Modèle explicatif et interprétatif de l'anémie sévère (« Gbébile ¼) chez les sénoufo de Korhogo (Côte d'Ivoire) / NA

L'objectif de cette recherche était d'examiner le modèle explicatif et interprétatif de l'anémie sévère chez le peuple Sénoufo. Elle a permis de comprendre que l'anémie n'est pas seulement la souffrance physique. Elle est aussi un vécu, et comme tel, elle est socialisée et socialement pensée par la culture. Pour y parvenir, la démarche méthodologique suivie s'articule autour de la recherche documentaire et les travaux de terrain. En ce qui concerne les travaux de terrain, un échantillon de 79 personnes composé d'un médecin, de 14 tradipraticiens ou guérisseurs et de 64 parents et grands-parents d'adolescents. A partir d'une approche qualitative centrée sur des entretiens libres et l'observation directe,les résultats fondamentaux montrent quel'anémie sévère est culturellement pensée comme une transgression d'interdits alimentaires ou le meurtre du margouillatdont le nom de la maladie «Gbébile¼.Les agitations convulsives de la peau, l'amaigrissement, la pâleur palmoplantaire sont les symptômes retenus. Le parcours de soins part des centres de santé modernes aux tradipraticiens et/ou guérisseurs qui pour le traitement font usage de scarifications et de décoctions alimentaires.Pour cela,les logiques préventives des Sénoufo s'apparentent à des idéologies secrétées, par les générations précédentes, afin d'éloigner les cadettes et les adolescents de la consommation excessive des aliments indexés et autres considérations culturelles.

The aim of this research was to examine the explanatory and interpretative model of severe anemia among the Sénoufo people. It enabled us to understand that anemia is not just physical suffering. It is also a lived experience, and as such, it is socializedand socially thought through by culture. To achieve this, the methodological approach followed was based on documentary research and fieldwork. The fieldwork involved a sample of 79 people: one doctor, 14 traditional healers and 64 parents and grandparents of adolescents. Based on a qualitative approach centred on free interviews and direct observation, the fundamental results show that severe anaemia is culturally thought of as a transgression of dietary prohibitions or the killing of the lizard whose name "Gbébile" gives the disease its name. The symptoms include convulsive skin movements, weight loss and palmar-plantar pallor. The course of treatment ranges from modern health centres to traditionaltraditional practitioners and/or healers who use scarification and food decoctions for treatment. For this reason, the Senufo's preventive logics are similar to ideologies secreted by previous generations, to keep younger children and adolescents away from excessive consumption of index foods.

Potential of Malawi's medicinal plants in Covid-19 disease management: A review

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered an international pandemic that has led to significant public health problems. To date, limited evidence exists to suggest that drugs are effective against the disease. As possible treatments are being investigated, herbal medicines have shown potential for producing novel antiviral agents for the COVID-19 disease. Aim This review explored the potential of Malawi's traditional medicinal plants for the management of COVID-19. Methods:The authors searched on PubMed and Google scholar for medicinal plants that are used in Malawi and published in openly available peer reviewed journals. Plants linked with antiviral treatment, anti-COVID-19 activity or COVID-19 symptoms management were targeted. These included activity against pneumonia, inflammation, cough, difficulty in breathing, pain/aches, fever, diarrhoea, rheumatism, fatigue, asthma, immunocompromised and cardiovascular diseases.Results:11 studies were found with 306 plant species. 127 plant species had at least one COVID-19 related pharmacological activity. Of these plant species, the number of herbal entities used for each indication was: pain/aches (87), fever (2), pneumonia (9), breathing/asthma problems (5), coughing (11), diarrhoea (1), immunosuppression (8), blood issues (10), fatigue (2), heart problems (11), inflammation (8), rheumatism (10) and viral diseases (12). Thirty (30) species were used for more than one disease and Azedarachta indica topped the list (6 of the 13 COVID-19 related diseases). The majority of the species had phytochemicals known to have antiviral activity or mechanisms of actions linked to COVID-19 and consequent diseases' treatment pathways.Conclusion:Medicinal plants are a promising source of compounds that can be used for drug development of COVID-19 related diseases. This review highlights potential targets for the World Health Organization and other research entities to explore in order to assist in controlling the pandemic.

