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Kwami Edem Kukuia K, Boakye Burns F, Kofi Adutwum-Ofosu K, Appiah F, Kwabena Amponsah S, Begyinah R, Efua Koomson A, Yaw Takyi F, Amatey Tagoe T, Amoateng P. Increased BDNF and hippocampal dendritic spine density are associated with the rapid antidepressant-like effect of iron-citalopram and iron-imipramine combinations in mice. Neuroscience 2023; 519:90-106. [PMID: 36948482 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Iron supplementation previously demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in post-partum rats. The present study evaluates the possible synergistic antidepressant effect of sub-therapeutic dose of iron co-administered with citalopram or imipramine in female Institute of Cancer Research mice. Depression-like symptoms were induced in the forced swim (FST), tail suspension (TST), and open space swim (OSST) tests while open field test (OFT) was used to assess locomotor activity. Mice (n=8) received iron (0.8- 7.2 mg/kg), citalopram (3-30 mg/kg), imipramine (3-30 mg/kg), desferrioxamine (50 mg/kg) or saline in the single treatment phase of each model and subsequently a sub-therapeutic dose of iron co-administered with citalopram or imipramine. Assessment of serum BDNF and dendritic spine density was done using ELISA and Golgi staining techniques respectively. Iron, citalopram and imipramine, unlike desferrioxamine, reduced immobility score in the TST, FST and OSST without affecting locomotor activity, suggesting antidepressant-like effect. Sub-therapeutic dose of iron in combination with citalopram or imipramine further enhanced the antidepressant-like effect, producing a more rapid effect when compared to the iron, citalopram or imipramine alone. Iron, citalopram and imipramine or their combinations increased serum BDNF concentration, hippocampal neuronal count and dendritic spine densities. Our study provides experimental evidence that iron has antidepressant-like effect and sub-therapeutic dose of iron combined with citalopram or imipramine produces more rapid antidepressant-like effect. We further show that iron alone or its combination with citalopram or imipramine attenuates the neuronal loss associated with depressive conditions, increases dendritic spines density and BDNF levels. These finding suggest iron-induced neuronal plasticity in the mice brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Frederick Boakye Burns
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Kevin Kofi Adutwum-Ofosu
- Department of Anatomy, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Frimpong Appiah
- Department of Community Health and Medicine, School of Food and Health Sciences, Anglican University College of Technology, Nkoranza, Ghana.
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Richard Begyinah
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Awo Efua Koomson
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Ferka Yaw Takyi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Thomas Amatey Tagoe
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Thaman J, Pal RS, Chaitanya MVNL, Yanadaiah P, Thangavelu P, Sharma S, Amoateng P, Arora S, Sivasankaran P, Pandey P, Mazumder A. Reconciling the Gap between Medications and their Potential Leads: The Role of Marine Metabolites in the Discovery of New Anticancer Drugs: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3137-3153. [PMID: 38031774 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128272025231106071447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
One-third of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, making it the second leading cause of death globally each year after cardiovascular disease. The complex anticancer molecular mechanisms have been understood clearly with the advent of improved genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatics. Our understanding of the complex interplay between numerous genes and regulatory genetic components within cells explaining how this might lead to malignant phenotypes has greatly expanded. It was discovered that epigenetic resistance and a lack of multitargeting drugs were highlighted as major barriers to cancer treatment, spurring the search for innovative anticancer treatments. It was discovered that epigenetic resistance and a lack of multitargeting drugs were highlighted as major barriers to cancer treatment, spurring the search for innovative anticancer treatments. Many popular anticancer drugs, including irinotecan, vincristine, etoposide, and paclitaxel, have botanical origins. Actinomycin D and mitomycin C come from bacteria, while bleomycin and curacin come from marine creatures. However, there is a lack of research evaluating the potential of algae-based anticancer treatments, especially in terms of their molecular mechanisms. Despite increasing interest in the former, and the promise of the compounds to treat tumours that have been resistant to existing treatment, pharmaceutical development of these compounds has lagged. Thus, the current review focuses on the key algal sources that have been exploited as anticancer therapeutic leads, including their biological origins, phytochemistry, and the challenges involved in converting such leads into effective anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janvee Thaman
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144402, India
| | - Rashmi Saxena Pal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144402, India
| | | | - Palakurthi Yanadaiah
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144402, India
| | - Prabha Thangavelu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Nandha College of Pharmacy, Affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Erode 638052, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sarika Sharma
- Department of Sponsored Research, Division of Research & Development, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144402, India
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Smriti Arora
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Bidholi, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Ponnusankar Sivasankaran
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy (JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research), Rocklands, Ooty 643001, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Life Sciences, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Gautam Buddh Nagar, 19, Knowledge Park-II, 22, Institutional Area, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Avijit Mazumder
- School of Pharmacy, Niet Pharmacy Institute c Block, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology (Pharmacy Institute), 24 Gautam Buddh Nagar, 19, Knowledge Park-II, Institutional Area, Greater Noida 201306, India
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Kukuia KK, Appiah F, Dugbartey GJ, Takyi YF, Amoateng P, Amponsah SK, Adi-Dako O, Koomson AE, Ayertey F, Adutwum-Ofosu KK. Extract of Mallotus oppositifolius (Geiseler) Müll. Arg. increased prefrontal cortex dendritic spine density and serotonin and attenuated para-chlorophenylalanine-aggravated aggressive and depressive behaviors in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962549. [PMID: 36386158 PMCID: PMC9649488 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim: Depression-related aggression is linked to serotonin (5-HT) and dendritic spine alterations. Although Mallotus oppositifolius extract (MOE) has potential for reducing this effect, its specific role remains uncertain. Herein, we evaluated this potential and associated alterations in the brain. Methods: A standard resident-intruder model of para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA)-induced depression-associated aggression in male ICR mice was used. The resident mice received pCPA (300 mg/kg, i. p.) for 3 consecutive days while saline-treated mice served as negative control. The pCPA aggressive mice were subsequently treated orally with either MOE (30, 100, 300 mg/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), tryptophan (20 mg/kg) or saline (untreated pCPA group) for 28 days. Locomotor activity was assessed using open field test. Serotonin (5-HT) levels in mice brain and phytochemical fingerprint of MOE were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify constituents of MOE. Dendritic spine density and morphology were evaluated using Golgi-Cox staining technique and analyzed with ImageJ and Reconstruct software. Results: Administration of pCPA induced aggressive behavior in mice, evidenced by increased attack behaviors (increased number and duration of attacks), which positively correlated with squeaking and tail rattling. MOE treatment significantly reduced these characteristics of aggression in comparison with vehicle (non-aggressive) and untreated pCPA groups (p < 0.001), and also reduced social exploration behavior. Although the behavioral effects of MOE were comparable to those of fluoxetine and tryptophan, these effects were quicker compared to fluoxetine and tryptophan. Additionally, MOE also markedly increased 5-HT concentration and dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex relative to vehicle and untreated pCPA groups (p < 0.05). Interestingly, these behavioral effects were produced without compromising locomotor activity. GC-MS analysis of the MOE identified 17 known compounds from different chemical classes with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective and antidepressant activities, which may have contributed to its anti-aggressive effect. Conclusion: MOE decreased depression-associated aggressive behavior in mice via increased 5-HT concentration and dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex. The MOE-mediated effects were faster than those of fluoxetine and tryptophan. Our finding suggests that MOE may have clinical promise in decreasing aggressive and depressive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy K.E. Kukuia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- *Correspondence: Kennedy K.E. Kukuia, ; Kevin K. Adutwum-Ofosu,
| | - Frimpong Appiah
- Department of Community Health and Medicine, School of Food and Health Sciences, Anglican University College of Technology, Nkoranza, Ghana
| | - George J. Dugbartey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw F. Takyi
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth K. Amponsah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ofosua Adi-Dako
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Awo E. Koomson
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frederick Ayertey
- Department of Phytochemistry, Center for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana
| | - Kevin K. Adutwum-Ofosu
- Department of Anatomy, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- *Correspondence: Kennedy K.E. Kukuia, ; Kevin K. Adutwum-Ofosu,
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Kukuia KKE, Torbi J, Amoateng P, Adutwum-Ofosu KK, Koomson AE, Appiah F, Tagoe TA, Mensah JA, Ameyaw EO, Adi-Dako O, Amponsah SK. Gestational iron supplementation reverses depressive-like behavior in post-partum Sprague Dawley rats: Evidence from behavioral and neurohistological studies. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 12:280-296. [PMID: 35746978 PMCID: PMC9210498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that affects about 9–20% of women after child birth. Reports suggest that gestational iron deficiency can cause a deficit in behavioral, cognitive and affective functions and can precipitate depressive symptoms in mothers during the postpartum period. The present study examined the effect of iron supplementation on depressive behavior during postpartum period in a rat model. Method Female Sprague-Dawley rats were crossed. Pregnant rats received iron, fluoxetine, desferrioxamine or vehicle throughout the period of gestation. During the postpartum period, mothers from all groups were taken through the open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) and sacrificed for histological examination of the brains. Results Results showed that rats treated with iron-chelating agent, desferrioxamine, and vehicle during gestation exhibited increased immobility scores in the FST, increased latency to feed and reduced feeding in the NIH with corresponding decreased number of neurons and dendritic branches in the cortex of the brain. These depression-related effects were attenuated by perinatal iron supplementation which showed decreased immobility scores in the FST comparable to rats treated with fluoxetine, a clinically effective antidepressant. Iron treatment also decreased latency to feeding while increasing feeding behavior in the NIH. Iron-treated dams had a higher number of neurons with dendritic connections in the frontal cortex compared to vehicle- and desferrioxamine-treated groups. Conclusion The results suggest that, iron supplementation during gestation exerts an antidepressant-like effect in postpartum Sprague-Dawley rats, attenuates neuronal loss associated with depression and increases dendritic spine density. Iron supplementation during gestation exerts an antidepressant-like effect in postpartum Sprague-Dawley rats. Iron supplementation during gestation attenuates neuronal loss associated with depression. Iron-treated dams had a higher number of neurons with dendritic connections in the frontal cortex.
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Koomson AE, Kukuia KKE, Amoateng P, Biney RP, Tagoe TA, Mensah JA, Ameyaw EO, Torbi J, Amponsah SK. Extract of Xylopia aethiopica and its Kaurene Diterpene, Xylopic Acid, Improve Learning and Memory in Mice. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 12:249-259. [PMID: 35746979 PMCID: PMC9210480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Awo Efua Koomson
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
- Correspondence to: Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Corresponding author.
