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Adjei AP, Amevinya GS, Quarpong W, Tandoh A, Aryeetey R, Holdsworth M, Agyemang C, Zotor F, Laar ME, Mensah K, Addo P, Laryea D, Asiki G, Sellen D, Vandevijvere S, Laar A. Availability of healthy and unhealthy foods in modern retail outlets located in selected districts of Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Front Public Health 2022; 10:922447. [PMID: 36438248 PMCID: PMC9682120 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.922447] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intake of unhealthy foods is linked to the onset of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Availability of unhealthy (nutritionally poor) foods can influence preference, purchasing and consumption of such foods. This study determined the healthiness of foods sold at modern retail outlets- supermarkets and mini-marts in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Methods All modern retail outlets located in six districts of Greater Accra were eligible. Those < 200 m2 of floor area and with permanent structures were categorized as mini-marts; and those ≥200 m2 as supermarkets. Shelf length of all available foods were measured. Healthiness of food was determined using two criteria - the NOVA classification and energy density of foods. Thus, ultra-processed foods or food items with >225 kcal/100 g were classified as unhealthy. The ratio of the area occupied by unhealthy to healthy foods was used to determine the healthiness of modern retail outlets. Results Of 67 retail outlets assessed, 86.6% were mini-marts. 85.0% of the total SHELF area was occupied by foods categorized as unhealthy (ranging from 9,262 m2 in Ashiaman Municipality to 41,892 m2 in Accra Metropolis). Refined grains/grain products were the most available, occupying 30.0% of the total food shelf space, followed by sugar-sweetened beverages (20.1% of total shelf space). The least available food group-unprocessed staples, was found in only one high income district, and occupied 0.1% of the total food shelf space. Retail outlets in two districts did not sell fresh fruits or fresh/unsalted canned vegetables. About two-thirds of food products available (n = 3,952) were ultra-processed. Overall, the ratio of ultra-processed-to-unprocessed foods ranged from 3 to 7 with an average (SD) of 5(2). Thus, for every healthy food, there were five ultra-processed ones in the studied retail outlets. Conclusion This study reveals widespread availability of ultra-processed foods in modern retail outlets within the selected districts. Toward a healthier food retail environment, public health and food regulators, in partnership with other stakeholders need to institute measures that improve availability of healthy foods within supermarkets and mini-marts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akosua Pokua Adjei
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gideon Senyo Amevinya
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Wilhemina Quarpong
- Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Akua Tandoh
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richmond Aryeetey
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michelle Holdsworth
- UMR MoISA (Montpellier Interdisciplinary Centre on Sustainable Agri-Food Systems), (Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD), Montpellier, France
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Francis Zotor
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Matilda E. Laar
- Department Family and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kobby Mensah
- Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, University of Ghana Business School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Phyllis Addo
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Dennis Laryea
- Non-Communicable Disease Programme, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gershim Asiki
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Sellen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Amos Laar
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana,*Correspondence: Amos Laar
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Laar AK, Addo P, Aryeetey R, Agyemang C, Zotor F, Asiki G, Rampalli KK, Amevinya GS, Tandoh A, Nanema S, Adjei AP, Laar ME, Mensah K, Laryea D, Sellen D, Vandevijvere S, Turner C, Osei-Kwasi H, Spires M, Blake C, Rowland D, Kadiyala S, Madzorera I, Diouf A, Covic N, Dzudzor IM, Annan R, Milani P, Nortey J, Bricas N, Mphumuzi S, Anchang KY, Jafri A, Dhall M, Lee A, Mackay S, Oti SO, Hofman K, Frongillo EA, Holdsworth M. Perspective: Food Environment Research Priorities for Africa-Lessons from the Africa Food Environment Research Network. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:739-747. [PMID: 35254411 PMCID: PMC9156374 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 2 decades, many African countries have undergone dietary and nutrition transitions fueled by globalization, rapid urbanization, and development. These changes have altered African food environments and, subsequently, dietary behaviors, including food acquisition and consumption. Dietary patterns associated with the nutrition transition have contributed to Africa's complex burden of malnutrition-obesity and other diet-related noncommunicable diseases (DR-NCDs)-along with persistent food insecurity and undernutrition. Available evidence links unhealthy or obesogenic food environments (including those that market and offer energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and beverages) with suboptimal diets and associated adverse health outcomes. Elsewhere, governments have responded with policies to improve food environments. However, in Africa, the necessary research and policy action have received insufficient