The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the annual seasonal variations in Ghana on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of the leaves of Bridelia ferruginea (BF), Lippia multiflora (LM), and Azadirachta indica (AI). The medicinal plants were collected at the end of each quarter from September 2021 to June 2022, representing four seasons. The phytochemical constituents of the samples were screened and quantified. The antioxidant properties of the samples were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. Thin layer chromatography and infrared profiling of the extracts were also analyzed, serving as fingerprint. From the results, total phenolic content (TPC) of BF, LM, and AI leaves were all highest in season 1. The total flavonoid, alkaloid and saponin contents in BF leaves were highest in season 4. The total flavonoid and saponin contents were highest in season 1 and season 3, respectively for LM, but highest in season 2 and season 4, respectively for AI. The antioxidant activity of BF, LM and AI were strongest for samples collected in season 1(45.70 mg/ml AAE), season 3 (20.39 mg/ml AAE) and season 4 (62.67 mg/ml AAE), respectively. All three samples (BF, LM and AI leaves) collected in season 2 showed the lowest antioxidant activity: 54.07 ± 2.92, 60.23 ± 4.14, and 115.15 ± 13.55 mg/ml AAE, respectively. From the study, the rainy seasons (major or minor) appear to generally favor the accumulation of the phytochemical constituents screened in this study, thus recommended as the suitable harvesting period for high yield of the phytochemical constituents. Key words: Bridelia ferruginea, Lippia multiflora, Azadirachta indica, seasonal variations, phytochemical composition.

Introduction: There are no strict pH standards for herbal formulations; however, pH can affect the characteristics of drugs and herbal formulations. In this study, the pHs of different herbal formulations produced in the past two batch years at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana) were analysed. We aimed to evaluate pH consistency among the formulations and suggest suitable pH ranges for the different product classes. Methods: The formulations analysed were 17 decoctions, three ointments, and nine powders. Suitable ointment and powder samples were prepared before pH was measured, whereas decoctions were analysed directly. Results: We found that 93.1% of the preparations had average pH < 7 over the two years. The pH values for the decoctions, ointments, and powders were 3.507-6.755, 5.153-5.700, and 5.413-10.719, respectively. Differences in pH over the two production years were not statistically significant for all the powder and ointment formulations as well as for majority of the decoctions (82.4%). This indicates pH consistency for approximately 90% of the products, possibly pointing to consistencies in plant material compositions, formulation conditions, and process parameters. Conclusions: From our data and reported literature, we recommend that the labels of oral herbal preparations with pH < 5.5 should include an instruction to dilute the product before intake, or to drink water or rinse the mouth after intake to prevent enamel erosion. Decoctions may also be taken after food. Additionally, pH ranges of 4.6-7.0 and 4.0-6.0 may be suitable for rectal and topical herbal formulations, respectively.

Abstract Background Medicinal plants represent a valuable source for new effective and safe antimicrobial drugs making them an alternative therapy. Existing antimicrobial agents are costly and mostly associated with possible side effects. The aim of the present study therefore, was to assess the antimicrobial property and phytochemical composition of hydroethanolic extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves and its fractions. Method T. bangwensis leaves (harvested from its host plant, Persea americana) was extracted by cold maceration with 70% ethanol and further fractionated with different organic solvents using the solvent partitioning method to obtain the crude extract, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and the resulting aqueous fractions. The phytochemical constituents of the extracts were screened and quantified. Also, the TLC of the extracts were analyzed to serve as a fingerprint. Using the agar diffusion and broth dilution methods, the antimicrobial properties of the extracts were assessed. Results The study showed that the hydroethanolic (70%) crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves and its fractions contain phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols and reducing sugars. The phytoconstituents were well extracted into the ethyl acetate fraction than the other fractions evidenced in the high levels (p < 0.0001) of saponins (66.47 ± 1.72% w/w), phenolic compounds (77.75 ± 1.06 mg/100 mg GAE) and flavonoids (44.34 ± 0.06 mg/100 mg QE) contents. From the antimicrobial studies, all the microorganisms tested exhibited varying degrees of susceptibility to the extracts with MIC values between 0.78 to 12.5 mg/mL. The crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves, its ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions also exhibited lethal antimicrobial activity with MLC between 6.25 to 50 mg/mL. Conclusion The crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves and its fractions demonstrated antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Candida albicans, thereby representing a potential source of natural antimicrobial agent. Further study is required to identify and isolate antimicrobial compounds from the plant for the development of the natural bioactive antimicrobial agents.

