Traditional Medicine In Africa Research Articles

A review of commercially important African medicinal plants

Ethnopharmacological relevanceData on the relative importance and research status of commercially relevant African medicinal plants are needed for developing new research strategies in order to stimulate much-needed ethnopharmacological research and to promote the commercialization of African plants. Aim of the studyTo present an illustrated bird’s eye view and comparative analysis of the relative popularity and importance of commercialized African medicinal plants. A comparison is made between the general popularity and commercial importance of the species (as indicated by their footprint on the World Wide Web) and their scientific popularity and importance (as indicated by the number of research publications). The inventory and review is strongly focussed to cover all or most of the medicinal plant raw materials in the international trade that are exported from African countries, with less emphasis on those that are regularly traded on local and regional markets within Africa. Materials and methodsThe review is based on literature data, Scopus and Google searches, commercial information and the author’s own experience and observations. ResultsMore than 5400 plant species are used in traditional medicine in Africa, of which less than 10% have been commercially developed to some extent. Africa is home to more than 80 valuable commercial species that are regularly traded on international markets, including phytomedicines (e.g. Harpagophytum procumbens and Pelargonium sidoides), functional foods (e.g. Adansonia digitata and Hibiscus sabdariffa) and sources of pure chemical entities (e.g. caffeine from Coffea arabica and yohimbine from Pausinystalia johimbe). According to the Scopus results, about 60% of all recent publications on African medicinal plants appeared in the last decade, with an average of 280 papers (28 per year) for 85 prominent species of international trade. The most popular African species for research (number of publications in brackets) were: Ricinus communis (5187), Aloe vera (2832), Catharanthus roseus (2653), Sesamum indicum (2534), Strophanthus gratus (2514), Coffea arabica (2431), Citrullus lanatus (2215), Momordica charantia (2047), Withania somnifera (1767), Trigonella foenum-graecum (1687), Acacia senegal (1373), Centella asiatica (1355), Griffonia simplicifolia (1010), Hibiscus sabdariffa (987), Tamarindus indica (973) and Catha edulis (947). The top species in terms of recent research interest (% of publications in last decade) were: Hoodia gordonii (95%), Cyclopia genistoides (93%), Sceletium tortuosum (90%), Agathosma betulina (89%), Pelargonium sidoides (86%), Boswellia papyrifera (85%), Lessertia (Sutherlandia) frutescens (84%), Boswellia sacra (83%), Mondia whitei (81%), Hibiscus sabdariffa (80%), Hypoxis hemerocallidea (80%) and Tylosema esculentum (80%). Both lists reflect the recent interest in functional foods and dietary supplements. ConclusionDespite a marked recent increase in the number of publications on indigenous medicinal plants and dietary supplements, Africa lags behind Europe and Asia in terms of the number of products that have been commercialised and the percentage of the flora that is utilized for international trade. There is a tremendous potential for developing new crops and new products but much work remains to be done to generate more focussed and relevant pre-clinical data and convincing proof of concept through clinical studies.

Chromatographic Fingerprint Analysis, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Properties and Antioxidant Activities of Redflower Ragleaf (C rassocephalum Crepidioides) Extract

Consumption of vegetables has been suggested to be a practical strategy in the management of several degenerative diseases. The present study characterized the phenolic constituents, assessed the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect and evaluated the antioxidant properties of hydrophilic extracts of redflower ragleaf (Crassocephalum crepidioides [Benth.] S. Moore [Asteraceae]) used as food and traditional medicine in Africa. The vegetable extract was found to be rich in phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin and rutin). Furthermore, the extract (IC50 = 139.75 μg/mL) inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose-dependent manner and had high antioxidant properties as typified by the radical scavenging abilities, reducing property, Fe2+ chelating ability and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue (in vitro). These results reveal that the vegetable extract is a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. Practical Applications Redflower ragleaf (Crassocephalum crepidioides) may be a good source of potential phenolic phytochemicals that act as natural antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and may be beneficial for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Preliminary evidences of the direct and indirect antimicrobial activity of 12 plants used in traditional medicine in Africa