| | - Robert Peter Biney
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Thomas Amatey Tagoe
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jeffrey Amoako Mensah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Elvis Ofori Ameyaw
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Joseph Torbi
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
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Kukuia KKE, Mensah JA, Amoateng P, Osei-Safo D, Koomson AE, Torbi J, Adongo DW, Ameyaw EO, Ben IO, Amponsah SK, Bugyei KA, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ. Glycine/NMDA Receptor Pathway Mediates the Rapid-onset Antidepressant Effect of Alkaloids From Trichilia Monadelpha. Basic Clin Neurosci 2021; 12:395-408. [PMID: 34917298 PMCID: PMC8666917 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.12.3.2838.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major depressive disorder is often associated with suicidal tendencies, and this condition accentuates the need for rapid-acting antidepressants. We previously reported that Alkaloids (ALK) from Trichilia monadelpha possess antidepressant action in acute animal models of depression and that this effect is mediated through the monoamine and L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathways. This study investigated the possible rapid-onset antidepressant effect of ALK from T. monadelpha and its connection with the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway. METHODS The onset of ALK action from T. monadelpha was evaluated using the Open Space Swim Test (OSST), a chronic model of depression. The modified forced swimming and tail suspension tests were used to assess the effect of the ALK on the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway. The Instutute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were treated with either ALK (30-300 mg/kg, orally [PO]), imipramine (3-30 mg/kg, PO), fluoxetine (3-30 mg/kg, PO), or saline. To identify the role of glycine/NMDA receptor pathway in the effect of ALK, we pretreated mice with a partial agonist of the glycine/NMDA receptor, D-cycloserine (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [IP]), and an agonist of glycine/NMDA receptor, D-serine (600 mg/kg, IP), before ALK administration. RESULTS ALK reversed immobility in mice after the second day of drug treatment in the OSST. In contrast, there was a delay in the effects induced by fluoxetine and imipramine. ALK also increased mean swimming and climbing scores in mice. ALK was more efficacious than imipramine and fluoxetine in reducing immobility and increasing distance traveled. It is noteworthy that ALK was less potent than fluoxetine and imipramine. D-cycloserine potentiated mobility observed in the ALK- and fluoxetine-treated mice. In contrast, D-serine decreased mobility in the ALK-treated mice. CONCLUSION The study results suggest that ALK from T. monadelpha exhibits rapid antidepressant action in mice, and the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway possibly mediates the observed effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu-Accra, Ghana
- Corresponding Author:Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia, PhD., Address: Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu-Accra, Ghana., Tel: +233 (20) 4608498, E-mail:;
| | - Jeffrey Amoako Mensah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, U.S. A
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Osei-Safo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Awo Efua Koomson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Torbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Donatus Wewura Adongo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Elvis Ofori Ameyaw
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Inemesit Okon Ben
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu-Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwasi Agyei Bugyei
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu-Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
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Amoateng P, Tagoe TA, Karikari TK, Kukuia KKE, Osei-Safo D, Woode E, Frenguelli BG, Kombian SB. Synedrella nodiflora Extract Depresses Excitatory Synaptic Transmission and Chemically-Induced In Vitro Seizures in the Rat Hippocampus. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:610025. [PMID: 33762938 PMCID: PMC7982396 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.610025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracts of the tropical Cinderella plant Synedrella nodiflora are used traditionally to manage convulsive conditions in the West African sub-region. This study sought to determine the neuronal basis of the effectiveness of these plant extracts to suppress seizure activity. Using the hippocampal slice preparation from rats, the ability of the extract to depress excitatory synaptic transmission and in vitro seizure activity were investigated. Bath perfusion of the hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) caused a concentration-dependent depression of evoked field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) recorded extracellularly in the CA1 region of the hippocampus with maximal depression of about 80% and an estimated IC50 of 0.06 mg/ml. The SNE-induced fEPSP depression was accompanied by an increase in paired pulse facilitation. The fEPSP depression only recovered partially after 20 min washing out. The effect of SNE was not stimulus dependent as it was present even in the absence of synaptic stimulation. Furthermore, it did not show desensitization as repeat application after 10 min washout produced the same level of fEPSP depression as the first application. The SNE effect on fEPSPs was not via adenosine release as it was neither blocked nor reversed by 8-CPT, an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist. In addition, SNE depressed in vitro seizures induced by zero Mg2+ and high K+ -containing artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) in a concentration-dependent manner. The results show that SNE depresses fEPSPs and spontaneous bursting activity in hippocampal neurons that may underlie its ability to abort convulsive activity in persons with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas A Tagoe
- Department of Physiology, UG Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kennedy K E Kukuia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, UG Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Osei-Safo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Woode
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Bruno G Frenguelli
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel B Kombian
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
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N'guessan BB, Asiamah AD, Arthur NK, Frimpong-Manso S, Amoateng P, Amponsah SK, Kukuia KE, Sarkodie JA, Opuni KFM, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Appiah-Opong R. Ethanolic extract of Nymphaea lotus L. (Nymphaeaceae) leaves exhibits in vitro antioxidant, in vivo anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities on Jurkat and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:22. [PMID: 33413340 PMCID: PMC7791887 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nymphaea lotus L. (N. lotus) is an aquatic plant with anecdotal reports suggesting its use in the traditional management of cancer. However, there is a paucity of data on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of N. lotus in relation to its phytochemical and elemental contents. This study aimed at determining the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of the hydro-ethanolic extract of N. lotus leaves (NLE), and its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents. METHODS The antioxidant property of NLE was determined using total phenolic and flavonoid, DPPH radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assays. The anti-inflammatory activity of NLE (100-250-500 mg/kg), diclofenac and hydrocortisone (positive controls) were determined by paw oedema and skin prick tests in Sprague Dawley rats. Also, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined by Westergren method. The macro/micro-elements content was determined by the XRF method. The cytotoxic property of NLE was determined by the MTT assay, on two cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and Jurkat) and compared to a normal cell line (Chang liver). Inhibitory concentrations were determined as IC50 values (±SEM). RESULTS The extract had appreciable levels of phenolic and flavonoids compounds and was two-fold more potent in scavenging DPPH radicals than Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). However, NLE was three- and six-fold less potent than ascorbic acid and BHT, respectively, in reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+. The extract was six-fold more potent than gallic acid in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in rat paw oedema sizes, comparable to diclofenac, and a significant decrease in wheel diameters and ESR. The elemental analysis revealed relevant concentrations of Mg2+, P2+, S2+, K2+, Mn+, Fe+, Cu+, Zn+ and Cd+. The extract exhibited cytotoxic activity on both MCF-7 (IC50 = 155.00 μg/ml) and Jurkat (IC50 = 87.29 μg/ml), with higher selectivity for Jurkat cell line. Interestingly, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to the normal Chang liver cell line (IC50 = 204.20 μg/ml). CONCLUSION N. lotus leaves extract exhibited high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-cell-specific cytotoxic properties. These aforementioned activities could be attributed to its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Banga N'guessan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Adwoa Dede Asiamah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nana Kwame Arthur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Frimpong-Manso
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Edem Kukuia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Adusei Sarkodie
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Regina Appiah-Opong
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Borovskaya TG, Poluektova ME, Vychuzhanina АV, Shchemerovа YА, Kamalova SI, Grgoreva VA, Amoateng P, Kukuia KE, Kwapong AA, Allotey Babington L, Amponsah SK, N'guessan BB. Reproductive Toxicity of Theobroma cacao: Increase in Survival Index, Nongenotoxic, and Proimplantation Potential. J Toxicol 2021; 2021:6114672. [PMID: 33519930 PMCID: PMC7817302 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6114672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Unsweetened natural cocoa (UNCP) was evaluated for reproductive toxicity in rats. A preliminary genotoxic potential was evaluated by the DNA comet assay test using C57Bl/6 mice. Both therapeutic dose (TD; 900 mg/kg) and high dose (HD; 9000 mg/kg) of UNCP were used. White Wistar rats were used in two experimental groups. The females received UNCP 15 days before crossing with untreated males. The males received UNCP for 48 days before mating with untreated females. Subacute toxicity was observed during a 14-day oral administration of UNCP. Results show that a high tail DNA% was observed with methyl mesylate administration in all tissues analysed. The lowest tail DNA% value was observed in the liver (1.64 ± 0.26) and kidney (1.63 ± 0.30) during UNCP (TD) administration. UNCP did not induce observable physical congenital malformations on the pubs of treated female and male rats, lacks genotoxic potential, and did not adversely affect pregnancy index, pub weights, and survival index, but UNCP exhibited proimplantation potential (p > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- I. J. Asiedu-Gyekye
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - T. G. Borovskaya
- 2Goldberg Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk, Russia
- 3National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - M. E. Poluektova
- 2Goldberg Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk, Russia
- 3National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - А. V. Vychuzhanina
- 2Goldberg Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk, Russia
- 3National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Y. А. Shchemerovа
- 2Goldberg Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk, Russia
- 3National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - S. I. Kamalova
- 2Goldberg Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk, Russia
- 3National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - V. A. Grgoreva
- 2Goldberg Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk, Russia
- 3National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - P. Amoateng
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - K. E. Kukuia
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - A. A. Kwapong
- 4Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - L. Allotey Babington
- 4Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - S. K. Amponsah
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - B. B. N'guessan
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Ikem CJ, Appiah-opong R, Oli AN, Ugwu MC, Amoateng P, Agyemang K, Nwobodo DC, Esimone CO. In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial assays of selected Nigerian commercial herbal formulations. J Herbmed Pharmacol 2020. [DOI: 10.34172/jhp.2020.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Malaria remains a life-threatening disease, mainly in tropical and sub-tropical countries of the world. The problem caused by the disease is further compounded by the emergence and spread of multidrug resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Coupled with the poor distribution of modern health facilities, there is resurgence in the use of herbal remedies to treat malaria. In this study, we evaluated the antiplasmodial activities of six commercially available herbal formulations using in vivo and in vitro methods to assess their claimed antimalarial properties.Methods: The antiplasmodial activities of the six herbal formulations were assessed using Chloroquine sensitive P. falciparum parasite strain 3D7 using the SYBR Green in vitro method and the in vivo curative test (established infection) in Plasmodium berghei infected Mus musculus.Results: The six herbal formulations had values of IC50 > 100 μg/mL on 3D7 strain of P. falciparum compared to controls which had IC50 values of 6.92nM (Chloroquine) and 0.75nM (Artesunate). In the curative evaluation (in vivo) the herbal formulations significantly reduced parasitaemia on day 4 (26.3%-77.3 %) and day 7 (45.54%-94.81%) post-treatments (P < 0.05) when compared to the untreated group, which recorded high mortality rate. Conclusion: Findings made in this study lend support to the claim that these herbal formulations have antiplasmodial activities. Percentage inhibitions of parasitaemia of the formulations were all above 50% except M??T capsule which had lower percentage inhibition of parasitaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu Joseph Ikem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Madonna University, Elele, River State, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Regina Appiah-opong
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - Angus Nnamdi Oli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Malachy Chigozie Ugwu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - Kojo Agyemang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - David Chinemerem Nwobodo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology, Renaissance University, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Charles Okechukwu Esimone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
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Oppong Bekoe E, Agyare C, Boakye YD, Baiden BM, Asase A, Sarkodie J, Nettey H, Adu F, Otu PB, Agyarkwa B, Amoateng P, Asiedu-Gyekye I, Nyarko A. Ethnomedicinal survey and mutagenic studies of plants used in Accra metropolis, Ghana. J Ethnopharmacol 2020; 248:112309. [PMID: 31654798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Majority of people living in Ghana and many other developing countries rely on traditional medicinal plants for their primary healthcare. These plants are used either alone or in combination to manage a wide range of ailments. However, most of these plants have not been investigated for their mutagenic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY This study, therefore aimed at evaluating the mutagenic activity of the most frequently used medicinal plants amongst Ghanaians living within the Accra metropolis, Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS Validated questionnaires were administered to 53 herbalists and herbal medicines dealers in the Makola, Madina and Nima communities. Plants that were identified as being frequently used were investigated for their mutagenicity using the Ames test. RESULTS A total of 110 medicinal plants belonging to 53 families were identified as most frequently used plants in the study sites. These are used to treat various ailments including gastric ulcer, fever, malaria, male impotence, diabetes, typhoid, high blood pressure and candidiasis. Thirteen samples (52%) showed moderate to high mutagenicity in the TA 100 bacterial strain before and after metabolism with rat liver enzyme. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that over half of the frequently used medicinal plants showed moderate to high mutagenicity before and after metabolism at the concentration of a 100 μg/mL. This may have implications for the safety of those who use them to manage diseases. These findings will suggest the need for an in-depth study of the mutagenic potentials of plants commonly used by indigenous people and more especially for those exhibiting high mutagenicity in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelia Oppong Bekoe
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Christian Agyare
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Yaw Duah Boakye
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Benedict Mbeah Baiden
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 115, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Alex Asase
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG55, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Joseph Sarkodie
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Henry Nettey
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Microbiology, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Francis Adu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Priscilla Boatema Otu
