Antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of ethanol extract of Zea mays root.

OBJECTIVE: Zea mays root decoction that has been traditionally used for the treatment of malaria by various tribes in Nigeria, was evaluated for antimalarial potential against malaria parasites using in vivo and in vitro models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root extract of Zea mays was investigated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice using rodent malaria models; suppressive, prophylactic and curative tests and in vitro antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive (Pf 3D7) and resistant (Pf INDO) strains of Plasmodium falciparum using SYBR green assay method. Median lethal dose and cytotoxic activity against HeLa and HEKS cells were assessed and phytochemical screening was also carried out using standard procedures. RESULTS: The LD50 value of root extract was found to be 474.34 mg/kg. The crude extract (45-135 mg/kg, p.o) showed significant (p<0.05-0.001) antimalarial activity against P. berghei infection in suppressive, prophylactic and curative tests with a prolonged survival time. The crude extract also showed moderate activity against both chloroquine-sensitive (Pf 3D7) and resistant (Pf INDO) strains of P. falciparum with an IC50 value of 71.62±3.38 µg/ml (for Pf 3D7) and 63.76±4.12 µg/ml (for Pf INDO). The crude extract was not cytotoxic to the two cell lines tested with TC50 of >100 µg/ml against both HeLa and HEKS cell lines. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the root extract of Zea mays possesses antimalarial activity against both chloroquine-sensitive and resistant malaria and these data justify its use in ethnomedicine to treat malaria infections.

Antimalarial and antiplasmodial activity of husk extract and fractions of Zea mays.

CONTEXT: Zea mays L. (Poacae) husk decoctions are traditionally used in the treatment of malaria by various tribes in Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: To assess the antimalarial and antiplasmodial potentials of the husk extract and fractions on malaria parasites using in vivo and in vitro models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol husk extract and fractions (187-748 mg/kg, p.o.) of Zea mays were investigated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei using rodent (mice) malaria models and in vitro activity against chloroquine sensitive (Pf 3D7) and resistant (Pf INDO) strains of Plasmodium falciparum using the SRBR green assay method. Median lethal dose and cytotoxic activities against HeLa and HEKS cells were also carried out. The GCMS analysis of the most active fraction was carried out. RESULTS: The husk extract (187-748 mg/kg, p.o.) with LD50 of 1874.83 mg/kg was found to exert significant (p < 0.05-0.001) antimalarial activity against P. berghei infection in suppressive, prophylactive and curative tests. The crude extract and fractions also exerted prominent activity against both chloroquine sensitive (Pf 3D7) and resistant (Pf INDO) strains of P. falciparum with the ethyl acetate fraction exerting the highest activity with IC50 values of 9.31 ± 0.46 µg/mL (Pf 3D7) and 3.69 ± 0.66 µg/mL (Pf INDO). The crude extract and fractions were not cytotoxic to the two cell lines tested with IC50 values of >100 µg/mL against both HeLa and HEKS cell lines. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the husk extract/fractions of Zea mays possesses antimalarial and antiplasmodial activities and these justify its use in ethnomedicine to treat malaria infections.

Enhancing an International Perspective in Public Health Teaching through Formalized University Partnerships.

Teaching in the field of public health needs to employ a global perspective to account for the fact that public health problems and solutions have global determinants and implications as well. International university partnerships can promote such a perspective through the strengthening of cooperation, exchange, and communication between academic institutions across national boundaries. As an example for such an academic network in the field of public health, we introduce the International Public Health Partnership-a collaboration between a university in Germany and universities in India, Turkey, and Nigeria. Formed in 2005, it facilitated the exchange of information, fostered discussion about the transferability of public health concepts, contributed to the structural development of the universities involved, and promoted an intercultural dialog through a combination of local and distance learning activities. Although well accepted by students and staff, different obstacles were encountered; these included limited external funding, scarce own financial, time and personnel resources, and diverging regulations and structures of degree programs at the partnership sites. In the present article, we share several lessons that we learned during our joint collaboration and provide recommendations for other universities that are involved in partnerships with institutions of higher education or are interested to initiate such collaborations.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons loads and potential risks in freshwater ecosystem of the Ikpa River Basin, Niger Delta-Nigeria.

