Inflammation: the foundation of diseases and disorders. A review of phytomedicines of South African origin used to treat pain and inflammatory conditions.

Great interest in herbal medicine as a potential source of phytopharmaceuticals has created the need to review common factors responsible for major diseases and body disorders. This review shows one such common factor in inflammation and the role herbal medicine can play. Traditional medicinal herbal remedies in the southern African region have long been used to treat various pain- or inflammation-related symptoms. Although the precise mechanisms of action of many herbal drugs have yet to be determined, some of them have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant effects in a variety of cells in the human and animal bodies. There is increasing evidence toindicate that both peripheral and central nervous system cells play a prominent role in the chronic inflammatory responses in the body system and anti-inflammatory herbal medicine and its constituents are being proved to be a potent protector against various pro-inflammatory mediators in diseases and disorders. These mediators have therefore been suspected of being the functional basis of diseases and disorders. The structural diversity of these medicinal herbs makes them a valuable source of novel lead compounds against the therapeutic molecular targets, cytokines and mediators, that have been newly discovered by the platforms of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and highthroughput technologies. This article reviews the basic mechanisms of inflammation and the potential of 123 southern African plant species to be effective as chronic inflammatory disease preventive agents. With one third of these species there are no indications of the chemical composition, indicating possible subjects for further research

Antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of four derivatives of salicylic acid and anthranilic acid in mice and rats

Four-Substituted derivatives of salicylic and anthranilic acids: 2-hydroxy-5-azidosulfonylbenzoic acid (HASBA, 1), 2-acetyloxy-5- azidosulfonylbenzoic acid (AASBA, 2), 2-acetamido-5- azidosulfonylbenzoic acid (AMASBA, 3) and 2-acetamido-5-sulfonamidobenzoic acid (AMSABA, 4) were synthesized and evaluated for their analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. HASBA, AASBA and AMASBA showed higher analgesic activity than aspirin (ASA) at 100 mg/kg dose, while AMSABA showed the least analgesic property. AMASBA exhibited higher antipyretic activity than paracetamol (PCM), while HASBA, AASBA and AMSABA also showed antipyretic effects which were of equal potency to that of PCM. The order of anti-inflammatory effects of the four compounds is: AASBA > AMASBA > HASBA > AMSABA. The effects of the substituents on the biological activities of the synthesized compounds are discussed. Key Words: Salicylic acid derivatives, anthranilic acid, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, cytotoxicity. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(8) 2004: 426-43

Effect of stem - bark ofErythrophleum suaveolens (Guill. & Perri.) saponin on fresh water snail (Lanistes lybicus) tissues

The study investigated the activity of saponin from ethanolic extract of Erythrophleum suaveolens stem bark against freshwater snail, Lanistes lybicus. The crude saponin (4 g) was separated by silica gel using gradient elution with dichloromethane in methanol (100:0 to 0:100) followed by thin layer chromatography using precoated silica gel 60 F254. Fractionated saponins (90:10, 80:20 and 70:30) were employed for snail toxicity using fresh water snails, L. lybicus. The biochemical changes were evaluated in haemolymph, muscle, intestine and hepatopancreas of fresh water snails exposed to sublethal dose of fractionated saponins. Elevation of activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase in the intestine and hepatopancreas, haemolymph and total protein level were observed. The activity ofacetylcholinesterase was inhibited in the haemolymph, muscle, hepatopancreas and intestine of the snails. The activity of saponin was observed to be dose dependent as mortality increased with relativeincrease in the saponin concentrations. The study provides considerable scope in exploiting local indigenous plant resources for control of fresh water snails and monitor water pollution.Key words: Erythrophleum suaveolens, saponin, molluscicidal activity, Lanistes lybicus, pollution, hepatopancreas

Effects of aqueous Anaphe venata extract on fecal pellet output in mice

The consumption of Silkworm, Anaphe venata has been reported to be associated with a high incidence of seasonal ataxia in some parts of Nigeria. Injection of some doses of Aqueous Anaphe venata extract (AAV) by intraperitoneal route into mice has been reported to cause some behavioral changes associated with ataxia. We administered some doses of the extract (50–300 mg/kg) to mice orally in view of finding its effects on their fecal pellet output and elucidating the mechanism of action of the extract in the intestine of the mice. The extract caused a significant increase in fecal pellet weight and intestinal transit which was not dose-dependent. Doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg of the extract caused more significant reversal of loperamide-induced constipation than castor oil. Chlorpheniramine nifedipine and promethazine (1 mg/kg) blocked the increased fecal pellet output induced by the extract, while atropine and hexamethonium (1 mg/kg) did not block this effect of the extract. We concluded that AAV increased fecal pellet output of mice by increasing the peristaltic waves in their intestine via stimulation of H1 receptors and opening of L-type calcium channels and not through the cholinergic receptors.Keywords: H1 receptors, L-type calcium channels, intestinal transit, peristalsi

