Pain is a major global health concern, particularly in developing countries where access to conventional analgesics is often limited. This limitation has contributed to the widespread traditional use of medicinal plants such as Sida ovata Forssk. (Malvaceae) for pain management. While S. ovata is commonly used in Ethiopian folk medicine for analgesic purposes, its phytochemical constituents and analgesic properties have not been investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the analgesic activity of the roots of S. ovata andto isolate and characterize the bioactive compound(s) responsible for its pain-relieving effects. Root extracts were prepared using 80% methanol, followed by solubility-based fractionation and purification through silica gel column chromatography. This process led to the isolation of a sterol, which was identified as stigmasterol using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and DEPT-135 spectroscopic techniques. The analgesic activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract, its solvent fractions, and the isolated stigmasterol was assessed using the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. The results demonstrated significant, dose-dependent inhibition of writhing responses. The 80% methanol root extract exhibited inhibition rates of 56.84%, 63.16%, and 72.63% at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Among the solvent fractions, the methanol fraction showed the highest analgesic activity, from which stigmasterol was isolated as the major bioactive component. Remarkably, stigmasterol displayed potent analgesic effects at lower doses, with inhibition rates of 64.57%, 70.88%, and 73.33% at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. These findings provide scientific validation for the traditional use of S. ovata roots in pain management and identify stigmasterol as a key active compound.
Several species within the genus Leucas have demonstrated significant anti-mosquito properties, including ovicidal, larvicidal, pupicidal, adulticidal, and/or repellent effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal and ovicidal potential of crude extracts and solvent fractions derived from the leaves of Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq (Family: Lamiaceae). The crude leaf extract of L. stachydiformis was prepared using the maceration method with 80% methanol, followed by solvent partitioning with solvents of increasing polarity: n-hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol. Larvicidal activity of the hydroalcoholic extract and its solvent fractions was assessed against fourth instar larvae of Anopheles arabiensis, using a concentration range from 6.25 ppm to 400 ppm. Ovicidal activity was tested on freshly laid eggs of An. arabiensis by incubating them with test solutions at similar concentrations for 72 hours. Results showed that the 80% methanol extract, along with the chloroform and n-hexane fractions, exhibited strong larvicidal activity (81 - 100%) at 400 ppm after 48 h. The n-butanol fraction displayed moderate activity (50 - 80%). Notably, the chloroform fraction demonstrated the highest larvicidal potency, with LC₅₀ values of 28.9 ppm and 26.8 ppm after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Regarding ovicidal activity, the 80% methanol extract was markedly more effective than the solvent fractions, with IH₅₀ and IH₉₀ (50% and 90% hatching inhibition concentrations) values of 39.3 ppm and 194.9 ppm, respectively. The findings of this study provide strong evidence that the leaves of L. stachydiformis possess genuine insecticidal properties. These results support the continued exploration of natural compounds from medicinal plants as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides and repellents.
Traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) play a vital role in addressing the primary healthcare needs of people living with HIV in Ethiopia. However, limited research has examined their knowledge and role in managing HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and practices of TMPs in managing HIV/AIDS and related conditions in the Metekel Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A qualitative study design was employed, utilizing key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations. The data were transcribed verbatim, coded using MAXQDA 2020, and analyzed thematically. Medicinal plants collected during the study were authenticated at the National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University. In total, 32 in-depth interviews and four FGDs were conducted. All the FGD participants and 30 out of the 32 TMPs were male. Most were elderly, with a median age of 50.5 years, married (96.9%), and working as part-time healers (87.5%). Four key themes emerged regarding the perceived causes of HIV/AIDS: (1) limited biomedical understanding, (2) alignment with scientific views - transmission through unprotected sex, (3) divine punishment for infidelity, and (4) supernatural causes such as the influence of evil forces. TMPs reported the use of 34 plant species to treat HIV-related conditions, primarily utilizing leaves and roots.While their knowledge varied, ranging from biomedical to spiritual interpretations, TMPs actively provide care using traditional remedies. Strengthening community awareness, providing targeted training for TMPs, and promoting collaboration and integration between traditional and biomedical practices are essential steps toward enhancing patient care in the region.
