In vitro antileishmanial activities of hydro-methanolic crude extracts and solvent fractions of Clematis simensis fresen leaf, and Euphorbia abyssinica latex.

As a result of increasing drug resistance, crossover resistance development, prolonged therapy, and the absence of different agents with innovative methods for implementation, the efficacy of recent antileishmanial medications is severely declining. So, it is vital to look for other medications from botanical remedies that have antileishmanial activity. The latex of Euphorbia abyssinica (E abyssinica) and the leaves of Clematis simensis fresen (C simensis) were macerated in methanol (80%). In vitro antileishmanial activity of the preparation was tried on promastigotes of Leishmania aethiopica (L aethiopica) and Leishmania donovani (L donovani) using resazurin assay, and fluorescence intensity was measured. One percent of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and media as negative control and amphotericin B as positive control were used. Additionally, hemolytic & phytochemical tests of the preparation were done. The mean and standard errors of each extract were evaluated and interpreted for statistical significance using one-way analysis of variance. From sigmoidal dose-response curves of % inhibition, half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined by GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Excel; outcomes were presented as mean ±â€…standard error of mean of triplicate trials. P < .05 was statistical significance. The phytochemical screening of C simensis and E abyssinica confirmed the existence of steroids, phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides. C simensis possesses antileishmanial activity with IC50 outcomes of 46.12 ±â€…0.03 and 8.18 ±â€…0.10 µg/mL on the promastigotes of L aethiopica and L donovani, respectively. However, E abyssinica showed stronger activity with IC50 outcomes of 16.07 ±â€…0.05 µg/mL and 4.82 ±â€…0.07 µg/mL on L aethiopica and L donovani, respectively. C simensis and E abyssinica have a less hemolytic effect on human red blood cells at low concentrations. The outcomes from this investigation demonstrated that the preparation of C simensis and E abyssinica indicated significant antileishmanial activity. Therefore, further in vivo assessment of antileishmanial, cytotoxicity activity and quantitative identification of secondary metabolites are highly recommended.

Poisoning cases and their management in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia: Hospital-based prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Poisoning is a significant public health problem globally. Ethiopia is a low-income country undergoing technological and social change that may increase access to drugs and chemicals, potentially increasing the incidence of poisoning. This study describes the epidemiology of hospital admissions due to poisoning in a region of Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution based prospective observational study was employed, as a study design, in selected hospitals of the region from January to December 2018. RESULTS: Of 442 poisoning cases, 78 (17.6%) died. Almost all poisoning cases were intentional self-poisonings. The most frequent poisonings were organophosphate compounds, 145 (32.8%), and metal phosphides (majorly aluminum phosphide), 115 (26.0%). The ingested poison was most frequently accessed from the patients' homes, 243 (55.0%), followed by purchases from local shops, 159 (36%). The median duration of admission was 24 hours. Of all the cases, 23 (5.2%) were admitted to intensive care units (ICU) requiring mechanical ventilation. Most of the cases admitted to the ICU were aluminum phosphide-poisoned patients. The majority of deaths (43 of 78) were due to metal phosphides. From the multivariate logistic regression analysis, altered level of consciousness on hospital arrival, metal phosphide poisoning, and no laboratory result as a part of the diagnosis process or investigation of the extent of toxicity were found to be significantly associated with the likelihood of poor treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: The majority of the poisoning cases were females. The most common reasons for the intent of self-poisoning were dispute-related, mainly family disharmonies, followed by psychiatric conditions. The poisoning agents were mostly obtained from households. Organophosphate compounds and metal phosphides were the first and the second most frequently encountered poisoning agents, respectively, and it was noted that the later ones were responsible for most of the fatal cases. Of the pharmacologic interventions, atropine was the only agent regarded as an antidote. The most commonly employed agent for supportive treatment was cimetidine followed by maintenance fluids, while gastric lavage was the only GI decontamination method used among others. The fatality rate of poisoning in this study was found to be much higher than in other similar studies. Impaired consciousness upon hospital arrival, metal phosphide poisoning, and no involvement of laboratory investigation were found to significantly associate with the likelihood of death. Generally, the results dictate the need for the design and implementation of strategies to create awareness, prevent, and manage poisoning incidences in the community.

