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

Effect of mancozeb-treated lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on wistar rat liver

Vegetable contamination by pesticides presents current problem of public health. Previous studies have shown that 60% vegetables sampled collected in Lomé (Togo) have pesticide residues exceeding the tolerable limits. Because mancozeb, ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate, is mainly used, more than five times, during the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), the aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the potential effect of mancozeb-treated lettuce on the rat liver physiology. Mancozeb-treated lettuce and two doses of mancozeb were administered during 28 days to rats. Along the study, animal behavior was assessed, and at the end of administration, some hepatic enzymes such as transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were studied. The decrease in rat body weight was noted and animals have soft feces. Plasmatic concentrations of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin are increased in rats administered with mancozeb-treated lettuce. The plasmatic concentration of total protein is not decreased significantly. Those results indicate that lettuce collected directly from gardens, without washing or less washed, are not fit for human consumption.Keywords: Lettuce, mancozeb, toxicity, liver, pesticide residues, public healt

Effects of Spondias mombin Linn (Anacardiaceae) on rat parturition

The leaves of Spondias mombin Linn (Anacardiaceae) are used by traditional healers in some parts of Africa to treat dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage. All experiments are performed on albino wistar mature and immature rats. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Spondias mombin Linn on rat parturition in order to determine its action on labor time, uterus and sex steroids organs weight and coagulation time. Hydro-ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin leaves were given daily by oral route to female rats from 19th day of pregnancy, at doses of 100; 250 and 500 mg/kg. The dose 250 mg/kg reduced significantly (P < 0,05) labor time. To explore estrogenic activity of the extract, the dose of 250 mg/kg, given daily by oral route to immature female rats for 7 days, induced vaginal opening and the increase in uterus and ovarian weight. The extract at 100 mg/ml was reduced the coagulation time. These results suggest that the leaves hydro-ethanolic extract of S. mombin contain one or more principles which reduced labor time, induced vaginal opening, increased uterus and ovarian weight and reduced coagulation time.Keywords: Spondias mombin, labor time, vaginal opening, uterus, ovarian, coagulation time

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

Enquête Ethnobotanique Sur La Prise En Charge Traditionnelle De L’infertilité Féminine Dans La Région Sanitaire Des Savanes Au Togo

Introduction: The management of female infertility by the conventional medicine is very expensive and its coast is unavailable for the very poor populations. In Africa, an important recourses of medicinal plants are available for health care. Objective: The present study was led to recorder traditional remedies use to treat female infertility in the Sanitary Savannas Region of Togo. Methodology: For data collection, semi interview was used. Data were processed and analysed using ethnobotanical quantitative index. The Selection by Progressive Elimination (SPE) was essentially used for the choice of species. Results: With 51 practitioners interviewed, 79 recipes constituted by 87 species belonging to 48 botanical families were collected. Combretaceae (12,64 %) and Rubiaceae (5,7 %) were the most frequent families. Trees (36,78 %) and shrubs (27,58%) were the main ports. Roots (29,17 %) and leaves (27,5 %) were the most used parts. Recipes were prepared frequently by decoction (51,88 %) and powder (38,12%), and were principally taken orally (47,28 %) and by body bath (43,48 %). Sexually transmitted infections (STI) (143 citations) and Painful menstruations (PM) (108 citations) were the most frequent pathologies. The highest Informants consensus factors were 0,61 and 0,56 respectively for STI and PM. The most important Fidelity degrees was 25,49 % for STI related to Capsicum frutescens and Piper guineense. Related to Aframomum melegueta, Piper guineense and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides the Fidelity degree was 19,61% for PM and STI. Blighia sapida, Ganoderma colossus, Kigelia africana and Mangifera indica were selected. Conclusion: Plants with highest fidelity degree and those selected by SPE will be subjected to laboratory tests

Screening Phytochimique, Étude Toxicologique, Évaluation des Activités Antiplasmodiale et Antiradicalaire de la Tige Feuillée de Senna occidentalis Linn (Fabaceae)