attention. Contextual evidence to motivate, enable, and create supportive food environments in Africa for better population health is urgently needed. In November 2020, the Measurement, Evaluation, Accountability, and Leadership Support for Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention Project (MEALS4NCDs) convened the first Africa Food Environment Research Network Meeting (FERN2020). This 3-d virtual meeting brought researchers from around the world to deliberate on future directions and research priorities related to improving food environments and nutrition across the African continent. The stakeholders shared experiences, best practices, challenges, and opportunities for improving the healthfulness of food environments and related policies in low- and middle-income countries. In this article, we summarize the proceedings and research priorities identified in the meeting to advance the food environment research agenda in Africa, and thus contribute to the promotion of healthier food environments to prevent DR-NCDs, and other forms of malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phyllis Addo
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Richmond Aryeetey
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Francis Zotor
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Gershim Asiki
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Krystal K Rampalli
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Gideon S Amevinya
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akua Tandoh
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Silver Nanema
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akosua Pokua Adjei
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Matilda E Laar
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kobby Mensah
- Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, University of Ghana Business School, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dennis Laryea
- Non-Communicable Disease Programme, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel Sellen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Christopher Turner
- Department of Food and Markets, University of Greenwich, Greenwich, United Kingdom
| | - Hibbah Osei-Kwasi
- Geography Department, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Spires
- Centre for Food Policy, City University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Blake
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Dominic Rowland
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suneetha Kadiyala
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Madzorera
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adama Diouf
- Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Namukolo Covic
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Isaac M Dzudzor
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Reginald Annan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - John Nortey
- Statistics, Research, and Information Directorate, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Bricas
- UMR MoISA (Montpellier Interdisciplinary Center on Sustainable Agri-food Systems), CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Ali Jafri
- Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Meenal Dhall
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amanda Lee
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sally Mackay
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Samuel O Oti
- International Development Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Karen Hofman
- SAMRC/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Sciences - PRICELESS SA, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Michelle Holdsworth
- UMR MoISA (Montpellier Interdisciplinary Center on Sustainable Agri-food Systems), University of Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Montpellier, France
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Addo P, Adua E, Harrison OA, Baah RO, Anderson AK, Steiner-Aseidu M. School-Based Nutrition Education Intervention Improves Nutrition Knowledge and Lipid Profile among Overweight/Obese Children. Glob J Health Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v9n10p109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many children in Ghana do not meet the dietary and physical activity recommendations for their health due to several reasons including limited nutrition education intervention (NEI) programmes. NEI provides children with information on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) required to ensure proper dietary intake and physical activity. In this intervention study, we recruited eighty (80) overweight and obese students aged 11-15 years from two schools in the Ga-East municipality of Ghana. Anthropometric, biochemical, dietary and physical activity information were collected on the two groups before and after three months of NEI. Between group comparisons (test and control); before and after interventions were performed using student t-tests. It was shown that NEI improved nutrition knowledge (mean change = 5.13, p<0.01), attitude (mean change = 2.75, p<0.01) but not practice (mean change = -1.42, p<0.05) in overweight and obese children. Although anthropometric indicators did not improve with NEI, serum lipid profile of participants improved as indicated by the following mean changes: TC [-1.22, 95%CI (-1.90 -0.55)] mg/dL, HDL-c [-0.19, 95% CI (-0.38, 0.00)] mg/dL, LDL-c [-0.90, 95%CI (-1.52, -0.28)] mg/dL and TG [(-0.66, 95%CI (-1.23, -0.09)] mg/dL. Our findings show that NEI undertaken within a relatively short period of time could have positive effects on lipid profile, knowledge and attitudes of school children, and in turn, promote the fight against childhood obesity, and improve the health and wellbeing of children.
