Problem considered Hypertension may be caused by disruption of thyroid hormone production linked to contamination by chemical pollutants. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of thyroid hormone disturbances in hypertensive patients of Zou department in central Benin, and to see the link with the contamination of cereals and meals with pyrethroid pesticides and phthalates. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, involving 80 hypertensive farming patients and 80 hypertensive non farming patients. Median ages were 47.9 +/- 12 years among farmers and 52.1 +/- 9.9 years among non farmers. The various biological parameters were measured in the blood of the participants. Pyrethroids and phthalates were measured in cereals and meals using a chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. Results The prevalence of thyrotropic hormone (TSH) dysregulation in our study population was 31.3 % with a predominance in hypertensive farming patients (p<0,05). An abnormally low level of thyroid hormone T3 was found in 53.33 % of farming patients and in 46.66 % of non farming patients. Hypertensive farming patients had abnormally high levels of uric acids compared to hypertensive non farming patients (p<0,05). Corn and bean seeds did not show traces of pyrethroid pesticides. However the dosage of phthalates in meals cooked with plastic packaging showed a very high concentration of Di-n-octyl phthalate. Conclusion The disturbances in thyroid hormone production observed in our study population could be linked to chemical compounds, but this remains to be confirmed by measuring exposure biomarkers in the blood of patients.

The heavy use of chemicals, pesticides, cosmetics and plastic packaging coincides with a resurgence of cardiovascular disease, in particular hypertension, which is affecting younger and younger populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive farmers compared with hypertensive non farmers. This was a prospective case-control study that included 239 hypertensive farmers and non farmers aged 25 to 65 with blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg. Hypertensive farmers (101) represented 42.25% of the population versus hypertensive non farmers (138) 57.74%. The median ages were 47 ± 11.3 years for farmers and 51.45 ± 9.77 years for non farmers. Biochemical analysisand screening for major cardiovascular disease risk factors such as metabolic syndrome were performed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the new definition of the International Diabetes Federation. Our results revealed higher blood glucose levels in farmers (47.77%) than in non farmers (27.20%) (p = 0.0132). Dyslipidemia was more frequent in non farmerswith high level of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. Farmers presented a high level of tryglycerides. The prevalence of obesity was higher in non farmers 51 (36.96%) than farmers 18 (17.82%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 106 (44.35%) in our study population. There was not an important difference between farmers (39.60%) and non farmers (47.82%). However, the variation of metabolic syndrome according to age and sex showed a higher prevalence in young male farmers aged 25 to 45 whereas non farmers presented an increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to age and the absence of metabolic syndrome between age 25 and 35. Our results showed that the cardiovascular risk appeared early in young farmers compared with non farmers suggesting a possible role of pesticides in the onset of this risk.

The aim of this study is to investigate the Sub-Saharan Africa air pollution in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Benin by studying fines particles PM2.5 and to bring out their physicochemical characteristics in order to have a better knowledge on the African air pollution. Though these countries don’t share the same borders, their urban environments reveal similarities as regards higher concentrations of PM2.5. Likewise, similar repartitions of trace elements were recorded in the three countries. The ratio of specific surface area to the proportion of 2.5 µm fraction was 0.1 in the three countries. This ratio could be used to investigate African urban air. Moreover, xylene/ethylbenzene ratio was very high (11.1 in Senegal and 4.2 in Benin). This suggests a high photochemical reactivity attributable to the greatest presence of ozone in atmosphere. All results indicated that its main cause is traffic emission. Others studies in African cities are necessary in order to exclude the possible industrial dust and soil influence. Keywords: Air pollution, Particulate matter, Sub-Saharan Africa, Physicochemical characterization, Diagnostic ratio

In Benin as in the African sub-region, the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the threats they represent constitute a major public health problem which hinders their economic and social development. NCDs kill 36 million people each year and 80% of deaths occur in developing countries, including Benin. The objective of our work is to evaluate the acute, subacute toxicity and the anti-hyperglycemic activity of five plants listed through an ethno pharmacological survey which is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Benin. The acute toxicity test was conducted on male and female wistar rats at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. The subacute toxicity test was carried out over a period of 28 days, with 6 batches of 3 rats. Batch 1 received daily 1 ml/100 g of distilled water and batches 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively the leaf extracts of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. Ex-Wendel; Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. Ex G. Don; Mangifera indica L.; Saccharum officinarum L.; And Annona muricata L. at a daily dose of 200mg/kg per day for 28 days. Administration of the single dose of the extract did not cause any deaths. In rats treated with repeated doses of 200mg/kg for 28 days the variation in weight depends on the extracts. The level of transaminases (AST and ALT) did not vary. Plant extracts did not induce any significant change in creatinine level. All five extracts have anti-hyperglycemic activity. Our results allow us to deduce that these plants can be used to prevent and treat diabetes without the risk of hepatic and renal toxicity. Keywords: Medicinal plants; Type 2 diabetes; Toxicity; efficacy

