Compliance and adherence to hand hygiene practices for effective infection control.

Hand hygiene (HH) is the most effective way to curb the spread of healthcare-associated infections. Nonetheless, healthcare personnel encounter difficulties in adhering to WHO HH recommendations. This study aimed to investigate HH compliance and adherence after the implementation of an action plan in a municipal hospital in Moscow. An initial evaluation of HH compliance among clinical health workers was carried out in June 2022 according to the WHO HH guidelines followed by a 3-month re-audit of HH practices. The results were compared to the baseline to evaluate compliance and adherence to HH among healthcare personnel. From June to September 2022, there were 2,732 moments of contact with patients or their immediate surroundings. The HH total compliance rate significantly (p < 0.05) increased from 52.3% in June 2022 to 83.3% in September 2022 with a 75% overall total compliance rate. The profession-specific total compliance rate was highest among nurses (79.6%) and lowest among ancillary staff (69.7%). Staff were also more adherent to the before-moments compared to the after-moments of the HH guidelines. Monthly re-audits and providing feedback resulted in a significant improvement in compliance and adherence with HH guidelines after implementation of the action plan.

Effects of prenatal antibiotic treatment on early infant health: a retrospective study in a rural health facility in Ghana.

Background: Infant mortality remains a major developmental challenge in many low-income countries. Epidemiological evidence suggests that infant acquisition of maternal microbiome is essential for programming of immunity and metabolism. As such, irrational maternal antibiotic use may affect infant health. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of prenatal antibiotic use on early postnatal life (90 days) in a low-income community in Ghana. Methodology: The study was a retrospective study of 412 mother-baby pair medical records in a low-income community in rural Ghana. Results: During the ninety-day period, the prevalence and relative risk of neonatal sepsis, respiratory disorders, and dermatitis were significantly higher in infants treated prenatally with antibiotics compared to untreated infants. Prenatal antibiotic treatment was not significantly associated with the risk of developing neonatal jaundice and conjunctivitis. However, prenatally antibiotic exposed infants were three times likely to visit the hospital for a non-scheduled/non-review treatment within the first 90 days compared to unexposed babies. Conclusions: Intrapartum antibiotic treatment is associated with poor early infant health. Rationalizing antibiotic use during pregnancy may contribute to reducing infant mortality.

Pharmacotherapy for Infertility in Ghana: A Prospective Study on Prescription Patterns and Treatment Outcomes among Women undergoing Fertility Treatment.

Background: Pharmacotherapy remains a first-line and major treatment option for couples struggling with infertility, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where other expensive alternatives are rarely available. Despite the reliance on pharmacotherapy for treating infertility in the subregion, especially for those diagnosed with unexplained infertility, little is known about the actual influence of drug therapies on conception. Objectives: The study aimed to prospectively assess the prescription patterns and outcomes of pharmacotherapy for women undergoing fertility treatment in Ghana. Methods: This prospective cohort study involved 482 infertile women presenting for fertility treatment in 4 fertility clinics in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana between March 2019 and February 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit subjects for the study. The women were followed up for 12 months to assess the outcome of drug therapy on conception. Data analysis was done using Stata version 14. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between trends with dichotomous outcomes. Results: The study identified that approximately 45.2% of the patients received monotherapy, whereas 24.1% received a combination of 2 drugs. Patients treated with a combination of 3 drugs were more likely to conceive (adjusted odds ratio = 4.10; 95% CI, 1.29-13.02; P = 0.02) than those without treatment. Conclusions: Patients treated with combination therapies had higher chances of conception than those without medications. However, a combination of nutritional and herbal therapies were associated with improved outcomes compared with conventional and nutritional supplements. The study's outcome could provide fertility specialists and stakeholders insight into choosing appropriate treatment options for prospective couples seeking fertility care. Consequently, fertility patients can access specific treatment options to meet their desired needs.

Season, storage and extraction method impact on the phytochemical profile of Terminalia ivorensis.

