ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Toxicity and therapeutic applications of citrus essential oils (CEOs): a review

Citrus essential oil (CEO) is obtained from the fruit of Genus Citrus, a flowering plant shrub in the family of the Rutaceae (Eremocitrus or Microcitrus) and extensively used in food, chemical industry, and traditional medicinal treatment owing to its pleasant aroma, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties. This review presents a botanical description, distribution, traditional uses, chemical composition, bioactive components, and the therapeu tic uses as well as toxicological effects of the CEO. The objective was achieved via a comprehensive literature search of electronic databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley, ACS, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, conference proceedings, thesis, and books until 2022 for publications. Citrus essential oils and their constituents are extracted and isolated either from the fruit peels, seeds, leaves, or flowers of the citrus plants. A comparative study of the sources of CEO confirmed its origin, ethnopharmacological and therapeutic uses. Over 2000 secondary metabolites have been isolated, with the main active constituents: being terpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. A comprehensive literature review revealed vast therapeutic benefits of CEO. Incomplete data report on in vitro and in vivo trials especially, on dosage, positive and negative control groups, intervention time, toxicity studies, phytochemical profiling, and clinical trials seem to be a knowledge gap.

Source: UG
Toxicity of Jatropha Seed Oil to Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and its Parasitoid, Dinarmus basalis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

The susceptibility of C. maculatus and D. basalis to Jatropha seed oil was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The adults of C. maculatus and D. basalis had the same susceptibility to Jatropha seed oil but the parasitoid was relatively more susceptible than its host at all treatment levels. The oil was also repellent to C. maculatus but its persistency declined from 15 to 60 days in storage. The eggs of C. maculatus were comparatively more susceptible to the Jatropha seed oil than those of the parasitoid due to the protection afforded by the grain. However, the larvae and pupae of C. maculatus showed a relatively lower susceptibility to the oil. It is possible to incorporate the oil in a well designed pest management programme taking advantage of the short persistency of the oil on grains and its relatively ineffectiveness against the C. maculatus pupae developing inside the grain.

Source: UG
Toxicity of palm oil to eggs and larvae of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) on stored cowpea

A commercially produced palm oil brand, Palmin oil, was evaluated for its effect on eggs and larvae of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Application of 1 μl of the oil on eggs deposited on 10 cowpea seeds, or directly on larvae growing inside seeds resulted in their death. Embryo mortality occurred only when the oil was placed at the anterior end of the egg. The nutritive content of cowpea seeds treated with Palmin oil remained unchanged. Furthermore, the oil did not go rancid following six months of storage. © 2002 ICIPE.

Source: UG
Toxicity potentials of the nutraceutical Moringa oleifera at supra-supplementation levels.

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Toxicity, deficiency and dysmetabolism of trace elements in Ghanaian clinically stable schizophrenics

AIM: The purpose of the study was to determine the levels of Copper (Cu), selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb) and Lithium (Li) in patients in Accra and Pantang Psychiatric Hospitals in Ghana since no data exist. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Simple random sampling of age-matched subjects was used to recruit 81 schizophrenics and 25 mentally healthy controls in 2012. Serum levels of Cu, Se, Zn, Pb and Li were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). RESULTS: Mean levels were as follows: Cut 766 ± 250 μg/L and Cuc 855 ± 270 μg/L (p = 0.168). Set 149 ± 72 μg/L and Sec 108 ± 61 μg/L (p=0.009). Znt 702 ± 438 μg/L and Znc 1007 ± 593 μg/L (p = 0.028). Pbt 1.38 ± 0.05 μg/L and Pbc 0.10 ± 0.05 μg/L (p = 0.000). Li levels for the test group (Lit) was 4077 ± 2567 μg/L, whiles that of the controls was undetectable &lt; 0.02 μg/L. Se, Pb and Li levels were significantly higher in schizophrenic patients compared to controls. While Zn and Cu levels were lower in the same group. CONCLUSION: Trace elements dysmetabolism exist among Ghanaian schizophrenics and monitoring is essential to avoid the adverse effects of metal overload or deficiency. © 2014 Asare et al.