The use of medicinal plants with antibiotic and immuno-modulating properties could constitute an alternative in the fight against antibiotic resistance.Tetrapleura tetraptera is a plant of the Fabaceae family whose fruits are used in food, cosmetics and therapy.The objective of this work was to evaluate the antibiotic properties of the ethanolic extract of the dried fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera after an infection with a clinical strain of Staphylococcus aureus.Phytochemical screening of T. tetraptera fruits was carried out by precipitation and staining reactions.The determination of total phenols was done by the colorimetric method of Folin-Ciocalteu; the determination of flavonoids by the aluminum trichloride method.Antibiotic activity was assessed by numeration of blood cells involved in the natural and specific immune response (leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes).Anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated by the presence or absence of C-reactive protein in the blood of infected rats.The results obtained were compared with those obtained in rats infected with Staphylococcus aureus and treated with Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole+Trimethoprim) 40 mg/kg.Our results showed that the fruits of T. tetraptera contained several secondary metabolites and were rich in flavonoids and total phenols.The ethanolic extract of the fruits of T tetraptera had an antibiotic activity which allowed to eliminate the infection by Staphylococcus aureus germs after 21 days and the inflammation induced by the infection after 7 days.

Background: Diabetes remains a real public health problem in the world today. Although considered a disease of rich countries, today diabetes is increasingly a major concern in developing countries and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Benin, its prevalence in 2015 was 12.4%. Objective: This work aimed to compare the secondary metabolites, the content of phenolic compounds (total phenol, flavonoid) and the antiradical power of five plants (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. Ex Wendel; Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. Ex G. Don; Mangifera indica L.; Saccharum officinarum L.; and Annona muricata L.) used in Benin by traditional healers to treat type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Secondary metabolites were identified by coloration and precipitation reactions specific to each family of metabolites. Total phenols were determined by Folin Ciocalteu method. The aluminum trichloride method has been used to quantify total flavonoids. The antiradical capacity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Results: Plants which leaves were higher in total phenols were Mangifera indica, Parkia biglobosa and Bambusa vulgaris while Annona muricata and Parkia biglobosa were the richest plants in flavonoids. The hydroethanolic extract of leaves of Bambusa vulgaris (IC50=0.28mg/mL), Parkia biglobosa (IC50=0.3mg/mL) and Mangifera indica (IC50=2.5mg/mL) showed more pronounced antiradical activity than vitamin C (IC50=3.2 mg/mL) which were synthetic antioxidant. Conclusion: Our results showed that among the five plants studied Mangifera indica, Parkia biglobosa and Bambusa vulgaris were the richest in total phenols and also those whose leaf extracts had the highest antiradical activities. These three plants could therefore be considered as potential remedies for type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are nowadays real health problems in the world.High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for CVD and is affecting more and more people in Benin.The objective of our work is to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of the leaves of five plants used for the treatment of hypertension in Benin.Acute toxicity was evaluated on wistar rats which orally administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight of hydro-ethanolic extract of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus Schumach.& Thonn., Persea americana MILL., Ipomoaea fistulosa Mart.ex Choisy., Heliotropium indicum L., Schrankia leptocarpa DC., and were monitored over a period of 14 days.Subacute toxicity was evaluated on rats which received a daily dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight of the plant leaf extract over a period of 28 days.Plant efficacy was assessed by measuring potassium in plant leaves.Administration of the single dose of the extract did not cause any deaths in rats; the weight of the rats varied depending on the extracts administered.Concerning the subacute treatment, the levels of aspartate amino transaminases (AST) and Alanine amino transaminases (AST) did not vary significantly after the 28 days of treatment with the different extracts.On the other hand, a significant increase in serum creatinine was observed in rats treated with extracts of Phyllanthus amarus.The leaves of Heliotropium indicum, Ipomoaea fistulosa and Phyllanthus amarus contain the highest levels of potassium.Among the five plants studied, only the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus seem to induce renal toxicity.Extracts from the leaves of Heliotropium indicum, Ipomoaea fistulosa might be the most effective in inducing hypotensive activity and do not show toxicity.

