Evaluation of the performance of advantage P.f. malaria Card® and advantage malaria Pan + Pf Card®, two rapid diagnostic tests for parasitological confirmation of malaria cases in field situation in Togo.

BACKGROUND: In Togo, malaria remains a major public health problem, and the management of suspected cases requires confirmation with appropriate biological methods. Malaria diagnosis has been improved by the introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for areas where microscopy is not available. To be used, these RDTs must meet performance criteria defined by the WHO. This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of two RDTs: Advantage P.f. Malaria Card® detecting HRP2 antigen and Advantage Malaria Pan + Pf Card® detecting both HRP2 and pLDH antigens. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted from December 2019 to February 2020 on malaria-suspected cases received in three sentinel sites in Togo and from whom capillary blood was collected to perform the two RDTs according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated by comparing to thick/thin blood smear, the gold standard, and to PCR, which is a more sensitive. RESULTS: A total of 390 participants (54.9% female) with a median age of 18 (± 0.8) years were included in the study. The sensitivity of both Advantage P.f. Malaria Card® and Advantage Malaria Pan + Pf Card® compared to thick/thin blood smear was 91.8% and 91.3%, respectively, and for both the specificity was 94.7%. Compared to PCR, the sensitivity was 84.2% and 83.8%, respectively, and the specificity 96.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The performances of the Advantage P.f. Malaria Card® and Advantage Malaria PAN + Pf Card® compared to microscopy, considered the gold standard, were acceptable under the field conditions found in Togo. They can therefore be used for the biological diagnosis of malaria.

Antidiarrheal Activity of Dialium guineense Willd Fruit Pulp in Wistar Rats.

Objective: This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of Dialium guineense Willd fruit pulp powder on diarrhea induced by castor oil in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Three different tests were carried out. A preventive test by administration of a single dose of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg before the induction of diarrhea by castor oil. Another preventive test after repeated administration of Dialium guineense at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 8 days, before the induction of diarrhea, was done. The third test was a curative test with a single dose of 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg after the induction of diarrhea by castor oil. Results: D. guineense fruit pulp at 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg administered before the induction of diarrhea, has significantly delayed diarrhea; reduced the frequency of defecation, reduced the amount of diarrheal stools, and also reduced the purging index, with a degree of inhibition comparable to that of loperamide. But the water content of the stools of the group treated with D. guineense does not change significantly compared to the controls. D. guineense has reduced significantly from 500 mg/kg the diarrhea induced by castor oil after 8 days of treatment. It appears that the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, which were not effective with the single-dose preventive test, significantly delayed diarrhea; reduces the frequency of diarrheal stools and also reduces the purging index. D. guineense administered, after the induction of diarrhea, by castor oil has significantly reduced the diarrhea from 250 mg/kg. Conclusion: The fruit pulp of D. guineense has showed antidiarrheal activities in Wistar rats by reducing the frequency of defecation, the amount of diarrheal fecal matter emitted as well as the water content. It also delayed the onset of diarrhea and significantly reduced the purging index like loperamide.

Estimation of yellow fever incidence in Togo between 2010 and 2020.

BACKGROUND: Yellow fever virus is an arbovirus transmitted to humans by Aedes and Haemogogus mosquito species. To date, there is no specific treatment for yellow fever. However, an effective vaccine is available for the prevention. After a decline in yellow fever cases in Africa between 2004 and 2015, large-scale transmission of the virus was observed in Africa during 2019, with outbreaks recorded in West Africa. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of yellow fever cases recorded in the national reference laboratory of Togo from 2010 to 2020. METHOD: Data were extracted from the National Institute of Hygiene database from 2010 to 2020 with an Excel sheet and descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 4350 samples were collected between 2010 and 2020 in Togo from yellow fever suspected cases. These cases had a median age of 12 years (IQR: 5-24), and 21% of them were from the Maritime region. Among them, 30 cases were reported by national laboratory, with a global incidence of 0.7% (confidence interval 95%: [0.4-1.0]). At the yellow fever regional laboratory, 14 cases were confirmed with an incidence of 0.33% (confidence interval 95%: [0.18-0.55]). In this population, 37.7% had been immunized against yellow fever. CONCLUSION: This study shows that Togo presents cases of yellow fever. Identification of the vectors and implementation of efficient vector control measures could help prevent this disease, as well as other diseases transmitted by the same vectors. Yellow fever vaccination should be a priority in vaccination programs.