Neuropharmacological effects of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) in mice

Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae) is a common plant, which has featured prominently in traditional medicinal practice. It has been reported that the decoction of the leaves is taken as central nervous system stimulant. This work was therefore undertaken to examine the central nervous system effects. The neuropharmacological profile of the plant was determined in mice to which the plant extract had been orally administered at respective doses of 250, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg. The behavioral models used included noveltyinduced behaviors (locomotion, rearing and grooming), holeboard and elevated plus maze (anxiolytic) and forced swimming (antidepressant). The Y-maze was used for the investigation of the plant extract on locomotion, learning and memory. The results obtained showed that both locomotor and rearing activities were significantly decreased at the highest dose of 1000 mg/kg orally, while grooming behavior was significantly decreased at all the doses administered. In the hole board experiment, the frequency of head-dips was decreased significantly at 1000 mg/kg, while there was no significant effect observed in the elevated plus maze. Y-maze model results showed that it had no significant effect on spatial memory. There was no significant difference in the immobility duration due to administration of the extract in the forced swimming test. In conclusion, the present study showed that although the ethanolic leaf extract of A. cordifolia exhibited some central inhibitory effect, it is devoid of anxiolytic, antidepressant activities and has no significant effect on learning and memory in mice.Keyword: A. cordifolia, locomotion, grooming, mice, anxiolytic, antidepressant, mic

Effects of artemether on the plasma and urine concentrations of some electrolytes in rats

This study was carried out to determine the changes in the urine levels of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) of rats during a week of intramuscular administration of artemether (12.5 to 50.0 mg/kg/day), another one week thereafter and their concentrations in the plasma at the end of the study. At 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg of artemether, urine Na+ concentration was significantly increased throughout the study (p < 0.05), except on Day 7 (at 12.5 mg/kg) and Day 11 (at 25.0 mg/kg), when it was not significantly different from the control. At 12.5 mg/kg of the drug, urine K+ concentration was significantly increased throughout the study (p < 0.05). Artemether caused no significant changes in urine Ca2+ concentration in the control rats as well as those that received 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg of artemether. Progressive and significant reductions in the urine concentrations of all the electrolytes at 50.0 mg/kg of artemether were observed. Their concentrations in the plasma were also significantly reduced at this dose of the drug. A dose-dependent degeneration of the renal tissue of all the experimental rats was also observed. We concluded that high doses of artemether caused progressive degeneration of the renal tissue of rats, inability of the damaged kidneys to concentrate urine, which manifested as excessive water loss and electrolyte depletion.Key words: Artemether, electrolytes in plasma, urine concentrations, rats

Changes in some biochemical parameters of kidney functions of Plasmodium berghei infected rats administered with some doses of artemether

This study aimed at determining changes in urine concentrations of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) of Plasmodium berghei infected rats during a week of intramuscular administration of artemether (12.5 to 50.0 mg/kg/day) and one week thereafter. Their concentrations and that of creatinine and urea in the plasma were also determined at the end of the study. The observed changes were related to the effects of artemether on the kidneys of the rats. The urine levels of the two electrolytes decreased significantly during treatment (P<0.05). One week post-treatment with 12.5 mg/kg of artemether, the urine concentrations of the electrolytes increased to values that were not significantly different from that of day 0. At 25 and 50 mg/kg, their urine concentrations still remained significantly lower than day 0 values (P<0.05). Plasma concentrations of the electrolytes one week post-treatment increased, but they were only significant at 25 mg/kg for K+. A significant increase in the plasma level of creatinine was observed at all the doses of the drug at one week post-treatment. A dose-dependent degeneration of the renal tissue of all the experimental rats was also observed. We concluded that high doses of artemether caused progressive degeneration of the renal tissue of P. berghei infected rats.Key words: Artemether, electrolytes in urine, plasma creatinine concentration, Plasmodium berghei

