Stroke constitutes a primary cause of mortality and disability globally, with populations in Africa experiencing higher incidence and worse outcomes relative to other demographic groups. Although genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are progressively elucidating the factors influencing stroke susceptibility and recovery, African populations are notably underrepresented, comprising less than 5% participants in Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), thereby constraining the scope and application of precision medicine. This review highlights key genetic and epigenetic factors influencing ischemic stroke in people of African ancestry, with emphasis on receptor-mediated pathways and therapeutic opportunities. We summarize genetic determinants such as APOL1, HDAC9, NOS3, and PDE4D, along with epigenetic regulators, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs. These factors interact with environmental influences such as hypertension, diet, infections, and pollution to shape stroke risk and outcomes. We also examine receptor-driven mechanisms, including NMDA, AMPA, GABA, P2X7, cannabinoid, and VEGF signaling, which regulate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Current and emerging receptor-targeted strategies, such as NMDA antagonists, GABAergic modulators, and P2X7 blockers, are evaluated for their translational potential. This review integrates receptor-mediated mechanisms with genetic and epigenetic insights, emphasizing African-specific determinants of stroke. We propose receptor-focused and precision medicine strategies to address Africa’s disproportionate stroke burden. Integrating African genetic and epigenetic data into stroke research is crucial for uncovering population-specific mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Advancing receptor-focused and precision medicine strategies could reduce the disproportionate stroke burden in Africa and improve global equity in stroke care.
Selecting an appropriate pyrexia model is a critical first step in screening novel antipyretic compounds. While several agents are known, a direct comparison of their efficacy and time-course profiles is lacking, leading to potential inefficiencies in research design. This study aimed to compare the pyretic activities of four agents—turpentine, formalin, carrageenan, and brewer’s yeast—in a rat model to determine the most suitable agent for antipyretic evaluation studies. A total of 25 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups, with 5 rats per group. Fever was induced by administering a subcutaneous injection of 2mL/Kg turpentine (100%), formalin (5%), carrageenan (1%), brewer’s yeast (15%), and normal saline (control), at the nape of the neck. Body temperature was measured non-invasively at the nape, ear, and abdomen over 540 minutes. All pyrogenic treatments induced a significant increase in temperature above baseline, peaking around 350 minutes. Formalin elicited a significant (p < 0.05) pyretic response at all measurement sites (nape, ear, abdomen). Turpentine induced significant pyrexia at the nape and abdomen, while carrageenan and brewer’s yeast showed significant effects only at the administration site (nape). Notably, the control group also exhibited a gradual temperature rise, attributed to stress from sleep deprivation. Formalin injection also caused significant localized tissue damage. While all tested agents can induce fever, their efficacy and site of action vary. Formalin and turpentine are the most robust systemic pyrogens. However, formalin’s significant tissue toxicity may limit its utility. The observed stress-induced hyperthermia in controls underscores the necessity for carefully controlled experimental conditions. Researchers should select pyretic models based on the desired systemic versus localized response and consider animal welfare implications.
Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species and antifungal resistance are becoming increasingly linked to vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a frequent gynecological infection. The prevalence, species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility of Candida isolates in women of reproductive age were examined in this study. Fifty (50) subjects had their vaginal swabs taken, and they were then grown on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and chromogenic agar. Biochemical responses and colony morphology were used to identify Candida isolates. Using established procedures, antifungal susceptibility to six widely used drugs was evaluated. Twenty-six (26) (52%) of the 50 subjects tested positive for Candida. The age group of 21–25 years old had the highest frequency (42.3%). The most isolated species was Candida krusei (34.6%), which was followed by Candida albicans (26.9%), Candida tropicalis (15.4%), Candida parapsilosis (15.4%), and Candida glabrata (7.7%). Antifungal tests showed high resistance to fluconazole (92.3%), clotrimazole (57.7%), and nystatin (53.8%), as well as universal resistance to amphotericin B. Miconazole, on the other hand, exhibited the highest activity (96.1% susceptibility). A notable change in the epidemiology of VVC is shown by the prevalence of fluconazole resistance and the preponderance of NAC species, particularly C. krusei. In this situation, miconazole continues to be the most effective antifungal medication. These findings emphasize the need for species-level identification; effective management depends on ongoing surveillance, antifungal care, and routine Candida speciation.