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Afeke I, Addo P, Newman M, Durnez L, Eddyani M, Ammisah N, Abas M, Quartey M, Ablordey A. CULTIVATION OF TWO IS2404 POSITIVE MYCOBACTERIUM SPP.FROM THE ENVIRONMENT OF ASANTE AKIM DISTRICT OF GHANA. BMJ Glob Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2016-000260.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Tsouh Fokou PV, Appiah-Opong R, Yeboah-Manu D, Kissi-Twum AA, Yamthe LRT, Mokale Kognou AL, Addo P, Boyom FF, Nyarko AK. Antimycobacterial potency and cytotoxicity study of three medicinal plants. Int J Mycobacteriol 2017; 5 Suppl 1:S206-S207. [PMID: 28043557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmyco.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Mycobacterial infections including tuberculosis, leprosy, and buruli ulcer are among the most prevalent, debilitating, and deadly tropical diseases, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The development of drug resistance to the currently available drugs and the poor compliance emphasize the need for new chemotherapeutic agents. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro activity of Cleistopholis patens, Annona reticulata, and Greenwayodendron suaveolens against Mycobacterium smegmatis. The safety on normal liver cells was also assessed. METHODS The crude extracts, fractions, and subfractions were tested against M. smegmatis and for cell cytotoxicity on WRL-68, normal human hepatocyte using microdilution resazurin-based assays. The phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. RESULTS Most of the extracts, fractions, and subfractions inhibited the growth of M. smegmatis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 6.25μg/mL to 125μg/mL. The subfractions P12 and P29 from G. suaveolens twig were more potent with MIC values of 6.25μg/mL and 25μg/mL, respectively. Fruit crude extract and root CH2Cl2 fraction from A. reticulata also showed activity with MIC values of 50μg/mL and 25μg/mL, respectively. Crude extracts from the twig and stem bark of C. patens displayed inhibition at MIC values of 125μg/mL and 100μg/mL, respectively. Majority of active extracts showed no cell cytotoxicity, except the extract from C. patens with IC50 ranging from 41.40μg/mL to 93.78μg/mL. The chemical investigation of the promising extracts revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, triterpenes, and acetogenins. CONCLUSION The results achieved from this preliminary antimycobacterial drug discovery study supported the traditional claims of C. patens, A. reticulata, and G. suaveolens in the treatment of mycobacterial infections. Meanwhile, further fractionation is required to characterize the active ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regina Appiah-Opong
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
- Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abena Adomah Kissi-Twum
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Phyllis Addo
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Alexander Kwadwo Nyarko
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
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Tsouh Fokou PV, Nyarko AK, Appiah-Opong R, Tchokouaha Yamthe LR, Addo P, Asante IK, Boyom FF. Ethnopharmacological reports on anti-Buruli ulcer medicinal plants in three West African countries. J Ethnopharmacol 2015; 172:297-311. [PMID: 26099634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Buruli ulcer (BU) is the third most common mycobacterial infection in the world, after tuberculosis and leprosy and has recently been recognized as an important emerging disease. This disease is common in West Africa where more than 99% of the burden is felt and where most affected people live in remote areas with traditional medicine as primary or only option. Reports indicate that the ethnopharmacological control approach of the disease in such settings has shown promise. However, no or very few compilations of traditional knowledge in using medicinal plants to treat BU have been attempted so far. This review aimed to record medicinal plants used traditionally against BU in three countries in West Africa: Ivory Coast, Ghana and Benin and for which ethnopharmacological knowledge supported by pharmacological investigations has been reported. The information recorded in this review will support further pharmacological research to develop appropriate drugs for a better BU control. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic review of the literature on ethnobotanical use and anti-BU activity of plants reported for BU treatment was performed. The approach consisted to search several resources, including Technical Reports, Books, Theses, Conference proceedings, web-based scientific databases such as publications on PubMed, Science direct, Springer, ACS, Scielo, PROTA, Google and Google scholar reporting ethnobotanical surveys and screening of natural products against Mycobacterium ulcerans. This study was limited to papers and documents published either in English or French reporting ethnopharmacological knowledge in BU treatment or pharmacological potency in vitro. This review covered the available literature up to December 2014. RESULTS The majority of reports originated from the three most affected West African countries (Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Benin). Though, 98 plant species belonging to 48 families have been identified as having anti-BU use, many have received no or little attention. Most of the pharmacological studies were performed only on 54 species. To a lesser extent, ethnopharmacological knowledge was validated in vitro for only 13 species. Of those, seven species including Ricinus comminus, Cyperus cyperoides (cited as Mariscus alternifolius), Nicotiana tabacum, Mangifera indica, Solanum rugosum, Carica papaya, and Moringa oleifera demonstrated