Evaluation of Anti-Diarrheal Activities of the 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Maesa lanceolata Forssk (Myrsinaceae) Leaves in Mice.

Background: Due to the limits of present antidiarrheal medications, it is critical to seek novel, safe, and inexpensive antidiarrheal agents. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess the antidiarrheal activity of 80% methanol crude extract and solvent fractions of Maesa lanceolata leaves in mice. Methods: Leaf powder was extracted by 80% methanol and then fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and distilled water. At 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, the effects of the crude extract on castor oil-induced diarrhea, enteropooling, and gastrointestinal motility tests were investigated. Tween 2% and atropine used as negative and positive controls, respectively. A gastrointestinal motility test was used to explore the anti-motility effects. Data were analyzed with SPSS V. 26, and the significance was established with a one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc Tukey's test. Results: The crude extract delayed the onset of diarrhea and significantly reduced the number of fecal drops at 100 (p<0.05), 200 and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001). Similarly, the number and weight of wet feces, as well as total fresh feces, were reduced at 200 (p<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001) compared to Tween 2%. The enteropooling test demonstrated that the extracts significantly reduced the volume and weight of intestine content at 200 (p<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001). The anti-motility activity test revealed that the all extracts decreased gastrointestinal motility significantly (p<0.001). The ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced gastrointestinal transit time at all doses (p<0.001). At 400 mg/kg, the activities of the n-hexane fraction were significant (p<0.01). The efficacy of the residual aqueous fraction on gastrointestinal motility was significant at 200 (p<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001). Conclusion: The 80% methanol extract of Maesa lanceolata Forssk leaf and solvent fractions were shown to exhibit potent antidiarrheal activity in the current study.

Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Methanolic Leaf and Root Extracts of Gomphocarpus purpurascens A. Rich (Asclepiadaceae) in Mice.

Background: Regardless of the availability of drugs many people still experienced pain and inflammation because current medications often trigger potentially serious adverse effects. A range of medicinal plants with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been widely used by traditional healers. Among them, Gomphocarpus purpurascens is one however there are no experimental studies that support this traditional use. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 80% methanolic leaf and root extracts of G. purpurascens. Methods: Air-dried leaves and roots of G. purpurascens were extracted with 80% methanol and an acute oral toxicity study was conducted for the 80% methanolic extract of G. purpurascens according to OECD guideline version eighteen. Preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of different constituents was carried out. The hot plate method was used to evaluate centrally mediated analgesic activity while peripheral analgesic activity was tested by an acetic acid-induced writhing test. Carrageenan-induced paw edema test and formalin-induced pedal edema test were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Results: Dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing test was observed in mice by 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of root extract with respective values of 16.6%, 68.9%, and 83%. In the hot plate method, the root extract at doses of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed a significant (p < 0.05) analgesic effect. Maximum anti-inflammatory effects by all doses of leaf extracts were observed from 2-4hr post-induction in carrageenan-induced paw edema; and all tested doses of the extract inhibited the formalin-induced inflammation significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). The presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, anthraquinone, steroids, and phenols might be responsible for these activities. Conclusion: This study shows that the extract had potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which supports the traditional claim.

Anti-Diarrheal Activities of Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Acacia seyal (Fabaceae) Roots in Mice.

Background: Traditionally, the root of Acacia seyal is used for the treatment of diarrhea. However, its efficacy has not been scientifically evaluated. Thus, this study aimed to validate the antidiarrheal activities using hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Acacia seyal roots in mice. Methods: In each model, mice were divided into five groups of six mice at random. Group I mice (negative controls) were given 1mL/100 g distilled water for hydromethanolic crude extract tests as well as n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions, while groups II, III, and IV were given 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of hydromethanolic crude extract or solvent fractions. Group V mice (positive control) were given 3 mg/kg Loperamide for the castor oil-induced diarrhea and enteropooling test. All of the doses were taken orally. However, Atropine sulfate, 5 mg/kg, was given intraperitoneally for the gastrointestinal motility test. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to examine the statistical significance of differences in the number and weight of wet and total feces, distance traveled by a charcoal meal, and intestinal fluid accumulation across groups. Results: When compared to the vehicle-treated group, the crude extract and n-hexane fraction notably delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced the weight and volume of intestinal contents, and hindered the intestinal transit at all tested doses (P < 0.001). The ethyl acetate fraction also significantly (P < 0.001) decreased the weight of intestinal content at all doses examined. Only at 400 mg/kg did the aqueous fraction statistically (P < 0.01) prolonged the onset of diarrhea and impeded gastrointestinal motility. Conclusion: According to this study, the hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Acacia seyal roots have promising antidiarrheal effects.

