Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Waltheria indica L. (syn. Waltheria americana): a review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Waltheria indica L. (syn. Waltheria americana) is commonly used in traditional medicine in Africa, South America and Hawaii, mainly against pain, inflammation, conditions of inflammation, diarrhea, dysentery, conjunctivitis, wounds, abscess, epilepsy, convulsions, anemia, erectile dysfunctions, bladder ailments and asthma. Aim of the review to provide an up-to-date overview of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacological activities and toxicity data of Waltheria indica. Additionally, studies providing an evidence for local and traditional uses of Waltheria indica are discussed. Further phytochemical and pharmacological potential of this species are suggested for future investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information was collected from scientific journals, books, theses and reports via academic libraries and electronic search. These sources include Pubmed, Web of Science, Portal de Portales-Latindex, Science Research.com and Google scholar. These studies about the medical botanical, traditional uses, chemical, pharmacological and toxicological data on Waltheria indica were published in English, Portuguese, Spanish, German and French. RESULTS: Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Waltheria indica were investigated and showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anti-anemic, anti-oxidant, sedative and anticonvulsant activities. The phytochemical investigations showed the presence of cyclopeptid alkaloids, flavonoids (e.g., (-)-epicatechin, quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-O-ß-d-(6″-E-p-coumaryl)-glucopyranoside), tannins, sterols, terpenes, saponins, anthraquinones. Studies of acute toxicity in animal indicated that Waltheria indica can be toxic. CONCLUSION: Waltheria indica possess therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammation, malaria, infectious diseases (e.g., lungs infection due to Klebsiella pneumoniae, diarrhea due to Candida albicans or Escherichia coli) and prevention of oxidative stress. Further studies are necessary to explore pure compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects and the mechanisms of action. Further investigations are also needed to provide an evidence base for traditional uses of this species against pain, anemia, convulsions and epilepsy. In addition, there is a pressing need to investigate the other traditional uses such as dysentery, syphilis, erectile dysfunctions and asthma.

Acute intoxications in two university hospitals in Burkina Faso.

INTRODUCTION: Acute intoxications become more and more a serious problem in developing countries. However, epidemiologic data are very scarce in these countries. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of acute intoxications in two University Hospitals of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). METHODS: All cases admitted to the emergency services of the two sole University Hospitals of Ouagadougou from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007, were included. We analysed the medical records for demographical and etiological characteristics of the acute poisoned-patients. RESULTS: Acute poisoned-patients (436) represented 1.9% of the patients admitted to these services. The majority of acute poisoned-patients were pre-school children followed by young adults. Accidental intoxications (70.8%) were more common than intentional (28.9) and suicidal attempts (0.3%). Among poisoned-patients, female patients represented a great majority. Pharmaceuticals were the most common cause of acute intoxication, followed by chemicals, animals' toxins, food, alcohol and addictive drugs. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that pharmaceuticals were the most common cause of acute intoxications. The great majority of poisoned-patients were young. Female patients were the major poisoned-patients. Most admissions in the emergency services due to acute intoxications resulted from accidental poisoning.

Mutagenic effect, antioxidant and anticancer activities of six medicinal plants from Burkina Faso.

The antiproliferative activities of six medicinal plant extracts from Burkina Faso were evaluated in order to justify their traditional use for the treatment of cancer. The SOS chromotest method was used in vitro on Escherichia coli PQ37 to evaluate the mutagenic effect of the plant extracts. The DPPH method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of each plant. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated by MTS method on normal cells (Vero and MCR5) and cancer cells (KB) in contact with the extracts for 72 h. The results showed that the studied plants are not genotoxic. Lantana ukambensis and Acacia macrostachya induced a very significant antiproliferative effect against cancer cells with 94% and 95%, respectively. They also developed a strong antioxidant activity. The IC50 values were 5.96 ± 0.40 µg mL⁻¹ for L. ukambensis and 4.30 ± 0.26 µg mL⁻¹ for A. macrostachya. These two plants are therefore potential sources for isolating new antioxidant and anticancer molecules.

In vitro antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of five medicinal plants from Burkina Faso.

After ethnobotanical surveys in central and western regions of Burkina Faso, five plants namely Lantana ukambensis (Verbenaceae), Xeoderris sthulmannii (Fabaceae), Parinari curatellifollia (Chrysobalanaceae), Ozoroa insignis (Anacardiaceae), and Ficus platyphylla (Moraceae) were selected for their traditional use in the treatment of parasitic diseases and cancer. Our previous studies have focused on the phytochemical, genotoxicity, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of these plants. In this study, the methanol extract of each plant was tested to reveal probable antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities. Colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods were used for the detection of antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities. Leishmania donovani (LV9 WT) and Trypanosoma brucei brucei GVR 35 were used to test the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities, respectively. All extracts of tested plants showed a significant antitrypanosomal activity with minimum lethal concentrations between 1.5 and 25 µg/ml, the L. ukambensis extract being the most active. In the antileishmanial test, only the extract from L. ukambensis showed significant activity with an inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 6.9 µg/ml. The results of this study contribute to the promotion of traditional medicine products and are preliminary for the isolation of new natural molecules for the treatment of leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis.

Acute toxicity and vascular properties of seed of Parkia biglobosa (JACQ) R. Br Gift (Mimosaceae) on rat aorta.

The authors report here the results of study on Parkia biglobosa seeds used in Burkina Faso for arterial hypertension treatment. Investigations were done on acute toxicity and vascular properties of fermented and roasted seeds. Acute toxicity test using mice, revealed by the intraperitoneal route a lethal dose 50 (LD50) of 1800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg of body weight for aqueous extract from roasted and fermented seeds respectively. According to the scale of Hodge and Sterner and that of the World Health Organization, such drugs would be classified lightly toxic. Oral administration (up to 3000 mg/kg) did not induce any death of animal. For the vascular properties, the effects of these products were tested on the aorta isolated from rats. The cumulative administration of extract from roasted and fermented seeds (0.1-10 mg/mL) in an organ bath induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the aorta pre contracted by phenylephrine, with or without functional endothelium. The extracts (10 mg/mL) inhibited for 100% the contraction induced by phenylephrine. The EC50 values in presence and absence of endothelium were respectively of 5.37 ± 0.12 and 4.19 ± 1.02 mg/mL for fermented seeds; for roasted seeds these values were respectively, 5.39 ± 1.12 and 5.93 ± 0.95 mg/mL. Nevertheless, low concentration of roasted seeds (1-4 mg/mL) induced endothelium-dependent relaxation and this effect was inhibited by indomethacin (10⁻5M), and not by L-NAME (310⁻4M). These experimental results revealed a vasorelaxant effect of P. biglobosa seeds. P. biglobosa seems to act directly on the smooth muscle and via endothelium involving the generation of vasodilatating prostaglandins. This vasodilator effect would be in favor of an anti hypertensive property of P. biglobosa seeds.

Etude comparee des effets anti-hepatotoxiques d'extraits d'Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae); une plante utilisee dans le traitement traditionnel de la jaunisse au Burkina Faso

Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) fait l'objet de nombreuses indications therapeutiques en medecine traditionnelle dans la region des Cascades au Burkina Faso. Dans une etude preliminaire de 2006; il a ete mis en evidence une activite anti-hepatotoxique du decocte aqueux lyophilise des feuilles chez le rat Wistar prealablement icterise par une administration de tetrachlorure de carbone CCl4 (0;5 mL/kg; i.p.). Dans la presente etude; les auteurs projettent de comparer les effets anti-hepatotoxiques de trois (03) extraits de la plante notamment deux extraits aqueux lyophilises (decocte et macere) et un extrait du totum alcaloidique; tous administres a differents lots de rats rendus initialement icteriques par injection de l'hepatotoxique. La silymarine (100 mg/kg) a ete utilisee comme produit de reference anti-hepatotoxique. Les trois extraits (250 mg/kg; p.o.) ont temoigne une action anti-hepatotoxique significative (p0;05) objectivee par un pourcentage de reduction notable des marqueurs biochimiques enzymatiques notamment les transaminases (ASAT/GOT; ALAT/GPT); la phosphatase alcaline (PAL) et la bilirubine directe (DBil). Les pourcentages moyens de reduction d'hepato-toxicite induite ont ete de 79;4 (silymarine); 69;73 (decocte lyophilise); 70;63 (macere lyophilise) et 72 (totum alcaloidique). Ces resultats illustrent d'une part la preeminence de l'action pharmacologique anti-hepatotoxique de l'extrait de totum alcaloidique compare aux extraits aqueux lyophilises et d'autre part; l'effet des extraits pris isolement reste en deca de celui de la silymarine

Dichloromethane-methanol extract from Borassus aethiopumn mart. (Arecaceae) induces apoptosis of human colon cancer HT-29 cells.

Borassus aetihiopum MART (Arecaceae) is a plant used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases (bronchitis, laryngitis, antiseptic). In particular, their male inflorcscences were reported to exhibit cicatrizing, antiseptic and fungicidal properties. In the present study, the biological activity of E2F2, an apolar extract from Borassus aethiopum male inflorescence was investigated on colon cancer HT29 cells. Phytochemical screening was carried according to methodology for chemical analysis for vegetable drugs. Cells proliferation was determined by the MTT assay and cells cycle distribution was analysed by using laser flow cytometer (Beckman coulter). The cytoskeleton organisation was examined under a laser scanning confocal microscope (Zess). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of E2F2 extract revealed the presence of sterols, triterpenes and saponosids. E2F2 extract (1 microg and 100 microg mL(-1)) significantly inhibited cell proliferation by blocking cell population in G0/G1 phase. Flow Cytometric analysis of E2F2-treated HT29 cells showed that hypoploïd cell population (sub G1 phase) increased with processing time exposures. Immunofluorescence confocal analysis revealed a disrupt actin microfilaments network in E2F2 treated-cells with a significant reduction in actin stress fibres and appearance of a random, non-oriented distribution of focal adhesion sites. These data indicate that E2F2 extract has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities. Further studies are required to unravel the mechanisms of action of E2F2 extract.

Treatment of infected hip arthroplasty.

The clinical outcomes of a consecutive series of deep total joint infections treated with a prosthesis retaining protocol were reviewed. The treatment of deep periprosthetic joint infections is challenging. In recent years, two-stage exchange arthroplasty has emerged as the gold standard for successful elimination of infection. With success rates averaging 82% to 96%, this treatment method has both the highest and most consistent rate of infection eradication. Another alternative in the treatment of the deep periprosthetic infection is the single-stage exchange arthroplasty. Successful eradication of infection after single-stage exchange arthroplasty has been reported to average from 60% to 83% after total hip infections. While both the single and two-stage exchange arthroplasty are viable treatment options, they are associated with negative factors such as they are time consuming, expensive, and may entail a 6- to 12-week period with a minimally functioning extremity after prosthesis removal. This paper reports the general principles of management, the treatment of acute infection occurring in the postoperative period or later, and the treatment of chronic infection by exchange arthroplasty or resection arthroplasty.

19alpha-Hydroxy-3-oxo-ursa-1,12-dien-28-oic acid, an antiplasmodial triterpenoid isolated from Canthium multiflorum.

A bioactivity guided fractionation of roots of Canthium multiflorum led to the isolation of the new ursenoic acid derivative 19alpha-hydroxy-3-oxo-ursa-1,12-dien-28-oic acid (1), which showed antiplasmodial effect without inducing change of the shape of membranes of erythrocytes.

Antisickling properties of divanilloylquinic acids isolated from Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam. (Rutaceae).

Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam. (syn. Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides) (Rutaceae) is the most cited Fagara species for the treatment and the prevention of sickle cell disease crisis. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a public health problem in many countries particularly in Africa. The present study was designed to evaluate the antisickling properties of three isomeric divanilloylquinic acids (3,4-O-divanilloylquinic acid or burkinabin A; 3,5-O-divanilloylquinic acid or burkinabin B and 4,5-O-divanilloylquinic acid or burkinabin C) identified previously by LC/MS/NMR analysis in the root bark of F. zanthoxyloides [Ouattara et al., 2004. LC/MS/NMR analysis of isomeric divanilloylquinic acids from the root bark of Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam. Phytochemistry 65, 1145-1151]. The three isomers showed interesting antisickling properties which increased from burkinabins A to C.

A new oxygenated ursane derivative from Canthium multiflorum.

A new ursane derivative, 3-oxo-15alpha,19alpha-dihydroxyursa-1,12-dien-28-oic acid, was isolated from the roots of Canthium multiflorum (Rubiaceae) along with 10-O-acetylgeniposidic acid, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, hymexelsin, scopoletin, and 5,6,7-trimethoxycoumarin.

[Self-medication in the treatment of acute malaria: study based on users of private health drug stores in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso]. / Automédication dans le traitement de l'accès palustre: étude auprès de clients d'officines pharmaceutiques privées de la ville de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

In order to contribute to the national debate on the change of protocol of the simple forms of malaria treatment in Burkina Faso, we conducted a transversal descriptive study among 397 private pharmacies users in Ouagadougou. The aims of the study were: - making an inventory of the antimalarials and signs which led to self-medication; - identifying the factors favouring self-treatment and the reasons why these antimalarials have been bought; - making an inventory of the misuses of antimalarial drugs by individuals practicing self-medication; - checking the knowledge base in individuals practicing self-medication in relation to resistance to antimalarials. We noticed that chloroquine (39.3%), sulfadoxine-pyrimethamin (24.4%), arthemisinin and its by products (15.1%) were the three main molecules which account for antimalarial self-treatment However the use of these molecules was inappropriate regarding the dosage (41.3%) as well as the rate of intake (40.7%). Self-medication was motivated by the common signs of malaria and the way in which this parasitosis has become an every day feature in people's minds. The choice of the molecule, the knowledge of the directions for use and the rate of intake were significantly linked to the level of education (p < 0.001). Self-medication being one of the major causes of resistance development, it is necessary together with local pharmacies retailers, to organize information campaigns on the correct use of molecules of the new antimalarial therapeutic scheme which will be adopted.

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of 'saye', an herbal remedy used in Burkina Faso traditional medicine.

'Saye', a traditional medicine used in Burkina Faso, which consists of extracts of Cochlospermum planchonii (rhizome), Cassia alata (leaf) and Phyllanthus amarus (whole plant), showed a significant effect against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei parasites grown in vivo (IC(50) = 80.11 +/- 3.40 microg/mL; ED(50) = 112.78 +/- 32.32 mg/kg). In vitro the activity was lower.

Comparative study of leaf and stem bark extracts of Parkia biglobosa against enterobacteria.

Hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of leaf and stem bark of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Benth. (Mimosaceae) were tested against clinical isolates Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae and Enterococcus faecalis, and corresponding collection strains E. coli CIP 105 182, Salmonella enterica CIP 105 150, Shigella dysenteriae CIP 54-51 and Enterococcus faecalis CIP 103 907. Discs of Gentamicin, a broad spectrum antibiotic were used as positive controls. The results showed that all the extracts possess antimicrobial activities. A comparative study of the antibacterial activity of the leaves and that of the bark showed that for all the tested microorganisms, the hydroalcoholic extract of the bark is more active than the aqueous extract of the leaf. The hydroethanolic extract of the leaves is as effective as the aqueous extract of the stem bark prescribed by the traditional healer, suggesting it is possible to use leaves other than the roots and bark. The phytochemical screening showed that sterols and triterpenes, saponosides, tannins, reducing compounds, coumarins, anthocyanosides, flavonosides are present in both bark and leaf but in different concentrations.

Cytotoxic kurubasch aldehyde from Trichilia emetica.

Kurubasch aldehyde, a sesquiterpenoid with an hydroxylated humulene skeleton, was isolated as free alcohol from Trichilia emetica Vahl. (Meliaceae), belonging to the order Sapindales. Related substances have been previously found in plants as esters of aromatic acids, and these plants were species belonging to the distant order Apiales. This is the first report of humulenes found in the genus Trichilia and only the second of humulenes in the order Sapindales. The aldehyde is a modest inhibitor of the growth of Plasmodium falciparum (IC50 76 microM) and slow-proliferating breast cancer cells MCF7 (78 microM), but a potent inhibitor of proliferation of S180 cancer cells (IC50 7.4 microM).

[Haematological and biochemical outline of patients with sickle cell disease SS and SC in steady state in the National Hospital Center Yalgado Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou]. / Profil hematologique et biochimique des drepanocytaires ss et SC en phase stationnaire au Centre Hospitalier National Yalgado Ouedraogo de Ouagadougou.