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Benjamin Agyarkwa
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Isaac Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Alexander Nyarko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Amoateng P, Kukuia KKE, Mensah JA, Osei-Safo D, Adjei S, Eklemet AA, Vinyo EA, Karikari TK. An extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn exhibits antidepressant properties through monoaminergic mechanisms. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:1359-1368. [PMID: 29754167 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0244-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) has been used traditionally for many neurological conditions and some of these neuroactive effects have been scientifically substantiated. The usefulness of SNE in depression has however not been investigated despite the availability of data in other disease models indicating it may be useful. The present study therefore examined the effect of SNE in acute murine models of depression and the possible mechanisms mediating its activities in these models. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) screening were conducted on SNE. The behavioural effects of SNE (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg) pre-treated mice were examined in the forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension (TST) tests. Behavioural events such as mobility (swimming, climbing, curling and climbing), and immobility, were scored. The possible involvement of monoamines in the effects of SNE was assessed in the TST by pre-treating mice with α-methyldopa, reserpine and para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) in separate experiments. Flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, triterpenes, sterols, anthraquinones and phenolic compounds were present in SNE. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of two major constituents observed at retention times 42.56 and 46.51 min, with percentage composition of 45.72% and 36.88% respectively. SNE significantly reduced immobility scores in both FST and TST, suggesting antidepressant effects. The antidepressant properties of SNE were reversed by the pre-treatment of α-methyldopa, reserpine and pCPA, suggesting a possible involvement of monoamines (noradrenaline and serotonin) in its mechanism(s) of actions. SNE exhibits antidepressant effects, possibly mediated through an interplay of enhancement of noradrenergic and serotoninergic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Jeffrey Amoako Mensah
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Osei-Safo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adjei
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Audrey Akyea Eklemet
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Atsu Vinyo
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Amoateng P, Adjei S, Osei-Safo D, Kukuia KKE, Karikari TK, Nyarko AK. An ethanolic extract of Desmodium adscendens exhibits antipsychotic-like activity in mice. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 28:507-518. [PMID: 28710881 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Desmodium adscendens extract (DAE) is used traditionally in Ghana for the management of psychosis. The present study aimed at providing pharmacological evidence for its ethnomedical use by testing the hypothesis that an ethanolic extract of Desmodium adscendens may possess antipsychotic properties. METHODS The primary behavioral effects of DAE on the central nervous system of mice were investigated using Irwin's test paradigm. Novelty-induced and apomorphine-induced locomotor and rearing behaviors in mice were explored in an open-field observational test system. Apomorphine-induced cage climbing test in mice was used as the antipsychotic animal model. The ability of DAE to induce catalepsy and enhance haloperidol-induced catalepsy was also investigated in mice. RESULTS The DAE produced sedation, cholinergic-, and serotonergic-like effects in mice when evaluated using the Irwin's test. No lethality was observed after 24 h post-treatment. The LD50 in mice was estimated to be greater than 3000 mg/kg. The DAE significantly decreased the frequency of novelty- and apomorphine-induced rearing and locomotor activities in mice. It also significantly lowered the frequency and duration of apomorphine-induced climbing activities in mice. It did not induce any cataleptic event in naïve mice but only significantly enhanced haloperidol-induced catalepsy at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS The ethanolic extract of Desmodium adscendens exhibited antipsychotic-like activities in mice. Motor side effects are only likely to develop at higher doses of the extract.
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Kukuia KKE, Mensah JA, Amoateng P, Amponsah SK, N'Guessan BB, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ. Antidepressant Potentials of Components from Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn.) J.J. de Wilde in Murine Models. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2018; 2018:6863973. [PMID: 29849723 PMCID: PMC5937582 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6863973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Trichilia monadelpha is a common medicinal plant used traditionally in treating central nervous system conditions such as epilepsy, depression, pain, and psychosis. In this study, the antidepressant-like effect of crude extracts of the stem bark of T. monadelpha was investigated using two classical murine models, forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The extracts, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and hydroethanolic extracts (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.), standard drug (imipramine; fluoxetine, 3-30 mg/kg, p.o.), and saline (vehicle) were given to mice one hour prior to the acute study. In a separate experiment the components (flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids; 30-300 mg/kg, p.o.) from the most efficacious extract fraction were screened to ascertain which components possessed the antidepressant effect. All the extracts and components significantly induced a decline in immobility in the FST and TST, indicative of an antidepressant-like activity. The extracts and some components showed increase in swimming and climbing in the FST as well as a significant enhancement in swinging and/or curling scores in the TST, suggesting a possible involvement of monoaminergic and/or opioidergic activity. This study reveals the antidepressant-like potential of the stem bark extracts and components of T. monadelpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jeffrey Amoako Mensah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benoit Banga N'Guessan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ghana School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Amoateng P, Adjei S, Osei-safo D, Kukuia KKE, Bekoe EO, Karikari TK, Kombian SB. Extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn exhibits antipsychotic properties in murine models of psychosis. Altern Ther Health Med 2017; 17:389. [PMID: 28784133 PMCID: PMC5547469 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1901-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hydro-ethanolic whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) has demonstrated anticonvulsant, sedative and analgesic effects. Preliminary studies conducted in animals, SNE significantly decreased stereotypic behaviours suggesting antipsychotic potential. Coupled with the central nervous system depressant effects of SNE, we hypothesized that it may have utility in the management of psychosis. The present study therefore investigated the antipsychotic potential of the SNE in several murine models of psychosis. METHOD The primary central nervous system activities of SNE (30-3000 mg/kg, p.o) were investigated using the Irwin's test. The novelty-induced rearing, locomotion and stereotypy counts provoked by SNE (100-1000 mg/kg, p.o) were conducted using the open-field paradigm. The antipsychotic test models used in the screening of SNE (100-1000 mg/kg, p.o) included apomorphine-induced stereotypy, rearing, locomotion and cage climbing activities. The combined effects of a low dose of SNE (100 mg/kg) with various doses of haloperidol and chlorpromazine were analysed using the apomorphine-induced cage climbing and stereotypy, respectively. The ability of SNE to cause catalepsy in naïve mice as well as its effect on haloperidol-induced catalepsy was assessed. RESULTS SNE showed acetylcholine-like and serotonin-like activities in the Irwin test, with sedation occurring at high doses. SNE significantly reduced the frequencies of novelty- and apomorphine-induced rearing and locomotion; stereotypy behaviour and the frequency and duration of apomorphine-induced cage climbing in mice. In all the tests performed, SNE was less potent than the reference drugs used (chlorpromazine and haloperidol). In addition, SNE potentiated the effects of haloperidol and chlorpromazine on apomorphine-induced cage climbing and stereotypy activities in mice. CONCLUSION SNE, while exhibiting antipsychotic properties itself, can also potentiate the antipsychotic effects of chlorpromazine and haloperidol.