Prevalence of violence and associated factors among youth in Northwest Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Violence as a known serious public health problem affects people in all stages of life, from childhood to the elderly. In society, one of the most visible forms of violence is young people violence, whereas they, adolescents and young adults, are the main victims of such violence. There was limited information on the burden of violence and factors among this age group. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of violence and its associated factors among youth in Northwest, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted to estimate the magnitude of violence among youth in Northwest, Ethiopia. Data were taken from the mega project entitled assessment of common health problem and risky health behavior among youth. Youth violence was the dependent variable whereas the socio-demographic variables and substance use were the independent-variables. The bivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine factors associated with violence. RESULTS: From the total 1765 representatives of the youth population,1597 (90.5%) youth participated in the study. Overall, the prevalence of violence among youth aged 15-24 years for the last 12 months was 21.5%. In the multivariable logistic regression model, factors significantly associated with violence were being married and divorced (AOR = 1.77, 95%CI: 1.13, 2.79) and (AOR = 5.67, 95%CI: 2.93, 10.99), respectively, living with mother's only (AOR = 1.85,95%CI: 1.28, 2.66) and father's only (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.63), and substance use (AOR = 2.38,95% CI: 1.56, 3.66). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of violence among youth was high compared to other studies. Special emphasis Should be given for youth violence in order to manage the victims as well as for preventing and controlling the identified factors through strengthening policies and strategies.

Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activities of Hydro-Alcoholic Crude Extract of the Shoot Tips of Crinum abyssinicum Hochst. ex A. Rich (Amaryllidaceae) in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of synthetic antihyperglycaemic medications on the market, diabetes is on the rise. Though not scientifically proven, the Crinum abyssinicum Hochst. ex A. Rich. (Amaryllidaceae) has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Crinum abyssinicum was tested in mice to see if it had anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. METHODS: The hydro-alcoholic extract of Crinum abyssinicum shoot tips doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) were administered to normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded mice, and single and repeated dose-treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. Then, the blood glucose levels were measured for normoglycemic, oral glucose loaded and single dose treated streptozotocin model. Whereas in repeated dose-treated streptozotocin induced diabetic model, blood glucose level, body weight, and lipid profiles were measured. RESULTS: After oral administration, all extract doses (100 mg/kg (p < 0.01), 200 mg/kg (p < 0.001), and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001)) significantly reduced blood glucose level of normal mice as compared to the control group. Significant reduction of post-prandial glucose was achieved with crude extract at a tested dose of 100 mg/kg (p < 0.05) both at 1st and 2nd hours; 200 mg/kg (p < 0.01) at the 1st hour and (p < 0.001) 2nd hours, and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001) at the 1st and 2nd hours as compared to the negative control. In diabetic mice, the crude extract 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg; and glibenclamide 5 mg/kg significantly reduced (p < 0.001) blood glucose level on the 14th day as compared to the negative control. All doses of crude extract significantly improved the lipid profiles and the bodyweight of diabetic mice. CONCLUSION: These findings revealed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of Crinum abyssinicum shoot tips possess significant antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and body weight improvements in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Besides, it showed hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperglycaemic activities on normoglycemic and oral glucose loaded mice, respectively. These justify the claimed use of the plant in ameliorating diabetes mellitus in Ethiopian folk medicine.

