ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and anticoagulant properties of phyllanthus fraternus GL webster (family: Euphorbiaceae)

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anticoagulant activities of the ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus fraternus. The antioxidant and anticoagulant activity of an ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus fraternus (gulf leaf-flower) was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The results obtained indicate that the extract of P. fraternus (PFE) exhibits antioxidant activity by significantly scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, concentration-dependent reducing capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Detection of phenols in the extract gave preliminary evidence of its possible antioxidant activity which correlated with the total antioxidant capacity. The extract significantly increased in vitro clotting time and bleeding time in rabbits. Heparin and aspirin exhibited similar effects. Since thrombus formation and oxidative stress are known to be main risk factors contributing to stroke, the anticoagulant and antioxidant activity in the plants makes it useful as adjuncts in the management of stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Source: UG
Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of ironchelators

Inside the human body, reactive derivatives of oxygen, known as reactive oxygen species(ROS) such as the superoxide radical (O2•), hydroxyl radical (•OH) and hydrogen perox-ide (H2O2), are constantly generated. The ROS easily cause oxidative damage to variousbiomolecules such as proteins, lipids and DNA leading to various disease conditions. Ironchelators function as antioxidants by scavenging ROS and also reduce the amount of avail-able iron thereby decreasing the quantity of•OH generated by Fenton reactions. In thisstudy, the antioxidant activity of the iron chelators: caffeic acid (CA), 2,3-dihydroxybenzoicacid (DHBA), desferroxamine B (FOB) and benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) were determinedusing five different in vitro antioxidant assays. The antioxidant assays used were: ironbinding ability, reducing ability using the potassium ferricyanide reduction method, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, H2O2scavenging activityand•OH scavenging activity. The standard used for the iron binding ability was Na2EDTAwhereas vitamin C was used as a standard for the remaining assays. The iron chelatorsshowed a concentration dependent increase in their radical scavenging activities as wellas their reducing ability. At the concentration of 1 mM, FOB had the highest iron bindingability of 93.7% whereas DHBA had the lowest iron binding ability of 5.0% compared to thestandard Na2EDTA which had 94.8%. The iron chelators, with the exception of BHA, showedgood reducing ability than vitamin C. Caffeic acid showed significant DPPH, hydrogen per-oxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of 84.7%, 99.8% and 14.5%, respectively. Allthe iron chelators were observed to show significant activities in all five antioxidant assays.

Source: UG
Antioxidant and gastric cytoprotective prostaglandins properties of Cassia sieberiana roots bark extract as an anti-ulcerogenic agent.

AbstractBackgroundCassia sieberiana is a savannah tree with a wide phytotherapeutic application including the use of its roots in the management of various stomach disorders including gastric ulcer, stomach pains and indigestion. The aim of the study is to evaluate the antioxidant, gastric cytoprotective prostaglandins, secretory phospholipase A2, phytochemical and acute toxicity properties of Cassia sieberiana roots bark extract in a bid to justify its phytotherapeutic applications in gastric ulcer.MethodsAntioxidant and radical scavenging activities of the roots bark extract of Cassia sieberiana were assayed. Serum secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) concentration and activity and the formation of gastric mucosal prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and I2 (PGI2) were also assessed. Comparisons between means were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Students Standard Newman-Keuls post hoc analysis to determine statistical significance. P&#8201;&lt;&#8201;0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe extract was found to possess significant ferric reducing antioxidant power and can scavenge hydroxyl radicals. The extract also possesses DPPH scavenging activity, can chelate ferrous ion and a dose-dependent protective effect against lipid peroxidation and free radical generation. Prostaglandin studies showed that the roots bark extract dose dependently increased gastric mucosal PGE2 and PGI2 levels and also decreased serum sPLA2 activity. Phytochemical analyses suggest that the roots extract contains polyhydroxyl/phenolic substances. Acute toxicity test showed no sign of toxicity up to a dose level of 2000&#8201;mg/kg body weight p.o.ConclusionsC. sieberiana roots extract possesses significant antioxidant and gastric cytoprotective prostaglandin properties as well as serum secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity which could be due to its content of polyhydroxy and/or phenolic substances. This may justify its use as an anti-ulcerogenic agent in traditional medicine in West Africa.

