Background Food milling and grinding are integral to staple food preparation across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The locally fabricated, non-food-grade metallic equipment predominantly used for this purpose constitutes a systematic and under-recognized source of dietary metal exposure. This scoping review maps the quantitative evidence on machine-derived metal contamination, and estimates attributable dietary exposure and health risk. We situate the findings within the context of SSA’s escalating non-communicable disease (NCDs) burden, including chronic disease conditions for which several of the implicated metals are established risk factors. Methods Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Population-Concept-Context framework, searches were conducted on PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2005 and December 2025. Eligible studies reported quantitative metal concentrations in foods processed using locally manufactured milling or grinding equipment in SSA. Source attribution was derived where paired data permitted. Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) were modeled using the full range of concentration data to generate both upper- and lower-bound estimates. To address uncertainty in chromium speciation, two HI scenarios were generated: one assuming trivalent chromium [Cr(III)], and the other assuming hexavalent Cr(VI). Results Of 126 records, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The evidence predominantly originated from West and East Africa. The metals consistently detected in milled foods were lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn). Machine-derived attributable fractions (AFs) ranged from not detectable to 98%. Upper-bound HQ exceeded 1 for Mn (adults: 2.10; children: 3.15), Cd (adults: 1.70; children: 2.55), Zn (adults: 1.28; children: 1.93), and Cr(VI) (adults: 1.72; children: 2.58). The combined HI ranged from 0.38–5.72 (adults) and 0.57–8.58 (children) under the Cr(III) scenario, and from 0.56–7.43 (adults) and 0.85–11.15 (children) under the Cr(VI) worst case scenario. Pb, for which no safe threshold exists, represents an additional adverse exposure at any level and was not included in the HI framework. Conclusions Locally manufactured milling equipment are a modifiable, population-scale source of chronic dietary metal exposure. The metals documented in this review are nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, neurotoxic, and carcinogenic. Individually and as mixtures, the reported levels exceed non-carcinogenic risk thresholds at upper-bound exposures for both adults and children. We highlight the urgent need for mandatory fabrication standards, targeted regulatory enforcement, and a sustained reorientation of environmental health research investment to address preventable, population-scale dietary exposures whose contribution to the NCD burden in SSA has been systematically overlooked.

INTRODUCTION:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that poses a major global health challenge due to its increasing prevalence and lack of effective treatments. Emerging evidence suggests the gut-brain axis may play a pivotal role in AD pathogenesis. However, causal links between dysbiosis and late-stage AD pathology remain unclear. METHODS:This study evaluated the effects of antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis in aged 3xTg-AD mice (46-48 weeks). Female mice were randomly assigned to control or treatment groups and administered a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail (ampicillin, vancomycin, and neomycin) for 14 days. Behavioral tests (Y-maze, elevated plus maze) were performed to assess cognitive and anxiety-like behaviors. Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rRNA qPCR. Gene expression of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) was analyzed via qRT-PCR, and cerebral amyloid-β1-42 and tau protein levels were quantified by ELISA. RESULTS:Antibiotic treatment induced significant dysbiosis, with > 90% reduction in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Dysbiotic mice displayed impaired spatial working memory, heightened anxiety-like behavior, and reduced locomotor activity. Molecular analyses revealed region-specific dysregulation of cholinergic genes: AChE was upregulated in the hippocampus but downregulated in the cortex, while BChE showed the opposite trend. TNF-α was significantly elevated in both regions, indicating neuroinflammation. Dysbiosis also led to increased brain levels of amyloid-β1-42 and tau. CONCLUSION:Gut microbiome disruption exacerbates late-stage AD pathology, driving cognitive deficits, neuroinflammation, and hallmark protein aggregation. These findings support the gut-brain axis as a critical modulator of AD and highlight the microbiome as a potential therapeutic target.