Youth Risky Sexual Behavior: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Factors in North-West Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite, risky sexual behavior behaviors adversely affect the health of youth people, youth has been start sexual lives during teenager is increasing, thus youth has been engaged in risky sexual behaviors. However, almost all the previous studies are institutional based and did not considered out school youth. Therefore, this community based study among youth was implemented to identify sociodemographic determinants of risky sexual behaviors among youth. METHODS: The community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 15 to April 15, 2019, among youths. Data were extracted from data collected for project on assessments of common health problem and risky behaviors in central, north and west Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to determine the presence of an association between independent variables and risky sexual behavior. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 27.5%, 95%CI: (25-29). Age 20-24 years (AOR = 1.8,95% CI:1.3-2.5), female (AOR = 1.6,95%CI: 1.2-2.1), had no formal education (AOR = 1.9,95% CI:1.1-3.4), not schooling during data collection year (AOR = 1.8,95%CI:1.3-2.6), family wealth index status; lowest (AOR = 2.3,95%CI:1.3-3.9), low (AOR = 2.1,95%CI:1.2-3.5), medium (AOR = 1.9,95%CI:1.2-3.0) and high (AOR = 1.8, 95%CI:1.1-3.0), having common mental disorder (AOR = 2.0,95% CI: 1.4-2.7), and watching pornography materials (AOR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2-2.1) were factors associated with risky sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study revealed that one every four youths aged 15-24 years old had risky sexual behaviors. Hence, working on economic development of the family and prevention of violence can contribute to reducing risky sexual behavior among youths.

Suicide attempt and its determinants among youth in central, north, and west Gondar zones, northwest Ethiopia: Findings from the youth health project.

Introduction: Suicide is a deliberate attempt to take one's own life. Suicidal behavior among adolescents and young people, a significant global public health issue, is under-researched, particularly in developing nations like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicide attempts and their determinants among school-aged and out-of-school youth in the central, north, and west Gondar zones of Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 March to 15 April 2019, among youth in the central, north, and west Gondar zones. The data for this study were extracted from information collected for the assessment of common health problems and risky behaviors among youth. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to collect the data using face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaires. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the independent determinants of suicide attempts. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the presence and direction of the association between the dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 1,597 youth participated in this study, and the mean age of the participants was 19.1 ± 2.8 standard deviations (SDs). The lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts in the study participants was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.4, 6.8%). Risky sexual practices (AOR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.19-2.99), the presence of common mental health problems (AOR = 6.31, 95% CI: 3.78-10.88), having a personal income (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.05-2.71), and a history of violence (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.76-4.49) were significantly associated with a suicide attempt. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts among youth is high. The presence of common mental health problems, having a personal income, risky sexual practices, and a history of violence increase the likelihood of suicide attempts. Working on the reduction of risky sexual practices, ensuring the integration of psychological treatment into medical treatment programs for victims of violence, psychosocial support for young people, and integrating youth-friendly health services to promote mental health would help to reduce suicide attempts among youth.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Antipyretic and Antioxidant Activities of 80% Methanol Root Extract and Derived Solvent Fraction of Echinops kebericho M. (Asteraceae) in Mice Model.

BACKGROUND: Toxicity and untoward effects are very ostensible in most standard drugs including antipyretic agents. Searching for conceivable antipyretic drugs with minimal toxicities and side effects from traditional plants is a growing concern to date. Echinops kebericho M. (Asteraceae) is one of the most prominent traditional medicinal plants, which is frequently testified for its traditionally claimed uses of treating fever and different infectious and noninfectious disorders by traditional healers in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, this plant has not been scientifically assessed for its traditionally claimed uses. This study therefore is aimed at investigating the antipyretic and antioxidant activities of 80% methanol root extract and the derived solvent fraction of Echinops kebericho M. in mouse models. METHODS: Successive solvent maceration with increased polarity was used as the method of extractions, and chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water were used as solvents. After extraction, the crude extract and its derived solvent fractions were assessed for their antipyretic activities using yeast-induced pyrexia while, the antioxidant activities were measured in vitro using the diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay method. Both the extract and solvent fractions were evaluated at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for its antipyretic activities, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated at the doses of 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg. The positive control group was treated with standard drug (ASA 100 mg/kg), while normal saline-receiving groups were assigned as negative control. RESULT: E. kebericho crude extract along with its derived solvent fractions showed statistically significant (p < 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001) temperature reduction activities. The maximum percentage of temperature reduction was observed by the highest dose (400 mg/kg) of the crude extract. The aqueous fraction also showed significantly (p < 0.05 and 0.01) higher temperature reduction than those of ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions. The free radical scavenging activities of the crude extract were also significantly high at the maximum dose, and the aqueous fraction showed the significantly highest antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: In general, the data obtained from the present study clarified that the extract possessed significant antipyretic and antioxidant activities, upholding the traditionally claimed use of the plant.