Source: UG
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity properties of medicinal plants used for producing herbal products against hepatic diseases in Ghana

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Antiphospholipid antibodies in medical practice: A review

BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid antibodies are autoantibodies that have been associated with . thrombosis and recurrent foetal loss. The purpose of this review is to highlight the history of these antibodies, their epidemiology, to document what is known of their pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and available treatment modalities. METHODS: Literature on the subject was reviewed using manual library search, articles in journals, internet search and conference abstracts. RESULT: Antiphospholipid antibodies have been detected in all age groups; incidence increases with age. They are antibodies to protein-phospholipid complexes and not to phospholipid alone. The most commonly detected antiphospholipid antibodies are lupusanticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies and anti--2 glycoprotein-1 antibodies. Apart from thrombosis and recurrent foetal loss, they are also associated with neurologic disorders, cutaneous manifestations and thrombocytopaenia. CONCLUSION: Early detection requires a strong index of suspicion especially when thrombosis is seen at unusual sites. Several modalities of treatment such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents have been developed, though it is difficult to monitor level of anticoagulation as the antibodies may interfere with coagulation studies. Grey areas remain in the management of antiphospholipid antibodies; for instance it is not certain if patients with a positive laboratory test without any clinical feature should be treated

Source: UG
Antiplasmodial activity of extracts of tridax procumbens and phyllanthus amarus in in vitro plasmodium falciparum culture systems

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Antiplasmodial activity of labdanes from Aframomum latifolium and Aframomum sceptrum

Bioguided fractionation of extracts of Aframomum latifolium and A. sceptrum (Zingiberaceae) resulted in isolation of (+)-(S)-nerolidol and seven labdanes, coronarin B, galanal A and B, galanolactone, (E)-8β,17-epoxylabd-12-ene-15,16-dial, (+)-(E)-labda-8(17), 12-diene-15,16-dial and its diethyl acetal, the latter being presumably an isolation artefact. The labdanes show a modest in vitro activity against a chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum strain.

Source: UG
Antiplasmodial Activity of Medicinal Plant Preparations T610 and S076 Using Plasmodium Falciparum in Vitro Culture System

Some traditional medical practitioners use decoctions of the plants Tridax procumbens and Phyllanthus amarus, separately, to treat malaria in Ghana. These plants have however, not been investigated scientifically to establish their antimalarial activities. In this study, inhibition of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum uptake o f 3H-hypoxanthine was used as an in vitro assay to assess the antiplasmodial activities of aqueous, ethanolic, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Tridax procumbens and Phyllanthus amarus. Chloroquine was used as a reference antimalarial drug. Cytotoxicities of the extracts to red blood cells were also investigated. Furthermore, the aqueous extracts of the plants were evaluated for haem polymerisation inhibitory activity. The results show that high concentrations of chloroquine inhibited the uptake of 3Hhypoxanthine by Plasmodium falciparum, confirming the chloroquine-resistant nature of the parasites used. Both plant extracts also demonstrated antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine resistant plasmodial parasites. Among the various extracts, the lowest 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 24.8 and 11.7 |ig/ml corresponded to the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively, of Phyllanthus amarus. For Tridax procumbens, the lowest IC50 values were 225.0 and 143.4 |J.g/ml for the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. Unlike chloroquine, none of the extracts inhibited haem polymerisation. Within the concentration range used, the least cytotoxicity to RBCs was observed in the aqueous extracts of both plants, the ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus and the ethyl acetate extract of Tridax procumbens. These results suggest that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of both plants were more effective as antiplasmodial preparations than the other extracts.

Source: UG
Antiplasmodial constituents from the stem bark of Polyalthia longifolia var pendula

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
Antiplasmodial Constituents of Cajanus cajan

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of extracts of roots and leaves of Cajanus cajan afforded 8 compounds: betulinic acid, biochanin A, cajanol, genistein and 2′-hydroxygenistein, longistylin A and C, and pinostrobin. The two stilbenes, longistylin A and C, and betulinic acid showed a moderately high in vitro activity against the chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Source: UG
Antiplasmodial, Antitrypanosomal, and Cytotoxic Effects of Anthonotha macrophylla, Annickia polycarpa, Tieghemella heckelii, and Antrocaryon micraster Extracts