Knowledge and practices of female students at university of Kara regarding sexually transmitted infections in Togo, 2021.

A good knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in female students is an important element in the prevention of STI transmission. The objective of this study is to describe the level of knowledge and practices on STI among female students at the University of Kara. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Kara from July to September 2021. Data were collected using a standard, digitalised, selfadministered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to describe factors associated with the level of knowledge of STIs. A total of 1,055 female students with a median age of 21 years (interquartile range: 20-24) participated in the study. More than one-third (33.7%) of the students had good knowledge of STI. Having already been tested for HIV (aOR=3.25; 95% CI 2.36-4.52), having already had sex (aOR=1.56; 95% CI 1.10-2.24) and the level of education (AOR=3.46; 95% CI 2.10-5.85) were significantly associated with good STIs knowledge. Among the 723 female students (68.5%) who already had sex, 32.5% reported inconsistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse and 18.9% reported having multiple sexual partners. The results of this study highlight the importance of intensifying STIs prevention efforts (awareness, screening, and vaccination) among female students at the University of Kara.

Knowledge and practices among healthcare workers regarding dengue in Togo.

In Togo where malaria is endemic, because main signs of malaria and dengue are similar, the use of malarial drugs first could contribute to a delay in the diagnosis of dengue and the dissemination of the disease. Thus, it is important that healthcare workers (HCW) have a good knowledge of these diseases. To assess the knowledge, and practices regarding dengue infection among HCW in Togo. A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2020 to March 2021 among HCW in Togo. A pre-tested digital questionnaire was used for data collection. Based on clinical signs of dengue, preventive measures, infection type and disease type, a knowledge score was constructed with eight questions. A total of 334 HCW with median age 32 years, IQR:(28-38) responded to the survey and the sex ratio male/female was 5.9. The majority (94.0%) of HCW have heard about dengue through training (73.3%), internet (38.0%) and media (33.2%). Compared with lower executive HCW, senior manager were more knowledgeable about the causative agent, the symptoms and preventive methods of dengue infection (p<0.001). Globally, good knowledge (score ≥6) about dengue was found for 47.1% of HCW. More than 9 out of 10 HCW (91.3%) reported the lack of dengue diagnostic tools. Providing health structures with dengue diagnostic tools and training health personnel in their use in any febrile patient with a negative or positive malaria test would help prevent dengue epidemic.

Comparative Physicochemical Screening and Toxicology of Hydroethanol Extracts of the Parts of Pterocarpus santalinoides l'Hér. ex DC. (Fabaceae) in Wistar Rats.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the phytochemical profile and acute and chronic toxicity of hydroethanolic extracts of three parts of P. santalinoides. METHODS: Seven major chemical groups (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponosides, coumarins, tannins, triterpenes, and steroids) were studied. The single dose limit test of 5000 mg/kg body weight was used to evaluate the acute toxicity of each organic extract. Subacute toxicity was evaluated after daily oral doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight were administered to rats for 28 days. RESULTS: At a single dose of 5000 mg/kg, none of the extracts (leaf, trunk bark, and root) caused death in experimental rats. However, the trunk bark extract of P. santalinoides induced coat change and lethargy in treated rats. Macroscopic observation of the internal organs (liver and kidneys) of the rats showed no abnormalities. In the subacute test, only the trunk extracts induced signs of toxicity such as mobility disorders, diarrhea, and loss of body weight at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the hydroethanol extracts of the leaves, trunk bark, and root bark of P. santalinoides divergently concentrated the main chemical groups of interest. Administration of a single dose of extracts from all three P. santalinoides is not toxic to the consumer. However, when used over a long period of time, they can have a harmful effect on the consumer. In view of the different results of the trunk bark extract and in a context of conservation of the species, we recommend the use of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves in the different treatments in which the three organs are involved.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Vernonia amygdalina (Astereaceae) Extract on CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Broiler Chickens.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract (VALE) on the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity (CCl4) in broiler chickens. A total of 360-day-old broilers were divided into 4 treatments of 90 birds each consisting of 6 replicates of 15 birds each. The treatments were birds offered 1 mL/kg BW saline (control group), 100 mg/kg BW VALE, 1 mL/kg BW CCl4 (CCl4-treated group), and 100 mg/kg BW VALE + 1 mL/kg BW CCl4 (VALE + CCl4 group). Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age and analyzed for the liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and selected biochemical parameters. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. The results obtained showed that VALE had the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of CCl4 on protein and lipid metabolism as reflected in the low serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which is a marker of lipid peroxidation. The aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight showed a moderate hepatoprotective effect by reducing serum AST levels (p < 0.05). The levels of serum AST, ALP, ALT, and GGT were significantly increased in CCl4-treated birds compared to the control group, reflecting carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. The VALE + CCl4 group showed a significantly higher amount of ALP compared to birds treated with carbon tetrachloride, suggesting a hepatoprotective effect. To conclude, Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract can be used to confer protection against hepatotoxicity, which can induce severe hepatocellular damage in birds.