Antimalarial Activity of Seed Extracts of Schinus molle Against Plasmodium berghei in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major public health problem in developing countries. In Ethiopian, the seeds of Schinus molle are used for the management of malaria. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate in vivo antimalarial activity of hydro-alcoholic crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. METHODS: An 80 percent of methanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds were tested for antimalarial activity at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. The parasitemia level, packed cell volume, body weight, survival of date and rectal temperature were used to evaluate the anti-malarial activity of the extracts. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test was employed and the result was expressed in mean ± SEM (standard error of the mean). RESULTS: The curative activity of the highest dose of crude extract and aqueous fraction of Schinus molle seeds was 69.86% and 73.82% (p < 0.001), respectively. In the prophylactic test, aqueous fraction had 72.39% (p < 0.001) suppression antimalarial activity. Among solvent fractions, only chloroform fraction was significantly attenuated packed cell volume reduction. The mice treated with crude extract and aqueous fraction had longer survival date than vehicle-treated mice (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The experiment finding showed that the crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds had significant curative and prophylaxis anti-plasmodial activity. This result revealed that the Schinus molle seeds extract has promising antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei. However, further confirmatory studies, isolation and characterization of the active constituents are recommended.

Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of 80% Methanol Root Extract of Echinops kebericho M. (Asteraceae).

BACKGROUND: Pain and inflammation are the major devastating health problems commonly treated with traditional medicinal plants in Ethiopia. Echinops kebericho M. (Asteraceae) is the one which is frequently used to treat pain and inflammation by traditional healers in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, the plant has not been scientifically evaluated for its traditionally claimed use. The present study aimed at the investigation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 80% methanol root extract of Echinops kebericho M. in mice model. METHODS: Successive maceration was used as a method of extraction using solvents of increasing polarity: methanol and water. After extraction of the roots with 80% hydro methanol, the crude extract was evaluated for its peripheral and central analgesic activities using acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot plate method, respectively, while its anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan- and formalin-induced paw edema. The extract was evaluated at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. The positive control groups were treated with ASA 150 mg/kg for writhing test, morphine 10 mg/kg for hot plat method, indomethacin 25 mg/kg and diclofenac 10 mg/kg for paw edema tests and vehicle, distilled water (10 mL/kg) treated mice were assigned as negative controls. All treatment administrations were performed orally. RESULTS: E. kebericho extract at all test doses showed statistically significant antinociceptive activity in both chemicals-induced peripheral and thermal-induced central pain in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001). The greater analgesic activity was observed by the maximum dose of the extract (400 mg/kg) in both acetic acids-induced writhing test (57.84%) and hot plate method (69.40%). The effect of the extract was also statistically significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) in both carrageenan and formalin-induced paw edema in dose dependent manner. Greater edema inhibition was observed by the highest dose (400 mg/kg) in both observations with the respective percentage values of 70.00% and 79.87%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In general, the data obtained from the present study elucidated that the extract possessed a significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and recommended for further studies.

Antimalarial Activity of Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Leaves of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. (Melianthaceae) against Plasmodium berghei Infection in Swiss Albino Mice.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of malaria has been compromised by the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. Consequently, novel agents are urgently needed from different sources including from medicinal plants. Thus, the current study aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activity of crude extract and solvent fractions of the leaves of Bersama abyssinica (B. abyssinica) against Plasmodium berghei infection in Swiss Albino mice. METHOD: A 4-day suppressive test was employed to evaluate the antimalarial effect of crude extract and solvent fractions against early infection. The curative and prophylactic effects of crude extract and fraction with the highest chemosuppression were further tested by Rane's test and residual infection procedure. Parasitemia, survival time, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight, and rectal temperature of mice were used as evaluation parameters. Windows SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used to compare data between groups. RESULTS: The crude extract and aqueous fraction significantly (P < 0.05 to 0.001) suppressed parasitemia followed by protection of PCV reduction resulting in prolonging the survival time but failed to protect body weight and rectal temperature reduction in all tested models. The ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions also showed significant chemosuppression and PCV protection in the 4-day suppressive test. The crude extract exhibited a chemosuppression of 49.51%, 57.94%, and 44.11% while the aqueous fraction showed suppression of 47.69%, 51.62%, and 37.07% in 4-day suppressive, curative, and prophylactic tests, respectively, at 400 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: The crude extract and fractions showed fairly moderate antimalarial activity, and the finding supports the traditional claims and previous in vitro studies. Thus, this may call for further studies to isolate chemical entities for additional safety and efficacy tests.

