ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Anti-Nociceptive Effects of Geraniin and an Aqueous Extract of the Aerial Parts of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell. in Murine Models of Chemical Nociception

Plants from the genus Phyllanthus like Phyllanthus muellerianus have long been used in folk medicine for several ailments including fevers, toothache, dysmenorrhea, anemia, and paralysis. Despite these folkloric uses, there are little scientific data supporting the use of this plant in the management of pain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Phyllanthus muellerianus and its dominant secondary metabolite, geraniin for potential anti-nociceptive effects. The acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin–induced nociception tests were used to assess the anti-nociceptive effects of the aqueous extract and geraniin. Morphine and diclofenac were used as standard anti-nociceptive agents. The involvement of opioidergic, adrenergic, muscarinic, adenosinergic, serotonergic and nitric oxide pathways in the anti-nociceptive effects of the extract and geraniin were evaluated by selective antagonism of these pathways. Additionally, the effects of voltagesensitive Ca2+ channels and ATP-sensitive K+ channels were also assessed by selective blockade with nifedipine and glibenclamide respectively.Oral administration of the aqueous extract (30, 100, 300 mg kg-1) and geraniin (3, 10, 30 mg kg-1) produced significant anti-nociceptive effects in both models of chemical nociception. The anti-nociceptive effects of both the extract and geraniin were not antagonized by L-NAME (10 mg kg-1), yohimbine (3 mg kg-1), atropine (5 mg kg-1), theophylline (5 mg kg-1), ondansetron (0.5 mg kg-1) glibenclamide (8 mg kg-1) or nifedipine (10 mg kg-1). Naloxone (2 mg kg-1), however, reversed the anti-nociceptive effects of only geraniin. In conclusion, the aqueous extract and geraniin obtained from the aerial parts of Phyllanthus muellerianus possess both peripheral and central anti-nociceptive effects in murine models of chemical nociception with the anti-nociceptive action of geraniin involving possibly the opioidergic pathways.

Source: UCC
Anti-Nociceptive Synergism of Pregabalin and Xylopic acid Co-administration in Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathy: Isobolographic Analysis

Background: Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy still remains a clinical problem for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the interaction between xylopic acid and pregabalinco-administration as well as their toxicity in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. Materials and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in rats with 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel on four alternate days (days 0, 2, 4 and 6). Equi effective doses of xylopic acid and pregabalin that produced 50% anti-nociception (ED 50) were determined from their log-dose response curves in the cold allodynia and thermal pain tests. Xylopic acid and pregabalin were again administered to rats in a fixed ratio combination (1:1) of their ED 50’s in order to determine the experimental ED50 (Zexp) of the co-administered compounds. Isobolograms were constructed to compare the Z exp to a theoretical ED 50 (Z add). Blood samples from the various treatment groups of rats were collected for toxicological assessment of the co-administered compounds. Results: The Z exp lay below the Zadd on the isobologram of the cold allodnia test. The co-administration exhibited additivity in the thermal pain test. The co-administration did not produce significant (p>0.05) toxicity in rats. The co-administration may be beneficial in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

Source: UCC
Anti-Nociceptive Synergism of Pregabalin and Xylopic acid Co-administration in Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathy: Isobolographic Analysis

Background: Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy still remains a clinical problem for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the interaction between xylopic acid and pregab- alinco-administration as well as their toxicity in paclitaxel-induced neuropa- thy. Materials and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in rats with 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel on four alternate days (days 0, 2, 4 and 6). Equi effective doses of xylopic acid and pregabalin that produced 50% anti-nociception (ED50) were determined from their log-dose response curves in the cold allodynia and thermal pain tests. Xylopic acid and pregabalin were again ad- ministered to rats in a fixed ratio combination (1:1) of their ED50’s in order to determine the experimental ED50 (Zexp) of the co-administered compounds. Isobolograms were constructed to compare the Zexp to a theoretical ED50 (Zadd). Blood samples from the various treatment groups of rats were col- lected for toxicological assessment of the co-administered compounds. Results: The Zexp lay below the Zadd on the isobologram of the cold allodnia test. The co-administration exhibited additivity in the thermal pain test. The co-administration did not produce significant (p>0.05) toxicity in rats. The co-administration may be beneficial in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

Source: UCC
Anti-Nociceptive Synergism of Pregabalin and Xylopic acid Co-administration in Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathy: Isobolographic Analysis

Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy still remains a clinical problem for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the interaction between xylopic acid and pregabalinco-administration as well as their toxicity in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. Materials and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in rats with 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel on four alternate days (days 0, 2, 4 and 6). Equi effective doses of xylopic acid and pregabalin that produced 50% anti-nociception (ED50) were determined from their log-dose response curves in the cold allodynia and thermal pain tests. Xylopic acid and pregabalin were again administered to rats in a fixed ratio combination (1:1) of their ED50’s in order to determine the experimental ED50 (Zexp) of the co-administered compounds. Isobolograms were constructed to compare the Zexp to a theoretical ED50 (Zadd). Blood samples from the various treatment groups of rats were collected for toxicological assessment of the co-administered compounds. Results: The Zexp lay below the Zadd on the isobologram of the cold allodnia test. The co-administration exhibited additivity in the thermal pain test. The co-administration did not produce significant (p>0.05) toxicity in rats. The co-administration may be beneficial in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

Source: UCC
Anti-Phytophthora Activity of Carica Papaya Linn Extracts: A Case of the Two Major Cocoa Black Pod Pathogens in Ghana

Background: Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) is a major foreign exchange earner for Ghana. Over the recent decades, there has been a consistent decline in cocoa production in the country. A major contributing factor is the cocoa black pod disease caused by Phytophthora sp. Synthetic fungicides have been used to control the pathogens, but recent calls for organic cocoa devoid of residues from synthetic fungicides, which are said to pose several health challenges as well as a negative impact on the environment, have gained attention, thus inviting investigations into more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives. Objective: This study explored the inhibitory potential of crude extract from Carica papaya Linn. against cocoa black pod disease caused by Phytophthora sp. Material and Methods: An initial in silico assessment was done by using compounds previously isolated and characterized from Carica papaya in the literature. These compounds were used as ligands against a phytophthora effector protein. Crude extracts were obtained from the plant materials using 70% ethanol as the extraction solvent. The crude Green Leaf Extract (GLE), Aging Induced Chlorophyll Deficient Leaf Extract (AICDLE), and Matured Black Seed Extract (SDE) were tested in vitro against precultured P. palmivora and P. megakarya using the poison food technique. GLE was modulated with Delco, a synthetic fungicide, at different ratios, which were tested in vitro and in vivo. Results: 16 of the ligands showed binding affinity higher or equal to the standard ligand alliin, suggesting Carica papaya is likely a repository of anti-Phytophthora agents. Assessment of crude extracts at concentrations 5–20 mg/ml showed fungistatic activity against P. palmivora and P. megakarya in vitro. Modulation of GLE with Delco produced some combinations that made GLE fungicidal in vitro against P. palmivora and P. megakarya with fractional inhibition concentration indices between 0.51 and 0.65, interpreted as partially synergistic. In vivo assessment of combination D (comprising Delco and GLE in a ratio of 0.3mg:3mg per ml), demonstrated effectiveness comparable to Delco alone at the recommended dosage of 5mg/ml. Conclusion: This study shows Carica papaya in a new light as a potential material that could be formulated into a natural product-based fungicide for combating Phytophthora-induced black pod disease.