Matrix systems remain one of the most popular oral controlled drug delivery technologies owing to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacturing, and excellent reproducibility. This study sought to investigate the influence of polymer type and concentration on the release behavior of isoniazid from hydrophilic matrix tablets and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of drug release using kinetic modeling. Sustained release isoniazid tablets were prepared by direct compression using sodium alginate (10 – 40 %w/w) and Carbopol 940 (5 – 20 %w/w) as the matrix-forming polymers. Powder blends were evaluated for some micromeritic properties and loss on drying, while the prepared tablets were assessed for physico-mechanical properties, swelling behavior, and in vitro drug release in 0.1N HCl (pH 1.2). All the formulations exhibited acceptable flow properties, had low moisture content and were within pharmacopoeial specifications for weight uniformity, hardness, friability, and drug content. Sodium alginate-based formulations demonstrated pronounced swelling and sustained drug release over 8 h (≈48 – 62 %), whereas the Carbopol formulations showed minimal swelling and rapid drug release (>80 % within 4 h). Kinetic modeling revealed that drug release from sodium alginate matrices followed the Higuchi model, indicating diffusion-controlled release, with Korsmeyer–Peppas analysis confirming non-Fickian (anomalous) transport. In contrast, Carbopol formulations exhibited Fickian diffusion with significant polymer erosion, resulting in poor sustained-release performance. Overall, sodium alginate proved to be a more effective matrix-forming polymer than Carbopol for sustained delivery of isoniazid due to its gel-forming and diffusion-modulating properties.
To assess the prevalence of schizophrenia in the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City. The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Uselu, Benin City, was the site of this retrospective investigation. Data on patient demographics and illness prevalence patterns were gathered from the case notes (January 2019–December 2021) at the records department using a data collection form and a systematic sampling technique. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the hospital. SPSS version 21.0 was used to analyze the data, which were then presented as percentages and frequencies. Chi-square was used to do inferential statistics. A P value less than 0.05 was found to be statistically significant. During the review period, 23.81% of patients who attended the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Uselu, Benin City, had schizophrenia. Males (52.2%) and patients aged 20-39 (59.7%) had higher prevalence. Approximately twenty-three percent of the cases were smokers, and twenty-one percent were alcohol consumers. Only 19.5% of the patients had co-morbid conditions, with hypertension being the most common (43.1%), and a sizable portion of the participants were jobless (40.3%). The most common kind of schizophrenia was paranoid schizophrenia (53.8%). The most common presenting symptoms were hallucinations (73%) and delusions (60.8%). Age and sex were shown to have a statistically significant impact on the prevalence of schizophrenia (P<0.05). The prevalence of Schizophrenia disorder in Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City was 23.81%. It was found to be more prevalent in young males and the unemployed.
There are many chronic diseases that are associated with inflammation across the world today. Remarkably, this represents therapeutic targets. To this extent, synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs have been employed as a panacea for such illnesses. Regrettably, their use in several situations has been linked to unwanted side effects, which have warranted the need to find appropriate substitutes through natural plant resources. Additionally, the pharmacology of most of the plants, such as Rhaphiostylis beninensis, is yet to be fully unravelled. Based on this, the methanol root extract of Rhaphiostylis beninensis (MRERB) was subjected to an in vitro-based assay to evaluate its ability to inhibit membrane stabilisation (haemolysis inhibition) and protein denaturation. This was achieved by employing concentrations of 100-500 mg/mL of the plant extracts against indomethacin as the reference drug. Haemolysis of red blood cells in hypotonic solution was evaluated as the mechanism of haemolysis inhibition, while the protein denaturation was performed through the use of heat. Notable differences (p≤0.05) were found in the inhibition of haemolysis and protein denaturation by MRERB in a concentration-dependent manner. Nevertheless, haemolyis inhibition by MRERB and indomethacin was found to be equivalent at 300 mg/mL (p≤0.05). Consequently, the outcomes indicate anti-inflammatory phytoconstituent and pharmacological properties of R. beninensis, thereby augmenting and substantiating available literature on the utilisation of the plant as an anti-inflammatory product source.