In this study, the levels of 16 USEPA-prioritized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were quantified in various environmental matrices in Ikpa River Basin and nearby dumpsites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The levels of the contaminants were further subjected to models to estimate possible sources and potential risks. The results obtained revealed that nearby dumpsites could be the major source of contamination of the Ikpa River Basin. The total sum of PAHs in water and sediment samples gave 926.6 µg/l and 1099.7 µg/kg, respectively. Higher concentrations, 3025.8 µg/kg, 3645.7 µg/kg, and 2457.2 µg/l, were recorded for nearby municipal dumpsite soil, hospital dumpsite soil, and landfill leachates, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and PAH molecular diagnostic ratios (MDRs) suggest that PAH loading in the river basin were mostly of pyrogenic origin. The risk assessment indicated that exposure to PAHs through dermal contact with sediments was most significant than oral ingestion of water and children were the most vulnerable group. Non-cancer (toxic) risks due to exposure to PAHs by oral ingestion of water from Ikpa River were within acceptable limits as the calculated hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard indexes (HIs) were below unity, suggesting negligible or no toxic risk. However, toxic risks through dermal contact with sediments reached unacceptable limits as HI values exceeded unity for all sample stations. Estimated cancer risks due to oral ingestion of water reached the USEPA minimum risk level (3.14 × 10(-5)) requiring public notification while risks due to dermal adsorption of PAHs from the sediments reached levels (2.10 × 10(-1)) requiring remediation actions.

Nutrient Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Harungana madagascariensis Stembark Extracts.

The stembarks of Harungana madagascariensis were analyzed for their content of chemical constituents, antinutrients, vitamin levels, and in vitro antioxidant properties in two solvent systems. Phytochemical screening revealed higher levels of alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids in the methanolic (MHM) extract than in the dichloromethane (DCM) extract. The methanolic extract had higher contents of minerals, vitamins, and antinutrients except K, vitamin B1, and phytic acid, respectively. Antioxidant potentials of the stembark extracts were assessed by the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, and ferric reducing power. The methanolic extract showed a better antioxidant activity (IC50=87.66±0.97 µg/mL) in the DPPH system. The metal chelating activity was higher in the methanolic extract (92.4% at 20 mg/mL), but lower than the control ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The methanolic extract also showed greater ferric reducing power and was richer in phenolics (132.24±0.61 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (259.05±2.85 mgQE/g). Antinutrient analysis of the extracts indicated low levels of phytic acid, oxalates, and hydrocyanides below the lethal doses. The LD50 (i.p. mice) of the extracts showed relatively low toxicity in the range 1000-1414 mg/kg. These results support the ethnomedicinal uses of this plant in the treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress and suggest that consumption of H. madagascariensis is not harmful nutritively.

Antidiabetic activities of ethanolic extract and fraction of Anthocleista djalonensis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antidiabetic activities of ethanolic root extract/fraction of Anthocleista djalonensis (A. djalonensis) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: A. djalonensis root extract/fractions (37-111 mg/kg) were administered to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 14 days and blood glucose levels (BGLs) of the diabetic rats were monitored at intervals of hours and days throughout the duration of the treatment. RESULTS: Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats with the extract/fractions caused a significant (P<0.001) reduction in fasting BGLs of the diabetic rats both in acute study and prolonged treatment (2 weeks). The activities of the extract and fractions were more than that of the reference drug, glibenclamide. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the root extract/fractions of A. djalonensis possess antidiabetic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic rats and this justifies its use in ethnomedicine and can be exploited in the management of diabetes.

Itaconic acid derivatives and diketopiperazine from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus aculeatus CRI322-03.

Three metabolites, pre-aurantiamine (1), (-)-9-hydroxyhexylitaconic acid (4) and (-)-9-hydroxyhexylitaconic acid-4-methyl ester (5), together with two known compounds, paraherquamide E (6) and secalonic acid D (7), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus, Aspergillus aculeatus.

Paraherquamide e.