Utilization of plant extracts for the synthesis of nanomaterials is a green technology that is safe to the environment. In the current study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was synthesised using the methanolic root bark extract of Cassia sieberiana as capping and stabilizing agents for the first time. The ZnO NPs were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the nanoparticles were analyzed by egg albumin (EA) denaturation assay and DPPH free radical scavenging assay respectively. The agar well diffusion method was also used to access the antimicrobial activity of the ZnO NPs against S. aureus (gram-positive), E. coli (gram-negative), S. typhi (gram-negative) and C. albicans (yeast). Saponins, anthracenosides, triterpenes and polyphenols were the phytochemicals present in the plant extract. The average particle size (TEM) determined was 12.9 ± 3.1 nm with spherical shapes. ZnO NPs demonstrated good antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.480 ± 0.018 mg mL−1) and dose-dependently inhibited the heat-induced denaturation of egg albumin (IC50 = 0.676 ± 0.000 mg mL−1). In general, the synthesized ZnO NPs showed a positive anti-microbial activity against the selected microbes. The ZnO NPs showed a significant zone of inhibition for S. typhi (20.0 mm), S. aureus (24.0 mm), whereas the zone of inhibition was less for E. coli (13.7 mm) and C. albicans (11.7 mm) at 25 mg/mL. The green synthesized ZnO NPs may be used as an effective drug delivery system.

Elimination of microorganisms from herbal products has been a major concern due to its implicated health risk to consumers. Drying of herbal materials has been employed for centuries to reduce the risk of contamination and spoilage. The present study adopted three drying approaches in an attempt to eliminate microorganisms from Lippia multiflora tea bag formulation. This study also evaluated the tea bags and optimized the extraction procedure. The L. multiflora leaves for tea bagging were air-dried and milled (A), oven-dried and milled (B), and microwaved (the milled air-dried leaves) (C). The moisture contents were determined at 105°C ± 2°C for 2 hours to constant weight. Phytochemical parameters such as phytochemical constituents, total water extractive, and pH were assessed. The microbial safety and quality of the L. multiflora tea bags were evaluated using the British Pharmacopoeia 2019 specifications. The uniformity of the mass of the formulated tea bags was also determined. Extraction from the Lippia tea bags was optimized. The results showed that using the approaches (A, B, and C) adopted for drying and processing, the moisture contents of the formulated tea bags were in the range of 9.75–10.71% w / w . All the formulated tea bags contained reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, polyuronides, flavonoids, anthracenosides, alkaloids, saponins, and phytosterols. The pH range of the formulations was 7.11–7.54, whereas the total water extractive values were in the range of 19.12–20.41% w / w . The one-way analysis of variance demonstrated no significant difference in the data obtained from the results from A, B, and C. The formulation from A was found to be unsafe for consumption due to unacceptable microbial contamination limits. Microbial load of the formulations from B and C were within the BP specifications. All the batches of the formulations passed the uniformity of mass test. An optimized extraction procedure was obtained when one tea bag was extracted in 250 mL of hot water within the specified time. L. multiflora leaves meant for tea bagging should be oven-dried or microwaved before tea bagging for safe consumption.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Bridelia ferruginea belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, identified as an important commonly growing shrub, is used in traditional medicine for managing arthritis, dysentery, constipation, chronic diabetes, skin diseases, bladder and intestinal disorders, oral infections, thrush, bites and as an arrow poison antidote. This review aims at providing information on the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry and toxicity studies of Bridelia ferruginea to bridge the gap between traditional medicinal uses and preclinical studies on B. ferruginea and subsequently lead to the development of valued added medicines from B. ferruginea. Materials and methods: Data in this review were compiled using databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer link, Elsevier and Taylor and Francis, articles from peer reviewed journals and other grey literature (short notes, book chapters, short communications) to access all the relevant information available on B. ferruginea. Results: B. ferruginea contains different phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenolics, phytosterols, triterpenes, saponins, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. Gallocatechin-(40-O-7)-epigallocatechin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 1,3,4,5-tetracaffeoylquinic acid and some derivatives of 3-methoxyflavone, such as quercetin-3-methyl ether, quercetin 3-,7,30,40-tetramethyl ether, myricetin 30,40,50-trimethyl ether, myricetin 3,30,40,50-tetramethyl ether, myricetin and quercetin 3-O-glucoside specific flavonoids and biflavonoids like apigenin, kaempferol and glycosides of both have been isolated and further characterized from B. ferruginea. B. ferruginea has several pharmacologically beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-infective, antipyretic, analgesic, diuretic and natriuretic activities. Conclusion: The wide distribution, traditional medicinal uses and wealth of phytochemicals present in B. ferruginea suggests that the plant can be useful in lead compound discovery. Although B. ferruginea has been widely studied, further studies on the mechanism of action, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and side effects in humans need to be investigated.

Abstract Purpose ML‐2–3 is a novel tetracyclic iridoid derived from Morinda lucida Bentham leaves. This compound has anti‐trypanosomal and anti‐leishmanial effects. In this study, the authors investigated effects of ML‐2–3 on in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates, motility, and acrosome reaction of the mouse sperm. Methods IVF was performed using sperm from BALB/cByJJcl mice treated with ML‐2–3. Computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was performed on the sperm of C57BL/6J mice to investigate sperm motility. The effect of ML‐2–3 on the acrosome reaction was examined by observing the fluorescence of sperm labeled with the acrosin‐EGFP transgene. Results ML‐2–3 improved IVF in BALB/cByJJcl mice with low fertilization rates. The optimum concentration of ML‐2–3 in sperm pre‐culture medium was 20 µM, and no significant toxicity of ML‐2–3 was observed in developing embryos at this concentration. ML‐2–3 affected sperm motility but not the acrosome reaction. ML‐2–3 increased the IVF rate of mouse sperm that had been refrigerated for 3 days. Conclusions ML‐2–3 can improve the outcome of IVF and motility without inducing the acrosome reaction in mice. These effects of ML‐2–3 on sperm behaviors are different from those of the similar drugs.

Malaria affects about half of the world's population. The sub-Saharan African region is the most affected. Plant natural products have been a major source of antimalarial drugs; the first (quinine) and present (artemisinin) antimalarials are of natural product origin. Some secondary metabolites demonstrate adjuvant antioxidant effects and selective activity. The focus of this study was to investigate the anti-plasmodial activity, cytotoxicities and antioxidant properties of eight (8) Ghanaian medicinal plants. The anti-plasmodial activity was determined using the SYBR green assay and the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT) was employed to assess cytotoxicity of extracts to human RBCs and HL-60 cells. Antioxidant potential of plant extracts was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu and superoxide dismutase assays. Phytochemical contstituents of the plant extracts were also assessed. All the extracts demonstrated anti-plasmodial activities at concentrations <50 μg/ml. Parkia clappertoniana and Terminalia ivorensis elicited the strongest anti-plasmodial activities with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 1.13 μg/ml and 0.95 μg/ml, respectively. This is the first report on anti-plasmodial activities of Baphia nitida, Tabernaemontana crassa and Treculia Africana. T. Africana showed moderate anti-plasmodial activity with IC50 value of 6.62 µg/mL. Extracts of P. clappertoniana, T. Africana and T. ivorensis (0.4 mg/mL) showed >50% antioxidant effect (SOD). The extracts were not cytotoxicity towards RBCs at the concentration tested (200 μg/ml) but were weakly cytotoxic to HL-60 cell. Selectivity indices of most of the extracts were greater than 10. Our results suggest that most of the plant extracts have strong anti-plasmodial activity and antioxidant activity which warrants further investigations.

Cassia sieberiana is used traditionally for the treatment of several ailments. The lack of knowledge in the levels of essential mineral contents and heavy metal constituents of C. sieberiana normally collected from various sites for preparation of herbal products can pose serious health risks to consumers. The elemental contents (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, Hg, Pb, As, Ni, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, N, S and C) of a mixture of the stem and root barks (CSR) of Cassia sieberiana collected from Agomeda in the Eastern Region of Ghana and its extracts (absolute ethanol (CSE 1), 70% ethanol (CSE 2)) were investigated in this study. For the purposes of identification and characterization of CSR, CSE 1 and CSE 2, FT-IR and phytochemical analyses were conducted. The quantity of metals in all test samples were within the acceptable WHO permissible limits except for Cl, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cd contents in CSR. It is mostly the extract of CSR which is consumed traditionally. The quantity of powdered CRS consumed during treatment of ailment may be too low to cause Cl, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cd toxicity. FTIR studies showed similar functional groups in CSR, CSE 1 and CSE 2. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of reducing sugar, saponins, polyphenols, anthracenosides and triterpenes in CSR, CSE 1 and CSE 2. The elements found in Cassia sieberiana and extracts are vital for human health. Their reported contents indicate CSE 1 and CSE 2 may be suitable for use in drug formulation. Keywords: Cassia sieberiana, herbal medicine, macronutrients, trace elements, heavy metals, functional groups, WHO/FAO.