La valorisation de la médecine traditionnelle passe par des études pharmacologiques sur les plantes médicinales. Ainsi pour lutter efficacement contre le paludisme, premier problème de santé publique au Togo, des études pharmacologiques, phytochimiques et toxicologiques ont été réalisées sur Senna occidentalis. La compilation des résultats des enquêtes ethnobotaniques effectuées au CERFOPLAM de 2010 à 2013 sur le paludisme et ses symptômes affiliés ont permis de sélectionner Senna occidentalis afin de vérifier les propriétés qui lui sont attribuées. Les différents tests ont été réalisés sur les extraits aqueux et hydro-éthanoliques 50 : 50 de la plante. L’activité antiplasmodiale in vitro a été réalisée sur une culture des parasites (Plasmodium falciparum : souche sauvage) selon le microtest optique. Le screening phytochimique a été caractérisé par la chromatographie sur couche mince suivie de tests colorimétriques. La toxicité préliminaire a été réalisée sur Artemia salina puis le potentiel antioxydant in vitro des extraits a été mesuré par le test de réduction du radical 2,2-diphényl1-picryl-hydrazyl et le dosage des polyphénols. Le test antiplasmodial a montré que l’extrait aqueux a une activité modérée sur le P. falciparum avec une CI50 de 91,08 ± 0,61 µg/mL tandis que l’extrait hydro-éthanolique est très actif avec une CI50 de 1,00 ± 0,05 µg/mL. La drogue de référence (Quinine) présentant une CI50 = 0,45 ± 0,01 µg/mL. Le screening phytochimique révèle la présence des grands groupes chimiques tels que les flavonoïdes, les tanins, les saponosides, les coumarines et les alcaloïdes qui seraient à l’origine de l’activité antiplasmodiale observée. Les tests antiradicalaires ont permis de retenir que Senna occidentalis n’est pas antioxydant et possède très peu de polyphénols. Cet aspect confirme l’état de stress que peut subir le Plasmodium falciparum vis-à-vis des différents extraits testés. Etant donné que les CL50 sont 3,31 mg/mL et 3,70 mg/mL donc très supérieures à 0,1 mg/mL, les deux extraits de plantes testés ne sont pas cytotoxiques. Tous ces résultats combinés justifient le choix des tradipraticiens dans l’utilisation de Senna occidentalis pour soigner leurs patients atteints du paludisme.The valorization of traditional medicine involves pharmacological researches on medicinal plants. Thus, to effectively fight malaria, the major public health problem in Togo, pharmacological, phytochemical and toxicological studies were carried out on Senna occidentalis. The compilation of the results on ethnobotanical surveys carried out at CERFOPLAM from 2010 to 2013 on malaria and its affiliated symptoms lead to selecting Senna occidentalis in order to confirm the characteristics attributed to it. Various tests were carried out on aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts 50:50 of the plant. The antiplasmodial activity in vitro was carried out on cultivated parasites (Plasmodium falciparum: wild strain) according to the optical micro-test. Phytochemical screening was characterized by thin layer chromatography followed by colorimetric tests. The preliminary toxicity was carried out on Artemia salina then the in vitro antioxidant potential of the extracts was measured by the reduction test of the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl- hydrazyl radical and the determination of the polyphenols. The antiplasmodial test showed that the aqueous extract has a moderate activity on P. falciparum with an IC50 of 91.08 ± 0.61 μg / mL while the hydroethanolic extract is very active with an IC50 of 1, 00 ± 0.05 μg / mL. The reference drug (Quinine) with an IC50 = 0.45 ± 0.01 μg / mL. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of large chemical groups such as flavonoids, tannins, saponosides, coumarins and alkaloids that may be responsible for the observed antiplasmodial activity. The antiradical tests have held that Senna occidentalis is not antioxidant and has got very few polyphenols. This aspect confirms the state of stress that Plasmodium falciparum can undergo against the various extracts tested. Since the LC50's are 3.31 mg / mL and 3.70 mg / mL, therefore, higher above 0.1 mg / mL, the two extracts from plants which were tested are not cytotoxic. The combination of all these results justif the choice of traditional healers in using Senna occidentalis to treat their patients suffering from malaria