Clinical effects of Garcinia kola in knee osteoarthritis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>Over the past years, there has been a growing number of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients who are not willing to comply with long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) treatment and wish to use herbal anti- rheumatic medicine. This study assessed the clinical effects of <it>Garcinia kola </it>(GK) in KOA patients.</p> <p>Patients and methods</p> <p>Prospective randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, clinical trial approved by the institutional medical ethics review board and written informed consent obtained from each patient. All KOA patients presenting at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital complex were recruited into the study. The patients were grouped into four (A = Placebo, B = Naproxen, C = <it>Garcinia kola</it>, D = Celebrex). The drugs and placebo were given twice a day per oral route. Each dose consisted of 200 mg of <it>G. kola</it>, Naproxen (500 mg), Celebrex (200 mg) and Ascorbic acid (100 mg). The primary outcome measure over six weeks study period was the change in mean WOMAC pain visual analogue scales (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the mean change in joint stiffness and physical function (mobility/walking).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>143 patients were recruited, 84 (58.7%, males – 24, females – 60) satisfied the selection criteria and completed the study. The effect of knee osteoarthritis bilateralism among the subjects was not significant on their outcome (p > 0.05). The change in the mean WOMAC pain VAS after six weeks of <it>G. kola </it>was significantly reduced compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons of the mean VAS pain change of <it>G. kola </it>group was not lowered significantly against the naproxen and celebrex groups (p > 0.05). The onset of <it>G. kola </it>symptomatic pain relief was faster than the placebo (p < 0.001). However, it was slower than the active comparators (p > 0.05). The duration of therapeutic effect of <it>Garcinia kola </it>was longer than the placebo (p > 0.001). <it>G. kola </it>period of effect was less than naproxen and celebrex (p < 0.001). <it>G. kola </it>subjects had improved mean change mobility/walking after six weeks better than the control group(p < 0.001). The mean change in mobility of the <it>G. kola </it>group when compared to the active comparators was not significantly better (p < 0.05). The mean change of knee joint stiffness (p < 0.001) and the change of mean WOMAC score (p < 0.001) were improved on <it>Garcinia kola </it>as compared to the placebo. The mid term outcome of eleven <it>Garcinia kola </it>subjects after cessation of use had a mean pain relief period of 17.27 +/- 5.15 days (range: 9–26 days). There was no significant cardiovascular, renal or drug induced adverse reaction to <it>Garcinia kola</it>.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>Garcinia kola </it>appeared to have clinically significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee osteoarthritis patients. <it>Garcinia kola </it>is a potential osteoarthritis disease activity modifier with good mid term outcome. Further studies are required for standardization of dosages and to determine long-term effects.</p

Vernonia cinerea Less. supplementation and strenuous exercise reduce smoking rate: relation to oxidative stress status and beta-endorphin release in active smokers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of <it>Vernonia cinerea </it>Less. (VC) supplementation and exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers, beta-endorphin release, and the rate of cigarette smoking.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Volunteer smokers were randomly divided into four groups: group 1: VC supplement; group 2: exercise with VC supplement; group 3: exercise; and group 4: control. VC was prepared by wash and dry techniques and taken orally before smoking, matching the frequency of strenuous exercise (three times weekly). Before and after a two month period, exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), blood oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA], nitric oxide [NOx], protein hydroperoxide [PrOOH] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]), beta-endorphin and smoking rate were measured, and statistically analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In Group 1, MDA, PrOOH, and NOx significantly decreased, whereas TAC increased (p < 0.05). In Group 2, MDA and PrOOH decreased (p < 0.05), with no other changes noted (p > 0.05). In Group 3, MDA, PrOOH, NOx, TAC, and beta-endorphin levels increased significantly (p < 0.05). Group 4 showed no change in oxidative stress variables or beta-endorphine levels (p > 0.05). All groups had lower levels of CO after the intervention. The smoking rate for light cigarette decreased in group 2(62.7%), 1(59.52%), 3 (53.57%) and 4(14.04%), whereas in self-rolled cigarettes it decreased in group 1 (54.47%), 3 (42.30%), 2 (40%) and 4 (9.2%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Supplementation with <it>Vernonia cinerea </it>Less and exercise provided benefit related to reduced smoking rate, which may be related to oxidaive stress and beta-endorphine levels.</p