In Beninese traditional medicine, Khaya senegalensis, Ocimum americanum, and Cassytha filiformis are commonly used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study aimed to evaluate their phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities, analgesic and diuretic effects, and acute toxicity. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using staining and precipitation methods. Plant materials were extracted with 70% ethanol, yielding a hydroethanolic extract. Antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant uropathogenic strains was assessed using disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Anti-biofilm effects were evaluated with a colorimetric method. Analgesic and diuretic activities were tested in vivo in Wistar rats. Acute toxicity of hydroethanolic extracts was assessed over 14 days following OECD guidelines. Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponosides, tannins, reducing compounds, and mucilage in various plant parts. All extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococci and uropathogenic Enterobacteria, with inhibition zones of 13.8-21.2 mm and MICs of 3.5-9 mg/mL. Both aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts reduced bacterial biofilm formation to varying degrees. At 200 mg/kg, the hydroethanolic extracts significantly reduced acetic acid-induced pain. K. senegalensis and C. filiformis exhibited diuretic activity comparable to furosemide. No toxic effects were observed at 2000 mg/kg. The antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, analgesic, and diuretic properties of these plants support their use in managing UTIs. Their favorable acute toxicity profile further highlights their therapeutic potential and supports the development of improved traditional medicines.

Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in Benin. Freshwater snails of the genus Bulinus serve as intermediate hosts for schistosomes, trematode parasites responsible for bilharzia. The urinary form, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, is the most prevalent and is primarily transmitted by Bulinus truncatus and Bulinus globosus, whereas the intestinal form, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is transmitted by Bulinus forskalii. Effective control strategies require an understanding of the molecular diversity and genetic structure of Bulinus populations. Bulinus samples were collected from six localities in southern Benin: Sô-Ava, Azowlissè, Aplahoué, Kpinnou, Houéyogbé, and Za-Kpota. Samples were preserved in absolute alcohol. DNA was extracted, and fragments of the Cox1 and SSU genes were amplified. Molecular diversity was assessed using PCR-RFLP, with amplified products digested using HaeIII, HinfI, and DdeI restriction enzymes. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) was performed to evaluate population structure. AMOVA revealed heterozygosity deficits in Bulinus populations from all six localities and deviations from panmixia in Sô-Ava, Aplahoué, Houéyogbé, Kpinnou, and Za-Kpota. Enzymatic digestion indicated monomorphism for B. globosus in Za-Kpota and Houéyogbé with the SSU gene and for B. truncatus in Sô-Ava and Azowlissè with the Cox1 gene. Conversely, molecular polymorphism was observed for B. globosus in Sô-Ava and Aplahoué with the Cox1 gene, whereas B. truncatus in Sô-Ava and Azowlissè showed identical SSU gene profiles. These findings provide preliminary insights into the molecular diversity and genetic structure of Bulinus populations in southern Benin. The observed genetic variability and structure have implications for understanding the transmission dynamics of S. haematobium and for designing targeted schistosomiasis control strategies.