efficacy in hospitalised BU patients. Four isolated and characterized compounds were reported to have moderate bioactivity in vitro against M. ulcerans. CONCLUSIONS This review compiles for the first time ethnopharmacologically useful plants against BU. The phamacological potential of 13 of them has been demonstrated in vitro and support BU evidence-based traditional medicines. In addition, 7 species showed activity in BU patients and have emerged as a promising source of the traditional medicine for treatment of BU. Yet, further safety and efficacy study should be initiated prior any approval as alternative therapy. Overall, a huge gap in knowledge appeared, suggesting further well-planned and detailed investigations of the in vitro, in vivo, and safety properties of the claimed anti-BU plants. Therefore, plants with medicinal potential should be scrutinized for biologically active compounds, using bioassay-guided fractionation approach to provide new insights to find novel therapeutics for BU control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Accra, Ghana; Antimicrobial Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Study, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, PO 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Alexander Kwadwo Nyarko
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Accra, Ghana; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 43, Legon, Ghana
| | - Regina Appiah-Opong
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lauve Rachel Tchokouaha Yamthe
- Antimicrobial Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Study, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, PO 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), PO Box 6163, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Phyllis Addo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac K Asante
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 55, Legon, Ghana
| | - Fabrice Fekam Boyom
- Antimicrobial Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Study, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, PO 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Tsouh PVF, Addo P, Yeboah-Manu D, Boyom FF. Methods used in preclinical assessment of anti-Buruli ulcer agents: A global perspective. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2015; 73:27-33. [PMID: 25792087 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2015.03.001] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Buruli ulcer (BU) caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans is the third most common chronic mycobacterial infection in humans. Approximately 5000 cases are reported annually from at least 33 countries around the globe, especially in rural African communities. Even though anti-mycobacterial therapy is often effective for early nodular or ulcerative lesions, surgery is sometimes employed for aiding wound healing and correction of deformities. The usefulness of the antibiotherapy nonetheless is challenged by huge restrictive factors such as high cost, surgical scars and loss of income due to loss of man-hours, and in some instances employment. For these reasons, more effective and safer drugs are urgently needed, and research programs into alternative therapeutics including investigation of natural products should be encouraged. There is the need for appropriate susceptibility testing methods for the evaluation of potency. A number of biological assay methodologies are in current use, ranging from the classical agar and broth dilution assay formats, to radiorespirometric, dye-based, and fluorescent/luminescence reporter assays. Mice, rats, armadillo, guinea pigs, monkeys, grass cutters and lizards have been suggested as animal models for Buruli ulcer. This review presents an overview of in vitro and in vivo susceptibility testing methods developed so far for the determination of anti-Buruli ulcer activity of natural products and derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Valere Fokou Tsouh
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Accra, Ghana; Antimicrobial Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Study, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, P.O. 812 Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Phyllis Addo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Accra, Ghana
| | - Fabrice Fekam Boyom
- Antimicrobial Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Study, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, P.O. 812 Yaoundé, Cameroon
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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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Dougnon TV, Bankolé HS, Klotoé JR, Sènou M, Fah L, Koudokpon H, Akpovi C, Dougnon TJ, Addo P, Loko F, Boko M. Treatment of hypercholesterolemia: screening of Solanum macrocarpon Linn (Solanaceae) as a medicinal plant in Benin. Avicenna J Phytomed 2014; 4:160-9. [PMID: 25050314 PMCID: PMC4104625] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypercholesterolemia is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The present study is conducted to evaluate the lipid lowering activity of leaves and fruits of Solanum macrocarpon, a vegetable, on Wistar rats experimentally rendered hypercholesterolemic by Triton X-100. MATERIALS AND METHODS The leaves and fruits were administered (p.o.) for 7 days to rats at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg of body weight. Atorvastatin was used as reference treatment drug. The data were analyzed by the Brown-Forsythe ANOVA, Dunnett's T3 multiple comparison test, and Dunnett's t test. All tests were done at the 5% significance level. RESULTS Administration of S. macrocarpon (fruits as well as leaves) resulted in a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides in the treated groups compared with the untreated hypercholesterolemic group, regardless of the administrated doses. A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol was observed in the treated groups. Hepatic disorders due to the Triton have been corrected by S. macrocarpon. CONCLUSIONS This vegetable effectively suppresses experimental hypercholesterolemia in Wistar rats, suggesting a protective role in cardiovascular diseases. Its use by individuals at risk should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamègnon Victorien Dougnon
