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Obakiro SB, Kiyimba K, Owor RO, Andima M, Lukwago TW, Kawuma C, Gavamukulya Y, Nabatanzi A, Kibuule D, Kato CD, Anywar G, Waako P. Acute and subacute toxicity profile of ethanolic stem bark extract of Albizia coriaria Welw. ex Oliv. in Wistar albino rats. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:178-185. [PMID: 38304700 PMCID: PMC10832497 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Albizia coriaria (Fabaceae) crude extracts are key ingredients of several licensed and unlicensed herbal products in East Africa. However, there is limited and often contradicting information regarding its toxicity. We therefore evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria in mature healthy Wistar albino rats following Lorke's method and OECD guidelines 407. The LD50 of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria was 2000 mg/kg. The acute toxicity signs observed included piloerection, hyperventilation, lethargy, and loss of righting reflex. There was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, red blood cells and haemoglobin in rats after 28 days at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Histological analyses revealed multifocal random parenchymal necrosis and scattered periportal mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltration in the liver, interstitial nephritis in the kidney and multifocal lymphoid accumulation in the peribronchiolar and perivascular lung tissue at 500 mg/kg. The ethanolic stem bark of A. coriaria was therefore moderately toxic to the rats when administered in a single high oral dose within 24 h. The extract caused a dose dependent toxicity with significant damage to the kidney, liver and lung tissues at a dose of 500 mg/kg after 28 days. Herbal medicines containing A. coriaria extracts should be consumed cautiously due to likelihood of toxicity particularly at higher doses greater than 500 mg/kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Baker Obakiro
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
| | - Kenedy Kiyimba
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
| | - Richard Oriko Owor
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Science and Education, P.O. Box 236 Tororo, Uganda
| | - Moses Andima
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Science and Education, P.O. Box 236 Tororo, Uganda
| | - Tonny Wotoyitide Lukwago
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
| | - Carol Kawuma
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Science and Education, P.O. Box 236 Tororo, Uganda
| | - Yahaya Gavamukulya
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
| | - Alice Nabatanzi
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dan Kibuule
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
| | - Charles Drago Kato
- Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Godwin Anywar
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Waako
- Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
- Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460 Mbale, Uganda
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Kachiko G, Weisheit A, Ajayi CO, Tolo CU, Tusiimire J. Immuno-Kachiks formula immunomodulates and ameliorates hepatic damage induced by monosodium glutamate in rats. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27076. [PMID: 38463849 PMCID: PMC10920360 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a vital role in controlling liver fibrosis and enhancing the pathogenesis of liver inflammation. Monosodium glutamate is a common flavor-enhancement food additive. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory and hepato-curative effects of the Immuno-Kachiks polyherbal formulation against monosodium glutamate-induced immune suppression and hepatic damage in rats. Monosodium glutamate was given orally at a 2000 mg/kg dose to male Wistar rats for three months to induce liver damage and immune suppression. After three months of successful induction, three groups were separately administered orally with Immuno-Kachiks formula at 400, 800, and 1500 mg/kg/day for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, liver and blood samples were collected for histological and biochemical analysis. The lymphocyte count remained significantly low while the neutrophil count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio increased significantly, despite the cessation of monosodium glutamate ingestion for 28 days. The Immuno-Kachiks formula (IKF) significantly increased the lymphocyte count, reduced the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and normalized the neutrophil count. Neither monosodium glutamate nor the IKF significantly caused alpha-fetoprotein levels to rise or fall below normal. High doses (800 and 1500 mg/kg) of the Immuno-Kachiks formula significantly raised serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin. 1500 mg/kg of the IKF caused mild liver inflammation. The IKF restored the liver morphologic alterations observed in monosodium glutamate-induced liver damage in rats. The results suggest that the Immuno-Kachiks herbal formulation is a potential curative agent for early-stage liver damage and could restore suppressed adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Kachiko
- Pharm-BioTechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence (PHARMBIOTRAC), Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Anke Weisheit
- Pharm-BioTechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence (PHARMBIOTRAC), Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Clement Olusoji Ajayi