BackgroundBlood transfusion is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, particularly in maternal and pediatric care. However, it continues to carry a residual risk of transmitting transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs), especially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Quantifying this residual risk is critical for optimizing transfusion safety, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to estimate the residual risk of HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission among blood donors in the Borgou department of Benin.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of repeat donors was conducted from January 2023 to December 2025 among repeat blood donors in Borgou. Serological screening was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with Bio-Rad® kits. Residual risk was estimated using the Schreiber model based on incidence/window period methodology. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and associations were assessed using the Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 11,113 repeat donors were included, with a marked male predominance (male-to-female ratio: 14.14). The majority were aged 18–30 years (72%) and were students (54%). Overall, 145 incident infections were identified. Incidence rates per 100,000 donor-years were 5.98 for HIV, 350.28 for HBV, and 77.84 for HCV. No significant association was observed between HIV incidence and sociodemographic characteristics. In contrast, HBV and HCV incidences were significantly associated with age (p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively), with higher rates observed among donors aged 18–24 years. Estimated residual risks were 1 in 277,000 donations for HIV, 1 in 1,862 for HBV, and 1 in 7,070 for HCV.ConclusionAlthough the residual risk of TTIs in Borgou is lower than that reported in several sub-Saharan African settings, it remains substantially higher than in high-income countries. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen donor selection strategies, enhance targeted health education, and implement more sensitive screening technologies, such as nucleic acid testing, to further improve blood safety.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Heliotropium indicum and Caesalpinia bonduc, two medicinal plants widely used in traditional medicine in Benin. In ethnomedicinal practice, H. indicum is commonly prepared as decoctions or infusions of the aerial parts and administered orally or topically to treat inflammatory conditions, wounds, fever, and infections, whereas C. bonduc roots are typically used in decoction for the management of urinary tract infections, pain, diabetes, and reproductive disorders. The present research aims to generate preliminary scientific data supporting these traditional applications. Aqueous and hydroethanolic (70% ethanol) extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of H. indicum and the roots of C. bonduc. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using standard qualitative colorimetric and precipitation reactions. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated against multiresistant uropathogenic strains using the agar disk diffusion method and broth microdilution for determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Antibiofilm activity was assessed using a crystal violet colorimetric assay. Analgesic and diuretic activities were evaluated in vivo in Wistar rats using hydroethanolic extracts. Acute oral toxicity was assessed following a limit test at 2000 mg/kg in rats. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and tannins in both plant species. Among the tested samples, only the hydroethanolic extract of C. bonduc exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested uropathogenic strains, with inhibition zones ranging from 14.6 to 16.6 mm and MIC values between 6 and 6.5 mg/mL. The aqueous extract of C. bonduc and both extracts of H. indicum did not exhibit detectable antibacterial activity under the experimental conditions. However, all extracts demonstrated antibiofilm activity, inhibiting biofilm formation in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. strains by 40.52%-71.93%. Hydroethanolic extracts of both plants showed significant analgesic activity (p < 0.05) in the acetic acid-induced writhing test and exhibited measurable diuretic effects in rats. In the acute toxicity study, no mortality or clinical signs of toxicity were observed at 2000 mg/kg during the 14-day observation period. Hematological and biochemical parameters remained within normal ranges, and histopathological examination of the liver and kidneys revealed no treatment-related alterations. These findings provide preliminary experimental support for some of the traditional uses of H. indicum and C. bonduc and suggest that hydroethanolic extracts of these plants warrant further investigation for the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds.

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress is a pathophysiological factor that causes challenging issues in the treatment of several diseases, including gastric ulcer, inflammatory diseases, and adenocarcinomas. V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa are African plants whose parts are used for treating diseases, including gastrointestinal pathologies. This study aimed to characterize the gastroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa stem bark extracts based on various solvents. Methods: The phytochemical screening and antioxidant evaluation were performed using radical scavenging (ABTS and DPPH) and reduction (FRAP and APM) methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was performed through an egg albumin denaturation model. The toxicological evaluation was performed on Artemia salina and female Wistar rat models, and the gastroprotective activity was carried out on an ethanolic-induced gastric ulcer rat model. Results: The results reported that V. paradoxa stem bark extracts contain catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, apigenin-7-gluc, and hesperidin, while P. biglobosa bark contains chlorogenic acid, catechin, caffeine, epicatechin, and cichoric acid. In the DPPH assay, the lowest scavenging capacities were 1.8 ± 0.21 mmol AAE/mg of dry extract (V. paradoxa, 97% ethanol) and 11.43 ± 0.208 mmol AAE/mg of dry extract (P. biglobosa, 50% ethanol). Similarly, for ABTS, the lowest scavenging capacities were 0.9726 ± 0.03952 mmol AAE/mg of dry extract (V. paradoxa, methanol with 1% HCl) and 1.3 mmol AAE/mg of dry extract (P. biglobosa, 97% ethanol), indicating strong antioxidant capacity. In the FRAP assay, both species reached a maximum reducing power of 2.39 mMol AAE/mg of dry extract (methanolic extract for V. paradoxa; methanol + 1% HCl for P. biglobosa). For APM, the 97% ethanolic extracts again showed the highest total antioxidant capacities: 31.78 ± 1.481 mMol AAE/mg (V. paradoxa) and 31.21 ± 0.852 mMol AAE/mg (P. biglobosa). The stem bark extracts of both V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa were revealed to be harmless in the Artemia salina as well as the rat model. The extracts of V. paradoxa as well as P. biglobosa exerted a stronger gastroprotective effect than omeprazole, a commonly used reference molecule. Conclusions: These extracts, rich in compounds exhibiting strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective activities, surpassed omeprazole in ulcer protection in rat models. Their safety was confirmed in both Artemia salina and rodent assays. Future studies will explore their immunomodulatory, antiproliferative activities in vitro and in vivo and, specifically, the efficacy of isolated compounds in gastric adenocarcinoma models to assess these plants’ anticancer potential and elucidate their underlying mechanisms.