Human breast milk is a unique blend of nutrients, enzymes, and immunological components specifically adapted to meet the needs of infants. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for infant nutrition. However, breastfeeding may not always be possible due to various factors, including maternal health issues, insufficient milk supply, or infant-related complications. In such cases, infant formula serves as a substitute, providing the necessary nutrients for healthy infant development. This study aimed to assess the nutritional components of infant formulas commonly available in the Ethiopian market for babies under six months old. Safety and nutritional adequacy were evaluated using the Codex Alimentarius Standard for Infant Formula (CSX). The observational study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between November 2024 and February 2025. Formula brands were selected based on local popularity and included AptamilPremium, Bebelac, France Lait, Liptomil, and S-26 Gold. Nutritional information was obtained from product labels. Most brands included in the study had nutritional contents that fell within the optimal range specified by the Codex Alimentarius guidelines. Notable exceptions were Liptomil, which had higher-thanrecommended levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and Bebelac, which exceeded the recommended nucleotide content. Despite some variation in nutritional components among different brands, the results suggest that all formulas meet the CSX standards for essential nutrients. The primary differences were found in the optional ingredients. Overall, the findings indicate that the studied infant formula brands are both safe and nutritionally adequate.
Numerous studies have looked into the neurocognitive impact of cannabinoid ligands. The effect of Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl. (khat) on learning and memory is also researched by few scholars, although the findings are inconsistent. Moreover, the interaction of cannabis with other drugs of abuse is well studied. According to recent reports, the endocannabinoid system modulates the neurobehavioural effects of khat, including motor activities, working memory, and anxiety-like behaviours. However, it is not known whether such modulation is apparent in spatial learning and memory. To this effect, mice were subjected to acute exposure to khat and cannabinoids (agonists and antagonists) and spatial learning and memory were assessed using a battery of tests including the radial arm maze, multiple T-maze and the Morris water maze. Parameters including latency, correct/incorrect decision, reference memory error, and working memory error were determined. The study revealed that acute khat exposure did not have a substantial effect on spatial learning and memory. Method-dependent pro-cognitive effect was observed with single administration of JWH-133 (CB2R agonist) and cannabidiol. By contrast, WIN-55,212-2 (a nonselective CBR agonist) resulted in significant impairment of cognition. Whereas, co-administration of khat with cannabinoid agonists attenuated the effect produced by the agonists regardless of the direction of change(enhanced or reduced cognition). Co-administration with inverse agonists/antagonists, however, had a procognitive effect. Especially, co-administration of khat and the cannabinoid 1 receptor inverse agonist/antagonist AM-251 improved spatial learning and memory. Overall, this research indicates that khat could potentially be able to modify how the endocannabinoid system affects spatial learning and memory.
Accurate forecasting is critical to ensure that life-saving medicines are delivered to those in need. Dynamic and precise forecasting enables evidence-based planning and supports effective decision-making within pharmaceutical supply chains. This study aimed at assessing the forecast accuracy of pharmaceuticals within the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Services (EPSS). A retrospective time series analysis was conducted using five years of historical data (2018 - 2022) on forecasted and issued quantities of pharmaceuticals. Thirty-three essential pharmaceuticals were sampled purposively for analysis: 25 identified as key products by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and 8 additional products chosen in consultation with EPSS experts. All selected items were included in the EPSS procurement list and had complete data records. Forecast accuracy was evaluated using point forecast metrics, including Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error (sMAPE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Mean Absolute Scaled Error (MASE). The analysis revealed significant forecast inaccuracies across the selected products. Only 13 of the 33 products (40%) had MAPE values below 50%. Several high-priority items exhibited high MAPE and RMSE values. Furthermore, The MASE results revealed that 13 products (39.4%) exhibited forecast accuracy inferior to that of the naïve benchmark, indicating suboptimal model performance for those items. To explore alternatives, three basic forecasting models Naïve, Mean, and 3-Year Moving Average were tested. The 3-Year Moving Average model consistently achieved the lowest MAPE values for 18 (54.54%) of the products, demonstrating its potential to enhance forecast accuracy. The study revealed that there were high forecast errors in the demand forecasting system of EPSS. The high degree of variability in forecast errors, along with limited model performance compared to naïve methods, underscores the need for a better forecasting techniques and approaches at EPSS.