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Amoateng P, Adjei S, Osei-Safo D, Kukuia KKE, Kretchy IA, Sarkodie JA, N'Guessan BB. Analgesic effects of a hydro-ethanolic whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in rats. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:226. [PMID: 28651619 PMCID: PMC5485581 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2551-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Synedrella nodiflora is used by traditional healers in Ghana for the management of epilepsy and pain. The hydro-ethanolic extract of the whole plant has demonstrated antinociceptive effect in various animal models of pain. This study investigated the potential benefit of the hydro-ethanolic extract in a rat model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Methods Neuropathy was induced in rats by a continuous intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) for 5 days. Baseline latencies to thermal pain were recorded before the first injection of paclitaxel and during the 5 day induction period. Following the induction, the rats in designated treatment group were treated with the hydro-ethanolic extract (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o) or pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) or vehicle (distilled water) and their responses to thermal hyperalgesia measured every 30 for a total period of 3 h. Results There was a significant difference between the baseline reaction latency and what was observed on the 5th day of the induction of neuropathy. Two days after the induction of neuropathy, the extract and pregabalin significantly and dose-dependently produced antinociceptive effect during the 3-h test period. Conclusion The hydro-ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Synedrella nodiflora possess analgesic effect in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Samuel Adjei
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Osei-Safo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Irene Akwo Kretchy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice & Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Adusei Sarkodie
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benoit Banga N'Guessan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Oussou JBN, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Yapo AF, N'guessan BB, Amoateng P, Kouakou LK, Asante IK, Ehile EE. In-vitro scavenging activity and acute toxicity study of methanol leaves extract and fractions of <em>Lophira lanceolata</em> Tiegh. Ex Keay (Ochnaceae) in rats. ijpm 2016. [DOI: 10.5138/09750185.1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
<p>The present study aims at comparing <em>in-vitro </em>scavenging activities of methanol extract and fractions of <em>Lophira lanceolata</em> leaves, and also to study the oral acute toxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction.</p><p>Petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water fractions were prepared from the methanol extract of the plant. The scavenging activity of DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), the total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents of the extract and fractions were determined by spectrophotometrical methods using gallic acid (GA) and quercetin (Qu) as reference antioxidant. The fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC<sub>50</sub>), fifty percent effective concentration (EC<sub>50</sub>) and the antiradical power (ARP) were determined for all extract and fractions. An acute toxicity study using a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant was conducted in female Albino rats following the OECD (420) Guidelines. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Histopathological examinations of the heart, kidney and liver were performed.</p><p>The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of <em>L</em>.<em> lanceolata</em> had the highest free radical scavenging activity of DPPH (IC<sub>50</sub>=1,43; EC<sub>50</sub>= 0.07 and ARP = 14,28) and also contain the highest amount of total phenols (14,4±0,02 mg of GA equivalent/g of plant fraction) and total flavonoids (93,3±0,04 mg of Qu equivalent/g of plant fraction) as compared to other fractions and ascorbic acid (IC<sub>50</sub>=5,82; EC<sub>50</sub>= 3.44; ARP=3,44). The hematological parameters and the lipid profile didn’t show any major change compared to the control group. However, a significant increase of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, p<0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, p<0.001) showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol extract of <em>L</em>.<em> lanceolata </em>leaves might not totally be safe for consumption, in the conditions of our experiment.</p>
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Amoateng P, Adjei S, Osei-Safo D, Ahedor B, Mahmood SA, N’guessan BB, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Nyarko AK. Long-term continuous administration of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn in male Sprague-Dawley rats: biochemical, haematological and histopathological changes. Ghana Med J 2016. [DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v50i3.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Conflicting reports about the toxicity of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn (family Asteraceae), a plant traditionally used in Ghana for the management of epilepsy, abound in literature. The present study evaluates the effect of a 90-day continuous oral administration of a hydro-ethanolic whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) in male Sprague-Dawley rats.Methods: The toxicological evaluation of the extract (100, 300 and 1000 mgkg-1) was focused on haematological, serum biochemical parameters and histopathological changes of some isolated organs.Results: The extract produced no mortality in the rats treated during the study period. Only SNE 100 mgkg-1 produced significant decrease in white blood cell and neutrophil counts and an increase in albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, total protein and potassium levels. The higher doses (SNE 300 and 1000 mgkg-1) had no significant effect on all the haematological and biochemical parameters measured. Histopathological assessment of the liver, kidney and heart revealed no abnormalities in rats treated with the extracts. Only the SNE 1000 mgkg-1 produced distortions of the branching arrangements of the myocardial fibres and a congested vessel which indicates a healed infarction.Conclusions: The findings suggest hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn generally has a low toxicity profile following a 90-day continuous oral administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats under the present laboratory conditions. However patients with renal or cardiac problems should use the plant with caution.Funding: Jointly supported by the International Foundation for Science, Stockholm, Sweden, through a grant (# F/5191-1) to Dr. Patrick Amoateng and the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, grant awarded to Dr. Patrick Amoateng (reference number: URF/6/ILG-002/2012-2013)Keywords: : Synedrella nodiflora, Sprague-Dawley rats, histopathological, haematological
