Ethnobotanical Survey on Medicinal Plants Used in Burkina Faso in the Treatment of Breast Cancer, Phytochemistry and Antioxidant Activities: Euphorbia poissonii Pax and Flueggea virosa (Willd.) Voigt. (Euphorbiaceae)

This study presents an ethnobotanical survey, a quantification of polyphenols and antioxidant activities on medicinal plants used in the treatment of breast cancer in the cities of Bobo-Dioulasso and Fada N'Gourma conducted among traditional practitioners. For this purpose, after the survey analyses, Euphorbia poissonii Pax (Euphorbiaceae) and Flueggea virosa (Willd.) Voigt. (Euphorbiaceae) were chosen. A methanolic extraction with soxhlet was performed on these plants. Then, the quantification of phenolic compounds was done by spectrophotometric method with Folin Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride respectively. Likewise, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by three methods (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP). A total of 103 traditional practitioners were surveyed and 47 species divided into 27 families were obtained. Among the total extracts, the leaves of Flueggea virosa gave the highest content of total phenolics (52.05 ±1.49 mg EAG/100mg extract) and the root gave the highest content of flavonoids (3.30 ±0.32 EQ/100mg extract). The best antioxidant activity was observed at the ABTS method with best results obtained for the total extracts of Flueggea virosa (8413.78±110.16 μmol EAA/g). The results of the different phytochemical and antioxidant activities could partially justify the traditional use of these plants in the management of breast cancer patients.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by traditional healers for the treatment of cancer in Hammanskraal and Winterveld, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

Background: Knowledge of medicinal plants used by the traditional healers are mostly confined among the locals and the adherents, hence, proper enquiry and documentation can help the ever dynamic scientific world to find permanent cure to the menace of such deadly diseases such as cancer. This study aimed at (1) specifically recording medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of cancer in Hammanskraal and Winterveld, South Africa, and (2) documenting the different methods of preparation and administration of those medicinal plants as recorded during the study. Method: An open-ended semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 90 willing traditional healers in Hammanskraal and Winterveld area, Tshwane Municipality, South Africa to document plants used for cancer treatments. The study was conducted over a period of six months (July – December, 2018). Descriptive statistics was used to present the obtained data. Results: The study recorded twenty-eight plant species belonging to 18 families for the treatment of different types of cancer. Plant species in the Fabaceae family particularly Lessertia frutescens (L.) Goldblatt and J.C. Manning, Senna italica Mill and Trifolium pratense L. were the most prominently mentioned (highest citation frequency) by the traditional healers for lung, and skin cancer treatment. Based on the citation frequency, the most treated cancer by the traditional healers is in the order: skin cancer > lung cancer > breast cancer > prostate cancer > cervical cancer. The method of preparation included decoction(32.3%), infusion (29%), paste (16.1%) and maceration (22.6%). Conclusion: In addition to the documentation of indigenous knowledge related to the use of medicinal plants in the traditional management of cancer in South Africa, this study opens a vista for investigations into the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the documented plants. Keywords: Cancer; Indigenous plants; Medicinal plants; South Africa; Traditional practitioners.

Various Phytochemicals Present in Maida Lakdi Litsea glutinosa (Lour) acts in the Management of Waja ul Mafasil (Arthritis) in a Clinical Trials

Litsea glutinosa (Lour) Maida Lakdi is an evergreen tree belonging to family Lauraceae it is a native to India.1,2,3 Ethinomedically the bark is used by the traditional practitioners as a demulcent, emollient and in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. According to ancient Unani classical text books by our ancient scholars which was used for mostly bony diseaseslike Fracture (kasar), Joint pain(Hudaar), gout(Naqras), sciatica(lrqun nasa), anti inflammatory(Muhalil e Auram), spacity of nerves(Tashannunj e Asab), nervine tonic(Muqavi e Asab)etc. and now a days further activities were found by various scientific studies paving a way for multi functional activities like Anti oxidant , analgesic anti inflammatory, anti pyretic, anti microbial, anti bacterial, anti fungal anti helminthic, wound healing, hepatoprotective, nephro protective, anti infertility,anti hyperglycemic and anti hyperlipidemic.

The Mari Lwyd Has Entered the Chat: Intangible Heritage in the Age of Covid-19

Covid-19 and lockdown measures severely limited social movement and interaction. These protective measures had significant impacts on intangible cultural heritage. In a global context, living and performance based forms of heritage largely ceased, causing damaging interruptions for the continuity of traditional practice. Many traditional practitioners and community groups turned to online video sharing platforms as a means of continuing and communicating their cultural forms. This chapter explores the potential and limitations of digital media as a means of maintaining intangible heritage in extreme scenarios, and questions what lessons need to be learned by heritage practitioners when considering these forms of media as part of heritage safeguarding strategies.