Comorbid substance use in individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) is considered a risk factor for treatment discontinuation. There are limited studies on the association of khat (Catha edulis F) chewing, a common practice in Ethiopia and Eastern Africa, with treatment discontinuation. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of khat chewing on treatment discontinuation among people with serious mental illness at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis ababa, Ethiopia. Cross sectional study was undertaken. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire and data abstraction format from patient’s medical record. A total of 805 with 405 khat chewer and 400 non-chewer individuals with SMI were involved in the study. The data was analysed using SPSS V-23; binary logistic regression was used and p value less than 0.05 in multivariate analysis was considered significant. The prevalence of treatment discontinuation was 34.3% without significant difference between khat chewer and non-chewer individuals (p = 0.445). Treatment discontinuation was significantly associated with relapse and suicide ideation. The odds of treatment discontinuation was 2.3 times higher in relapsing individuals compared to the nonrelapsing individuals with serious mental illness, AOR (95% CI) of 2.3 (1.6 - 3.5). The odd of treatment discontinuation was 1.7 times higher in individuals with suicidal ideation compared to those who don not have suicide ideation, AOR (95% CI) of 1.7 (1.2 -2.5). In conclusion one third of patients with SMI had treatment discontinuation. Relapse and suicide ideation, which were associated with treatment discontinuation, increases hospitalization and associated treatment burden in individuals with SMI. There should be mechanism to closely follow patients at community level to detect and manage treatment discontinuation as early as possible.
People living with depression develop treatment-resistant depression in which they do not respond to available medications or other therapeutic approaches. Momordica foetida Schumach. et Thonn. (Cucurbitaceae) is used in northern Ethiopia, to treat psychiatric disorders. The current study investigated the antidepressant-like effects of the 80% methanolic leaf extract of M. foetida using the rodent models tail suspension and forced swim tests. The effect of the hydroalcoholic extract on locomotor activity was also studied using the open-field test. Based on the results of acute toxicity test, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses of the extract were tested. In the tail suspension test, the extract as well as the positive control (imipramine 30 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) reductions in immobility time compared to the control group at all doses. Duration of immobility observed in the forced swim test with the extract was not significantly different from the control group. By contrast, the positive control produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in immobility compared to controls. However, no significant change in locomotion was observed in the open field test at these doses. Overall, the results obtained demonstrated that M. foetida extract possesses antidepressant activity in the tail suspension test, providing evidence, at least in part, for the traditional use of the plant for psychiatric disorders. However, further studies are required to validate its use.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease that substantially impacts healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) in people of all ages. However, its impact is substantially high in children. The Cardiff Child Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) is one of the most well-known dermatologyspecific instruments to measure HRQoL of children suffering from skin diseases. The tool has been translated into 44 languages in 28 countries to measure the effects of more than 14 skin conditions, including AD. However, the Amharic version of CDLQI tool has not yet been validated. Thus, the objective of this study was to validate the Amharic version of the CDLQI tool for AD patients in Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 200 children (5 - 16 years) with confirmed AD were interviewed. Bartlett’s (BS) test of sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy were used to ascertain the appropriateness of the data for factor analysis. Pearson correlation matrix, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha test were performed to assess convergent validity, construct validity and internal consistency of the tool, respectively. The Minimum Discrepancy Function divided by Degrees of Freedom (CMIN/DF) was 4.7 indicating a reasonable fit of the model. The comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.935 indicating good fit of the model. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.87 showing a good internal consistency between the 10 items in the tool. Inter-item correlation coefficients ranged from 0.15 and 0.715. The overall finding demonstrated that the Amharic version of CDLQI tool was a reliable and valid tool to assess the quality of life for children diagnosed with AD in Ethiopia. Further cultural validation and feasibility studies are recommended among patients with other conditions.
Sterculia setigera gum, also known as gum karaya, is a vegetable gum produced as an exudate. No teratogenic and mutagenic effects were reported from gum karaya toxicity studies. The aim of this study was to extract the gum fraction of S. setigera and to characterize its properties for potential application in pharmaceutical formulations. The colour of the extracted powder was grayish white, and its loss on drying was 1.2 ± 0.7%, which showed its suitability for formulating stable tablets, especially for moisture-sensitive drugs. The total ash value of S. setigera gum was 6.98 ± 0.41%, which was within the British Pharmacopeia specification. The solubility determination of S. setigera gum showed that it was sparingly soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents, but soluble in 1:1 hydroalcoholic mixtures of ethanol and water or methanol and water. The swelling ratio was high, which increases with temperature. Scanning electron microscope images showed irregularly shaped (near to triangular), non-spherical, and of varying sized particles. Moisture sorption increased with increased relative humidity (RH) ranging from 0.40 ± 0.32% at 20% RH to 3.13 ± 0.24% at 100% RH. The Carr’s Index (25.00 ± 0.65) and Hausner Ratio (1.33 ± 0.14) values showed passable flow properties of the gum powder. The DSC and X-ray diffraction studies showed the amorphous nature of the gum. The findings of this study showed that S. setigera gum’s physicochemical properties were within pharmacopoeial specifications and showed its potential applications as a pharmaceutical excipient such as a binder or a sustained release excipient in tablet formulations.
The fight against tuberculosis (TB), one of the leading causes of death worldwide, depends on a wellfunctioning supply chain system of anti-TB medicines. There is a paucity of information on the anti-TB medicine supply chain management situation in the Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Hence, this study explored supply chain practices in public health facilities of the Zone. A concurrent mixed methods design was followed to collect quantitative and qualitative data from August to September 2020. A total of 20 health facilities were involved in the study following the logistics indicator assessment tool recommendations to include at least 15% of the facilities in the geographic region. A structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect quantitative data. In-depth interviews were done with experts from selected health facilities, Gurage Zone health department, Regional Health Bureau, the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Services and the Federal Ministry of Health for the qualitative part of the study. Inductive thematic analysis was employed for qualitative, while descriptive statistics were utilized for the quantitative data. Eighteen out of the 20 facilities in the study (90%) relied solely on stock recording cards, one (5%) used computerized system and the other one did not have any system for controlling their anti-TB medicine inventory. The average inventory accuracy for a set of anti-TB medicines was 76.6% with a range from 0% to 100%. For a set of anti-TB medicines, the average availability in the review period was 82.6% and the average stock out duration was 11.23 ± 1.38 days in a year (Min. = 0, Max. = 115). The average wastage rate for a set of first-line anti-TB medicines was 4.8%. The thematic analysis identified the themes: forecasting and procurement, storage and inventory management and supervision and updates on guidelines. Data accuracy issues and long lead time were forecasting and procurement related challenges for anti-TB medicines. Poor condition of storage facilities and outdated stock records were storage and inventory management related challenges. Weak supervision and resource limitations for trainings were supervision and updates on guidelines related challenges. Overall, the study documented poor stock management practices reflected by presence of shortages and wastages of essential anti-TB medicines. Digitalization of inventory control systems and capacity-building interventions to improve quantification are recommended to improve the supply chain management practices of the studied facilities.
Impatiens ethiopica Grey-Wilson has been traditionally used in the treatment of infectious diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal potential of I. ethiopica root extract and its major constituent. The investigation employed in vivo models, including castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model, antienteropooling test, and charcoal meal test in mice. The 80% methanol extract of I. ethiopica significantly reduced the frequency of defecation, faecal weight, and diarrhoea onset at administered doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The active root extract was sequentially separated into four fractions based on solubility using petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water. Further fractionation of the methanol fraction via column chromatography yielded scopoletin (7-hydroxy-6- methoxycoumarin), confirmed through spectroscopic analysis. Scopoletin also exhibited significant antidiarrhoeal activity by reducing intestinal fluid accumulation and gastrointestinal (GI) motility at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. Scopoletin is suggested to act on prostaglandin synthase (PGS, COX-2; PDB ID: 4COX), showing a promising docking score of −7.941 kcal/mol. It exhibits a strong binding affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with SER530 and engaging in - stacking interactions with TYR385 and TRP387 at specific COX-2 binding sites. These findings highlight that the antidiarrhoeal activity of I. ethiopica was attributed to the presence of scopoletin. Overall, these results uphold the traditional use of I. ethiopica roots in the treatment of diarrhoea and highlight the potential of scopoletin as antidiarrhoeal compound.
Schizophrenia is a severe, common mental disorder that affects around 1% of the world population. The use of atypical antipsychotics has substantially increased in recent years. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of atypical antipsychotic medication side effects and its associated factors. Cross-sectional study was conducted from 3 October 2022 to 31 August 2023. An ordinal logistic regression model was used and the analysis was done using SPSS version 25. P-value less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. A total of 271 patients were included for analysis. The majority of patients reported they experienced absent/ mild side effects, 200 (73.8%). The most common side effects reported were extrapyramidal side effects (136, 50.2%) and sedation and central nervous system side effects (125, 46.1%). Individuals who underwent a medication switch (adjusted odds ratio, 2.6; CI: 1.357, 5.074; p = 0.004) and substance use were experiencing higher levels of severe side effects (adjusted odds ratio, 1.9; CI: 1.027, 3.538; p = 0.041). Additionally, the odds of experiencing higher side effects among patients with comorbidity was 4.1 times higher than without comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio, 4.1; CI: 1.261, 13.496; p = 0.019). Similarly, age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96, CI: 0.923, 0.992; p = 0.018) and total score of positive and negative syndrome scale (adjusted odds ratio, 1.01, CI: 1.003, 1.020; p = 0.011) were predictors of side effects. Overall, antipsychotic medication side effects were prevalent. The most common were extrapyramidal side effects, anticholinergic side effects, sedations, and central nervous system side effects. Clinicians should discuss treatment options and associated side effects with patients before initiating therapy and explore strategies to reduce and manage side effects.
With the changing in consumers’ lifestyles and industrialization, pre-packaged food products have become standard. Information on food labels on pre-packaged food products is considered a means to help consumers make informed food choices. In Ethiopia, there has been a limited information on food labels' compliance with food labeling requirements and customers' use of labeling information for purchasing decision making. This study was designed to fill this information gap. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa in 2019. Thirty-one juice products and 403 consumers from 15 supermarkets were included in the study. Compliance was assessed using the 17 standard requirements for food labeling information. On the other hand, the use of food labeling information by consumers was measured by considering the ten essential food labeling information, and frequent use of labeling information was considered as a "good practice". Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and a checklist. Data were entered into Epi data entry and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed. From the consumers included in the study, 204 (50.6%) were males, 248 (61.5%) attended college, and 105 (26.1%) reported frequently using food labeling information. Sex, marital status, monthly income, and level of awareness were associated (p < 0.05) with the use of food labeling information. Only 6 (19.4%) pre-packed juice products fulfilled all standard labeling requirements, while 1 (3.2%) fulfilled only 50% of the requirements. In consideration of the increasing use of pre-packed food products and associated public health risks, the study demonstrated the need for improving public awareness about the use of food labeling information, and strengthening regulatory enforcement practices.