- Pharm-BioTechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence (PHARMBIOTRAC), Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Casim Umba Tolo
- Pharm-BioTechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence (PHARMBIOTRAC), Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jonans Tusiimire
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
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Kudamba A, Kasolo JN, Bbosa GS, Lugaajju A, Wabinga H, Kafeero HM, Ssenku JE, Alemu SO, Walusansa A, Niyonzima N, Muwonge H. Review of Herbal Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Cancers in the East Africa Region from 2019 to 2023. Integr Cancer Ther 2024; 23:15347354241235583. [PMID: 38445504 PMCID: PMC10916491 DOI: 10.1177/15347354241235583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the East African region, herbal plants are essential in the treatment and control of cancer. Given the diverse ecological and cultural makeup of the regional states, it is likely that different ethnic groups will use the same or different plants for the same or different diseases. However, since 2019, this has not been compiled into a single study. PURPOSE The study aimed to compile and record the medicinal plants utilized in East Africa from April 2019 to June 2023 to treat various cancer types. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study examined 13 original studies that included ethnobotanical research conducted in East Africa. They were retrieved from several internet databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, and Research for Life. The study retrieved databases on plant families and species, plant parts used, preparation methods and routes of administration, and the country where the ethnobotanical field surveys were conducted. Graphs were produced using the GraphPad Prism 8.125 program (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA). Tables and figures were used to present the data, which had been condensed into percentages and frequencies. RESULTS A total of 105 different plant species from 45 different plant families were identified, including Asteraceae (14), Euphorbiaceae (12), Musaceae (8), and Apocynaceae (7). Uganda registered the highest proportion (46% of the medicinal plants used). The most commonly mentioned medicinal plant species in cancer management was Prunus africana. Herbs (32%), trees and shrubs (28%), and leaves (45%) constituted the majority of herbal remedies. Most herbal remedies were prepared by boiling (decoction) and taken orally (57%). CONCLUSION East Africa is home to a wide variety of medicinal plant species that local populations and herbalists, or TMP, frequently use in the treatment of various types of cancer. The most frequently used families are Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae, with the majority of species being found in Uganda. The most frequently utilized plant species is Prunus africana. Studies on the effectiveness of Prunus africana against other malignancies besides prostate cancer are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kudamba
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Abdul Walusansa
- Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda
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Kudamba A, Kasolo JN, Bbosa GS, Lugaajju A, Wabinga H, Niyonzima N, Ocan M, Damani AM, Kafeero HM, Ssenku JE, Alemu SO, Lubowa M, Walusansa A, Muwonge H. Medicinal plants used in the management of cancers by residents in the Elgon Sub-Region, Uganda. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:450. [PMID: 38087230 PMCID: PMC10714536 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Uganda, medicinal plants have been utilized to treat a variety of ailments, including cancer. However, there is little information available about the medicinal plants used to treat cancer in the Elgon subregion. As a result, the current study documented the plant species used in the management of cancer in the Elgon sub-region. METHODS Data were gathered by observation, self-administered questionnaires, interview guides, and guided field trips. Analyzing descriptive statistics and creating graphs were done using SPSS (version 21.0) and GraphPad Prism® version 9.0.0, respectively. Well-established formulae were used to calculate quantitative indices. The narratives were interpreted using major theories and hypotheses in ethnobotany. RESULTS A total of 50 plant species from 36 families were documented, and herbal knowledge was mainly acquired through inheritance. Fabaceae and Asteraceae comprised more plant species used in herbal preparation. Most plants were collected from forest reserves (63%); herbal therapies were made from herbs (45%); and leaves were primarily decocted (43%). The most frequently used plants were Tylosema fassoglensis, Hydnora abyssinica, Azidarachata indica, Prunus Africana, Kigelia africana, Syzygium cumini, Hydnora africana, Rhoicissus tridentata, Albizia coriaria, and Plectranthus cuanneus. All the most commonly used plants exhibited a high preference ranking (60-86%) and reliability level (74.1-93.9%). Generally, the ICF for all the cancers treated by medicinal plants was close to 1 (0.84-0.95). CONCLUSIONS The ten most commonly utilized plants were favored, dependable, and most important for treating all known cancers. As a result, more investigation is required to determine their phytochemistry, toxicity, and effectiveness in both in vivo and in vitro studies. This could be a cornerstone for the pharmaceutical sector to develop new anticancer medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kudamba
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala, Uganda.