From the Asteraceaes family, Tridax procumbens is a wild species frequently found in fields, meadows and roadsides. It is traditionally used to treat yellow fever, typhoid fever, high blood pressure and diabetes. In this work we used the hydro-ethanolic extract of the leaves and stems of the plant and also the fractions of this extract to determine the preventive and therapeutic activities of the plant against obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The yields of the fractions obtained by decantation of the hydro-ethanolic extract are respectively 0.160% with hexane, 0.073% with dichloromethane, 0.09% with diethyl ether and 0.150% with ethyl acetate. Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia were induced in the rats submitted to a fatty and sweet diet for 28 days. Our results showed a significant increase in glycemia, weight and triglyceride level in rats that were subjected to the diet. On the other hand, the rats treated with the dose of 500 mg/kg of body weight of Tridax procumbens extract during the induction showed a reduction in weight gain and an absence of increase in blood sugar and triglyceride levels. The ethyl acetate fraction of Tridax procumbens extract administered to fatty and hyperglycemic rats at 50 mg/kg of body weight for 14 days did not induce change in the blood sugar and triglycerides level of fatty and hyperglycemic rats. If it seems obvious that the extract of Tridax procumbens prevents hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, the ethyl acetate fraction does not seem to have a therapeutic effect.

High blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases are the non communicable diseases that cause the most deaths in Africa.They affect the most disadvantaged sections of society who have no other choice but to treat themselves with plants.In the purpose of proposing to the populations an herbal medicine that can help prevent and even treat hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, we have studied the bioactive substances (secondary metabolites, vitamins and minerals) contained in three plants used by traditional healers to treat high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.Our results have shown that these plants together contain polyphenols, leucoanthocyanins, anthocyanins, triterpenoids, steroids, reducing compounds, as well as vitamins such as vitamins A, E, C, K1 and minerals like calcium, potassium, iron.These three plants together could constitute a dietary supplement whose regular intake would help prevent or treat high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Dinoderus porcellusL. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a most abundant and damageable pest of stored yam chips in West Africa. In view of the negative effects related to the use of synthetic chemical insecticide, it is important to develop alternative eco-friendly methods of control, such as the use of plant essential oils. The chemical composition and biological effects (repellent, antifeedant, contact and fumigant toxicity) of essential oils fromCymbopogon citratus(DC) Stapf andCymbopogon nardus(L.) W. Watson were evaluated for the first time againstD. porcellus. The chemical composition ofC. citratusessential oil revealed that neral (24.64%), geranial (23.46%), and beta-pinene (21.90%) were the predominant compounds whereas citronellal (37.87%), nerol (19.88%) and citronellol (9.11%) were identified inC. nardusessential oil. Data showed that both essential oils were more effective as repellents and fumigant than the commercial insecticide Actellic 50 EC. The results also revealed the low contact toxicity ofC. citratusandC. nardusessential oils againstD. porcellus. However, similarly to Actellic 50 EC,C. citratusessential oil presented good antifeedant activity againstD. porcellusand reduced yam chips weight loss. The results obtained suggest the good potential of C.citratusas both antifeedant and fumigant toxic agent againstD. porcellus. While,C. nardusessential oil could be recommended as repellent. However, further studies are required to evaluate the insecticidal activity of both Cymbopogon essential oils under farmers' storage conditions and to develop a good formulation as biopesticide.

Background: Since ancient times, invertebrates have played an important role in the traditional medicine in many parts of the world. In south-eastern Benin, more specifically in the Plateau Department, invertebrates are widely used in folk medicine. However, studies on their therapeutic use has been neglected and their magical-religious purposes are poorly understood. The present study aims to document traditional knowledge related to the use of invertebrates for medicinal and magical-religious purposes by traditional healers and indigenous people of Plateau Department. Methods: An ethno-sociological survey was conducted with 145 informants (80 traditional healers, 12 merchants of medicinal animals and 53 households) belonging to six ethnic groups, in 20 villages located in Plateau of Benin. Data were collected through the participatory rural appraisal method involving individual interviews and direct observations with semi-structured questionnaires. The collected data regarding various medicinal and magical-religious uses of invertebrates were analysed through informant consensus factor (ICF), use value (UV) and, fidelity level (FL). Results: A total of 20 families and 38 species of invertebrates, distributed among 6 taxonomic categories, were found to be used to treat 50 different ailments. Insects occupied 64.7% of the total invertebrates listed. The African earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae K. and African giant snail Achatina achatina L. had the highest use values. The highest ICF value (1.0) was cited for diseases of the blood or blood-forming organs. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the influence of ethnic groups in the diseases treated with invertebrates. The highest FL (100%) was recorded for 12 invertebrate species treating various ailments. Most of invertebrate-based remedies were associated with plant species. The mode of administration was mainly oral and topical. Most of the invertebrate drugs were traditionally collected in nature or imported, mainly from Nigeria. In addition, 7 magical-religious practices are documented. Conclusions: Our results reveal that several invertebrate species play an important role in healing practices and magical-religious rituals in the Plateau Department. We suggest further studies to confirm the presence of any bioactive compounds on invertebrate species use in traditional medicine. In addition, this study highlights the need for ecological investigations of these species, in order to develop strategies for their conservation and sustainable use.