BACKGROUND: Terminalia ivorensis (TI) is used in West African ethnomedicine for the treatment of conditions including ulcers, malaria and wounds. Despite its widespread use, the phytochemical profile of TI remains largely undetermined. This research investigated the effects of extraction method, season, and storage conditions on the phytochemical composition of TI to contribute towards understanding the potential benefits. METHODS: TI bark was collected in September 2014, September 2018 and February 2018 during the rainy or dry seasons in Eastern Region, Ghana. Samples were extracted sequentially with organic solvents (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol) or using water (traditional). Metabolites were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry and compared statistically by ANOVA. RESULTS: A total of 82 different phytochemicals were identified across all samples. A greater yield of the major phytochemicals (44%, p < 0.05) was obtained by water as compared with organic extraction. There was also a higher concentration of metabolites present in cold (63%, p < 0.05) compared with hot water extraction. A significantly (p < 0.05) higher number of phytochemicals were identified from TI collected in the dry (85%) compared to the rainy season (69%). TI bark stored for four years retained 84% of the major phytochemicals. CONCLUSION: This work provides important information on composition and how this is modified by growing conditions, storage and method of extraction informing progress on the development of TI as a prophylactic formulation or medicine.

Pharmacotherapy of infertility in Ghana: Why do infertile patients discontinue their fertility treatment?

BACKGROUND: Globally, millions of people of reproductive age experience infertility. With that notwithstanding, most infertile patients undergoing pharmacotherapy withdraw from treatment before achieving the desired outcome. The reasons for their withdrawal, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, have not been well examined, hence the need for this study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine why infertile patients discontinue pharmacotherapy prior to achieving conception. METHODS: The study employed an exploratory qualitative design. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit subjects into the study. Twenty infertile patients (fourteen females and six males) who discontinued their treatment, and eight attending health professionals who provided direct care to these patients were interviewed. Telephone and face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The data collected were transcribed, coded, and generated into themes using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The major reasons for discontinuation of infertility treatment included lack of support from male partners, seeking alternative treatment, unmet outcome, poor medical services, distance, stigmatization, and relocation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and healthcare personnel shared both similar and diverse views on reasons for discontinuation of infertility treatment that reflect situations in a typical African setting, most of which are not reported in existing studies. The outcome of this study will provide insight for fertility therapists and policy makers in designing appropriate measures to facilitate maximum compliance and improvement in treatment outcome.

Assessment of knowledge, practices, and barriers to pharmacovigilance among nurses at a teaching hospital, Ghana: a cross­sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacovigilance may be defined as the continuous monitoring of the reaction between a drug agent or combination of drugs a patient took and steps taken to prevent any associated risk. Clinical trials conducted before drug approval cannot uncover every aspect of the health hazards of approved drugs. People with carefully selected characteristics are monitored for the safety and efficacy of the drug; hence, common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) following proper use of the medication can be detected. This calls for continuous monitoring of drugs to report any undocumented ADRs during the clinical trial. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice, and barriers to pharmacovigilance among nurses at a teaching hospital. METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, and a stratified sampling technique was used to select 125 nurses within the three units: medical, surgical, and pediatric wards. A structured questionnaire was developed and used for data collection based on the study's objectives and reviewed literature. RESULTS: The majority (67.2%) of the respondents were females, and 32.8% were males. Most (71.2%) of the nurses had low knowledge of ADR reporting procedures. Also, 84.8% of the nurses knew the purpose of reporting ADRs. The purpose of ADR reporting, as perceived by respondents, was to identify safe drugs (80.8%) and calculate the incidence of ADR (75.2%). Additionally, among the nurses who reported having nursed a patient with ADRs, 52.54% stated they reported the case, while 47.46% did not report it. The most cited reason for not reporting ADRs was that nurses considered the reaction normal and commonly associated with that medicine (35.7%). In comparison, 28.5% of the nurses said they did not know they were supposed to report the adverse drug reaction. There was no statistically significant difference between ranks of nurses, ward, attending in-service training, and pharmacovigilance practice. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, nurses in this study had inadequate knowledge of pharmacovigilance and its reporting procedure. The study found that most nurses fear that reporting ADRs may be wrong because most of the nurses in the study did not have any form of pharmacovigilance training.