Source: UG
Toxicity, growth regulatory and repellent activities of medicinal plant extracts on Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidea)

Housefly, Musca domestica, is a major vector for many medical and veterinary pathogenic organisms. The development of naturally occurring insecticides, represent one of the most promising approaches for their ecochemical control. Petroleum-ether extracts of Griffonia simplicifolia and Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides were assessed for their toxicity, growth regulatory and repellency to the housefly. Percent mortality and index of repellency induced by the extracts against the insects were found to be dose-dependent. Seed extracts of G. simplicifolia and root extracts of Z. xanthoxyloides were the most effective as toxicants and repellents against the fly. The LD 50 in 24 h topical application of seed extracts of G. simplicifolia and root extracts of Z. xanthoxyloides were 0.28 and 0.35 μg, respectively. Seed extracts of G. simplicifolia evoked a very strong regulatory effect against the second larval instar of the housefly. The RD50 of crude extracts of G. simplicifolia and Z. xanthoxyloides against housefly ranged from 1.0 to 6.8 and 1.3 to 1.7 μg cm-2, respectively. Extracts of the two plant species may be useful as insecticides for controlling the housefly and should be exploited as a component of integrated vector control strategies or could be useful in the search of new larvicidal natural compounds. © 2008 Academic Journals.

Source: UG
Toxicity, mutagenicity and trace metal constituent of Termitomyces schimperi (Pat.) R. Heim (Lyophyllaceae) and kaolin, a recipe used traditionally in cancer management in Cote d’Ivoire

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Some local communities in Cote d’Ivoire use the mushroom Termitomyces schimperi combined with kaolin (TSK) to manage various cancers in patients. However, there is a paucity of data on toxicity, mutagenicity and trace metal constituent of TSK. Aim of the study: We sought to investigate the acute and sub-chronic toxicities, mutagenic potential, and trace metal constituents of TSK. Materials and methods: To assess acute toxicity, single doses (1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg) of aqueous extract of TSK were administrated per os to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats on Day 1. The rats were then monitored for 13 consecutive days. Sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated by daily administration of 200 and 500 mg/kg of the extract per os for 90 consecutive days. SD rats used as control received distilled water. Signs of toxicity, changes in body weight and mortality were monitored. After the aforementioned monitoring processes, rats were sacrificed and blood collected for full blood count and biochemistry analysis. Animal organs were also collected for histopathological examination. The mutagenic potential of the aqueous extract of TSK (10000 μg/mL) on TA98 Salmonella typhimurium was estimated. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) method was employed to determine trace metal constituents of TSK. Results: Single-dose administration of 5000 mg/kg of TSK did not cause any death in the SD rats; thus, LD50 was above 5000 mg/kg. Administration of 1000 and 3000 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of TSK did not cause any significant change in behaviour and body weight of SD rats during the 14-day monitoring period. However, the mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration increased significantly (p < 0.01) among rats administered 1000 and 3000 mg/kg of TSK. There was a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in alanine transaminase levels in rats administered 1000 and 3000 mg/kg of TSK extract compared with control. Conversely, there was a significant decrease (p= 0.0122) in serum creatine level among rats administered 1000 and 3000 mg/kg of TSK extract compared with control. After 14 days, there were minimal changes with isolated organs of TSK-treated and control rats. Furthermore, 90-day treatment with extract of TSK caused no significant change in parameters assessed. TSK induced frameshift gene mutation in S. typhimurium before (p < 0.05) and after metabolic activation (p < 0.001). Elemental analysis of TSK revealed the presence of toxic (aluminium) or potentially toxic (silver, rabidium, titanium and zirconium) elements. Conclusions: The aqueous extract of TSK showed no toxicity (acute and sub-chronic) at doses tested. These findings are consistent with the absence of heavy metals (i.e., cadmium) and potentially toxic elements (i.e.,uranium) in TSK samples analysed. TSK showed some level of mutagenic potential. Further mutagenic and chronic toxicity studies on TSK are required.

Source: UG
Toxicological assessment of polyhexamethylene biguanide for water treatment

Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is an antiseptic with antiviral and antibacterial properties used in a variety of products including wound care dressings, contact lens cleaning solutions, perioperative cleansing products, and swimming pool cleaners. There are regulatory concerns with regard to its safety in humans for water treatment. We decided to assess the safety of this chemical in Sprague-Dawley rats. PHMB was administered in a single dose by gavage via a stomach tube as per the manufacturer's instruction within a dose range of 2 mg/kg to 40 mg/kg. Subchronic toxicity studies were also conducted at doses of 2 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg body weight and hematological, biochemical and histopathological findings of the major organs were assessed. Administration of a dose of 25.6 mg/kg, i.e. 1.6 mL of 0.4% PHMB solution (equivalent to 6.4x103 mg/L of 0.1% solution) resulted in 50% mortality. Histopathological analysis in the acute toxicity studies showed that no histopathological lesions were observed in the heart and kidney samples but 30% of the animals had mild hydropic changes in zone 1 of their liver samples, while at a dosage of 32 mg/kg in the subchronic toxicity studies, 50% of the animals showed either mild hepatocyte cytolysis with or without lymphocyte infiltration and feathery degeneration. Lymphocyte infiltration was, for the first time, observed in one heart sample, whereas one kidney sample showed mild tubular damage. The acute studies showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) is 25.6 mg/kg (LC50 of 1.6 mL of 0.4% PHMB. Subchronic toxicological studies also revealed few deleterious effects on the internal organs examined, as seen from the results of the biochemical parameters evaluated. These results have implications for the use of PHMB to make water potable.

Source: UG
Toxicological Assessment of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich.) Engl. Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract in Rats: Haematological, Biochemical, and Histopathological Studies

Pseudospondias microcarpa is used traditionally for treating various diseases. However, although parts of the plant are extensively used in African traditional medicine, no scientific study has been reported on its toxicity. Therefore, this study evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity studies of the ethanolic extract of P. microcarpa in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (120–150 g) were treated orally with the extract (30, 100, 300, 1000, and 3000 mg kg−1) or distilled water (10 ml kg−1) for 2 weeks and observed daily for general appearance and signs of toxicity. In addition, blood was collected for both biochemical and haematological assays. Sections of tissues from liver, kidney, spleen, brain, and stomach were also used for histopathological examination. Administration of the extract for 14 consecutive days caused no deaths, with an LD50 above 3000 mg kg−1. Except for lymphocytes (%) that showed a significant decrease (F5,23 = 3.93, P = 0.013), all other haematological parameters remained unaffected by the extract. The extract at 100 mg kg−1 showed a significant decrease in the levels of triglyceride and very-low-density lipoproteins (both at P < 0.05). Weight change as well as histological evaluation of the organs indicated no toxicity. The study demonstrates that an ethanolic extract of P. microcarpa given orally to rats is safe.

Source: UG
Toxicological screening of Daouri, a polyherbal formulation used in children in the Central Region of Togo

