Alex Asase

An ethnopharmacological survey and in vitro confirmation of ethnopharmacological use of medicinal plants used for wound healing in Bosomtwi-Atwima-Kwanwoma area, Ghana.

AIMS OF THE STUDY Wounds represent a major health burden and drain on healthcare resources in the world including Ghana and Africa. The majority of the people of Ghana and Africa still patronize traditional medicine for their health needs including various forms of wounds. The aim of this study is the identification of medicinal plants, type of wounds, dosage forms and collection methods used traditionally in treating wounds in the Bosomtwi-Atwima-Kwanwoma district, Ghana. In vitro screening of selected extracts from these plants on cell physiology of human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes was to be performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Validated questionnaires were administered to 78 traditional healers in 54 communities of the district. Interviews and structured conversations were used to administer the questionnaires. Selected herbal material dominantly used by the healers was collected, identified and aqueous and ethanolic extracts were investigated in vitro on influence on cell physiology of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts (MTT-, BrdU-, LDH-assay). Antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts were determined by free radical scavenging activity. Antiadhesive activity against Helicobacter pylori on human stomach cells was investigated for extracts reported to be used for stomach ulcer treatment. RESULTS The ethnopharmacological survey revealed 104 plants species belonging to 47 families. The detailed use of these plants is documented. Aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus muellerianus, Pycnanthus angolensis and Combretum smeathmanni influenced the mitochondrial activity and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes significantly. Ethanolic extracts of selected plants exhibited strong antioxidant activities comparable to alpha-tocopherol. For Spathodea campanulata, Hoslundia opposita and Pycnanthus angolensis, which were reported by the healers to be used also for wound healing in case of stomach ulcers, strong antiadhesive activity against Helicobacter pylori was demonstrated, while the extracts did not exhibit any direct cytotoxicity against the bacterium. CONCLUSIONS Traditional use of many wound-healing plants from Ghana can be well rationalized by the in vitro investigation of aqueous extracts. E.g. extracts of Phyllanthus muellerianus, Pycnanthus angolensis and Combretum smeathmanni exhibited significant influence on the cell viability and proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

Traditional antimalarial phytotherapy remedies in herbal markets in southern Ghana.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Although traditional antimalarial plant remedies in herbal markets are a very important component of the health care system in Ghana this has not been previously studied to allow for the formulation of effective strategy for malaria control in Ghana. AIM OF STUDY The main objective of the present study was to collect and analyse data on the antimalarial plant remedies in herbal markets in southern Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS Herborists were interviewed using a validated questionnaire and species of plants were identified using a combination of field photo guides, local names and voucher specimens. RESULTS A total of 71 herborists (95.8% female) were interviewed. There were potential correlations between different parameters and variables such as ethnic groups, type of vendor and age-groups. The study revealed 29 species of plants belonging to 22 families being sold for the treatment of malaria. The detailed use of these plants is documented. The most frequently mentioned species of plants were Morinda lucida Benth., Indigofera sp. and Nauclea latifolia Sm. The majority (82.8%) of the plant materials were sold in the dried state and 6.9% were sold in fresh state. About 76.2% of the herbal remedies were sold throughout the year while 23.8% were scarce in the dry season. The cost of treatment of malaria using the herbal remedies ranged from 1 to 2 United States Dollars (USD). CONCLUSION Standardization of names and authentication of plant materials using organoleptic, phytochemical and DNA barcoding techniques as well as further research on efficacy, safety and dosage prescriptions for both fresh and dried plant materials being sold for the treatment of malaria in southern Ghana are needed.

Chemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants from Ghana: Cassia sieberiana, Haematostaphis barteri, Mitragyna inermis and Pseudocedrela kotschyi

The antimicrobial activity of the sequential n‐hexane, acetone and 50% aqueous methanol extracts of leaves, stem bark and roots of four species of medicinal plants, Cassia sieberiana DC. (Leguminosae), Haematostaphis barteri Hook. f. (Anacardiaceae), Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) O. Kuntze (Rubiaceae) and Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms (Meliaceae), from Ghana were tested against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas syringae and Cladosporium herbarum using TLC direct‐autobiographic methods. Extracts from leaves, stem bark and roots of the four species gave a positive result against at least one test organism. Twelve of the 36 extracts were active against B. subtilis, four extracts were active against P. syringae and six were active against C. herbarum. Preliminary chemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, stilbenes and alkaloids. This is the first report of a stilbene from the Anacardiaceae. Copyright

Uses of multiple plants prescriptions for treatment of malaria by some communities in southern Ghana.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE To investigate the uses of medicinal plants for management of malaria by the communities around Kakum National Park in southern Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were obtained through questionnaire interviews with seven herbalists using standard ethnobotanical methods and voucher specimens where obtained of all the species used to treat malaria. RESULTS A total of 33 species in 21 plant families were identified as being used. Over 75% of the species of plants were used in combinations with one to eight other plant species for the management of malaria. CONCLUSION The study has shown that multiple plants prescriptions are most commonly used for the management of malaria in the study area. This makes it very complex to standardise and monitor the uses of the plants let alone further our understanding of the active compounds in any one species.

An ethnopharmacological survey and in vitro confirmation of the ethnopharmacological use of medicinal plants as anthelmintic remedies in the Ashanti region, in the central part of Ghana

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Infections with helminths are still a big problem in many parts of the world. The majority of the people in West Africa treat such infections with medicinal plants related to the local traditional medicine. The present study aims at identifying medicinal plants traditionally used for worm infections in the Ashanti region, Ghana. In vitro screening of selected extracts from plants on which scientific knowledge is limited was to be performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Validated questionnaires were administered to 50 traditional healers in the Ashanti region, Ghana. Interviews and structured conversations were used to obtain relevant information. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation was performed additionally to structured cross-referencing of the data using SciFinder(®) data base. Selected plant species were used for in vitro testing on anthelmintic activity against the free-living model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. RESULTS 35 plant species were recorded for the use in humans and 6 for the use in animals. Plant material most frequently used were the seeds from Carica papaya, mentioned by nearly all healers. The plausibility of most plants used for treatment of infections with helminths was given in most cases by documentation of potential anthelmintic activity in recent scientific literature. 9 species from plants not or scarcely described in literature for this indication were investigated on in vitro activity. A hydroethanolic (1:1) extract of Combretum mucronatum was most active with a survival rate of nematodes of 89% at 0.1mg/mL and 58% at 1mg/mL respectively (levamisole 16%). Extracts of Paullinia pinnata and Phyllanthus urinaria were also assessed to exhibit a minor (85% and 89% respectively at 1mg/mL), but still significant activity. CONCLUSION Traditional use of anthelmintic plants from Ghana can be well rationalized by cross-referencing with published literature and phytochemical/pharmacological plausibility.The in vitro investigations of extracts from Combretum mucronatum, Paullinia pinnata and Phyllanthus urinaria exhibited significant effects against nematodes. The anthelmintic activity of these plants should be investigated in detail for pinpointing the respective lead structures responsible for the activity.

Ethnopharmacological use of plants by Sisala traditional healers in northwest Ghana

Context and objective: The Sisala traditional healers of northwest Ghana have a rich ethnomedical tradition. The purpose of this study was to collect and analyse data on medicinal plants commonly used by Sisala traditional healers. Methods: A total of 30 traditional healers were interviewed using a mixture of open- and closed-ended questionnaires after obtaining prior-informed consent. Plant materials of each species of medicinal plant mentioned being used were collected and processed as voucher specimens following standard ethnobotanical methods. Results: The majority (65%) of traditional healers were males, age ≥ 38, and their knowledge about medicinal plants was acquired orally largely from their parents (81.3%). A total of 35 species of plants were reported used to treat 24 diseases. Most (55%) of the plant materials were harvested from the bush and about half (54.8%) of the healers collected plant materials in the morning. Leaf (20%) and root (17.5%) plant materials were most commonly used in the preparation of 27 herbal remedies for treatments. The modes of administration of the herbal remedies were both through internal and external routes. Conclusion: The results of this study show that Sisala traditional healers possess rich traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and new therapeutic use claims for 34 medicinal plants used in Ghana and widely within Africa are documented for the first time.

