ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
In vitro activity of Erythrophleum ivorense extract against the promastigote stage of cutaneous Leishmania parasite, a member of Leishmania (Mundinia) enriettii complex isolates from Ghana

Background. Cutaneous leishmaniasis causes physical disfigurement and impairment on affected individuals, however, little attention has been paid to it eradication. The situation of this neglected disease is complicated with the expansion of the non- human pathogenic Leishmania enriettii complex causing infection in humans. We have previously shown that the extract from Erythrophleum ivorense has leishmanicidal activity against promastigote stages of the L. enriettii complex isolate from Ghana and Leishmania donovani. The extract of E. ivorense has shown to have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing ability, antiallergic, antimalarial and antischistosomal activity. However, the concentration threshold of E. ivorense extract required for leishmani- cidal activity against the emerging human pathogenic L. enriettii complex isolates is not clear. Aim. To test for the concentration threshold of E. ivorense extract required to obtain ideal leishmanicidal activity against the promastigote stage of human pathogenic L. enriettii complex isolates from Ghana. Method. The ethanolic leaf extract of E. ivorense was serially diluted and tested against the promastigote stage of the L. enriettii complex. Parasite inhibition was measured at 590 nm using a spectrophotometer after staining parasites with trypan blue. To select the threshold concentration for maximum inhibition of the promastigote stage of the L. enriettii complex, the concentra- tion cut-off statistic was used. Results. The MIC of E. ivorense extract for L. enriettii promastigote inhibition was 62.3 μg ml−1. The highest promastigote inhibi- tion was observed at 72 h. Conclusion. We show that a MIC of 62.3 μg ml−1 of E. ivorense leaf extract exhibits an ideal leishmanicidal activity against the promastigote stage of L. enriettii complex isolates.

Source: UCC
In Vitro activity of Erythrophleum Ivorense Extract against the Promastigote stage of Cutaneous Leishmania Parasite, A Member of Leishmania (Mundinia) Enriettii Complex Isolates from Ghana

Background. Cutaneous leishmaniasis causes physical disfigurement and impairment on affected individuals, however, little attention has been paid to it eradication. The situation of this neglected disease is complicated with the expansion of the nonhuman pathogenic Leishmania enriettii complex causing infection in humans. We have previously shown that the extract from Erythrophleum ivorense has leishmanicidal activity against promastigote stages of the L. enriettii complex isolate from Ghana and Leishmania donovani. The extract of E. ivorense has shown to have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing ability, antiallergic, antimalarial and antischistosomal activity. However, the concentration threshold of E. ivorense extract required for leishmanicidal activity against the emerging human pathogenic L. enriettii complex isolates is not clear. Aim. To test for the concentration threshold of E. ivorense extract required to obtain ideal leishmanicidal activity against the promastigote stage of human pathogenic L. enriettii complex isolates from Ghana. Method. The ethanolic leaf extract of E. ivorense was serially diluted and tested against the promastigote stage of the L. enriettii complex. Parasite inhibition was measured at 590 nm using a spectrophotometer after staining parasites with trypan blue. To select the threshold concentration for maximum inhibition of the promastigote stage of the L. enriettii complex, the concentration cut-off statistic was used. Results. The MIC of E. ivorense extract for L. enriettii promastigote inhibition was 62.3 μg ml−1. The highest promastigote inhibition was observed at 72 h. Conclusion. We show that a MIC of 62.3 μg ml−1 of E. ivorense leaf extract exhibits an ideal leishmanicidal activity against the promastigote stage of L. enriettii complex isolates.

Source: UCC
In Vitro Analysis of Growth Media and control of Yam Minisett-rot

Yam minisetts are susceptible to rot caused by microorganisms in both the sprouting media and mother seed yam. This study was conducted to determine the most effective treatment of yam minisetts against rot organisms. Five different protectants/disinfectants were used in vitro and replicated thrice. The result revealed that disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite and aqueous neem leaf extract), protectants (lime, wood ash and Benlate) either suppressed or inhibited the growth of fungi in vitro. Benlate inhibited the growth of all the test fungi, except Rhizopus stolonifer that was tolerant to the fungicide. Aqueous neem leaf extract was the least effective among the disinfectants in controlling fungal growth in vitro. Both quicklime and wood ash suppressed the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer and completely inhibited the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii and Penicillium sp. Sodium hypochlorite completely inhibited the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii and suppressed the growth of Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma sp. Higher concentrations of the disinfectants and protectants were more effective in controlling the growth of these fungi than the lower concentrations

Source: UCC
In vitro analysis of growth media and the control of yam minisett-rot

Yam minisetts are susceptible to rot caused by microorganisms in both the sprouting media and mother seed yam. This study was conducted to determine the most effective treatment of yam minisetts against rot organisms. Five different protectants/disinfectants were used in vitro and replicated thrice. The result revealed that disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite and aqueous neem leaf extract), protectants (lime, wood ash and Benlate) either suppressed or inhibited the growth of fungi in vitro. Benlate inhibited the growth of all the test fungi, except Rhizopus stolonifer that was tolerant to the fungicide. Aqueous neem leaf extract was the least effective among the disinfectants in controlling fungal growth in vitro. Both quicklime and wood ash suppressed the growth of Aspergillusflavus and Rhizopus stolonifer and completely inhibited the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii and Penicillium sp. Sodium hypochlorite completely inh_ibited the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii and suppressed the growth of Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp.: Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma sp. Higher concentrations of the disinfectants and protectants were more effective in controlling the growth of these fungi than the lower concentrations

Source: UCC
In vitro anti leishmanial activity of some selected medicinal plants in Ghana

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection that affects mostly tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and caused by diverse pathogens that belong to the genus Leishmania. The pentavalent antimonials developed in 1945 are still first line treatment drugs for both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis while amphotericin B is a second line treatment drug. These treatments come with toxic side effects even at effective doses and the lack of vaccine demand the urgent need for new anti leishmanial agents. This study aimed at investigating four plants used traditionally to treat parasitic infections. The collected plant parts were washed, dried, powdered and then extracted using ethanol. Different concentrations of the extracts ranging from 15.6 to 500 µg/mL in 0.1 % DMSO with M199 and a positive control of Amphotericin B were prepared in triplicates in 24-well plates that contained 117,000 parasites/well. The plates were incubated at 25 °C and promastigotes counted on 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours after incubation. Phytochemical screening on all crude extracts revealed the presence of steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, anthraquinons, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides. Of the four plants, Erythrophleum ivorense gave the best activity with an IC50 of 6.3 µg/mL after 72 hours. This was followed by C. oxycarpum, A. aubryanum and A. ahia respectively. Three compounds have been isolated from E. ivorense; erythroivorensin, eriodictyol and betulinic acid, with IC50s of 0.5, 61.8 and 247 µg/mL correspondingly on the promastigotes of L. donovani. Keywords: erythroivorensin, eriodictyol, betulinic acid, Amphotericin B, Pentamidine, leishmanicidal, promasigotes, Cutaneous leishmaniasis

Source: UCC
In vitro antivenom and antioxidant potential of Vitex negundo leaves (green and blue) against Russell’s viper (Daboia russelli ) and Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom

In the present investigation hydroethanolic extracts of Vitex negundo leaves (Blue and green colour) were evaluated for their antioxidant, antiplatelet, antihemolytic and in-vitro antivenom potential against Naja naja and Daboia russelii venoms. Preliminary phytochemicals followed by GCMS analysis was carried out to identify possible chemical compounds. Both the extracts exhibited free radical scavenging effects against DPPH, OH - , NO – radicals and H2O2 in concentration dependant manner. However, blue leaf of V.negundo exhibited better scavenging effect when compared with green leaf. Various pharmacological potentials such as antihemolytic, antiproteolytic, antifibrinolytic and phospholipaseA2 inhibition were assessed and effective venom neutralizing potential was proven upon in-vitro treatment with the extracts of Vitex negundo leaves. Findings of the present study revealed that blue leaf extract of Vitex negundo has exerted potent antioxidant and venom neutralizing effect when compared with green leaf extract. This could be due to the presence of various phytoconstituents in both blue and green leaf extract which would help to develop potent antidote therapy against Naja naja and Daboia russelii envenomation

Source: UCC
In vitro cercaricidal activity of fractions and isolated compounds of erythrophleum ivorense (fabaceae) root bark against schistosoma haematobium

Schistosoma haematobium is one of the species of Schistosoma responsible for schistosomiasis in humans, a major public health problem worldwide. Praziquantel, the most effective drug against all adult stages of human schistosomiasis, faces the threat of resistance and also has sub-optimal efficacy against cercaria, an immature form of schistosomiasis. This underscores the need to search for an alternative anti-schistosomal drug with pronounced activity particularly against cercaria. Aim: This study investigated anti-cercarial activity of total crude (70% ethanolic extract), fractions (methanolic, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) and isolated bioactive compounds from the root bark of Erythrophleum ivorense. Study Design: In vitro anti-cercarial activity was evaluated using 20 freshly shed cercariae from Schistosoma haematobium species transferred into 20 well plates. Cercaricidal effect of the various concentrations (15.6, 31.3, 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 and 500.0 µg/mL) of test extracts and compounds were observed for 3 hours using an inverted microscopy. The results showed that extracts and compounds of the plant decreased percentage viability of cercariae in a dose-dependent manner. Results: Within two hours of incubation, all cercariae died at the various concentrations of test compounds and extracts with the exception of methanol extract and the bioactive compound erythroivorensin at 15.6 g/mL. The least potent extract, methanol, had an IC50 of 2.11±0.10 g/mL. Eriodictyol, being the most active compound had an IC50 of 1.23 ± 0.05 g/mL. Conclusion: It is evident from the results obtained that fractions and isolated bioactive compounds of Erythrophleum ivorense can be a potential cercaricidal agent and therefore should be investigated further

Source: UCC
In vitro Cercaricidal Activity of Fractions and Isolated Compounds of Erythrophleum ivorense (Fabaceae) Root Bark against Schistosoma haematobium

ntroduction: Schistosoma haematobium is one of the species of Schistosoma responsible for schistosomiasis in humans, a major public health problem worldwide. Praziquantel, the most effective drug against all adult stages of human schistosomiasis, faces the threat of resistance and also has sub-optimal efficacy against cercaria, an immature form of schistosomiasis. This underscores the need to search for an alternative anti-schistosomal drug with pronounced activity particularly against cercaria. Aim: This study investigated anti-cercarial activity of total crude (70% ethanolic extract), fractions (methanolic, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) and isolated bioactive compounds from the root bark of Erythrophleum ivorense. Study Design: In vitro anti-cercarial activity was evaluated using 20 freshly shed cercariae from Schistosoma haematobium species transferred into 20 well plates. Cercaricidal effect of the various concentrations (15.6, 31.3, 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 and 500.0 µg/mL) of test extracts and compounds were observed for 3 hours using an inverted microscopy. The results showed that extracts and compounds of the plant decreased percentage viability of cercariae in a dose-dependent manner. Results: Within two hours of incubation, all cercariae died at the various concentrations of test compounds and extracts with the exception of methanol extract and the bioactive compound erythroivorensin at 15.6 ߤg/mL. The least potent extract, methanol, had an IC50 of 2.11±0.10 ߤg/mL. Eriodictyol, being the most active compound had an IC50 of 1.23 ± 0.05 ߤg/mL. Conclusion: It is evident from the results obtained that fractions and isolated bioactive compounds of Erythrophleum ivorense can be a potential cercaricidal agent and therefore should be investigated further. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Source: UCC
In vitro Cercaricidal Activity of Fractions and Isolated Compounds of Erythrophleum ivorense (Fabaceae) Root Bark against Schistosoma haematobium

Introduction: Schistosoma haematobium is one of the species of Schistosoma responsible for schistosomiasis in humans, a major public health problem worldwide. Praziquantel, the most effective drug against all adult stages of human schistosomiasis, faces the threat of resistance and also has sub-optimal efficacy against cercaria, an immature form of schistosomiasis. This underscores the need to search for an alternative anti-schistosomal drug with pronounced activity particularly against cercaria. Aim: This study investigated anti-cercarial activity of total crude (70% ethanolic extract), fractions (methanolic, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) and isolated bioactive compounds from the root bark of Erythrophleum ivorense. Study Design: In vitro anti-cercarial activity was evaluated using 20 freshly shed cercariae from Schistosoma haematobium species transferred into 20 well plates. Cercaricidal effect of the various concentrations (15.6, 31.3, 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 and 500.0 µg/mL) of test extracts and compounds were observed for 3 hours using an inverted microscopy. The results showed that extracts and compounds of the plant decreased percentage viability of cercariae in a dose-dependent manner. Results: Within two hours of incubation, all cercariae died at the various concentrations of test compounds and extracts with the exception of methanol extract and the bioactive compound erythroivorensin at 15.6 g/mL. The least potent extract, methanol, had an IC50 of 2.11±0.10 g/mL. Eriodictyol, being the most active compound had an IC50 of 1.23 ± 0.05 g/mL. Conclusion: It is evident from the results obtained that fractions and isolated bioactive compounds of Erythrophleum ivorense can be a potential cercaricidal agent and therefore should be investigated further.

Source: UCC
In vitro growth of dwarf cavendish banana plantlets in different culture vessels and light intensities

The growth and multiplication of a local Cavendish banana called “Kwadu Pa” was investigated under three different light intensities and three types of culture vessels. The light intensities were 4000, 5000 and 6000 Lux with glass, plastic bottles and conical flask as the vessel types. Each of the treatments for light intensity and vessel type were replicated 50 times and cultures were arranged in a completely randomized fashion. They were cultured for 16 weeks and data was taken on mean shoot fresh weight, number of shoots per plantlet, shoot dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content and shoot height. Plantlets that were cultured in conical flask under the three different light intensities had higher values for all the parameters measured under the different light intensities. Among the light intensities, plantlets that were cultured under 5000 Lux showed superior growth and multiplication compared to those cultured under 4000 and 6000 Lux. At light intensities above 5000 Lux, growth characteristics and chlorophyll content declined significantly. Conical flask as a culture vessel and photon flux of 5000 Lux were optimal for the in vitro growth and multiplication of banana.

Source: UCC
In Vitro Inhibitory Effect and Molecular Interaction Studies of the Bioactive Compounds In Ethanolic Extracts of Garlic, Turmeric, and Cinnamon on Ampicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes stop responding to antibiotics used to treat their infections. This study investigated the inhibitory effect of ethanolic extracts of garlic, cinnamon, turmeric and the combination of each plant extract with ampicillin to help overcome antimicrobial resistance. It also conducted molecular docking analysis of the bioactive compounds in garlic, cinnamon and turmeric to help in drug design to curb antimicrobial resistance. The inhibitory effect was carried out using the agar disc diffusion method whilst Gold software and BIOVIA Discovery Studio was used for the molecular docking studies. The Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to the turmeric extracts, a combination of turmeric and ampicillin but moderately sensitive to the ampicillin. The molecular docking studies of curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, zingiberene, curcumenol, and curcumol with Sortase A protein predicted the binding efficiency which are evidenced by a fitness score of 65.72%, 63.46%, 62.37%, 61.80%, 49.19%, 41.26%, and 37.47% respectively. The Escherichia coli was moderately sensitive to the cinnamon extract and ampicillin but sensitive to the combination of the cinnamon extract and ampicillin, the garlic extract, and a combination of the garlic and ampicillin. Molecular docking studies of eugenol, cinnamyl acetate, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and cinnamaldehyde with beta-lactamase predicted the binding efficiency which are evidenced by a fitness score of 40.64%, 39.62%, 38.03%, 36.86%, and 35.25% respectively. Thus, the various extract were good inhibitors of the bacteria and molecular docking studies predicted the binding mode and binding efficiency of the ligands.

Source: UCC
In Vitro Response of Four Pineapple (Ananas Comosus (L.) Merr.) Varieties to Varying Levels of Phytohormones Under Two Temperature Conditions

Pineapple is one of the most valuable non-traditional export commodities in Ghana. The production of pineapples in Ghana are extensively engaged by resourced poor smallholder farmers. The advent of in vitro propagation of pineapple plantlets is however less exploited. This study was carried to investigate the in vitro response of four pineapple varieties on different media and temperature regimes for their initiation, multiplication and rooting. Meristematic buds from the suckers and slips were excised and initiated on six different media formulations, viz., (MS (0), MS + BAP (1.5 mg L-1 and 3.0 mg L-1), MS + Kinetin (1.5 mg L-1 and 3.0 mg L-1) and IRB505. The Temporary Immersion Bioreactor system (TIBs) together with glass vessels were utilised for culture initiation, multiplication and rooting. A full-strength MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg L-1 BAP and 20 % coconut water was used for culture multiplication. Plantlets were rooted on MS medium supplemented with three different IAA levels, viz., 0.1 mg L-1, 0.5 mg L-1 and 1.0 mg L-1. Agar was used as a media solidifier and the pH was adjusted to 5.8. Significant differences were observed in the varietal responses to culture initiation, multiplication and rooting for almost all the parameters measured with Smooth Cayenne being the least responsive to in vitro micropropagation. Slips explant significantly (P < 0.05) outperformed suckers explant for culture initiation. Cultures at 25 oC produced the best results over cultures at 19 oC at all micropropagation stages. Cultures in TIBs recorded the highest multiplication rate of 14 per explant for a cycle and produced better roots. However, the Lateral root score decreased with increasing concentration of the IAA. Rooted plantlets potted in a greenhouse and recorded almost 100 % survival rate on acclimatisation.

Source: UCC
In Vitro Reversible and Time-Dependent CYP450 Inhibition Profiles of Medicinal Herbal Plant Extracts Newbouldia laevis and Cassia abbreviata: Implications for Herb-Drug Interactions

This study evaluated the effects of Newbouldia laevis and Cassia abbreviata extracts on CYP450 enzyme activity. Recombinant CYP450 enzyme and fluorogenic substrates were used for evaluating inhibition, allowing the assessment of herb–drug interactions (HDI). Phytochemical fingerprinting was performed using UPLC-MS. The herbal extracts were risk ranked for HDI based on the IC50 values determined for each CYP enzyme. Newbouldia laevis inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 enzyme activities with Ki of 2.84 µg/mL, 1.55 µg/mL, and 1.23 µg/mL, respectively. N. laevis exhibited a TDI (4.17) effect on CYP1A2 but not CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 enzyme activities. Cassia abbreviata inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 enzyme activities showing a Ki of 4.86 µg/mL, 5.98 µg/mL, and 1.58 µg/mL, respectively. TDI potency assessment for Cassia abbreviata showed it as a potential TDI candidate (1.64) for CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 (1.72). UPLC-MS analysis showed that Newbouldia laevis and Cassia abbreviata possess polyphenols that likely give them their therapeutic properties; some of them are likely to be responsible for the observed inhibition. The observations made in this study suggest the potential for these herbal compounds to interact, especially when co-administered with other medications metabolized by these CYP450 enzymes.

Source: UCC
In vivo Antimalarial Activity Evaluation of Two Cryptolepis sanguinolenta Based Herbal Decoctions

The antimalarial activity of two Cryptolepis sanguinolenta based herbal decoctions namely Cryptoquine and Nibima, were studied using Plasmodium berghei (ANKA) in mice. The herbal preparations were evaluated for chemosuppressive activity during an early infection with P. berghei in mice and also for possible repository activity to ascertain whether they could be useful as prophylaxis. Each mouse used in the study was infected with a standard inoculum of 1 x 106 parasitised RBCs intraperitoneally. P. berghei infected mice which were treated with Cryptolepis sanguinolenta based herbal preparations showed chemosuppression in both decoctions for the 4-day suppressive test. Also, results of the repository activity of the herbal preparations showed that both decoctions have promising activity judging by their ability to reduce parasitemia in mice. Generally, the results of the mean survival time of mice treated with the decoctions under the 4-day tests compares well with those treated with chloroquine. The results indicate that both Cryptolepis sanguinolenta based decoctions used in this study have schizontocidal and repository activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice and may be useful in the prevention and treatment of malaria.

Source: UCC