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Center of Formation and Research in Environment for the Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01 PO Box 1463 Cotonou, Benin,Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin,Corresponding Author: Tel: +22997736446, Fax: +22921360199
| | - Honoré Sourou Bankolé
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Jean Robert Klotoé
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Maximin Sènou
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Lauris Fah
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Hornel Koudokpon
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Casimir Akpovi
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Tossou Jacques Dougnon
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Phyllis Addo
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581 Legon, Ghana
| | - Frédéric Loko
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 PO Box 2009 Cotonou, Benin
| | - Michel Boko
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Center of Formation and Research in Environment for the Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01 PO Box 1463 Cotonou, Benin
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Kuntworbe N, Ofori M, Addo P, Tingle M, Al-Kassas R. Pharmacokinetics and in vivo chemosuppressive activity studies on cryptolepine hydrochloride and cryptolepine hydrochloride-loaded gelatine nanoformulation designed for parenteral administration for the treatment of malaria. Acta Trop 2013; 127:165-73. [PMID: 23643517 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this investigation was to establish the pharmacokinetics profile and in vivo chemosuppressive activities of cryptolepine hydrochloride-loaded gelatine nanoparticles (CHN) designed for parenteral administration for the treatment of malaria in comparison to the drug free in solution (CHS). Single-dose pharmacokinetics was investigated in Wistar rats by administering CHN or CHS (equivalent to 10 mg/kg of drug) by IV bolus injection via the lateral tail vein. The drug concentration in plasma was monitored over a 24-h period following administration. Chemosuppressive activity was investigated in Wistar rats challenged with P berghei parasites. Animals were given a daily dose of either CHN or CHS, equivalent to 2.5-100 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection. The level of parasitaemia was determined by light microscopy by examining Giemsa-stained thin blood smears prepared from the tail end on day four of infection. It was found that CHN attained a higher (4.5-folds) area under the curve (AUC (0-24)) compared to CHS. CHS however produced a higher volume of distribution (4-folds). Distribution and elimination rates were higher with CHS which resulted in a lower (11.7 h) elimination half-life compared to that of CHN (21.85 h). The superior pharmacokinetic profile of CHN translated into superior chemosuppressive activity at all dose levels relative to CHS. As a conclusion, loading cryptolepine hydrochloride into gelatine nanoparticles improved both pharmacokinetics and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the compound with the highest chemosuppression (97.89 ± 3.10) produced by 100 mg/kg of CHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kuntworbe
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Asare GA, Bugyei K, Fiawoyi I, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Gyan B, Adjei S, Addo P, Otu-Nyarko L, Nyarko A. Male rat hormone imbalance, testicular changes and toxicity associated with aqueous leaf extract of an antimalarial plant: Phyllanthus niruri. Pharm Biol 2013; 51:691-9. [PMID: 23570525 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.764325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae), a medicinal plant traditionally known for dissolving kidney stones, is used prophylactically as an antimalarial agent. OBJECTIVE The study was undertaken to determine its effect on some male hormones and other toxicological properties due to paucity of its data despite its wide use. MATERIAL AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats (100-140 g) were used. Group 1 [control group (C), n = 6] received water. Group 2 [low-dose test group (LD), n = 6] received 50 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) aqueous leaf extract orally. Group 3 [high-dose test group (HD), n = 6] received 500 mg/kg b.wt. extract for 90 days. Upon sacrifice, among other organs the testes were harvested. Blood samples drawn were used for biochemical (including progesterone, estrogen and testosterone), cytotoxicity and hematological assays. RESULTS C, LD and HD estrogen values were 192 ± 25, 385 ± 122 and 962 ± 357 pg/ml, respectively. In the same order, progesterone values were 96 ± 24, 155 ± 45 and 320 ± 80 pg/ml, respectively. Testosterone levels were 5210 ± 1090, 4710 ± 220 and 4500 ± 580 pg/ml, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the estrogen and progesterone levels (p = 0.001). Degenerative changes were observed histologically. Cytotoxicity at 50% (CC50) was 10.0 µg/ml. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This antimalarial plant is mildly cytotoxic with male antifertility properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Awuku Asare
- Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana.