Comparative Study of Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities of Different Parts from Pterocarpus Santalinoides l'Her. Ex. DC (Fabaceae).

AIMS: Pterocarpus santalinoides is used in Beninese folk medicine for treatment of gastroenteritis. This study aims to compare the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves, trunk bark, and root. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution method on 06 bacterial strains including 03 wild-type strains (Escherichia. coli 0157H, Salmonella sp., and Staphylococcus aureus sp.) and 03 reference strains (E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 29213, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853), whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was performed by the carrageenan-induced paw edema method on rats. The DPPH-free radical scavenging was used to determine the antioxidant activity. RESULTS: The MICs of the leaf extracts varied from 6.25 to 25 mg/mL for all strains. The MICs of the stem bark extracts were 6.5 to 25 µg/mL for five strains (E. coli 0157H, S. aureus ATCC 25922, Salmonella sp., E. coli ATCC 25922, and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and 3.125 mg/mL for S. aureus. Concerning the root extracts, the MICs varied from 12.5 to 50 mg/mL. The best anti-inflammatory power was obtained with the stem bark extract with the percentages of inhibition of 36.09%, 38.98%, and 39.50%. The DPPH test showed that the hydroethanolic extract of the 03 parts of P. santalinoides has a moderate antiradical power compared to the control which was quercetin. CONCLUSION: In view of the different pharmacological activity recorded, the extract of the leaves should be recommended to treat patients suffering from gastroenteriditis.

Prevalence and factors associated with poor self-rated health among communitydwelling older adults in Lomé (Togo) in 2019.

The number of older adults is increasing worldwide, including in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is a paucity of data on the overall health status of older adults living in SSA. To assess the prevalence and factors associated with poor Self-Rated Health (SRH) among community-dwelling older adults in Lomé, Togo, we conducted a cross-sectional study from January to June 2019 in Lomé among community-dwelling older adults aged 50 years and older. A 30- minute questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, patterns of medication use and use of herbal products and dietary supplements during a face-to-face interview. SRH was assessed using a single item: Overall, you would say that your health is… (1) excellent, (2) very good, (3) good, (4) fair and (5) poor with response fair or poor defining poor SRH. A total of 344 respondents with median age 63 years, (IQR: 55-72) were enrolled in the study. Women represented 57.6% of the sample. Overall prevalence of poor SRH was 56.4% (95%CI: 51.0-61.9) and was the highest among females (62.6% vs 47.9%; P=0.007) and participants ³60 years (61.5% vs 51.1%; P=0.021). Female sex, aged ≥60 years, osteoarthritis, hospitalization within the 12 months preceding the survey, polypharmacy, and the use of herbal products were factors associated with poor SRH (P<0.05). More than half of community- dwelling older adults had poor SRH in Lomé. Further studies are needed to guide policymakers in their efforts to design and implement meaningful policies to improve older adults health conditions.

Predictors of three-month mortality among hospitalized older adults in Togo.

BACKGROUND: Assessing hospital mortality and its predictors is important as some of these can be prevented through appropriate interventions. Few studies have reported hospital mortality data among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess the mortality and associated factors among hospitalized older adults in Togo. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study from February 2018 to September 2019 among patients ≥50 years admitted in medical and surgical services of six hospitals in Togo. Data were recorded during hospitalization and through telephone follow-up survey within 90 days after admission. The main outcome was all-cause mortality at 3 months. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of mortality. RESULTS: The median age of the 650 older adults included in the study period was 61 years, IQR: [55-70] and at least one comorbidity was identified in 59.7% of them. The all-cause mortality rate of 17.2% (95%CI: 14.4-20.4) and the majority of death (93.7%) occurred in hospital. Overall survival rate was 85.5 and 82.8% after 30 and 90 days of follow-up, respectively. Factors associated with 3-month mortality were the hospital level in the health pyramid, hospitalization service, length of stay, functional impairment, depression and malignant diseases. CONCLUSION: Togolese health system needs to adjust its response to an aging population in order to provide the most effective care.