Ethnopharmacological relevance Daouri, a combination of several plants, is an old African Traditional Medicine based on ancestral knowledge transmitted from generation to generation and is used by the Kotokoli Community in Togo. The combination of several plants may potentiate or attenuate the toxicity of individual plants. The present investigation aims to study the composition and potential toxicity of Daouri used in children in the Kotokoli community. Materials and methods Surveys were performed using a semi-structured questionnaire to determine the composition of Daouri. On the basis of these data collected, Standard Daouri was formulated, and its aqueous extract was orally administered at 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg to rats for 28 days. On the 29th day, the rats were sacrificed and their serum were analysed to evaluate hepatic and renal toxicities. Results Four categories of Daouri were collected. The plant combinations used in each Daouri formulation varied according to the pathological conditions, including the age of the children and the availability of each plant. The most plants cited in the four Daouri were Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss, Odina acida (A. Rich.) Oliv.,Lophira lanceolata Tiegh, Paullinia pinnata L. and Pteleopsis suberosa Engl. & Diels. Although there was an increase in the alkaline phosphatase concentration, different doses of the aqueous extract of Standard Daouri were not toxic after 28 days of administration. In addition, the concentrations of alanine transaminase, creatinine and urea were not different between the Daouri-treated and control groups. Conclusion Daouri is plant combination used in children in the Kotokoli community as a part of African Traditional Medicine. Standard Daouri is not toxic in rats.

Source: UG
Trace elements in olivine: Proxies for petrogenesis, mineralization and discrimination of mafic-ultramafic rocks

Olivine is a ubiquitous mineral inmafic-ultramafic rocks and has been widely used as a mineral marker in various geological processes. However, its development of trace elements is limited. Here we present newly-obtained trace element data 7Li, 27Al, 29Si, 31P, 43Ca, 45Sc, 49Ti, 51V, 53Cr, 55Mn, 59Co, 60Ni, and 66Zn of olivine in typicalmantle xenoliths, mantle peridotites in ophiolites, and plutonic rocks from layered and Alaskan-type intrusions to develop trace element proxies for the petrogenesis, mineralization and discrimination of various mafic-ultramafic rocks. Residual olivine grains in mantle xenoliths and ophiolitic peridotites, which represent residues of mantle melting, have higher Ni/Co (>20) and Ni/Mn (>2) ratios than magmatic olivine (Ni/Co < 20, Ni/Mn < 2), which are consistent with the compatibilities of these elements during partial melting and magma differentiation. Lower Ni content, and lower Ni/Co and Ni/Mn ratios at a given Fo content can distinguish olivine in Alaskantype intrusions from layered intrusions, reflecting the nature of their mantle sources. The V and Sc contents and V/Sc ratios in olivine can distinguish mantle xenoliths (V > 2 ppm, V/Sc > 0.5) from ophiolitic peridotites (V<2 ppm, V/Sc< 0.5), indicating a more reduced state of continental lithospheric mantle compared to the oceanic lithospheric mantle. As a consequence, the four occurrences of mafic-ultramafic rocks can be distinguished by olivine with (Sc × 10)-(Ti × 2)-Zn and V/Sc-(Co/Ni × 2)-(Zn/Mn× 5) ternary diagrams. In addition, Li, Ti and P contents in olivine are good tracers of melt/fluid metasomatism, whereas Ni/Co, Ni/Mn and Mn/Zn ratios are indicators of chromite mineralization. Therefore, trace elements in olivine can be used as chemical proxies to distinguish the origin of various mafic-ultramafic rocks, as well as the processes by which they evolved.

Source: UG
Trace metal load of two urban wetlands with varied catchment activities in Ghana

This study compared Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in sediment, water, and biota at Vaughan Dam which receives limited sewage effluent discharge from residential areas, and Korle Lagoon which receives industrial effluents, electronic waste, garages-spill oil and a host of others in addition to residential sewage effluent discharge. Samples were analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The results showed that concentrations of trace metals were generally higher in the sediment, water, and plants from the Korle Lagoon but only Cu in the sediment of Korle Lagoon showed a significantly high concentration. The similarities in the rank orders of the metal concentrations together with the dominance of Zn and Pb in most compartments of the wetlands indicated major differences did not exist in the contaminant input to the two wetlands except electronic waste recycling and disposal that resulted in significantly high copper concentrations in the sediment of Korle Lagoon. No evidence of biomagnification was determined along the food chains of the Vaughan Dam and the Korle Lagoon for all the metals studied.The Tilapia zilli from Vaughan Dam, the only biota that is regularly consumed from the wetlands, had Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As concentrations above FAO/WHO permissible limits and therefore pose a health risk to consumers.