In a context where antimicrobial resistance limits the effectiveness of conventional treatments, the study of knowledge and practices related to anti-ulcer plants appears essential for exploring new the-rapeutic avenues of natural origin. The objective of this study is to determine the total anthocyanin content, the lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Vitellariaparadoxa Gaertn. and Parkiabiglobosa (Jacq.) Benth stem bark extracts on salmonella strains. Salmonella spp isolated at the CNHU bacteriology unit from blood and stool samples. The results reported that total anthocyanins were only quantifiable in extracts of V. paradoxa bark, with high levels ranging from 31.17 , 17.13 to 66.79 , 8.34 mg/g of plant powder. Ethanolic extracts of V. paradoxa showed strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation (54.43-65.46%), significantly higher than that of P.biglobosa extracts (32.01-43.90%) and comparable or higher than that of ascorbic acid (38.56%), with the Vp50 and Vp97 extracts showing statistically higher activity than ascorbic acid. Sensitivity tests show that the vast majority of bacterial strains tested are highly sensitive to V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa bark extracts (85-95% and 90%, respectively), reflecting the strong overall antimicrobial activity of all extracts. MICs ranged from 3.125 mg/mL to 50 mg/mL, while MBCs ranged from 12.5 mg/mL to 50 mg/mL.

The oil extracted from the arils of Blighia sapida is known for its nutritional, therapeutic, and cosmetic benefits. Yet, its safety and impact on blood proteins have not been studied in Togo. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Blighia sapida aril oil on serum proteins, hemoglobin, and overall health in Wistar rats, emphasizing its potential for human consumption. Rats were administered cold-pressed oil from ripe and unripe arils at 1 and 2 mL/kg daily for 15 days. Blood protein profiles were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis. The results revealed that albumin was the predominant serum protein, with no significant differences in α1 and α2-globulin fractions between male and female rats. However, β1, β2, and γ-globulin fractions varied by sex (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio across the treatment groups. Hemoglobin electrophoresis showed typical fractions with no evidence of abnormal hemoglobin forms. Organ examination revealed no structural changes compared to controls, and no fat accumulation in tissues was observed. These findings suggest that Blighia sapida aril oil does not induce toxicity at the tested doses and does not negatively affect blood proteins or organ health. Furthermore, the oil's composition of beneficial fatty acids and potential antioxidant properties makes it a promising candidate for human dietary supplementation. It could contribute to improved fatty acid intake and promote health through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Future research should explore the long-term health benefits of Blighia sapida oil, particularly its role in supporting metabolic health and its potential therapeutic applications in human health.

In the face of persistent soil degradation in Benin caused by poor agricultural practices, including excessive use of chemical fertilizers, it is urgent to find solutions that take into account the microorganisms of interest. This study aimed to assess the effect of combining three strains of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on maize production in northern Benin. The study involved 34 growers in Ouénou, Bagou and Kokey. The experimental setup consisted of three elementary plots with three treatments. Growth parameters were measured every 15 days, from the 15th to the 60th day after sowing, on ten plants per plot. Plant nutritional status, grain yield and mycorrhization were measured. The results showed that biostimulant + 50% NPK_Urea (N = nitrogen, P = phosphorus and K = potassium) had similar positive effects on growth parameters to those induced by the application of 100% NPK_Urea. Gains of 30.25% to 36.35% were recorded in plant height at Kokey. On the other hand, biostimulant+ 50% NPK_Urea induced a better phosphorus uptake of 21.08% to 27.77%. In addition, the grain yield of mycorrhizal plants was 8.37% higher than that of plants receiving 100% NPK_Urea at Ouénou. These results show that this technology could be integrated into the agricultural system to promote sustainable maize growing in Benin.

Blighia sapida oil, a substance with a rich history of use for its nutritional, therapeutic, traditional, and cosmetic benefits, was the focus of our study. We investigated the impact of consuming edible oil from B. sapida arils on Wistar rats. The crude oil from unripe arils was extracted using cold pressing and then administered to the rats. The toxicity was evaluated according to the OECD method. Notably, there were no signs of food poisoning or adverse effects on the weight and behavior of the rats treated with B. sapida oils. The LD50 of the oil was more significant than 5000 mg/kg of body weight, and hematological and biochemical parameters did not differ significantly from the control group. Rats fed with an oil-supplemented diet showed an increase in weight compared to the negative control group. No fatty deposits were found in vital organs, and consuming the oil did not affect the immune system or biochemical biomarkers. However, excessive intake of fat may have harmful effects on tissues. Our findings strongly suggest that B. sapida oil is safe for consumption within reasonable limits. The data we present here reveal that the oil derived from B. sapida is suitable for moderate consumption and may offer various health advantages, a potential that warrants further exploration.

The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.

