Therapeutic potential of concurrent administration of Hippocratea africana and Eremomastax speciosa in the treatment of Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Context: Despite the commonness of polyherbal therapy among the locals in the treatment of malaria in Nigeria, there are no adequate data on the therapeutic potentials and safety profile of these herbal combinations. The use of these plants in combination in the treatment of suspected and confirmed malaria infection is very common among the Niger Delta dwellers in Nigeria. Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of co-administration of Hippocratea Africana, a medicinal plant with well documented antimalarial properties, and Eremomastax speciosa, a tropical plant with well reported antianaemic potential and haematoprotective properties. Materials and Methods: Thirty albino mice, whose weights ranged between 32 - 37g, were divided into five groups having six mice in each. Clinical features, weight changes and parasite clearance were evaluated to determine therapeutic potential of treatments. An inoculum which consisted of 5 x 107 Plasmodium berghei infested erythrocytes per ml of blood from a donor mouse with 64% parasitaemia was injected into each mouse by intraperitoneal route. The mice were kept at room temperature of 28.0 ± 20C for 7 days for the parasite to develop. A non-parasitized mice group served as normal control. After parasitaemia was confirmed using standard procedure, 200mg/kg and 300mg/Kg body weights of Hippocratea Africana root bark and Eremomastax speciosa leaf extracts respectively, were administered by oral routes to the respective groups of mice for 6 days. A parasitized group was treated with fixed doses of 3mg/kg body weight of Artemether and 18mg/kg body weight of Lumefantrine. Another parasitized group was left untreated. Results: Mice treated concurrently with the extracts of H. africana and E. speciosa showed a significant improvement in clinical signs in comparison to the untreated group. The mean body weights of mice administered both extracts was significantly (P < 0.05) increased when compared to the parasitized untreated mice and those treated with extracts separately. The mice treated concurrently with the two extracts also showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in percentage parasitaemia and significant (P < 0.05) increase in percentage parasite clearance comparable to that of Artemether-lumefantrine. The parasitized untreated group recorded 50% mortality, while the group treated concurrently with the two extracts did not record any mortality.

La phytothérapie et les produits naturels au secours de la médecine conventionnelle dans le traitement et la prévention de la COVID-19 / Herbal medicine and natural products to help conventional medicine in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19

Le monde vit actuellement une pandémie sans précédent liée à la maladie du coronavirus (COVID-19). Apparue d'abord dans le canton de Wuhan en Chine fin 2019, pratiquement plus aucun pays n'est épargné à ce jour. Cette maladie, d'origine zoonotique, est causée par le Coronavirus 2 responsable d'un syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère (SRAS-CoV2), elle peut entrainer dans certains cas de graves complications rénales, neurologiques et cardiaques et est responsable d'une mortalité considérable de par le monde au quotidien. Notre objectif à travers cette revue est de promouvoir l'effet des thérapies préventives et curatives, et de mettre en lumière les effets prophylactiques de certains produits naturels, accessibles à tous et peu coûteux en attendant la généralisation de la vaccination, pour endiguer cette pandémie. Pour cela, nous avons compilé les résultats d'études antérieures sur les effets antiviraux et anti-inflammatoires de certaines plantes et produits naturels sur les Coronavirus précédents et sur le virus de la grippe saisonnière. En effet, de nombreuses recherches ont prouvé l'efficacité de certains phytochimiques contre le SRAS-CoV et peuvent potentiellement contribuer à protéger contre la COVID-19. En plus de leur efficacité prouvée, les produits naturels présentent l'avantage d'être sûrs et fiables et pourraient contribuer grandement au contrôle de la pandémie.

The world is currently experiencing an unprecedented pandemic linked to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). First appearing in Wuhan Township in China at the end of 2019, hardly any country has been spared to this day. This disease, of zoonotic origin, is caused by the coronavirus 2 responsible for a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV2). It can lead in some cases to serious renal, neurological and cardiac complications and is responsible for considerable mortality around the world on a daily basis. Our objective through this review is to promote the effect of preventive and curative therapies, and to highlight the prophylactic effects of certain natural products, accessible to all and inexpensive pending the generalization of vaccination, to stem this pandemic. To do this, we have compiled the results of previous studies on the antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of certain plants and natural products on previous coronaviruses HAOUD K. et MELLALI S. (Phytothérapie et COVID-19) Page 80 and on the seasonal influenza virus. Indeed, a lot of research has proven the effectiveness of certain phytochemicals against SARS-CoV and can potentially help protect against COVID-19. In addition to their proven effectiveness, natural products have the advantage of being safe and reliable and could greatly contribute to the control of the pandemy.