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda.
| | - Josephine N Kasolo
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Godfrey S Bbosa
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allan Lugaajju
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Moses Ocan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ali M Damani
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hussein M Kafeero
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jamilu E Ssenku
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Shaban O Alemu
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Muhammad Lubowa
- Faculty of Science, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Abdul Walusansa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Haruna Muwonge
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Novais JS, Mota MRL, Kffuri CW, Lauer-Leite ID. Discourse of the collective subject of river dwellers in the Brazilian Amazon regarding the transmission of knowledge about medicinal plants. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20220832. [PMID: 37909563 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320220832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper investigates the perception of river dwellers in the Brazilian Amazon region about factors that influence the transmission of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) regarding medicinal plants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 residents of Vila Franca community (Pará, Brazil). The data were analyzed using the methodological strategy of the Discourse of the Collective Subject. The determining factors in the transmission of TEK were found to be: illness, family coexistence, and necessity, which were represented in the discourses as the most important factors for the acquisition of TEK. In the community context, the locally developed Natural Remedies Project, the beneficial effects of natural remedies, and the lack of resources to purchase allopathic medicines were cited as collaborative factors in the maintenance of TEK. Finally, the most significant determining factors in the decrease or loss of transmission of TEK found in the interviews were: lack of commitment, disbelief, and the valorization of allopathic medicines. A complex network of interactions between the villagers and their natural environment affects the transmission of TEK about medicinal plants. However, we found that the perpetuation of TEK is being threatened by various socio-economic and cultural factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaílson S Novais
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Tecnologias Ambientais (UFSB/IFBA), Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, Rod. Porto Seguro - Eunápolis, BR 367, Km 10, 45810-000 Porto Seguro, BA, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sociedade, Ambiente e Qualidade de Vida, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, (Unidade Tapajós), Salé, 68035-110 Santarém, PA, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, (Unidade Tapajós), Salé, 68035-110 Santarém, PA, Brazil
| | - Markos Rogério L Mota
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, (Unidade Tapajós), Salé, 68035-110 Santarém, PA, Brazil
| | - Carolina W Kffuri
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Tecnologias Ambientais (UFSB/IFBA), Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, Rod. Porto Seguro - Eunápolis, BR 367, Km 10, 45810-000 Porto Seguro, BA, Brazil
| | - Iani D Lauer-Leite
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sociedade, Ambiente e Qualidade de Vida, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, (Unidade Tapajós), Salé, 68035-110 Santarém, PA, Brazil
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Liheluka E, Gibore NS, Lusingu JPA, Gesase S, Minja DTR, Lamshöft M, Dekker D, Bali T. Medicinal plants for treatment of diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children: experience from traditional healers in North-eastern Tanzania. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:379. [PMID: 37880735 PMCID: PMC10601235 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Right through history, humans have relied heavily on plants for sustenance and the healing of different ailments. One of the long-standing traditions that communities have inherited from earlier generations is the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of paediatric ailments, including diarrhoea. This study showcased medicinal plants used by traditional healers for the treatment of diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children in North-eastern Tanzania. METHODS AND DESIGN A qualitative research approach and a narrative research design were employed. The research was carried out in the districts of Korogwe and Handeni in North-eastern Tanzania, with 52 in-depth interviews performed with participants (traditional healers). Purposive sampling method was used to select participants, and a thematic analysis framework was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Study results indicate that traditional healers had enormous insights and were well informed about medicinal plants that were perceived to be efficacious in treating diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children. A total of 54 medicinal plants were reported by the participants to be effective in healing diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children. However, out of 54 medicinal plants, 15 were predominantly disclosed by the majority of participants. Those medicinal plants include Psidium guajava, Rhus natalensis, Ozoroa insignis, Tamarindus indica, Ocimum suave, Combretum molle, Zanha africana, Solanum incanum, and Ximenia americana. Other medicinal plants mentioned by most participants include, Ochna holstii, Elaeodendron schlechterianum, Albizia anthelmintica, Commiphora pteleifolia, Salacia stuhlmanniana, and Zenkerella grotei. CONCLUSION All traditional healers seemed to have a clear understanding regarding the medicinal plants that were used to treat diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children. The participants acknowledged to treating under-five children with diarrhoeal diseases using herbal medications on multiple occasions. The findings of this study should inspire more in-depth botanical research to determine whether the medicinal plants reported in this study have anti-diarrhoeal properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Liheluka
- Department of Public Health and Community Nursing, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania.
