Natural Health Remedy

BLACK TAMARIND FOR TREATMENT OF CHOLERA,DIARRHOEA

2012-02-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

The thirst-quenching, refreshing Black
Tamarind is here again! Researchers have
found that besides the folklore uses of
extracts of the plant in the treatment of
infections such as severe cough,
bronchitis, wounds, stomachaches,
malaria fever, jaundice, antiulcer and
haemorrhoids, it is also an effective
therapy for antibiotic-resistant cholera and
diarrhoea.
Nigerian and South African researchers
have found that the leaf extracts of Black
Tamarind compares favourably with
standard antibiotics in the treatment of
water and food borne diseases such as
diarrhoea and cholera.
The researchers also noted that further
investigations on this plant might lead to
the development of antimicrobial drugs of
natural origin that may combat the rapid
development of multiple resistant to the
available antibiotics by pathogens.
Commonly called Black tamarind, Dialium
guineense belongs to the plant family
Leguminosae-caesalpinioideae. It is called
Icheku by the Igbos of South-east Nigeria,
while to the Yorubas of South-west know it
as Awin.
The researchers from the Department of
Biochemistry and Microbiology, Applied and
Environmental Microbiology Research Group
(AEMREG), University of Fort Hare, Alice
5700, South Africa, and Department of
Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile Ife, Nigeria concluded, “D. guineense leaf
extract exhibited significant antimicrobial
properties on the environmental strains of
Vibrio spp. used in this study and it
compared favourably with the two
standard antibiotics – ampicillin and
streptomycin used as positive controls.
“D. guineense forms part of the ingredients
used in preparing decoction for the
treatment of some ailments and thus it is
suppose to be safe in consumption and
drugs formulated from this plant may pose
no danger to the users. Antimicrobial drugs
of natural origin developed from this plant
may go a long way in preventing the
establishment of an infection caused by
vibrios and other pathogens that are now
developing resistance to the existing
antimicrobial drugs. Efforts are going on in
our laboratory to isolate pure compounds
of pharmacological importance from the
plant crude extract.”
The study titled: “Anti-vibrio and
preliminary phytochemical characteristics of
crude methanolic extracts of the leaves of
Dialium guineense (Wild)” was published in
the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research.
Vibrios belong to the class of
Gammaproteobacteria, members of the
family Vibrionaceae, are natural inhabitants
of seawater but can also be found in fresh
water. Some of them are human pathogens
and are mainly transmitted to humans
through contaminated water or food. They
are part of the natural flora of bacteria in
seawater and in the gut of many seawater
organisms. They cause gastrointestinal
illnesses in humans, which include
diarrhoea.
Vibrios can be broadly grouped into two,
namely, the cholera and non-cholera
groups. Among the Vibrio species that can
cause infections in humans are Vibrio
cholerae, V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus,
and V. fluvialis. V. vulnificus and V.
parahaemolyticus are invasive organisms
affecting primarily the human colon.
In addition, V. vulnificus causes bacteremia,
skin and soft tissue infections while the
watery diarrhoea caused by V.
parahaemolyticus is often accompanied
with abdominal cramping, vomiting, fever
and chills. V. fluvialis is associated with
wound infection, septicemia and antibiotics
currently used for the treatment of Vibrio
infections are doxycycline, quinolones,
tetracycline and cephalosporins which are
expensive for most of the African
populations.
Previous reports in some literatures indicate
that Dialium guineense leaves and stem
bark are used as folklore remedies for the
treatment of infections such as diarrhoea,
severe cough, bronchitis, wound,
stomachaches, malaria fever, jaundice,
antiulcer and haemorrhoids. Lawal et al.
(2010) reported in their findings that D.
guineense is used as antiulcer and as a
vitamin supplement among some tribes in
the southern part of Nigeria.
Among the 85 medicinal plants investigated
for their potency as antimalaria, D.
guineense was found to inhibit the growth
of Plasmodium falciparum, that is, the
malaria parasite responsible for the illness.
According to the researchers, it is a tree of
an average height of 30m with densely
leafy crown, smooth greyish bark. Leaves
are hairy and the flowers are usually
whitish while the fruits are less circular and
flattened. The pulp of the fruit is edible and
sweet, fairly low levels of ascorbic acid and
tannin are present. It is a fairly good source
of protein and minerals.
The fruits of the plant are chewed among
some women in southeast Nigeria to
improve lactation and check genital
infection. D. guineense is used as chewing
stick (indigenous tooth brush) among
Nigerian populace. Okwu and Ekeke (2003)
reported in their studies that the plant
contains saponin, which is presumed to add
to the cleaning effect of teeth and at the
same time prevent caries and plaques on
the teeth of the users.
Significant antioxidant and molluscidal
activities of D. guineense exhibited have
also been reported. Literatures search
revealed scanty or no reports on anti-Vibrio
activities of D. guineense crude leaves
extracts, hence the need for this research.
The objective was to test the antimicrobial
potentials of this plant on environmental
strains of Vibrio species isolated from some
rivers in the Eastern Cape Province of South
Africa, bearing in mind that, many residents
of Eastern Cape depends on rivers for their
daily water uses.
The crude extract of the plant was found to
possess bioactivity against 14 out of 18
environmental strains of Vibrio species
tested at a final concentration of 20 mg/ml.
On the other hand, the standard antibiotics
used –ampicillin inhibited the growth of 15
out of the 18 tested strains of the Vibrio
species while streptomycin inhibited the
growth of all the tested bacterial isolates.
The zones of inhibitions exhibited by the
extract against the tested bacterial isolates
ranged between 12mm and 20mm. The
zones of inhibition exhibited by ampicillin
against the tested isolates ranged between
7mm and 40mm while streptomycin
exhibited between 12mm and 32mm zones
of inhibition.
Vibrio species are known to be deadly and
can cause gastrointestinal diseases along
with other ailments that can lead to death.
The growths of Vibrio spp. were
successfully inhibited by the extract from D.
guineense.
Traditionally, different parts (leaves, roots,
stems and barks) of D. guineense are used
among many tribes in Africa to treat
gastrointestinal diseases as well as cholera
infections among other diseases caused by
bacteria. Thus, the results obtained from
this study support the use of D. guineense
as folklore remedies to treat bacterial
infections among many tribes in Africa.
The antimicrobial activity of D. guineense
stem bark extract (though still in crude
form) compared favourably with those of
the standard antibiotics - ampicillin and
streptomycin used in this study. The
minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)
and minimum bactericidal concentrations
(MBC) of the extract were also determined.
The MIC of the extract against the Vibrio
isolates ranged between 0.313 and 5.0 mg/
ml while the MBC ranged between 0.625 and
10 mg/ml.

AFRICAN PEPPER, BITTER KOLA ARE EFFICIENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CANCER.

2012-02-28T21:34:00.000-08:00

Emerging and promising plant-based therapies for cancers.
More researches are confirming the
efficacy of African pepper, bitter leaf, bitter
kola, lime, lemon, garlic, tomatoes, grapes
and other local plants in the management of
cancer. In fact, results of recent work by
Nigerian researchers published in Annals of
Biological Research revealed that quite a
number of plants from the 73 species,
especially the leaves, roots, barks and seeds
studied are efficient in the management of
cancer.
The study is titled “Ethnobotanical survey of
anti-cancer plants in Ogun State, Nigeria.”
The Nigerian researchers from the
Department of Biological Sciences, Bowen
University, Iwo, Osun State; and Department
of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, Olabisi
Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun
State, found that the prominent plant
species in the recipes are: African pepper
(Xylopia aethopica); Bitter kola (Garcinca
kola); Sausage tree (Kigelia africana);
Anthocleista djalonensis (Sapo in Yoruba,
Kwari in Hausa, Okpokolo in Ibo); Citrus
species (orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lime
and lemon); and Allium species (garlic,
onion, shallot) genera which are indicative
of their importance in the management of
the disease.
Xylopia aethiopica is commonly called
Ethiopian pepper, African pepper or Guinea
pepper. It is of the plant family Annonaceae.
The Edo calls it Unien, it is Atta in Ibibio/Efik,
Uda in Igbo, Urieren in Urhobo, and Eeru in
Yoruba. The stem bark, fruits, seeds and
roots are used for stomach-aches,
dysentery, bronchitis, cancer, ulcers, fever
and debility, rheumatism, post-partum
management and fertility-enhancing, and
vermifuge.
Garcinia kola is a fruit-bearing tree that
belongs to the family Guttiferae. It is found
in moist forests and grows as a medium
sized tree up to 14m high. The plant is
commonly called “bitter kola” in Nigeria
because of the bitter taste of its seeds.
Garcinia kola seed (hereafter referred to as
GKS) has long been used in sub-Saharan
Africa as an antidote for ingested poison,
and as a cure for a number of ailments and
conditions such as abdominal colicky pain,
chest cold, cough and hepatitis.
The documented and suggested clinical uses
of GKS include drug detoxification,
bronchodilation (for asthma), liver
disorders, male virility, blood sugar
regulation, lipid disorders, infectious
diseases, boosting of immune system and
weight reduction. Most of the reported
bioactivities associated with GKS are
believed to be related to the presence of
biflavonoids, which are well known for
their antioxidant activities.
Scientists have also found that the sausage
tree (Kigelia africana/pinnata) could be
effectively used to treat cancers.
According to ethnobotany and recent
scientific work of Prof. P. J. Houghton of the
Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories,
Department of Pharmacy, King’s College
London, “experiments into the effect of
Kigelia extracts and some of the pure
compounds contained therein, on micro-
organisms and cancer cells have shown that
the traditional use of this plant is given
considerable justification. In addition, there
exists evidence for its anti-inflammatory
reputation.”
Investigation into the biological activity of
Kigelia pinnata has focused on its
antibacterial activity and its cytotoxic
effects against cancer cell lines. These are
related to the traditional uses of bark and
fruit extracts for treating diseases caused
by micro-organisms and as a remedy for
skin cancer.
Anthocleista djalonensis is of the plant
family Loganiaceae. It is called Sapo
(Yoruba), Kwari (Hausa), and Okpokolo
(Igbo). All parts of Anthocleista djalonensis
are active pharmacologically, but especially
the root, which is most often used. It is
diuretic and vigorously purgative, and in
Ivory Coast used as a poison-antidote, for
leprosy, as an emmenagogue (stimulates
mensuration), abortifacient, and in
treatment of oedemas and elephantiasis of
the scrotum. A root decoction is taken in
Sierra Leone for chest-pains, and for
constipation and gonorrhoea. A hot water
extract of the root has been used in Nigeria
for women suffering from infertility and
irregular painful menstruation;
effectiveness remains unclear, but pain is
said to be reduced.
It has been shown that incorporating plenty
of citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerine
and grapefruit in the daily diet plan may
offer another important yet lesser known
nutritional bonus: citrus limonoids.
A study published 2005 showed that citrus
limonoids help fight cancers of the mouth,
skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon in
laboratory tests with animals and with
human cells.
Studies have further shown that limonoids
inhibit the development of cancer in
laboratory animals and in human breast
cancer cells as well as reducing cholesterol.
Garlic (Allium sativum) is of plant family
Liliaceae. Local names: Igbo - Ayuu; Yoruba -
Ayu. The bulb is used for fevers, coughs,
constipation, asthma, nervous disorders,
hypertension, ulcers and skin diseases. It is
highly bacteriostatic (stops the growth of
bacteria), fungicidal (kills fungi) and
antihelmintic (worm expeller).
Also, a study published last week in the
journal Carcinogenesis showed that in both
cell lines and mouse models, grape seed
extract (GSE) kills head and neck squamous
cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy
cells unharmed.
The researchers said grape seed extract
creates these conditions that are
unfavorable to growth. Specifically, the
paper showed that grape seed extract both
damages cancer cells’ DNA (via increased
reactive oxygen species) and stops the
pathways that allow repair (as seen by
decreased levels of the DNA repair
molecules Brca1 and Rad51 and DNA repair
foci).
Another study by Nigerian and British
researchers at the Pharmaceutical Science
Division, King’s College London, Franklin-
Wilkins Building, 150, Stamford Street,
London, United Kingdom concluded: “Most
of the species tested had some cytotoxic
effect on the cancer cell lines, which to
some extent supports their traditional
inclusion in herbal preparations for
treatment of cancer. However, little
selectivity for cancer cells was observed,
which raises concerns over their safety and
efficacy in traditional treatment. The
longistylins A and C appear to be
responsible for much of the activity of
Cajanus cajan extract.”
Cajanus cajan is Pigeon pea in English, Olele
in Edo, Shingwazo in Gwari, Aduwa in
Hausa, Agadagbulu in Igala, Fio fio in Igbo,
Alev in Tiv, Otili in Yoruba.
Besides its confirmed use as an anti-sickling
agent, the leaf extracts of Cajanus cajan are
prepared in a infusion for anaemia,
hepatitis, diabetes, urinary infections, and
yellow fever.
The study titled “Ethnobotanical survey and
cytotoxicity testing of plants of South-
Western Nigeria used to treat cancer, with
isolation of cytotoxic constituents from
Cajanus cajan leaves” was published in
Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Meanwhile, the Annals of Biological
Research study indicates nature has some
remedy for cancer patients. “Some
substances have been found to be anti-
carcinogenic, that is they fight cancer
forming cells and help to eliminate them
from the body, for example cumaric acid
and lycopen, which are found naturally in
tomatoes fruits (Lycopersicum esculentum)
and the leaves of bitter leaf (Vernonia
amygdalina),” they said.
Lycopene, the main active ingredient in
tomatoes are beneficial to health, but it
serves as a natural antioxidant, prevent
prostate cancer in elderly men and breast
cancer for women as well as reduce the
occurrence of osteoporosis.
According to the researchers, a lot of
research has been and is still being done on
the effectiveness of Aloe vera, Morinda
lucida, Nympheae lotus (water lily) and
Pycanthus angolensis for managing cancer.
Aloe vera has been shown to be a beneficial
herb in the treatment of cancer in animals.
Actually, the United States Department of
Agriculture has agreed to make use of Aloe
vera for curing of soft tissue cancer in
animals in 1992.
There is a great scientific proof that Aloe
vera restrains the developing of cancer
tumour, raises levels of tumour necrosis,
stimulates immune system response and
enhances healthy tissue.
Morinda lucida belongs to the plant family
Rubiaceae. It is commonly called Brimstone
tree. It is Oruwo or Erewo in Yoruba, Eze-
ogu or Njisi in Igbo, Marga in Hausa.
Morinda lucida is a tropical West Africa
rainforest tree also called brimstone tree.
The leaves are widely used in the treatment
of malaria, typhoid fever, jaundice and
dressing of wounds to prevent infections. A
weak decoction of the stem bark is used for
the treatment of severe jaundice, cancer,
poor low sperm count and diabetes.
The plant Pycnanthus angolensis belongs to
the Myristicaceae family. It is also called
Pycnanthus kombo. The plant common
names include African Nutmeg and Wild
Nutmeg. In Nigerian languages, it is referred
to as Akomu (Yoruba), Akujaadi (Hausa) and
Egwunoma (Igbo).
The Ethnopharmacological survey of the
plant, Pycnanthus angolensis, according to a
study by Agyare C. et al (2009) in the
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol. 125
issued 3, pp 393-403 confirms the potency
of aqeous extracts of the plant for wound
healing and it establishes antioxidant
activities of the ethanolic extracts of the
plant. The plant was reported to be good for
stomach ulcer treatment due to its anti-
adhesive activity against helicobacter pylori
on human stomach cells.
According to the Journal of
Ethnopharmacology study, structured
questionnaires were used to explore the
ethnobotanical practices amongst the
traditional healers. Methanol extracts of the
most common species cited were screened
for cytotoxicity using the sulforhodamine B
(SRB) assay in both exposure and recovery
experiments. Three cancer cell lines (human
breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7,
human large cell lung carcinoma cell line
COR-L23 and human amelanotic melanoma
C32) and one normal cell line (normal human
keratinocytes SVK-14) were used for the
screening of the extracts and the fractions
obtained.
The extract of Cajanus cajan showed
considerable activity and was further
partitioned and the dichloromethane
fraction was subjected to preparative
chomatography to yield six compounds:
Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, alpha-
amyrin, beta-sitosterol, pinostrobin,
longistylin A and longistylin C. Pinostrobin
and longistylins A and C were tested for
cytotoxicity on the cancer cell lines. In
addition, an adriamycin-sensitive acute T-
lymphoblastic leukaemia cell line (CCRF-CEM)
and its multidrug-resistant sub-line (CEM/
ADR5000) were used in an XTT assay to
evaluate the activity of the pure
compounds obtained.
A total of 30 healers from south-west
Nigeria were involved in the study. 45
species were recorded with their local
names with parts used in the traditional
therapeutic preparations. Cytotoxicity (IC
(50) values less than 50 microg/mL) was
observed in five species (Acanthospermum
hispidum- ewe onitan meta in Yoruba),
Cajanus cajan, Morinda lucida, Nymphaea
lotus and Pycnanthus angolensis).
Acanthospermum hispidum and Cajanus
cajan were the most active. The
dichloromethane fraction of Cajanus cajan
had IC (50) value 5-10 microg/mL, with the
two constituent stilbenes, longistylins A and
C, being primarily responsible, with IC (50)
values of 0.7-14.7 microM against the range
of cancer cell lines.
Investigator at the University of Colorado
Cancer Centre and professor at the Skaggs
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr.
Rajesh Agarwal, said: “It is a rather dramatic
effect. It depends in large part, says
Agarwal, on a healthy cell’s ability to wait
out damage. Cancer cells are fast-growing
cells. Not only that, but they are necessarily
fast growing. When conditions exist in
which they can’t grow, they die.”
The Agarwal Lab hopes to move in the
direction of clinical trials of grape seed
extract, potentially as an addition to second-
line therapies that target head and neck
squamous cell carcinoma that has failed a
first treatment.