Malaria and trypanosomiasis are protozoan diseases which pose a devastating challenge to human health and productivity especially, in Africa where their respective vectors (female Anopheles mosquito and tsetse fly) abound. Various medicinal plants are used to treat these parasitic diseases. However, the scientific basis of their use and toxicological profiles have not been assessed. We have, therefore, evaluated the antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal, and cytotoxic activities of four African medicinal plant extracts namely, Anthonotha macrophylla leaf (AML), Annickia polycarpa leaf (APLE), Tieghemella heckelii stem bark (THBE), and Antrocaryon micraster stem bark (AMSBE) extracts in vitro against P. falciparum (W2mef laboratory strain), T. brucei (GUTat 3.1 strain), and mammalian RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line, respectively. The most active antiplasmodial extract was AML (IC50 = 5.0 ± 0.08 μg/mL with SI of 21.9). THBE also, produced the most e¡ective antitrypanosomal activity (IC50 = 11.0 ± 0.09 μg/ mL and SI of 10.2) among the extracts. In addition, none of the extracts produced toxic e¡ect in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line except APLE which was moderately cytotoxic and also produced the least SI in both antitrypanosomal and antiplasmodial assays. These results suggest that AML and THBE could o¡er safe and alternative therapy for malaria and trypanosomiasis. This is the first study to report the antitrypanosomal and in vitro antiplasmodial activities of these four plants/plant parts. The cyptotoxicity of the plant parts used is also being reported for the first time except for the T. heckelii stem bark.

Source: UG
Antiproliferative Activities of Methanolic Extract and Fractions of Tetrapleura Tetraptera Fruit

Most of the current cancer chemotherapeutics are associated with harsh and undesirable side effects, including toxicity and chemoresistance, driving the need for safer and more effective alternatives. In this study, the antiproliferative activities of the methanolic extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruits and nine different fractions (C1–C9) from the column chromatographic separation of the extract against leukemia (Jurkat) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines were investigated using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay. Phytochemical screening of the extract and fractions found alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids in the methanolic extract. Most of the fractions exhibited antiproliferative activity (>100 μg/mL) with the Jurkat cells being more susceptible than the MCF-7 cells. Four of the collected fractions C4, C3, C5, and C2 had good selective indices in decreasing order of activity, in the case of Jurkat cells. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of all samples (except for C4 and C9) revealed that C1, C2, C3, and C5 each had a single component. More importantly, fractions C2, C3, and C5, which were selective to Jurkat cells, also had the same retention time of 1.846 min. Fractions C6 and C8 had two components, with C7 having four components. 'is study serves as a basis for further work to isolate and characterize potential anticancer agents from the fractions of extracts of T. tetraptera fruits.

Source: UG
Antiproliferative activity of aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata L. on the prostate, BPH-1 cells, and some target genes

Background. Annona muricata L. has been reported to possess antitumor and antiproliferative properties. Not much work has been done on its effect on BPH-1 cell lines, and no in vivo studies targeting the prostate organ exist. The study determined the effect of A muricata on human BPH-1 cells and prostate organ. Methods. The MTT assay was performed on BPH-1 cells using the aqueous leaf extract of A muricata. Cells (1 × 105 per well) were challenged with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/mL extract for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell proliferation and morphology were examined microscopically. BPH-1 cells (1 × 104 per well) were seeded into 6-well plates and incubated for 48 hours with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/mL A muricata extract. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed using mRNA extracted from the cells. Possible target genes, Bax and Bcl-2, were examined. Twenty F344 male rats (≈200 g) were gavaged 30 mg/mL (10 rats) and 300 mg/mL (10 rats) and fed ad libitum alongside 10 control rats. Rats were sacrificed after 60 days. The prostate, seminal vesicles, and testes were harvested for histological examination. Results. Annona muricata demonstrated antiproliferative effects with an IC<inf>50</inf> of 1.36 mg/mL. Best results were obtained after 48 hours, with near cell extinction at 72 hours. Bax gene was upregulated, while Bcl-2 was downregulated. Normal histological architecture was observed for all testes. Seminal vesicle was significantly reduced in test groups (P < .05) and demonstrated marked atrophy with increased cellularity and the acinii, empty of secretion. Prostate of test groups were reduced with epithelial lining showing pyknotic nucleus, condensation, and marginalization of the nuclear material, characteristic of apoptosis of the glandular epithelium. Furthermore, scanty prostatic secretion with flattening of acinar epithelial lining occurred. Conclusion. Annona muricata has antiproliferative effects on BPH-1 cells and reduces prostate size, possibly through apoptosis. © The Author(s) 2014.