Fruits of Vitex doniana sweet: toxicity profile, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and quantification of one of its bioactive constituents oleanolic acid.

BACKGROUND: Vitex doniana Sweet fruit, an under-utilised crop specie of Ghana, has not been validated for its ethnomedical use in managing inflammatory conditions. Therefore, the study sought to investigate its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well as isolate and quantify one of its active constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol fruit extract was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced oedema model in chicks. The in-vitro antioxidant property was also investigated using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The acute and subacute toxicity studies of the fruit extract were evaluated in rodent models. RESULTS: No signs of autonomic and central nervous system stimulation/depression were recorded. The LD50 by oral route, was estimated to be beyond 3000 mg/kg. Subacute studies revealed an increase in red blood cell and lymphocyte counts. Liver enzymes, serum proteins and bilirubin levels did not significantly increase. The crude extracts at doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg inhibited paw oedema considerably. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 99.35 ± 0.77 µg/mL). Oleanolic acid, isolated from the ethyl acetate extract, showed significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography method for the detection and estimation of oleanolic acid, as a biomarker compound for V. doniana fruit, was developed and validated for quality assurance purposes. CONCLUSION: The extract of V. doniana fruits possesses considerable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and was non-toxic under laboratory conditions.

Mechanisms of ivermectin-induced wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Wounds cause structural and functional discontinuity of an organ. Wound healing, therefore, seeks to re-establish the normal morphology and functionality through intertwined stages of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodelling. Ivermectin, a macrolide, has been used as an endectoparasiticide in human and veterinary medicine practice for decades. Here, we show that ivermectin exhibits wounding healing activity by mechanisms independent of its well-known antiparasitic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing property of ivermectin cream using histochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. RESULTS: Non-irritant dose of ivermectin cream (0.03-1%) decreased wound macroscopic indices such as exudation, edge edema, hyperemia, and granulation tissue deposition by day 9 compared to day 13 for the vehicle-treated group. This corresponded with a statistically significant wound contraction rate, hydroxyproline deposition, and a decreased time to heal rate. The levels of growth factors TGF-ß1 and VEGF were significantly elevated on day 7 but decreased on day 21. This corresponded with changes in cytokines (IL-1α, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α) and eicosanoids (LTB4, PGE2, and PGD2) levels on days 7 and 21.. Interestingly, low doses of ivermectin cream (0.03-0.1%) induced wound healing with minimal scarring compared to higher doses of the cream and the positive control, Silver Sulfadiazine. CONCLUSION: Ivermectin promotes wound healing partly through modulation of the inflammatory process and the levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Low doses of ivermectin cream have the potential to be used in treating wounds with minimal scar tissue formation.

Antiplasmodial and Antipyretic Activity and Safety Evaluation of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Murraya exotica (L.).