Anticancer activity of secondary metabolites from Bauhinia tomentosa Linn. leaf – An in silico approach

Introduction and Aim: Plants and plant derived products are used for human healthcare since the dawn of human civilization. About 80% of modern drugs are from natural origin. Many dreadful diseases like cancer are treated using drugs of natural origin. In the present study, a medicinal plant B. tomentosa Linn. leaves were investigated for its anticancer activity using A549 (Human Adenocarcinomic Alveolar Basal Epithelial Cells) cell lines. The active components were identified using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrophotometry) analysis. The aim of the present study was to identify potential lead compounds against various protein targets that are involved in lung carcinogenesis using molecular docking approach. Materials and Methods: 3D structures of compounds reported from GCMS analysis of B. tomentosa were built using Chemsketch software. All the compounds analyzed exhibited antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and chemo preventive properties. Docking studies were performed using Molegro virtual docker (MVD). Results: The docking studies revealed that the ligands either activate or inhibit the selected target proteins appropriately. This shows that the phytochemicals of B. tomentosa leaf was found to have appreciable anticancer activity. Conclusion: The presence of various bioactive phytoconstituents justifies the use of the leaf for various ailments by traditional practitioners.

Engaging Latino Families About COVID-19 Vaccines: A Qualitative Study Conducted in Oregon, USA

Objectives Latinos are disproportionately vulnerable to severe COVID-19 due to workplace exposure, multigenerational households, and existing health disparities. Rolling out COVID-19 vaccines among vulnerable Latinos is critical to address disparities. This study explores vaccine perceptions of Latino families to inform culturally centered strategies for vaccine dissemination. Method Semistructured telephone interviews with Latino families (22 mothers and 24 youth, 13–18 years old) explored COVID-19 vaccine perceptions including (1) sources of information, (2) trust of vaccine effectiveness and willingness to get vaccinated, and (3) access to the vaccine distribution. We identified thematic patterns using immersion–crystallization. Results We found that (1) 41% expressed optimism and willingness to receive the vaccine coupled with concerns about side effects; (2) 45% expressed hesitancy or would refuse vaccination based on mistrust, myths, fear of being used as “guinea pigs,” and the perceived role of politics in vaccine development; (3) families “digested” information gathered from social media, the news, and radio through intergenerational communication; and (4) participants called for community-led advocacy and “leading by example” to dispel fear and misinformation. Optimistic participants saw the vaccine as a way to protect their families, allowing youth to return to schools and providing safer conditions for frontline essential workers. Conclusions Culturally centered vaccine promotion campaigns may consider the Latino family unit as their target audience by providing information that can be discussed among parents and youth, engaging a range of health providers and advocates that includes traditional practitioners and community health workers, and disseminating information at key venues, such as schools, churches, and supermarkets.

Demand for malaria rapid diagnostic test, health care-seeking behaviour, and drug use among rural community members with fever or malaria-like illness in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: a cross-sectional household survey

Background A good understanding of the demand for malaria rapid diagnostic test (MRDT), malaria health care-seeking behavior, and drug use among community members is crucial to malaria control efforts. The aim of this study was to assess the demand (use and/or request) for MRDT, health care-seeking behavior, and drug use, as well as associated factors, among rural community members (both children and adults) with fever or malaria-like illness in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional household survey was conducted between October 1st and November 7th, 2018, in 18 rural geographical clusters. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done using summary statistics. Associated factors (socio-demographic, knowledge and opinion level) were assessed using bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regressions while the overall effects of these factors were assessed using the “postestimation test” command in Stata. Results A total of 1310 children under 5 years of age and 2329 children ages 5 years and above and adults (excluding pregnant women) (3639 overall) participated in the study. Among the 1310 children under 5 years of age: 521 (39.8%) received MRDT of which the caregivers of 82 (15.7%) requested for the MRDT; 931 (71.1%) sought care with public/private sector providers (excluding traditional practitioners/drug hawkers) the same/next day; 495 (37.8%) sought care at government primary health centres, 744 (56.8%) sought care with the patent medicine vendors (PMVs); 136 (10.4%) sought care with traditional practitioners; 1020 (77.9%) took ACTs (=88.2%, 1020/1156 of those who took anti-malarial drugs). Generally, lower values were respectively recorded among the 2329 children ages 5 years and above and adults (excluding pregnant women). The most important overarching predictor of the demand for MRDT and care-seeking behaviour was the knowledge and opinion level of respondent female heads of households about malaria and malaria diagnosis. Conclusions Among the rural community members with fever or malaria-like illness in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, while majority did not receive MRDT or diagnostic testing, and sought care with the PMVs, most took anti-malaria drugs, and mostly ACTs. Interventions are needed to improve the knowledge and opinion of the female heads of households about malaria and malaria diagnosis.