STAR APPLE BARK PROVIDES ANTI-MALARIA DRUG

2012-02-28T21:05:00.000-08:00

The bark of African star apple has been
shown to be more effective than
chloroquine in treating malaria without
any toxic side effects.
IT is time to savour the African star apple or
rather local cherry. The brownish fruit
(when ripe) of this local delicacy is on
display in almost all the markets especially
in southern Nigeria. African cherry is
synonymous with harmattan. It is usually
harvested or rather the plant sheds its fruits
during the season.
African star apple, also known as
Chrysophyllum albidum belongs to the
family Sapotaceae. The plant is known as
udara in Igbo and agbalumo in Yoruba.
The fruit of African star apple has been
found to have a very high content of
ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) with 1000 to 3,300
mg of ascorbic acid per 100 g of edible fruit
or about 100 times that of oranges and 10
times that of guava or cashew.
Also, several other components of the tree
including the roots and leaves are
reportedly used for medicinal purposes.
Until now, the bark is used as a remedy for
yellow fever and malaria while the leaves
are used as emollients and for the treatment
of skin eruption, diarrhoea and
stomachache. Eleagnine, an alkaloid isolated
from C. albidum seed cotyledon has been
reported to have anti-nociceptive, anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
But a new study published recently in
Journal of Physiology and Pathphysiology
suggest that the extracts of the bark of
African star apple could provide the next
best anti-malarial drug. Indeed, the extract
was found to be more effective than
chloroquine in treating malaria.
The study titled “Anti-plasmodial and
toxicological effects of methanolic bark
extract of Chrysophyllum albidum in albino
mice” was authored by E. O. Adewoye of
the Department of Physiology, College of
Medicine, University of Ibadan; A. T. Salami
of the Department of Nursing Science, Lead
City University, Ibadan; and V. O. Taiwo of
the Department of Veterinary Pathology,
University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The researchers evaluated the anti-
plasmodial, hematological, serum
biochemical and pathological effects of
Chrysophyllum albidum methanolic bark
extract using Swiss albino male mice as
models.
According to the study, the LD50 of the
methanolic extract was 1850 mg/kg body
weight. C. albidum methanolic bark extract
(750 - 1500 mg/kg/day) exhibited
significant schizontocidal activities both in a
four-day (early) infection and in an
established (greater than seven days)
infection with a considerable mean survival
time comparable to that of chloroquine.
The LD50 is a standardised measure for
expressing and comparing the toxicity of
chemicals. The LD50 is the dose that kills half
(50 per cent) of the animals tested (LD =
“lethal dose”). The animals are usually rats
or mice, although rabbits, guinea pigs,
hamsters, and so on are sometimes used.
Schizontocides are drugs used in the
treatment of malaria, which act against
blood stage parasites. Despite the name,
formed schizonts are in fact relatively drug
resistant. The earlier parasite stages- mature
trophozoites are more drug-sensitive.
Examples of schizontocides are quinine and
artesunate.
The researchers said that the plant extract
treated mice did not develop appreciable
anaemia. This observation shows that the
methanolic extract of C. albidum contains
anti-plasmodial substance(s) which help to
reduce parasitaemia and hence the rate of
erythrocyte (red blood cell) destruction
during infection.
Plasmodial describes a protozoan of the
genus Plasmodium, which includes the
parasites that cause malaria.
According to the study, the organ and tissue
pathology during infection was milder at
low doses, compared to the untreated mice
and insignificant at higher doses of the
extract, showing that the extract is non-
toxic. It also validates the local consumption
of the extracts of C. albidum as an anti-
malarial agent.
Indeed, the results from this investigation
suggest that the methanolic extract of the
bark of C. albidum has anti-plasmodial
activities and is non-toxic to mice when
administered even at 1,500 mg/kg/day. It,
however, appears to be more effective at a
dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day.
An earlier study on the life span of the mice
infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei
revealed that it is between the seven to 10
days post-innoculation. This is in line with
the drug treatment employed both in the
suppressive and established or Rane test in
this study. This time frame was used in
order to prevent the death of animals
before the end or drug treatment regime
during the experiment.
It had been reported that plants whose
phyto-chemical compounds include
alkaloids, anthraquinones and saponins
may have antimalarial activities. These
reports are similar to those obtained in this
study as methanoic bark extract of C.
albidum contains alkaloids, anthraquinones,
saponins, cardenolides and tannins. These
phytochemical compounds were also similar
to those reportedly found in the leaves and
stems of C. albidum.
Saponins have been found to have
antiprotozoan activities as well as possible
defaunating agents in the rumen. This
property has been exploited in the
treatment of protozoal infections in other
animals. Triterpenoid and steroid saponins
have been found to be detrimental to
several infectious protozoans, one of which
is Plasmodium falciparum.
This report supports what was observed in
this experiment both in the suppressive and
established infections. The mechanism of
action by which saponins work, might be
through their toxicity to protozoans, which
may be widespread and non-specific. It
might also be as a result of their detergent
effect on the cell membranes.
C. albidum has also been found to contain
alkaloids and these have been associated
with medicinal uses for centuries, though
other possible roles have not been
examined. One of the most common
biological properties of alkaloids is their
toxicity against cells of foreign organisms
like bacteria, viruses and protozoans to
which malaria parasites belong. These
activities have been widely studied for their
potential use in the elimination and
reduction of human cancer cell lines.
Alkaloids also possess anti-inflammatory,
anti- asthmatic and anti-anaphylactic
properties with consequences of altered
immunological status in vivo. The
significant reduction in parasitic load in
infected mice treated with methanolic
extract of C. albidum prevented rapid
destruction of parasitized red blood cells
and development of mild and insignificant
anaemia on days five and seven.
The results also show that chloroquine at 10
mg/kg/day is equally effective in
prevention of anaemia due to its anti-
protozoan effect in infected mice. It is
noteworthy, however, that all the infected
mice treated or untreated developed
leucocytosis, which was most severe in
mice treated with chloroquine. The
leukocytosis may be an indication of
enhanced granulopoiesis and
lymphocytosis as cellular and humoral
responses, respectively to the protozoan
infection. This is corroborated by enhanced
serum globulin levels (hyperglobulinemia)
and reactive spleens in infected mice in this
study.

ZOBO REDUCES DIABETES-INDUCED KIDNEY DISEASE RISK

2012-02-28T20:38:00.003-08:00

The popular zobo drink made from the
calyx (flower part) of roselle (Hibiscus
sabdariffa) has been successfully used in
traditional medicine to treat various
diseases such as cough, hypertension,
stomach disorders, loss of appetite, upper
respiratory congestion, nerve and heart
disorders and menstrual difficulties. But
recent studies suggest that although it
could be used to reduce the risk of kidney
damage in diabetics, high doses could lead
to kidney damage.
CAN drinking high doses of the popular
zobo drink lead to kidney damage? Results
of a recent study suggest that aqueous
extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HSE) has no
harmful effect on the liver but when
consumed in high doses could be harmful
to the kidney. “Further research aimed at
identifying the chemical composition and
potential toxic agent(s) in HS is
recommended,” the researchers wrote.
Commonly called zobo or roselle in Nigeria,
Hibiscus sabdariffa belongs to the plant
family malvaceae.
The study titled: “Toxicilogical effects of
aqueous extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on
the liver and kidney,” was published in
Journal of College of Medicine.
The aim of the study is to show the effect
of graded doses of aqueous extract of HS
on major excretory organs (liver and
kidney) of albino Wistar rats. This may be
helpful in determining the safety or
otherwise of its consumption at different
concentrations.
The researchers wrote: “There were no
significant changes in the histology of the
liver throughout the period of HS
administration in all the groups. However,
there were significant histological changes
in the kidney, which were more
pronounced at higher doses (80 and
160mg/kg). There was shrinkage of
glomerular tuft, increase in urinary pole,
increase in size of tubular lumen and
tubular damage. These effects were more
marked as the duration of administration of
the extract progressed with greatest effect
observed at 12th week.”
Another study found that Hibiscus
sabdariffa might help treat kidney stones
via uricosuric activity. The study titled:
“Uricosuric effect of Roselle (Hibiscus
sabdariffa) in normal and renal-stone
former subjects,” was published in Journal
of Ethnopharmacology.
Uricosuric agents are used to lower the uric
acid level in the blood and to prevent the
formation of uric acid crystals in the joints
and kidneys. These drugs are often used to
treat gout, a disease in which uric acid
crystals deposit in joints and cause pain. By
decreasing plasma uric acid levels, these
drugs decrease the deposition of crystals in
joints, eventually decreasing inflammation
and thereby reducing the pain of gout.
Researchers from Thailand conducted a
study with nine subjects with no history of
kidney stones and nine with a history of
kidney stones. A cup of tea made from 1.5
grams of dry roselle was provided to
subjects twice daily (morning and evening)
for 15 days.
After taking the tea, both groups showed
increases in oxalate and citrate. In the non-
kidney stone group, increases in uric acid
excretion and clearance were observed. In
the patients with kidney stones, both uric
acid excretion and clearance were
significantly increased.
The study authors concluded that roselle
has a uricosuric effect and they suggested
that the chemical constituents exerting this
effect should be identified.
Also, researchers have shown that aqueous
(water) extracts of HSE is capable of
reducing lipid peroxidation, increasing
catalase and glutathione activities
significantly in diabetic kidney, and
decreasing the plasma levels of triglyceride,
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increasing
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value.
Lipid peroxidation is a well-defined
mechanism of cellular damage in both
animals and plants that occurs in vivo
during aging and in certain disease states.
Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme found in
living organisms that changes hydrogen
peroxide to water and oxygen. Hydrogen
peroxide is formed as a toxic waste product
of metabolism. It must be quickly converted
into other, less dangerous, chemicals. To
manage this problem, the enzyme catalase
is frequently used to rapidly catalyse the
decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into
harmless oxygen and water.
Glutathione is an antioxidant compound
found in living animal and plant tissue.
Glutathione is the major endogenous
antioxidant produced by the cell.
Glutathione participates directly in the
neutralization of free radicals, reactive
oxygen compounds, and maintains
exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C
and E in their reduced (active) forms. In
addition, through direct conjugation,
glutathione plays a role in the detoxification
of many xenobiotics (foreign compounds)
both organic and inorganic. Glutathione is
an essential component of the human
immune response.
Triglycerides are a type of lipid found in
blood. When food is consumed, calories are
released by the oxidation of food. The
calories, which the body does not exhaust,
are converted into energy resources called
triglycerides which are stored in the fat cells
of the body and are used to supply energy
when required. Under the action of certain
hormones these triglycerides are broken
into simpler, absorbable forms of fatty acids
to liberate energy.
LDL is “bad” cholesterol, while HDL is “good”
cholesterol.
According to the study published in
Evidence-Based Complementary and
Alternative Medicine, HSE, in histological
examination, improves hyperglycemia-
caused osmotic diuresis in renal proximal
convoluted tubules (defined as hydropic
change) in diabetic rats.
Hyperglycemia or Hyperglycæmia, or high
blood sugar, is a condition in which an
excessive amount of glucose circulates in
the blood plasma.
Osmotic diuresis is increased urination
caused by the presence of certain
substances in the small tubes of the
kidneys.
The proximal convoluted tubule is the most
proximal segment of the renal tubular
portion of the nephron. It is responsible for
the reabsorption of glucose, amino acids,
various ions and water.
The study also reveals that up-regulation of
Akt/Bad/14-3-3? and NF-?B-mediated
transcription might be involved.
The researchers concluded: “In conclusion,
our results show that HSE possesses the
potential effects to ameliorate diabetic
nephropathy via improving oxidative
status and regulating Akt/Bad/14-3-3?
signaling.”
The study is titled: “Aqueous extract from
Hibiscus sabdariffa linnaeus ameliorate
diabetic nephropathy via regulating
oxidative status and Akt/Bad/14-3-3? in an
experimental animal model.”
Several studies point out that oxidative
stress maybe a major culprit in diabetic
nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is
kidney disease or damage that occurs in
people with diabetes. HSE has been
demonstrated as having beneficial effects
on anti-oxidation and lipid-lowering in
experimental studies.
This study investigated the effects of
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on diabetic
nephropathy in streptozotocin induced type
1 diabetic rats.
Diabetic mellitus (DM) is a consequence of
chronic metabolic aberrations including
hyperlipidemia. High glucose facilitating the
glycolysis and adenosine triphosphate
generation would cause huge reactive
oxygen species (ROS) production. Under
physiological circumstances, ROS involve
some signaling molecules and follow
defense mechanisms such as phagocytosis,
neutrophil function and shear-stress
induced vasorelaxation.
However, excessive oxidative stress could
damage proteins, lipids, and DNA and
eliminate anti-oxidative enzymes or
molecules. Ujihara et al. observed that
oxidized LDL level was significantly higher
in diabetic patients with macroalbuminuria.
They suggested that oxidized-LDL might
play an important role in diabetic
nephropathy.
Experimentally, the oxidative level of LDL
can be determined by detecting lipid
peroxidation. Antioxidant defense
mechanisms include free radical scavengers
and enzyme systems, such as superoxide
dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase
(GSH) and catalase (CAT). Previous studies
showed that these anti-oxidative molecules
were reduced in diabetes.
In addition to the devastating damage
effect on macromolecules, oxidative stress
can be involved in cellular signal
transduction including Akt signaling
pathway. Akt is a principal mediator of
biological functions of insulin in glucose
metabolism. Phosphorylated Akt can
regulate apoptosis via activating Bad to
associate with 14-3-3? protein and also to
activate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-?B) to
regulate transcription.
Recent studies showed the importance of
phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3-K) and Akt
signaling pathway in diabetic nephropathy
including regulation of renal mesangial
hypertrophy and renal tubular cells
proteolysis. It has been well known that
hyperglycemia and insulin could modulate
Akt activity in diabetic renal tissue.
However, the results are not compatible.
Furthermore, the correlation between
oxidative stress and Akt signaling in
diabetic renal tissues has not been well
clarified.
A wide variety of natural products have
been found to possess capacity to control
metabolic problems and oxidative stress in
diabetes. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus is
usually used as a beverage. The
constituents in the flowers of Hibiscus
species are polyphenolic acids, flavonoids,
and anthocyanins.
Previous studies found that HSE possessed
anti-oxidative characteristics and had anti-
atherosclerotic effects. Recent
pharmacological studies also showed that
HSE significantly reduced blood pressure in
humans and in experimental animals.

HERBS THAT OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION, DECREASE SPERM COUNT

2012-02-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

Researchers have found that a
local plant commonly used to reduce blood
sugar level in diabetics, stimulate the
immune system in people living with
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS), protect the liver from damage,
reduce cholesterol, treat viral infections
and malaria could offer protection against
radiation, boost bone marrow growth and
decrease sperm count.
COMMONLY called stonebreaker, Phyllanthus
niruri also known as ‘Chanca piedra’ belongs
to the family Euphorbiaceae. Phyllanthus
niruri is similar to Phyllanthus amarus,
which also belongs to the same family. It is
a widespread tropical plant commonly
found in coastal areas that grows 40 to
70cm tall.
In Nigeria, it is called enyikwonwa and
ngwu in the Ibo, oyomokeso amanke edem
in Efik, geeron-tsuntsaayee (bird’s millet) in
Hausa, ehin olobe and yin-olobe in Yoruba.
Before now, all parts of this herb have been
proved to have a wide range of therapeutic
effects. Phyllanthus niruri has been
reported to reduce significantly blood sugar
level. Adedapo et al in 2005 reported the
immune stimulating effect of this herb.
Phyllanthus niruri has been reported to play
hepato-protective and antioxidant role.
Hepato-protection or anti-hepatotoxicity is
the ability to prevent damage to the liver.
Phyllanthus niruri has also been shown to
act as a hypo-lipemic agent, anti-lithic agent,
anti-viral and anti-malarial properties. Hypo-
lipemic is an agent that lowers the
concentration of fats in the blood. Anti-lithic
means preventing the formation of calculi,
or an agent that so acts. Calculi are mineral
deposits that can form a blockage in the
urinary system.
However, new findings suggest that the
aqueous crude extract of Phyllanthus niruri
could be used to protect humans from the
effect of radiation and has antifertility
activity.
According to a study published in Indian
Journal of Experimental Biology by
researchers at the Department of Research,
Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and
Research Centre, India, Phyllanthus niruri
protects against radiation clastogenecity in
mouse bone marrow.
Clastogenic is an adjective that describes the
ability of an agent or process to act as a
clastogen—an agent or process giving rise
to or inducing disruption or breakages of
chromosomes.
The researchers studied the effects of
aqueous (PnAq) and alcoholic (PnA1 extract
(50-250 mg/kg) of P. niruri on in vivo
gamma radiation induced chromosome
aberration and in vitro antioxidant activity
(50-500 microg/ml). The antioxidant
activity was studied by measuring
inhibition of hydroxyl radicals generated by
the fenton reaction along with pro-oxidant
and iron chelating ability.
PnA1 showed highly significant in vitro free
radical scavenging ability when compared
to DMSO above 250 microg/ml
concentration. Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO)
is a colorless liquid, which is an important
polar aprotic solvent that dissolves both
polar and nonpolar compounds and is
miscible in a wide range of organic solvents
as well as water. It penetrates the skin very
readily.
PnAq showed significant pro-oxidant
activity while PnA1 was devoid of it at the
tested concentrations. Exposure to gamma
radiation caused 29.10 per cent increase in
the frequency of chromosomal aberrations.
Administration of PnA1 (250 mg/kg)
showed highly significant decrease in
chromosomal aberrations compared to
radiation treated group.
The radio-protective potential of alcoholic
extract was found to be more effective
than the aqueous extract. Qualitative
phytochemical investigation of PnAq and
PnA1 revealed the presence of sugars,
flavonoids, alkaloid, lignans, polyphenols,
tannins, coumarins and saponins.
“Higher radio-protective effect of the
alcoholic extract may be attributed to rich
presence of antioxidant polyphenolic
compounds,” the researchers concluded.
According to another study published in
online academic student journal, Student
Pulse, the observation of progressive
weakness and reduction in agility across
the group may be as a result of a parameter
that did not form part of this research.
The study is titled: “Antifertility Effects of
Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus niruri in
Male Albino Rats.”
According to the lead researcher, Valentine
U. Ezeonwu, the decrease in fertility
potentials reported after the treatment of
male rats with dihydroarteminisinin has
been attributed to impairment in sperm
motility and viability. Treatment of animals
with antimalarial drugs usually result in
reducing the sperm counts, motility,
viability and visible alteration alters the
morphology of the sperms, such
impairment of male fertility has been
reported with chloroquine and halofantrine
treated rats. Similar reports have been
reported in herbs that have anti-malarial
activity.
The study reads, “the findings of the
present study showed that the aqueous
extract of P.niruri could significantly alter
the fertility potential of male rats. The mere
fact that there was lack of effect on the
body weight on treated animals does not
rule out the possibility of a systemic toxicity
at the doses treated due to behavioral
alterations observed within the treated
group. The treated groups showed
progressive decrease in agility.
“Furthermore the significant increase
indicates that the extract may have toxic
effect on this organ. Simons et al (1995)
noted that increase or decrease in weight of
an organ after the administration of a
chemical agent is an indicator of a toxic
effect of such agent.
“The significant depletion of the fructose
level of the seminal fluid and reduction of
sperm viability, sperm motility and sperm
counts shows that the extract has the
potential to penetrate the blood-testis
barriers. Baddessarini (1980) reported that
effect of chemical agents on sperm
composition is attributed to their ability to
penetrate this barrier.
“This depletion of seminal fructose across
all the treated groups (p<0.05) invariably
affects the sperm motility and viability since
fructose serves as the driving energy of the
sperm and since fructose is androgen-
dependent may indicate reduction in
circulating androgen levels.
“Similarly, the decrease in sperm qualities
points to reduction in the circulating
androgen level. I would take caution in
suggesting that the near absence of
fructose is an indication of an obstruction
either in vas deferens or the epididymis
(Zhu et al 2006; Gonzales 1997) due to the
technique used in collection of the sample.
“Any chemical agent that can affect
reproductive activity will as well affect the
quality and quantity of the sperm. The
sperm counts, motility and viability of the
treated samples were significantly
decreased in groups D and E (p<0.05) when
compared to the control, such decrease can
be attributed anti-androgenic property of
the extract. Animals fed with 100mg/kg
showed no significant change in all the
parameters tested except the fructose level,
which indicates that at this concentration
the extract may not be toxic.
“Summarily, these observations show that
the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri
may have antifertility effects in albino rats
at doses above 200mg/kg. But since there
has been no such documentation of the
plant with respect to humans research
should be directed towards this area to
assess the effect of the extract on man.”

WELL- DONE RED MEAT LINKED TO AGGRESSIVE PROSTATE CANCER

2011-12-27T04:31:00.000-08:00

CARDIOLOGISTS and other doctors already
view artery-clogging red meat as a villain,
and they now have another reason to urge
their patients to steer clear: A new study
has found that men have a higher risk of
developing aggressive prostate cancer if
they consume a lot of ground beef and
other red meat — especially if the meat is
grilled or well-done.
The men in the study who ate about two
servings of hamburger or meat loaf per
week were more than twice as likely to
have been diagnosed with aggressive
prostate cancer as the men who ate none.
But most of that increase in risk can be
attributed to how the meat was cooked.
When the researchers looked only at the
members of the burger-loving group who
ate their meat grilled or barbecued, the
numbers told a different story: The men
who preferred their burgers well-done had
double the cancer risk, while those who
liked them medium (or rarer) had a
negligible increase in risk — just 12 percent.
A similar pattern was seen with grilled or
barbecued steak.
“This is another piece of evidence for the
notion that red meat, particularly grilled
meat, contains carcinogens that may relate
to prostate cancer,” says Ronald D. Ennis,
M.D., director of radiation oncology at St.
Luke’s — Roosevelt Hospital Center, in New
York City, who was not involved in the
study.
When meat is cooked — and charred — at
high temperatures over an open flame, a
reaction occurs that causes the formation of
two chemicals: heterocyclic amines (HCAs)
and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs). In animal studies, these chemicals
have been shown to cause several types of
cancer, including prostate cancer.

