George Asumeng Koffuor

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of pterygota macrocarpa and cola gigantea (sterculiaceae)

Pterygota macrocarpa and Cola gigantea are African medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of sores, skin infections, and other inflammatory conditions including pains. This study therefore aims at investigating the antimicrobial properties of ethanol leaf and stem bark extracts of P. macrocarpa and C. gigantea using the agar diffusion and the micro-dilution techniques and also determining the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts of these plants in carrageenan-induced foot edema in seven-day old chicks. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both ethanol leaf and bark extracts of P. macrocarpa against the test organisms was from 0.125 to 2.55 mg/mL and that of C. gigantea extracts was 0.125 to 2.75 mg/mL. Extracts with concentration of 50 mg/mL were most active against the test organisms according to the agar diffusion method. All the extracts of P. macrocarpa and C. gigantea at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg body weight except ethanol leaf extract of C. gigantea exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects (P ≤ 0.001).

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Funtumia elastica

Context: Funtumia elastica (Preuss) Stapf. (Apocynaceae) has a long ethnopharmacological history for uses such as treatment of whooping cough, asthma, blennorhea, painful menstruation, fungal infections, and wounds. Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanol extracts from the leaves and stem bark of Funtumia elastica based on its ethnopharmacological uses and also determine the secondary metabolites present in the extracts. Materials and methods: The antimicrobial activities of ethanol leaf and bark extracts of F. elastica were determined using the microdilution technique (MIC determination) and agar diffusion method using 10, 25, and 50 mg/mL concentrations against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger as test organisms. Anti-inflammatory activities of the doses of extracts at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg per body weight were determined by carrageenan-induced edema in the footpad of 7-day-old chicks and the foot volumes measured at hourly interval post-treatment for 5 h. Results: The MIC ranges of both ethanol leaf and bark extracts against the test organisms were 125 (lowest MIC) to1550 µg/mL (highest MIC) and 125 (lowest MIC) to 1750 µg/mL (highest MIC), respectively. The ethanol leaf and bark extract of F. elastica showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (p ≤ 0.001) at 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that F. elastica bark contains hydrolysable tannins, sapogenetic glycosides, steroids and saponins while the leaves contain hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, starch and alkaloids. Tannin contents of the leaf and stem bark were 2.4 and 1.3% w/w (related to the dried material), respectively. Discussion and conclusion: Both ethanol leaf and bark extracts of F. elastica showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities and these pharmacological properties may be responsible for the ethnomedicinal uses of the leaves and stem bark of the plant.

Medication safety strategies in hospitals--a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Medication safety is an essential component of patient safety in health care delivery. Providing strategies to effectively prevent medication errors and adverse drug events in hospitals has gained international recognition. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper was to review systematically the research literature on the various interventions for providing medication safety in hospitals. METHOD Eight healthcare databases were searched for full research articles written in English. Reference lists of included studies were also searched. Research studies involving delivery of interventions in hospitals with the aim of preventing or reducing medication errors and adverse drug events were examined. RESULTS Forty-two studies were selected. Most of the studies were before and after designs without comparative control groups. Forty studies identified interventions contributing to the prevention and reduction of medication errors. Six broad types of interventions were identified: computerized physician order entry with or without clinical decision support systems, automation, computer assisted, barcode technology, pharmacist role, training and system designs. CONCLUSION Though studies have provided evidence for individual interventions, there are concerns about the extent of their effectiveness. This has implications for policy makers and clinicians to adopt multifaceted approach in providing medication safety in their hospitals.

Hypotensive effect of an aqueous extract of Heliotropium indicum Linn (Boraginaceae)

A simple, rapid, accurate and precise isocratic reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP - HPLC) method has been developed for simultaneous estimation of febuxostat and diclofenac potassium in combined dosage form by using phenomenex C18 column (statio nary phase) having dimension of 4.6 × 250 mm and particle size of 5 μm and mobile phase containing a mixtur e of 0.02 M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate buffer (adjusted to pH 7 with sodium hydroxide): acetonitrile: methanol (35:9:56 v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and detection was carried out at 290 nm. The retention times of febuxostat and diclofenac pot assium were 6.01 ± 0.02 minutes and 7.10 ± 0.02 minutes respectively. The developed method was validated as per ICH guideline for specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision , limit of detection and limit of quantification. Linearity studies for the deve loped method were found in the range of 5 to 30 μg/ml for febuxostat and 12.5 to 75 μg/ml for diclofenac potassium respectively. The accuracy of the method was studied by recovery study and found to be in the range of 98 % - 102 %. The % RSD for intraday a nd inter day precision was found less than 2. The new RP - HPLC method was successfully applied to marketed formulation of Febuxostat and Diclofenac potassium without any interference from excipients.

Error-provoking conditions in the medication use process: the case of a government hospital in Ghana.

Objective This study aimed to explore error-provoking factors prevalent in hospitals that have the potential to cause medication errors and to create awareness of the existence of medication errors. Methods A total of 200 medical folders of in-patients in the health facility were randomly selected and assessed based on a checklist to record potential medication errors. The medication use process and working environment as well as drug packages and labels in the pharmacy were observed, and potential medication errors were documented. Findings Of the 162 valid in-patient folders studied, 60.5% of the patients did not receive the actual quantity of drugs they were supposed to. Illegible handwriting on medication orders and prescription were common observations in the folders studied. Look-alike medicine packages and labeling were found. The working space in the dispensary was congested, and distractions (e.g., ringing personal telephones, being called from one task to attend to another, and unnecessary conversation between personnel) were common. Conclusions This study has highlighted the vulnerability of the medication use process in the study site to medication errors. The findings may just be a tip of the iceberg; therefore, the researchers plan undertaking a multicenter study. In the absence of that, however, there is a need for a national policy on patient safety, and a national policy on incident reporting would help in determining the incidence, types, and potential causes of medication errors to improve patient safety.

Cryptolepine, an indoloquinoline alkaloid, in the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications.

Background: Effective long-term management is the key to treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. Aim: To ascertain the ability of cryptolepine (CRP) in managing DM and some associated complications. Materials and Methods: Changes in fasting blood sugar (FBS), body weight, response to thermally-induced pain, and semen quality were assessed in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with CRP (10, 30, or 100 mg/kg), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg), or normal saline (2 ml/kg) per os. Hematological profile, liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, as well as liver, kidney, and pancreas histopathological examinations were also conducted to establish possible effects of CRP treatment. Results: CRP treatment reduced (P ≤ 0.001) FBS and body weight, inhibited (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.001) the latency to tail flick or withdrawal from pain stimulus. It did not alter (P > 0.05): Hematological parameters, elevated (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.001) plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, reduced (P ≤ 0.01) plasma urea, and elevated (P ≤ 0.001) plasma creatinine associated with DM. CRP, however, reversed (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.001) DM-associated elevation (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.001) of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins, and the reduction in high-density lipoproteins. CRP (10-30 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent regeneration of β-islet cells but could not repair degenerated liver and kidney tissue. CRP worsens dose-dependently (P ≤ 0.001) reduced sperm quality associated with DM. Conclusion: CRP abolishes hyperglycemia, weight loss, cold allodynia, neuropathic pain, and hyperlipidemia as well as pancreatic β-islet cell damage associated with DM. It, however, does not improve liver and kidney damage and lowered semen quality.

Antiallergic effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Pistia stratiotes in murine model of ovalbumin-induced allergic conjunctivitis

Aim: The aim was to investigate the antiallergic effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Pistia stratiotes (ALPS) in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic conjunctivitis (AC). Materials and Methods: Prior to topical challenge (instillation of 1.5 mg OVA in 10 μL phosphate buffered saline into their conjunctival sacs) to induce AC, groups of sensitized Imprinting Control Region mice (injected IP, on day 1 and 7, with 0.2 ml solution of 100 μg OVA and 0.01 mg aluminum hydroxide in phosphate buffered saline), were treated with 5 mg/kg cetirizine, 10, 50 or 100 mg/kg of ALPS, or 2 ml/kg normal saline per os. Conjunctival redness, lid edema, tearing and lid scratching (clinical symptoms of AC) were scored. Serum OVA specific immunoglobulins were determined using ELISA. Histopathological assessment of the conjunctival mucosal tissue was conducted. The extract was screened for secondary plant metabolites. Results: Pretreatment with the extract significantly (P ≤ 0.05–0.01) and dose-dependently reduced the scores for clinical symptoms, which were marked in vehicle-pretreated mice. Pretreatment also lowered (P ≤ 0.01–0.001) serum OVA specific immunoglobulins. Mast cell infiltration and degranulation in conjunctival stroma (measured by an inflammatory score) in histopathological studies was also significantly low (P ≤ 0.05–0.01) on pretreatment. Conclusion: The ALPS exhibited interesting antiallergic activity and hence could be useful in managing AC.

Safety Evaluation of Honey from Jatropha Curcas Nectar and its Implication for Honey Production in Ghana

Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant documented to have an interesting toxicity profile however; bees produce honey from the nectar of its flowers in a Jatropha curcas plantation in the Yeji municipality of the Brong- Ahafo Region of Ghana. This study therefore is aimed at ascertaining the safety for consumption of honey produced from the J. curcas plant. Grouped Sprague-Dawley rats administered orally with single doses of this honey (300-1500 mg/kg) were observed critically for 24 h in an acute toxicity study. Cage-side observation, hematological profile, liver and kidney function tests, and body and organ weight monitoring were also carried out on grouped rats given 300-800 mg/kg of honey daily for 30 days in a sub-chronic toxicity test. Results indicated no physical, clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity, morbidity, and mortality after acute and prolonged administration of the honey. Subchronic toxicity studies revealed no significant changes (p>0.05) in body weight and organ weight (stomach, heart, and kidney), hematological parameters, liver and kidney function. There was however a dose-dependent increase (p ≤ 0.05-0.01) in aspartate transaminase, and significant increments in liver weight at all treatment doses. Histopathological studies of stomach, heart, kidney and liver showed normal architecture with no pathologies. Honey produced from Jatropha curcas flower nectar would be deemed safe for consumption as it did not show significant toxicity symptoms in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Anti-Cataract Potential of Heliotropium indicum Linn on Galactose-Induced Cataract in Sprague-Dawley Rats

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the anti-cataract potential of an aqueous whole plant extract of Heliotropium indicum (HIE) on galactose-induced cataract in Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and methods: Cataract scores were recorded in 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats in which cataract was being induced by an oral administration of 1500 mgkg−1 galactose twice daily for 4 weeks, and concurrently being treated with 30, 100, or 300 mgkg−1 HIE daily over the induction period. Fasting blood glucose was monitored at weekly intervals. Changes in body weight as well as total lens protein, lens glutathione, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined initially, and at the end of the experimental period. Crystalline lens weight-to-body-weight ratio was also determined for the various treatment groups at the end of the experimental period. Preliminary phytochemical screening, total antioxidant capacity, and reducing power assays were conducted on HIE. Results: The 30 and 100 mgkg−1 HIE-treated rats recorded significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05–0.001) cataract scores (indicating very significant delays in cataractogenesis by the 3rd and 4th weeks of treatment) and blood glucose levels. Rats with delayed cataractogenesis also exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05–0.001) weight gain, and reduction in lens weight. Total lens proteins glutathione and SOD levels in the crystalline lens were also significantly preserved (p ≤ 0.01–0.001). HIE showed substantial antioxidant capacity and reducing power. Conclusion: The aqueous whole plant extract of Heliotropium indicum delays cataractogenesis at an optimum dose of 30 mgkg−1 in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Anti-anaphylactic effects of Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn.) J. J. De Wilde extracts on rodent models of anaphylaxis

Effects of petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts of Trichilia monadelpha stem bark (PEE and EAE) on compound 48/80-induced systemic and passive anaphylaxis were determined. Survival rate, extravasation, degranulation of mast cells, and secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured after pre-treatment with extracts (10-100 mg/kg) and disodium chromoglycate (2.5-250 µg/kg) and induction of anaphylaxis in C57BL/6 mice or Sprague-Dawley rats with compound 48/80. Histopathological assessments were made from skin biopsies of rats. Data was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier Survival Log-Rank Analysis, or One-way ANOVA and Holm-Sidak′s post hoc test. PEE and EAE inhibited (P ≤ 0.0001) tremors in systemic anaphylaxis passive cutaneous anaphylactic reactions and extravasation, stabilized or prevented (P ≤ 0.001-0.0001) mast cell degranulation, and inhibited (P ≤ 0.001-0.0001) TNF-α and IL-6 secretion. Per the findings, PEE and EAE of T. monadelpha have exhibited substantial anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory property (with PEE performing better) which substantiates its use traditionally in management of allergies and other inflammatory disorders .