Importance of patients’ care after COVID-19 positive test

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Haematinic activity of Hibiscus Cannabinus

The haematinic activity of an orally administered aqueous extract of Hibiscus cannabinus leaves was studied on haemolytic anaemic rats. Anaemia was induced by an oral administration of phenylhydrazine for a period of 8 days. Red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and pack cell volume were analysed as indices of anaemia. The mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were calculated accordingly. Phenylhydrazine induced a significant decrease (

The effect of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) and a Cissus formulation (CORE) on obesity and obesity-induced oxidative stress

AIM: Obesity is generally linked to complications in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a proprietary extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) to that of a proprietary formulation containing CQR-300 (CORE) on weight, blood lipids, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese people. METHODS: The first part of the study investigated the in vitro antioxidant properties of CQR-300 and CORE using 3 different methods, while the second part of the study was a double-blind placebo controlled design, involving initially 168 overweight and obese persons (38.7% males; 61.3% females; ages 19–54), of whom 153 completed the study. All participants received two daily doses of CQR-300, CORE, or placebo and were encouraged to maintain their normal levels of physical activity. Anthropometric measurements and blood sampling were done at the beginning and end of the study period. RESULTS: CQR-300 as well as CORE exhibited antioxidant properties in vitro. They also acted as in vivo antioxidants, bringing about significant (p < 0.001) reductions in plasma TBARS and carbonyls. Both CQR-300 and CORE also brought about significant reductions in weight, body fat, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose levels over the respective study periods. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol levels, plasma 5-HT, and creatinine. CONCLUSION: CQR-300 (300 mg daily) and CORE (1028 mg daily) brought about significant reductions in weight and blood glucose levels, while decreasing serum lipids thus improving cardiovascular risk factors. The increase in plasma 5-HT and creatinine for both groups hypothesizes a mechanism of controlling appetite and promoting the increase of lean muscle mass by Cissus quadrangularis, thereby supporting the clinical data for weight loss and improving cardiovascular health

Oxidative stress and blood lipid profile in Cameroonian obese subjects

The relationship between obesity, blood lipids and oxidative stress was investigated in 200 participants. The Body Mass Index of the subjects were positively correlated with the percentage body fat, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the fasting blood glucose level, the oxidation of proteins and lipids as well as the concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol. On the other hand, the Body Mass Index was negatively correlated to sulhydryl and protein levels. Obese subjects also had significantly higher body fat (p<.001), waist circumference (p<.001), fasting blood glucose (p<.01) as well as systolic blood pressure (p<.05). Obesity, therefore, can be said to increase the oxidation of plasma proteins and lipids while reducing the antioxidant status as observed by the inverse relation between plasma sulfhydryl groups and the percentage body fat. This increase in oxidative stress can predispose obese people to illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus

EFFECT OF EREMOMASTAX SPECIOSA ON EXPERIMANTAL DIARRHOEA.

This study investigated the anti diarrhoeal activity of the aqueous extract of dried ground leaves of Eremomastax speciosa (Hochst.) Acanthaceae. Diarrhea was induced in mice by the administration of 0.2 ml of castor oil, with the control group receiving water. The administration by oral garvage of 400 or 800 mg/kg body weight of Eremomastax speciosa extract reduced castor oil induced diarrheoa by reducing the number of wet stools by 42.50 and 48.35% respectively. This was as a result of the ability of the extract to stimulate the reabsorption of water from the intestinal lumen as well as significantly reducing the intestinal transit time and intestinal motility. This antidiarrhoeal property could be as a result of the tannins and flavonoids, which were found to be present in Eremomastax speciosa

In vitro antioxidant properties and inhibitory effect of extracts and fractions of Plectranthus glandulosus leaves on copper sulfate (CuSO4)-induced oxidation in human low-density lipoprotein