In a world of increasing resistance to current antibiotics, search of novel therapeutic options is urgently needed. The aim of this work was to screen plant crude extracts for direct or indirect (inhibition of resistance) antimicrobial activity. Four crude extracts from 12 plants traditionally used in Africa for the treatment of infections were obtained by successive extraction with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. All extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC33591 [resistant to β-lactams by production of β-lactamases and of a modified PBP target (PBP2a)]. Direct antimicrobial activity was tested by determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC), and indirect activity, by determining interactions between antibiotics and extracts using checkerboard titration and calculation of Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI; synergy: FICI ≤ 0.5; additivity: FICI ≤ 1). Combined antibiotics were ampicillin (sensitive to resistance mediated by β-lactamases and PBP2a) and oxacillin (sensitive to resistance mediated by PBP2a only). The dichloromethane extract of Vitellaria paradoxa leaves, the methanol extracts of Vitellaria paradoxa, Cola gigantea leaves and twigs, and of Tapinanthus bangwensis aerial parts showed direct antimicrobial activity (MIC 250–500 mg/L). The methanol extracts of Vitellaria paradoxa and Cola gigantea leaves and twigs showed additive or synergistic effects with oxacillin and ampicillin on MRSA ATCC33591 (FICI 0.28–1), suggesting a possible inhibition of PBP2a. The methanol extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis aerial parts and Anchomanes difformis roots improved the activity of ampicillin only (FICI 0.38–1), suggesting β-lactamase inhibition. Polyphenols and particularly tannins were shown to be responsible for these last effects, at least partially for Vitellaria paradoxa. These data need further research aiming at identifying the active compounds in these extracts.

Ethnomedicinal survey and in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of the palm Borassus aethiopum Mart

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMalaria remains a major global health threat, with the heaviest burden of disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Effective treatment is not available in many affected areas, and the Plasmodium falciparum parasite is becoming resistant to existing drugs. Alternative therapies are necessary to overcome these challenges. Borassus aethiopum is the third most used palm species in traditional medicines in Africa. Yet, there is only limited information substantiating medicinal properties of the palm. The objective of this study was to document medicinal uses of B. aethiopum and investigate anti-plasmodial activity of the palm extracts used in traditional medicine to treat malaria. Materials and methodsThe fieldwork and collection of samples was done in Ghana in the Greater Accra, Brong Ahafo, and Volta regions. Our ethnomedicinal survey did not specifically focus on medicinal uses against malaria; any medicinal application of B. aethiopum was of interest. Data collection employed a structured questionnaire, open-ended questions, and group discussion. The experimental extraction of samples was carried out using three common solvents: distilled water, absolute ethanol, and dichloromethane (CH2Cl2). Anti-plasmodial activity of compounds was determined against erythrocytic stages of the FCR3 strain of P. falciparum by a [3H]-hypoxanthine incorporation assay. ResultsA total of 37 use records were documented regarding the medicinal uses of B. aethiopum for the management of 24 different disorders. The highest medicinal use value was recorded for the use of B. aethiopum against malaria, and a subsequent laboratory investigation focused on evaluating anti-plasmodial activity of the palm. Several root and leaf extracts displayed anti-plasmodial activity, with the highest (78% at 50μg/mL) elicited by one of the dichloromethane root extracts. ConclusionOur results demonstrate the value of integrating ethnobotanical and pharmacological research in the study of beneficial effects of palm products on human health. While the high inhibitory activity found in dichloromethane extracts cannot validate the ethnomedicinal use, the anti-plasmodial effect observed cannot be nullified. We brought preliminary evidence that this palm is a promising source of alternative medicines that could contribute to improving health conditions in malaria endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

An ethnobotanical survey of antidiabetic plants used by Hausa–Fulani tribes in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSokoto is known for its diverse traditional medicinal wealth and international market of traditional medicines in Africa. However, information of the folk knowledge, especially for the treatment of diabetes, is not documented. Aim of the studyThis survey identified and documented the information on traditional medicinal plants used by Hausa–Fulani community of Sokoto for the treatment of diabetes. Materials and methodDemographic data and information about the medicinal plants were collected via administration of semi-structured oral questionnaires. Willing herbal medical practitioners/traditional healers were interviewed. The medicinal plants mentioned by herbalists were collected and authenticated by a taxonomist and the voucher specimens were preserved. ResultsFifty one informants across the state divulged information on traditional medicinal plants and practices used in diabetes and revealed 54 species, belonging to 33 families, with Cassia sieberiana being cited the most (19 times) and ranked first (39%). Azadirachta indica, Ficus exasperata and Schwenckia americana ranked second (15%), each cited 8 times. ConclusionThe survey documented the rich wealth of knowledge and usage of plants for the treatment of diabetes in Sokoto. The paper will not only serve as a source of information but will also help to make the knowledge accessible for further drug screening and development, and at the same time underlines the need for biodiversity conservation of this traditional wealth.

Antileishmanial activity of essential oil and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone isolated from Tetradenia riparia

Tetradenia riparia plant is used as a traditional medicine in Africa for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases as like parasitic. Therapy for leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis specie often fails, and the conventional drugs are toxic, expensive, require a long period of treatment, and adverse effects are common. The alternative therapies using natural products are inexpensive and have few or any adverse reaction. These reasons are sufficient to investigate the new natural therapeutic for leishmaniasis. We evaluated the potential of the essential oil (TrEO) and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone (TrROY) isolated from T. riparia on L. (L.) amazonensis promastigote and amastigote forms, cytotoxicity on human erythrocytes and murine macrophages, nitric production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. TrEO was the most effective to promote the Leishmania promastigote death. After 72 h incubation, the lethal dose of TrEO and TrROY that promoted 50% Leishmania death (LD50) were 0.8 μg/mL and 3 μg/mL, respectively. TrEO and TrROY were not cytotoxic to human erythrocytes, but TrROY was toxic to murine macrophages resulting in a low selectivity index. The transmission electronic microscopy showed that TrEO (0.03 μg/mL) was able to modify the promastigote ultrastructures suggesting autophagy as chromatin condensation, blebbing, membranous profiles and nuclear fragmentation. Infected-macrophages treated with TrEO (0.03 μg/mL) or TrROY (10 μg/mL) had an infection index decreased in 65 and 48%. TrEO did not induce iNOS mRNA expression or nitrite production in macrophages infected with Leishmania. TrROY and mainly TrEO promoted the Leishmania death, and TrROY showed loss toxicity to erythrocytes cells. Other compounds derived from T. riparia and the essential oil could be explored to develop a new alternative treatment for leishmaniasis.

Comparative Study on the Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Properties and HPLC Fingerprinting of Three Varieties ofCelosiaSpecies

In this study, the phenolic content, characterization and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of three varieties of Celosia species were assessed. Celosia laxa had significantly (P < 0.05) higher total phenol and flavonoid contents than Celosia argentea (red variant) and Celosia argentea (green variant). Gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin and rutin were found in the three species of Celosia investigated. Rosmarinic acid and phenol glycoside were the two major compounds identified by high-performance liquid chromatography–diode-array detector in C. laxa, rutin and epigallocatechin were the prominent phenolics present in C. argentea (green variant) while C. argentea (red variant) had epigallocatechin as the most abundant phenolic compound. The extracts showed strong antioxidant actions as revealed by their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonate, nitric oxide radical-scavenging abilities and reducing power. These findings indicate that the aqueous extracts from Celosia species are potential sources of natural antioxidants. Practical Application Celosia laxa and Celosia argentea (green and red variants) are green leafy vegetables commonly consumed as food and serve as important ingredients in traditional medicine in Africa and Asia. The assessment of the antioxidant properties, phenolic content and composition of the three Celosia species may give insight into their applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals development.