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Afriyie DK, Asare GA, Bugyei K, Asiedu-Gyekye I, Gyan BA, Adjei S, Addo P, Sittie A, Nyarko AK. Anti-atherogenic and anti-ischemic potentials of Croton membranaceus observed during sub-chronic toxicity studies. Pharmacognosy Res 2013; 5:10-6. [PMID: 23598919 PMCID: PMC3579014 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.105640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/19/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Croton membranaceus (CM) is used for benign prostate hyperplasia treatment. OBJECTIVE Sub-chronic toxicity studies are non-existent and provided the basis for this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS 90 days oral administration of a low dose (LD) (30 mg/kg b. wt.), medium dose (MD) (150 mg/kg b. wt.), and high dose (HD) (300 mg/kg b. wt.) CM aqueous root extract to 3 groups (n=6 each) of male Sprague-Dawley rats, alongside a control group, was undertaken. Urinalysis, hepato-renal function tests, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, and routine hematology tests were performed. RESULTS Triglyceride levels (C=1.05±0.19, LD=0.64±0.08, MD=0.55±0.04, HD=0.50±0.02 mmol/L) were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Very low density lipoprotein (C=0.48±0.09, LD=0.29±0.04, MD=0.25±0.02, HD=0.23±0.01 mmol/L) decreased significantly (P<0.05). Cardiac enzymes-creatinine kinase (C=568±172, LD=315±79, MD=441±209, HD=286±81 IU/L) decreased markedly (P<0.05) alongside lactate dehydrogenase (C=2675±875, LD=1667±1229, MD=1186±442, HD=855±239 IU/L) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION C. membranaceus aqueous root extract is non-toxic but demonstrates anti-atherogenic and anti-ischemic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan K. Afriyie
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana
| | - George A. Asare
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Ghana
- Address for correspondence: Dr George A. Asare, Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box KB 143, Korle-bu, Accra, Ghana. E-mail:
| | - Kwasi Bugyei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana
| | | | - Ben A. Gyan
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | | | | | - Archibald Sittie
- Center for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, Mampong, Akuapim, Ghana
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Adu-Addai B, Koney EB, Addo P, Kaneene J, Mackenzie C, Agnew DW. Importance of infectious bovine reproductive diseases: an example from Ghana. Vet Rec 2012; 171:47. [PMID: 22706039 DOI: 10.1136/vr.100789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Adu-Addai
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Asare GA, Gyan B, Bugyei K, Adjei S, Mahama R, Addo P, Otu-Nyarko L, Wiredu EK, Nyarko A. Toxicity potentials of the nutraceutical Moringa oleifera at supra-supplementation levels. J Ethnopharmacol 2012; 139:265-272. [PMID: 22101359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Moringa oleifera Lam. (order -Moringales, family -Moringaceae and genus -Moringa) is a well known nutraceutical used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia, and also, as a nutritional supplementation. Its popularity use raises the question of possible toxicity at supra-supplementation levels. The objective of the study was to ascertain possible acute toxicity with supra-supplementation using Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. In experiment 1, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were given graded doses of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract to induce cytotoxicity. In experiment 2, two groups of rats received low and high dose (LD and HD, respectively) levels (1,000 and 3,000 mg/kgb.wt, respectively) per o.s. alongside negative and positive control rats (0.9% saline and 10mg/mL N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea - administered i.m., respectively). Each group consisted of five rats. Rats were killed after 48 h and the femur bone marrow aspirate examined for polychromatic micronucleated erythrocytes (PCEMN)/normochromatic micronucleated erythrocytes (NCEMN) ratios after Giemsa/Leishman staining. In experiment 3, control, LD and HD groups were established. The LD and HD extracts were administered per o.s. to the respective groups and observed for 14 days. Each group consisted of five rats. Blood was sampled after 48 h and 14 days and examined biochemically and haematologically for acute toxicity. Experiment 1 showed that Moringa oleifera was cytotoxic at 20mg/mL. In experiment 2, PCEMN/NCEMN ratios were: negative control=2.087; LD=1.849; HD=1.397; positive control=1.257. Statistically, LD and HD ratios were significant (p=0.020). Experiment 3 showed that hepatonephro-toxicity was nil with no abnormal haematology results. Genotoxicity results have hitherto not been shown. Moringa oleifera is genotoxic at supra-supplementation levels of 3,000 mg/kg b.wt. However, intake is safe at levels ≤ 1,000 mg/kg b.wt.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Awuku Asare
- University of Ghana School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS), Korle Bu, Ghana.