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | - Nyasiro Sophia Gibore
- Department of Public Health and Community Nursing, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - John P A Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Samwel Gesase
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Daniel T R Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Maike Lamshöft
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, BNITM, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Braunschweig, Germany
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Denise Dekker
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, BNITM, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Theodora Bali
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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da Silva AM, Horsth AL, Timóteo ÉDS, Faria RJ, Bazoni PS, Meira EF, Dos Santos JBR, da Silva MRR. Use of medicinal plants during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16558. [PMID: 37783716 PMCID: PMC10545667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants are an integrative and complementary health practice widely used by the population. However, its use is not without risks. This study assessed the profile and associated factors with the traditional use of medicinal plants. To this end, a cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a southeastern Brazilian city. Descriptive analysis was performed by frequency distribution and median and interquartile range. Associated factors with the use of medicinal plants were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance. A total of 641 people were interviewed, of whom 258 (40.2%) reported using medicinal plants. A total of 79 distinct plants were identified, of whom Melissa officinalis (31.0%), Peumus boldus (24.4%), Mentha spicata (20.9%), Matricaria recutita L. (18.2%), Rosmarinus officinalis (17.0%), and Foeniculum vulgare (14.7%) were the most used. There were no reports of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19. However, anxiety was the most frequently cited indication for using medicinal plants, a health condition exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the use of medicinal plants for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those in COVID-19 has been identified. There was an association between the use of medicinal plants and females, non-white, lower schooling, higher income, and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alciellen Mendes da Silva
- Health Evaluation, Technology, and Economics Group, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Luísa Horsth
- Health Evaluation, Technology, and Economics Group, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Élida da Silva Timóteo
- Health Evaluation, Technology, and Economics Group, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo José Faria
- Health Evaluation, Technology, and Economics Group, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Silva Bazoni
- Health Evaluation, Technology, and Economics Group, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Frizzera Meira
- Health Evaluation, Technology, and Economics Group, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil
| | | | - Michael Ruberson Ribeiro da Silva
- Health Evaluation, Technology, and Economics Group, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil.
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Services, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, 29500-000, Brazil.
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Gumisiriza H, Olet EA, Mukasa P, Lejju JB, Omara T. Ethnomedicinal plants used for malaria treatment in Rukungiri District, Western Uganda. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:49. [PMID: 37644587 PMCID: PMC10466780 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major global health challenge and a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, limited access to medical facilities has perpetuated the reliance of indigenous communities on herbal medicine for the prevention and management of malaria. This study was undertaken to document ethnobotanical knowledge on medicinal plants prescribed for managing malaria in Rukungiri District, a meso-endemic malaria region of Western Uganda. METHODS An ethnobotanical survey was carried out between May 2022 and December 2022 in Bwambara Sub-County, Rukungiri District, Western Uganda using semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 125 respondents (81 females and 44 males) were randomly selected and seven (7) key informants were engaged in open interviews. In all cases, awareness of herbalists on malaria, treatment-seeking behaviour and herbal treatment practices were obtained. The ethnobotanical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, informant consensus factor and preference ranking. RESULTS The study identified 48 medicinal plants belonging to 47 genera and 23 families used in the treatment of malaria and its symptoms in the study area. The most frequently cited species were Vernonia amygdalina, Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica. Leaves (74%) was the most used plant organ, mostly for preparation of decoctions (41.8%) and infusions (23.6%) which are administered orally (89.6%) or used for bathing (10.4%). CONCLUSIONS Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used as prophylaxis and for treatment of malaria still exist among the local communities of Bwambara Sub-County. However, there is a need to investigate the antimalarial efficacy, phytochemical composition and safety of species (such as Digitaria abyssinica and Berkheya barbata) with high percentage use values to validate their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannington Gumisiriza
- Department of Chemistry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Eunice Apio Olet
- Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Paul Mukasa
- Department of Chemistry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Julius B Lejju
- Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Timothy Omara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Sciences and Aerospace Studies, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya
- Center of Excellence II in Phytochemicals, Textile and Renewable Energy (ACE II PTRE), Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
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Liheluka E, Gibore NS, Lusingu JPA, Gesase S, Minja DTR, Lamshöft M, Dekker D, Bali T. Community perceptions on the effectiveness of herbal medicines and factors associated with their use in managing diarrhoea among under-five children in North-eastern Tanzania. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:48. [PMID: 37626395 PMCID: PMC10464464 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00537-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand for herbal medicines continues to increase globally. However, community perceptions on their effectiveness and factors influencing their use have not been extensively investigated, notably in the Tanga Region, North-eastern Tanzania, where their use in treating various diseases, including paediatric diarrhoea, has flourished. According to studies, Tanga Region has a high prevalence of diarrhoea among under-five children. This study explored community perceptions on the effectiveness of herbal medicines and factors associated with their use in managing diarrhoea among under-five children in North-eastern Tanzania. METHODS A qualitative approach and a narrative design were employed by the present study since they had the potential to reveal unrecognized or unreported research problems. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to facilitate data collection from June 2022 to February 2023. The methods were chosen since they are the most common sources of qualitative data in health research. Purposive sampling method was used to select 247 participants, which included 171 caretakers, 52 traditional healers, and 24 paediatric health workers. Interviews were conducted until the saturation point was reached. The purposive technique was considered since it was a method that enabled the researcher to select participants who were knowledgeable about the study topic. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Economic hardship, culture and heritage, superstitious beliefs, failure to recover after receiving hospital medication, easy accessibility of herbal medicines, and long distance to the health facility were the factors perceived to be potentially associated with persistent use of herbal medicines among caretakers. The majority of participants believed that herbal treatments were harmless and effective in treating diarrhoea. CONCLUSION Superstitious beliefs, culture, and heritage were the primary justifications for using herbal medicines. It is vital for the relevant authority to educate the community on the risk of using unproven herbal medicines in order to diminish the effects that may arise from using uninvestigated herbs. As things stand, the use of herbal medications will continue owing to their relevance to the lives of people in the study setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Liheluka
- Department of Public Health and Community Nursing, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania.
- National Institute for Medical Research, NIMR, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | - Nyasiro Sophia Gibore
- Department of Public Health and Community Nursing, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - John P A Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, NIMR, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Samwel Gesase
- National Institute for Medical Research, NIMR, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Daniel T R Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research, NIMR, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Maike Lamshöft
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, BNITM, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Hamburg, Germany
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Denise Dekker
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, BNITM, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Theodora Bali
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Biodiversity: the overlooked source of human health. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:173-187. [PMID: 36585352 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biodiversity is the measure of the variation of lifeforms in a given ecological system. Biodiversity provides ecosystems with the robustness, stability, and resilience that sustains them. This is ultimately essential for our survival because we depend on the services that natural ecosystems provide (food, fresh water, air, climate, and medicine). Despite this, human activity is driving an unprecedented rate of biodiversity decline, which may jeopardize the life-support systems of the planet if no urgent action is taken. In this article we show why biodiversity is essential for human health. We raise our case and focus on the biomedicine services that are enabled by biodiversity, and we present known and novel approaches to promote biodiversity conservation.
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11
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Plants-based medicine implication in the evolution of chronic liver diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114207. [PMID: 36916432 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic disorders are considered major health problems, due to their high incidence, increased risk of chronicling or death and the costs involved in therapies. A large number of patients with chronic liver diseases use herbal medicines and dietary supplements in parallel with allopathic treatment. The current review provides a thorough analysis of the studies conducted on the most important species of medicinal plants used in this disease, bioactive compounds and on the activity of herbal medicines in the evolution of chronic liver diseases. However, a negative aspect is that there is frequently a lack of comprehensive data on the progression of the illness and the living standards of patients who are affected when evaluating the effects of these phytocomponents on the evolution of chronic liver disease, the patients' health, and their quality of life. It is essential to take this impairment into account when evaluating the long-term effects of herbal treatments on the health of individuals who suffer from liver illness. Bioactive phytocomponents may be a suitable source for the development of novel medications due to the correlation between traditional uses and medical advances. Additional high-quality preclinical examinations utilizing cutting-edge approaches are needed to assess safety and effectiveness and to detect, categorize, and standardize the active substances and their formulations for the most suitable therapeutic management of liver illnesses.
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Guo CA, Ding X, Hu H, Zhang Y, Yang H, Wang Y. An ethnobotanical study on wild plants used by Tibetan people in Gyirong Valley, Tibet, China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2022; 18:67. [PMID: 36401315 PMCID: PMC9675253 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-022-00565-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gyirong Valley known as the "Back Garden of the Himalayas" is located in the core area of the Everest National Nature Reserve. It is also one of the important ports from ancient Tibet to Kathmandu, Nepal, since ancient times. Over the years, the Tibetans of Gyirong had accumulated sufficient traditional knowledge about local plant resources. However, there is almost no comprehensive report available on ethnobotanical knowledge about the local people. The purposes of this study were to (1) conduct a comprehensive study of wild plants used by Tibetan people in Gyirong Valley and record the traditional knowledge associated with wild useful plants, (2) explore the influence of Tibetan traditional culture and economic development on the use of wild plants by local people, and (3) explore the characteristics of traditional knowledge about wild plants of Tibetans in Gyirong. METHODS Ethnobotanical data were documented through free listings, key informant interviews and semi-structured interviews during fieldwork. The culture importance index and the informant consensus factor index were used as quantitative indices. RESULTS In total, 120 informants (61 women and 59 men) and 3333 use reports and 111 wild plant species belonging to 39 families and 81 genera were included. These use reports were then classified into 27 categories belonging to three major categories. The use category that contained the most plant species was edible plants (62), followed by medicinal plants (32) and economic plants (22), and other uses (71). Plants with high CI included Allium prattii, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Gymnadenia orchidis, Rhododendron anthopogon and Fritillaria cirrhosa. Thirty-six species of plants in the catalog of Gyirong and Yadong were the same, but only 17 species were the same in Gyirong and Burang. There were only 11 overlapping species between all the three regions. CONCLUSION Tibetans of Gyirong have rich and unique knowledge about plant use, and wild edible and medicinal plants play an important role in the nutrition and health protection of local people. However, traditional knowledge is slowly being lost and is being hit by modern tourism. In the future, more attention needs to be paid to the important role of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-An Guo
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132# Lanhei Road, Heilongtan, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyong Ding
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132# Lanhei Road, Heilongtan, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
- National Centre for Borderland Ethnic Studies in Southwest China, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091 China
| | - Huabin Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303 Yunnan China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132# Lanhei Road, Heilongtan, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Huizhao Yang
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132# Lanhei Road, Heilongtan, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Yuhua Wang
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132# Lanhei Road, Heilongtan, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
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Odebunmi CA, Adetunji TL, Adetunji AE, Olatunde A, Oluwole OE, Adewale IA, Ejiwumi AO, Iheme CE, Aremu TO. Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of COVID-19 and Related Respiratory Infections in Ogbomosho South and North Local Government Areas, Oyo State, Nigeria. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11192667. [PMID: 36235532 PMCID: PMC9573491 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has extensively spread worldwide with high mortality. Besides vaccination, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved only one oral medication as a treatment. Medicinal plants with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties could be explored as complementary treatments for COVID-19. Ogbomosho is home to such plants traditionally used to treat infectious diseases in Nigeria, making it relevant in complementary medicine. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19 and related ailments, including cough and flu in Ogbomosho South and North Local Government Areas, Nigeria, was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Information was obtained from 56 participants, consisting of different groups of individuals with native knowledge of medicinal plants, and ethnobotanical indices, including the frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and fidelity level (FL) were computed. Twenty-six medicinal plants (17 families) were used to treat COVID-19, 31 (20 families) for cough, and 29 (19 families) for flu. The most cited plant was Zingiber officinale (FC = 10; RFC = 0.18; FL = 18%) for treating COVID-19, Citrus limon (FC = 13; RFC = 0.23; FL = 23%) for cough, and Zingiber officinale (FC = 9; RFC = 0.16; FL = 16%) for flu. Leaves were the most used plant part for treating COVID-19 and flu, while the bark was the most used for cough. Trees and herbs were the most cited plant growth forms. The herbal remedies were mostly prepared by decoction and infusion and were mainly administered orally. Further research should be conducted on the identified species for the scientific validation of their antiviral and immunomodulatory efficacies and safety for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Adeyinka Odebunmi
- Derived Guinea Savannah Research Station, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Oke-Aduin, Ogbomosho P.O. Box 164, Nigeria
| | - Tomi Lois Adetunji
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ahmed Olatunde
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi 740272, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatosin Esther Oluwole
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 S. 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Idowu Ayodeji Adewale
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Old Jebba Road, Oke Ose, Ilorin 240001, Nigeria
| | - Abdulrasak Opeyemi Ejiwumi
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, 3rd Floor Sherrod Library, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Chinwenwa Esther Iheme
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Taiwo Opeyemi Aremu
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems (PCHS), College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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