34 research outputs found
An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and Toxicology
© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including âDiabetesâ âGabonâ âToxicityâ âConstituentsâ âhyperglycaemiaâ were used. Results: A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. Conclusion: An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio
Injectable gellan gum-based nanoparticles-loaded system for the local delivery of vancomycin in osteomyelitis treatment
Infection spreading in the skeletal system
leading to osteomyelitis can be prevented by the prolonged
administration of antibiotics in high doses. However systemic
antibiotherapy, besides its inconvenience and often
low efficacy, provokes numerous side effects. Thus, we
formulated a new injectable nanoparticle-loaded system for
the local delivery of vancomycin (Vanc) applied in a
minimally-invasive way. Vanc was encapsulated in poly(Llactide-
co-glycolide) nanoparticles (NPs) by double-emulsification.
The size (258 ± 11 nm), polydispersity index
(0.240 ± 0.003) and surface potential (-25.9 ± 0.2 mV)
of NPs were determined by dynamic light scattering and
capillary electrophoresis measurements. They have a
spherical morphology and a smooth topography as
observed using atomic force microscopy. Vanc loading and
encapsulation efficiencies were 8.8 ± 0.1 and
55.2 ± 0.5 %, respectively, based on fluorescence spectroscopy
assays. In order to ensure injectability, NPs were
suspended in gellan gum and cross-linked with ; also a
portion of dissolved antibiotic was added to the system.
The resulting system was found to be injectable (extrusion
force 11.3 ± 1.1 N), reassembled its structure after
breaking as shown by rheology tests and ensured required
burst release followed by sustained Vanc delivery. The
system was cytocompatible with osteoblast-like MG-63
cells (no significant impact on cellsâ viability was detected). Growth of Staphylococcus spp. reference strains
and also those isolated from osteomyelitic joints was
inhibited in contact with the injectable system. As a result
we obtained a biocompatible system displaying ease of
application (low extrusion force), self-healing ability after
disruption, adjustable drug release and antimicrobial
properties
Management of peripheral facial nerve palsy
Peripheral facial nerve palsy (FNP) may (secondary FNP) or may not have a detectable cause (Bellâs palsy). Three quarters of peripheral FNP are primary and one quarter secondary. The most prevalent causes of secondary FNP are systemic viral infections, trauma, surgery, diabetes, local infections, tumor, immunological disorders, or drugs. The diagnosis of FNP relies upon the presence of typical symptoms and signs, blood chemical investigations, cerebro-spinal-fluid-investigations, X-ray of the scull and mastoid, cerebral MRI, or nerve conduction studies. Bellâs palsy may be diagnosed after exclusion of all secondary causes, but causes of secondary FNP and Bellâs palsy may coexist. Treatment of secondary FNP is based on the therapy of the underlying disorder. Treatment of Bellâs palsy is controversial due to the lack of large, randomized, controlled, prospective studies. There are indications that steroids or antiviral agents are beneficial but also studies, which show no beneficial effect. Additional measures include eye protection, physiotherapy, acupuncture, botulinum toxin, or possibly surgery. Prognosis of Bellâs palsy is fair with complete recovery in about 80% of the cases, 15% experience some kind of permanent nerve damage and 5% remain with severe sequelae
Pre- and postnatal psychological wellbeing in Africa: A systematic review
Background: Perinatal mental health disorders are recognised as an important public health issue in low-income countries as well as in developed countries. This paper reviews evidence on the prevalence and risk factors of maternal mental health disorders in African women living in Africa. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Studies were mainly located through computerised databases, and additionally through hand searching references of identified articles and reviews. Thirty-five studies, with a total of 10,880 participants, were identified that reported prevalence rates of maternal psychological health in eight African countries. Results: Depression was the most commonly assessed disorder with a weighted mean prevalence of 11.3% (95% CI 9.5%-13.1%) during pregnancy and 18.3% (95% CI 17.6%-19.1%) after birth. Only a small number of studies assessed other psychological disorders. Prevalence rates of pre- and postnatal anxiety were 14.8% (95% CI 12.3%-17.4%) and 14.0% (95% CI 12.9%-15.2%), respectively; and one study reported the prevalence of PTSD as 5.9% (95% CI 4.4%-7.4%) following childbirth. Lack of support and marital/family conflict were associated with poorer mental health. Evidence relating sociodemographic and obstetric variables to mental health was inconclusive. Limitations: Most studies included in this review were cross-sectional and measures of mental health varied considerably. Conclusions: This paper demonstrates that maternal mental health disorders are prevalent in African women, and highlights the importance of maternal mental health care being integrated into future maternal and infant health policies in African countries. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved