ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To establish the wound management property of a hydroethanolic Cnestis ferruginea leaf extract (CFHE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The wound area was measured after excision at the dorsal part of the Albino rats, and after treatment with 5-15% w/w CFHE ointments for 14 days. Absorbances of platelet-rich plasma treated with 0.8-100 mg/mL CFHE and an aggregating agent were spectrophotometrically determined in an in vitro platelet aggregation test. Wound tissue histopathology of CFHE ointment-treated animals revealed angiogenesis, reepithelialization, deposition of collagen, and granular tissue formation in wound tissues. Reduction in thigh oedema and pain threshold, in 7-day-old chicks, were assessed by carrageenan-induced oedema and Randall-Sellito pressure models, respectively. By the Agar diffusion method, bacterial growth inhibition by a 15% w/w CFHE ointment was investigated on Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus. Aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. RESULTS: All concentrations of CFHE ointment significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) wound area by 29-41% posttreatment. CFHE (1.6-100 mg/ml) promoted platelet aggregation (p ≤ 0.0001) by 37-67% (IC50: 3.1-6.2 mg/ml). There were improved wound tissue reepithelization, fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition with 15% CFHE ointment treatment. CFHE ointment significantly (p ≤ 0.0001) and dose-dependently reduced thigh oedema and showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) analgesic effect. In vitro, 15% CFHE ointment caused >100% growth inhibition of selected bacteria. CONCLUSION: The hydroethanolic leaf extract of Cnestis ferruginea possesses wound healing, platelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties and, hence, could be effective in the management of open and some closed wounds.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a significant cause of visual impairment, hence adequate knowledge on this condition and its ocular manifestations is of immense importance to diabetic patients. AIM: To assess the knowledge of diabetic patients on the disorder and its ocular manifestations, and their attitude towards ocular examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey involving the use of a structured interview was conducted among diabetic patients attending the Diabetic Clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Using Fishers Exact Chi-square (χ(2)) and Odds Ratios (ORs), data obtained was analyzed. RESULTS: Only 103 (26.4%) patients knew the type of diabetes mellitus they were suffering from. Knowledge on ocular effects of diabetes mellitus was low and only 15 (3.8%) knew that it could affect the ocular refraction with no patient mentioning that diabetes mellitus could cause cataract or diabetic retinopathy. Attitude to routine eye examination was poor. As much as 135 (34.6%) had never had an eye examination since being diagnosed of diabetes. Knowledge of the type of diabetes mellitus the individual had or any ocular complication of this disorder was significantly related (OR: 4.22; P < 0.001 and OR: 2.55; P < 0.001) respectively to their attitude to seeking eye care. CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients' knowledge on diabetes mellitus and its ocular manifestations, and the attitude of diabetic patients towards eye examination were poor. Intensive health education by diabetes care givers and leaders of the Ghana Diabetic Association for diabetic patient is therefore required to improve attitude towards eye care to prevent visual impairment.