Complementary and alternative therapies for premenstrual syndrome: an exploratory study

Background: Data related to the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) for premenstrual syndrome in the communities is scarce. There is very limited information about complementary and alternative therapies practice among nursing students in Dakhalia governorate,Egypt.Methods: A descriptive exploratory design was conducted in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, on all secondary technical nursing schools students to explore the use of complementary and alternative therapies to relieve premenstrual syndrome. A sample of 1120 students was included. A structured self-administered questionnaire (Arabic language) was used for data collection in the period of March to May, 2014. Results: Most of the study subjects (87.0%) used CAT to minimize symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Herbal therapy was the most commonly used as CAT followed by hydrotherapy, changing food types, massage and exercise. Conclusion: The majority of girls used CAT to minimize PMS. The greater part of students used herbal therapy to relieve their symptoms, followed by hydrotherapy; food Change; massage; and exercise

The legislative and regulatory framework governing herbal medicine use and practice in Kenya: a review

Complementary and alternative medicine is an integral component of primary healthcare in Kenya. This is because the infrastructural health setup in the country is inadequate in catering for all the medical needs of the population. This particularly holds true in the rural areas where many rural folk rely on products of herbal origin to offset their healthcare needs. More often than not these products are an elaborate cacophony of several different substances of biological origin and thus need personnel adept in their preparation. Sadly, due to loopholes in legislation and regulation, quacks have a field day in the practice. Moreover, the process of planting, harvesting, preparation and storage of herbs and related products dictates that a significant number of people will ultimately be involved in the whole process. This is likely to set the stage for manipulation and compromise of the safety, quality and efficacy of these products. This state of affairs appears unabated especially in the context of the current legal and regulatory framework governing herbal medicine use and practice in Kenya. Not only are these laws inadequate, they are shrouded in ambiguity, open to interpretation and the authorities mandated to implement them often end up performing duplicate roles. The aim of this review is to critique the legal and regulatory provisions governing herbal medicine use and practice in Kenya. In conclusion, laws and regulations meant to control herbal medicine use and practice in Kenya are wanting. Clear and definitive legislation on herbal medicine use and practice coupled with effective implementation by mandated institutions will go a long way in inspiring confidence to all stakeholders of herbal medicine

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

The Impact of Herbal Remedies on Adverse Effects and Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Individuals on Antiretroviral Therapy

Introduction: Use of herbal remedies among HIV-infected individuals in Africa increased in the past decade; mainly due to traditional beliefs and at times inconsistent access to antiretroviral drugs. In Zimbabwe; accessibility and availability of antiretroviral drugs has increased in recent years; however; the use of herbal remedies remains high. This study was conducted to determine the impact of concomitant use of herbal remedies with antiretroviral drugs on adverse events and on quality of life. Methodology: A convenient sample of HIV positive patients at Parirenyatwa group of hospitals' Family Care Clinic (Harare; Zimbabwe) was enrolled. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the adverse event experiences of the patients using herbal remedies for their HIV; as well as the types of herbal remedy used. Quality of life index was measured using an HIV/AIDS targeted quality of life (HAT-QOL) tool developed by the World Health Organization. Results: Abdominal pain (odds ratio = 2.7; p-value = 0.01) and rash (odds ratio = 2.5; p-value = 0.02) had significant associations with using herbal remedies during antiretroviral therapy. Improved quality of life index was not significantly associated with herbal remedy use during antiretroviral therapy. Conclusions: There is evidence to suggest that some traditional herbal remedies used in Zimbabwe may increase incidence of certain types of adverse events when used in combination with antiretroviral drugs. Use of herbal drugs in combination with antiretroviral therapy does not significantly improve quality of life index in comparison to antiretroviral drug use only

