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In vitro anti leishmanial activity of selected medicinal plants in Ghana
(University of Cape Coast, 2016-02) Anning, Alberta Serwah
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection that affects mostly tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and caused by diverse pathogens that belong to the genus Leishmania. The pentavalent antimonials developed in 1945 are still first line treatment drugs for both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis while amphotericin B is a second line treatment drug. These treatments come with toxic side effects even at effective doses and the lack of vaccine demand the urgent need for new anti leishmanial agents. This study aimed at investigating four plants used traditionally to treat parasitic infections. The collected plant parts were washed, dried, powdered and then extracted using ethanol. Different concentrations of the extracts ranging from 15.6 to 500 µg/mL in 0.1 % DMSO with M199 and a positive control of Amphotericin B were prepared in triplicates in 24-well plates that contained 117,000 parasites/well. The plates were incubated at 25 °C and promastigotes counted on 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours after incubation. Phytochemical screening on all crude extracts revealed the presence of steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, anthraquinons, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides. Of the four plants, Erythrophleum ivorense gave the best activity with an IC50 of 6.3 µg/mL after 72 hours. This was followed by C. oxycarpum, A. aubryanum and A. ahia respectively. Three compounds have been isolated from E. ivorense; erythroivorensin, eriodictyol and betulinic acid, with IC50s of 0.5, 61.8 and 247 µg/mL correspondingly on the promastigotes of L. donovani.
Evaluation of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistant markers in selected health facilities in the Central Region after seven years of banning chloroquine treatment in Ghana
(University of Cape Coast, 2014-02) Asare, kwame kumi
The continuous Chloroquine (CQ) use resulted in intensified parasite resistance to CQ. This led to adaptation of artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) as the first-line antimalarial drug for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in January, 2005. Despite the replacement, anecdotal evidences suggest that CQ is still being used in many communities in Ghana. This study was conducted to investigate the continuous use of CQ and its effect on CQ resistance markers in the Central Region, Ghana. Using questionnaire, mystery buying and Sakar-Solomon’s urine CQ assay method, a survey was conducted to ascertain the continuous use of CQ. The prevalence of point mutations of Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes were assessed from Plasmodium falciparum infected blood samples of subjects, employing the nested PCR and RFLP techniques. Out of 618 subjects, 2.43% of the subjects preferred to use CQ injection while 0.49% confirmed the use CQ for treatment of malaria. Out of 69 community pharmacies and chemical shops surveyed, 14.49% had stocks of CQ which were being dispensed. Qualitative urine assay revealed that 16.9% out of 444 participants had CQ in their urine samples. Of the 214 P. falciparum isolates, 71.9% were found to have the K76T mutation of Pfcrt. The risk of becoming infected with CQ resistant P. falciparum strain with mutation at position 76 of pfcrt in people who had chloroquine in their urine was thirteen times [OR=12.63, 95%CI (8.57-18.62)], p<0.0001. Those who stay at communities where community pharmacies or chemical shops stocks chloroquine are five times more likely to become infected with CQ resistant P. falciparum strain, with mutation at position 76 of pfcrt [RR=4.97, 95%CI (2.97-8.86)], p<0.0001. In conclusion the prevalence of chloroquine resistance markers have remained high in the country due to continuous chloroquine use.
Anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of an alkaloidal extract derived from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides
(University of Cape Coast, 2019-07) Barffour, Isaac Kyei
Background: The global burden of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) has increased. Consequently, exploring newer treatment modalities for HCC such as herbal medicines has become a necessary. Objective: The study investigated anti HCC effects of an alkaloidal extract derived from leaves of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides. Materials and methods: Alkaloidal extract (ZZAE) from cleaned dried leaves of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides was prepared using Soxhlet extraction and liquid-liquid extraction methods and then phytochemically analyzed. CCl4/olive oil HCC was induced in rats and subjects grouped into 6 groups 10 after the HCC was established, except for the control group with no HCC and the prophylaxis group with concurrent induction and treatment. Anti HCC effects of ZZAE, was assessed in CCl4/olive oil-induced HCC of rats by prophylactic treatment with ZZAE (100 mg/kg po) and curatively with ZZAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg po) daily for nine weeks. Results: Soxhlet extraction yielded 462.806 g (10.59%) of crude extract that contained terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and phenol. Liquid-liquid extraction for alkaloids yielded 119.349 g (2.73%). ZZAE produced a concentration dependent inhibition of growth of A. cepa root tip meristems. ZZAE also improved all liver enzyme indices and liver histology in a dose-dependent manner. ZZAE treatment restored loss in bodyweight relative to the model. ZZAE prevented progression of fibrosis into HCC. Conclusion: ZZAE demonstrated anti-HCC effects that needs further studies.
