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.

Potential Therapeutic Option used for the Cure of Covid-19 using Locally Available Indigenous Herbs (Nigeria) Containing Antioxidant, Vitamins, Minerals; thus, this will help to tackle Current Status, Challenges as well as Futuristic Perspective Globally

Purpose: The unprecedented global pandemic from Covid-19 infection has generated significant chaos to humanity in both health wise and as well as economically. Thus, there have been no specific pharmacological and antiviral therapeutic option to date available for covid-19 management. For these reasons, there have been urgent needs to discover an effective medicine for preventive, and eradication methods due to the hash nature of death toll from this novel corona virus infection. Methods: Repurposing of selection, characterization of bacteria through genomic / traditional, phytochemical and fermentation methods base anti covid-19 drugs discovery. Thus, these approaches and techniques is essential to provides a better lead or otherwise. Results: Taking a bold step of faith to approach the techniques for Covid-19 methods, the results for microbiological screening of bacterial reveals that Bacillus sp (spore former, motile, rod (+) was pin-point to have the highest colony followed by Pseudomonas sp alongside with Klebsiellas sp(Capsule formers ,motile and rod (+)) and the least were found with both shigella sp (none motile, Rod (-ve) and Staphylococcus sp (cocci (+). Phytochemical screening of different plants both in qualitative and quantitative methods using Raphanu satinus, Neem (Azadirachata indica), Bagaruwa (Acacia nilotica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) etc., respectively contain all the natural antioxidant, bioactive compounds, vitamins as well as an appreciable amount of micronutrient/ macronutrient for combatting covid-19 pandemic. Further investigation through fermentation processes were accentuated with time differences have reveal microbial crude proteins (%), pH and dry matter values have significant changes to all the specific species. Thus, there were significant increase in proteins, pH values decrease as well as dry matter decreases in this order% Protein< pH>DM respectively. Originality: in view of this current investigation anti covid-19 leads translated through microbial screening, phytochemical as well as fermentation processes could overcome the current challenges of covid-19 pandemic therapy. Considering the immense potential of phytochemical, microbiological and fermentation processes, this article summarizes the present status of the research carried out on their anti-covid-19 activities with its limitation and futuristic direction to foster drug discovery.

Chest Radiography: A Review of 5 Year Findings in Peripheral Facilities in Jos, North -Central Nigeria

X-ray is a noninvasive imaging tool that utilizes a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce the image of the internal structure of the body which helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Chest x-ray is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination and carried out for a broad content of indications, including but not limited to cardiopulmonary diseases, follow up of known disease to assess progress and evaluation of symptoms that could relate to abdominopelvic pathology. Materials and Methods: A five (5) year retrospective review of the archive of chest radiographs referred from peripheral facilities in Jos between January, 2015 to December, 2020. The results were expressed as percentages and tests of significance were done using the chi-square. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings: The study included 1039 (41.2%) females and 1482 (58.8%) male giving a male to female ratio of 1:1.4 with a mean age of 40.03± 20.38 years. Chest x-ray was normal in 68.9% of the subjects while 783 (31.1%) patients showed various abnormal findings. The common abnormal chest findings were chest infection(20.1%) and hypertensive heart disease (5.3%).Other findings include heart failure (1.5%), hypertension(1.5%),pleural effusion(1.0%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (0.6%).The least findings were lung metastasis and rib fracture following road traffic accidents constituting 0.1% each. The age groups 40-49 years and 50-59 years had the majority of the abnormal chest findings while age groups 10-19 years and 20-29 years had normal findings. This was statistically significant( p<0.005).