African swine fever in Benin and prevalence of the disease in Southern Benin: A retrospective study (2014-2018).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of African swine fever (ASF) disease in Benin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 70 pig farms from the Departement of Atlantique and Ouémé and also by using the data available from the Directorate of Livestock on the spread of ASF in Benin from 2014 to 2018. The prevalence of ASF was assessed with 106 nasal swabs from apparently healthy domestic pigs and 15 organ samples from dead ASF-suspected pigs. ASF virus detection was carried out by conventional polymerase chain reaction using Qiagen Kit for DNA extraction. Data recorded were processed with SAS software (2006). RESULTS: It appears that ASF is an endemic disease in Benin with the Department of Ouémé as the hotspot of dissemination of the virus in the country. The losses due to ASF recorded from 2014 to 2018 are evaluated to 884,850,000 CFA Franc by estimating the average cost of a pig at 25,000 FCFA. A prevalence of 1.89% (CI at 95%, 0.71-3.49) was recorded for live animals with a positive result in organs from all dead pigs suspected of ASF. Breeding practices related to the sharing of breeding males, scavenging pigs, and non-compliance with biosecurity measures were the risk factors identified. CONCLUSION: The present study sheds light on the areas prone to the ASF virus in Benin. Moreover, the cross-sectional data recorded on the prevalence of ASF will help to better rule on the spread of the disease. It would be interesting for the Beninese Republic to increase its efforts for ASF control.

[Prevalence of albuminuria in sickle cell disease patients at the Campus university hospital of Lome, Togo]. / Prévalence de l'albuminurie chez les drépanocytaires au Centre hospitalier universitaire Campus de Lomé au Togo.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of albuminuria in sickle cell disease patients at the Campus University Hospital of Lome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Albuminuria was assessed by the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in sickle cell disease individuals who attended the outpatient consultation in their steady state. RESULTS: The prevalence of albuminuria was 21% (14/67). Albuminuria was more frequent (32% vs 13%, p=0,054) and occurred earlier (6 years vs 21 years) among the 28 SS/Sß0-thalassemia sickle-cell diseases individuals than the 39 SC ones. Albuminuria was associated with high counts of leukocytes (p=0.033) and neutrophils (p=0.008). It was negatively correlated with hemoglobin level (p=0.032) and positively with LDH (p=0.002), SGOT (p=0.002), leukocytes (p=0.003), neutrophils (p< 0.001) and thrombocytes (p=0.010) counts for all sickle cell patients without statistical confirmation for each sickle cell phenotype apart from neutrophils in SS/Sß0-thalassemia. Defining albuminuria as an UACR greater than 20 mg/g had a specificity of 100% and a sensibility and 90% when the UACR was compared to the 24-hours urines albumin quantification. CONCLUSION: The assessment of albuminuria should begin at age 5 years in SS/Sß0-thalassemia sickle-cell anemia patients and from 20 years old in SC patients by the UACR.

[Corrigendum: Ethnobotanical study of plants used in the treatment of diabetes in the traditional medicine of Maritime Region, Togo]. / Corrigendum: Étude ethnobotanique des plantes utilisées dans le traitement du diabète dans la médecine traditionnelle de la région Maritime du Togo.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.20.437.5660.][This corrects the article DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.20.437.5660.].

