Patronage and perceived efficacy of herbal antityphoid preparations, and anti-salmonella activity of a herbal preparation used in Ghana.

Objectives: To assess the patronage, and the perceived efficacy of herbal preparations in the treatment of typhoid fever, and to ascertain the anti-salmonella activity of a herbal preparation used as an antityphoid in Ghana. Materials and Methods: Purposively and conveniently from 700, 65 individuals who had had typhoid fever (clinically confirmed) were sampled. Well-structured questionnaires on the subject were administered to sampled individuals. Experimentally, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of a herbal antityphoid preparation on Salmonella typhi was determined using the broth dilution method. Results: 46/65 (70.8%) used herbal preparations (19 used pre-packaged products; 27 used extemporaneous preparations) while 19/65 (29.2%) used orthodox drugs to treat their infection. Some of the herbs commonly used were Nauclea latifolia, Morinda lucida, Paullinia pinnata, Vernonia amygdalina, Cassia alata, Phyllantus fraternus, Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, and Carica papaya. Majority, 42/45 (91.3%), recovered after the use of the herbal anti-typhoid products (laboratory confirmation), 7/42 (15.2%) had relapse within three months, 9/45 (19.6%) experienced mild side effects. Experimentally, both the prepared herbal mixture and ciprofloxacin had MICs of 4 and 2 μg/μl respectively. Conclusion: Herbal anti-typhoid preparations are highly patronized and have been found to be efficacious. Experimentally the herbal mixture prepared showed interesting anti-salmonella activity.

Anti-tussive, muco-suppressant and expectorant properties, and the safety profile of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis.

Background: Scoparia dulcis is used in Ghanaian folkloric medicine for the management of asthma and its related complications. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the anti-tussive, muco-suppressant and expectorant properties of hydroethanolic extract of S. dulcis (SDE), and to ascertain its safety for use in asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease management. Methods: The number of coughs induced in guinea pigs using citric acid and the concentration of phenol red secreted in tracheae of mice were measured. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted on the extract using standard procedures. Safety for use of the extract was assessed by conducting an acute and delayed toxicity test. Results: The extract showed a dose-independent inhibition (p ≤ 0.001) of cough elicited by 7.5% citric acid, and a dose-dependent increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the amount of phenol red output in mice tracheae similar to that of ammonium chloride. For the muco-suppressant activity, SDE dose-dependently reduced (p ≤ 0.001) the concentration of ammonium chloride-induced phenol red secretions from mice tracheae. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and phenolic compounds. No acute and/or delayed toxic symptoms were observed after an oral administration of up to 5 g/kg of S. dulcis extract. Conclusion: The results showed that S. dulcis extract has anti-tussive, muco-suppressant and, expectorant and/or mucolytic properties; making it a possible remedy for asthma, and obstructive pulmonary disease.

Preliminary pharmacological investigation of the ischuretic property and safety of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Amaranthus spinosis (Fam: Amaranthaceae).

Background: Ischuria is a health and social problem, having a negative impact on sufferers. This study therefore was a preliminary investigation of the ischuretic property and safety for use of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Amaranthus spinosus used traditionally in managing ischuria. Methods: Phytochemical screening, thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography were performed on the extract to establish fingerprints for identification. Acetylcholine, Nicotine, and the extract were applied to an isolated rat urinary bladder to ascertain contractile response. The possible receptor site(s) of action was also investigated using isolated rabbit jejunum, and guinea-pig ileum preparations. In-house observation, hematological analysis, and liver and kidney function tests were performed on Sprague-Dawley rats, in acute and sub-acute toxicity studies. Results: The extract had contractile effects on the rat urinary bladder (similar to acetylcholine and nicotine) and rabbit jejunum. Its contractile effect of the guinea-pig ileum was significantly inhibited by hexamethonium (77.50 ± 8.50 %; P ≤ 0.001) and to a lesser extent by mepyramine (49.2 ± 6.80 %; P ≤ 0.001) and Atropine (22.45 ± 5.22 %; P ≤ 0.01). The extract (80-800 mg kg-1) was not lethal and a 160 and 240 mg kg-1 dose had no adverse effect on blood, liver, kidney metabolic function. Conclusions: The hydro-ethanolic extract of Amaranthus spinosus has ischuretic activity possibly mediated via nicotinic, histaminic and muscarinic receptor stimulation and is safety to use in ischuria.