Investigations on the Accumulation, Tissue Distribution and Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles in Amammalian Model

The current work aimed to investigate the potential toxicity of Ag-NPs in male rabbits as a mammalian model, following acute and sub-acute dermal exposure terms. The rabbits were topically exposed to a single acute dose of 2.0% Ag-NPs and the assessments were conducted4 days latter, while a dose of 0.5% was administered every other day for the sub-acute exposure in two time periods (7 and 14 days). The accumulation and retention of Ag+ ions in the skin and their distribution in other vital tissues were measured. In addition, the concentrations of total proteins, lipidparameters and levels of different oxidative stress biomarkers in the skin were also evaluated. The results demonstrated the ability of Ag-NPs to penetrate the skin and accumulate rapidly in the dermal skin, then spread out to the blood and other vital organs. The spleen and liver seemed to be the main target organs. The high levels of Ag+ tissue accumulation affected the concentration of total proteins and acted as a stressor stimulus within the skin, thereby, initiating oxidative stress. The liberated ROS caused disruption of the activities of the antioxidant enzymes GST, GSH, GR, GPx, SOD and CAT as well as increased levels of H2O2 and MDA. The current work showed that the toxicity of Ag-NPs could be attributed to the release of Ag+ ions and the subsequent excessive generation of ROS.

The Potential Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on the Expression and Levels of Skin Matrix Metalloproteinases (Gelatinases): In Vivo Assessment

The current work aimed to investigate the enzymatic activities and the expression profiles of the metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the skin of rabbits as an animal model, upon sub-acute dermal exposure to Ag-NPs. This was done in order to determine their potential effect on these proteolytic enzymes which have been traditionally involved in many physiological processes such as inflammation and wound healing which are among the main applications Ag-NPs containing medical products. The rabbits were topically exposed to every other day dose of 0.5% Ag-NPs for 7- and 14-days experimental periods. Both periods were followed by 7 days recovery time. The results revealed the remarkable effect of Ag-NPs on MMPs at both the enzyme production and the transcriptional levels. The effect was time dependent where no significant changes were found after the 7 days of exposure, while the concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as the expression of their encoding genes were significantly elevated in the skin of the exposure and recovery groups at the 14 days experimental period. MMP-9 was the most affected enzyme, whereas MMP-2 showed the minimal effect. Several mechanisms and pathways have been suggested to explain the disturbance of MMPs which require further molecular studies to obtain more evidence supporting the most probable explanation.

N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) and Cytochrome 2C9 (CYP2C9) Genes Polymorphisms in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Although several environmental factors influence the onset of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), genetic factors contribute to an individual vulnerability to this disease. This study was aimed at studying CYP2C9*3 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and NAT2 gene polymorphisms, and their correlation, if any, in the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This was a case-control study involving 70 participants living in Yaoundé, Cameroon. DNA was extracted by Chelex 100 method. Polymorphisms of NAT2 gene and CYP2C9*3 SNP were assessed using Polymerase Chain Reaction – Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). NAT2 gene characterization revealed the predominance of NAT2*5 alleles (35%) and slow metabolizing phenotype (72.9%). CYP2C9 gene characterization revealed the predominance of the wild-type allele (54%) and intermediate metabolizing phenotype (91%). Individuals with the “NAT2 slow metabolizer” phenotype were more likely to have T2DM while those with “intermediate metabolizer” phenotype were less likely to develop this disease (OR = 3.9740, P = 0.0009 and OR = 0.1406, P = 0.0044, respectively). CYP2C9*3 had no discernable predisposition to T2DM (OR= 0.1765, P= 0.1981). This study demonstrates that the NAT2 slow metabolizer phenotype could be associated with the development of T2DM in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine: The History Revisited

The medicinal properties of the bark of the Cinchona tree have been known for centuries. It was known to cure fever and malaria. The active alkaloid was first isolated by the French chemists Pelletier and Coventou in 1820. The organized use of a large amount of quinine to prevent and treat malaria was largely done by the colonial military units in the tropics, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. Scientists soon learned to synthesize quinine-like compounds which included chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. Quinine (C18H26CIN3) was first synthesized successfully in 1934. In 1946, hydroxychloroquine (C18H26CIN3O) was developed as its less toxic alternative. Quinine derivatives, CQ and HCQ, are weak bases chemically. They are accumulated in acidic food vacuoles of intraerythrocytic trophozoites. Its antimalarial action is due to the induction of selective toxicity to lysosomes in parasites, thereby preventing hemoglobin degradation. For a long time the role of CQ as an anti-inflammatory agent has been investigated. It is used as a disease-modifying agent against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It has antitumor activities also and has been studied in glioblastoma, colon, and pancreatic cancers. In the recent outbreak of the corona pandemic, there is a resurgence of interest in its use as an antiviral agent. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood; it may involve multiple pathways to act as an antiviral agent. The research activities to explore its efficacy and new applications in various diseases have never ceased. Despite its long history the drug and its derivatives have attracted scientists world-wide.