Source: UG
Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Activity of Diarylheptanoids Isolated from the Bark of Alnus japonica in Human Leukemia Cell Lines

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Antipromastigote and cytotoxic activities of some chemical constituents of Hypericum lanceolatum Lam. (Guttifereae)

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Antiretroviral therapy adherence and viral suppression among HIV-infected adolescents and young adults at a tertiary hospital in Ghana

With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), many HIV-infected children are growing into adolescence and adulthood. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Fevers Unit of one of the teaching hospitals in Ghana. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and pill count were used to assess adherence, while measured viral load levels of participants were used to assess viral suppression. The rate of viral suppression (<400 copies/ml) was 68.2%. Participants with high MMAS-8 scores were 8.4 times more likely to be virally suppressed compared to those with low MMAS-8 scores (OR = 8.4, p = 0.003, 95% CI: 2.11–33.48). The commonest reason for missing doses of their antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) was forgetfulness. Efforts must be made by all stakeholders involved in HIV care to engage adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV) on personal and/or group levels to help identify and improve particular ART adherence issues so as to increase viral suppression rates.

Source: UG
Antiretroviral therapy maintenance among HIV-positive women in Ghana: the influence of poverty

This study examines the role of poverty in the acquisition of and the adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prescribed clinical follow-up regimens among HIV-positive women. We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Ghana and 15 stakeholders with a history of work in HIV-focused programs. Our findings indicate that financial difficulty contributed to limited ability to maintain treatment, the recommended nutrient-rich diet, and clinical follow-up schedules. However, enacted stigma and concurrent illness of family members also influenced the ability of the WLHIV to generate income; therefore, HIV infection itself contributed to poverty. To further examine the relation between finances, ART adherence, and the maintenance of recommended clinical follow-up, we present the perspectives of several HIV-positive peer counselor volunteers in Ghana’s Models of Hope program. We recommend that programs to combat stigma continue to be implemented, as decreased stigma may reduce the financial difficulties of HIV-positive individuals. We also recommend enhancing current support programs to better assist peer counselor volunteers, as their role directly supports Ghana’s national strategic HIV/AIDS plan. Finally, additional investment in poverty-reduction across Ghana, such as broadening meal assistance beyond the currently limited food programs, would lighten the load of those struggling to combat HIV and meet basic needs.

Source: UG
Antitrypanosomal Effects of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepern. &amp; Timler Extracts on African Trypanosomes

African trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by the parasitic protozoa of the Trypanosoma genus. Despite several efforts at chemotherapeutic interventions, the disease poses serious health and economic concerns to humans and livestock of many sub- Saharan African countries. Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepern. & Timler (Z. zanthoxyloides LZT) is a plant species of important phytochemical and pharmacological relevance in the subtropical zones of the African continent. However, the mechanisms of its antitrypanosomal effects inAfrican trypanosomes remain to be elucidated.The aim of the study was to determine the in vitro effects and mechanisms of action of Z. zanthoxyloides LZT (root) fractions against Trypanosoma brucei. T. brucei (GUTat 3.1 strain), L. donovani (D10 strain), P. falciparum (3D 7 strain), Jurkat cells, and Chang liver cells were cultivated in vitro to the log phase in their respective media at 37∘C. Crude extracts and fractions were prepared from air-dried pulverized plant material of Z. zanthoxyloides LZT (root) using the modified Kupchan method of solvent partitioning. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were determined through the alamar blue cell viability assay. Effects of fractions on cell death and cell cycle of T. brucei were determined using flow cytometry. Fluorescence microscopy was used to investigate the effects of fractions on the morphology and distribution of T. brucei. Antitrypanosomal compounds of fractions were characterized using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. Methanol, butanol, and dichloromethane fractions were selectively active against T. brucei with respective IC50 values of 3.89, 4.02, and 5.70 ��g/ml. Moreover, methanol, butanol, and dichloromethane fractions significantly induced apoptosis-like cell death with remarkable alteration in the cell cycle of T. brucei. Furthermore, dichloromethane and methanol fractions altered the morphology, induced aggregation, and altered the ratio of nuclei to kinetoplasts in the parasite. The HPLC chromatograms and ATR-IR spectra of the active fractions suggested the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons with hydroxyl, carbonyl, amine, or amide functional groups.The results suggest that Z. zanthoxyloides LZT have potential chemotherapeutic effects on African trypanosomes with implications for novel therapeutic interventions in African trypanosomiasis.

Source: UG
Antitumor agents. 250. design and synthesis of new curcumin analogues as potential anti-prostate cancer agents

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG