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.