Fermentation has been used for centuries to enhance the sensory and nutritional qualities and the antioxidant content of plant-based foods, making them beneficial for health. This study aims to investigate the microbiological and nutritional qualities of fermented porridges produced in northern Benin. Various nutritional tests and the identification of different microorganisms have gained insights into eight porridges produced in 9 localities of northern Benin. Lactic acid bacteria have the highest proportion among all microorganisms in fermented porridges, followed by the total mesophyll aerobic flora. E. coli, thermotolerant coliforms, and molds are not present in all porridges analyzed. Recorded data suggested that porridges have a variable microbial load depending on the collection municipalities. The dry matter of the eight types of porridge varies greatly, with akloui having 27.03 ± 3.83 g/100 g and fourra having 48.63 ± 3.83 g/100 g. The total ashes also differ significantly, with bita having 39.36 ± 4.67 g/100 g and sagagnèga having 63.19 ± 4.67 g/100 g. It is worth noting that all fermented porridges have a pH lower than 5, and the titratable acidity ranges from 0.01 ± 0.00 g to 0.02 ± 0.00 g. The brix degree varies from 0.46 ± 0.54 to 4.4 ± 0.54. The beta-carotene values of the 8 types of porridge vary from 0.037 ± 0.018 mg/g to 0.138 ± 0.018 mg/g, while the total sugars range from 1.926 ± 0.877 to 5.773 ± 0.877 g/100 g. The lipid content, when present, varies from 0.226 ± 0.029% to 0.408 ± 0.029%. Finally, the protein percentage of the porridge ranges from 7.061 ± 0.779 to 12.419 ± 0.779.

In the current context of decline in soil fertility, soil degradation and climate change, the use of mycorrhizal inoculum is one of the alternatives for sustainable agriculture. This study aims to determine the best combination of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) biostimulant and mineral fertilizer (NPK + Urea) to improve maize production and the nutritional status of maize plants on ferruginous soils. The experimental design was a completely randomized block of seventeen treatments repeated three times in Savè/Benin. Growth parameters were assessed at 60 days after sowing, while grain yield, physical characteristics and nutritional status were assessed after harvest. After a hierarchical classification of the results, we obtained a group of high-performing and statistically homogeneous treatments composed of T10 to T16. These treatments induced an average height of 185.81 ± 1.16 cm, a crown diameter of 2.20 ± 0.02 cm; a leaf area of 469.82 ± 2.11 cm2 and a grain yield of 2.98 ± 0.11 t/ha. Treatment T10 improved plant nutrition in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium follow up T1 and T11. High 1000-grain weights were recorded with the treatments T10 and T11. The hardness of maize grain produced with the biostimulant decreased as root mycorrhization increased. It appears from the results that the application of the biostimulant based on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved the parameters evaluated. In addition, the application of the biostimulant based on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved the parameters evaluated. But this research deserves to be handled in the field in order to lead to an economic profitability study.

Background: Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (ABHS) tonsillitis is an acute disease that is often benign but sometimes serious due to its locoregional and general complications. It is a frequent cause of consultation among general practitioners, ENT and paediatrics. The choice and interest of our work was motivated by the fact that one of the most important acute upper respiratory infections is tonsillitis with the risk of serious complications. This study aims to determine the sensitivity and specificity of RDOT in the diagnosis of ABHA tonsillitis in southern Benin. Methods: This was a prospective analytical and descriptive study carried out at the Vallée de Grâce Medical Clinic (CM VG) and at the Padre Pio Humanitarian Health Center (CSVH), at the Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology / UAC, in Benin over 12 months (July 2, 2022 and June 31, 2023). It included patients diagnosed with tonsillitis. All the patients included underwent a RDOT and a cytobacteriological examination of the throat swab (Gold Standard). We studied the following variables: age, sex, months, clinical signs, cytobacteriological examination of the throat swab and TROD results. Results: We recorded 272 tonsillitis cases. 60 cases of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (ABHS) tonsillitis are confirmed by bacterial culture. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillitis accounted for 22.06% of tonsillitis. 133 men (49%) and 139 women (51%) were registered. 32 men (53.33%) and 28 women (46.67%) had SBHA tonsillitis. The highest frequency of isolation of group A streptococcus was observed in the age group [0 to 5[years with 27 cases out of 60, i.e. a proportion of 45%. SBHA tonsillitis are more frequent in the months of December and August with the respective proportions of 16.67% and 10%. The SBHA TROD performed showed a Sensitivity of 95%, a Specificity of 94%, a positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 98%. Conclusion: Streptococcal etiology represents 22.06% of tonsillitis in Benin. Our results reinforce the interest of RDOT and especially cytobacteriological examination in the etiological diagnosis of tonsillitis.

Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.