HERBAL CURES FOR HIV/ AIDS

2011-12-27T04:26:00.000-08:00

Are herbal medicines effective and safe in
managing opportunistic infections and
complications associated with Human
Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)?

THERE have been claims and counter claims
on possible herbal cures for Human
Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Until now several local plants such as lemon,
neem tree, garlic, scent leaf, ginger, among
others have shown promise in the
management of opportunistic infections
associated with HIV/AIDS.
However, the persistent quest for more
natural products for the treatment of HIV/
AIDS has uncovered a new candidate,
extracts of a local plant, Baissea axillaries,
which have shown promise in the
treatment of diarrhoea associated with HIV/
AIDS.
A study published in BMC Complementary
and Alternative Medicine concluded:
“Extracts of Baissea axillaries have
demonstrated antimicrobial activity against
clinical strains of selected microorganisms.
While there is toxicity at the dose of 500
mg/kg, the therapy shows potential for
application in the treatment of diarrhoea
associated with AIDS/HIV. Further studies of
Baissea axillaries on diarrhoea and toxicity
are necessary to evaluate its mechanism of
action and to fully establish its safety
profile.
The study is titled “Antimicrobial and
toxicological evaluation of the leaves of
Baissea axillaries Hua used in the
management of HIV/AIDS patients.”
The University of Benin, Edo State,
researchers include Tavs A. Abere of the
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of
Pharmacy and Freddy O. Agoreyo of the
Department of Anatomy, College of Medical
Sciences.
Baissea axillaris belongs to the plant family
Apocynaceae. It is called imu in Yoruba.
According to The useful plants of west
tropical Africa, Vol 1 by H. M. Burkill, Baissea
axillaris is a climbing shrub to three metres
high of the rain forest of Southern Nigeria
and Western Cameroons, and extending to
Angola. The liane is used in Southern Nigeria
to make palm-wine more intoxicating. A
decoction of leafy twigs is taken in Congo
for kidney disorders.
Several studies have shown that persistent
diarrhoea is a common endemic disease
with high incidence among the Africans
including Nigerians. It also represents a
frequent opportunistic disease in people
living with HIV. Diarrhoea represents one of
the most distressful and persistent
symptoms of HIV/AIDS, which may or may
not be accompanied by an infection.
According to the study, the leaves decoction
of Baissea axillaries Hua (Apocynaceae) is
used by traditional herbalists in Edo State,
Nigeria for the management of people
living with HIV/AIDS. Determination of its
antimicrobial activity and toxicological
profile provides supportive scientific
evidence in favour of its continuous usage.
Chemical and chromatographic tests were
employed in phytochemical investigations.
Inhibitory activities of aqueous and
ethanolic extracts against clinical strains of
Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus
faecalis were compared with Togamycin
(Spectinomycin).
“Our report includes minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) against the test
organisms. Toxicological evaluation was
determined by administering 250 mg/kg
and 500 mg/kg of extracts on male Wister
rats for 14 days with normal saline as
control. The kidneys, liver, heart and testis
tissues were examined,” the researchers
wrote.
Phytochemical studies revealed the
presence of alkaloids, tannins and
cyanogenetic glycosides. The extracts
inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Staphylococcus aureus to varying extents,
but only the ethanolic extract inhibited
growth in Streptococcus faecalis.
According to the researchers, the LD50
(minimum lethal dose) of the extract in mice
was above 5000-mg/kg body weight when
administered intra-peritoneally.
Toxicological evaluation showed mere
ballooning degeneration of the liver at 250
mg/kg while at 500 mg/kg there was tissue
necrosis. The low and high doses showed
ill-defined leydig cells in the testis and no
remarkable changes in the heart and
kidneys.
Another study published in the International
Research Journal of Biochemistry and
Bioinformatics Vol. 1(5) pp. 124-130, June,
2011 noted: “Baissea axillaries Hua, a
popular herbal remedy in Nigeria used to
treat many diseases was also effective in
bacterial caused opportunistic infections in
HIV patients. However, neem (dogonyaro)
leaves that are widely distributed in Nigeria
increased the CD4 count (a marker for
immune function) and general well being
significantly in HIV patients. ?-Zam is an
effective herbal remedy used by HIV
patients in Nigeria as alternative or
complementary therapy.”
The study is titled “Chronic toxicity profiles
of ?-zam, herbal concoction used for HIV
infection in Nigeria” is a collaborative effort
between researchers from Faculty of Health
and Social Care, St. George’s University of
London and Kingston University, London,
Osun State University, Osogbo and College
of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University
Okada, Edo State.
The study reads: “The effectiveness of
herbal remedies in HIV infection is not
doubtful. There are many herbal remedies
that have been found to inhibit one or more
steps in HIV replication. Alkaloids derivatives
herbal remedies (example Ancistrocladus
korupensis) from tropical liana plant inhibit
reverse transcriptase and HIV induced cell
fusion.
“Pentosan poly-sulphate, a carbohydrate
derivate inhibits HIV tat regulatory protein
(p14) that strongly activates transcription
of proviral DNA. A coumarin herbal remedy
in form of canolides from tropical forest
tree (Calophyllum lanigerum) was rated as
non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitor in potency. Despite the fact that
sero- deconversion is very rare with Highly
Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), some
herbal remedies (example Chinese
medicines) have been documented in
turning HIV infected patients to sero-
negativity.
“There are many herbal remedies that are
effective against HIV infection in Nigeria.
Many of these documented herbal remedies
act on the opportunistic infections caused
by micro-organisms.”
Another study published in Ethno-Medicine
has examined the role of traditional
medicine/complimentary and alternative
medicines (TM/CAM) and their practitioners
and products in the prevention and
management of HIV/AIDS as a
complementary measure to curb the spread
of HIV/AIDS.
The study is titled: “Roles of Traditional
Healers in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS.” The
researchers include Jimoh Amzat of the
Department of Sociology, Usmanu
Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and Ali A.
Abdullahi of the Department of Sociology,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.

VEGETABLES, FRUITS, GRAINS REDUCE STROKERISK IN WOMEN

2011-12-27T03:59:00.000-08:00

SWEDISH women, who ate an antioxidant-
rich diet had fewer strokes regardless of
whether they had a previous history of
cardiovascular disease, in a study reported
in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart
Association.
“Eating antioxidant-rich foods may reduce
your risk of stroke by inhibiting oxidative
stress and inflammation,” said Susanne
Rautiainen, M.Sc., the study’s first author
and Ph.D. student at the Karolinska Institutet
in Sweden. “This means people should eat
more foods such as fruits and vegetables
that contribute to total antioxidant
capacity.”
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between
the production of cell-damaging free
radicals and the body’s ability to neutralise
them. It leads to inflammation, blood vessel
damage and stiffening.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E,
carotenoids and flavonoids can inhibit
oxidative stress and inflammation by
scavenging the free radicals. Antioxidants,
especially flavonoids, may also help
improve endothelial function and reduce
blood clotting, blood pressure and
inflammation.

FERMENTED FOODS OR PROBIOTICS USED IN TREATING DISEASES.

2011-12-27T03:50:00.001-08:00

Non-pathogenic micro-organisms in
fermented foods or rather probiotics are
increasingly being employed by medical
experts in the treatment of diseases.