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.

Mist Nibima is an essential herbal medicine used to treat malaria, bacterial, yeast, and COVID-19 infections. However, the drug has not been standardized and its active chemical ingredients are also not known. This study employed physicochemical, organoleptic, qualitative, and quantitate phytochemical analysis to established standards for Mist Nibima. Additionally, UHPLC was used to quantify the alkaloid cryptolepine in the drug using calibration curve. The chemical ingredients in Mist Nibima were thereafter characterized using UHPLC-MS. Organoleptic evaluation shows that Mist Nibima is a very bitter, cloudy, broom yellow decoction with the following physicochemical parameters: pH = 6.10 ± 0.08 (at 28.3°C), total solid residue = 5.34 ± 0.27%w/v, and specific gravity = 1.0099 ± 0.0000. The total alkaloid (23.71 ± 1.311%) content of the drug is 3 times its total saponins (7.993 ± 0.067%) content. Methyl cryptolepinoate (37.10%), cryptolepine (33.56%), quindoline (20.78%), 11-isopropylcryptolepine (5.16%), and hydroxycryptolepine (3.14%) were the active chemical ingredients in the drug with the concentrations of 18.64 ± 0.255, 16.85 ± 0.231, 10.42 ± 0.143, 2.56 ± 0.034, and 1.70 ± 0.023 µg/mL, respectively. Administration of a single oral therapeutic dose (30 mL) of Mist Nibima corresponds to ingestion of 559.2 ± 7.662, 505.5 ± 6.930, 312.6 ± 4.285, 76.8 ± 1.028, and 51.0 ± 0.699 µg of methyl cryptolepinoate, cryptolepine, quindoline, 11-isopropylcryptolepine, and hydroxycryptolepine, respectively. This translates into a corresponding daily dose of 1677.6 ± 22.986, 1516.5 ± 20.790, 937.8 ± 12.855, 230.4 ± 3.084, and 153.0 ± 2.097 µg of methyl cryptolepinoate, cryptolepine, quindoline, 11-isopropylcryptolepine, and hydroxycryptolepine. These results could now serve as tools for authentication, standardization, and quality control of Mist Nibima to ensure its chemical and pharmacological consistency and safety.

Cardiovascular diseases are a public health burden for developing countries like Ghana. Scientifically validated herbal medicines are viable options in the prevention and treatment of such conditions. In this study, a randomised controlled trial involving 15 healthy subjects identified with hyperlipidaemia was undertaken. Treatment comprised a traditional Ghanaian herbal formulation prepared from the leaves and twines of Momordica charantia (MCP-1) with a standard dietary guideline. A control group was managed using a standard dietary guideline alone. In all, 15 subjects completed the study: MCP-1 had 10 subjects and 5 subjects in the control group. At the termination of the trial after 8 weeks, reduction in lipoprotein values were recorded for all participants. In the MCP-1 group, triglycerides reduced by 3.46 % compared to 3.37 % for the control while total cholesterol was also reduced by 9.78 % and 9.43 % in the MCP-1 and control groups respectively. High density lipoproteins (HDL) levels increased by 6.92 % for MCP-1 and 3.92 % for the control group. However, these changes were not statistically significant except in the instance of the low-density lipoproteins (LDL-c; CI: -41.24 to -19.76) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-c; CI: -26.87 to -8.192). Changes to other disease indices such as blood pressure (BP), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and body mass index (BMI) were also not different between the 2 groups. MCP-1 was well tolerated among the subjects and was shown to be safe from the biochemical and haematological indicators. The product, MCP-1 has therefore been shown to be a safe and prospective anti-lipidaemic agent.

Peptic ulcer disease affects many people globally. With the increasing resistance to some orthodox antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Metronidazole, it is important that new acceptable, safer and effective therapies are developed to manage this disease. Various herbal medicines have been used traditionally for the remedy of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), however scientific information with regards to their anti-peptic ulcer both in-vivo and in-vitro as well as clinical studies supporting their use is still inadequate. The Centre for Plant Medicine Research, (CPMR) Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana manufactures three herbal Products namely Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules which are currently used for the remedy of PUD as a triple therapy at its out-patient clinic with promising effects. The aim of this review is to gather information from literature on the anti-ulcer properties, pharmacological, phytochemical constituents and related activities of herbal plants used at the CPMR for formulation of the triple herbal therapy. This review may, provide some scientific bases for the use of Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules in the management of Peptic ulcer at the CPMR out-patient clinic.MethodsOrganization for the review involved the on and/or offline search for information from available literature using electronic data and scientific research information resources such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google scholar.ResultsIn this review, fifteen ethno-medicinal plants used for the formulation of Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK capsules have been discussed, presenting the description of the plants, composition and pharmacological activity.InterpretationTables with the summary of reviewed medicinal plants with their anti-ulcer models and inference on possible mechanisms of action were drawn up. The mechanism(s) of action of individual plants and products (Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules) must be further investigated and established experimentally in-vitro in addition to in-vivo pharmacological and clinical activity studies to confirm their use in the remedy of PUD.

