Medicinal Plants Used for Management of Asthma in FCT, Abuja and Its Environs

Aim: Asthma is a condition that affects the airways in human lungs. It causes its (lungs) inflammation and hyper-responsiveness. Conventional therapies used in its management are expensive and have been found to come with undesirable side effects. The use of herbal remedies in treating the disease is widespread especially in local communities with little or no access to primary health care. This indigenous knowledge on the cure of asthma is gradually being lost among the populace. This study is aimed at documenting local remedies used in the management of asthma. Methodology: Ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Federal Capital Territory (FCT)- Abuja and surrounding communities, among Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs), Herb’s sellers and elderly in the community using semi-structured questionnaire and interview methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ethnobotany index. Results: 80 respondents were interviewed, 58 of them laid claims to knowledge about medicinal plants used in asthma management. Majority of the respondents are Traditional Medicine Practitioners (48%). 59 plants species belonging to 38 plant families was documented with most belonging to the Moraceae plant family (10%). The recipes mentioned were mostly prepared as decoctions which are taken orally with a case of two being by smoking and inhalation. Conclusion: This study has shown that the Federal Capital Territory and settlements within its environ are blessed with medicinal plants used in the management of asthma which serve as a cheap and alternative source of remedy for the local populace and as well, being a repository for scientific inquest that may lead to yet another drug discovery from plant origin used in the management of asthma.

High incidence of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria compared to other human malaria species in several hospitals in Malaysia

@# Through the regional control programme, Malaysia has been successfully reducing the incidence of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. However, the incidence of zoonotic malaria Plasmodium knowlesi infection is increasing and now has been the major cause of malaria in Malaysia especially Malaysian Borneo. The emergence of knowlesi infection has threatened the malaria elimination programme which the government aims to reduce the overall malaria infections by 2020. Unlike other benign human Plasmodium spp., P. knowlesi can cause fatal infections. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and distribution of five human malaria parasites including P. knowlesi in Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. A total of 112 blood samples were collected from seven states and district hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo from year 2015 to 2016. The samples were examined by microscopy and further confirmed by nested PCR assay targeting 18S rRNA gene of Plasmodium spp. Following the nested PCR assays, a total of 54 (48.2%) samples were positive for P. knowlesi infections, 12 (10.7%) cases were positive for P. vivax infections, followed by 7 (6.3%) cases of P. falciparum and 4 (3.5%) cases of P. malariae. There were 3 cases (2.7%) of mixed infections (P. knowlesi/P. vivax). However, no cases were identified as P. ovale. A total of 32 (28.6%) cases were found as negative infections. LoopMediated Isothermal Amplification Assay (LAMP) was performed to confirm inconclusive results produced by microscopy and nested PCR. P. knowlesi showed the highest prevalence in Sarawak (n= 30), Sabah (n=13), Pulau Pinang (n=5) and Pahang (n=6). PCR and LAMP was not able to detect a large number of microscopy positive samples due to DNA degradation during storage and shipping. Among all the states involved in this study, the highest prevalence of P. knowlesi infection was found in Sabah and Sarawak.

Phytochemical and Anti-diarrhoeal Properties of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Maerua crassifolia Forssk.

Maerua crassifolia Forssk. Leaf is used in African traditional medicine for management of gastrointestinal disorders. The anti-diarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf was investigated in rats. The phytochemical screening was also carried out. The methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf dose dependently decreased intestinal propulsion of charcoal meal in rats. Maerua crassifolia also exerted significant anti-enteropooling effect in rats. A profound anti-diarrhoea activity was observed when the extract was tested in diarrhoeic rats. The frequency of defecation as well as the wetness of the faecal droppings was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the leaf extract produced 100% inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, resins and cardiac glycosides. The oral LD50 obtained was greater than 5000 mg/kg in rats. The study showed that the methanol extract of Maerua crassifolia leaf possesses anti diarrhoeal activity and its action may be linked partly to direct inhibitory effect of the extract on the propulsive movement of the gastrointestinal tract smooth muscle.

Antistaphylococcal Activity of N-Butanol and Aqueous Sub-Fractions of Alchornea cordifolia Leaves.

