Research Articles (School of Pharmacy)

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Active Principles of Tetradenia riparia; II. Antispasmodic Activity of 8(14), 15-Sandaracopimaradiene-7α, 18-diol
(Georg Thieme Verlag, 1987) Van Puyvelde, Luc; Lefebvre, Romain; Mugabo, Pierre; De Kimpe, Norbert; Schamp, Niceas
Tetradenia riparia is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Rwanda. Previously, several new substances have been isolated from the leaves, including a new diterpenediol, i.e. 8(14),15-sandaracopimaradiene-7α,18-diol. This new diterpenediol exhibits a papaverine-like antispasmodic activity on the contractions of the guinea pig ileum provoked by methacholine, histamine, and barium chloride and on the noradrenaline-induced contractions of the rabbit aorta.
Iterative prophylactic treatment by hematin in two cases of recurrent disabling acute intern1ittent porphyria (AIP)
(Elsevier, 1989) Mugabo, Pierre; Coche, Lefebvre E.; Hassoun, A.
Summary: Hematin is known as a useful drug in the treatment of acute intermittent porphyria (Al P) attacks. We have used it with success as an iterative prophylactic treatment in two cases of AIP with recurrent disabling crises. In one of the two cases, the kinetic study of plasmatic delta amino-fernlinic acid (ALA) has shown an ALA plasma level (40-45 μg/dl) which is considered to be a trigger level for this patient. Cntil now, no side effects due to such a hematin treatment have been observed in either patient. This schedule could represent an improvement in the management of recurrent disabling AI P crises.
Provision of syndromic treatment of sexually transmitted infections by community pharmacists: a potentially underutilized HIV prevention strategy
(Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2003) Ward, Kim; Butler, Nadine; Mugabo, Pierre; Klausner, Jeffrey; Mcfarland, Willi; Chen, Sanny; Schwarcz, Sandra
Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are known risk factors for HIV infection. Goal: The goal of this study was to assess the current and potential future role that community pharmacists in Western Cape, South Africa play in the treatment of STIs. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in the Western Cape region of South Africa. A face-to-face interview that ascertained experience with requests from patients for STI treatment, current STI treatment practices, and willingness to provide syndromic STI treatment was administered to head pharmacists. Results: Ninety pharmacies were selected and 85 (94%) of the head pharmacists participated; 55 from an urban area and 30 from a rural area. Pharmacists reported a median of 40 urban clients and 25 rural clients who sought STI treatment from community pharmacists. When provided with a hypothetical clinical situation, 13% of urban and 17% of rural pharmacists identified the correct medication for male urethral discharge, 8% of urban pharmacists and none of the rural pharmacists identified correct treatment for genital ulcers, and none of the pharmacists identified the correct medication for vaginal discharge. Fifty-three percent of pharmacists in urban regions and 47% of pharmacists in rural regions expressed willingness to provide syndromic STI treatment. Independent predictors of willingness to provide syndromic treatment were knowledge of the link between HIV transmission and STIs (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 13.78; 95% CI: 2.69,70.66), past experience prescribing syndromic STI treatment (OR: 11.1; 95% CI: 1.14, 108.6), and male gender (OR: 4.38; 95% CI: 1.15, 16.7). Conclusions: Pharmacists are frequently called upon to provide STI treatment but have limited knowledge of correct treatment recommendations. Training pharmacists to provide syndromic STI treatment may be one strategy to reduce STI morbidity and HIV transmission.
Characterization and Cradiovascular Effects of (13S)-9α,13α-epoxylabda-6β(19),15(14)diol dilactone, a Diterpenoid Isolated from Leonotis leonurus
(South African Chemical Institute, 2008) Obikezea, Kene C.; McKenzieb, Jean M.; Green, Ivan; Mugabo, Pierre
A new diterpenoid, (13S)-9 ,13 -epoxylabda-6 (19),15(14)diol dilactone (1), was isolated from Leonotis leonurus and the structure determined via NMR analysis. The compound causes significant changes in blood pressure of anaesthetized normotensive rats and exhibits a negative chronotropic effect.