Ethnomedical knowledge and indigenous healthcare practices in Nekemte District, western Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Background: Indigenous healthcare practices are widely used by the majority of people in Ethiopia. People use them for various health needs; however the knowledge and practice of ethnomedicine across different parts of Ethiopia have not been extensively studied. This study explores ethnomedical knowledge and indigenous healthcare practices in Nekemte District, western Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2015 in Nekemte town and surrounding areas in western Ethiopia. The study employed a chain referral sampling technique to identify study participants. A total of 12 indigenous healers were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data procured through interviews were transcribed and translated into English, categorized, and narrated thematically. Results: The study revealed that ethnomedical knowledge in the study area was conveyed orally and through practical experience, and was characterized by secrecy. Fourteen different human ailments/conditions identified to be treated by the different indigenous healers, including gonorrhea, 'evil eye', diarrhea, herpes zoster, measles, and bone fractures. A further finding was that there is a lack of cooperation between modern and indigenous healthcare practitioners. Conclusions and recommendations: Indigenous healthcare practices were used to treat several human ailments. Although indigenous healthcare serves as an alternative source of healthcare for communities, lack of documentation of ethnomedicine and its associated knowledge, the lack of collaboration with modern practitioners, and the lack of support have a negative impact on indigenous healthcare. Properly considering these factors in health policies will help to preserve the local heritage of health care and resources

Causes of pediatric limb amputations at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital and the role of traditional bone setters ("wogeshas")

Introduction: Limb amputation in pediatric age group is relatively infrequent compared to adults and is often associated with profound social, psychological and economic impacts on the growing child and family. There is few published literature specifying the cause of limb amputation in pediatrics in Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to determine the cause and patterns of paediatric limb amputation at 'Tikur Anbessa' specialized hospital and make recommendations towards reducing the incidence.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at 'Tikur Anbessa' Specialized teaching Hospital between May 2005 and April 2015. Data were retrieved from medical records and operation logbook of all pediatric patients aged 15 years and below who underwent limb amputations during the study period. Information regarding age, sex, indications and levels of amputation were studied.Results: A total number of 99 patients with 102 amputations were involved in the study. Their age ranged between 4 and 15 years with mean age of 10.5 ( SD ±3.2) years. There were 75 boys and 24 girls (male: female ratio=3.1:1). The most common indication for limb amputation was gangrene arising from treatment of limb injuries by traditional bone setters, locally called "Wogeshas" (55.5%), followed by malignancy (29.2%) and trauma (11.1%). An intractable bone and soft tissue infection accounted only for 2% of the amputations (2). Three limb amputations in one patient and two in another one were due to a condition with unclear vascular etiology resulting in multiple gangrenous limbs. Majority of the amputations were in the upper limbs.Conclusion: Traditional bone setters' practice related gangrene, late presenting musculoskeletal malignancy and trauma were the three most common causes for pediatric limb amputation in Ethiopia. Given that, all are non-communicable conditions, we can conclude that the majority of the amputations could have been prevented by provision of health education, early presentation and appropriate treatment in a modern health facility

Utilization of traditional healers services for the management of fractures in the town of Ngaoundere

Introduction. Dans les pays en voie de développement, particulièrement au Cameroun, la population utilise encore largement la médecine traditionnelle pour soigner les fractures. L'objectif de notre étude était d'étudier les facteurs favorisant les consultations chez les guérisseurs traditionnels et les conséquences de ce comportement sur la prise en charge. Méthodologie. Il s'agit d'une étude descriptive, transversale sur une période de six (6) mois. Nous avons colligé 102 patients. La collecte des données a éét faite au niveau des registres de consultation et des registres de compte rendu opératoire. Résultats. Le sexe masculin représentait 70,59%. Dans 35,30% il s'agissait des patients jeunes. Les accidents de la voie publique étaient la cause la plus fréquente (77,45%). Les conducteurs de motos étaient majoritaires (30,40%) et leurs jeunes passagers (étudiants et écoliers). Le manque des moyens financiers a été évoqué dans 53,92% des cas come facteur favorisant. En outre, 63,73% des enquêtés disaient être mal accueillis dans les formations sanitaires. Les complications les plus fréquentes étaient la nécrose cutanée (38,24%) et la gangrène (28,43%). Conclusion. L'importance de la prise en charge des fractures par les guérisseurs traditionnels est due à la fois à des raisons économiques et culturelles, et à la mauvaise qualité des soins dans les services de santé publics. Toutefois, cette prise en charge comporte des complications. La sensibilisation des usagers et des personnels de santé devrait contribuer à une meilleure fréquentation des formations sanitaires en cas de fractures

Traditional red cell indices are not suggestive of iron deficiency in children with chronic kidney disease