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Asare G, Bugyei K, Sittie A, Yahaya E, Gyan B, Adjei S, Addo P, Wiredu E, Adjei D, Nyarko A. Genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and toxicological evaluation of whole plant extracts of the medicinal plant Phyllanthus niruri (Phyllanthaceae). Genet Mol Res 2012; 11:100-11. [DOI: 10.4238/2012.january.13.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Asare GA, Sittie A, Bugyei K, Gyan BA, Adjei S, Addo P, Wiredu EK, Nyarko AK, Otu-Nyarko LS, Adjei DN. Acute toxicity studies of Croton membranaceus root extract. J Ethnopharmacol 2011; 134:938-943. [PMID: 21335084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Croton membranaceus root and leaf extracts are used in the Bahamas to aromatize tobacco, in Nigeria to improve digestion, and in Ghana, for benign prostate hyperplasia. Despite claims of success there is paucity of information on its toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine if Croton membranaceus has acute toxicity properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS Roots were air-dried in a solar dryer for one week before milling. The powder was extracted with 96% ethanol, freeze-dried and re-extracted with distilled water and freeze-dried. 15 male Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200 g) were divided equally into 2 treatment groups [low dose (LD) and high dose (HD)], plus a control group (C). LD and HD received 1500 and 3000 mg/kg b.wt. Croton membranaceus aqueous extract, respectively, one time and observed for 14 days. Haematological [Full Blood Count and haemoglobin (Hb)], biochemical [bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatise (ALP), γ-glutamyltranspetidase (GGT), urea, creatinine, creatinine kinase - Muscle and Brain (CK-MB), creatinine kinase - Total (CK-R)] examinations were performed. RESULTS Control group's CK-MB (5444±534 U/L) and LD group CK-MB (4014±1016 U/L) were significantly different (p<0.05). Control and the HD group CK-MB (3955±1135 U/L) were significantly different (p<0.05). Both LD and HD CK-R levels (697±197U/L and 732±203 U/L, respectively), were lower than the control (1139±220 U/L) at 48 h and 14 days (p<0.05, p<0.05, respectively). γ-GT levels of the HD group was 4.8±0.4 U/L compared to the Control group value of 0.9±0.2 U/L (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Taking all factors into consideration, Croton membranaceus ingestion does not produce general acute toxicity. However, its creatinine kinase lowering ability could be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Asare
- University of Ghana School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS), Korle Bu, Ghana.