Evaluation of the effects of Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S. Green (Oleaceae) leaf methanol extract against castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice
(Oxford University Press, 2010) Amabeoku, George J.; Bamuamba, Kapinga
Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S. Green is widely used in South Africa by traditional medicine practitioners to treat diarrhoea. However, little is known scientifically about this South African species in the treatment of diarrhoea. The main aim of the study therefore was to investigate the antidiarrhoeal effect of the leaf methanol extract of the plant species in mice. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the leaf methanol extract of O. europaea subsp. africana was studied using a castor oil-induced diarrhoeal test. The antipropulsive activity of the plant extract was also investigated using the charcoal meal transit test. Standard methods were used to investigate the acute toxicity and effect of O. europaea subsp. africana on castor oil-induced intraluminal fluid accumulation.
Nevirapine plasma concentrations in premature infants exposed to single-dose nevirapine for prevention of mother-tochild transmission of HIV-1
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2011) Mugabo, Pierre; Els, Ilse; Smith, Johan; Rabie, Helena; Smith, Peter; Mirochnick, Mark; Steyn, Wilhelm; Hall, David; Madsen, Richard; Cotton, Mark F.
Background: No pharmacokinetic data exist for premature infants receiving single-dose nevirapine (sd NVP) for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Aim: To describe NVP decay pharmacokinetics in two groups of premature infants – those whose mothers either received or did not receive NVP during labour. Methods: Infants less than 37 weeks’ gestation were prospectively enrolled. Mothers received sd NVP during labour if time allowed. Infants received sd NVP and zidovudine. Blood was collected on specified days after birth and NVP concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Data were obtained from 81 infants, 58 born to mothers who received sd NVP during labour (group I) and 23 to mothers who did not receive NVP (group II). Of the infants 29.6% were small for gestational age (SGA). Median (range) maximum concentration (Cmax), time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax), area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and halflife (T½) were 1 438 (350 - 3 832) ng/ml, 25h50 (9h40 - 83h45), 174 134 (22 308 - 546 408) ng×h/ml and 59.0 (15.4 - 532.6) hours for group I and 1 535 (635 - 4 218) ng/ml, 17h35 (7h40 - 29h), 168 576 (20 268 - 476 712) ng×h/ml and 69.0 (22.12 - 172.3) hours for group II. For group II, the median (range) volume of distribution (Vd) and body clearance (Cl) were 1 702.6 (623.7 - 6 189.8) ml and 34.9 (6.2 - 163.8) ml/h. The AUC was higher (p=0.006) and Cl lower (p<0.0001) in SGA infants. Plasma concentrations exceeding 100 ng/ml were achieved over 8 days in 78% infants in group I and 70.0% in group II. The MTCT rate was 4.8%. Conclusion: Women in preterm labour often deliver with little advance warning. Our study suggests that NVP dosing of preterm infants as soon as possible after birth without maternal intrapartum dosing may be as effective as combined maternal and infant dosing.
Inorganic ions in leonotis leonurus extract do not explain changes in isolated Wistar rat heart function
(Open Access Science Research Publisher, 2011) Burger, Andries; Mugabo, Pierre; Henkel, Ralf; Green, Ivan
Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) R. Br (Lamiaceae) is used by healers in South Africa. The present study was conducted to determine if the L. leonurus effect on isolated rat heart is due to ionic changes in the perfusion fluid.
Service learning in pharmacy: Opportunities for student learning and service delivery
(Academic Journals, 2011) Bheekie, Angeni; Obikeze, Kenechukwu; Bapoo, Rafik; Ebrahim, Naushaad
High patient load and understaffing in public health care facilities preclude the provision of optimal pharmaceutical services in South Africa. A Service Learning in Pharmacy (SLIP) programme for the University of the Western Cape's final year pharmacy students was implemented in health care facilities to assist in service provision. Students rotated between a pharmacotherapy (patient-oriented) and pharmaceutical formulation (product-oriented) activities to develop skills in prescription analysis, manufacturing and packaging of hospital pharmaceuticals. Structured focus group sessions were held with students and pharmacists to assess the integrated service learning experiences. Student feedback was positive, as the 'real world' experiences enabled them to adapt to intense work pressures, developed a sense of 'personal responsibility' towards patient health and they were sensitized to issues of social injustice. Students became competent in prescription analyses, counseling on medication use, manufacturing and pre-packing procedures. Pharmacists fully supported increased student involvement in the health services. Service learning in pharmacy schools is needed to contextualize learning and to address health care needs in South Africa.
Direct inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme by an extract of Harpagophytum procumbens, harpagoside and harpagide
(Academic Journals, 2011) Ebrahim, Naushaad; Uebel, R.A.