Aims: To carry out the antistaphylococcal activity of n-butanol and aqueous sub-fractions of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. And Thonn.) Müll. Arg. leaf extract against multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Study Design: Characterization and antibiotic susceptibility determination of the test S. aureus isolates, extraction of A. cordifolia leaf, partitioning of the extract, Zones of inhibition and Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations determination. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. February 2010 to October 2011. Methodology: A. cordifolia leaves were collected from Abuja, Nigeria. The activity of the ethanol extract, N-butanol (NSF) and aqueous (ASF) sub-fractions of the plant leaf against five clinical staphylococcal isolates and the standard Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ATCC 33591 were determined using agar-well diffusion and broth dilution methods. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined by the Kirby- Bauer-CLSI modified disc agar diffusion technique (DAD). Results: The diameter zones of inhibition showed by ethanol extract against the test staphylococcal isolates ranged between 12 mm - 26 mm, while the diameter zones of inhibition observed from N-butanol sub-fraction and aqueous sub-fraction against the isolates were between 11 mm - 36.5 mm and 11 mm - 35 mm respectively. The diameter zones of inhibition of the sub-fractions against the standard MRSA ATCC 33591 ranged from 11 mm – 27.5 mm. The diameter zones of inhibition of the test antibiotics ranged from 10 mm to 23 mm. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (M. I. C.) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (M. B. C.) values produced by ethanol extract were higher than those of the sub-fractions. N-butanol sub-fraction produced the lowest M. I. C and M. B. C. values of 0.625 mg/ml – 1.25 mg/ml and 1.25 mg/ml – 2.5 mg/ml respectively. The M. I. C. and M. B. C. values of the N-butanol sub-fraction against the standard strain ATCC 33591 were 1.25 mg/ml and 2.5 mg/ml respectively. Conclusion: The tested N-butanol and aqueous sub-fractions of A. cordifolia leaf were active against the S. aureus strains at low concentrations. The plant can be a possible candidate in the search for alternative antistaphylococcal agents.

Central nervous system relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: prognostic factors and the outcome

Despite the advances in treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL], CNS relapse remains an obstacle to successful treatment. This study was performed to determine the frequency of CNS relapse in ALL patients and to study risk factors and outcome after CNS relapse. A retrospective study done on 364 patients diagnosed as ALL in Central Teaching Hospital for Children-Baghdad for the period from 1[st] Jan 2000 to 31[st] Mar 2005. ALL patients whom diagnosed after 1[st] Jan 2004 received CTHC 2004 protocol .The following parameters were studied: gender, age, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, LAP, mediastinal mass, initial WBC count, platelets count, FAB morphology, initial CNS involvement and if the patient received radiotherapy. 35 patients were excluded from the study. Out of 329 eligible patients, 76 patients [23.1%] had CNS relapse [isolated or combined], with mean duration before CNS relapse 12.30 +/- 8.28 months and median of 11 months. The following factors were significantly associated with development of CNS relapse: male gender, age <2 years, massive hepatomegaly, massive splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, mediastinal mass, initial WBC count >/= 50000/mm, initial CNS involvement, and patients who did not receive prophylactic CNS radiation. The study shows that frequency of CNS relapse decreased significantly after addition of three intrathecal doses during induction]. Shorter duration between diagnosis of ALL and CNS relapse was associated with higher mortality. Frequency of CNS relapse and mortality rate still higher than globally-accepted figures. Intensification of systemic and CNS-directed therapy, significantly decreased these figures in our patients

Ethno-Medicinal Plants and Methods used by Gwandara Tribe of Sabo Wuse in Niger State; Nigeria; to Treat Mental Ilness

The Gwandara people of Sabo Wuse in Niger State; Nigeria are the original inhabitants of Wuse in Abuja Municipal Area Council. They were resettled at this present location of Sabo Wuse from Wuse in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja when the seat of government moved from Lagos to Abuja 30 years ago. Sabo Wuse still remains relatively a remote settlement and their lifestyle unchanged. They still depend to a large extent on their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants to treat ailments. Ethnobotanical survey was conducted to identify and document methods traditionally utilized for treatment of mental illness and to expand the quality and quantity of information for research and development especially in the area of new drug discovery and development. About sixty seven (67) Traditional Medicine Practitioners were interviewed orally with use of questionnaire. From our survey; various methods were found to be used by the traditional medicine practitioners to treat mental illness and associated disorders. These include music; incantations and medicinal plants in various formulations - decoction; powder; infusion - which are administered in various ways like fumigation; inhalation; bathing; steaming and drinking. Eighteen plant species belonging to twelve different families were documented to be included in these therapies. In conclusion; there is an array of plants used locally to treat mental illness and it is recommended that such surveys should be funded and leads for drugs to treat mental illness obtained from such; at the same time documenting our indigenous knowledge

Ethno-Medical Plants and Methods Used by Gwandara Tribe of Sabo Wuse in Niger State; Nigeria; to Treat Mental Illness

The Gwandara people of Sabo Wuse in Niger State; Nigeria are the original inhabitants of Wuse in Abuja Municipal Area Council. They were resettled at this present location of Sabo Wuse from Wuse in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja when the seat of government moved from Lagos to Abuja 30 years ago. Sabo Wuse still remains relatively a remote settlement and their lifestyle unchanged. They still depend to a large extent on their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants to treat ailments. Ethnobotanical survey was conducted to identify and document methods traditionally utilized for treatment of mental illness and to expand the quality and quantity of information for research and development especially in the area of new drug discovery and development. About sixty seven (67) Traditional Medicine Practitioners were interviewed orally with use of questionnaire. From our survey; various methods were found to be used by the traditional medicine practitioners to treat mental illness and associated disorders. These include music; incantations and medicinal plants in various formulations - decoction; powder; infusion - which are administered in various ways like fumigation; inhalation; bathing; steaming and drinking. Eighteen plant species belonging to twelve different families were documented to be included in these therapies. In conclusion; there is an array of plants used locally to treat mental illness and it is recommended that such surveys should be funded and leads for drugs to treat mental illness obtained from such; at the same time documenting our indigenous knowledge

Associated factors of bronchial asthma among children attending primary health care centers

Childhood asthma is a major clinical public health problem that presents a huge burden on families and societies. While the scope of modifying genetic influence is still limited, attention has focused on factors that might be amenable to intervention. This study aimed at describing the general profile asthma in Kuwaiti children 2-14 years old attending primary health care centers and identifying factors associated with the disease. The study design was a cross-sectional case-control one that was carried in three primary health care centers including 120 children with asthma 2-14 years old as cases and 120 controls in the same age groups. Personal, clinical and socio-economic data were collected. Initially data were analyzed using univariate analysis. Potentially associated factors with asthma were then detected using multiple logistic regression analysis. Male gender [OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1], parental asthma [OR = 7.4, 95% CI: 3.9 - 13.8], parental smoking [OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5 - 5.4] and contact with house pets [OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.6 - 14.9] were significantly associated with asthma, Low birth weight was inversely associated with the risk of asthma in children [OR = 0.5, 95%: 0.3 -0.8] The study raised the importance of environmental control especially of indoor smoking and keeping pets. Also, it underlined the importance of screening process for the susceptible group of children as low birth males with family history of asthma

Immunophenotyping of childhood NHL in Iraq

Childhood NHL in Iraq was classified according to their cell of origin, using immunological markers available to be used in paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Thirty three children of both sexes from all parts of Iraq were included in this prospective study which was conducted for the period from December 1999- June 2001. Using streptavidin-biotin amplified immunoperoxidase immunostaining of paraffin-embedded tissue sections and different immunological markers specialized for T and B cells, CD30 and CD45. The results showed that all patient's biopsies were CD45 positive and most of the patients were of B-cells lymphoma, 9.1% of the patients were of T-cells lymphoma, and only 3.03% of the patients were of Ki-I positive large cell anaplastic lymphoma. We concluded that immunophenotyping of NHL are important factor for proper diagnosis and immunological characterization of childhood lymphomas, and also allows initiation of proper therapeutic approach as soon as possible

Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in Iraqi children

pediatric patients at Saddam Central Teaching Hospital for Children with signs and symptoms of acute-streptococcal glomerulonephritis [APSGN] were studied in order to compare the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects of this disease with those found abroad. Patients and 106 patients were admitted during a one-year period. All of these cases were studied with respect to age, sex, clinical features, seasonal distribution, complete blood count, bacterial cultures, antistreptolysin O titers, complement C3 and C4, blood urea nitrogen, and serum electrolytes. the dominant age was from 6 to 12 years with a peak incidence in children of 6-7. There was an equal male to female ratio. A clustering of cases was observed in September, October, and November at the beginning of the school year. The commonest site of streptococcal infection was throat [68%]. Recent skin infection accounted for 5% of the cases. In 27% of the cases, no history of infection was noted. Clinically, the picture was similar to that of other reports. A significant elevation of the ASO titer was detected in 42%. The C3 complement serum level was decreased in 90% of cases. Anemia was found in 61% of patients. A hemoglobin of 9 g/dl or less was found in 25% of the anemic patients. A relative increase in neutrophils [70% or more] was found in 62% of the cases. Complete recovery occurred in 97% of the cases. APSGN is similar in our community to that which has been reported elsewhere with the exception of a weaker antibody response to the infection that preceded the acute glomerulonephritis, equal occurrence in males and females, and the presence of anemia

Epidemiology of acute leukemia in Iraqi children

An epidemiologic study was conducted on 277 patients with acute leukemias. The study revealed that 87% had acute lympboctic leukemia [ALL] and 13% acute nonlymphoctic leukemia [ANLL]. According to FAB.- classification of cell morphology for ALL, L1 represented 67%, L2: 26%, and L3:7%. The peak age incidence was 2-6 years, with 60% boys and 40% girls. 80% were from low socio-economic class. A seasonal clustering was observed, a low incidence of Rh-blood group was enocountered in our patients. Down's syndrome represented only 1% of the total cases with ALL. 90% of the pregnant mothers With a child suffering from ALL delivered a baby of the same sex of the affected child. For ANLL 72% of them were boys. From this study, for ALL the age, sex, and different types of leukemias are similar to that abroad. The higher incidence of L2 and L3, with a majority from, low socioeconomic class and seasonal clustering are significant findings in this study, a newborn sib of the same sex of the affected child a unique observation

Neurone-specific enolase as a prognostic marker in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

To test its diagnostic potential and sensitivity in pediatric malignancy, serum levels of neuron enolase [NSE] were measured by radioimunassay in thirty-one patients [18 male and 13 female] with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL], and in thirty eight healthy children acting as controls with the same age match [1-12 years]. Of these patients, 96% had NSE levels more than three standard deviations> 10 micro g/L above the mean or normal children. Mean serum NES for acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients was 67.8 +/- SD 67.4 micro g/L [ranged 13-260 ug/L], whereas that in normal age-matched children was 4.5 +/- Sd 2.1 g/L [ranged 2.1-9.5 micro g/L]. Analysis of NES level in relation to the survival rate suggested that serum level greater than 100 ug/L were associated with poor outcome, and that serum NES levels may be a valuable tumor marker for screening and therapeutic monitoring of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in term of decreasing or intensifying the treatment to achieve remission

Favism in Iraqi children

An epidemiologic, laboratory, and clinical study was conducted on a Hundred Iraqi children with an acute hemolytic episodes presenting after fava beans ingestion at the season of this food stuff. 82% of those patients were at the age group of 1-5 years. 70% are boys and 30% girls. 80% presented at the early season of the fava beans. 85% were symptomatic within 3days after eating the beans. Only 2% had a history of significant neonatal Jaundice. During the acute hemolysis, the Glucose-6-phosphaie dehydrogenase enzyme was deficient in a 60% of the patients and in 20% of their mothers. All of them had a negative sickle cell test. Almost all the patients presented with a severe hemolytic episode. The mean Hemoglobin value was 5.9 gram% and that of reticulocyte is 11%. 99% received blood transfusion. No patients had hemolysis because of me pollen inhalation. In a one year follow up no reported case of anemia. hemolysis or a significant infections among those children

HLA system in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemias [All]

In a prior study conducted in Iraq, the major histocompatibility[HLA] antigens were tested in 100 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemias[ALL] in term of increase or a decrease in the frequency of a specific antigen and its association with the prognosis of this disease. A significant increase in the frequency of A33 antigen and a decrease in that of HLA-B27 were noted, while only a numerical increase in that of A2 antigen. A high incidence of A2 antigen observed in patients with a short median survival time and poor prognosis. On the other hand A23+ A 24 [A9- the previous classification] were associated with a very good prognosis and a long median survival time