In Ghana, the encapsulated blend of the powdered stem and root bark of Cassia sieberiana is prescribed and dispensed to patients at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), for the management of dysmenorrhea and gastric ulcer pain. This current formulation has significant challenges in manufacturing and optimization of therapeutic outcomes due to lack of standardization of actual quantities of the extracts obtained from ingestion of the product. The study sought to formulate and evaluate capsules of Cassia sieberiana using the stem and root bark. Extraction was undertaken with different solvents: absolute ethanol (F1) and 70% ethanol (F2). These 2 formulations were compared to the existing product (MP1) by CPMR. Granules for encapsulation were prepared by wet granulation and their flow properties compared with MP1. Drug-excipient compatibility was studied using FT-IR, TLC and UV. Quality control tests on MP1, F1 and F2 capsules were conducted using pharmacopoieal methods. From the results obtained, organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the extracts demonstrated its suitability for use in oral capsule formulation. MP1, F1 and F2 recorded a λmax of 278 nm, 278 nm and 276 nm, respectively. The extract per dose of capsules was found to be 27.84 ± 0.11 mg and 36.65 ± 0.03 mg for F1 and F2, respectively. Granules of F1 and F2 had good flow properties whereas MP1 demonstrated a fair flow property. FT-IR spectra showed possible interaction between extracts and excipients. However, TLC results indicated similar compounds present in the extracts and granules. The UV marker analysis also indicated no interaction since the percentage drug contents in F1 and F2 capsules were found to be 98.0% ± 1.40 and 98.90% ± 2.80 respectively. All 3 formulations passed the disintegration and uniformity of weight tests except MP1 which failed the latter. F1 capsules recorded the highest dissolution efficiency (99%) while MP1 recorded the lowest (22%). There was significant difference (p < 0.0001) in the release of Cassia sieberiana among the three formulations. This study has demonstrated the potential replacement of Cassia sieberiana capsules on the market with capsules developed from its extract with F1 capsules being the most desirable.

BACKGROUND AND AIM:Most developing countries resort to medicinal plants for treating diseases, but few of these have scientific backing for their use. The aim of the study was to validate traditional use of Morinda lucida leaves in treating inflammation and determine the mechanism of action. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:Effect of hydroethanolic leaf extract of M. lucida (HEML) on localized inflammation was evaluated using rat paw edema presented by sub-planter injections of λ-carrageenan, histamine or serotonin in separate experiments. Systemic inflammation was evaluated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hyperthermia. Antioxidant activity of HEML was also evaluated using the free-radical scavenging assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:No mortalities were recorded in acute toxicity assay after administering 5000 mg/kg HEML to rats. It showed very good activity against localized and systemic inflammation in inverse dose-dependent manner and caused reduction in nitric oxide and prostaglandin E-2 levels by affecting expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, but not cyclooxygenases-2 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. HEML reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrotic factor, but elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in vitro. HEML contains saponins, reducing sugars, polyphenols and flavonoids and showed antioxidant activity with EC50 = 0.6415 ± 0.0027 mg/ml. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that HEML possesses anti-inflammatory activity, possibly through modulation of production of early/late phase inflammation mediators.

Evidence based use of herbal medicines has a positive implication for both users and society. In this study, component plant materials of a traditional Ghanaian polyherbal skin product comprising Eugenia caryophyllata, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Tridax procumbens, Psidium guajava and Alchornea cordifolia and used in the management of superficial skin infections was evaluated to establish their contribution to the overall therapeutic activity of the product. Each of the five (5) plants was subjected to an in vitro antimicrobial assay using the microtitre broth technique followed by an interactive combination assay for plants demonstrating noteworthy antimicrobial activity (MIC ≤ 1.0 mg/ml). Test strains included Staphyloccocus aureus, Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccusum and Microsporum canis . Eugenia caryophyllata, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Alchornea cordifolia showed better activity than Psidium guajava, Tridax procumbens and the Total Crude Extract (combination of the 5 extracts). The binary combination of Eugenia caryophyllata and Alchornea cordifolia indicated synergistic and additive activity against all the test strains. An improved biological activity was also observed when a mixture of the two (2) plants at a ratio of Eugenia caryophyllata 60 % ( w / w ) and Alchornea cordifolia 40 % ( w / w ) was assayed. A follow up pilot clinical study established that this new recipe was clinically effective but of lower therapeutic effect compared to the original product. In conclusion, the original formulation of the product may be preferred because of the shorter duration of treatment which reduces the risk of harms and cost of treatment.

