ABSTRACT
The use of plants in traditional medicine become very common nowadays throughout the world and in developing countries in particular. The current study was carried out aiming to compare the chemical features of three vegetables (Vernonia amygdalina, Crateva adansonii and Sesamum radiatum) mostly used for human consumption and traditional medicine to treat bacterial diarrhoea in Benin. These vegetables were selected among the 27 species obtained after ethno-botanical investigations in southern Benin. Therefore, the major chemical groups contained in these vegetables were detected by solubility assays together with coloration and precipitation reactions. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of the plant extracts was assessed on shrimp larvae (Artemia salina). The results showed that gallic tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, mucilages, coumarins and reducing compounds were detected in all samples (100%) followed by cathechic tannins (66.66%) and saponins (33.33%). The study also revealed that none of the studied vegetables is cytotoxic (LC50 > 0.01 mg/ml). This study was conducted in the perspective of establishing innovations capable of assisting to; manufacture Improved Traditional Medicines for the treatment of bacterial diarrhoea in the future. Besides, it pointed out the presence of secondary metabolites and the cytotoxicity of these vegetables interesting for further antibacterial, antidiarrheal and pharmacological studies.
ABSTRACT
Growth promoters are widely used in poultry farming. However, this practice is a potential risk of microbial resistances and eventually can have harmful effects on human health. For that, the search of alternative solutions knows an increasing interest. The spices, owing to their multiple properties, are potentials growth promoters for poultry. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Capsicum frutescens supplementation on growth performances, hematological and biochemical parameters and on the carcass of broilers. A total of 200 (Hubbard) day old chicks with an initial average weight of 49.63±3.74 g were used in this study. They were randomly divided into 5 different groups (P0; P5; P5’; P10 and P10’) with 4 repetitions. P0 (control group which received basal diet); P5 (basal diet plus pepper at 0.5% for one month); P5' (basal diet plus pepper at 0.5% pepper for 2 months) P10 (basal diet plus pepper at 1% for one month) and P10' (basal diet plus 1% pepper for 2 months). The experiments lasted 56 days. Apparent digestibility of dry matter varied from 73.5 ± 1.28% to 74.95 ± 1.28% but not significantly different (p>0.05). Feed consumption, the final body weight average and the feed conversion ratio were similar for all groups. The blood glucose level was reduced by the pepper supplementation (p<0,001). It was higher for P0 (2.58±0.02 mmol/l). Creatinin, cholesterol level and the hematological parameters, except leucocytes number, were not modified (p>0.05). In conclusion, although the chickens did not reject food supplemented with Capsicum frutescens powder, it’s effects were not perceptible on growth performances. However, the lowering effect of this spice on blood glucose level was proved in this study.
ABSTRACT
Aims: Bleeding is the leading cause of early death and a post-traumatic major cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Although 80% of African people have used herbs to treat wounds, very little information is available about plants species with hemostatic properties. This study aims to contribute to a better knowledge of plants used for their hemostatic properties in southern Benin. Study Design: Ethnobotanical and survey study. Place and Duration of Study: Southern Benin in West Africa between January and June 2011. Methodology: Ethnopharmacological surveys were conducted from January to June 2011, with 66 traditional healers in Southern Benin using the method by Semi Structured Interview (SSI). Results: We surveyed 55 species of medicinal plants belonging to 28 families. The most used species were: Musa sapientum L., Jatropha multifida L., Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel., Annona muricata L., Macrosphyra longistyla DC. And Newbouldia leavis P. Beauv. The use of these plants is more common in postpartum hemorrhages (45.8%), scarification (22%), circumcision (13%) and snake bites (7%). Preparations administered orally (56.8%) or locally (43.2%) are most often in the form of various extraction products (latex sap or juice (31.9%), aqueous decoction (22.7%), aqueous maceration (17.6%) or powder (13.5%). The plant parts most frequently used are: leaves (38.2%), bark (23.6%), roots (12.7%) and latex (11.9%). Conclusion: The extracts of these plants could therefore be an attractive option given the urgency posed by hemorrhages.
ABSTRACT
In Benin, Musa sapientum is one of the most important medicinal species used in the treatment of bleeding. In this study, hemostatic properties of M. sapientium sapand its mechanism of action have been identified through hematologic tests such as Clotting Time, Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time and Milk Precipitation Test; biochemical test (total proteins); macroscopic and microscopic tests performed on different blood products before and after addition of sap. The results obtained showed that Musa sapientum reduced significantly clotting Time. However, it has no effect on the individual factors of coagulation. Its mechanism of action results from its ability to form a protein network which is a basis for cellular aggregation stopping bleeding. Moreover, Milk Precipitation Test showed astringent properties of Musa sapientum and therefore its vasoconstrictors properties. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, coumarins, reducing compounds, anthocyanins and leucoantocyanes. . M. sapientumis great on treatment of bleeding and could help to elaborate new drugs.