Ethnobotany and phytomedicine of the upper Nyong valley forest in Cameroon

This paper presents the results of an assessment of the ethnobotanical uses of some plants recorded in upper Nyong valley forest implemented by the Cameroon wildlife conservation society project (CWCS). Forestry transects in 6 localities; followed by socio-economic study were conducted in 250 local inhabitants. As results; medicinal information on 140 plants species belonging to 60 families were recorded. Local people commonly use plant parts which included leaves; bark; seed; whole plant; stem and flower to cure many diseases. According to these plants; 8are use to treat malaria while 68intervenes to cure several others diseases as described on. There is very high demand for medicinal plants due to prevailing economic recession; however their prices are high as a result of prevailing genetic erosion. This report highlighted the need for the improvement of effective management strategies focusing on community forestry programmes and aims to encourage local people participation in the conservation of this forest heritage to achieve a sustainable plant biodiversity and conservation for future posterity

Ethnobotanical survey of anti-asthmatic plants in South Western Nigeria

The paper presents the results of an ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the treatment of asthma in Ogun, Osun and Oyo states. Twenty markets were visited and forty-six plants belonging to thirty-three different families were collected. The plants' families represented in the collection include, Amaryllidaceae, Apocynaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Solanaceae, Zingiberaceae and others. Most of the herbs were prescribed along with other recipes, mono-prescription was rare. Modes of administra-tion of the phytomedicines were concoction, decoctions and powdered ash residue

Assessment of the Knowledge of Community Pharmacists Regarding Common Phytopharmaceuticals Sold in South Western Nigeria

PURPOSE : The study was carried out to assess the knowledge of community pharmacists who sell herbal/phytopharmaceutical formulations in pharmacy retail outlets. METHOD: Questionnaires were administered to the pharmacists to gather information on phytopharmaceuticals regarding their use; side effects; potential drug-herb interactions and contraindications of the phytopharmaceuticals sold in their retail outlets. Opinions on regulation; safety and efficacy of herbal remedies were also obtained. Descriptive statistical tests and median scores were used to evaluate the distribution of responses; opinions and perception of the pharmacists on their level of knowledge of the phytopharmaceuticals; and effects of demographic data on the pharmacists' knowledge of the herbal remedies. RESULTS: The study revealed that 31 (62 percent) sold imported herbal remedies and nutritional supplements. Seventy-two (72] percent had received no postgraduate training on herbal medications. Most of the community pharmacists agreed that they did not possess adequate knowledge of potential interaction profiles and side effects of the herbal remedies sold. The training in pharmacy schools on herbal drugs and sale of phytopharmaceuticals in their outlets also had no influence (p greater than 0.05) on desired knowledge. Community pharmacists with less than 10 years of experience in the practice however possessed better knowledge than pharmacists with more than ten years of professional practice (p=0.05) CONCLUSIONS: There was gross inadequacy in the pharmacists' knowledge of the phytopharmaceuticals sold in pharmacies indicating an urgent need for intensive training in order to render better services to their clients

Short Paper - Effect of Acid Treatment on the Consolidation and Plasto-Elasticity of Tapioca Powder

PURPOSE: The effects of treating the tapioca (the fibrous residue obtained after up to 90 percent of the proportion of starch has been removed from the peeled and rasped roots of cassava tubers powder with dilute solutions of hydrochloric acid) in order to find an approach for rendering an otherwise poorly compressible material to a directly compressible powder. METHOD: The parameters measured were the degree of consolidation of the powder after compression (i.e. the packing fraction of resulting tablets); the plasto-elasticity of the powders as reflected by the brittle fracture index (BFI) of the tablets made from the powders and the viscosities of mucilages derived from the powders. The influence of time of exposure and the concentration of acid used in the treatment were studied. RESULTS: The degree of consolidation of the powder increased slightly with increase in duration of exposure to acid (24 - 72 h) but drastically with increase in the acid concentration from 0.1 to 0.4 mol. L**-1. On the other hand; the plasto-elasticity of the powders as measured by the BFI values and the viscosities of mucilages derived from the powders decreased slightly with duration of exposure but drastically with increase in acid concentration. A change in acid concentration was therefore the more determinant factor with regards to the consolidation and plasto-elasticity properties of the powders. The decrease in the viscosities of the mucilages following acid treatment of the powders was indicative of a breakdown of polymeric structure in the powder CONCLUSION: Acid treatment of tapioca powder imparted plasticity in tapioca powder which became compressible