Introduction:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no conclusive remedy. Yohimbine, found in Rauwolfia vomitoria, may reduce brain inflammation by targeting tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), implicated in AD pathogenesis. Metoserpate, a synthetic compound, may inhibit TNFα. The study is aimed at assessing the potential utility of repurposing metoserpate for TNFα inhibition to reduce neuronal damage and inflammation in AD. The development of safe and effective treatments for AD is crucial to address the growing burden of the disease, which is projected to double over the next two decades. Methods:Our study repurposed an FDA-approved drug as TNFα inhibitor for AD management using structural similarity studies, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Yohimbine was used as a reference compound. Molecular docking used SeeSAR, and molecular dynamics simulation used GROMACS. Results:Metoserpate was selected from 10 compounds similar to yohimbine based on pharmacokinetic properties and FDA approval status. Molecular docking and simulation studies showed a stable interaction between metoserpate and TNFα over 100 ns (100000 ps). This suggests a reliable and robust interaction between the protein and ligand, supporting the potential utility of repurposing metoserpate for TNFα inhibition in AD treatment. Conclusion:Our study has identified metoserpate, a previously FDA-approved antihypertensive agent, as a promising candidate for inhibiting TNFα in the management of AD.

The root bark of Capparis erythrocarpos (CERB) is employed to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Africa, particularly in Ghana. However, there was no isolation and characterization of the bioactive constituents responsible for the pharmacological actions of this plant. The aim of this study is to isolate, characterize and evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of the constituents of CERB. CERB was soxhleted and partitioned into various fractions. The constituents were isolated using column chromatography and characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The precise carboxylic acid residues of the esters were determined using saponification, derivatization and GC–MS analysis. Anti-arthritic activity was evaluated in the CFA-induced arthritic model. Two triterpenoid esters namely, sitosterol 3-hexadecanoate or sitosterol 3-palmatate (1) and sitosterol 3-tetradecanoate or sitosterol 3-myristate (2) in addition to beta sitosterol (3) were isolated and characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 administered at 3 µmol/kg (p.o.) produced anti-inflammatory activity (P < 0.0001) of 31.02 and 39.14

Aflatoxin and other mycotoxin contamination are major threats to global food security and present an urgent need to secure the global food crop against spoilage by mycotoxigenic fungi. Cocoa material is noted for naturally low aflatoxin contamination. This study was designed to assess the potential for harnessing cocoa-associated filamentous fungi for the biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The candidate fungi were isolated from fermented cocoa beans collected from four cocoa-growing areas in Ghana. Molecular characterization included Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS)-sequencing for identification and polymer chain reaction (PCR) to determine mating type. Effects of the candidate isolates on growth and aflatoxin-production by an aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolate (BANGA1) were assessed. Aflatoxin production was monitored by UV fluorescence and quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thirty-six filamentous fungi were cultured and identified as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Lichtheimia, or Trichoderma spp. isolates. The isolates generally interacted negatively with BANGA1 growth and aflatoxin production. The Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus aculeatus biocontrol candidates showed the strongest colony antagonism (54%-94%) and reduction in aflatoxin production (12%-50%) on agar. In broth, the A. niger isolates reduced aflatoxin production by up to 97%. Metabolites from the A. niger isolates showed the strongest inhibition of growth by BANGA1 and inhibited aflatoxin production. Four of the candidate isolates belonged to the MAT1-1 mating type and 12 identified as MAT1-2. This may be indicative of the potential for genetic recombination events between fungi in the field, a finding which is particularly relevant to the risk posed by A. flavus biocontrol measures that rely on atoxigenic A. flavus strains.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder is the most common form of dementia globally. Several studies have suggested alteration in the gut microbiota and HSV-1 infection as contributing factors to the development of the disease. As at now, there are no AD attenuating agents and AD pharmacotherapy is focused on managing symptoms while plants used in ethnomedicine remain potential sources of drugs for the treatment of the condition. Here, we reviewed published databases for African ethnomedicinal plants and functional foods of African origin that are used in the management of AD-related phenotypes, treatment of herpes simplex virus −1 (HSV-1) and/or improvement of gut microbiota. A total of 101 unique plant species and 24 different types of traditionally prepared African functional foodstuff were identified. Of the 101 identified plant species, 50 species serve as functional foodstuffs. Twenty-three (23) of the ethnomedicinal plant families were successfully identified for the treatment and management of AD-related phenotypes and age-related dementia. Eighteen (18) African plant species from 15 families were also identified as potent remedies for HSV-1; while many African wild fruits (3 species), roots and tubers (7 species), leafy vegetables (14 species), and seaweeds (26 species) were functional foods for modifying AD-related phenotypes. It was concluded that African medicinal plants are potential sources of both AD attenuating agents and phytocompounds that may be used against HSV-1 infection and alteration of gut microbiota. Additionally, a number of African functional foods are important sources of prebiotics and probiotics.