Prevalence and Predictors of Self-Medication Practice Among Teachers' Education Training College Students in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Self-medication practice is the use of medications without healthcare professional requests. It can lead to inappropriate medication usage, wastage of resources, increased chance of microbial resistance, and adverse drug reactions. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication practice among teachers' education training college students in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted on 344 teachers' education training college students in the Amhara region, Ethiopia, from January 1 to February 28, 2020. Data on sociodemography, the practice of self-medication, and factors associated with self-medication practice were collected through a self-administered structured questionnaire. Systematic random sampling was used to select participants. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to determine various variables and factors associated with self-medication practice. Results: Out of the 344 respondents, 234 (68.0%) practiced self-medication. The most commonly cited indication for self-medication practice was headache (75, 32.05%), followed by abdominal discomfort (53, 22.6%). The respondents who were older than 26 years of age (AOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.18-3.94), were in the third year of study (AOR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.94-5.79), lived in urban residence (AOR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.06-3.64), had accessibility to a nearby pharmacy (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.43-4.46), and had peer/family pressure (AOR: 2.34, 95% Cl: 1.53-3.56) were significantly associated with self-medication practice. Conclusion: More than two-thirds of the study participants practiced self-medication. Being from an urban area, having access to a private pharmacy, and higher year of study positively affect self-medication practice.

Evaluation of hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of 80% methanolic seed extract of Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. (Fabaceae) in mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic health problems in the world. As currently available antidiabetic medications have limitations in terms of safety, efficacy, and cost, it is an important research area to investigate medicinal plants for new antidiabetic compounds that can lead to effective, safe and less costly pharmacotherapy. The present study was done to evaluate the antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activities of 80% methanolic seed extract of Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. (Fabaceae) in mice. METHODS: Blood glucose lowering activity of three doses (2.75 mg/kg, 5.5 mg/kg and 11 mg/kg) of the hydromethanolic seed extract of Calpurnia aurea was studied in three animal models: normoglycemic mice, oral glucose-loaded mice, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Additionally, the effect of the seed extract on body weight and serum lipid profile was studied in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug in all animal models of the study. Blood glucose level was measured using a glucose meter, whereas serum lipid level was measured using an automated chemistry analyzer. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Hydromethanolic extract of C. aurea seeds showed blood glucose lowering activity in all animal models, and it improved body weight loss and diabetic dyslipidemia in diabetic mice after 14 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that hydromethanolic extract of Calpurnia aurea seeds has significant hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities.

Evaluation of in vivo antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic, and in vitro antioxidant activities of hydromethanolic root extract of Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae).

BACKGROUND: The global morbidity and mortality rates of diabetes mellitus are persistently increasing. There is a demand for new antidiabetic drugs because the safety and efficacy of currently available medications are limited. The present study was therefore conducted to study the antidiabetic activities of the hydromethanolic root extract of Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) in mice. METHODS: Blood glucose lowering activity of three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of the hydromethanolic root extract of D. stramonium was tested on normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice models. The effect of the extract on body weight and diabetic dyslipidemia was also studied on STZ-induced diabetic mice. Additionally, antioxidant activity of the plant extract was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine free radical scavenging assay. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test. RESULTS: The hydromethanolic root extract did not show significant hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic mice. The plant extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) reduced blood glucose levels of oral glucose-loaded and diabetic mice. All the three doses of the root extract significantly improved diabetic dyslipidemia and the body weight of diabetic mice. Free radical scavenging activity of the root extract was found to be comparable to ascorbic acid with an IC50 of 13.47 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the hydromethanolic root extract of D. stramonium possesses significant antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic, and antioxidant activities.