The global COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of effective vaccination campaigns for public health. Despite the acute phase of the COVID-19 crisis having subsided, the insights gained from studying vaccine acceptance and hesitancy remain profoundly relevant for strengthening health systems, improving routine immunization programs, and enhancing preparedness for future epidemics or emerging infectious diseases This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among rural dwellers in Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey involving 380 participants was conducted. The findings revealed that regarding COVID-19 vaccines, 59.2% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge, while 40.8% had poor knowledge, 40.5% exhibited a positive attitude whereas 59.5% held a negative attitude. Only 26.1% expressed willingness to accept vaccination without hesitation, with a high perception that vaccines might have side effects (74.7%), is not safe (60.8%) and that not everyone should receive vaccination. Bivariate logistic analysis indicated that attitude was a significant predictor of vaccine acceptance β=0.058 (95% CI: 0.029-0.116, p < 0.0001). These results highlight the need for targeted health education strategies to improve vaccine acceptance in rural Nigerian communities.
Pilocarpine model of epilepsy reproduces features of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) associated with mossy fiber sprouting, gliosis, and extensive loss of dentate gyrus and hippocampal pyramidal neurons. TLE is often resistant to drug treatment, proceeding from impaired mitochondrial energy production and failure of GABAergic inhibition. In this study, Ficus platyphylla (FP) was extracted with methanol and the methanol extract subjected to Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) analyses. In silico molecular docking study was conducted to predict interactions of the major compounds from FP with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and γ-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (GABAAT). Effects of FP on lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) and neuronal cell damage were examined, and the involvement of oxidative and GABAergic pathways investigated to define the likely target(s) for development of the bioactive components. FP at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, protected 8%, 27% and 20% of rats from lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), respectively. FP alleviated lithium-pilocarpine-induced seizure severity (p < 0.01) and extended the latencies to seizures (p < 0.001) and SE (p < 0.001) in non-protected rats. The extract ameliorated neuronal cell damage and oxidative stress induced by lithium-pilocarpine administration. FP significantly (p < 0.001) increased the expression of genes encoding glutathione-S-synthase (GSS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). The major compounds in the extract including octadecenoic acid, dimethylphenylisothiocyanate, and pentadecanoic acid showed interaction with GAD and GABAAT active sites. These preliminary findings revealed the ameliorative effects of FP against lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus, neuronal cell damage and alterations of oxidative stress biomarkers. Bioactive compounds in the extract interacted with GAD and GABAAT active sites. Further studies are required to unravel the potential values of bioactive constituents of FP for the management of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Cycloplegic agents like cyclopentolate and tropicamide eyedrops are broadly used in optometric exams to dilate pupils and temporarily stop accommodation. However, they can cause slight increases in intraocular pressure (IOP). Factors such as age, eye health, and refractive status influence these IOP changes. Despite their common use, few studies have compared their effects on IOP specifically in Nigerian patients. This study aimed to compare the effects of topical cyclopentolate and tropicamide on IOP among healthy albino rabbits. A total of 10 rabbits were used and randomly assigned into two groups. Cyclopentolate eye drop was instilled in one group and topical tropicamide instilled in the other group. IOP was measured using a calibrated I-care tonometer (iCare Finland Oy, Vantaa, Finland) at baseline, 5minutes, 10minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes after drug administration. Results showed an initial slight increase in IOP following administration of both agents, with cyclopentolate showing a greater mean rise in IOP compared to tropicamide. While the initial IOP increases were statistically significant within both groups, they remained within physiologic limits for the majority of subjects. These findings suggest that although both agents may cause transient IOP elevations, cyclopentolate tends to exert a stronger pressure effect. The study underscores the importance of IOP monitoring after cycloplegic use, especially in patients at risk, and contributes locally relevant data to inform clinical decisions.
