Food plants used during traditional wrestling in Kabyè land of Togo

Introduction: In the traditional sports like the fight, natural products from minerals, animals and plants are used to increase physical resistance and performance. For a better understanding of this practice, an ethnopharmacological survey was carried out in kabyè land, North of Togo, to identify current plants used as foods plants during traditional wrestling. Methods: Ethnopharmacological data were collected through semistructured method and personal interviewsin the Kabyè locality during traditional wrestling. At least, twelve villages were surveyed in the study. Results: Results indicated that 57 plants are widely used by local people as food plants generally during wrestling time. These plants are used traditionally for many others purposes. Conclusion: We concluded that these plants may serve as sources for pharmacological investigations in physical performance improvement.Pan African Medical Journal 2016; 2

Toxicological assessment of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of clerodendrum capitatum in Wistar rats

Introduction: Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd) Schumach. & Thonn (Lamiaceae) is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria, hypertension, obesity, jaundice and diabetes however there is lack of experimental data on its possible toxicity. This study investigated the acute and 28 days sub-chronic toxicity of C. capitatum in Wistar rats. Methods: In acute toxicity tests, a single administration of the hydroethanolic C. capitatum leaf extract (5 g/kg) was given orally to 5 female rats. The general behavior, adverse effects and mortality were recorded for up to 14 days post treatment. On the 15th day, the rats were weighed and euthanized for necropsy. In sub-chronic toxicity tests, the extract (4, 8 and 16 g/kg/day) was given orally to both male and female rats for 28 days. The animal body weight was recorded throughout the experiment, while hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and relative organs weights were evaluated on the 29th day. Results: Clerodendrum Capitatum did not cause any death or any hazardous symptoms of acute toxicity, showing an LD50 higher than 5 g/kg. Sub-chronic administration of C. capitatum resulted in no noticeable changes in weight gain and water or food consumption. White blood cells and hemoglobin increased while urea concentration, liver enzymes, total cholesterol and glucose concentrations significantly decreased in treated animals. No changes in macroscopical aspect of organs were observed in the animals. Conclusion: These results showed that acute or subchronic oral administration of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Clerodendrum capitatum may be considered as relatively free of toxicity.Pan African Medical Journal 2016; 2

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants used in the Preparation of “Atikédi”: Local Alcoholic Beverages Commonly Consumed in Lomé Togo

Ethnobotanical relevance: Local alcoholic beverages “Atikédi” are produced in Lomé and consumed not only for pleasure but also for therapeutic purposes. They are produced out of “Sodabi”, distilled palm wine, mixed with plant organs. However, the exact composition of these beverages and the diseases they are supposed to treat are poorly documented to date in Togo. Aim of the study: To make an inventory of plants used by “Atikédi” beverages producers in Lomé. Materials and methods: Data collection was made through Semi Structured Interview. Data processing and analysis were done using Excel and Epi Info. Results: 267 outlets were identified with a predominance of stores (53.18%). 192 women and 75 men were interviewed. They belonged to 12 different ethnic groups with the majority being Ewe (127) and Ouatchi (71). Their age range varied from 25 to 70 years with an average of 42.6±7.9 years. 61 plants species were recorded belonging to 58 genera and 35 families. The most represented family was the Apocynaceae with five species followed by the Rutaceae and the Poaceae with four species each. Among 43 diseases managed by the plants, bacterial infections (ICF=0.95) and sexual weakness (ICF=0.95) were the most important pathologies. Conclusion: Producers of “Atikédi” used a wide range of medicinal plants. Pharmacological and toxicological studies of these plants will improve the quality of care provided by traditional medicine