Background: Infectious diseases are serious public health issue both in developing countries and industrialized nations. In developing countries, they are the main cause of high mortality rates. In the second group, existing resistance strains to antibiotics is developing and growing at an alarming rate. The purpose of this study was to produce data of national interest to implement sustainable control program against the spread of antimicrobial resistance strains in Benin. Methods: One hundred and ninety (190) urine samples were collected in selected hospitals in Benin from patients with urinary tract infection. After getting the informed consent from the patients, samples collections were performed under aseptic conditions and cultured for further analysis in the laboratory. The resistance profile of the bacterial strains was established. The search for beta-lactamase production by the isolates was performed using the synergy test for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cephalosporins. Mathematical modeling for predicting the development of resistance of the strains by the year 2024 was carried out employing the compartmental deterministic models. Results: Two hundred and thirty (230) strains were identified from the urine samples. Male individuals were the most affected by urinary tract infections. Individuals between the ages of 21-30 were predominantly infected. E. coli was the most isolated species (32.43%) in the urine samples, followed by K. pneumoniae (26.85%) and E. cloacae (25.92%). The susceptibility testing of isolates showed a high resistance to amoxicillin (91.82%). Whereas the lowest resistance was to imipenem (2%). The beta-lactamase was produced by 24.03% of the strains. Escherichia coli (32.43%) was the most productive of broad spectrum beta-lactamase, followed by K. pneumoniae (31.03%). The mathematical modeling revealed a rampant rise in resistance development of the strains to the tested antibiotics. Conclusions: These results provide important data for developing new preventive strategies against the evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. It therefore, further deserves a constructive advocacy so that more actions are taken against the rampant spread of antimicrobial resistance strains in our health facilities as well as in the communities.

In Africa in general and Benin in particular the population is increasingly confronted with several pathologies such as hypertension. Even though modern medicine is well developed, this population uses traditional medicine because of its low purchasing power. But the lack of mastery of the dosage and its underlying effects remain archaic parameters and deserves special attention from the scientific world from which we have chosen to reflect on Tridax procumbens in order to come up with scientific arguments favorable to the promotion of the «Plant species. The present work was carried out in order to evaluate the effect of hydroethanolic extracts on the plasma and urinary concentrations of potassium, sodium and chloride ions in Wistar rats. After the preparation of the extracts and their gavage, the extraction yield was evaluated, the level of the K +, Na +, and Clions was assayed in three batches of three male Wistar rats. Lots 2 and 3 respectively received doses of 300 mg / kg and 500 mg / kg of single-dose PC in one day, respectively. Control batch 1 received distilled water in place of the extracts. At the same time, they were placed in cages with urine sampling, for the measurement of diuresis. The extraction yield by the hydroethanolic solvent was 16.75%. Extracts at a dose of 300 mg / kg of PC induced hyperkalaemia, with no effect on serum sodium and chloraemia within two hours of administration of the extracts. The diuresis is so insignificant that we can understand that hyperkalaemia, induced bradycardia arising from hyperpolarization of the cells of the pace maker. Its hypotensive property is therefore confirmed.

Launaea taraxacifolia is a leaf vegetable consumed in several African countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Benin. It is eaten as salad, sauce and infusion to fight against certain diseases including liver diseases, diabetes and hypertension. The hydroethanolic extract of Launaea taraxacifolia leaves is rich in polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins catechists) and would have antioxidant and hypolipidaemic activities. In this work we studied the effect of the hydroethanolic extract of the plant on blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides levels in Wistar rats. We also examined the effect of treatment on liver and kidney histology of treated rats to detect possible cytotoxic effects. Three groups of five Wistar rats were used for daily treatment during 15 days. The first group of control rats received water, the second group received 300mg per kg of body weight of extract and the third group received 500mg per kg of body weight. Our results showed that the doses of the extract used have no effect on blood glucose in rats. By cons we note a significant lowering effect on cholesterol and triglycerides levels by comparing the blood lipids levels in the control and treated rats. The hepatic and renal histology showed no visible atypia. Considering the direct link between cholesterol, triglycerides and heart diseases, regular consumption of Launaea taraxacifolia leaves may help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