Motandra paniculata, a plant indigenous to Nigeria, is traditionally used in some African communities for the management of pain. This study was undertaken to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of a phenolpropane (β-hydroxypropiovanillone) and a megastigmane (isololiolide) isolated from the leaves of M. paniculata. This research sought to evaluate their potential as anti-inflammatory leads using in silico docking studies, alongside predictive assessments from Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, specifically Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Chemical Bert Representation Task (ChemBERTa). Targeted and blind in silico molecular docking were performed to assess the suitability of the compounds as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). Separately, a Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES)-based transformer model (ChemBERTa) and a GNN architecture enabled the dual-modal prediction of the compounds’ bioactivity. The phenolpropane (β-hydroxypropiovanillone) exhibited stronger affinity and more reliable binding in the docking studies than the megastigmane (Isololiolide). However, both compounds received similar, moderate-to-low AI-predictive anti-inflammatory activity scores (0.398–0.489) from the GNN and ChemBERTa models. This suggests a low likelihood of potent in vivo activity in their current scaffolds, despite promising target engagement. The results demonstrate that the phenolpropane (β-hydroxypropiovanillone) and megastigmane (isololiolide) isolated from M. paniculata could serve as valuable anti-inflammatory leads. The conflict between their strong target binding (docking) and moderate predicted bioactivity (AI models) highlights the necessity of structural optimisation to improve their overall pharmacological profile for successful drug development.
Herbal recipes containing R. vomitoria Afze (Apocynaceae) and its extracts are used in herbal medicine for the treatment of several ailments including sickle cell disease. The study evaluated chemical composition, and effects of hydro-alcohol extract of R. vomitoria root (HAE) on body weight and cellular architecture of target organs in albino wistar rats. High performance liquid chromatography fingerprinting of HAE was carried out, followed by subacute toxicity testing and weight monitoring of study animals at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day of HAE for 14 days. Alkaloids, flavonoid, phenolics and saponins were present in HAE. The repeated administration of HAE at 250 and 500 mg/kg/day was associated with significant (p<0.05) reduction of body weight. Histologically, all tested doses increased blood flow to all the organs compared to the control, and without abnormality in cellular architecture.The HAE appears safe at low doses but repeated administration of high doses needs further safety evaluation.
The rising challenge of antifungal resistance has spurred interest in natural plant-based alternatives. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antifungal activity of hot- and cold-water extracts of five common spices (Thymus vulgaris, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Mentha spp.) against Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Fusarium spp. Phytochemical screening showed that hot-water extracts yielded a broader spectrum of metabolites, notably saponins and cardiac glycosides, compared to cold extracts. Results revealed that hot-water extracts exhibited stronger antifungal activity across most spices. Turmeric was most effective against Penicillium spp., producing inhibition zones of 23.40 ± 0.01 mm (cold extract) and 25.60 ± 0.20 mm (hot extract), with MFC values of 250 mg·mL⁻¹ (cold extract) and 250 mg·mL⁻¹ (hot extract) respectively. Thyme showed fungicidal effects against Penicillium spp. at 500 mg·mL⁻¹ (cold extract) and 250 mg·mL⁻¹ (hot extract), but no detectable activity against Fusarium spp. Garlic and ginger showed moderate but selective effects, with garlic active against Aspergillus spp. (inhibition zone 11.82 ± 0.02 mm; MFC 500 mg·mL⁻¹, hot extract only) and ginger fungicidal against Penicillium spp. (inhibition zone: 12.08±0.05 mm and 10.15 ± 0.18 mm at MFC 500 mg·mL⁻¹, for cold and hot extract respectively). Mint extracts displayed weak activity, restricted to Aspergillus spp. at (inhibitory zone: 10.60 ± 0.18, MFC at 500 mg·mL⁻¹ (hot extract), with no detectable fungicidal effect against Penicillium or Fusarium spp.