In this study, phenolic and flavonoid contents of various extracts of Acalypha fimbriata Schum. & Thonn. leaf and stem were determined. The metabolic profile of one extract was studied using GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using in vitro and in silico studies. Four extracts each of leaf and stem of A. fimbriata have phenolic contents of 0.17 - 0.29 and 0.15 - 0.29 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, respectively. The leaf extracts have flavonoid content of 0.13 - 0.40 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g extract, which was slightly higher than that of the stem (0.18 - 0.33 mg QE/g extract). Extracts of the stem (IC50 range 50.82 - 62.94 μg/ml) showed greater DPPH radical scavenging activity than those of the leaves (IC50 range 61.03 - 82.24 μg/ml). All the extracts (except the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of the leaf) demonstrated significant NO• radical scavenging activities, which were comparable (p > 0.05) to that of ascorbic acid. The extracts of the leaf and stem displayed lower reducing powers (0.07 - 0.56 and 0.09 - 0.50, respectively) compared to ascorbic acid (0.16 - 0.63) and showed considerable total antioxidant capacity values of 0.27 - 0.55 and 0.36 - 0.54 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g extract, respectively. Some metabolites, including preg-4-en-3-one-17α-hydroxyl-17β-cyano, salirepin hexaacetate, eugenol and squalene were identified in one of the extracts. These metabolites gave good binding affinities against cytochrome P450, lipoxygenase, myeloperoxidase, NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase, indicating good antioxidant potentials. This study reveals that extracts of A. fimbriata possess broad spectrum of antioxidant activity and could be exploited as sources of antioxidant constituents to manage oxidative stress.
In vitro anticancer activity of the 80% ethanolic extracts of 23 traditionally used Ethiopian medicinal plants was studied using cervical (HeLa) and prostate (PC3) cancer cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colourimetric assay. Mouse embryonic fibroblast normal cells(3T3) were used for evaluation of safety of extracts. Among the tested plants, Dovyalis abyssinica, Scadoxus multiflorus, Rumex abyssinicus, and Euphorbia abyssinica exhibited significant anticancer activity against HeLa cells with IC50 values of 6.2, 14.6, 18.6, and 22.8 µg/ml, respectively. Similarly, S. multiflorus and D. abyssinica significantly inhibited PC3 cell growth with IC50 values of 9.8 and 17.4 µg/ml, respectively. Extracts of S. multiflorus, R. abyssinicus, and E. abyssinica demonstrated high selectivity index. D. abyssinica showed selective toxicity against HeLa (SI = 2.51) cancer cells, but not against PC3 (SI = 0.98) cancer cells. Evaluation for safety indicated that about 83.3% of the extracts under this study were nontoxic at 30 µg/ml. The findings of this study suggest that further bioactivity guided fractionation and phytochemical studies may lead to the discovery of novel anticancer compounds.
The leaf of Vernonia leopoldi (Sch. Bip. Ex Walp.) Vatke has been used traditionally for the treatment of wounds. However, literature is scanty on experimental wound healing activity of the plant. The objective of this study was to investigate the wound healing activity of the 80% methanol extract of V. leopoldi leaves in mice. Wound healing activity was investigated using excision and incision wound models. The extract was studied for wound healing activity by formulating a topical ointment using two concentrations (5% and 10% w/w). Simple ointment base (negative control) and 0.2% nitrofurazone (w/v) ointment (positive control) were used for comparison of wound healing activity. The wound contraction, period of epithelialization and tensile strength were evaluated. In addition, anti-inflammatory activity was tested at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg using carrageenan hind paw oedema model. In vitro antibacterial activity was also assessed using agar well diffusion technique at concentrations of 50 - 500 µg/µl against both Gram- positive and Gram-negative bacteria that are associated with wound infections. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract were determined. Treatment of wound with ointment containing 5% and 10% (w/w) methanol extract exhibited significantly increased (p < 0.05) wound contraction rate, shorter epithelialization time, and higher skin breaking strength as well as increased collagen deposition, fibroblast proliferation and vascularization as evidenced by histopathological analysis. The 10% (w/w) extract ointment showed better wound healing activity than the 5% ointment and its effect was comparable to that of nitrofurazone. The extract also produced dose-dependent significant reductions (p < 0.01 - 0.001) of inflammation as compared to the control. The extract also displayed better antibacterial activity on Gram-positive than Gram-negative organisms. From the results, it can be concluded that the 80% methanol extract of V. leopoldi is endowed with wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities.