The hypoglycemic, hypotensive and antioxidant effects of Tridax procumbens have been fundamentally studied in India where the plant is widely used for its medicinal properties.In this work, we treated Wistar rats with two doses of leaves and stems hydroethanolic extract of Benin species of Tridax procumbens every day for 15 days.Three groups of 5 rats were formed, the first control group was treated with 1 ml of water every day, the second group was treated with 1ml of 300mg / kg body weight of extract and the third group was treated with a dose of 500mg / kg body weight every day.Histological studies of the liver and kidney of untreated and treated animals was made to check the toxicity of the extract.Our results demonstrated after 15 days of treatment that none of the doses used has a significant effect on rat blood sugar however we observed a dose dependent effect on lowering blood cholesterol levels compared to controls and a decrease of blood triglycerides levels by the dose of 300mg / kg body weight compared to controls.The two doses used were not toxic to the liver or the kidneys.Tridax procumbens hydroethanolic extract through its regulation of lipid levels in the blood of Wistar rats could fight against dyslipidemia in obese, added to its antioxidant activity the extract could prevent type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Tridax procumbens, a traditional medicinal plant, was analyzed in the present work for its antioxidant power through its free radicals scavenging capacity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and its potential anti ROS (Reactiv Oxygen Species). The phytochemical screening revealed in the leaves of Tridax procumbens the presence of various metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, phenols and mucilage and the absence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, leucoanthocyanins, anthocyans, anthraquinons and saponins. The antioxidant potential determination shows that T. procumbens has a very significant antioxidant power: IC50 = 0.17 mg/mL for DPPH test and C = 1mg / ml inhibit completely the production of ROS. Its high content of total polyphenols (11.49 mg/g EAG) and flavonoids (24.01 gm/g CE) could explain this activity. The toxicity test shows that the semi-ethanolic extract of T. procumbens is not toxic at any dose up of 10 mg / ml. This extract can be used at reasonable doses to fight against hyperlipidemia and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

Launaea taraxacifolia is a leafy vegetable of the family of Asteraceae (Compositae) found in several countries in West Africa including Ghana, Benin and Nigeria. The plant leaves are eaten either fresh as salad or cooked as sauces. They are also consumed as infusion to fight against several diseases including non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Several studies have been conducted in Ghana, Nigeria on the nutritional and medicinal values of this plant but no study has yet been conducted in Benin on the virtues of this plant. In this work we have achieved the phytochemical characterization and evaluated the cytotoxicity as well as hypolipidemic and anti-oxidant effects of the ethanol-aqueous extracts of Launaea taraxacifolia leaves. Cytotoxicity and hypolipidemic activities have been performed on HepG2 cells; the antioxidant effect has been performed on the PLB985 cells. The results showed that the ethanol-aqueous extracts of Launaea taraxacifolia leaves contained the following metabolites: catechic tannin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, mucilage and leucoanthocyanins. Only very high concentrations (>20 mg/ml) of leaves extracts are toxic for HepG2 cells. Launaea taraxacifolia leaves have significant antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities.

In hepatocytes, as in other cell types, Ca2+ signaling is subject to complex regulations, which result largely from the intrinsic characteristics of the different inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) isoforms and from their interactions with other proteins. Although sigma1 receptors (Sig-1Rs) are widely expressed in the liver, their involvement in hepatic Ca2+ signaling remains unknown. We here report that in this cell type Sig-1R interact with type 1 isoforms of the InsP3 receptors (InsP3R-1). These results obtained by immunoprecipitation experiments are confirmed by the observation that Sig-1R proteins and InsP3R-1 colocalize in hepatocytes. However, Sig-1R ligands have no effect on InsP3-induced Ca2+ release in hepatocytes. This can be explained by the rather low expression level expression of InsP3R-1. In contrast, we find that Sig-1R ligands can inhibit agonist-induced Ca2+ signaling via an inhibitory effect on InsP3 synthesis. We show that this inhibition is due to the stimulation of PKC activity by Sig-1R, resulting in the well-known down-regulation of the signaling pathway responsible for the transduction of the extracellular stimulus into InsP3 synthesis. The PKC sensitive to Sig-1R activity belongs to the family of conventional PKC, but the precise molecular mechanism of this regulation remains to be elucidated.