Study of the Combretum micranthum G Don Sector (Kinkeliba) in Senegal

Combretum micranthum (kinkeliba) is one of the most used medicinal plants in Senegal. However, its commercialization is poorly studied. The objective of this study is to analyze the commercialization of Combretum micranthum in Senegal. The study was carried out in two main regions of kinkeliba marketing in Senegal: Dakar, where kinkeliba is marketed; and Thies, where kinkeliba is produced and marketed. Structured and unstructured surveys were administered to different categories of stakeholders: herbalists / traditional practitioners, collectors/ suppliers, retailers and consumers. Production sites that supply Dakar include the following: Diass, Sindia, Kiniabour, Pout, Thies Lalane. The main sales points in Dakar are the Thiaroye and Grand Yoff markets. The kinkeliba marketing chain has short channels and women are the main stakeholders. Procurement is done by harvesting in the natural environment and by purchase for herbalists / traditional practitioners. The benefits and added value derived from the marketing of kinkeliba are positive and are increasingly evolving from producers to retailers. The kinkeliba chain, with its constraints and especially its strengths, requires better structuring and to be better known. Keywords: Combretum micranthum, kinkeliba, commercialization, value chain, Senegal.

Association of frailty with health service utilisation and health care expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from Côte d’Ivoire

Background Frailty, a syndrome resulting in heightened risk of negative outcomes for older adults, is increasing across the globe. However, little is known about the health service impacts of frailty in low-income countries (LICs), and in particular, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study explores the relationship between frailty and health service 1) utilisation and 2) expenditure within Côte d’Ivoire. Methods Participants aged 50 years and over participated in the Living Condition, Health and Resilience among the Elderly study. Frailty was assessed using a 30-item Frailty Index (FI). The association between frailty and self-reported health service utilisation was analysed for general practitioners (GPs), specialists, overnight hospitalisations, traditional practitioners and self-medication. Expenditure over the previous month included consulting, medications, hospitalisations and total expenditure. Results Among participants [n = 860, mean age (SD) = 61.8 (9.7) years, 42.9% female], 60.0% were frail, 22.8% pre-frail and 17.2% robust. The mean (SD) FI was 0.28 (0.17). Increased health service utilisation was associated with frailty for GP attendance, traditional practitioners and self-medication but not specialists or overnight hospitalisation. Pre-frailty and frailty were associated with increased total health service expenditure, with frailty also associated with aggregate consulting costs and medications. Conclusions Although frailty is associated with health service utilisation and expenditure in a variety of contexts, the study results suggest that such impacts may vary across the globe. The experience of frailty in LICs is likely to differ from that experienced elsewhere due to cultural traditions, attitudes to the health system, and accessibility, with more research needed.

Ethnobotanical study, phytochemistry and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants used in the treatment of inflammation in two cities of Burkina Faso

Background and Objective: The present study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of medicinal plants used in the treatment of inflammation in Burkina Faso, as well as to quanti fy the polyphenolic compounds content and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of two most solicited species. Materials and Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso and Fada N'Gourma in order to collect sociodemographic and ethnobotanical data from traditional practitioners. Methanolic extracts of the plant organs were obtained using an extractor apparatus. The quantification of polyphenolic compounds contents was done by spectrophotometry, respectively with the Folin Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum trichloride. Likewise, antioxidant activity was evaluated by three methods (ABTS●+ DPPH● and FRAP) and the reading of optical densities was performed with the spectrophotometer. Results: One hundred and twelve (112) traditional practitioners were interviewed and seventy-three (73) plant species were identified in both areas. According to the frequency of quotation, Entada africana and Khaya senegalensis species were retained for further study. Phytochemical study revealed that the total phenolic content was high in the trunk bark of K. senegalensis (73.12 ± 1.8 mg GAE/100mg) and the total flavonoid content in the trunk bark of E. africana (8.42 ± 0.78 mg QE/100mg). Of the antioxidant activity, the highest value was observed at the level of the ABTS●+ radical inhibition method with the best result 13247.2 ± 219.84 µmol AAE/g (leaves of E. africana). Conclusion: The phytochemical analyses of these species indicate their richness in total phenolics and flavonoids contents, and could justify their use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.