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Vandelannoote K, Durnez L, Amissah D, Gryseels S, Dodoo A, Yeboah S, Addo P, Eddyani M, Leirs H, Ablordey A, Portaels F. Application of real-time PCR in Ghana, a Buruli ulcer-endemic country, confirms the presence ofMycobacterium ulceransin the environment. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2010; 304:191-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2010.01902.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Addo P, Owusu E, Adu-Addai B, Quartey M, Abbas M, Dodoo A, Ofori-Adjei D. Findings from a buruli ulcer mouse model study. Ghana Med J 2005; 39:86-93. [PMID: 17299550 PMCID: PMC1790819] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Buruli ulcer disease is endemic in many developing countries in Africa. It is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, a toxin-producing bacterium with predilection for the skin and its deeper tissues. The exact mode of transmission is unclear and the pathogenesis is also not well understood, necessitating further elucidation through animal studies. OBJECTIVE The study assessed the infectivity of a Ghanaian Mycobacterium ulcerans isolate and the dose-response pattern in BALB/c mice. METHOD Ten standardized bacterial suspensions of different concentrations were prepared from the M. ulcerans isolate and inoculated into the foot-pads of the mice. Thereafter they were observed for clinical signs of Buruli ulcer, upon which they were serially euthanised and evaluated for pathological and microbiological changes. RESULTS Irrespective of the inoculum dose, all the experimentally infected mice developed similar clinical lesions, from erythema to foot ulceration (3.1 to 6.7 weeks after inoculation). However, the higher the inoculum dose the earlier the onset of the lesions. After the development of foot ulceration, mice that had received between 1 to 4 doses developed gangrene (5.7 to 7.2 weeks after inoculation) and died within a week, while those that had received 5 to 10 doses lost their limbs spontaneously (5.6 to 6.1 weeks after inoculation), followed by sudden clinical recovery. Eight weeks after the spontaneous amputation the amputees relapsed with concomitant metastasis, anasarca and death. Acid-fast bacilli (AFBs) were detected in inoculated and non-inoculated limbs, tails, visceral organs, faecal pellets and caecal contents of the mice. The AFBs detected in the caecal samples were innumerable and unusually long. Though AFBs were consistently detected in lymph nodes they were never detected in blood samples. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that the progression and final outcome of an M. ulcerans infection maybe dose related. The unequivocal absence of AFBs in the blood, but their consistent presence in lymph nodes located in the lower limbs right up to the neck, suggests that the microbes are disseminated through the lymphatic system rather than through the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Addo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Legon
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Nyarko AK, Asare-Anane H, Ofosuhene M, Addy ME, Teye K, Addo P. Aqueous extract of Ocimum canum decreases levels of fasting blood glucose and free radicals and increases antiatherogenic lipid levels in mice. Vascul Pharmacol 2002; 39:273-9. [PMID: 14567064 DOI: 10.1016/s1537-1891(03)00029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The basis for managing diabetes mellitus with aqueous extract of Ocimum canum Sim (Lamiaceae), in Ghana was investigated in diabetic and normoglycemic mice. In the diabetic mice, fasting blood glucose decreased by 60% compared to 10% in control mice after 13 weeks of extract administration. Body weight, serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased while serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased in the extract-treated group. In vitro hydroxyl (OH) and superoxide (O2) radical formation, and lipid peroxidation of isolated human LDL and mouse liver homogenates decreased in extract-treated experimental systems. These findings justify the use of O. canum extract as an antidiabetic folk medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K Nyarko
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Abstract
The ovulatory mechanism of the grasscutter was determined in two phases. Phase one was the histological examination of ovaries of sexually mature grasscutters in various reproductive conditions (non-mated, mated, pregnant) for Corpora lutea (an indicator of ovulation). The second phase was an evaluation of the reproductive performance (female's acceptance to mate, ability to conceive and deliver) of sexually mature grasscutters in oestrus (open vagina, sealed vagina) and anoestrus (closed vagina). The ovaries for the histological studies were obtained from 25 grasscutters comprising nine females that had been paired with males for 1 week prior to the collection of their ovaries, nine that had not been exposed to males for a minimum of 6 months and carcases of seven pregnant grasscutters. Thirty sexually mature female and eight sexually mature male grasscutters were used for the reproductive study. The females were in three groups of ten in three different sexual states namely; open vagina (oestrus), sealed vagina (oestrus) and closed vagina (anoestrus). The animals were hand-mated in pairs and separated when a definitive sign of mating was observed. Thereafter, the females were diagnosed for pregnancy and observed until parturition. The histological examinations showed an unequivocal absence of Corpora lutea in the ovaries of the grasscutters that had not been exposed to males, but their presence in the ovaries of the mated and pregnant grasscutters. In the reproductive study, 96.7% (29/30) were successfully mated, 96.6% (28/29) of those mated conceived and 89.3% (25/28) of those pregnant carried their pregnancies to term. None of these outcomes was affected by the sexual status. The histological and reproductive findings confirm the suggestion that the grasscutter is an induced ovulator. This information is important for the commercial exploitation of the animal for human food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis Addo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Box LG581, Legon, Ghana.
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