The proliferative and chronotropic effects of Brillantaisia nitens Lindau (Acanthaceae) extracts on pluripotent stem cells and their cardiomyocytes derivatives

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBrillantaisia nitens Lindau (Acanthaceae) leaves are commonly used in traditional medicine in Africa for the treatment of many disorders including heart diseases and malaria. In this study, we therefore evaluated the effect of the methylene chloride/methanol leaf extract of Brillantaisia nitens on the proliferation of mouse pluripotent stem cells and their cardiomyocyte derivatives. Materials and methodsIn this study, we combined two emerging technologies, pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and modern electrophysiology systems (impedance-based real-time) to assess the cytotoxicity of Brillantaisia nitens extract (BNE). Undifferentiated pluripotent cells and cardiomyocytes were exposed to different concentrations of BNE. Cell viability and contraction were monitored by impedance using the xCELLigence system for short- and long-term treatment whereas the excitability of single cardiomyocytes was captured by patch clamp technique after BNE acute exposure. ResultsBrillantaisia nitens extract inhibited the proliferation and increased cytotoxicity of embryonic stem cells in a concentration-dependent manner. With the increase in concentration of BNE, beating rate and the contractile amplitude of cardiomyocytes changed significantly. Spontaneous rhythmic activity of cardiomyocytes was completely suppressed after 48 and 24h exposures to relatively low (4.16mg/ml) and high (8.32mg/ml) concentrations of BNE, respectively. Moreover, acute application of 4.16mg/ml of BNE led to a significant alteration of action potential (AP) parameters such as beating frequency, amplitude and AP duration at 90% of repolarization. ConclusionBrillantaisia nitens extract inhibits the proliferative capacity of pluripotent stem cells and reduces electrical activity of cardiomyocytes, confirming its depressant action on the heart.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Euphorbia hirta in an adjuvant-induced arthritic murine model

Despite extensive research into inflammatory diseases to date, no drugs with favourable safety profiles are available for treatment. Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) is a tree that is locally used as a traditional medicine in Africa and Australia to treat numerous diseases such as hypertension, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential anti-arthritic effects of E. hirta in mouse models of adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA). We treated BALB/c mice with (p.o.) E. hirta (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) daily (13 days) beginning at the onset of AIA. We examined the effect of E. hirta on key mediators of arthritic-inflammation, including pro-inflammatory (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-5) cytokines, T-cell activation markers (CD25/CD69), and co-stimulatory molecules (CD80/CD86). We also examined the inflammatory mediators (PGE2 and LTB4) response. E. hirta-treated mice showed a substantial reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, down regulated cell activation markers and co-stimulatory molecules, and up regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines. E. hirta decreased the levels of inflammatory-mediators in AIA animals. Supplementation with an E. hirta extract may be a promising treatment for arthritic and inflammatory diseases.

Recent Advances towards Validating Efficacy and Safety of African Traditional Medicines

Recent Advances towards Validating Efficacy and Safety of African Traditional Medicines

Anti-nutritional factors in the roots of a local cultivar of Moringa oleifera (Lam).