Abstract Avocado pear (Persea Americana mill) is a nutrient-rich, creamy textured, distinctive flavoured fruit with a high oil content, making it a valuable source of lipid-soluble bioactive compounds with diverse technological applications. In this study, we extracted oil from the mesocarp (flesh) of edible avocado pear using the mechanical extraction method and evaluated its physicochemical properties in comparison to commercial olive oil (OL). Parameters assessed included oil yield, pH, refractive index, specific gravity, relative viscosity, density, iodine value, saponification value, acid value, and free fatty acid composition. The extracted avocado oil (AV) was utilized in the formulation of benzoic acid and benzoic acid-ciprofloxacin hydrochloride ointments, which were assessed for antifungal efficacy. The extracted AV exhibited significant resemblance (p<0.05) to olive oil in terms of oil yield (27.5%), pH (AV:7.40; OL:7.8), iodine value (AV:0.04; OL:0.005 mg/KOH/g), acid value (AV:0.75; OL:0.65 mg KOH/g), and density (AV:1.21122; OL:1.00526 g/cm³), with no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). However, relative viscosity (AV:88.82; OL:57.53 cSt), saponification value (AV:106.17; OL:187.08 mg/KOH/g), and free fatty acid composition, particularly oleic (AV:0.28%; OL:0.62%) and linoleic acids (AV:0.41%; OL:0.27%), exhibited significant variation (p<0.05). All the benzoic acid formulations prepared with avocado oil demonstrated greater inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger (An) compared to Candida albicans (Ca). The benzoic acid–ciprofloxacin formulation containing avocado oil, also demonstrated enhanced inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger (33.10 mm) and Candida albicans (21.00 mm) compared to the olive oil-based formulation (An:27.57mm; Ca:22.50mm) and the control (An:25.75 mm, Ca:18.00 mm). Overall findings indicate that avocado oil exhibits physicochemical and antimicrobial properties comparable to those of olive oil, reinforcing its potential as a natural excipient in topical antimicrobial formulations as well as in other pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. Keywords: Avocado pear oil, physicochemical properties, olive oil, antimicrobial activity, topical preparation
ABSTRACT Acceptability of antihypertensive medicines will prevent disease progression and improve adherence and treatment outcome among hypertensive patients. Sculptural design (colours, shapes, sizes) has affected most of the works of humanity including the design of pharmaceutical dosage forms especially tablets. The sculptural designs and packaging of antihypertensive tablets may affect patient acceptability. The study assessed the effects of sculptural configuration of tablets on consumer’s acceptability of antihypertensive medicines in a tertiary hospital in Southeast Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional survey of hypertensive patients receiving medication under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) from the Pharmacy Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia between April to August 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, preferences of tablet’s shapes and sizes, as well as other preferred dosage form for antihypertensive medicines. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS version 23. Data for 285 patients were analysed, and most of them were males 200 (70.2%) and have tertiary education 190 (66.7%). Small sized (8.05 mm) tablets were mostly preferred by 209 (73.3%) of the patients. More than half (171 (60%)) of the respondents felt small sized tablet will produce the best antihypertensive effect while 19 (6.7%) of them choose large sized tablets for best antihypertensive effects. Round shaped tablets were the most preferred first option 190 (66.7%) for the patients and 133(46.7%) choose only round tablet as the shape of preferred antihypertensive medicine. A higher proportion 190 (66.7%) choose capsule as another preferred dosage form. The most preferred tablet configuration among the respondents was small sized and round shaped tablets. Capsules are also acceptable dosage form for patients of antihypertensive drugs. The sculptural design for antihypertensive tablet should encompass round shaped small sized tablets.
Entada mannii (Oliv.) Tisser. (Fabaceae) has a range of uses in African traditional medicine such as treatment of respiratory ailments, gonorrhoea, yellow fever and toothache. This study is aimed at justifying folkloric usage of E. mannii in inducing labour, and it evaluated possible contractile effect of the crude methanol (MeOH) extract and aqueous (AQ) fraction of the root bark on isolated uterus of oestrogenised non-pregnant female rats. Spontaneous contraction model at 1.0 - 8.0 mg/mL extract, oxytocin-induced contraction model at 6.7 µg/mL in physiological salt solution (PSS), calcium ions-free PSS model, and high KCL concentration-induced contraction (80 mM) model were employed. Extract gave higher increases in amplitude (2-fold) and frequency (> 2 fold) of spontaneous uterine contraction than AQ fraction in a dose-dependent manner. For the oxytocin pre-contracted uteri in normal PSS and calcium ions free-PSS, as well as high KCL concentration-induced contraction, decreases in amplitude and frequency of contractions were recorded with both agents, suggesting the plant did not potentiate the effects of these agonists. This result, suggests smooth muscle uterotonic effect for E. mannii root bark. Keywords: Entada mannii, Root bark, Uterotonic effect, Rat uterus, Methanol extract, Aqueous fraction
Protea madiensis root, was studied for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to verify its local applications. After the collection of whole plants, roots were separated, washed and shade dried. The pulverized root was cold macerated with ethanol (70%) for 72 h, filtered and concentrated in vacuo at 40ºC. A portion of the extract was introduced into a separating funnel and successively partitioned with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol to obtain partitioned fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions). The remaining ethanol extract was screened for secondary metabolites. Both the ethanol extract and fractions were studied for anti-odematous and analgesic effects in mice using fresh egg albumin-induced paw oedema, xylene- induced oedema, acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and thermal-induced pain models. Data obtained revealed ethanol root extract of P. madiensis as being able to display dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect, reduced pains caused by acetic acid, formalin and hot plate effects. All the fractions displayed potent significant (p≤ 0. 05 – 0.001) analgesic effects that were comparable with the prototype drug, acetyl salicylic acid. This study validates its numerous applications in oedema and pain diseases in folkloric medicine. Keywords: Protea madiensis, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, extract, fractions
Medicinal plants have made significant contributions to the treatment of infectious diseases. An upsurge in antimicrobial resistance has caused an upsurge in the demand for the identification and development of novel antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of methanol leaf extracts of viz; Deterium microcarpum Guill. & Perr, Lophira alata Banks ex Gaertn, Hibiscus tiliaceus L. and Ricinus communis L. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for the test microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6571), Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC3366), and isolates of Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans were determined using the modified rapid p-iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) colorimetric assay. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts varied against all the test microorganisms, with MIC values ranging between 125.00-7.81µg/mL. Detarium microcarpum extract exhibited complete growth inhibition at the lowest extract concentration with a MIC value of 7.81 µg/mL on C. albican while Hibiscus tiliaceus and Ricinus communis had the highest growth inhibition on T. rubrum at the MIC value of 15.63 µg/mL. After subculturing, all the extracts displayed Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) ranged from 31.25-62.50 µg/mL on T. rubrum. Hibiscus tiliaceus, Detarium microcarpum and Lophira alata exhibited strong Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) on E. coli with an MBC value of 62.50 µg/mL. This study justifies the usage of these plants in ethnomedicine to treat a variety of infectious disorders, based on the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity these plants have demonstrated. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, p-Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (PINT), antimicrobial resistance, Medicinal plants, Nigeria.