Linkages between tree diversity and carbon stocks in unlogged and logged West African tropical forests

Understanding the long-term effects of logging disturbances on the linkages between tree diversity and carbon stocks is important for conservation efforts and mitigation of global climate change. This study was carried out in unlogged and 14–29 years post-logged forests in the Bia Conservation Area in southwest Ghana. The study results showed that both large (diameter at breast height or dbh ≥ 10 cm) and smaller (dbh ≤ 10 cm but ≥5 cm) tree diversity increased significantly in logged forest compared with unlogged forest while tree dominance was similar between the two land-use types. Tree species guild composition was significantly different due to the higher proportion of pioneer species of large trees in logged forest and shade bearer species of smaller trees in the unlogged forest. Total mean carbon stock was 322.8 Mg C per ha [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 191.6–443.8] for logged forest and 211.2 Mg C per ha (95% CI: 196.9–228.0) for unlogged forest, although no significant difference was detected (p > 0.05). There was a significant interaction (p < 0.01) between ecological guilds and land use types in total tree-stored carbon stocks. The results of the study showed that logging has comparatively long-term effects on tree diversity while its effect on carbon stocks might only be short term. The findings from this study underscore the need for more comparative data from other areas in West Africa.

Effects of selective logging on tree diversity and some soil characteristics in a tropical forest in southwest Ghana

We investigated the effects of selective logging disturbances on tree diversity and soil characteristics in the Bia Conservation Area in southwest Ghana. The study was conducted in unlogged, 29–35 years post-logged and swamp forests using ten 25 m × 25 m plots. In total, we identified 310 individual trees belonging to 87 species. Mean Shannon-Weiner index was highest in the post-logged forest but there were no significant differences in tree density, dominance, or DBH size class distributions between these forests. Soil physical properties such as pH and bulk density up to 30 cm depth were similar in the two of forests In terms of soil nutrient status, available P, exchangeable K and total N contents were all similar in the unlogged and post-logged forests. Our findings suggest that the effects of logging on tree diversity are comparatively long-term, in contrast to its short-term effects on some top soil physical and chemical characteristics.

Plants Used for Treatment of Malaria in Communities Around the Bobiri Forest Reserve in Ghana

The study collected and analyzed information on the diversity of plants used for the treatment of malaria in communities living near the Bobiri Forest Reserve in Ghana, using a structured questionnaire to interview 150 individuals. Forty-two plant species belonging to 27 families were identified as being used locally in treating malaria. The plant leaves were the most commonly used plant part, and the majority (92.9%) of the medicinal preparations were decoctions obtained by boiling the plant parts. About 75% of the people collected plants for treatment of malaria from their immediate surroundings (within 100 m of their homes), whereas the others were collected in the wild. Respondents indicated as major threats to the medicinal species of plants: drought (49.3%) followed by farming (15.7%), over-harvesting (13%), and brush fires (11%). The results of the study suggest a need for conservation and sustainable harvesting strategies.

Tree diversity, carbon stocks, and soil nutrients in cocoa-dominated and mixed food crops agroforestry systems compared to natural forest in southeast Ghana

ABSTRACT The importance of different agroforestry systems in conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated tree diversity, carbon stocks, and major soil nutrients in cocoa-dominated and mixed food crops agroforests compared to a natural forest in southern Ghana. Significant decreases in tree species diversity and dominance and carbon stocks in the agroforestry systems compared to natural forest were recorded. The magnitude of carbon stocks declined from natural forest through cocoa-dominated agroforest to mixed food crops agroforest. Soil nitrogen content was greatest in cocoa-dominated agroforest and least in natural forest whereas phosphorus was greatest in natural forest and least in cocoa-dominated agroforest. However, potassium in soil did not vary significantly with land use. The results suggest that, though a poor substitute for natural forest, both cocoa-dominated agroforest and mixed food crops agroforest contained significant levels of tree diversity, carbon stocks and soil nutrients but their value as potential replacements for the natural forest differ. There are implications of the findings of the study for sustainable management of tropical agricultural production landscapes as well as planning carbon projects for mitigation of global climate change.