The evergreen plant, Moringa oleifera (Lam) has been known to have both medicinal and nutritional properties, thus its wide use in traditional medicine in Africa and Asia. The roots, in particular, have been reported to possess antibiotic, anti-tumour and anti-oxidative activities. This study therefore seeks to determine the levels of the anti-nutritional factors and other proximate analyses in the roots of a local cultivar of Moringa oleifera which might be responsible for such activities. The concentrations of oxalates and phytates in the roots were determined using the methods of Munro and Bassir and Griffith and Thomas, respectively. The methods of Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were used to estimate the amount of tannins, saponins and cyanogenic glycosides while the Technicon sequential Multi-sample amino acid analyzer (TSM) was used determine the amino acid concentration in the roots. Tannins (45 mg 100 g(-1)) and oxalates (17.08 mg 100 g(-1)) were present in the roots at higher levels while saponins (4.20mg 100 g(-1)), cyanogenic glycosides (2.72 mg 100 g(-1)) and phytates (0.07 mg 100 g(-1)) occurred at much lower levels. The roots contained (Mean +/- Standard Error of mean) %crude lipid (6.33 +/- 1.64), %crude proteins (5.02 +/- 1.52), %carbohydrates (76.75), %ash (4.97 +/- 0.53) and %moisture (6.93 +/- 0.58). The roots lacked the water-soluble vitamins pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamine but contained ascorbic acid (48.13 mg 100 g(-1)) and niacin (5.83 mg 100 g(-1)). This study has shown that Moringa oleifera roots are rich in anti-nutritional factors and that is why they are widely used in traditional medicine in Africa, Asia and Americas for its medicinal importance.

Traditional medicine in Nigeria: The appraisal of an African cultural heritage

frica is a culturally heterogeneous continent. It has witnessed changes in virtually all facets of life. Nevertheless, certain traits of African cultures have subsisted despite social and cultural changes. One of such is traditional medicine, which was the earliest means of healthcare delivery in the continent that is still widely practiced today. Its Africanness consists in its uniqueness to Africa, which is inherent in its age-long practice among the peoples and societies of Africa. This paper therefore, examines the nature and common characteristics of traditional medicine in Africa, south of the Sahara using Nigeria as a reference point. It posits that because of its antiquity, traditional medicine is not just a means of solving health problems but also an important, African cultural heritage. Review shows that, traditional medicine is an organized system of healthcare delivery, which cuts across different societies and cultures of Africa. It is recommended that governments of African countries should educate or enlighten their peoples on the need to see traditional medicine not only as a means of healing but also as an important African heritage, which should be appreciated and preserved.

Evaluating the effect of storage on the biological activity and chemical composition of three South African medicinal plants

Despite the popularity of traditional medicine in Africa, the continent remains behind in terms of the regulation, safety and quality control of its medicinal plant industry. There is heightened interest in essential aspects that affect the industry, with storage practices and consequent effects on plant efficacy being of high priority. Therefore, the effect of short-term storage on the efficacy and phytochemical content of three popular medicinal plants (Ocimum basilicum, Senna petersiana and Hypoxis hemerocallidea) was investigated. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of four solvent extracts of the selected plant (fresh and short-term stored) were compared. Phytochemical analysis of 50% methanol extracts of plant materials was determined using spectrophotometric methods. Fresh samples of the majority of the plant extracts indicated better antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and antifungal (Candida albicans) activities in comparison to the stored samples. There was no specific pattern in antioxidant activity for both stored and fresh samples for the different plants. Phytochemical analysis pointed towards noticeable differences between fresh and stored samples of the various plant extracts with fresh samples showing higher chemical concentrations in many plant parts. In general, the current findings indicate that the degree of changes in the pharmacological and phytochemical activity due to storage was plant part- and species-specific.

The anticonvulsant and sedative effects of Gladiolus dalenii extracts in mice

Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine in Africa to treat epilepsy and many other diseases. Two in vivo mouse models (maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions) were used to evaluate the anticonvulsant activities of the plant extracts. Diazepam-induced sleep was used for the evaluation of the sedative properties. The macerated extract of G. dalenii protected 100 and 83.3% of mice against PTZ- and MES-induced seizures, respectively. The aqueous extract of G. dalenii protected 100 and 83.3% of mice against PTZ- and MES-induced seizures, respectively. The lyophilized extract of G. dalenii also protected 100 and 83.3% of mice against PTZ- and MES-induced seizures, respectively. The coadministration of G. dalenii with diazepam resulted in an additive effect, while the coadministration of G. dalenii with flumazenil or FG7142 resulted in antagonistic effects. The macerate of G. dalenii also exerted sedative activity by reducing the latency time to sleep and increasing the total duration of sleep induced by diazepam. The sleeping time increased from 16±3min in the control group to 118±11min at a dose of 150mg/kg of G. dalenii. The effects of G. dalenii suggested the presence of anticonvulsant and sedative activities that might show efficacy against secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures and primary generalized seizures and insomnia in humans.

