RESUMEN
The present study investigated the anticonvulsant effect of an herbal medicine candidate Momordica cissoides, by using two animal models of epilepsy; Pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) and seizures and the 4-aminopyridine-induced (4-AMP) seizures methods using albino mice. Four doses (425, 212.5, 106.25 and 42.5 mg/kg) of the plant extract were prepared and administered to four groups of mice respectively. for each group test M. cissoides protected 100% of mice at the doses 106.25 and 212.5 mg/kg and 80% at the doses of 42.5 and 425 mg/kg against generalized convulsions induced by pilocarpine (PILO) and 100% at the doses 106.25 and 212.5 mg/kg against tonic and clonic convulsions induced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AMP). Moreover, for the test of induction of convulsions by PILO, M. cissoides protected 100% of mice at doses 106.25 and 212.5 mg/kg and 80% at the doses of 42.5 and 425 mg/kg against death after 1 h and 24 h respectively. In addition, study evaluated the free radical scavenging of the decoction extracts of M. cissoides leaf in vitro. The antioxidant activity of M. cissoides were evaluated using the free radical scavenging activity assay (DPPH), total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential. Attained results show that the extract of M. cissoides leaf can be used in SE, generalized seizure, tonic and clonic seizures treatment. Moreover, the antiepileptic effect of this extract is probably caused by its antioxidant properties.
RESUMEN
Background: Despite vast improvements in transfusion services in sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade, there remain serious concerns on the safety and adequacy of the blood supply across the region. Objective: This review paper ascertains the role of pathogen reduction technology (PRT) in improving blood safety and supply adequacy in the region. Method: The state of blood safety in sub-Saharan Africa was reviewed. Meetings, seminars and correspondence were undertaken with key clinicians, scientists and professional bodies in the region, including the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa, to examine the suitability of PRT for improving the safety of whole blood transfusion, a prevalent transfusion format in the region. Results: Existing literature suggests that combining PRT with current blood safety measures(such as serology) would improve the safety and adequacy of the blood supply for transfusions in sub-Saharan Africa. This was echoed by the findings of the stakeholder meetings. Conclusion: Following a detailed appraisal of two leading PRT systems, the Mirasol® PRT System and the Cerus S-303 System, we suggest that companies conduct comprehensive toxicological evaluation of the agents used for PRT and publish this in the scientific literature. We also recommend that the safety and efficacy of these technologies should be established in a randomised clinical trial conducted in sub-Saharan Africa
Asunto(s)
África , Seguridad de la Sangre , Transfusión Sanguínea , Patógenos Transmitidos por la Sangre , Recambio Total de Sangre , RevisiónRESUMEN
Today plant foods and beverages are receiving more scientific attention because of their potential to curb the effect of free radicals in the human system. The present study reports on the antioxidant potentials of some plants foods and beverages consumed in the Eastern Region of Nigeria. The study made use of the ferric reducing antioxidant power; phenolic and the flavonoid contents assays to assess the quality of the antioxidant potentials of the plant foods and beverages. Of the different classes of foods analyzed the following showed high antioxidant potentials: coffee for beverages; star apple for fruits; thyme for vegetable and spices; and raices for alcoholic beverages. Generally the vegetables and spices registered the highest antioxidant properties. The results obtained in this study could help consumers' choice based on the antioxidant capacity of the samples analyzed