BACKGROUND: The increasing mortality and morbidity of malaria in Africa coupled with the recent reports of antimalarial drug resistance reinforces the need for novel antimalarial agents from natural plant products with folkloric use for the disease. Murraya exotica (L.) (Rutaceae) is widely used as an ornamental plant used indigenously to treat fever, cough, and infectious wounds and eliminate pain from injury and trauma. This study was conducted to evaluate extracts of the leaves of Murraya exotica (L.) (Rutaceae) for its safety and antipyretic and antimalarial activity in rodent models. METHOD: In this study, the Peters 4-day suppressive and curative test in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice was used to demonstrate the antiplasmodial activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Murraya exotica (L.) (MEE). The study also evaluated the subacute toxicity study and the antipyretic activity of MEE on baker's yeast-induced hyperthermia in rodent models. RESULTS: Murraya exotica (L.) extract demonstrated curative antimalarial activity, with a percentage suppression of 45.84, 64.32 ± 0.33, 56.74 ± 2.16, and 64.61 ± 0.67 at doses of 50, 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg, respectively. In the Peters 4-day suppressive test, MEE at dose 600 mg/kg had the highest chemosuppression (76.02 ± 1.38%) compared with artesunate (2 mg/kg, p.o.) (82.56 ± 0.97%). Subacute oral toxicity studies in Sprague-Dawley rats documented no deaths, with no significant changes in clinical signs, organ weights, and hematological and biochemical parameters. The LD50 of MEE was estimated to be above 1000 mg/kg in Sprague-Dawley rats. All doses of MEE and paracetamol reduced pyrexia in 1 h and 2 h after their administration. The percentage reduction of rectal temperature (T R ) for the positive control (paracetamol, 150 mg/kg, p.o.) was 44.36% while the Murraya exotica extract at doses 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg recorded 67.74%, 40.78%, 66.42%, and 59.42%, respectively. Murraya exotica at dose 100 mg/kg exhibited significant reduction (p < 0.05) in baker's yeast-induced pyrexia. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study show the antipyretic, curative, and suppressive antiplasmodial activity as well as the safety of the methanolic leaf extract of Murraya exotica (L.) supporting its traditional use for malaria and fever.

Pharmacotherapy of infertility in Ghana: retrospective study at the cape coast teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a major challenge for couples globally. Due to low income levels and the high cost of other assisted reproductive techniques, pharmacotherapy remain the major first line treatment option for infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of infertility as well as the effectiveness and success achieved following infertility pharmacotherapy at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana. METHODS: This study was a retrospective observational study of 825 couples attending infertility clinic at the hospital. RESULTS: Prevalence of infertility at the study center was estimated to be 12.3%. Treatment mainly involved the use of clomiphene citrate, antioxidants, herbo-mineral drugs (Ayurveda), multivitamin and antibiotics. Pharmacotherapy resulted in successful conception in one out of every five couples (19.4%; n = 160). Secondary infertility, although more prevalent in the study population (44.8%; n = 370), had lower conception rates during pharmacotherapy than primary infertility (15% vs 26.2%). Age, kind of infertility, employment status but not educational level were significantly associated with pharmacotherapy success. In ovulation induction, clomiphene citrate plus folic acid and vitamin E adjuncts improved ovulation rates during cycle treatments compared to clomiphene citrate alone. Pharmacotherapy of idiopathic infertility (39%, n = 323) was a major challenge with very limited success rates. Interestingly, it was noted that treating couples or female partners only for idiopathic infertility resulted in higher success rates than treating the male partner only. Again, 90-day treatment regimen doubled conception rates when compared with corresponding 30-day treatment regimen. However, zinc sulfate even in short term treatment regimens (30 days) enhanced conception rates in idiopathic infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of infertility was estimated to be about 12.3%. One out of every five infertile couples achieved success with pharmacotherapy. Factors such as age, type of infertility, employment status, but not education were significantly associated with treatment success.