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Amoateng P, Adjei S, Osei-Safo D, Ahedor B, Mahmood SA, N'guessan BB, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Nyarko AK. Long-term continuous administration of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn in male Sprague-Dawley rats: biochemical, haematological and histopathological changes. Ghana Med J 2016; 50:163-171. [PMID: 27752191 DOI: pmid/27752191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting reports about the toxicity of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn (family Asteraceae), a plant traditionally used in Ghana for the management of epilepsy, abound in literature. The present study evaluates the effect of a 90-day continuous oral administration of a hydro-ethanolic whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS The toxicological evaluation of the extract (100, 300 and 1000 mgkg-1) was focused on haematological, serum biochemical parameters and histopathological changes of some isolated organs. RESULTS The extract produced no mortality in the rats treated during the study period. Only SNE 100 mgkg-1 produced significant decrease in white blood cell and neutrophil counts and an increase in albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, total protein and potassium levels. The higher doses (SNE 300 and 1000 mgkg-1) had no significant effect on all the haematological and biochemical parameters measured. Histopathological assessment of the liver, kidney and heart revealed no abnormalities in rats treated with the extracts. Only the SNE 1000 mgkg-1 produced distortions of the branching arrangements of the myocardial fibres and a congested vessel which indicates a healed infarction. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn generally has a low toxicity profile following a 90-day continuous oral administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats under the present laboratory conditions. However patients with renal or cardiac problems should use the plant with caution. FUNDING Jointly supported by the International Foundation for Science, Stockholm, Sweden, through a grant (# F/5191-1) to Dr. Patrick Amoateng and the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, grant awarded to Dr. Patrick Amoateng (reference number: URF/6/ILG-002/2012-2013).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adjei
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Osei-Safo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Believe Ahedor
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seidu A Mahmood
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benoit B N'guessan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac J Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alexander K Nyarko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Amoateng P, Adjei S, Osei-Safo D, Ameyaw EO, Ahedor B, N'guessan BB, Nyarko AK. A hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn ameliorates hyperalgesia and allodynia in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2016; 26:383-94. [PMID: 25720058 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2014-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn whole plant has demonstrated analgesic effects in acute pain models. The extract has also demonstrated anticonvulsant effects in murine models of experimental epilepsy. The present study illustrates an evaluation of the hydro-ethanolic extract of the plant for possible analgesic properties in hyperalgesia and allodynia associated with vincristine-induced neuropathy in rats. METHODS Neuropathic pain was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting 100 μg/kg of vincristine sulphate on alternative days for 6 days (days 0, 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12). Vincristine-induced cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured pre-vincristine administration and on days 15, 17 and 19 post-vincristine administration. The rats were then treated with S. nodiflora extract (SNE) (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg), pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) and distilled water as vehicle daily for 5 days and pain thresholds were measured on alternate days for 3 days. RESULTS SNE and pregabalin produced analgesic properties observed as increased paw withdrawal latencies to mechanical, tactile, cold water stimuli and thermal hyperalgesic tests during the 5 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that hydro-ethanolic extract of S. nodiflora possesses anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats.
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Gruca M, Yu W, Amoateng P, Nielsen MA, Poulsen TB, Balslev H. Ethnomedicinal survey and in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of the palm Borassus aethiopum Mart. J Ethnopharmacol 2015; 175:356-369. [PMID: 26384000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Malaria remains a major global health threat, with the heaviest burden of disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Effective treatment is not available in many affected areas, and the Plasmodium falciparum parasite is becoming resistant to existing drugs. Alternative therapies are necessary to overcome these challenges. Borassus aethiopum is the third most used palm species in traditional medicines in Africa. Yet, there is only limited information substantiating medicinal properties of the palm. The objective of this study was to document medicinal uses of B. aethiopum and investigate anti-plasmodial activity of the palm extracts used in traditional medicine to treat malaria. MATERIALS AND METHODS The fieldwork and collection of samples was done in Ghana in the Greater Accra, Brong Ahafo, and Volta regions. Our ethnomedicinal survey did not specifically focus on medicinal uses against malaria; any medicinal application of B. aethiopum was of interest. Data collection employed a structured questionnaire, open-ended questions, and group discussion. The experimental extraction of samples was carried out using three common solvents: distilled water, absolute ethanol, and dichloromethane (CH2Cl2). Anti-plasmodial activity of compounds was determined against erythrocytic stages of the FCR3 strain of P. falciparum by a [3H]-hypoxanthine incorporation assay. RESULTS A total of 37 use records were documented regarding the medicinal uses of B. aethiopum for the management of 24 different disorders. The highest medicinal use value was recorded for the use of B. aethiopum against malaria, and a subsequent laboratory investigation focused on evaluating anti-plasmodial activity of the palm. Several root and leaf extracts displayed anti-plasmodial activity, with the highest (78% at 50 μg/mL) elicited by one of the dichloromethane root extracts. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the value of integrating ethnobotanical and pharmacological research in the study of beneficial effects of palm products on human health. While the high inhibitory activity found in dichloromethane extracts cannot validate the ethnomedicinal use, the anti-plasmodial effect observed cannot be nullified. We brought preliminary evidence that this palm is a promising source of alternative medicines that could contribute to improving health conditions in malaria endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gruca
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, Aarhus C DK 8000, Denmark
| | - Wanwan Yu
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, Aarhus C DK 8000, Denmark
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Ghana, School of Pharmacy, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Morten Agertoug Nielsen
- Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Thomas B Poulsen
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, Aarhus C DK 8000, Denmark
| | - Henrik Balslev
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, Aarhus C DK 8000, Denmark.