Source: UCC
Anti-tussive, Muco-Suppressant and Expectorant Properties, and the Safety Profile of a Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Scoparia Dulcis

Scoparia dulcis is used in Ghanaian folkloric medicine for the management of asthma and its related complications. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the anti-tussive, muco-suppressant and expectorant properties of hydroethanolic extract of S. dulcis (SDE), and to ascertain its safety for use in asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease management. Methods: The number of coughs induced in guinea pigs using citric acid and the concentration of phenol red secreted in tracheae of mice were measured. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted on the extract using standard procedures. Safety for use of the extract was assessed by conducting an acute and delayed toxicity test. Results: The extract showed a dose-independent inhibition (p ≤ 0.001) of cough elicited by 7.5% citric acid, and a dose-dependent increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the amount of phenol red output in mice tracheae similar to that of ammonium chloride. For the muco-suppressant activity, SDE dose-dependently reduced (p ≤ 0.001) the concentration of ammonium chloride-induced phenol red secretions from mice tracheae. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and phenolic compounds. No acute and/or delayed toxic symptoms were observed after an oral administration of up to 5 g/kg of S. dulcis extract. Conclusion: The results showed that S. dulcis extract has anti-tussive, mucosuppressant and, expectorant and/or mucolytic properties; making it a possible remedy for asthma, and obstructive pulmonary disease.

Source: UCC
Anti-tussive, muco-suppressant and expectorant properties, and the safety profile of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis

Background: Scoparia dulcis is used in Ghanaian folkloric medicine for the management of asthma and its related complications. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the anti-tussive, muco-suppressant and expectorant properties of hydroethanolic extract of S. dulcis (SDE), and to ascertain its safety for use in asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease management. Methods: The number of coughs induced in guinea pigs using citric acid and the concentration of phenol red secreted in tracheae of mice were measured. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted on the extract using standard procedures. Safety for use of the extract was assessed by conducting an acute and delayed toxicity test. Results: The extract showed a dose-independent inhibition (p ≤ 0.001) of cough elicited by 7.5% citric acid, and a dose-dependent increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the amount of phenol red output in mice tracheae similar to that of ammonium chloride. For the muco-suppressant activity, SDE dose-dependently reduced (p ≤ 0.001) the concentration of ammonium chloride-induced phenol red secretions from mice tracheae. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and phenolic compounds. No acute and/or delayed toxic symptoms were observed after an oral administration of up to 5 g/kg of S. dulcis extract. Conclusion: The results showed that S. dulcis extract has anti-tussive, muco- suppressant and, expectorant and/or mucolytic properties; making it a possible remedy for asthma, and obstructive pulmonary disease.

Source: UCC
Anti-typhoid properties of phyllanthus amarus extracts

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae and commonly known as ‘carry-me-seed’ or quinine weed. The whole plant was subjected to solvent extractions using petroleum ether and ethanol. Both crude extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi using agar well-diffusion method of sensitivity testing. The crude ethanolic extract showed good inhibitory effect against the bacteria but the petroleum ether extract showed no activity. The crude ethanol extract was subjected to column chromatographic separation using dichloromethane: ethyl acetate (DCM/EA) solvent system. The column was finally eluted with methanol. The fractions eluted from the column were tested against the Salmonella typhi. The organism was sensitive to the methanol fractions at different concentrations (4.37mg/ ml, 8.75mg/ml, 17.50mg/ml, 35.00mg/ml and 70.00mg/ml) with a zone of inhibition of 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, and 22mm respectively. The Salmonella typhi was insensitive to the DCM/ EA fractions. Phytochemical screening tests performed on the crude ethanolic extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, saponins, lignans, tannins and flavonoids .

Source: UCC
Anti-uveitogenic effect of Xylopic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats

Uveitis, intraocular inflammatory disorder is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. This study investigated the curative effect of xylopic acid on endotoxin-induced uveitis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Uveitis was induced in rats by injecting 110 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) subcutaneously. Clinical signs of uveitis were assessed with a slit lamp. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils and total proteins in the aqueous humour of the eyes were estimated and these markers of inflammation were elevated in the control groups. Histopathological assessments of inflammation in the ocular tissues were also performed. There were significant reductions (P≤ 0.05) in vasodilatation of iris vessels, exudation, polymorphonuclear neutrophils and total proteins in the aqueous humour of xylopic acid and prednisolone treated uveitic rats compare to the untreated (control). Histopathological assessments revealed resolution of uveitis in treatment groups but not the untreated. This shows that oral administration of xylopic acid has ocular anti-inflammatory effect in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Source: UCC
Anti-uveitogenic effect of Xylopic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats

Uveitis, intraocular inflammatory disorder is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. This study investigated the curative effect of xylopic acid on endotoxin-induced uveitis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Uveitis was induced in rats by injecting 110 µg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) subcutaneously. Clinical signs of uveitis were assessed with a slit lamp. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils and total proteins in the aqueous humour of the eyes were estimated and these markers of inflammation were elevated in the control groups. Histopathological assessments of inflammation in the ocular tissues were also performed. There were significant reductions (P≤ 0.05) in vasodilatation of iris vessels, exudation, polymorphonuclear neutrophils and total proteins in the aqueous humour of xylopic acid and prednisolone treated uveitic rats compare to the untreated (control). Histopathological assessments revealed resolution of uveitis in treatment groups but not the untreated. This shows that oral administration of xylopic acid has ocular anti-inflammatory effect in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Source: UCC
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.

Source: UCC
Antiallergic Effect of an Aqueous Leaf Extract of Pistia Stratiotes in Murine Model of Ovalbumin‑Induced Allergic Conjunctivitis

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.

Source: UCC
Antibacterial and toxicological evaluation of the ethanol leaf extract of Anthonotha macrophylla

Introduction: The leaves of Anthonotha macrophylla which are widely used in folkloric medicine in Africa were evaluated for antibacterial activity and its toxicological profile. Methods: Antibacterial activities of the leaves against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus subtilis were compared with cefoxitin. Toxicological profiles were determined following the administration of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the leaf extract and distilled water, as control, to male Albino rats for 28 days. Biochemical and hematological indices and body weights were determined and the vital organs were examined. Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. macrophylla demonstrated antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria tested. Toxicological investigation of the leaf extract showed no significant alterations in hematological and biochemical indices, and the vital organs as well. The LD50 in rats was more than 5000 mg/kg. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the ethanol leaf extract of A. macrophylla possess good antimicrobial activity which supports the traditional use of this plant across Africa. The plant is also considered safe following oral exposure after 28 days.

Source: UCC
Antibacterial, resistance modulation action and time-kill kinetics of crude alkaloidal constituents from three different medicinal plants

Globally, millions of people die from drug-resistant infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that a resistant variant is 64% more likely than a non-resistant variant to kill an infected victim. As a result, new anti-microbial sources are extensively being explored, and medicinal plants may serve as promising starting point. Alkaloids are a wide group of naturally occurring nitrogenous organic compounds produced by organisms. The study aimed at determining the antibacterial, anti-biofilm properties and the rate of activity of the crude alkaloidal extracts of three medicinal plants; Occimum gratissimum, Zanthozylum zanthoxyloides and Phyllanthus fraternus. Combination therapy has shown promise in overcoming AMR as the active ingredient act in synergy to inhibit the causative microorganism. In the present study, the alkaloids in the three plants showed fairly good in-vitro inhibition properties against ten clinical pathogenic strains. Time-kill kinetic results revealed complete bactericidal action of crude alkaloidal constituents from Z. zanthoxyloides against S. aureus and S. poona. Bactericidal action was also revealed by crude alkaloidal constituents from P. fraternus against E. Coli (ATCC 43888). Modulation of tetracycline (a standard antibiotic) with the crude alkaloidal constituents from P. fraternus and O. gratissimum resulting in additive effects successfully improved tetracycline’s potency against S. poona and Shigella. LC-ESI-MC analysis revealed four known Z. zanthoxyloide alkaloids, two P. fraternus alkaloids and one known O. gratissimum alkaloid in the crude alkaloid extracts.

Source: UCC