Background Pain relief remains a major subject of inadequately met need of patients. Therapeutic agents designed to treat pain and inflammation so far have low to moderate efficiencies with significant untoward side effects. FAAH-1 has been proposed as a promising target for the discovery of drugs to treat pain and inflammation without significant adverse effects. FAAH-1 is the primary enzyme accountable for the degradation of AEA and related fatty acid amides. Studies have revealed that the simultaneous inhibition of COX and FAAH-1 activities produce greater pharmacological efficiency with significantly lowered toxicity and ulcerogenic activity. Recently, the metabolism of endocannabinoids by COX-2 was suggested to be differentially regulated by NSAIDs. Methods We analysed the affinity of oleamide, arachidonamide and stearoylamide at the FAAH-1 in vitro and investigated the potency of selected NSAIDs on the hydrolysis of endocannabinoid-like molecules (oleamide, arachidonamide and stearoylamide) by FAAH-1 from rat liver. NSAIDs were initially screened at 500 μM after which those that exhibited greater potency were further analysed over a range of inhibitor concentrations. Results The substrate affinity of FAAH-1 obtained, increased in a rank order of oleamide < arachidonamide < stearoylamide with resultant V max values in a rank order of arachidonamide > oleamide > stearoylamide. The selected NSAIDs caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of FAAH-1 activity with sulindac, carprofen and meclofenamate exhibiting the greatest potency. Michaelis-Menten analysis suggested the mode of inhibition of FAAH-1 hydrolysis of both oleamide and arachidonamide by meclofenamate and indomethacin to be non-competitive in nature. Conclusion Our data therefore suggest potential for study of these compounds as combined FAAH-1-COX inhibitors.

Background A hydro ethanol extract of the stem bark of Holarrhena floribunda (HFE) has been shown to be effective in the management of acute inflammation. This study was to evaluate usefulness of the extract for the management of chronic inflammation in a murine model. Methods Arthritis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using Complete Freund’s Adjuvant. Anti-arthritic effect of the extract was evaluated in prophylactic and therapeutic treatment models at doses of 50, 200 and 500 mg/kg. Parameters assessed included oedema, serology of inflammatory response, bone tissue histology and haematology. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons post hoc test. Results HFE at 50–500 mg/kg dose-dependently [ P ≥ 0.0354 (prophylactic) and P ≥ 0.0001 (therapeutic) inhibited swelling of the injected paw upon prophylactic [≤ 81.26% ( P < 0.0001) or therapeutic [≤ 67.92% ( P < 0.01) administration — and prevented spread of arthritis to the contralateral paw. The inflammation alleviation activity was further demonstrated by decrease in arthritis score, radiologic score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. HFE at all doses significantly reduced serum interleukin (IL)-1α ( P < 0.0197), and 500 mg/kg HFE reduced IL-6 ( P = 0.0032). In contrast, serum concentrations of IL-10, protein kinase A and cyclic adenosine monophosphate were enhanced ( P ≤ 0.0436). HFE consistently showed better prophylactic than therapeutic activity. Conclusion HFE strongly suppressed Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-induced arthritis and modulated regulators of inflammation, including IL-1α, − 6 and − 10. Taken together, the data suggest that HFE has potential for use as an agent for modulation of the inflammatory response.

Abstract Background Holarrhena floribunda (G.Don) T.Durand & Schinz stem bark has anecdotal use in Ghanaian folk medicine for the management of inflammatory conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the bark extract using models of acute inflammation in male Sprague Dawley rats, C57BL/6 mice and ICR mice. Methods A 70% hydro-ethanol extract of the stem bark (HFE) was evaluated at doses of 5–500 mg/kg bw. Local anaphylaxis was modelled by the pinnal cutaneous anaphylactic test. Systemic anaphylaxis or sepsis were modeled by compound 48/80 or lipopolysaccharide, respectively. Clonidine-induced catalepsy was used to investigate the effect on histamine signaling. Anti-oedematogenic effect was assessed by induction with carrageenan. Effects on mediators of biphasic acute inflammation were studied using histamine and serotonin (early phase) or prostaglandin E2 (late phase). Results HFE demonstrated anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oedematogenic activity comparable to standard doses of aspirin and diclofenac (inhibitors of cyclooxygenases-1 and -2), chlorpheniramine (histamine H1-receptor antagonist), dexamethasone (glucocorticoid receptor agonist), granisetron (serotonin receptor antagonist) and sodium cromoglycate (inhibitor of mast cell degranulation). All observed HFE bioactivities increased with dose. Conclusions The data provide evidence that the extract of H. floribunda stem bark has anti-anaphylactic and anti-oedematogenic effects; by interfering with signalling or metabolism of histamine, serotonin and prostaglandin E2 which mediate the progression of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activities of HFE may be relevant in the context of the management of COVID-19.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are complex inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract. Dysfunctional intestinal epithelial barrier, uncontrolled neutrophil recruitment into the colon, and oxidative stress are major features of IBD. IBD cannot be cured, but symptoms can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, which often show adverse effects. Thus, safer alternative treatment options are needed. Given the known anti-inflammatory properties of Annickia polycarpa extract (APE), we hypothesized that APE improves the outcome of the inflammatory response during colitis. We assessed APE effects on colon histology, epithelial barrier function and neutrophil recruitment during DSS-induced colitis in mice treated with APE. APE treatment significantly reduced the disease activity index and prevented DSS-induced colon damage as evidenced by reduced colon shortening, ulcerations, crypt dysplasia, edema formation, and leukocyte infiltration. Expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly diminished in APE-treated mice. Importantly, APE administration reduced neutrophil infiltration into the lamina propria leading to reduced oxidative stress, tight junction disruption and epithelial permeability in the colon. Thus, we propose APE as additional treatment strategy to attenuate colitis symptoms and enhance life quality of individuals with IBD.

Background Mitochondrial diseases/disorders (MDs), for decades, have been identified as a key underlying condition for many chronic diseases globally. However, data on the knowledge and prevalence of MDs in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. This study assessed the knowledge, and awareness, of MDs among senior medical doctors in the five tertiary hospitals in Ghana. Method Data were collected from one hundred and twenty-eight (128) medical doctors in the five Tertiary Hospitals in Ghana using both closed and open-ended questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Of the 128 respondents, 70.32% were senior medical officers and above, 87% of them indicated that they were aware of MDs and over 90% said physicians do not often diagnose MDs in Ghana. About 81% indicated that MDs are associated with chronic illnesses whilst 72% said the disease is diagnosed in both males and females. About 45% of the respondents alluded to the fact that MDs are difficult to diagnose, are associated with mutations in both the mitochondrial and the nuclear DNA, and are non-infectious diseases. Approximately 85% said nervous system dysfunction and muscle weakness are some of the symptoms associated with MDs whilst 77% said fatigue is also one of the symptoms. About 38% of the respondents specified that they encounter myopathies. A majority (70%) did not know about the availability of any consensus or standard diagnostic procedure and/or drugs for MDs. Conclusion There is a high level of knowledge and awareness of MDs among the respondents. However, there is a low disease encounter, which could be due to a lack of diagnostic protocols or a low disease prevalence. It is, therefore recommend that a patient perspective study, which looks at clinical records and laboratory data be conducted to fully ascertain the prevalence of MDs in Ghana and that appropriate educational strategies and interventions aimed at improving the diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases in Ghana be put in place.

Introduction: This observational study validated the efficacy of a combination of three herbal preparations (Mist Dyspepsia (R), Mist Enterica (R), and Natural Pain Killer (R) (NPK)) in patients with symptoms of dyspepsia who visited the Clinic of the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana. Method: The Short Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ) was used to assess the presence, severity, frequency, and the most troublesome symptoms in patients diagnosed with dyspepsia at the CPMR Clinic. The patients were put on Dyspepsia (R), Enterica (R), and Natural Pain Killer (R) (NPK). Results: A total of 162 patients were enrolled in the study. This included a hundred and seven (107, 66%) females and fifty-five (55, 34%) males with a mean age of 36.79 years. The Cronbach's alpha reliability test value was 0.74 indicating the reliability of the SF-LDQ. The prevalence rate of dyspepsia among the study participants on the day of recruitment was 98.7% (160/162). Almost 80% of study participants were classified as having severe or moderate dyspepsia. The presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori infections did not affect the dyspepsia severity. The most troublesome dyspeptic symptom was indigestion. There was a significant reduction in the severity of dyspepsia at the end of the study (p = 0.001) with no serious side effects. Conclusion: Dyspeptic patients at the CPMR-Clinic had improved symptoms as indicated by the reduction in the frequency and severity after treatment with the combination of Mist Dyspepsia (R), Mist Enterica (R), and Natural Pain Killer (R) (NPK).

Anthonotha macrophylla leaf (AML) is employed in the management of pain, inflammation, and some diseases associated with oxidative stress in African traditional medicine. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, the acute toxicity and anti-oxidant properties of AML, characterised the phytochemical constituents, and quantified its total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of AML extract were evaluated using carrageenan-induced oedema assay in rats’ paw and acetic acid-induced writhing assays respectively. Anti-oxidant effect of the extract was assessed in vivo by measuring liver antioxidant enzymes and in vitro by using DPPH radical scavenging assay and the acute toxicity of the extract was investigated in vivo in mice. The phytochemicals were characterised using basic phytochemical screening and total phenolics and flavonoids were quantified using established methods. The AML extract exhibited significantly high anti-inflammatory activity and moderate analgesic activity compared to diclofenac sodium. The extract exhibited moderate DPPH scavenging activity, significantly increased Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, and did not have any effect on lipid peroxidation. AML was found to contain high phenolic and low flavonoids. The LD 50 of the extract was above 5000 mg/kg body weight. In conclusion, the AML extract possessed significant anti-inflammatory and moderate analgesic activities, which may be mediated through its strong antioxidant properties due to its phenolic contents. The LD 50 value showed that the extract was safe in the short-term utilization. The extract may therefore serve as a source of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant agents.

PURPOSE:The present study sought to investigate the common abnormalities and mtDNA mutations in the sperm of Ghanaian men attending the fertility Clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). The study therefore provides a baseline data mtDNA mutations in a cross-section of Ghanaian men on referral to the fertility clinic at the KBTH.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The semen of 55 men attending the fertility clinic were collected from the Urology and the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments of the KBTH. Demographic and clinical data were also collected using questionnaires. Semen analyses were performed and were followed by amplification and purification of mtDNA from total DNA extracted from the semen. Sequencing of the mtDNA amplicons was performed using the next generation sequencer (Illumina-MiSeq).RESULTS:Asthenozoospermia, oligospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia were observed in 1.79%, 5.36% and 28.57%, respectively, of the study participants. There was no association between drinking and/or smoking and history of gonorrhea infection on sperm status/morphology. A total of 785 point mutations were detected in the non-coding control regions, rRNA genes, tRNA genes and the coding regions of the mtDNA samples from the participants. Amongst these mutations, 16 transition mutations were predominantly detected in the mtDNA samples. Missense mutations that were present in only specific sperm abnormalities were identified and they may contribute to infertility in the study population.CONCLUSION:The present study has identified various abnormal sperm phenotypes that are prevalent in the study population and provided a baseline data on mtDNA mutations in the spermatozoa of the patients. A wide range of sperm abnormalities were detected in the study population with no association with life style or history of gonorrhea infection. The mtDNA point mutations detected in the selected genes that were analysed were mostly transition mutations. These transition mutations might be critical for the development of abnormal sperm phenotypes underlying male infertility in the Ghanaian population.

Abstract. Achampong AS, Ocloo A, Appiah-Opong R. 2018. Effects of selected medicinal plant extracts on mitochondrial function. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 16: 1-13. Mitochondria are organelles that produce approximately 90% of the energy required by the eukaryotic cell through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria also play vital roles in other metabolic processes in the cell. Mitochondria have unique features that make them sensitive to some xenobiotics. Thus, they serve as primary or secondary targets for these xenobiotics. Medicinal plants are the source of phytochemicals which also have the potential to regulate mitochondrial function. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effects of these medicinal plants, especially those in Ghana, on mitochondrial function. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of Taraxacum officinale, Morinda citrifolia, and Millettia thonningii on mitochondrial function. The antioxidant properties, phenolic content, and phytochemicals of the extracts were determined. We determined the effect of the extract on cell viability and mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. All extracts significantly stimulated basal respiration and also caused an increase in complex IV respiration. The extracts exhibit considerable antioxidant activity, and all contain phytochemicals that have been shown to have antioxidant properties. M. thonningii partially blocked the effects of rotenone, while Noni juice partially blocked the effects of antimycin A. The extract, however, had a weak cytotoxic effect on Jurkat leukemia cells and MCF7 breast cancer cells.

Background: Viruses are increasingly appreciated to cause a wide range of human diseases, ranging from acute self-resolving conditions to acute or chronic fatal diseases. However, treatment options for majority of viral infections are limited. The importance of herbal medicine for the treatment of viral infections cannot be overemphasized. Several medicinal plants are known to exhibit antiviral activities.

BACKGROUND:Side effects and toxicity have posed a threat to the positive contribution of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Symptoms of mitochondrial toxicity including myopathy, pancreatitis, hyperlipidaemia and lactic acidosis are found among HIVinfected patients on ART. To date, there is not a reliable biomarker for monitoring ART-related mitochondrial toxicity. Plasma level of Cytochrome c (Cyt-c) has been proposed as a potential biomarker for ART-related toxicity due to its strong association with apoptosis.OBJECTIVE:The present study assessed toxicity and level of plasma Cyt-c among HIV-infected patients receiving ART in Ghana.METHODS:A total of eighty (80) HIV patients were recruited into the study. Demographic data were obtained from personal interview and medical records. Plasma samples were screened for toxicity from sixty (60) participants due to limited resources, and plasma Cyt-c levels were determined using ELISA. Data were analyzed using Stata version 13.RESULTS:Out of the 60 participants, 11 (18.3%) were found with symptoms of myopathy, 12 (20%) with pancreatitis, 21 (35%) with hyperlipidaemia and 36 (60%) with at least one of the symptoms. The concentration of plasma Cyt-c was higher (0.122 ng/ml) in patients with toxicity than in those without toxicity (0.05 ng/ml), though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.148). There was a weak correlation between plasma Cyt-c level and duration of ART (Spearman rho = 0.02, p = 0.89).CONCLUSION:This study, therefore, demonstrated a high prevalence of ART-related toxicity and high levels of Cyt-c in HIV-infected patients in support of the argument that plasma Cyt-c levels are potential biomarkers for determining ART-related toxicity in HIV patients.

The incidence of liver diseases is increasing globally, and many patients in developing countries are resorting to the use of herbal products as treatment. This study was aimed at establishing the safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients with deranged liver panel treated with a Ghanaian finished polyherbal product. The productHeptonicais prepared by CPMR from three medicinal plants:Bidens pilosa,Citrus aurantifolia, andTrema orientalis. Fifty (50) participants with clinical and biochemical signs of liver impairment were purposively recruited and treated for a period of 28 days. Participants receivedHeptonicaat a dose of 30 mL 8 hourly after meals for the treatment period. Clinical and biochemical evaluation (liver panel test, renal function test, haematology, and urinalysis) of subjects for the safety and effectiveness of the product was undertaken at days 0 (baseline), 14, and 28. Compared to the baseline values,Heptonicadid not have any untoward effect on renal function, haematological parameters, and urine parameters of subjects. Clinical and liver panel results of the participants also improved compared to the baseline: serum aspartate transaminase (AST) (p < 0.0001), alanine transaminase (ALT) (p < 0.0001), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (p- 0.0013), total bilirubin (p-0.0136), direct bilirubin (p < 0.0001), total proteins (p-0.0409), and alkaline phosphates (p- 0.0284). Level of albumin showed no significant difference within the study period. The outcome of this study indicatesHeptonicahas hepatorestorative action with no observable toxicity and can be used with confidence as indicated as a liver tonic.

Theobromine exerts deleterious effects on animal physiology. Removal of theobromine from the millions of metric tons of cocoa pod husks (CPH) discarded annually could allow for the production of cheap, CPH-based animal feed. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and nutritional value of bio-detheobrominated CPH in Sprague–Dawley rats. Theobromine was removed from CPH by treatment with an isolate of Talaromyces verruculosus (TvTD). Substituted feeds containing CPH were formulated by replacing 30% or 50% of the maize content of regular rat feed with TvTD-treated or inactivated TvTD-treated CPH. Feeding groups included control groups without or with theobromine administration. Effects of the feed formulations on water and feed intake, weight gain, blood biochemistry and organ-specific toxicity were assessed. Rats ingesting theobromine in inactivated TvTD-treated CPH-based diet or by oral gavage variably exhibited marked deleterious effects, mainly evident in body weight, thymus wet weight and tissue histology. In contrast, substitution with TvTD-treated CPH caused significant increase in body weight. Substitution at 30% did not cause mortality or organ-specific toxicity with reference to the testes, kidneys, spleen or liver, unlike substitution at 50%. The data demonstrate that detheobrominated CPH may safely replace up to 30% of maize in animal feed formulations.