ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
In vitro anti-trypanosomal effects of selected phenolic acids on Trypanosoma brucei

African trypanosomiasis remains a lethal disease to both humans and livestock. The disease persists due to limited drug availability, toxicity and drug resistance, hence the need for a better understanding of the parasite’s biology and provision of alternative forms of therapy. In this study, the in vitro effects of phenolic acids were assessed for their trypanocidal activities against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The effect of the phenolic acids on Trypanosoma brucei brucei was determined by the alamarBlue assay. The cell cycle effects were determined by flow cytometry and parasite morphological analysis was done by microscopy. Effect on cell proliferation was determined by growth kinetic analysis. Reverse Transcriptase quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to determine expression of iron dependent enzymes and iron distribution determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Gallic acid gave an IC50 of 14.2±1.5 μM. Deferoxamine, gallic acid and diminazene aceturate showed a dose dependent effect on the cell viability and the mitochondrion membrane integrity. Gallic acid, deferoxamine and diminazene aceturate caused loss of kinetoplast in 22%, 26% and 82% of trypanosomes respectively and less than 10% increase in the number of trypanosomes in S phase was observed. Gallic acid caused a 0.6 fold decrease, 50 fold increase and 7 fold increase in the expression levels of the transferrin receptor, ribonucleotide reductase and cyclin 2 genes respectively while treatment with deferoxamine and diminazene aceturate also showed differential expressions of the transferrin receptor, ribonucleotide reductase and cyclin 2 genes.

Source: UG
In vitro antibacterial activities of selected TB drugs in the presence of clay minerals against multidrugresistant strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis

Healing clay is a rich source of diverse minerals. The relevance of these indigenous minerals in the improvement of antibiotic chemotherapy against prevailing bacterial pathogens is yet to be thoroughly explored. In the present study, healing clay from archaeological context was characterized and used in combination with 19 different antibacterial drugs to test their combined in vitro activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155 and a multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium smegmatis strain. Among the antibiotics tested, the anti-tuberculosis drug, pyrazinamide (Pzd), showed a drastic antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2 155 in the presence of 5 µg/µL of the healing clay, whereas ribosome targeted inhibitors such as gentamicin showed significant reduction in activity in the presence of the healing clay. The resistance phenotype of the MDR Mycobacterium smegmatis strain to ampicillin and isoniazid was reversed in the presence of the healing clay. The activity of the other antibiotics was either unaffected, enhanced or reduced in the presence of the healing clay. The activity of ampicillin and isoniazid against the MDR strain in the presence of the healing clay suggest that healing clay might be a useful synergy for these antibiotics against MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Source: UG
In vitro antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extracts against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and clinical isolates

Background Resistance to antibiotic has increased extensively over the years, posing a serious threat to public health. Plants are promising sources of antibiotic-resistance inhibitors. The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial properties leaf and seed extracts of Moringa oleifera against strains of pathogenic bacteria. Methods Eight extracts of M. oleifera leaves and seeds were prepared using four solvents; water, ethanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether, and evaluated against drug-resistant clinical isolates and standard laboratory strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts was determined by broth microdilution method. Results The results show that aqueous extracts of both leaves and seeds had higher zones of inhibition for all the isolates, including Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, E. coli ESBL, meropenem-resistant E. coli, than the rest of the extracts, with zones of inhibition ranging from 20.0 mm to 32.5 mm. Ethyl acetate seed extract also inhibited all the isolates except Meropenem-resistant E. coli. Likewise, ethyl acetate leaf extract inhibited all except the E. coli isolates and had significantly higher zones inhibition for almost all the isolates compared to the ethyl acetate seed extract. However, aqueous seed extract showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration against all bacteria strains, ranging from 50 mg/ml to 200 mg/ml. Conclusions The data indicates that aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of M. oleifera, particularly aqueous seed extract, have the potential of capturing inhibitors against drug-resistant and clinical isolates of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli.