The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases including malaria is a common practice in Ghanaian traditional medicine.The objective of this study is to document indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria through ethno-botanical studies to facilitate the discovery of new sources of drugs.The study was carried out in 2018 at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) among 36 registered herbalists of the Ghana Federation of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (GHAFTRAM).Data was collected based on oral interview with each of the 36 registered herbalists with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire.Only data from willing respondents were documented after obtaining their consent to participate in the study.42 different plant species belonging to 27 families were identified as being used by GHAFTRAM herbalists in treating malaria.Among the various plant parts used, the leaves were the most reported (41%), and all of the medicinal preparations were decoctions prepared by boiling the plant parts.About 93% of the herbalists collected plants from the wild, whereas the 7% were collected from their immediate surroundings (within 100 m of their homes).Major threats to the continues availability of medicinal species of plants as indicated by the respondents included: farming activities (40%), bushfires (33%), over-harvesting (14%), and drought (13%).Majority (56%) of the herbalists reported uprooting whole plants as their method of collecting medicinal plant parts.The results of the study suggest a need for conservation and sustainable harvesting strategies to conserve plant wealth in Ghana.

This chapter focuses on reviewing publications on medicinal plants used in the treatment of common diseases such as malaria, cholera, pneumonia, tuberculosis and asthma.Traditional medicine is still recognized as the preferred primary health care system in many rural communities, due to a number of reasons including affordability and effectiveness.The review concentrated on current literature on medicinal plants, highlighting on information about ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology.The search for publications on medicinal plants with scientifically proven efficacy was carried out using electronic databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, SciFinder and PubMed.In all, about 46 species of different families with potent biological and pharmacological activities were reviewed.All the plants reviewed exhibited potent activity confirming their various traditional uses and their ability to treat prevalent diseases.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate. The study aimed at validating the use of freeze-dried Croton membranaceus ethanolic root extract for BPH management. Thirty-three patients were observed before and after 3-month administration of 20 mg t.i.d orally. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires were used. Total/free PSA (tPSA, fPSA), renal, liver function, lipid tests, and ultrasonographic imaging were performed. Thirty (30) patients (66 ± 11 years) completed the study. IPSS results showed 37% had severe, 40% moderate, and 23% mild symptoms before; 57% and 43% had moderate and mild symptoms, respectively, after treatment. IIED of patients' results showed 30% with severe, 40% moderate, 24% mild-moderate, 3% mild, and 3% no erectile dysfunction before treatment and 20% severe, 43% moderate, and 37% mild-moderate dysfunction, after treatment. Quality of life (QoL) improved (P = 0.001). Significant but non-pathological increases in total and indirect bilirubin as well as apolipoprotein A occurred. Mean tPSA reduced from 27.9 ± 19.0 to 16.2 ± 11.8 ng/mL (P = 0.002); fPSA from 6.1 ± 4.8 to 3.9 ± 2.9 ng/mL (P = 0.045); and prostate volume from 101.8 ± 41.3 to 54.5 ± 24.8 cm(3) (P = 0.023). C. membranaceus shrinks the prostate and improves QoL.

Medicinal plants are key in the treatment of malaria in many developing countries. This study reports on the effectiveness of Mist Nibima, a Ghanaian herbal product from the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem. The product is a proprietary remedy prepared from the roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. A non-comparative open label study was undertaken involving 33 subjects diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria. Mean parasitaemia at baseline was 3454 (± 2507) declining to 64.11 (± 66.16) after 7 days. In terms of the achievement of the primary outcome, 24 (72.72%) subjects had total parasite clearance with the other 9 (27.27%) attaining partial clearance by Day 7. No treatment failure and parasite recrudescence was also observed among the study subjects. The product Mist Nibima was also well tolerated and shown to safe as biochemical and haematological indices were normal post treatment. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and herbal products formulated from the plant may therefore hold some potential for use as a first-line antimalarial agents.