In the title compound, C(28)H(35)N(3)O(4), also known as 14-de-oxy-paraherquamide A,the two pyrrolidine rings adopt envelope conformations. The piperazine ring of the diaza-bicyclo-[2.2.2]octan-3-one unit adopts a boat conformation whereas the two piperidine rings are in distorted boat conformations. Intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are observed. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked into chains along the b axis by inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, aromatase inhibitory, and antiplasmodial activities of a biflavonoid GB1 from Garcinia kola stem bark.

The biflavonoid, 3'',4',4''',5,5'',7,7''-heptahydroxy-3,8-biflavanone, known as GB1 (1), was isolated as a major constituent from Garcinia kola stem bark. GB1 (1) exhibited alpha-glucosidase and aromatase inhibitory activities, as well as antiplasmodial activity, but was not toxic against cell lines tested. GB1 (1) may be a potential dietary supplement or phytomedicine for the prevention of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Stories of chickens and dogs: a narrative metaphor for the analysis of encounters in the veterinary clinic.

This article analyses veterinary interviews obtained from the city of Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria, from a perspective that blends Mishler's construct of voices with the narrative critique that has evolved from studies of medical care. Although consulting vets studied occasionally show proof of narrative rationality, including the facilitation of and attentiveness to, the 'voice of the lifeworld" consideration of the broader biographical and environmental context of the clinical presentation, and so on, we also observe a number of negative clinical and public health outcomes of the consultations. The latter underscore the need for narrative ethics to be institutionalized in veterinary training and care. Indeed, the fact of veterinary practice involving an inarticulate patient and a caretaker who alone is able to construct the illness experience of the animal provides a strong rationale for the cultivation of narrative rationality by professionals in this area of care.

Antiulcerogenic activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Lasianthera africana.

The effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Lasianthera africana on experimentally induced ulcer was studied in rats. The extract (1000 - 3000mg/kg) inhibited ethanol-induced, indomethacin - induced and reserpine -induced ulcer models in a dose dependent fashion. The various degrees of inhibitions were statistically significant (p<0.01). The effect of the extract was comparable to that of the standard drugs used. Thus, Lasianthera africana extract demonstrated a good antiulcer activity which supports the antiulcer effect of this plant in traditional medicine.

In vivo antimalarial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis in the treatment of various ailment in Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanolic leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (90-270 mg/kg/day) was screened for blood schizonticidal activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei in mice. The schizonticidal effect during early and established infections was investigated. RESULT: Stachytarpheta cayennensis (90-270 mg/kg/day) exhibited significant (P< 0.05) blood schizonticidal activity both in 4-day early infection test and in established infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of the standard drug, chloroquine, 5 mg/kg/day. CONCLUSION: The leaf extract possesses significant (P< 0.05) antiplasmodial activity which confirms it's use in folkloric medicine in the treatment of malaria.

Antimalaria activity of ethanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit.

The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol fruit extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera used as spice and in the treatment of various ailment in Niger Delta region of Nigeria was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Tetrapleura tetraptera (300-900 mg/kg day) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) blood schizonticidal activity both in 4-day early infection test and in established infection with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of the standard drug, chloroquine, 5 mg/kg day. The fruit extract possesses significant (P < 0.05) antiplasmodial activity with may have contributed to the immune status of the Nigerians against malaria in addition to its nutritive value.

Multilingualism and healthcare in Nigeria: a management perspective.

Nigeria has a healthcare system that has been described as defective even by its managers. A year 2000 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) of health systems in 191 member countries ranked Nigeria 187th. These several evaluations consistently point to inadequate managerial skills. Regrettably, very little is known of the import of language and communication as management issues in healthcare delivery in this country of 400 languages. This article therefore proposes a language-driven audit of health management in Borno State (northeast Nigeria) as a means of sensitizing policy makers and implementers. Based largely on data from questionnaires completed by 129 health professionals belonging to various professional categories (physicians, nurses, pharmacy staff, laboratory staff, and medical and health workers) and drawn from four hospitals, the study explores the relationship between multilingualism and the following: (a) patients' rights; (b) staff recruitment, deployment and commitment; (c) human asset accounting; (d) physician-population ratio. This language-driven audit reveals a number of points, including: ethically questionable practices; distributional imbalance in personnel; commendable cases of employee commitment; and inequity in renumeration.