Chemical composition and antioxidant activities of different parts of Ficus sur

Introduction: Ficus sur is a plant widely used in traditional pharmacopoeia in Togo. So, this study aimed the assessment of antioxidant properties and identification of some compounds from the ethanolic extracts of different parts of the plant (leaves, fruits, roots, and barks). Methods: The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the ethanolic extracts of different organs of Ficus sur were assessed using conventional known methods. The DPPH radical scavenging and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to highlight the antioxidant activities. The different extract samples were also analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time of flight mass detector (ESI-QTOF). Results: Total phenolic contents (TPCs) for 1 mg of dry extract ranged from 489.40 ± 7.48 μg GAE (gallic acid equivalents) for the bark to 62.34 ± 2.66 μg GAE for unripe fruits. The bark exhibited the highest flavonoid content, which was closed to 90.20 ± 3.72 μg QE (quercetin equivalents)/mg of dry extract. The radical scavenging activities of the bark and unripe fruits were 56.50 ± 0.29 and 7.3 ± 0.30 μg QE/mg of dry extract, respectively. In the same order, the FRAP values of the two organs were 104.57 ± 4.75 and 19.61 ± 0.22 μmol FeSO4 Eq/mg of dry extract. Many compounds including notoginsenoside R10; 4’,5,7-trihydroxyflavan-3-ol; catechin; and boviquinone 4 were identified. Conclusion: The various organs of Ficus sur are a source of bioactive compounds especially phenolic compounds and flavonoids with antioxidant activit

A significant antihypertensive effect of Holarrhena floribunda supported by an exploratory phytochemical study

Introduction: Holarrhena floribunda (G.Don) T.Durand & Schinz is a tree that can grow up to 25 m with white latex in its organs. The bark of this plant is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, malaria, and high blood pressure. In this study, phytochemical groups were widely investigated on trunk bark as well as on leaves of H. floribunda harvested in Danyi (Togo). Antioxidant activity and antihypertensive properties of the plant extracts were also evaluated on sound guinea pigs. Methods: The hydro-ethanolic extract of the trunk bark was prepared and antioxidant activity was evaluated via the DPPH radical-scavenging and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, and via the determination of the total phenolics content. This hydro-ethanolic extract was used to assess the plant extract effect on blood pressure of sound guinea pigs. Results: So, phytochemical screening revealed that H. floribunda contained most of the phytochemical groups. The 50% inhibitive concentration of that extract by DPPH was 29.80 ± 0.001 μg/mL. The equivalent of Fe2+ by FRAP was 1009.9 ± 0.6 μmol/g of dry extract. The content of phenolic compounds was 139 ± 0.053 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g of dry extract. Intravenous injection of the extract (10, 20, 40, 80 mg/kg) via the invasive method in guinea pigs under normal strain caused a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and so in mean arterial pressure (MAP) by dose cumulative and time-dependent. Conclusion: The results show that hydro-ethanolic extract of H. floribunda trunk bark has antihypertensive and antioxidant properties. This might be the reason for the use of that extract for the treatment of hypertension in traditional medicin

Etude Anatomique du Système Artériel Carotidien de l’Aulacode (Thryonomysswinderianus, Temminck 1827)

The Cane rat (Thryonomysswinderianus) is an African rodent described in 1827 by Temminck. In order to make of it a model animal of laboratory, it is subjected to research in many domains for few years. Objective: The aim of this work was to describe the anatomy of the carotid Artery System of the cane rate.Materials and methods: It was about a prospective experimental study carried out on a series of eight adult sacrificed and put at death cane rats. After realizing a previous thoracic shutter, a vascular washing was performed by cardiac path followed by two injections of latex colored differently. The first one in red color and the second in blue are respectively carried out on the left and right heart. The Craniospinal blocks carrying the heart and the supra cardiac vessels were removed and immersed in a solution of formaldehyde at 10% during 72 hours. The anatomy of carotid artery was studied after dissection of the blocks. Results: With their origin, the two common arteries carotid were born by a common trunk at the convexity level of the aortic arch. They had an ascending way along the trachea and were divided then into two branches under the solid massif of the mandible: An external branch for the bodies of the face and an internal branch which moves towards the cerebral trunk. Conclusion: This study enables us to show that the two arteries common carotids are born by a joint base from the aortic arc and that the internal artery carotid does not take part in the constitution of the arterial circle of the base

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE WOUND HEALING EFFECT OF VITEX DONIANA SWEET (VERBENACEAE) IN MICE.

Vitex doniana is traditionally used in Togo to treat various diseases including wounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of Vitex doniana on cutaneous wound healing. Wounds were induced in ICR mice divided into four groups as following: Group I received carbopol 974P NF empty gel, Groups II and III were treated topically with carbopol gel containing 2.5% and 5% of Vitex doniana extract. Group IV received Betadine® 10% as standard drug. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by planimetry and histological analysis. We secondary used the gel containing Vitex doniana at 2.5% and the pure extract at 10 mg/ml on the model of ear edema induced by xylene. Skin toxicity test was performed with the gel containing Vitex doniana at 5% and the pure extract at 30 mg/ml. Vitex doniana at 5% and 2.5% provided better wound contraction (91.14% and 86.38%) at day 12 post-excision when compared to control (51.15%). The results of histological evaluation supported the outcome of excision wound model. Moreover Vitex doniana inhibited significantly edema induced by xylene when compared to control (p< 0.05). In skin toxicity test, no abnormal symptoms were developed over 14 day-time period. Vitex doniana inhibits the topical inflammation and accelerate cutaneous wound repair