Flowcytometric evaluation of T lymphocyte suppression by Euphorbia hirta (P6226)

Abstract Euphorbia hirta is a tree locally used as a traditional medicine in Africa and Australia to treat numerous diseases such as hypertension, respiratory ailments, tumors, anti-inflammatory activities etc. The objective of the study was to investigate immunomodulatory effects of the ethanol extract of E. hirta on humoral antibody &amp; delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) immune responses, graft rejection, T-lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ receptors), B- lymphocyte (CD19+ receptor) and Th1 cytokines (IL-2, TNF-α &amp; IFN-γ) in dose dependent manner in mice. Assessment of T and B cell receptors and their intracellular content of (Th1) cytokines was carried out by flowcytometric analysis in Balb/c mice. E. hirta ethanol extract at 25-200 mg/kg doses was given orally for seven days from the day of immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as an antigen. Cyclosporine 5 mg/kg and levamisole 2.5 mg/kg was used as standard drug. E. hirta maximum inhibition at 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o was found to significantly block the production of the cell mediated immune response, (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ receptors) and Th1 (IL-2, TNF-α &amp; IFN-γ) and also prolongs graft rejection. E. hirta also showed a decrease of DTH response and dose related decrease in the primary antibody response. Based on the data, it can be suggested that E. hirta is a potent and non-toxic immunosuppressor, which can be further explored for the development of potent immunosuppressor.

Immunological studies on promising and selective anti-arthritic effects of Euphorbia hirta (P5155)

Abstract Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a tree locally used as a traditional medicine in Africa and Australia to treat numerous diseases such as hypertension, respiratory ailments, tumors, wounds, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory activities etc. In the present study we investigated the anti-arthritic effects of fresh leaves of E. hirta ethanol extract, that was found to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines of adjuvant arthritis in mice. The production of the Th1 and Th2 cytokine was estimated by flowcytometric assay by using cytometric bead array (CBA) analysis in adjuvant induced arthritis in mice treated with E. hirta at graded oral doses. CBA uses the sensitivity of amplified fluorescence detection by flowcytometer to measure soluble analytes in a particle based immune assay. This assay can accurately quantitate five cytokines in a 50 µl sample volume. Oral administration of E. hirta at doses of 25-200 mg/kg showed significant inhibition of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ &amp; TNF-α) and up regulation of Th2 (IL-4 and IL-5) cytokines. Also, E. hirta significantly down regulated LPS induced production of nitric oxide production in peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that E. hirta exhibit an improvement in adjuvant induced arthritis through down regulation of activated macrophages and T lymphocytes functions such unique effects of E. hirta shown on adjuvant arthritis mice model may be advantageous to the long term treatment of clinical rheumatoid arthritis.

Commonly used metal and crystalline salts in South African traditional medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional medicines in the form of plants, animals and/or minerals are used by millions of South Africans. There is currently no data regarding the commonly used mineral elements thus the potential benefits or hazards of such products remain unclear. Materials and methodsMetal and crystalline salts were purchased from a rural market (Nongoma, Zululand, South Africa). Information regarding the colloquial name, price and weight was recorded. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to quantatively determine the unknown salts. ResultsSix widely available salts were analyzed. Ndonya, as it is colloquially known, refers to two products which look identical to the untrained eye—one is dyed table salt and the other is hexavalent chromium. A further product used medicinally, although not widely available, was identified as iron chromite ore. ConclusionsThe array of substances documented, ranging from benign to carcinogenic, stresses the importance of documenting components used in traditional medicine and confirms the necessity to regulate South Africa traditional medicine. Healthcare workers should be aware of the complexities of using such metal salt.

Public engagement with scientists at the University of Missouri: Saturday Morning Science

Saturday Morning Science (SMS) is a free public lecture series held every Saturday at the University Of Missouri throughout the fall and winter semesters. Talks are geared toward the general public and include discussions of basic scientific concepts, demonstrations, and a question‐and‐answer session. Since 2003 we have presented over 220 talks with a total attendance of about 29,000. Weekly attendance averages ~150, with between 75% and 95% of the audience coming from the community. Most attendees are adults, but the audience includes K‐12 students and teachers, children, retirees, and others. About 30% have attended more than ten SMS presentations. The speakers, informal atmosphere, and volunteer support are keys to the success of SMS. We choose excellent speakers who can present science in a lively and engaging manner and convey science in a way that is entertaining and accessible. Topics vary widely: physics, computer vision, plant immunity, epidemiology, linguistics, planet formation, fuel cells, traditional medicine in Africa, and more. We seek to present exciting science to the public as well as foster a culture where engagement between scientists and the public is the norm. Support for SMS comes from the MU Office of Research, Monsanto, the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, the MU Bookstore, and volunteers.

TNF-α inhibitory effect of Euphorbia hirta in rats

Context: Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) (E. hirta) is a tree locally used as a traditional medicine in Africa and Australia to treat numerous diseases such as hypertension, respiratory ailments, tumors, and wounds, and it has reported antiallergic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory activities, etc.Objective: This study evaluated the ability of fresh leaves of E. hirta ethanol extract to inhibit the intracellular tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level in the synovial fluid and neutrophils in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflamed rat knees.Materials and methods: Female Wister albino rats 140–160 g were used. E. hirta ethanol extract was given orally at 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, 2 h before an intra-articular (i.a.) injection of LPS. Two and three hours later, synovial fluid and neutrophils levels of intracellular TNF-α production were measured.Results: In the time course of the experiment, E. hirta maximum inhibition at 100 and 200 mg/kg (p.o.) dose showed 16.5 ± 1.34 and 14.4 ± 1.30% of synovial fluid, 4.26 ± 0.36 and 3.78 ± 0.29% of neutrophils levels of intracellular TNF-α productions at 2 h after LPS injection. LPS control displayed 22.97 ± 1.61 and 6.78 ± 0.34% of synovial fluid and neutrophils levels of intracellular TNF-α at 2 h after LPS injection. Intracellular TNF-α was also estimated at 3 h after LPS injection.Discussion and conclusion: The LPS-injected rat knee model gives a comparative study of acute anti-inflammatory responses. E. hirta inhibition of proinflammatory intracellular cytokine TNF-α production with LPS-induced inflamed rat knee is of great importance in defining the anti-arthritic potential of E. hirta.

Traditional Medicines in Africa: An Appraisal of Ten Potent African Medicinal Plants

The use of medicinal plants as a fundamental component of the African traditional healthcare system is perhaps the oldest and the most assorted of all therapeutic systems. In many parts of rural Africa, traditional healers prescribing medicinal plants are the most easily accessible and affordable health resource available to the local community and at times the only therapy that subsists. Nonetheless, there is still a paucity of updated comprehensive compilation of promising medicinal plants from the African continent. The major focus of the present review is to provide an updated overview of 10 promising medicinal plants from the African biodiversity which have short- as well as long-term potential to be developed as future phytopharmaceuticals to treat and/or manage panoply of infectious and chronic conditions. In this endeavour, key scientific databases have been probed to investigate trends in the rapidly increasing number of scientific publications on African traditional medicinal plants. Within the framework of enhancing the significance of traditional African medicinal plants, aspects such as traditional use, phytochemical profile, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies and also future challenges pertaining to the use of these plants have been explored.