Cryptolepine, the Main Alkaloid of the Antimalarial Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter, Induces Malformations in Zebrafish Embryos.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on cryptolepine, the antimalarial and cytotoxic alkaloid of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, showed that it preferentially accumulates in rapidly proliferating cells and melanin-containing tissues. Subsequently, we demonstrated that cryptolepine was toxic to murine embryos in vivo but no signs of teratogenicity. in vivo developmental studies can be confounded by maternal effects. Here, we hypothesized that cryptolepine-induced embryo toxicity occurs at least partly through direct inhibition of embryogenesis rather than indirectly through the induction of maternal toxicity. AIM: To determine the effects of cryptolepine on developing zebrafish embryos ex vivo. METHODS: Healthy synchronized zebrafish eggs were treated with cryptolepine (10-1 - 5 × 102 µM), benzyl penicillin (6 - 6 × 102 µM), or mercury chloride (3.7 × 10-1 - 3.7 × 101 nM) from 6 to 72 hours postfertilization. Developing embryos were assessed at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours under microscope for lethality, hatching rate, and malformation. RESULTS: LC50 for cryptolepine in the study was found to be 260 ± 0.174 µM. Cryptolepine induced dose- and time-dependent mortality from the 24 to 96 hours postfertilization. Lower cryptolepine concentration (<100 µM) caused mortality, approximately 15-18%, only after the 48 hours postfertilization. The most sensitive period of embryo lethality corresponded well with the pharyngula (24 to 48 hours) and hatching (48 to 72 hours) stages of embryonic development. Cryptolepine (10-1 - 5 × 102 µM) dose dependently inhibited the hatching rate. At doses above 500 µM, hatching was completely inhibited. Mercury chloride (3.7 × 10-1 - 3.7 × 101 nM), used as positive control, induced a consistent pattern of embryo lethality at all stages of development, whereas benzyl penicillin (6 - 6 × 102 µM), used as negative control, did not induce any significant embryo lethality. Morphological examination of (postfertilization day 5) of eleutheroembryos treated during embryonic development with cryptolepine showed decreased body length (growth inhibition), decreased eye diameter and bulginess, enlarged pericardia, and enlarged yolk sac and muscle malformations. CONCLUSION: Cryptolepine induces malformations, growth retardation, and mortalities in rapidly dividing zebrafish embryos ex vivo.

In vitro anti-malarial interaction and gametocytocidal activity of cryptolepine.

BACKGROUND: Discovery of novel gametocytocidal molecules is a major pharmacological strategy in the elimination and eradication of malaria. The high patronage of the aqueous root extract of the popular West African anti-malarial plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Periplocaceae) in traditional and hospital settings in Ghana has directed this study investigating the gametocytocidal activity of the plant and its major alkaloid, cryptolepine. This study also investigates the anti-malarial interaction of cryptolepine with standard anti-malarials, as the search for new anti-malarial combinations continues. METHODS: The resazurin-based assay was employed in evaluating the gametocytocidal properties of C. sanguinolenta and cryptolepine against the late stage (IV/V) gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum (NF54). A fixed ratio method based on the SYBR Green I fluorescence-based assay was used to build isobolograms from a combination of cryptolepine with four standard anti-malarial drugs in vitro using the chloroquine sensitive strain 3D7. RESULTS: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (IC50 = 49.65 nM) and its major alkaloid, cryptolepine (IC50 = 1965 nM), showed high inhibitory activity against the late stage gametocytes of P. falciparum (NF54). In the interaction assays in asexual stage, cryptolepine showed an additive effect with both lumefantrine and chloroquine with mean ΣFIC50s of 1.017 ± 0.06 and 1.465 ± 0.17, respectively. Cryptolepine combination with amodiaquine at therapeutically relevant concentration ratios showed a synergistic effect (mean ΣFIC50 = 0.287 ± 0.10) whereas an antagonistic activity (mean ΣFIC50 = 4.182 ± 0.99) was seen with mefloquine. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study shed light on the high gametocytocidal properties of C. sanguinolenta and cryptolepine attributing their potent anti-malarial activity mainly to their effect on both the sexual and asexual stages of the parasite. Amodiaquine is a potential drug partner for cryptolepine in the development of novel fixed dose combinations.