A Comparative Study of the Chemical Composition of the Extracts from Leaves, Stem Bark, and Root Bark of Cassia sieberiana: Antibacterial Activities

In Togo, the abusive use of the root of Cassia sieberiana D.C. in traditional medicine, contributes gradually to the rarefaction of the species. The general objective of this study is to promote the use of vital organs of Cassia sieberiana in traditional medicine in Togo. The identification of secondary metabolites of the extracts (cyclohexane, dichloromethane and methanol) was carried out by GC-MS and by CL-MS / MS. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed according to the well diffusion method and the MICs and MBCs according to the tube dilution method. Compounds such as sitosterol α-acetate, β-sitosterol, emodin, chaetochromine, luteolin, (±) -catechin, naringenin 5-O-rhamnoside, guibourtinidol- (4 alpha-> 6) -catechin and (-) - epiafzelechin are found in the root and in the stem bark. The identified molecules give the different methanolic extracts, an antibacterial effect on all the germs tested. At the end of this study, it appears that the chemical composition of the stem bark is almost similar to that of the root bark. The leaves would be better placed for the treatment of bacteria tested

Hepatoprotective Effects of Vernonia amygdalina (Astereaceae) Extract on CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Broiler Chickens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract (VALE) on the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity (CCl4) in broiler chickens. A total of 360-day-old broilers were divided into 4 treatments of 90 birds each consisting of 6 replicates of 15 birds each. The treatments were birds offered 1 mL/kg BW saline (control group), 100 mg/kg BW VALE, 1 mL/kg BW CCl4 (CCl4-treated group), and 100 mg/kg BW VALE + 1 mL/kg BW CCl4 (VALE + CCl4 group). Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age and analyzed for the liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and selected biochemical parameters. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. The results obtained showed that VALE had the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of CCl4 on protein and lipid metabolism as reflected in the low serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which is a marker of lipid peroxidation. The aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight showed a moderate hepatoprotective effect by reducing serum AST levels (p &lt; 0.05). The levels of serum AST, ALP, ALT, and GGT were significantly increased in CCl4-treated birds compared to the control group, reflecting carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. The VALE + CCl4 group showed a significantly higher amount of ALP compared to birds treated with carbon tetrachloride, suggesting a hepatoprotective effect. To conclude, Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract can be used to confer protection against hepatotoxicity, which can induce severe hepatocellular damage in birds

Effect of Hydromethanolic Extract of Stem Bark of Lannea kerstingii on Anemia and Hepcidin Production

Introduction: Stem bark of Lannea kerstingii is used in Togo for its anti-anemic effect. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of extracts of L. kerstingii’s bark in the treatment of anemia and to explore its mechanism of action. Materials and Method: L. kerstingii stem bark was collected in the city of Kpalimé, located at 120 km northwest of Lomé. Hydromethanolic extract was obtained by evaporation. Two protocols were carried out and 20 twelve-week-old rats that had an average weight of 175.17±16.8 grams were used. The first protocol consisted of inducing anemia in rats by intraperitoneal injection of phenylhydrazine, then force-feeding them with L. kerstingii extract and measuring the effect of this extract on their hemoglobin levels. &nbsp;The second protocol investigated the effect of the extract on the serum hepcidin level, after oral administration of carbon tetrachloride to rats. Hepcidin levels were measured by the ELISA technique. Results: L. kerstingii stem bark extract significantly corrected the anemia induced by phenylhydrazine use: in fact, the anemia of rats that received L. kerstingii extracts was corrected. Control rats that received folic acid had a correction of their anemia too. But, rats that received only saline remained anemic. However, no correlation between the level of extract consumption and the level of hepcidin was established. Conclusion: L. kerstingii bark hydroethanolic extracts increase hemoglobin levels in anemic rats. The main challenge that needs to be solved is determining the minimum dose to be consumed to ensure its effectiveness. Keywords: Lannea kerstingii, anemia, hepcidin, wistar rat