Oxidation of LDL has been suggested to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. This research work deals with the evaluation of antioxidant potential of Plectranthus glandulosus leaves extracts and fractions as well as its protective effects against human LDL oxidation. A preliminary quantitative phytochemical screening was carried out. Antioxidant potential was evaluated employing in vitro hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide scavenging assays and TAOC test. The human LDL oxidation induced by CuSO4 inhibition test was also performed. Plectranthus glandulosus leaves exhibited the presence of 18.3% of saponines, 25.6% of terpenoids and 36.2% of flavonoids. EAF exhibited highest hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide scavenger activity (IC50 13.63µg/ml and 24.59 µg/ml respectively). Ascorbic acid exhibited an IC50 value of 15.39µg/ml in hydrogen peroxide assay and 22.96 µg/ml in nitric oxide scavenging activity. EAF exhibited a higher TAOC (optical density 0.186±0.00) than that of ascorbic acid (0.162±0.001) at the concentration of 25µg/ml while at 200µg/ml N-BUTF exhibited a higher optical density (1.261±0.001) than that of ascorbic acid (1.065±0.001). EAF lengthened the lag time of the CD formation up to 150mins at the concentration 1mg/ml. TBARS formation inhibition at the concentration 0.5mg/ml, were no significant different between n-butanol (68.55%) ethyl acetate fraction (68.21%) and quercetin 67.69%). Plectranthus glandulosus is a promising prospect as an anti-atherosclerotic agent and needs a detailed study to establish the same. Key words: Plecthrantus glandulosus; oxidation; LDL; atherosclerosis, antioxidant

Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults

Background Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories. Methods We used data from 3663 population-based studies with 222 million participants that measured height and weight in representative samples of the general population. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends in the prevalence of different BMI categories, separately for adults (age ≥20 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (age 5–19 years), from 1990 to 2022 for 200 countries and territories. For adults, we report the individual and combined prevalence of underweight (BMI &lt;18·5 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). For school&#x2;aged children and adolescents, we report thinness (BMI &lt;2 SD below the median of the WHO growth reference) and obesity (BMI &gt;2 SD above the median). Findings From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in 11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 that the observed changes were true decreases. The combined prevalence increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and 140 countries (70%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. In 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity was highest in island nations in the Caribbean and Polynesia and Micronesia, and countries in the Middle East and north Africa. Obesity prevalence was higher than underweight with posterior probability of at least 0·80 in 177 countries (89%) for women and 145 (73%) for men in 2022, whereas the converse was true in 16 countries (8%) for women, and 39 (20%) for men. From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of thinness and obesity decreased among girls in five countries (3%) and among boys in 15 countries (8%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80, and increased among girls in 140 countries (70%) and boys in 137 countries (69%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. The countries with highest combined prevalence of thinness and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were in Polynesia and Micronesia and the Caribbean for both sexes, and Chile and Qatar for boys. Combined prevalence was also high in some countries in south Asia, such as India and Pakistan, where thinness remained prevalent despite having declined. In 2022, obesity in school-aged children and adolescents was more prevalent than thinness with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 among girls in 133 countries (67%) and boys in 125 countries (63%), whereas the converse was true in 35 countries (18%) and 42 countries (21%), respectively. In almost all countries for both adults and school-aged children and adolescents, the increases in double burden were driven by increases in obesity, and decreases in double burden by declining underweight or thinness. Interpretation The combined burden of underweight and obesity has increased in most countries, driven by an increase in obesity, while underweight and thinness remain prevalent in south Asia and parts of Africa. A healthy nutrition transition that enhances access to nutritious foods is needed to address the remaining burden of underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesit

Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022 : a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults

A list of authors and their affiliations appears online. A supplementary appendix is herewith attached.Background: Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories. Methods: We used data from 3663 population-based studies with 222 million participants that measured height and weight in representative samples of the general population. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends in the prevalence of different BMI categories, separately for adults (age ≥20 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (age 5–19 years), from 1990 to 2022 for 200 countries and territories. For adults, we report the individual and combined prevalence of underweight (BMI 2 SD above the median). Findings: From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in 11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 that the observed changes were true decreases. The combined prevalence increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and 140 countries (70%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. In 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity was highest in island nations in the Caribbean and Polynesia and Micronesia, and countries in the Middle East and north Africa. Obesity prevalence was higher than underweight with posterior probability of at least 0·80 in 177 countries (89%) for women and 145 (73%) for men in 2022, whereas the converse was true in 16 countries (8%) for women, and 39 (20%) for men. From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of thinness and obesity decreased among girls in five countries (3%) and among boys in 15 countries (8%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80, and increased among girls in 140 countries (70%) and boys in 137 countries (69%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. The countries with highest combined prevalence of thinness and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were in Polynesia and Micronesia and the Caribbean for both sexes, and Chile and Qatar for boys. Combined prevalence was also high in some countries in south Asia, such as India and Pakistan, where thinness remained prevalent despite having declined. In 2022, obesity in school-aged children and adolescents was more prevalent than thinness with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 among girls in 133 countries (67%) and boys in 125 countries (63%), whereas the converse was true in 35 countries (18%) and 42 countries (21%), respectively. In almost all countries for both adults and school-aged children and adolescents, the increases in double burden were driven by increases in obesity, and decreases in double burden by declining underweight or thinness. Interpretation: The combined burden of underweight and obesity has increased in most countries, driven by an increase in obesity, while underweight and thinness remain prevalent in south Asia and parts of Africa. A healthy nutrition transition that enhances access to nutritious foods is needed to address the remaining burden of underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesity.peer-reviewe

Systematic Review of Plants Used Against Respiratory Diseases Related to COVID-19 in Africa

Background: Respiratory disorders are known to affect the airways including the nasal passages, bronchi and lungs causing blockages. The advent of COVID-19 has further aggravated the complications of the respiratory systems where conventional medicine is not reachable or affordable by the majority poor in Africa. Hence, the over 80% of the African population who turn to traditional medicine for their primary health care. Objective: This review is aimed to identify plants directed against respiratory diseases which can be useful in the fight against COVID-19. Methodology: Scientific articles selected in this study span the last ten years (2011-2021). Keywords such as “ethnobotany in Africa”, “ethnobotany and respiratory diseases” “medicinal plants and respiratory diseases”, “traditional medicine and COVID-19” were searched in open access search engines such as: Science Direct, Research Gate, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus. The ethnobotanical indices were then calculated using Microsoft excel to determine the plants with the most therapeutic potential to be considered for the local management of COVID-19. Results: Data obtained were classified according to country of origin of the author of the publication, the botanical family and the respiratory pathology being treated. Thirteen (13) references were finally selected with the represented country being Benin Republic. One hundred and forty-three plant species belonging to 60 families were registered. The most recurrent families were the Fabaceae and Lamiaceae (18 citations each). The plants in these families were used for the management of fifteen diseases and / or symptoms relating to the respiratory system. The most cited plants were: Ocimum gratissimum L. (4 citations), Entandrophragma cylindrium (Sprague), Scyphocephalium ochocoa Warb., Rubia cordifolia and Allium sativum L. (3 citations each). Conclusion: Based on the data obtained in this review Ocimum gratissimum stands out as the most used plant for the treatment of respiratory disorders. Keywords: Respiratory diseases, Medicinal plants, COVID-1

Refugee health problems in the central African subregion: The role of traditional medicine

This review focuses on the role that African Traditional Medicine can play in addressing the health problems of refugees in the central sub-region with focus on Cameroon. This paper is based on a review of literature on the influx of refugees and their well-being. Over 400 000 refugees live in Cameroon particularly in the Far North (Nigerians) and in the Eastern (Central Africans Refugees) Regions of Cameroon. About 80 per cent of the refugees arriving in Cameroon suffer from serious ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, anemia and respiratory tract infections, while more than 20 per cent of children are severely malnourished. To curb these diseases UNHCR and NGOs provide medications to refugees which often arrive late; some of which at times expire in stock or some different distribution centres run out of stock. An aid could come from Traditional Medicine Practitioners who have been very effective in management of disease conditions in refugee camps in some countries in the world. The Cameroon Traditional Medicine if well-developed will do same to act as first-aid before the arrival of conventional medicine or complement western medicine to manage patients who do not accept western medicine because of cultural believes. Cette revue met l’accent sur le rôle que peut jouer la Médecine  Traditionnelle africaine sur l’amélioration de la santé des refugiées dans la sous-région, en se focalisant sur le Cameroun. Cet article est basé sur une revue de la littérature de l’afflux des réfugiés et leur bien-être. Plus de 400 000 réfugiées vivent au Cameroun, en  particulier dans l’Extrême-Nord (Nigérians) et dans les régions de l’Est (Réfugiés centrafricains). Environ 80 % des refugiés qui arrivent au Cameroun souffrent de maladies graves telles que le paludisme, la diarrhée, l’anémie et les infections des voies respiratoires, tandis que 20 % des enfants souffrent de malnutrition grave. Pour lutter contre ces maladies, le HCR et les ONG fournissent aux réfugiés des médicaments qui  malheureusement arrivent parfois en retard, certains d’entre eux expirent en stock et certains centres de distribution sont à court de stocks. Les praticiens de la Médecine Traditionnelle qui ont l’expérience de la gestion des maladies dans les camps des réfugiés de par le monde pourraient apporter une aide précieuse. La Médecine Traditionnelle camerounaise, si elle est bien développée fera pareil pour les soins de premiers secours avant l’arrivée de la Médecine Conventionnelle ou complètera la médecine occidentale pour traiter les patients refusent cette dernière pour des raisons culturelles