Toxicological assessment of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of clerodendrum capitatum in Wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION: Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd) Schumach. & Thonn (Lamiaceae) is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria, hypertension, obesity, jaundice and diabetes however there is lack of experimental data on its possible toxicity. This study investigated the acute and 28 days sub-chronic toxicity of C. capitatum in Wistar rats. METHODS: In acute toxicity tests, a single administration of the hydroethanolic C. capitatum leaf extract (5 g/kg) was given orally to 5 female rats. The general behavior, adverse effects and mortality were recorded for up to 14 days post treatment. On the 15(th) day, the rats were weighed and euthanized for necropsy. In sub-chronic toxicity tests, the extract (4, 8 and 16 g/kg/day) was given orally to both male and female rats for 28 days. The animal body weight was recorded throughout the experiment, while hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and relative organs weights were evaluated on the 29(th) day. RESULTS: Clerodendrum Capitatum did not cause any death or any hazardous symptoms of acute toxicity, showing an LD50 higher than 5 g/kg. Sub-chronic administration of C. capitatum resulted in no noticeable changes in weight gain and water or food consumption. White blood cells and hemoglobin increased while urea concentration, liver enzymes, total cholesterol and glucose concentrations significantly decreased in treated animals. No changes in macroscopical aspect of organs were observed in the animals. CONCLUSION: These results showed that acute or sub-chronic oral administration of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Clerodendrum capitatum may be considered as relatively free of toxicity.

Food plants used during traditional wrestling in Kabyè land of Togo.

INTRODUCTION: In the traditional sports like the fight, natural products from minerals, animals and plants are used to increase physical resistance and performance. For a better understanding of this practice, an ethnopharmacological survey was carried out in kabyè land, North of Togo, to identify current plants used as foods plants during traditional wrestling. METHODS: Ethnopharmacological data were collected through semi-structured method and personal interviews in the Kabyè locality during traditional wrestling. At least, twelve villages were surveyed in the study. RESULTS: Results indicated that 57 plants are widely used by local people as food plants generally during wrestling time. These plants are used traditionally for many others purposes. CONCLUSION: We concluded that these plants may serve as sources for pharmacological investigations in physical performance improvement.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Malaria in the Plateau Region, Togo.

BACKGROUND: In Togo, malaria constitutes a major public health problem but, until now, the population still mostly relies on herbal medicine for healing. This study aimed to document medicinal plants used for malaria therapy in the Plateau region of the country. METHODOLOGY: Semi-structured questionnaire interviews were used to gather ethnobotanical and sociodemographic data from traditional healers of the study area. RESULTS: A total of 61 plants species belonging to 33 families were found to be in use for malaria therapy in the Plateau region. Caesalpiniaceae were the most represented family with 7 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae and Poaceae with 4 species each. According to the relative frequency of citation (RFC), Newbouldia laevis Seem. (RFC =0.52), Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A. Bruce (RFC =0.48), Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (RFC =0.43), and Senna siamea (Lam.) H.S. Irwin and Barneby (RFC =0.40) were the most cited in the treatment of malaria in the traditional medicine in the Plateau region. The parts of plants used could either be the barks, roots, leaves, or whole plants. The recipes also could be a combination of various species of plants or plant parts. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential sources for the development of new antimalarial drugs from indigenous medicinal plants found in the Plateau region of Togo. Such results could be a starting point for in vitro antimalarial screenings. SUMMARY: 61 plants species from 33 families are use for malaria therapy in the Plateau region of TogoThe main families are Caesalpiniaceae Euphorbiaceae and PoaceaeThe most used species are Newbouldia laevis Seem. (RFC = 0.52), Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A. Bruce (RFC = 0.48), Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (RFC = 0.43), and Senna siamea (Lam.) H.S. Irwin and Barneby (RFC = 0.40) Abbreviations Used: RFC: Relative frequency of citation, FC: Frequency of citation, Dec: Decoction, Orl: Oral route, Mac: Maceration, Jui: Juice, Inf: Infusion, Sau: Sauce, Kne: Kneading, Le: Leaves, Rt: Roots, Wp: Whole plant, St: Stem, Stb: Stem bark, Rh: Rhizome, Fr: Fruits, Pf: Plasmodium falciparum, IC50: Concentration of extract killing 50% parasites.

Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Jatropha multifida L. (Euphorbiaceae).

BACKGROUND: Jatropha multifida is used in Togolease folk medicine for the healing of chronic wounds. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the leaves ethanolic extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antimicrobial activity was assayed by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards broth microdilution method on strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomoas aeruginosa isolated from wounds, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was performed by carrageenan and histamine induced paw edema method in rat modele. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used for the antioxidant activity. RESULTS: The antibacterial assay showed an in vitro growth inhibition of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in dose-dependent manner, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 2.5 to 3.12 mg/mL for S. aureus and from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa. The maximum paw anti-inflammatory effect occurred after 3 and 5 h administration of histamine and carrageenan, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging and the FRAP assays yielded weak antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: J. multifida possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities that could justify the use of the plant for the treatment of wounds in the folk medicine. SUMMARY: Antibacterial on germs isolated from wound, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Jatropha multifida were assayed by NCCLS broth method, carrageenan and histamine, DPPH and FRAP respectively. The results indicated that Jatropha multifida possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and weak antioxidant activities that could justify its use for the treatment of wounds in the folk medicine.

Toxicological screening of Daouri, a polyherbal formulation used in children in the Central Region of Togo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Daouri, a combination of several plants, is an old African Traditional Medicine based on ancestral knowledge transmitted from generation to generation and is used by the Kotokoli Community in Togo. The combination of several plants may potentiate or attenuate the toxicity of individual plants. The present investigation aims to study the composition and potential toxicity of Daouri used in children in the Kotokoli community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surveys were performed using a semi-structured questionnaire to determine the composition of Daouri. On the basis of these data collected, Standard Daouri was formulated, and its aqueous extract was orally administered at 300, 600 and 1200mg/kg to rats for 28 days. On the 29th day, the rats were sacrificed and their serum were analysed to evaluate hepatic and renal toxicities. RESULTS: Four categories of Daouri were collected. The plant combinations used in each Daouri formulation varied according to the pathological conditions, including the age of the children and the availability of each plant. The most plants cited in the four Daouri were Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss, Odina acida (A. Rich.) Oliv.,Lophira lanceolata Tiegh, Paullinia pinnata L. and Pteleopsis suberosa Engl. & Diels. Although there was an increase in the alkaline phosphatase concentration, different doses of the aqueous extract of Standard Daouri were not toxic after 28 days of administration. In addition, the concentrations of alanine transaminase, creatinine and urea were not different between the Daouri-treated and control groups. CONCLUSION: Daouri is plant combination used in children in the Kotokoli community as a part of African Traditional Medicine. Standard Daouri is not toxic in rats.

Effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Balanitaceae) on some resistant pathogens bacteria isolated from wounds.

BACKGROUND: The bark of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Balanitaceae) is widely used in the Togolese folk medicine for the treatment of wounds, malaria and skin diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties and the activity of the bark extract of this plant against some resistant bacteria isolated from wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antimicrobial activity was assayed using the NCCLS microdilution while the DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used for the antioxidant activity. The susceptibility to conventional antibiotics of bacteria was assessed by an agar disk diffusion method using commercial disk. Phenolics were quantified using spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: The hydroethanolic extracts of the bark inhibited in vitro the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner. Bacteriostatic effects were observed on 15 (33%) and 21 (47%) strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. The MICs and MBCs against Staphylococcus aureus strains ranged respectively from 2.5 to 12.5 µg/mL and 2.5 to 50 µg/mL. Concerning Pseudomonas aeruginosa, these values were equal (12.5 µg/mL). Multidrug resistance was 95% against six antibiotics for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 91% against five antibiotics for Staphylococcus aureus. The DPPH radical scavenging and the FRAP assays yielded weak antioxidant activity, closely linked with the total phenolic contents. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the bark extract of Balanites aegyptiaca possess bioactive compounds implicated in the free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities, justifying the use of the plant in the traditional medicines.

Evaluation of the quality of artemisinin-based antimalarial medicines distributed in ghana and togo.

This study, conducted as part of our overall goal of regular pharmacovigilance of antimalarial medicines, reports on the quality of 132 artemisinin-based antimalarial medicines distributed in Ghana and Togo. Three methods were employed in the quality evaluation-basic (colorimetric) tests for establishing the identity of the requisite active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), semi-quantitative TLC assay for the identification and estimation of API content, and HPLC assay for a more accurate quantification of API content. From the basic tests, only one sample totally lacked API. The HPLC assay, however, showed that 83.7% of the ACTs and 57.9% of the artemisinin-based monotherapies failed to comply with international pharmacopoeia requirements due to insufficient API content. In most of the ACTs, the artemisinin component was usually the insufficient API. Generally, there was a good correlation between the HPLC and SQ-TLC assays. The overall failure rates for both locally manufactured (77.3%) and imported medicines (77.5%) were comparable. Similarly the unregistered medicines recorded a slightly higher overall failure rate (84.7%) than registered medicines (70.8%). Only two instances of possible cross-border exchange of medicines were observed and there was little difference between the medicine quality of collections from border towns and those from inland parts of both countries.