Costs incurred by outpatients at a university hospital in northwestern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Out-of-pocket expenditure constitutes high proportion of healthcare spending in low-income countries. It can affect patients' adherence to treatments leading to serious health consequences. The objective of this study was to document costs incurred by patients visiting Gondar University Referral Hospital, in Gondar, northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 346 outpatients at the hospital from 2nd to 20th of May 2016. Data collection took place through interviews with patients coming to the outpatient pharmacy after finishing their visits at the different departments in the hospital. Data were collected on socio-demographic information, cost incurred before and during hospital visit as well as ownership of household items. RESULTS: Among the 342 interviews included in the final analysis, a median total cost of 22.25 USD was incurred by patients. This constituted spending on solutions tried before hospital visit, direct medical, nonmedical and indirect costs. Among these, direct nonmedical and indirect costs constituted a large share. Medicine, transportation and waiting time during visit were major components of direct medical, nonmedical and indirect costs respectively. Total median cost was found to be predicted by residence, marital status and payment scheme used to pay for hospital services. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatients visiting the hospital incurred significant costs for illnesses/conditions associated with their visit to the hospital, the main components being nonmedical and indirect costs. Residence, marital status and payment scheme, predicted median total cost. Direct nonmedical costs and indirect costs were found to be significant components associated to the spending and loss of earning by patients and their families in their trip to and from the hospital.

Antidiabetic Activities of Hydromethanolic Leaf Extract of Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. Subspecies aurea (Fabaceae) in Mice.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the largest global health problems demanding preventive and new therapeutic interventions. Currently, there is a need for safe, effective, and less costly antidiabetic medications, and investigating medicinal plants for new antidiabetic medication is an interesting research area. Thus, the present study was done to evaluate the antidiabetic activities of 80% methanolic leaf extract of Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. subspecies aurea (Fabaceae) in mice. Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of the three doses (100mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) of crude hydromethanolic leaf extract was studied on normoglycemic, oral glucose loaded, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice models. The effect of the extract on body weight and diabetic dyslipidemia was also studied on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug in all cases. A glucose meter and an automated chemistry analyzer were used to measure blood glucose and serum lipid level respectively. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test. All the three doses of the plant extract (100mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) showed a significant (p<0.05) antihyperglycemic activity in the diabetic mice at the 7th and 14th day of repeated daily dose administration as compared to the negative diabetic control. But, the extract did not show significant blood glucose lowering activity in normoglycemic, oral glucose loaded, and diabetic mice after single dose administration, and it did not significantly improve the body weight loss and diabetic dyslipidemia of diabetic mice after repeated daily dose administration for 14 days. This study revealed that the hydromethanolic extract of Calpurnia aurea leaves possesses significant antihyperglycemic activity justifying the traditional use of the plant for diabetes.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing in Ethiopian geriatric patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disorders using START/STOPP criteria.

BACKGROUND: There was a paucity of data on the magnitude of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) among Ethiopian elderly cardiovascular patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess PIPs and associated factors in the elderly population with cardiovascular disorders using the START/STOPP screening criteria. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at medical wards of a teaching hospital in Ethiopia from 1 December 2016-30 May 2017. Included patients were hospitalized elderly patients aged 65 years or older with cardiovascular disorders; their medications were evaluated using the START/STOPP screening criteria from admission to discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with inappropriate medications. One Way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out to test significant differences on the number of PIPs per individual diagnosis. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-nine patients were included in the analysis. More-than a third of the patients were diagnosed with heart failure, 88 (36.82%). A total of 221 PIPs were identified in 147 patients, resulting in PIP prevalence of 61.5% in the elderly population. Of the total number of PIPs, occurrence of one, two and three PIPs accounted for 83 (56.4%), 52(35.4%), and 12(8.2%) respectively. One way ANOVA test showed significant differences on the mean number of PIPs per individual diagnosis (f = 5.718, p<0.001). Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) were the most common inappropriately prescribed medications, 32(14.5%). Hospital stay, AOR: 1.086 (1.016-1.160), number of medications at discharge, AOR: 1.924 (1.217-3.041) and the presence of co-morbidities, AOR: 3.127 (1.706-5.733) increased the likelihood of PIP. CONCLUSION: Approximately, two-thirds of elderly cardiovascular patients encountered potentially inappropriate prescriptions. ACEIs were the most commonly mis-prescribed medications. Longer hospital stay, presence of comorbidities and prescription of large number of medications at discharge have been correlated with the occurrence of inappropriate medication. It is essential to evaluate patients' medications during hospital stay using the STOPP and START tool to reduce PIPs.