A methanolic extract of Harpagophytum procumbens as well as harpagoside and harpagide were tested as direct inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2). The H. procumbens extract demonstrated direct inhibition (68%) of COX-2 enzyme. The concentration of harpagoside and harpagide equivalent to that found in the extract (3 and 1% respectively) contributed 1.5 and 13% to this inhibition. Results indicated direct COX-2 enzyme inhibition by the H. procumbens extract due to possible synergistic activity of active components in the extract, which include harpagide and harpagoside.
Acute pharmacokinetics of first line anti-tuberculosis drugs in patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and in patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis co-infected with HIV
(David Publishing, 2011) Mugabo, Pierre; Hassan, Mogamat Shafick; Slaughter, R.
The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of antituberculosis drugs in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and in patients with PTB and HIV during the first 24 h of treatment. Designed as a case-control study, it compares the pharmacokinetics of first line antituberculous drugs, in HIV-positive (cases) and HIV-negative (control) patients both presenting with pulmonary tuberculosis. Blood samples were collected before and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 8, 12 and 24 h after administration of drugs. Drugs plasma levels were tested using HPLC assays. Results: Fourteen HIV positive (7 males and 7 females) and 17 HIV negative (9 males and 8 females) enrolled. Rifafour, a combination tablet including rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol was used in HIV positive patients, CD4 counts were significantly lower, renal function mildly decreased in 85% patients and moderately decreased in 7% patients. Liver function was normal in both groups. None of these patients was on other drug therapy. In the HIV positive group isoniazid T1/2 and AUC were decreased and Cl increased whereas Tmax and Cmax were unchanged. Pyrazinamide Tmax and Cmax were significantly decreased in HIV positive patients and no significant changes were noticed in the T1/2, AUC and CL. Conclusion: The study suggest that ethambutol, pyrazinamide and rifampicin pharmacokinetics was not affected by HIV infection and that isoniazid disposition is affected by HIV.
Effects of Leonotis leonurus aqueous extract on the isolated perfused rat heart
(Open Access Science Research Publisher, 2012) Mugabo, Pierre; Khan, Fatima; Burger, Andries
The use the aqueous decoction of Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) (Ll) R. Br. (Lamiaceae) in the treatment of hypertension (HPT) in traditional medicine is well documented. The effect of the aqueous extract of LI on the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) has been investigated in normotensive rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ll aqueous extract on the in isolated perfused rat heart (IPRH). Hearts were excised from male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-350g, aged less than 6 months. They were perfused at constant flow using the modified Langendorff perfused model of the heart. Effects of adrenaline on the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), heart rate (HR), cardiac work (CW) and coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) were compared to that of Ll. Adrenaline (1µM) significantly (p<0.05) increased the LVSP by 40.6%, the LVDP by 43.9%, the HR by 22.5% and the CW by 89.4%. Ll (1.0 mg/ml and 2.0 mg/ml respectively and significantly (p<0.01) increased the LVSP by 25.36 and 14.91, the LVDP by 29.40 and 14.88. Ll (1.0 mg/ml and 2.0 mg/ml) significantly produced a negative chronotropic effect. Both adrenaline and Ll aqueous extract did not have any significant effect on the LVEDP. Adrenaline resulted in positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. At low concentrations Ll produced a positive inotropic and a negative chronotropic effect. At the concentration of 2.0mg/ml Ll decreased all parameters to zero. At higher concentrations higher than 2.0mg/ml, Ll seemed to have toxic effects on the heart.
Cardiovascular effects of the alkaloid hippadine on the isolated perfused rat heart
(Open Access Science Research Publisher, 2012) Mugabo, Pierre; Obikeze, Kenechukwu; Njagi, Angela; Burger, Andries; Dietrich, Danielle; Green, Ivan
Crinum macowanii has been used extensively in traditional medicines for treatment of various illnesses such as oedema and ‘heart disease’. Previous studies of the crude bulb extracts on Langendorff perfused isolated rat hearts indicated a positive inotropic effect. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize compound(s) from C. macowanii with cardiovascular effects similar to that observed with the crude extracts of the plant. The methanol extract of dried bulbs was extracted for alkaloids, and structural elucidation of the isolated alkaloid identified it as hippadine. The cardiovascular effects of hippadine was evaluated in vitro in isolated perfused rat hearts using the “double sided” working heart system. Perfusion with 0.5 μg/ml and 5.0 μg/ml hippadine in Krebs-Hanseleit buffer led to significant decreases in coronary flow, aortic output, cardiac output, systolic pressure, and heart rate, accompanied by increases in diastolic pressure. Hippadine exhibited a negative chronotropic and inotropic effect on the isolated rat heart and is responsible either partly or fully for the cardiovascular effects of C. macowanii.
Antinociceptive and anti-Inflammatory activities of leaf methanol extract of cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae)
(Hindawi, 2012) Amabeoku, George J.; Kabatende, Joseph
Leaf methanol extract of C. orbiculata L. was investigated for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid writhing and hot-plate tests and carrageenan-induced oedema test in mice and rats, respectively. C. orbiculata (100–400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing and significantly delayed the reaction time of mice to the hot-plate-induced thermal stimulation. Paracetamol (300 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Morphine (10mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the reaction time of mice to the thermal stimulation produced with hot plate. Leaf methanol extract of C. orbiculata (50–400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Indomethacin (10mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly attenuated the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The LD50 value obtained for the plant species was greater than 4000 mg/kg (p.o.). The data obtained indicate that C. orbiculata has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, justifying the folklore use of the plant species by traditional medicine practitioners in the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions. The relatively high LD50 obtained shows that C. orbiculatamay be safe in or nontoxic to mice.
Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Asystasia gangetica on the blood pressure and heart rate in male spontaneously hypertensive Wistar rats
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2013) Mugabo, Pierre; Raji, Ismaila A.
Background: Asystasia gangentica (A. gangetica) belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is used to treat hypertension, rheumatism, asthma, diabetes mellitus, and as an anthelmintic in South Africa, India, Cameroun, Nigeria, and Kenya respectively. It has also been reported to inhibit the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in-vitro. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the in-vivo effect of aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of A. gangetica on the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in anaesthetized male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR); and to elucidate possible mechanism(s) by which it acts. Methods: The ALE of A. gangetica (10–400 mg/kg), angiotensin I human acetate salt hydrate (ANG I, 3.1–100 μg/kg) and angiotensin II human (ANG II, 3.1–50 μg/kg) were administered intravenously. The BP and HR were measured via a pressure transducer connecting the femoral artery to a Powerlab and a computer for recording. Results: A. gangetica significantly (p<0.05), and dose-dependently reduced the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP. The significant (p<0.05) reductions in HR were not dose-dependent. Both ANG I and ANG II increased the BP dose-dependently. Co-infusion of A. gangetica (200 mg/kg) with either ANG I or ANG II significantly (p<0.05) suppressed the hypertensive effect of both ANG I and ANG II respectively, and was associated with reductions in HR. Conclusions: A. gangetica ALE reduced BP and HR in the SHR. The reduction in BP may be a result of actions of the ALE on the ACE, the ANG II receptors and the heart rate.
The contributions of muscarinic receptors and changes in plasma aldosterone levels to the anti-hypertensive effect of Tulbaghia violacea
(BioMed Central, 2013) Raji, Ismaila A.; Mugabo, Pierre; Obikeze, Kenechukwu
Background: Tulbaghia violacea Harv. (Alliaceae) is used to treat various ailments, including hypertension (HTN) in South Africa. This study aims to evaluate the contributions of muscarinic receptors and changes in plasma aldosterone levels to its anti-hypertensive effect. Methods: In the acute experiments, methanol leaf extracts (MLE) of T. violacea (30–120 mg/kg), muscarine (0.16 -10 μg/kg), and atropine (0.02 - 20.48 mg/kg), and/or the vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and normal saline (NS)) were respectively and randomly administered intravenously in a group of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) weighing 300 to 350 g and aged less than 5 months. Subsequently, T. violacea (60 mg/kg) or muscarine (2.5 μg/kg) was infused into eight SHRs, 20 min after atropine (5.12 mg/kg) pre-treatment. In the chronic (21 days) experiments, the SHRs were randomly divided into three groups, and given the vehicle (0.2 ml/day of DMSO and NS), T. violacea (60 mg/kg/day) and captopril (10 mg/kg/day) respectively into the peritoneum, to investigate their effects on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and plasma aldosterone levels. Systolic BP and HR were measured using tail-cuff plethysmography during the intervention. BP and HR were measured via a pressure transducer connecting the femoral artery and the Powerlab at the end of each intervention in the acute experiment; and on day 22 in the chronic experiment. Results: In the acute experiments, T. violacea, muscarine, and atropine significantly (p < 0.05) reduced BP dose-dependently. T. violacea and muscarine produced dose-dependent decreases in HR, while the effect of atropine on HR varied. After atropine pre-treatment, dose-dependent increases in BP and HR were observed with T. violacea; while the BP and HR effects of muscarine were nullified. In the chronic experiments, the T. violaceatreated and captropril-treated groups had signicantly lower levels of aldosterone in plasma when compared to vehicle-treated group. Compared to the vehicle-treated group, significant reduction in BP was only seen in the captopril-treated group; while no difference in HR was observed among the groups. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that stimulation of the muscarinic receptors and a reduction in plasma aldosterone levels contribute to the anti-hypertesive effect of T. violacea.
3D-QSAR and docking studies of pentacycloundecylamines at the sigma-1 (σ1) receptor
(Elsevier, 2013) Geldenhuys, Werner J.; Novotny, Nicholas; Malan, Sarel F.; Van der Schyf, Cornelis J.
Pentacycloundecylamine (PCU) derived compounds have been shown to be promising lead structures for the development of novel drug candidates aimed at a variety of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Here we show for the first time a 3D quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) for a series of aza-PCU-derived compounds with activity at the sigma-1 (r1) receptor. A comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model was developed with a partial least squares cross validated (q2) regression value of 0.6, and a non-cross validatedr2 of 0.9. The CoMFA model was effective at predicting the sigma-1 activities of atest set with an r2 >0.7. We also describe here the docking of the PCU-derivedcompounds into a homology model of the sigma-1 (r1) receptor, which was developed to gain insight into binding of these cage compounds to the receptor. Based on docking studies we evaluated in a [3H]pentazocine binding assay anoxa-PCU, NGP1-01 (IC50 = 1.78 lM) and its phenethyl derivative (IC50 = 1.54 lM). Results from these studies can be used to develop new compounds with specific affinity for the sigma-1(r1)
Pulmonary effects and disposition of luteolin and Artemisia afra extracts in isolated perfused lungs
(Elsevier, 2013) Mjiqiza, Sizwe Joel; Syce, James; Obikeze, Kenechukwu
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Artemisia afra (Asteraceae) is a traditional medicinal plant frequently used in steam inhalation form to treat respiratory conditions. AIM OF THE STUDY: Quantify luteolin content in Artemisia afra dried crude and aqueous extract. Evaluate the pulmonary effects of Artemisia afra steam inhalation, nebulized Artemisia afra extract and luteolin in isolated perfused lungs (IPL). Evaluate the pulmonary disposition of intravenously administered luteolin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HPLC was used to quantify luteolin in Artemisia afra extracts. A modified version of the IPL was used to determine the effects of Artemisia afra steam inhalation, nebulized luteolin, and nebulized aqueous leaf extract on lung function, as well as the pulmonary disposition of IV luteolin. RESULTS: Artemisia afra extract contained significantly higher luteolin levels than the crude dried leaves. Inhaled Artemisia afra steam, and nebulized luteolin, and Artemisia afra extract and IV luteolin produced significant dose-dependent improvements in lung function, with nebulized Artemisia afra producing the greatest improvements. Nebulisation with Artemisia afra extract yielded higher quantities of luteolin than luteolin nebulisation. CONCLUSION: Results verify the traditional use of inhalation of Artemisia afra steam, although nebulized luteolin and aqueous extract are better alternatives. Luteolin significantly contributes to the broncho-dilatory effects of Artemisia afra.
Involvement of gamma aminobutyric acid in the anticonvulsant effect of the leaf methanol extract of Ruta graveolens L. (Rutaceae) in mice
(Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013) Ahmad, A.H.; Amabeoku, G.J.