Background. Iron deficiency (ID) contributes significantly to the chronic anaemia seen in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The use of traditional red cell indices such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width (RCDW) in screening for ID has been recommended, because they are inexpensive and widely available, especially in low-income settings.Objectives. To determine the prevalence of anaemia and ID, and the role of traditional red cell indices in screening for ID in children with CKD.Methods. A sample of 130 children (aged 5 - 18 years) with various stages of CKD was recruited. Blood samples were taken and assessed for traditional red cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC and RCDW), serum haemoglobin, creatinine, C-reactive protein, iron, transferrin,transferrin saturation (TSAT) and ferritin.Results. The mean (standard deviation) age was 10.7 (3.6) years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.8:1. There was a high prevalence (32%) of anaemia among the patients. The median TSAT and ferritin were 19 (range 13 - 26)% and 50 (28 - 102) ng/mL, respectively. The prevalence of ID and ID with anaemia (IDA) was 43% and 11%, respectively. The majority of the patients (110/130; 85%) were iron deplete, and serum ferritin and RCDW were found to be independent predictors for anaemia, ID and IDA. There was no significant difference in the traditional red cell indices in iron-deplete and iron-replete patients.Conclusion. The routine use of traditional red cell indices alone in screening for ID in children with CKD should be discouraged

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

"Mifana" : pratique traditionnelle après accouchement et état nutritionnel des mères à Madagascar

Introduction : Résoudre le problème de malnutrition par approche contextuelle nécessite l'identification des déterminants spécifiques qui implique des stratégies adaptées à chaque situation. La présente étude a pour but de comprendre les rôles de pratique traditionnelle malgache appelés "mifana" après l'accouchement sur l'état nutritionnel des femmes.Matériels et méthode : Une étude transversale rétrospective a été réalisée dans le district sanitaire d'Antsiranana-I. Cent soixante-quatorze femmes allaitantes ayant un enfant âgé de 2 à 4 mois ont été recrutées. La collecte des données a été effectuée par une enquête et une mesure anthropométrique auprès des mères. L'état nutritionnel a été estimé à partir de l'Indice de Masse Corporelle (IMC).Résultats : Les résultats ont montré que 63,8% des mères étaient en bon état nutritionnel (18,5 < IMC < 25), 31,6% en surpoids (25 ≤ IMC < 30) et 4,6% obèses (IMC ≥ 30). Quarante-neuf femmes (28,2%) n'ont pas pratiqué la tradition "mifana", 59 (33,9%) l'ont pratiqué avec une durée de 1 à 3 semaines et 37,9% pour une durée de 4 semaines et plus. Une association significative entre l'état nutritionnel des mères et la pratique traditionnelle "mifana" est observée. En analyse multivariée, les mères ayant pratiqué la tradition "mifana" pendant 4 semaines ou plus est significativement plus fréquente parmi les obèses ou en surpoids OR [IC95%] = 5,8 [2, 9-11, 7].Conclusion : La présente étude a un intérêt dans un pays comme Madagascar où les communautés respectent encore les pratiques traditionnelles et où la prévalence de la dénutrition chez les femmes reste élevée. La promotion de ces pratiques traditionnelles ne serait-il pas envisageable comme une stratégie d'amélioration de l'état nutritionnel des femmes ?

Enhancing the Role of Traditional Medicine in Health Systems: A Strategy for the African Region

In line with Resolution AFR/RC50/ R3 (Promoting the role of traditional medicine in health systems: A strategy for the African Region; 2000); Member States took steps between 2001 and 2012 to promote traditional medicine by developing national policies and regulatory frameworks and by implementing some priority interventions. By 2012; a total of 40 countries had national policies; 19 had strategic plans and there were 28 national research institutes that conducted research on traditional medicine products used for malaria; HIV/ AIDS; sickle-cell disease; diabetes and hypertension. In addition; seven countries included traditional medicine products into their national essential medicines lists (NEML) and nine adopted national frameworks for the protection of intellectual property rights and traditional medicine knowledge related to practices and products. Despite the progress made; countries continue to face challenges in implementing Resolution AFR/RC50/R3. This article introduces an updated strategy ( Regional Strategy on Promoting the Role of Traditional Medicine in Health Systems reproduced at the end of this article) that proposes key interventions to address these challenges and builds on the successful promotion of the positive aspects of traditional medicine in national health systems. The focus is on strengthening of stewardship and governance; the development and use of tools; the cultivation of medicinal plants and conservation of biological diversity; research and development; local production; the protection of intellectual property rights and traditional medicine knowledge; intersectoral coordination and capacity building

Exploring the role of Islam in perceptions of mental illness in a sample of muslim psychiatrists based in Johannesburg