Source: UG
In vitro antibacterial activity of PEG formulations of crude extracts of cleome viscosa, Tamarindus indica and Euphorbia hirta

Background: In rural settings, some medicinal plant extracts serve as alternative agents for wound treatment. Topical application of such extracts would be greatly enhanced if formulations such as ointment-based preparations were available. Methodology: This study sought to investigate the antibacterial activity of polyethylene glycol ointment formulations of crude extracts of Cleome viscosa, Tamarindus indica and Euphorbia hirta against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Antibacterial activities were studied at concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg mL-1 for the test extracts and 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg g-1 for the polyethylene glycol formulations. Results: Generally, the crude extracts as well as their formulations showed increasing levels of inhibition with increasing concentrations. Polyethylene glycol formulations of Euphobia hirta and Cleome viscosa crude extracts exhibited significant potencies against growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Both Euphobia hirta and Cleome viscosa crude extract-polyethylene glycol ointments have therefore emerged as potentially effective formulations against Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa wound infections. © 2016 Addai-Mensah Donkor et al.

Source: UG
In vitro antileishmanial activity and molecular docking studies of lupeol and monostearin, isolated from Parkia biglobosa

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
In Vitro Antimicrobial Effect of Encapsulated Vancomycin on Internalized Staphylococcus aureus Within Endothelial Cells Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03639040600867989

Vancomycin (VCN) is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is effective in the treatment of gram-positive bacterial infections, but mainly reserved for methicilin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is, however, ineffective against intracellular bacteria and hence a particulate form of VCN would be required. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) microspheres of VCN with a mean particle size of 5 ± 1.6 μm were used. Human microvascular endothelial cells internalized both S. aureus and VCN microspheres in a time and concentration-dependent manner, however, the uptake was inhibited by cytochalasin D. Action of VCN on S. aureus in the intracellular microenvironment decreased the bacterial load considerably. Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03639040600867989

Source: UG
In vitro antimycobacterial and cytotoxic data on medicinal plants used to treat tuberculosis

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
In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Effect of a Glutathione-Enhancer Dietary Supplement on Selected Rat Liver Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Activity

Background There is considerable evidence that many people take dietary supplements including those of herbal origin as an alternative therapy to improve their health. One such supplement, with an amalgam of constituents, is CellGevity®. However, the effect of this dietary supplement on drug-metabolizing enzymes is poorly understood, as it has not been studied extensively. Therefore, we investigated the effect of CellGevity dietary supplement on selected rat liver microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, the most common drug-metabolizing enzymes. We also determined the total antioxidant potential of this dietary supplement in vitro. Methods To determine the antioxidant potential of CellGevity dietary supplement, 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), total phenolic, and flavonoid assays were used after initial preparation of a solution form of the supplement (low dose, LD; 4 mg/kg and high dose, HD; 8 mg/kg). Rats received oral administration of these doses of the supplement for 7 days, after which the effect of the supplement on selected liver CYP enzymes was assessed using probe substrates and spectroscopic and high-performance liquid chromatographic methods. Rats which received daily administration of 80 mg/kg of phenobarbitone and distilled water served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Results The IC50 value of the supplement 0.34 ± 0.07 mg/ml compared to 0.076 ± 0.03 mg/ml of the BHT (positive control). The total phenolic content of the supplement at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml was 34.97 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g while its total flavonoid content at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml was 6 g quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g. The supplement significantly inhibited rat CYP2B1/2B2 (LDT 92.4%; HDT 100%), CYP3A4 (LDT 81.2%; HDT 71.7%), and CYP2C9 (LDT 21.7%; HDT 28.5%) while it had no significant inhibitory effect on CYPs 1A1/1A2, CYP1A2, and CYP2D6. Conclusion CellGevity dietary supplement possesses moderate antioxidant activity in vitro and has an inhibitory effect on selected rat liver CYP enzymes, suggesting its potential interaction with drugs metabolized by CYP enzymes.

