marketing functions being performed were described in terms of the exchange, physical and facilitating functions while the conduct was described in terms of pricing and promotional strategies. The regulatory framework under which the market operates was appraised. The market was highly concentrated with a CR2 and CR4 of 58.5% and 80.8 %; respectively. Imported products accounted for only 12.3% of the market. The predominant modes of presentation of the product were capsule (41.6%) and liquid (36.2%). About 20.77% of the products were classified as multivitamins, 13.85% were antibiotics while 10.77% addressed sexual dysfunctional problems. These products were regulated under the Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) decrees, 1993-1999. Only 2.3% of the products have received full registration status while the others were only listed

Traditional practices and medicinal plants use during pregnancy by Anyi-Ndenye Women (Eastern Côte d'Ivoire)

The use of plants during pregnancy is a common practice in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, despite modern antenatal medical prescriptions, most pregnant women resort to traditional medicine to ensure foetus development and facilitate childbirth. Yet, there is not enough research on the African traditional medicine concerning this aspect of health. Therefore, the plants used by pregnant women need to be better known in order to offer integrated antenatal care. This study analyzes the salience of plants used, the associated practices and reasons of such practices by pregnant women in Yakassé-Féyassé, an Anyi-Ndenye town of the Eastern Côte d'Ivoire. Methods include an ethnobotany survey (freelist method, interview with pregnant women during their antenatal consultation and with specialists). The survey led to a list of 75 plants distributed in 3 class of salience. In addition, 90.3 % of pregnant women use these practices which are nevertheless ignored by Midwives during antenatal visits (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[1]: 85-93)

Evaluation of the analgesic activity of the methanolic stem bark extract of dialium guineense (wild)

Background: Dialium guineense is a medicinal plant used by some communities of Enugu-Ezike in Enugu State; Nigeria for treatment of fever; headache and other diverse ailments. Objectives: The present study evaluated the analgesic activity of the methanolic stem bark extract of the plant. Method: Acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction or writhing; tail immersion and hot plate analgesic models in albino Wistar mice were used for the study. Three test doses (250; 500; 1000 mg/kg body weight) of the extract were administered orally by gastric gavage. The activity was compared with a standard reference drug; acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) (400 mg/kg) and negative control. The results were analysed by SPSS version 17 using ANOVA and Post Hoc Duncan. Result: In the acetic acid-induced writhing reflex model; D. guineense extract and the reference drug significantly (P =0.014 - 0.002) decreased the mean total number of abdominal constriction in the mice in a dose dependent fashion. The percentage inhibition of the abdominal constriction reflex was increased dose dependently from 0in the negative control group to 71at the highest dose of the extract (1000mg/kg). In the tail immersion model the extract at the dose of 1000 mg/kg significantly (P = 0. 048) increased the pain reaction time (PRT) while in hot plate model the extract and drug also significantly (P = 0.048 - 0.05) increased the mean PRT at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The dose of 250 mg/kg showed no analgesic activity in tail immersion and hot plate models. Conclusion: Dialium guineense demonstrated significant analgesic activity that may be mediated through peripheral pain mechanism

A Survey of the activities of traditional medicine Practitioners (Tmps) in Southern Ijaw, Sagbama and Ogbia Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The impact of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) in healthhcare delivery; their role in over exploitation of natural plant resources plants were studied in Southern Ijaw; Sagbama and Ogbia Local Government areas of Bayelsa State; Nigeria. A total of sixty-nine (69) TMPs were interviewed. Most of the TMPs were general practitioners; and bone setters. Patients are referred to them from hospitals; chemists and churches. The practice may be going into extinction as more than three quarters of the TMPs are between age range 41 - 80 with about 13between 31 and 40 and approximately 40have not trained anyone. About 70of the respondents depend on collection of plants from the wild for treating their patients; thereby posing a serious bioconservation problem on species of plants they exploit