Background. Western definitions of; and approaches to; mental illness have been critiqued for their lack of incorporation of cultural and spiritual elements. Objective. To explore perceptions of mental illness; particularly in terms of the role of Islam in the understanding of mental illness among South African Muslim psychiatrists practising in Johannesburg. Methods. Using a qualitative design; semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 7 Muslim psychiatrists in the Johannesburg area. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data. Results. Psychiatrists subscribe to a more biomedical model of illness. The findings of this study also suggest that psychiatrists attempt to remain objective and to refrain from imposing their religious and cultural beliefs on their patients. However; their conceptualisation of mental illness is influenced by their religion and culture. Furthermore; all participating psychiatrists indicated that they always draw on Islamic values when treating their patients. Issues of cultural competence were also highlighted. Psychiatrists indicated that they were open to collaboration with traditional healers and psychologists but that this was quite challenging.Conclusion. The necessity for formal bodies to develop routes for collaboration between healthcare professionals and traditional healers was brought to the fore. So; too; was the need to incorporate indigenous theory and knowledge into mainstream definitions and approaches to mental illness

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

Etude comparee des effets anti-hepatotoxiques d'extraits d'Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae); une plante utilisee dans le traitement traditionnel de la jaunisse au Burkina Faso

Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) fait l'objet de nombreuses indications therapeutiques en medecine traditionnelle dans la region des Cascades au Burkina Faso. Dans une etude preliminaire de 2006; il a ete mis en evidence une activite anti-hepatotoxique du decocte aqueux lyophilise des feuilles chez le rat Wistar prealablement icterise par une administration de tetrachlorure de carbone CCl4 (0;5 mL/kg; i.p.). Dans la presente etude; les auteurs projettent de comparer les effets anti-hepatotoxiques de trois (03) extraits de la plante notamment deux extraits aqueux lyophilises (decocte et macere) et un extrait du totum alcaloidique; tous administres a differents lots de rats rendus initialement icteriques par injection de l'hepatotoxique. La silymarine (100 mg/kg) a ete utilisee comme produit de reference anti-hepatotoxique. Les trois extraits (250 mg/kg; p.o.) ont temoigne une action anti-hepatotoxique significative (p0;05) objectivee par un pourcentage de reduction notable des marqueurs biochimiques enzymatiques notamment les transaminases (ASAT/GOT; ALAT/GPT); la phosphatase alcaline (PAL) et la bilirubine directe (DBil). Les pourcentages moyens de reduction d'hepato-toxicite induite ont ete de 79;4 (silymarine); 69;73 (decocte lyophilise); 70;63 (macere lyophilise) et 72 (totum alcaloidique). Ces resultats illustrent d'une part la preeminence de l'action pharmacologique anti-hepatotoxique de l'extrait de totum alcaloidique compare aux extraits aqueux lyophilises et d'autre part; l'effet des extraits pris isolement reste en deca de celui de la silymarine

Initiation à la recherche sur les substances naturelles: extraction - analyse - essais biologiques

En Afrique, l'utilisation des essences végétales à des fins thérapeutiques ou domestiques est une pratique ancestrale. De nos jours de nombreux travaux consacrés à la chimie et à la toxicologie des plantes aromatiques et médicinales ont constribué à améliorer la connaissance scientifique dans ce domaine et à l'élaboration de protocoles standards de phytochimie et de screening biologique.

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

Antiretrovirals and the use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine by HIV patients in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa: a longitudinal study

Abstract: The aim of this prospective study (20 months) was to assess HIV patients' use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) and its effect on ARV adherence at three public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Seven hundred and thirty-five (29.8% male and 70.2% female) patients who consecutively attended three HIV clinics completed assessments prior to ARV initiation, 519 after 6 months, 557 after 12 and 499 after 20 months on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results indicate that following initiation of ARV therapy the use of herbal therapies for HIV declined significantly from 36.6% prior to ARV therapy to 8.0% after 6 months, 4.1% after 12 months and 0.6% after 20 months on ARVs. Faith healing methods (including spiritual practices and prayer) declined from 35.8% to 22.1%, 20.8% and 15.5%, respectively. In contrast, the use of micronutrients (vitamins, etc.) significantly increased from 42.6% to 78.2%. The major herbal remedies that were used prior to ART were unnamed traditional medicine, followed by imbiza (Scilla natalensis planch), canova (immune booster), izifozonke (essential vitamins mixed with herbs), African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), stametta (aloe mixed with vitamins and herbs) and ingwe (tonic). Herbal remedies were mainly used for pain relief, as immune booster and for stopping diarrhea. As herbal treatment for HIV was associated with reduced ARV adherence, patient's use of TCAM should be considered in ARV adherence management

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

Etude de la consommation des medicaments traditionnels ameliores dans Le district sanitaire de Kadiolo (region de Sikasso; Mali)

L'etude; qui a recu le soutien de la Direction du Developpement et de la Cooperation de la Confederation Helvetique dans le cadre du Programme d'Appui Socio-Sanitaire Mali Suisse; s'est deroulee de fevrier a mars 2004. Le but etait d'evaluer l'impact d'un atelier de formation des prescripteurs sur les Medicaments Traditionnels Ameliores (MTA); realise en octobre 2001; sur la consommation des MTA dans les structures sanitaires du District de Kadiolo. L'etude a demande la collecte des donnees de consommation; a partir des fiches de stock des annees 2001; 2002 et 2003 du Depot Repartiteur du Centre de Sante de Reference et des Depots de Vente des Centres de Sante Communautaires. Pour evaluer l'appreciation des MTA; des enquetes ont ete menees aupres des prescripteurs et des utilisateurs. La consommation totale des MTA dans le CSRef et dans les 16 CSCom du Cercle a connu une augmentation progressive; en passant de 2.565.480 F CFA en 2001 a 4.307.760 F CFA en 2003. La consommation des MTA pendant l'annee 2003 a ete de 27;83 F CFA par habitant. Les MTA ont ete en general bien apprecies par les prescripteurs et par les consommateurs. Les differentes projections des donnees de consommation relevees a Kadiolo nous ont permis d'estimer le marche potentiel des MTA actuellement disponibles au Mali a une valeur comprise entre 414 et 560 millions de F CFA

Aqueous stem bark extract of Stereospermum kunthianum (cham, sandrine petit) protects against generalized seizures in pentylenetetrazole and electro-convulsive models in rodents

Stereospermum kunthianum; Cham Sandrine Petit (Bignoniaceae) known in eng as pink jacaranda is used in traditional medicine to treat an array of ailments including febrile convulsions in infants and young children by the rural dwellers in Nigeria. This study examined the anticonvulsant activity of its aqueous stem bark extract (100 - 400mg/kg) against maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rodents. Phenobarbitone and ethosuximide were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs for comparison. Stereospermum kunthianum extract (200 - 400mg/kg; i.p.) remarkably protected (76.9and 84.6respectively) the rats against electroshock-induced seizures. However; the extract (200- 400mg/kg) when administered orally showed a comparatively less effect (33.3and 55.6respectively) to the intraperitoneally administered extract in the maximal electroshock test. The extract (100-400mg/kg; i.p.) significantly delayed (p0.05) the onset of pentylenetetrazole-induced clonic seizures but only slightly prolonged the time of death of the mice. Although the findings in the present study do not provide conclusive evidence; it appears that the aqueous stem bark extract of Stereospermum kunthianum produces its antiseizure effect by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission and/or action in the brain. The results indicate that the aqueous extract possesses anticonvulsant activity in rodents and therefore tend to suggest that the shrub may be used as a natural supplementary remedy in the management; control and/or treatment of childhood convulsions. It can be concluded that the aqueous stem bark extract possesses anticonvulsant activity and therefore lend pharmacological credence to the traditionally claimed use in the treatment of childhood convulsions

Les Loranthaceae : un atout pour l'essor de la pharmacopee traditionnelle au Cameroun

La famille des Loranthaceae est largement distribuee dans les zones tropicales en Afrique; Amerique; Asie; Australie et s'etend en zones temperees. Les Loranthaceae appartiennent a l'ordre des Santalales. Dans cette famille sont reconnus 950 especes et 77 genres. Au Cameroun 26 especes distribuees dans 7 genres sont citees. L'objectif de ce travail est d'evaluer; l'impact des Loranthaceae dans la pharmacopee traditionnelle des paysans. A travers un questionnaire semi-structure; 150 tradipraticiens en activite ont ete interviewes en 2008 a Logbessou (quartier peripherique de la ville de Douala). Les reponses de l'enquete mise sur pied revelent des informations selon lesquelles; les Loranthaceae sont des plantes parasites connues pour les degats considerables; occasionnes sur les essences ligneuses sauvages ou cultivees. Cependant; leur interet pour la pharmacopee traditionnelle est atteste. Les Loranthaceae fortifient le metabolisme et se presentent comme une panacee. Toutefois; l'ingestion des pseudobaies provoque des vomissements; de l'hypotension et des troubles nerveux. Les parties du vegetal utilisees dans le traitement sont les feuilles; les rameaux et la tige sous forme d'extraits aqueux. Les allergies severes sont rares. Le mode d'action des extraits aqueux des Loranthaceae europeennes aux niveaux cellulaire et moleculaire est discute