Source: UG
In vitro Antiparasitic and Anti‑severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Activities of Extracts and Fractions from Pouteria alnifolia

Background: Although there is widespread use of herbal medicine in many parts of the world including tropical Africa, scientific evidence to validate efficacy and safety is largely scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Pouteria alnifolia as an alternative anti-infective. Methods: In this study, bioactivity‑guided isolation of extracts from different parts of P. alnifolia was done, and the in vitro antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial, anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and cytotoxicity properties of the extracts and fractions were determined using the alamarBlue assay. Using microscopy, the growth kinetics of Trypanosoma brucei brucei was investigated by counting cells when parasites were exposed to different concentrations of selected extracts and fractions. Results: The results show that while anthracene and anthraquinone derivatives were absent in all the tested fractions, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides were the most common phytochemicals in the fractions. Alkaloids were also detected in the dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of seeds and whole fruit (WF) compared to butanol (BuOH) fractions of the fruit pulp, stem, and roots. The IC50 values for T. b. brucei were between 07 ± 0.0 and 59.5 ± 0.3 µg/mL while that of Leishmania donovani ranged from 1.3 ± 0.1 to 27.8 ± 1.8 µg/mL. DCM extracts from WF, seeds, and stem inhibited the growth of T. b. brucei, whereas the BuOH fractions from seeds and WFs were most active against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: Extracts and fractions from P. alnifolia appear to have useful chemotherapeutic agents that warrant further study for a variety of infections faced by those in tropical Africa.

Source: UG
In vitro antiplasmodial activity, LC-MS analysis, and molecular docking studies of bioactive compounds from Tetrapleura tetraptera (Fabaceae) fruits

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
In vitro antiprotozoan activity and mechanisms of action of selected Ghanaian medicinal plants against Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Plasmodium parasites

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
In Vitro Assessment of Anthelmintic Activities of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) Stem Bark and Roots against Parasitic Stages of Schistosoma mansoni and Cytotoxic Study

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
In vitro assessment of crude oil degradation by Acinetobacter junii and Alcanivorax xenomutans isolated from the coast of Ghana

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
In Vitro Cercaricidal Activity, Acute Toxicity, and GC/MS Analysis of Some Selected Ghanaian Medicinal Plants

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
In vitro evaluation and targeting of . coli internalized by endothelial cells using albumin microspheres loaded with gentamicin.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of microencapsulated form of gentamicin and the traditional solution form for its intracellular bactericidal effect. Bovine serumalbumin (BSA) microspheres loaded with gentamicin were prepared by using Mini Spray Dryer. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) were exposed to increasing concentrations of Escherichia coli leading to internalization of E. coli. The internalized bacteria were targeted using either the microencapsulated or the solution form of gentamicin. The treatment groups using gentamicin solution form and microsphere form showed almost 46% and 86% inhibition in the growth of the internalized bacteria, respectively.

Source: UG
In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic Activities of Marketed Herbal Products 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
An in vitro evaluation of Pleurotus ostreatus EM-1- modified maize (Zea mays) cob as a non- conventional energy source for livestock in Ghana

Treatment with Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM-1 recently has been proposed as an effective means of transforming maize cob into nutritive animal feed for livestock production in the West African sub-region. This study compares P. ostreatus strain EM-1-treated maize cob with peels of cassava and plantain, widely-accepted complementary feedstuffs in West Africa, in terms of in vitro biodegradability and composition. Subjection of milled maize cob samples to solid state fermentation by P. ostreatus strain EM-1, until complete mycelial colonization, resulted in an increase of 107.3% in cell extractives and a 41.2% reduction in lignin content. The cellulose content of the treated maize cob exceeded that of plantain peel and cassava peel by 44.9 and 71.2%, respectively, while protein and lipid content did not differ significantly from mean values obtained for cassava peel. Cellulosic sugar production from treated maize cob, measured at 37°C for up to 3 h in the presence or absence of 0.05 U mL-1 cellulase, surpassed that of cassava peel by 52.3% (p<0.05) but was significantly lower than that of plantain peel. The data indicate that the potential metabolizable energy of P. ostreatus strain EM-1-modified maize cob far exceeds that of cassava peel. Based on the present findings, maize cob treated with P. ostreatus strain EM-1 should serve as an excellent complementary energy source for small ruminants in the West African sub-region.

Source: UG
In vitro H+/K+-ATPase Inhibition, Antiradical Effects of a Flavonoid-rich Fraction of Dissotis rotundifolia, and In silico PASS Prediction of its Isolated Compounds

Background: Dissotis rotundifolia, commonly referred to as pink lady, has several medicinal uses including peptic ulcer. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of D. rotundifolia extract on H+/K+-ATPase and also assessed its antiradical activity. In silico study of some isolated compounds of this plant was also carried out to affirm the suspected binding properties of extract to H+/K+-ATPase enzyme. Materials and Methods: D. rotundifolia whole plant extract was obtained after extraction process and then assessed for its ability to scavenge free radicals in four in vitro test models. Its ability to inhibit the activity of H+/K+-ATPase enzyme was also evaluated. Molecular docking was carried out on phytoconstituents, namely, vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, and isoorientin reported to be present in the whole plant extract. Results: Data obtained indicated that D. rotundifolia extract (DRE) exhibits strong antioxidant activity. DRE also showed inhibitory effects on H+/K+-ATPase enzyme activity. Docking studies affirmed the in vitro binding effect of the extract to H+/K+-ATPase. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the plant extract possess antioxidant and antipeptic ulcer activity.

Source: UG
In vitro response of P.falciparum to chloroquine, amodiaquine, quinine and sulfadoxine/pryrimethamine in Ghana.

In Vitro asexual parasite sensitivity to chloroquine, amodiaquine, quinine, and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SDZ/PYR) combination was determined for Plasmodium falciparum isolates from children in three schools at Nima (Urban), Madina (Peri urban) and Gomoa Fetteh (Rural), during the rainy season. Chloroquine resistance was present in 625% of children at Nima, 69.6% (23136) of children at Madina and 50% (16132) of those in Gomoa Fetteh. Resistance of P. falciparum to amodiaquine was recorded in 30% (6/20),35.7% (5/14) and 12.5% (1/8) of children in Nima, Madina and Gomoa Fetteh respectively. In addition parasite resistance to SDX/PYR was found in children in Nima, Madina and in one child at Gomoa Fetteh. Resistance to both chloroquine and amodiaquine was present in 3 children at Nima, 5 at Madina and in a single child at Gomoa Fettteh. Resistance to both chloroquine and SDX/PYR and to Amodiaquine and SDXIPYR was restricted to only Nima (2/15, 1/15) .and Madina 3/14, 2/15). There was no resistance to quinine in any of the areas studied. A progressive increase in minimum inhibitory concentrations (IC9O) for chloroquine was observed from Nima and Madina to rural Gomma Fetteh. Similarly, IC90 for amodiaquine was highest in Madina. The presence of multiple-drug resistant P. falciparum in these children represents a challenge to the control and management of falciparum malaria and this data serves as a baseline for monitoring any changes in parasite sensitivity to antimalarial drugs in the study areas

Source: UG
In vitro responses of P. falciparum parasites to chloroquine, amodiaquine and quinine in two ecological zones in Ghana

Blood specimens were taken from 318 school children with at least 1,000 and not more than 80,000 P. falciparum asexual parasites per microliter of blood for a 30 hour in vitro microtest of P. falciparum asexual parasites responses to chloroquine, amodiaquine and quinine. The study was conducted in primary schools in four urban and three rural communities in the costal and forest zones in Ghana between June 1988 and December 1990. Chloroquine resistance was present in 58.7 pc (54/92) and 3.9 pc (4/103) of the successful in vitro tests in the coastal and forest zones respectively. Resistance to amodiaquine was recorded in 28.6 pc (12/42) of the successful tests in coastal zone. There was no resistance to quinine in any of the ecological zones. Concentrations of the three drugs in pmol required for 90 pc inhibition of schizont maturation were generally higher in communities in the coastal zone than those in the forest zone. The results suggest an increase in sensitivity or a reduction in resistance of P. falciparum to the drugs from the coast to the forest zone.

Source: UG
In vitro screening for the anti-anaphylactic agent in thonningia sanguinea

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