The possible involvement of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), in the anticonvulsant effect of Ruta graveolens L. was investigated by studying the effect of the leaf methanol extract against seizures elicited by either pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), bicuculline, picrotoxin or N-Methyl-DL-Aspartic acid (NlvIDLA) in mice. Leaf methanol extract of Ruta graveolens, phenobarbitone, diazepam and muscimol significantly antagonized seizures induced by PTZ, bicuculline or picrotoxin. Combined treatment of subeffective doses of R. graveolens and muscimol significantly antagonized seizures induced by PTZ, bicuculline or picrotoxin. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or phenytoin did not significantly affect the seizures produced by PTZ, bicuculline or picrotoxin. Ruta graveolens, phenobarbitone, diazepam, phenytoin or DMSO did not significantly affect seizures produced by NlvIDLA. LY233053 significantly antagonized seizures produced by NlvIDLA. Combined treatment of sub-effective doses of LY233053 and Ruta graveolens did not significantly alter NlvIDLA-induced seizures. The phytochemical qualitative analysis of the plant species showed the presence of tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, triterpene steroids and alkaloids. The LD50 value obtained following oral administration of the leaf methanol extract of R. graveolens was above 4000 mg kg-1 .The HPLC fingerprint of the plant species revealed certain characteristic peaks at 350 run. The data obtained in this study, indicate that the leaf methanol extract of R. graveolens has anticonvulsant activity. The data obtained also indicate that GABA mechanism may probably be involved in the anticonvulsant effect of the plant extract. The relatively high LD50 obtained for the plant species, given orally, indicates that it is safe in mice.
Evaluation of the antidiarrhoeal and antidiabetic activities of the leaf aqueous extract of Syzygium cordatum hoscht. ex C.Krauss (Mytraceae) in rodents
(Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013) Deliwe, M.; Amabeoku, G.J.
Syzygium cordatum Hoscht. ex C.Krauss is widely used by traditional medicine practitioners to treat many ailments including diarrhoea and diabetes. Despite the folklore use, little evidence can be found in literature to corroborate the claims of therapeutic success of the plant species. The objective of the study was to investigate the antidiarrhoeal and antidiabetic activities of the leaf aqueous extract of the plant species in mice and rats, respectively. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the leaf aqueous extract of S. cordatum was investigated using castor oil-induced diarrhoeal test. The antidiabetic activity of the plant extract was studied using streptozotoxin-induced diabetes in rats. Acute toxicity study of plant extract was also carried out using a standard method. Leaf aqueous extract of S. cordatum significantly reduced the number of diarrhoeal episodes, decreased the stool mass and delayed the onset of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. Loperamide was shown to protect the animals against castor oil-induced diarrhoea. Both the leaf aqueous extract of S. cordatum and chlorpropamide significantly lowered the blood glucose levels in both normal and streptozotoxin-induced diabetic rats. The LD50 value obtained for the plant extract was over 4000 mg kg-1 orally. The results obtained suggest that the leaf aqueous extract of S. cordatum has both antidiarrhoeal and antidiabetic activities. This justifies the folklore use of the plant species by traditional medicine practitioners to treat diarrhoea and diabetes. The relatively high LD50 value obtained for the leaf aqueous extract shows that the plant species is non toxic to mice.
"Eat dry beans, split peas, lentils and soya regularly": a food-based dietary guideline
(Medpharm, 2013) Venter, C.S.; Voster, H.H.; Ochse, R.; Swart, Rina
The objective of this paper is to review recent scientific evidence to support the food-based dietary guideline (FBDG): “Eat dry beans, split peas, lentils and soya regularly”. In this review, legumes are synonymous with the term “pulses”, while soy beans are classified as “oilseeds”. The FBDG was originally introduced to address both under- and overnutrition in South Africa. The nutrient and non-nutrient content, results of recent epidemiological and intervention studies on health effects, recommended intakes and barriers to consumption are briefly reviewed. Legumes are rich and economical sources of good-quality protein, slow-release carbohydrates, dietary fibre (non-starch polysaccharides), various vitamins and minerals and non-nutritive components which may have several beneficial health effects. Pulses have a low energy, fat and sodium content. Therefore, legumes contribute to dietary adequacy, while protecting against noncommunicable diseases through many mechanisms. Evidence is presented that concerns about excessive flatulence from eating beans may be exaggerated, and that there is individual variation in response to different bean types. It is recommended that nutritionists should aggressively encourage consumers to consume more legumes. They should also be advised to evaluate different legume varieties to minimise undesirable symptoms. More research is needed to assess gastrointestinal responses between types of available and consumed legumes in South Africa. The FBDG should be tested in different population groups to determine how to maintain legumes as a traditional food. Increasing familiarity with legumes could help to increase the likelihood that they may be incorporated more regularly into the diet.

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