Securidaca longepedunculata is extensively used in complementary and alternative herbal medicine in many African countries. The plant is among the most common treatment options due to its psychotropic properties in treating a wide range of medical conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, diabetes, constipation, syphilis, fungal and skin infections. Additionally, it is also known to alleviate toothaches and headaches, and as an aphrodisiac, improves sexual impotence in males and ‘cures’ erectile dysfunction. Although its use is widespread, little is known on the mechanism of action in improving sperm quality and thereby its continual traditional application in combating male infertility. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the effect of S. longepedunculata root-bark crude extract on the semen quality of guinea pigs owing to shared similarities in hormonal and particularly immunological responses with spermatogenesis. The phytochemicals of the methanolic crude extract were identified. The extract was administered for 34 days as 50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg to groups C, D and E respectively. Treatment using 10mg/kg distilled water and 0.6 mg/kg clomiphene citrate served as negative and positive controls, respectively. Levels of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormonal profiles and seminal parameters were analyzed before and after treatment. Eight phytochemicals were detected in the methanolic crude extract. The means of luteinizing hormone before treatment had no significant difference between treatment groups (P>0.05. The means of seminal parameters of progressive motility, non-progressive motility, gross motility, and sperm viability between treatment groups were significantly different (P˂0.05), apart from sperm concentration and immotility. The treatment of guinea pigs with the extract at 75 mg/kg for 34 days increased the levels of luteinizing hormone, sperm motility, and sperm viability. The effects seen at this concentration were similar to those of conventional clomiphene citrate, thereby potentially explaining its continued use as an alternative option for male infertility. Keywords: S. longepedunculata, sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm viability
Infectious diseases have persisted as an intractable challenge to human civilization, bringing along enormous health and economic burdens to the world’s population. This problem cuts across all the regions of the world and various income strata. Periodic analyses of the problem conducted by organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, and the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, portray the low-to-medium income countries (LMICs), mostly Caribbean countries, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, as bearing the heaviest measure of the burden, compared to the developed countries. Characterisations, such as “infectious diseases of poverty (IDoPs)” are associated with these regions where high rates of morbidity and mortality are recorded as the result of inadequate healthcare facilities, including therapeutic and prophylactic tools. These inadequacies have resulted in widespread misuse of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial and, unnecessarily, viral infections, with the consequential global explosion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, there is growing understanding of the mechanisms of microbial resistance to antibiotics. And “battle of wits” is ongoing between the continually mutative microbes and the unrelenting bio-experts. This review highlights some recorded health and economic challenges that are attributed to microbial infections and antimicrobial resistance. It equally provides some insight into the scientific advancements being made at the global stage in the battle to eradicate the double scourges of infectious diseases and AMR.
Allium sativum, also known as garlic, has been eaten as food and used as medicine against numerous ailments for thousands of years. This study investigated the pH, In-vitro antimicrobial assays: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)/ Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), and disc diffusion assay of non-fermented and fermented samples of Allium sativum against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The phytochemical and proximate compositions of the samples were also screened. Constituents of the fermented samples were further analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fermentation of the samples for 14 days influenced the results of this study. The pH decreased from 6.8 to 4.5, and MIC/ MFC against all the test organisms ranged between 12.5 - 100 mg/mL and 12.5 – 25 mg/mL for the non-fermented and fermented samples. Concentration-dependent ranges of activities (2-8 mm for the non-fermented and 10-16 mm for the fermented samples) were recorded. Varying quantities of moisture, ash, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, and protein were obtained for the samples. However, these values were higher for the fermented than the non-fermented samples. In addition to alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids detected in the non-fermented samples, anthraquinone and tannin were also detected in the fermented samples. In order of peak height, allicin, allin, coumaric acid, ajoene, beta phellendrene, hydroxycinnamate, and dithin were presented in the fermented A. sativum. The increase in acidity of A. sativum due to fermentation signifies preservation, the presence of organic acids, and other compounds. This may correlate to the increased phytochemical components in the fermented samples. Consequently, the constituents identified by HPLC in the fermented sample may be linked to better biological properties than the non-fermented sample, making it a better source of nutritional and therapeutic agents. Keywords: Allium sativum, E. coli, Fermentation, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial activities, Proximate composition