The current study has been carried out to assess the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the 80% ethanolic extracts of 22 traditionally used Ethiopian medicinal plants. Among the tested plants, Dodonaea angustifolia, Rumex nervosus, Carrisa spinarum, Pentas schimperiana, and Clerodendrum myricoides displayed good DPPH radical scavenging potential with IC50 values of 15.0, 26.9, 58.3, 62.5, and 78.8 µg/ml, respectively. Similarly, Dovyalis abyssinica, D. angustifolia, Rumex abyssinicus, and R. nervosus showed strong oxidative burst inhibitory potential with IC50 values of 10.2, 19.4, 24.8, 35.8 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, D. angustifolia and R. nervosus showed strong reactive oxygen species inhibitory activities. The results of this study showed the potential use of herbal products as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents and provided scientific backing for utilizing these herbal preparations.
Herbal medicines are extensively utilized across the world. In Ethiopia, people use Ajuga remota Benth to treat high blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, malaria, fever, ascariasis, stomach pain, diarrhoea, evil eye, and retained placenta. However, work has not been done on standardizing the herb. Thus, the aim of this study was to standardize the leaves of A. remota. Fresh leaves, powdered leaves, 80% methanol, chloroform, and methanol extracts of leaves of A. remota were evaluated using macroscopic and microscopic characterization, fluorescence analysis, physicochemical characterization, phytochemical analysis and residual analysis. Macroscopically, fresh leaves of A. remota were 17 - 62 mm (length) × 7.5 - 23 mm (width); 1 - 2 mm thick and dark sea green coloured, soft, fibrous, had a very bitter taste and a fruity odour. Microscopic characterization showed turgid guard cells, anisocytic stomata, epidermal cells (stratum spinosum), parenchymatous (aerenchyma) cells, pointed trichomes, spiral tracheids, and xylem fibre in powdered leaves of A. remota. The powder of the plant gave characteristic colours in fluorescence analysis under visible and 366 nm UV light. The powder was also studied for swelling index (2.392), foaming index (100), bitterness value (8400), extractive value (aqueous: 34.33% and methanol: 21.16%), moisture content (6.43%), total ash value (27.10%), water-soluble ash (11.43%), acid-insoluble ash (7.38%), tannin content (0.016%), and powder fineness (moderately fine). TLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, and FT-IR fingerprinting were produced. Ajugarin I, dodecyl acrylate, and hexacosane were identified as analytical marker compounds. In the residual analysis of the leaves of A. remota, soil took the highest percent (0.83%) among foreign matters. Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and aerobic bacterial count, mould, yeast, coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella species were quantified. 228Ac (7 ± 1.8 Bq kg-1) and 40K (530 ± 34 Bq kg-1) radionuclides with a low dose were detected. The findings provide the standards for identification and authentication of the plant.
The present study isolated and characterized knipholone from the active 80% methanol rhizome extract of a traditionally used endemic antimalarial plant of Ethiopia, Kniphofia insignis Rendle, using preparative thin-layer chromatography for the first time. The chemical structure of the compound was elucidated on the basis spectroscopic data and in comparison with previously reported results. The standard 4-day suppressive test against Plasmodium berghei infected Swiss albino mice was used for the in vivo antimalarial assay of the extract. At all tested doses, the extract showed significant inhibition of parasitaemia. In particular, the extract demonstrated chemosuppression values of 24.35 and 43.87% at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Results of the current study revealed that the extract of the plant has moderate in vivo antimalarial effect against P. berghei in mice.