Invitro Analysis of Time-Kill Curves of Some Antimicrobial Agents Against Salmonella Typhi

Due to the high prevalence of typhoid fever and the periodic nature of Salmonella infections despite the various antimicrobial agents used to treat these infections, the need to open up new strategies for antimicrobial susceptibility rather than the MIC alone arises. This study determines the time-kill curves using four different antimicrobial agents: Gentamicin, Ceftriaxone, Cloxacillin, and Ofloxacin at different concentrations of 1x, 2x, and 4x of their respective MICs. The finding of this study reveals that at 1x MIC, all the antimicrobial agents used, except for Gentamicin, show non-bactericidal activity against the isolates after eight hours of exposure. This study suggests that analyzing the time-kill curves in typhoid fever treatment will help determine the appropriate dose to treat the infection.

Comparison of Growth and Yield Performance of (UC-82B & Local) Varieties of Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) by Grafting, Mutation and Seasonal Variations

The Comparison of Growth and Yield Performance of (UC-82B & Local) Varieties of Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) by Grafting, Mutation and Seasonal Variations was investigated with the aim of inducing variability that could be exploited in the improvement of some quality traits in Tomato plants. The seeds of two varieties of tomato: UC-82B and Local varieties were treated at three different concentrations of sodium azide (1.0mM, 1.5 mM, 2.0 mM and 0.0 mM as control). The results obtained revealed highly significant difference (P≤0.01) in the effects of sodium azide on survival rates, number of fruits, and fruit weight. Similarly, highly significant differences (P≤0.01) was found between the treatments in Survival rate, except on the number of fruits and fruit weight, where no significant differences exist. More so, significant differences were found in the traits between the seasons except in fruit number. The result shows that 1.0 mM concentration of Sodium Azide and grafting improves some important quality traits of tomato that could be utilized for further improvement of tomato crop. However, the response of variety UC to grafting was higher. Highly significant difference (P≤0.01) was found among the seasons in terms of fruit weight, and significant difference (P≤0.05) was found among the seasons on survival rate, while no significant difference was found among the seasons in terms of fruits number. More so, highly significant difference (P≤0.01) was found in the interaction of varieties with seasons on Survival rate and number of fruit tomato varieties except on fruit weight, where no significant difference was found.

Mycochemical Analysis and Prediction of Pleurotus Tuber-Regium’s (Pleurotaceae) Pharmacological Activities, A Food and Medicinal Fungi from Gabon

Pharmaceutical activities of a fungus depend on its bioactive compounds composition. Pleurotus tuber-regium (paleotropical species) is a fungus used in Gabon and throughout tropical Africa for its culinary and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to predict the therapeutic potential of this species, in particular of its carpophore and its sclerotia, based on the main chemical groups highlighted during the chemical screening of aqueous, hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic extracts. Chemical screening revealed that the three extracts (aqueous, hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic) prepared from the carpophore are rich in total polyphenols, alkaloids, coumarins and proanthocyanidins. Aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts are moderately rich in tannins and coumarins while the ethanolic extract is very rich in reducing sugars. About the sclerotia, the three extracts are rich in total polyphenols, alkaloids, reducing sugars and proanthocyanidins. Aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts are moderately rich in tannins, total flavonoids and coumarins. The dosage of phenolic compounds carried out on aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts confirmed the richness of this fungus in total polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, as well as its deficiency in flavonoids and tannins. The chemical groups thus identified in the carpophore and the sclerotium of P. tuber-regium allow to predict its antioxidant, antiallergic, antiplasmodial, anesthetic, analgesic, anticancer, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory and ant-mutagenic activities.