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N’Guessan BB, Dosso K, Gnangoran BN, Amoateng P, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Yapo AP. Antibacterial and antispasmodic activities of a dichloromethane fraction of an ethanol extract of stem bark of Piliostigma reticulatum. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2015; 7:128-35. [PMID: 25883517 PMCID: PMC4399011 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.154439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study presents the antispasmodic and antibacterial properties of an ethanol extract and fractions the of stem bark of Piliostigma reticulatum. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antispasmodic effects of the extract and its fractions were performed on isolated rabbit duodenum. The antibacterial properties were determined as minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentration of the extract and fractions of P. reticulatum on susceptible and resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella tiphymurium. RESULTS The ethanol extract of P. reticulatum and fractions (except for heptane) produced concentration-dependent relaxant effects on isolated duodenum preparations. The IC50 of the extract and dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions are 0.88452, 0.2453, 0.2909, 0.3946 and 0.3231 mg/ml respectively. The extract was found to significantly antagonize acetylcholine-induced contraction. The susceptible strains E. coli and V. cholerae were the most inhibited by the dichloromethane fraction at 60 mg/mL, as shown by their diameter of inhibition of 13.2 ± 0.76 and 13.3 ± 0.67 mm respectively. Conversely, the dichloromethane fraction, the most active antibacterial fraction, did not inhibit the resistant strains S. dysenteriae and S. tiphymurium. CONCLUSION The results showed that P. reticulatum stem bark possesses spasmolytic and antibacterial properties and this may contribute to its traditional medicinal use for the treatment of diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Banga N’Guessan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Phytotherapy, UFR-SN, University of Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Kassim Dosso
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Phytotherapy, UFR-SN, University of Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Boua Narcisse Gnangoran
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Phytotherapy, UFR-SN, University of Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Angoue Paul Yapo
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Phytotherapy, UFR-SN, University of Nangui Abrogoua, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire
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Ameyaw EO, Boampong JN, Kukuia KE, Amoateng P, Obese E, Osei-Sarpong C, Woode E. Effect of Xylopic Acid on Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathic pain in rats. J Med Biomed Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.4314/jmbs.v2i4.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Amoateng P, Osei-Safo D, Sasu C, N′guessan B, Addo P, Asiedu-Gyekye J, Adjei S. Sub-acute toxicity of a hydro-ethanolic whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn in rats. Int J Green Pharm 2014. [DOI: 10.4103/0973-8258.142695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Amoateng P, Woode E, Kombian SB. Anticonvulsant and related neuropharmacological effects of the whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn (Asteraceae). J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2012; 4:140-8. [PMID: 22557925 PMCID: PMC3341718 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.94816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The plant Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn is traditionally used by some Ghanaian communities to treat epilepsy. To determine if this use has merit, we studied the anticonvulsant and other neuropharmacological effects of a hydro-ethanolic extract of the whole plant using murine models. Materials and Methods: The anticonvulsant effect of the extract (10–1000 mg/kg) was tested on the pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin-, and pilocarpine-induced seizure models and PTZ-kindling in mice/rats. The effect of the extract was also tested on motor coordination using the rota-rod. Results: The results obtained revealed that the extract possesses anticonvulsant effects in all the experimental models of seizures tested as it significantly reduced the latencies to myoclonic jerks and seizures as well as seizure duration and the percentage severity. The extract was also found to cause motor incoordination at the higher dose of 1000 mg/kg. Conclusions: In summary, the hydro-ethanolic extract of the whole plant of S. nodiflora possesses anticonvulsant effects, possibly through an interaction with GABAergic transmission and antioxidant mechanisms and muscle relaxant effects. These findings thus provide scientific evidence in support of the traditional use of the plant in the management of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Williams MS, Amoateng P. Knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer screening among men in Kumasi, Ghana. Ghana Med J 2012; 46:147-51. [PMID: 23661828 PMCID: PMC3645156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The age-standardized mortality rate for cervical cancer in Ghana, West Africa is more than three times the global cervical cancer mortality rate (27.6/100,000 vs. 7.8/100,000 respectively). The Pap test and visual inspection with acetic acid are available at public and private hospitals in Ghana. Approximately, 2.7% of Ghanaian women obtain cervical cancer screenings regularly. Men in middle-income countries play a key role in cervical cancer prevention. Increasing spousal support for cervical cancer screening may increase screening rates in Ghana. METHODS Five focus groups were conducted with Ghanaian men (N = 29) to assess their cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening knowledge and beliefs. The qualitative data was analyzed via indexed coding. RESULTS Targets for education interventions were identified including inaccurate knowledge about cervical cancer and stigmatizing beliefs about cervical cancer risk factors. Cultural taboos regarding women's health care behaviours were also identified. Several participants indicated that they would be willing to provide spousal support for cervical cancer screening if they knew more about the disease and the screening methods. CONCLUSIONS Men play a significant role in the health behaviours of some Ghanaian women. Cervical cancer education interventions targeting Ghanaian men are needed to correct misconceptions and increase spousal support for cervical cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Williams
- Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd. 227 Ryal Public Health Building, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA.
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Boye A, Koffuor G, Amoateng P, Ameyaw E, Abaitey A. Analgesic Activity and Safety Assessment of Heliotropium indicum Linn. (Boraginaceae) in Rodents. INT J PHARMACOL 2012. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2012.91.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Koffuor GA, Amoateng P, Andey TA. Immunomodulatory and erythropoietic effects of aqueous extract of the fruits of Solanum torvum Swartz (Solanaceae). Pharmacognosy Res 2011; 3:130-4. [PMID: 21772757 PMCID: PMC3129022 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.81961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The effect of Solanum torvum (Fam: Solanaceae) on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer, white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats to establish immunomodulatory and erythropoietic activity. Materials and Methods Sheep red blood cells (SRBC)-immunized and challenged rats were treated with Solanum torvum extract, levamisole and dexamethasone. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anemia in rats was treated with the extract. Results The aqueous Solanum torvum extract and levamisole significantly enhanced DTH response, increased HA titer and WBC count, while dexamethasone significantly decreased DTH response, did not increase HA titer, and did not enhance WBC profile. The extract and Feroglobin, the reference heamatinic, were able to reverse PHZ-induced anemia, and increase the RBCs and Hb concentration above baseline values within 24 days. Conclusion: Solanum torvum extract showed a concentration-dependent immunostimulant and erythropoietic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Koffuor
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana
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Koffuor G, Amoateng P. Antioxidant and Anticoagulant Properties of Phyllanthus fraternus GL Webster (Family: Euphorbiaceae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.3923/jpt.2011.624.636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Koffuor G, Woode E, Amoateng P. Hypoglycaemic Activity of Tragia tennifolia (Euphorbiaceae) Extract in Rats. INT J PHARMACOL 2011. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2011.704.709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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