Burkina Faso belongs to the sicklemic's belt of LEHMAN and is the epicenter of haemoglobin C. This is the reason of this study on the haematological and biochemical parameters of homozygotes SS and double heterozygotes SC in stationary stage. These parameters will be use for comparison during crisis and to evaluate the therapy efficiency. So 20 homozygotes and 20 double heterozygotes were studied. The blood film showed anaemia with an haemoglobin rate average of 7.8 g/dl for SS against 9.8 g/dl for SC (p < 0.001). An serum's iron elevated in 26.3% of the SS with an average of 23 micromoles /l against 36.8% with an average of 21.7 micromoles /l in the SC (p < 0.001). These results show the importance of SS anaemia's and biochemical's disorders in comparison to the SC.

[Bioequivalence in vitro evaluation of some antibacterial generic dosage forms]. / Evaluation in vitro de la bio-équivalence de quelques formes génériques d'antibactériens.

In this work, bioequivalence between generic and corresponding original brand-name dosage forms of some antibacterial drugs, frequently prescribed in developing countries, have been examined using in vitro dissolution testing. For this purpose, tablet or hard capsule formulations of five active substances (amoxycillin, ampicillin, co-trimoxazole (sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim), metronidazole and penicillin V) have been retained. For each active substance, batch samples of three generic and one test formulations have been submitted to the pharmaceutical quality control and dissolution testing. Results obtained have shown that all samples examined met the specifications of quality edited by the pharmacopeias. On the other hand, interchangeability between generic and corresponding test formulations should be possible since their dissolution profiles are superposables enough.

Cardiovascular properties of aqueous extract from Mitragyna inermis (wild).

Aqueous extracts of Mitragyna inermis (AEMI) used traditionally as antihypertensive agents produced a concentration-dependent (0.1-3 mg/ml) ex vivo increase in cardiac contractile response and coronary flow but did not modify heart rate in the rat. Interestingly, AEMI produced relaxation in isolated porcine coronary artery at concentration up to 3 mg/ml that was exclusively dependent on the presence of endothelium. This relaxation involved partial depolarization (KCl 20, 40 mM) and NO synthase inhibitor-sensitive mechanisms but was not sensitive to the blockade of cyclo-oxygenase pathway. In contrast, the relaxant effect of AEMI was not dependent on the presence of endothelium in rat tail artery. Taken together, the present study demonstrates hypotensive, cardiotropic and vasodilatory properties of AEMI that contribute to better understanding of its beneficial effect against cardiovascular diseases.

[Reference values of 15 clinical blood constituent for African adult from Ougadougou (Burkina Faso)]. / Etablissement des valeurs de référence de 15 constituants biochimiques sanguins chez l'adulte burkinabé à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

In order to establish reference values of biochemical profile of the adult (n = 559) in tropical sahelian area (Burkina Faso), assumed to be healthy, age between 15 and 50, 15 clinical blood constituents appearing among the most commonly explored were determined. Most constituents levels are influenced by sex et and age. The reference values stemming from the adult native of Burkina Faso were compared with those of the european adult and difference ares observed.

[Epidemiology and management of snake envenomations in the Dano health district, Ioba province (Burkina Faso) from 1981 to 2000]. / Epidémiologie et prise en charge des envenimations ophidiennes dans le district sanitaire de Dano, province du Ioba (Burkina Faso) de 1981 à 2000.

A series of investigations concerning snakebites and management of envenomations was carried out from 1981 to 2000 in the medical District of Dano, Province of loba in Burkina Faso. Viper bites were more frequent than Elapid ones. The seasonal distribution of the envenomations reflected the cycle of field work and other specific activities. Care seeking within the Traditional System of Health Care (STSS) was more frequent than within the Conventional System of Health Care (SCSS). Lethality was higher at STSS level in cases of viper bites and, conversely, higher in SCSS in the cases of Elapid envenomations. This highlighted the interest in medicinal plants for treating snakebites particularly in case of neurotoxic envenomation. We classified several dozens medicinal plants within an inventory. Some of them have been studied and deemed worthy of interest. Others are used for the treatment of other types of poisoning (pesticides, plants toxic) and/or used in traditional rites. We hope to follow the Côte d'Ivoire experience such that African snake venom, neutralised by modern antivenom, might also be neutralised by the African natural resources.