Antibiotic use during pregnancy: a retrospective study of prescription patterns and birth outcomes at an antenatal clinic in rural Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Babies are increasingly being exposed to antibiotics intrapartum in the bid to reduce neonatal and maternal deaths. Intrapartum antibiotic exposure, including even those considered safe in pregnancy, have been associated with childhood obesity and compromised immunity. Data on the extent of antibiotic use, safety and its impact on birth outcomes and neonatal health in Sub-Saharan Africa is very limited. This study sought to ascertain the extent of antibiotic use in pregnancy and its effects on birth outcomes in a rural hospital in Ghana. METHODS: The study was a retrospective randomized study of mothers who delivered babies in a rural hospital between 2011 and 2015 in Ghana. A total of 412 mother/baby records out of 2100 pre-selected met the inclusion criteria of the study. Indicators of neonatal health used were birthweight, Apgar score, incidence of birth defects. RESULTS: Sixty five percent of pregnant women were administered antibiotics at some stage during pregnancy. Beta Lactam antibiotics accounted for more than 67% of all antibiotics prescribed. There was a statistically significant association between antibiotic exposure and pregnancy factors such as stage of pregnancy, parity and mode of delivery but not with socio-economic status of the mother. Intrapartum antibiotic exposure did not significantly affect the birthweight, incidence of congenital birth defect and mean Apgar scores. After adjusting for method of delivery, however, perinatal antibiotic use (24 h to delivery) was associated with lower mean Apgar scores. Birth weight was affected significantly by maternal socio-economic factors such as age and marital status. CONCLUSION: Sixty five percent of women attending the antenatal clinic received antibiotics. Intrapartum antibiotics did not affect early markers of neonatal health such as birthweight, congenital birth defect and mean Apgar scores. However, antibiotic use less than 24 h to delivery was associated with a decrease in mean APGAR score.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a scrambling thin-stemmed shrub found in Africa. Traditionally in West Africa, it is employed in the treatment of malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory conditions. This review discusses the traditional importance as well as the phytochemical, ethnomedical, pharmacological, and toxicological importance of this plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Excerpta Medica Database, Google Scholar, Springer, and PubMed Central were the electronic databases used to search for and filter primary studies on Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. RESULTS: The detailed review of various studies conducted on C. sanguinolenta and some of its constituents gives an important body of proof of its potential therapeutic benefits and also of its use as a source of lead compounds with therapeutic potentials. CONCLUSION: The review on C. sanguinolenta is important in identifying grey areas in the research on this medicinal plant and also provides comprehensive data thus far to continue research on this plant.

Assessment of an ethanolic seed extract of Picralima nitida ([Stapf] Th. and H. Durand) on reproductive hormones and its safety for use.

BACKGROUND: Picralima nitida seed extract (PNE) has aphrodisiac and contraceptive effect. AIM: To investigate the effect of PNE on reproductive hormones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The size and length of the combs of white leghorn day-old chicks treated with testosterone (0.5-1.5 mg/kg), cyproterone (3-30 mg/kg), or PNE (50-500 mg/kg) for 7 days, as well as cyproterone (10, and 30 mg/kg) on PNE-induced, and PNE (50-500 mg/kg) on testosterone-induced comb growth, were measured in the chick comb test. The effect of PNE the percentage change in an oviduct-chick weight ratio of Rhode Island Red layer day-old chicks treated with 17-ß-estradiol (0.1-0.9 µg), PNE (30-300 mg/kg) or vehicle, for 6 days, was determined in the chick uterotrophic assay. Liver and kidney function was well lipid, and hematological profile tests were conducted to assess safety. RESULTS: 7-day treatment with PNE and testosterone increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01-0.001) while cyproterone significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.001) comb growth dose-dependently. Qualitatively, testosterone and PNE treatment resulted in relatively brighter red combs. Cyproterone caused significant inhibition (P ≤ 0.001) of both testosterone and PNE-induced comb growth. Co-administration of testosterone and PNE suppressed comb growth significantly (P ≤ 0.001). Administration of 17-ß estradiol and PNE increased (P ≤ 0.001) oviduct-chick weight ratio dose-dependently. No significant changes were observed in assessing liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and hematological parameters. CONCLUSION: PNE exhibits both androgenic (partial testosterone agonist) and estrogenic activity. It has no detrimental effects on the blood, liver, and kidney tissue with prolonged use.

Toxicity assessment of Erythrophleum ivorense and Parquetina nigrescens.

Erythrophleum ivorense and Parquetina nigrescens are found growing in tropical regions and they are used in African traditional medicine to treat various ailments including wounds, boils and anaemic conditions. Some species of plant in the Erythrophleum genus are also known to be poisonous and toxic to several livestock. However, there is no information on the toxicity of E. ivorense and P. nigrescens. This study is to determine the cytotoxicity and subchronic toxicity properties of methanol leaf extract (EIML) and methanol stem barks extract (EIMB) of E. ivorense and methanol leaf and aerial part extract of P. nigrescens (PNML). Concentrations from 0.1 to 100 µg/mL of the extracts were used to determine the influence of the extracts on the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from HaCaT keratinocytes. The EIML and EIMB extracts showed increase in LDH released from HaCaT keratinocytes at 0.1-10 µg/mL and 1-100 µg/mL for the PNML extracts (p > 0.05). Wistar rats were orally administered with 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extracts (EIML, EIMB and PNML, respectively) for 35 days. Tissues from the kidney and liver of the rats treated with lower doses (100-300 mg/kg body weight) of EIML extract showed highly vascularized kidneys with numerous glomerular tufts, healthy hepatocytes and sinusoids in liver. However, there were persistent renal tissue inflammation and glomerular degeneration in kidney, and increased inflammatory infiltrates with few vacuolations and scarrings in liver in rats treated with higher extract dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight of rat. The rats treated with EIMB extract showed persistent renal and hepatocyte inflammations with glomerular and hepatocyte necrosis at all administered doses (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg body weight) which are indications of renal and hepatic toxicities. Though rats administered with 100 and 300 mg/kg of PNML extract showed renal haemorrhage and inflammation and hepatic inflammation, the rats administered with 1000 mg/kg body weight showed restoring glomerular tufts and improved vasculature and liver with reduced inflammatory infiltrates with healthy hepatocytes. Phytochemical screening of EIML, EIMB and PNML extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, sterols, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of Justicia flava and Lannea welwitschii.

Microbial infections of various types of wounds are a challenge to the treatment of wounds and wound healing. The aim of the study is to determine the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and in vivo wound healing properties of methanol leaf extracts of Justicia flava and Lannea welwitschii. The antimicrobial activity was investigated using agar well diffusion and microdilution methods. The free radical scavenging activity of the methanol leaf extracts was performed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). The rate of wound contraction was determined using excision model. The test organisms used were Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 4853, Bacillus subtilis NTCC 10073, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and clinical strains of Candida albicans. The MICs of methanol leaf extract of J. flava against test organisms were E. coli (7.5 mg/mL); P. aeruginosa (7.5 mg/mL); S. aureus (5 mg/mL); B. subtilis (7.5 mg/mL); and C. albicans (5 mg/mL). The MICs of methanol leaf extract of L. welwitschii against test organisms were E. coli (5 mg/mL); P. aeruginosa (10 mg/mL); S. aureus (5 mg/mL); B. subtilis (2.5 mg/mL); and C. albicans (2.5 mg/mL). The MBC/MFC of the extract was between 10 and 50 mg/mL. The IC50 of the reference antioxidant, α -tocopherol, was 1.5 µ g/mL and the methanol leaf extracts of J. flava and L. welwitschii had IC50 of 65.3 µ g/mL and 81.8 µ g/mL, respectively. The methanol leaf extracts of J. flava and L. welwitschii gave a significant reduction in wound size as compared to the untreated. The rates of wound closure after the application of the extracts (7.5% w/w) were compared to the untreated wounds. On the 9th day, J. flava extract had a percentage wound closure of 99% (P < 0.01) and that of L. welwitschii exhibited wound closure of 95% (P < 0.05) on the 13th day compared to the untreated wounds. The two extracts significantly (P < 0.01) increased the tensile strength of wounds compared to the untreated wounds. The extracts treated wound tissues showed improved angiogenesis, collagenation, and reepithelialization compared to the untreated wound tissues. The preliminary phytochemical screening of J. flava and L. welwitschii leaf extracts revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. The above results indicate that methanol leaf extracts of J. flava and L. welwitschii possess antimicrobial and wound healing properties which may justify the traditional uses of J. flava and L. welwitschii in the treatment of wounds and infections.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Wound Healing Properties of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Beneth. and Strophanthus hispidus DC.

Microbial infections of various types of wounds are a challenge to the treatment of wounds and wound healing. The study was to investigate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of methanol leaf and stem bark extracts of Kigelia africana and methanol leaf and root extracts of Strophanthus hispidus and also to determine wound healing properties of the extracts. The antimicrobial activities of the methanol extracts were determined against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria and a fungus using agar diffusion and micro-dilution methods. The antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) method. The influence of the extracts on rate of wound closure was investigated using the excision wound model and histopathological investigation of treated and untreated wound tissues performed. The MICs of leaf extract of K. africana against test organisms were 2.5-7.5 mg/mL and stem bark extract were 2.25-7.5 mg/mL. The leaf extract of S. hispidus had MIC range of 2.5-7.5 mg/mL and 2.5-10 mg/mL for root extract. The IC50 of leaf and stem bark extracts of K. africana were 56.9 and 13.7 µ g/mL, respectively and leaf and root of S. hispidus were 49.8 and 45.1 µ g/mL, respectively. K. africana extracts (7.5% w/w) showed significant (P < 0.05) wound contraction at day 7 with 72% of wound closure whiles significant (P < 0.05) wound contractions were observed on day 11 for stem bark of K. africana, leaf and root extracts of S. hispidus. Wound tissues treated with the extracts showed improved collagenation, re-epitheliazition and rapid granulation formation compared with untreated wound tissues. The extracts were found to contain alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and sapogenetic glycosides. The HPLC finger-printing of the extracts were developed. The leaf, stem bark and root extracts of K. africana and S. hispidus exhibited antimicrobial, antioxidant, and enhanced wound healing properties and these may justify the medicinal uses of the plants for treatment of microbial infections and wounds.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Funtumia elastica.

CONTEXT: Funtumia elastica (Preuss) Stapf. (Apocynaceae) has a long ethnopharmacological history for uses such as treatment of whooping cough, asthma, blennorhea, painful menstruation, fungal infections, and wounds. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanol extracts from the leaves and stem bark of Funtumia elastica based on its ethnopharmacological uses and also determine the secondary metabolites present in the extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antimicrobial activities of ethanol leaf and bark extracts of F. elastica were determined using the microdilution technique (MIC determination) and agar diffusion method using 10, 25, and 50 mg/mL concentrations against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger as test organisms. Anti-inflammatory activities of the doses of extracts at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg per body weight were determined by carrageenan-induced edema in the footpad of 7-day-old chicks and the foot volumes measured at hourly interval post-treatment for 5 h. RESULTS: The MIC ranges of both ethanol leaf and bark extracts against the test organisms were 125 (lowest MIC) to 1550 µg/mL (highest MIC) and 125 (lowest MIC) to 1750 µg/mL (highest MIC), respectively. The ethanol leaf and bark extract of F. elastica showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (p ≤ 0.001) at 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that F. elastica bark contains hydrolysable tannins, sapogenetic glycosides, steroids and saponins while the leaves contain hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, starch and alkaloids. Tannin contents of the leaf and stem bark were 2.4 and 1.3% w/w (related to the dried material), respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Both ethanol leaf and bark extracts of F. elastica showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities and these pharmacological properties may be responsible for the ethnomedicinal uses of the leaves and stem bark of the plant.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Pterygota macrocarpa and Cola gigantea (Sterculiaceae).

Pterygota macrocarpa and Cola gigantea are African medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of sores, skin infections, and other inflammatory conditions including pains. This study therefore aims at investigating the antimicrobial properties of ethanol leaf and stem bark extracts of P. macrocarpa and C. gigantea using the agar diffusion and the micro-dilution techniques and also determining the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts of these plants in carrageenan-induced foot edema in seven-day old chicks. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both ethanol leaf and bark extracts of P. macrocarpa against the test organisms was from 0.125 to 2.55 mg/mL and that of C. gigantea extracts was 0.125 to 2.75 mg/mL. Extracts with concentration of 50 mg/mL were most active against the test organisms according to the agar diffusion method. All the extracts of P. macrocarpa and C. gigantea at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg body weight except ethanol leaf extract of C. gigantea exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects (P ≤ 0.001).