Source: UG
Traceability and projected patterns of Africa’s land use systems and climate variability (1993–2053)

This study investigates the causality between land use and land cover change (LULCC), and variations in tem perature and precipitation across Africa. To do this, we employ integrated remote sensing techniques, causal analyses, and representative studies. We further utilize Modules for Land Use Change Evaluation (MOLUSCE) and Random Forest (RF) to simulate land use scenarios from 2033 to 2053. The findings reveal a complex interplay of socio-political, economic, and biophysical factors driving LULCC from 1993 to 2023. During this period, northern and western Africa experienced forest regrowth (+2.61 %), while deserts (-12.29 %), grassland/shrubs (-14.20 %), and farmlands (-14.53 %) decreased. In contrast, built-up areas expanded by +134.63 %, and water bodies increased by +71.63 %. The predicted trends indicate continued reductions in deserts and bare land, with annual decreases of 0.59 % and a decline of 0.48 % for grasslands/shrubs over the next 30 years. The current study achieved a 96 % accuracy rate based on the samples used throughout the study duration. Rising tem peratures in northern Africa are associated with increased desertification, while dense forests and water bodies in central and southern Africa help mitigate heat. K-means clustering identifies distinct regional patterns in the impacts of LULCC, stressing the need for targeted interventions. The insights generated will be valuable for regions with limited resources and institutional capacity to address environmental challenges associated with these undesired changes. Ultimately, these findings can foster stronger collaboration within Africa’s economic blocs, supporting regional efforts toward sustainable development, effective land management, and climate adaptation.

Source: UG
Traces et énoncés d'autrui dans La petite fille du réverbère de Calixthe Beyala

Calixthe Beyala has in the past been accused of plagiarism. This article sets out to determine if Beyala is still guilty of illicit borrowing in her self-referential novel, La petite fille du réverbère. Theories on the interpenetration of lives, dialogism, transtextuality, polyphony and alterity will be invoked to study the phenomenon of heterogeneity at play in the novel. The paper concludes that as a transcoding, reformulating and creolizing agent, the narrator, who is the writer’s double, resorts to diverse legimate discursive strategies to rethink, refute and transcend the speech of others but steers clear of plagiarism.

Source: UG
Tracing Africa’s progress towards implementing the Non-Communicable Diseases Global action plan 2013-2020: a synthesis of WHO country profile reports

Background: Half of the estimated annual 28 million non-communicable diseases (NCDs) deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are attributed to weak health systems. Current health policy responses to NCDs are fragmented and vertical particularly in the African region. The World Health Organization (WHO) led NCDs Global action plan 2013-2020 has been recommended for reducing the NCD burden but it is unclear whether Africa is on track in its implementation. This paper synthesizes Africa’s progress towards WHO policy recommendations for reducing the NCD burden. Methods: Data from the WHO 2011, 2014 and 2015 NCD reports were used for this analysis. We synthesized results by targets descriptions in the three reports and included indicators for which we could trace progress in at least two of the three reports. Results: More than half of the African countries did not achieve the set targets for 2015 and slow progress had been made towards the 2016 targets as of December 2013. Some gains were made in implementing national public awareness programmes on diet and/or physical activity, however limited progress was made on guidelines for management of NCD and drug therapy and counselling. While all regions in Africa show waning trends in fully achieving the NCD indicators in general, the Southern African region appears to have made the least progress while the Northern African region appears to be the most progressive. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Africa is off track in achieving the NCDs indicators by the set deadlines. To make sustained public health gains, more effort and commitment is urgently needed from governments, partners and societies to implement these recommendations in a broader strategy. While donors need to suit NCD advocacy with funding, African institutions such as The African Union (AU) and other sub-regional bodies such as West African Health Organization (WAHO) and various country offices could potentially play stronger roles in advocating for more NCD policy efforts in Africa.

Source: UG