Factors Affecting Attitudes of Cocoa Farmers Towards Replanting and Decisions to Replace Cocoa with Other Crops in the Kwaebibirem District, of the Eastern Region, Ghana
(University of Cape Coast, 2004-02) Kumi, John Adu
The fast drift of cocoa farmers towards the cultivation of citrus or oil palm in the Kwaebibirem District is a complex phenomenon. Several factors of economic and social nature contributes to the farm level decisions affecting cocoa replanting. The focus of this study, therefore, was to investigate the factors affecting attitudes of cocoa farmers in the Kwaebibirem District towards replanting and their decisions to replace cocoa with other crops. A descriptive-correlational design was used for the survey. Data and information were gathered from 258 cocoa farmers, 37 extension agents and 20 non-cocoa growers, through the administration of questionnaires, personal interviews, and observation. Models were extracted from the analyzed data to obtain predictors of factors that determine attitudes or decisions of the cocoa farmers. A stepwise regression of the independent variables on attitudes of cocoa farmers towards replanting cocoa picked farm inputs availability, size of household, and experience in cocoa farming as predictors. All three predicting variables explained 32.2% variance in the attitudes of cocoa farmers. Farm inputs availability alone contributed 18.7% variance, whilst size of household, and experience in cocoa farming accounted for 7.8% and 5.7% variance respectively. Experience with cocoa extension agents, educational level of the cocoa farmers, and size of household, influenced knowledge on which the cocoa farmers based their decisions. Farmers had not been educated enough on cocoa replanting. As many as 79% of the cocoa farmers were not well informed about cocoa replanting. Cocoa farmers who had been educated on the replanting of cocoa were more enthusiastic to replant cocoa than those that had little or no knowledge concerning cocoa replanting. There was a high consistency in agreement (X = 3.02, S.D. = 0.91) to responses from the farmers. The fast drift of cocoa farmers towards the cultivation of citrus or oil palm in the Kwaebibirem District is a complex phenomenon. Several factors of economic and social nature contributes to the farm level decisions affecting cocoa replanting. The focus of this study, therefore, was to investigate the factors affecting attitudes of cocoa farmers in the Kwaebibirem District towards replanting and their decisions to replace cocoa with other crops. A descriptive-correlational design was used for the survey. Data and information were gathered from 258 cocoa farmers, 37 extension agents and 20 non-cocoa growers, through the administration of questionnaires, personal interviews, and observation. Models were extracted from the analyzed data to obtain predictors of factors that determine attitudes or decisions of the cocoa farmers. A stepwise regression of the independent variables on attitudes of cocoa farmers towards replanting cocoa picked farm inputs availability, size of household, and experience in cocoa farming as predictors. All three predicting variables explained 32.2% variance in the attitudes of cocoa farmers. Farm inputs availability alone contributed 18.7% variance, whilst size of household, and experience in cocoa farming accounted for 7.8% and 5.7% variance respectively. Experience with cocoa extension agents, educational level of the cocoa farmers, and size of household, influenced knowledge on which the cocoa farmers based their decisions. Farmers had not been educated enough on cocoa replanting. As many as 79% of the cocoa farmers were not well informed about cocoa replanting. Cocoa farmers who had been educated on the replanting of cocoa were more enthusiastic to replant cocoa than those that had little or no knowledge concerning cocoa replanting. There was a high consistency in agreement (X = 3.02, S.D. = 0.91) to responses from the farmers.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) as antimalarial prophylaxis in pregnant women in selected health facilities in the Central Region
(University of Cape Coast, 2011-04) Yeboah, Danny Flint
The use of sulfadoxinepyrimethaine (SP) as an intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) against malaria during pregnancy has become a policy in most sub-Sahara African countries but crucially depends on the efficacy of SP. This study sets out to evaluate the effectiveness of the SP given to the pregnant women in the selected health facilities in the Central region of Ghana to prevent maternal malaria in the pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of SP in clearing malaria parasites in 543 pregnant women recruited from 7 selected health centres in Central Region of Ghana. To determine the quality of SP, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to assay the SP in samples of the tablets given to the pregnant women. The tablets were taken through dissolution test. The parasite density of Plasmodium falciparum was determined from the peripheral blood of the pregnant women using microscopy. Haemoglobin levels as well as ABO blood types were determined. The pregnant women did not receive IPT-SP because of either unavailability of the drug or they were not due to take SP were 44.0%. Malaria infection was recorded in 11.2% of pregnant women who had a history of SP consumption. Low haemoglobin level was recorded in 73.5% of the pregnant women. Pregnant women with blood group O had the highest frequency of 55.2% of the population. SP was found to be sub-standard because it failed the dissolution test. IPT-SP is ineffective in preventing malaria infection. Manufacturing practice of SP should be improved as well as in the stocking of SP tablets at the health centres to make it readily available to the pregnant women.