THEY are the reason why the water from
fermented cereals- ogi, kunun zaki, and
burukutu- stop diarrhoea. Experts say their
inherent microorganisms could be
responsible for their profound health
benefits.
Probiotics are considered “good bacteria”
that help maintain the natural balance of
microflora in the digestive tract where
trillions of bacteria live. While most of the
more than 400 different species in the gut
are healthy bacteria, others, “bad bugs”
have the potential to cause damage to the
digestive system. At times, an imbalance
between the good and bad bacteria can
lead to uncomfortable symptoms or
illnesses.
Probiotics are bacteria, or even sometimes
yeast, which may alleviate common gastro
intestinal (GI) symptoms and are found in
many commercial products including
yogurt, juices, soy products, fermented milk,
tempeh and other dietary supplements.
They also come in capsule, tablet or powder
formulations.
Ogi (in Yoruba) is fermented corn/cereal
called pap in English, akanmu in Ibo. It is a
common breakfast cereal for most Nigerian
homes. In many parts of Nigeria, nursing
mothers do give their babies’ ogi and this
causes the termination of their illness.
Kunun-zaki (in Hausa) is a fermented non-
alcoholic cereal beverage made usually with
millet. It is a popular refreshing drink in
northern Nigeria. Burukutu is a local African
beer brewed wholly from sorghum (guinea
corn).
Nigerian scientists have evaluated the
antibacterial activities of ogi liquor from
different grains against some common
diarrhoeal bacteria in southwest Nigeria
and discovered the inhibition of the
pathogens by the ogi liquor, which contains
a variety of organisms including
Lactobacillus species.
Nigerian scientists have explored the
potential of probiotics as bio-therapeutic
agents targeting the innate immune system.
The researchers from the Federal University
of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, and
University of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State in a study
published in African Journal of
Biotechnology concluded, “the potential of
probionts associated with fermented
African foods and beverages, such as ogi
and kunnu, to modulate host immunity is a
very promising area of research. More
emphasis should be on further screening of
already discovered probiotics example
Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from ogi
slurry and also new probiotic candidates
from other sources.
“This will involve further in vitro and in
vivo investigation to evaluate their
potential as immune-stimulatory agents.
Furthermore, genetic engineering of already
identified probiotics and those newly
discovered to make them more efficacious
should be pursued.”
According to another study published in
Nigerian Food Journal, some of the health
benefits of probiotics include the alleviation
and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases,
allergies, and lowering of blood cholesterol.
Nutrition-related benefits include enhanced
digestion and assimilation of food nutrients,
increased bioavailability of vitamins and
improved mineral absorption.
The study reads: “Although most probiotics
are dairy-based, locally available fermented
cereal foods such as kunun zaki, burukutu
and ogi could be potential probiotic vehicles
in Nigeria. The upgrading of such local
foods could add to their value and promote
their consumption. A preliminary work
using as a possible probiotic inoculum
source in kunun processing was also
attempted and reported in this study.”
Nigerian scientists have also used probiotics
to treat complications associated with
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS) and prevent infection with the virus.
The researchers led by a post-doctoral
research Fellow at UWO, London, Ontario,
Canada, and University of Benin, Dr.
Kingsley C. Anukam, found that probiotic
strains of Lactobacillus have been shown to
be safe and efficacious in African women
and have potential to contribute positively
to their health.
Anukam wrote, “more studies and funds are
needed to expand our understanding of
this approach to healthcare including
economic, social, political and behavioral
changes, and assessing the strengths and
limitations of probiotics for the HIV/AIDS
crisis. In the long term, the development of
recombinant strains expressing potent anti-
HIV microbicides may provide a more
specific preventive approach, but funding is
needed to test these new technologies.
“Complementary/ simultaneous efforts to
ensure proper nutrition among HIV-infected
children and adults are essential
components of an effective response to the
HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Probiotic
interventions have a role to play. I do not
agree that there is limited profit to be made
in Africa, but it remains to be seen when
suitable commercial products will arrive
from multinational companies.”
Another study, titled: “Current applications
of probiotic foods in Africa,” and published
in African Journal of Biotechnology noted
that kindirmo, nono and warankasi are
common fermented milk products in
Nigeria.
A new research published in BioMed
Central’s open access journal Critical Care
shows that including probiotics with
nutrients, supplied via the patient’s feeding
tube, increased interferon levels, reduced
the number of infections, and even reduced
the amount of time patients spent in
intensive care.
Also, researchers have confirmed the
effectiveness of probiotics for antibiotic-
associated diarrhea; as an anti-
inflammatory agent for patients with
ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and chronic
fatigue syndrome; and for people with
abdominal discomfort and bloating who
have not been diagnosed with a functional
bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS).

SORGHUM IS CONFIRMED ANTIOXIDANT, IMMUNE BOOSTING POWER

2011-12-27T03:14:00.000-08:00

SORGHUM bicolour, a native grass cultivated
for food and its high medicinal properties,
was recently lauded for its antioxidant and
immune boosting potency at the World
Congress on Military Medicine (WCMM) in
Abuja.
Several studies conducted at the military
and police hospitals across the country, and
cited by experts at the occasion, have
found sorghum potent in treating Human
Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-related
cases.
Col. Gian Ayuba of the 44 Army Reference
Hospital, Kaduna noted that Sorghum
bicolour is nature’s most powerful
antioxidant, with capacity present in a
single specific specie of which the active
part is the leaf sheath.
“For the past two decades, modern science
has created synthetic equivalents of the
active compounds in Sorghum bicolour.
However, studies have shown that these
synthetic equivalents do not possess the
same impressive biological effects when
compared to the natural extracts.
“For a long time, indigenous people of West
Africa have used this and other botanical
plants as medicine for treating and curing
diseases, but it is the discovery of its special
and expansive powers by the founder of
Health Forever Products Limited and maker
of Jobelyn that consummated the
potentials,” he said.
On the science behind the traditional
remedy, Ayuba explained that many plants
manufactured secondary metabolites,
which include flavonoids, to protect
themselves against pathogen attack.
“In sorghum, this defence is an active
response resulting in the accumulation of
high levels of 3-deoxyanthocyanidin
phytoalexins (flavonoids) in the plant.
“This 3-deoxyanthocyanidin (3-DXA)
possesses unique chemical and biochemical
properties that Jobelyn uses to strengthen
the body and promote whole health.”
He supported his presentation with various
tests that had been conducted on Jobelyn,
among which is an investigation conducted
at the University of Benin.
In the study, the Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
and Haemoglobin (HB) levels of health
rabbits and rabbits infected with
Trypanosoma brucei-induced anaemia were
elevated following Jobelyn administration.
In another study conducted at Lindabel
Medical Centre, Lawanson, Lagos, 163
randomly selected anaemic patients were
given Jobelyn. “The result is that 98 per cent
showed increase in haemoglobin level
within a week. Besides, sickle cell disease
patients were found to have fewer crises
when placed on Jobelyn.”
On anti-inflammatory activity, Ayuba noted:
“A renowned laboratory in Germany has
investigated and reported the ability of
Jobelyn to suppress the following very
dangerous cytokines – IL – 1, 1L – 6, TNF-
alpha and PGE2. In LPS=stimulated human
PBMC Model (Indirect COX Activity Assay),
Jobelyn was demonstrated to decrease PGE2
production from LPS-stimulated cells
suggesting COX-2 activity inhibition.”
In a report to evaluate the efficiency of
Jobelyn in enhancing immunity in Human
Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)-infected
patients, titled: ‘Effect of Jobelyn, a Nigerian
herbal extract, on the cellular immunity of
persons living with HIV/Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)’, Ayuba
explained that 36 males and 28 females
HIV/AIDS patients who regularly attended
clinic at the Military Hospital, Lagos, between
May and September 2003 were recruited
for the research.

BITTER KOLA MIXTURE PREVENTS LIVER DAMAGE AND OSTEOARTHRITIS.

2011-12-27T03:07:00.000-08:00

Researchers have found that a
mixture of bitter kola and original honey
protects the liver from paracetamol-
induced damage and treat knee
osteoarthritis.
IN recent times the incidence of liver,
kidney and indeed body organ damage has
been on the rise. This has been linked to
ingestion of toxic chemicals or poisons such
as drug overdose and over alcohol
indulgence.
But Nigerian researchers have
demonstrated how a mixture of bitter kola
(Garcinia kola) and honey protects the liver
from damage caused by the consumption
of toxic substances and drugs.
The study published recently in Nigerian
Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology is titled “Protective Effect of
Garcinia kola Seed and Honey Mixture
Against Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity
in Rats.”
The researchers concluded: “Garcinia kola
seed (GKS), honey or a mixture of both
acted as anti-hepatotoxic agent because it
was able to significantly reduce the
elevated serum total bilirubin concentration
and enzyme activities in rats exposed to
paracetamol treatment. The observed anti-
hepatotoxic activity might be linked to the
presence of flavonoids in both GKS and
honey.”
The study researchers include D. G.
Eminedoki, A. A. Uwakwe and Gloria O. Ibe
of the
Department of Biochemistry, University Of
Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Nigerian researchers have also found that
bitter kola could be used to treat
osteoarthritis. The study titled “Clinical
effects of Garcinia kola in knee
osteoarthritis” was published in Journal of
Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
The researchers from Obafemi Awolowo
University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-
Ife, Osun State concluded: “Garcinia kola
clinically appeared to have a significant
analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee
osteoarthritis patients. Garcinia kola is a
potential osteoarthritis disease modifier.
This study shows that Garcinia kola is
effective in improving locomotors function
and significant pain reduction in patients
with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Further study
is required for standardisation of dosages
of Garcinia kola in knee Osteoarthritis (KOA).
Liver is the main body organ responsible
for the metabolism of drugs. Every drug is
known to be associated with hepatotoxicity
almost certainly due to the ability of drugs
to generate free radicals and to cause a
disturbance in hepatocyte biochemistry.
Consequently, this subjects the liver to a
variety of diseases and disorders.
In recent times, researchers have been
motivated to consider the therapeutic
effects of a number of medicinal plants that
are claimed to possess protective
characteristics against liver disorders
caused by toxic substances. One of such
medicinal plants is Garcinia kola, which was
chosen in this study. In addition, honey was
chosen because in traditional medicine it is
used alone or in combination with other
substances, such as Garcinia kola seed, for
the treatment of a number of human
ailments.
Garcinia kola is a fruit-bearing tree that
belongs to the family Guttiferae. It is found
in moist forests and grows as a medium
sized tree up to 14m high. The plant is
commonly called “bitter kola” in Nigeria
because of the bitter taste of its seeds.
Garcinia kola seed (hereafter referred to as
GKS) has long been used in sub- Saharan
Africa as an antidote for ingested poison,
and as a cure for a number of ailments and
conditions such as abdominal colicky pain,
chest cold, cough and hepatitis.
The documented and suggested clinical uses
of GKS include drug detoxification,
bronchodilation (for asthma), liver
disorders, male virility, blood sugar
regulation, lipid disorders, infectious
diseases, boosting of immune system and
weight reduction. Most of the reported
bioactivities associated with GKS are
believed to be related to the presence of
biflavonoids, which are well known for
their antioxidant activities.
Honey is a natural product that is widely
available in different parts of the world, and
is readily obtained from natural or cultured
bee colonies. Honey has a very long history
of use as a medicinal substance due partly
to its ability to inhibit microbial growth. It
has been reported to be very successful in
treating human burns, wounds and ulcers. It
has also been found to exhibit antioxidant
activity due to its high content of
flavonoids.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is widely
used as a hepatotoxic agent for the
screening of the antihepatotoxic activity of
a wide variety of traditional medicinal
plants. It has been generally reported and
accepted that one of the possible
mechanisms that may be involved in
paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity has to
do with the generation of oxidised reactive
intermediates, and compounds having
antioxidant, free radical scavenging and
anti-lipoperoxidative properties are known
to exhibit anti-hepatotoxic activities.
Phytochemical analysis shows that both GKS
and honey contain high concentrations of
flavonoids, which are compounds having
strong antioxidant activity (Iwu and
Igboko, 1982; Ajadi and Kamaruddin, 2004).
The presence of these strong antioxidants
might be responsible for the observed anti-
hepatotoxic potential of GKS, honey or a
mixture of both.
Both GKS and honey have high contents of
strong antioxidants, and have been
reported to exhibit anti- hepatotoxic
activities in laboratory animals exposed to
hepatotoxic agents. However, in an
extensive review of related literature, no
documented evidence was found to show
that the mixture of GKS and honey could
protect animal livers against toxin-induced
hepatotoxicity. This study was therefore
undertaken to investigate the
hepatoprotective potential of GKS, honey or
a mixture of both against paracetamol-
induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
Meanwhile, 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 Garcinia kola (GK) in KOA
patients.
Prospective randomised, 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 = Garcinia kola, D = Celebrex).
The drugs and placebo were given twice a
day per oral route. Each dose consisted of
200 mg of G. kola, 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).

LOCAL FOODSTUFFS OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER

2011-12-27T02:32:00.000-08:00

Researchers have identified
more local foodstuffs with prostate
cancer chemo-preventive substances-
native pear, cloves, horseradish/Moringa
oleifera, bush candle tree, tomatoes, wild
cabbage, soursop, soya beans, chilli
pepper, and green tea.

PROSTATE cancer is on the rise in Nigeria!
Early symptoms of prostate cancer include
frequent urination, nocturia (increased
urination at night), difficulty starting and
maintaining a steady stream of urine,
hematuria (blood in the urine) and dysuria
(painful urination).
According to recent estimates by the World
Health Organisation (WHO), prostate cancer
constitutes 24 per cent of annual cancer
incidence in sub- Saharan Africa, and is the
fifth most common of all cancers. It is the
cancer with the highest incidence, and
consequently, responsible for the highest
mortality rate of all cancers among black
males in sub-Saharan Africa.
But Nigerian researchers have found that
although prostate cancer is historically more
prevalent in males of African extraction, the
incidence can be dramatically reduced, and
the age of onset drastically increased, if the
population at risk consumes the right kinds
of foods in the right proportion, beginning
early in life, especially as prostate cancer
has a gestation period of about 50 years.
A review of laboratory data and available
literature on prostate cancer
chemopreventive substances in Nigerian
foodstuffs found that native pear fruit
(Dacryodes edulis), Moringa oleifera and
cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) contained
prostate active polyphenols like ellagic acid,
gallate, methylgallate, catechol, kaempferol
quercetin and their derivatives.
Dietary polyphenols are antioxidants that
can scavenge biological free radicals, and
chemo-prevent diseases with biological
oxidation as their main etiological factor.
The study was published as part of
Infectious Agents and Cancer Volume 6
Supplement 2, 2011. It was also published in
Proceedings of the First Biennial Conference
on the Science of Global Prostate Cancer
Disparities in Black Men.
Also bush candle tree (Canarium
schweinfurthii) Engl oil contained ten
phenolic compounds and lignans, namely,
catechol, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde,
dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, tyrosol, p-
hydroxybenzoic acid, dihydroxybenzoic
acid, vanillic acid, phloretic acid, pinoresinol,
secoisolariciresinol.
In addition, tomatoes (Lycopersicon
esculentum Mill) which contains the
powerful antioxidant and anti-prostate
cancer agent, lycopene, cabbage (Brassica
oleracea) containing indole-3-carbinol, citrus
fruits containing pectin, Soursop (Annona
muricata) containing annonaceous
acetogenins, soya beans (Glycine max)
containing isoflavones, chilli pepper
(Capsicum annuum) containing capsaicin,
and green tea (Camellia sinensis) containing
(-) epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)
epicatechin, (-) epicatechin-3-gallate and (-)
epigallocatechin -3-gallate which are widely
reported to posses prostate cancer
chemopreventive compounds are also
grown in Nigeria and other African
countries.
The study entitled: “Nigerian foodstuffs
with prostate cancer chemopreventive
polyphenols,” was conducted by Sunday
Eneojo Atawodi of the Biochemistry
Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,
Kaduna State.
Earlier studies have shown that prostate
cancer is an ideal candidate disease for
chemoprevention because it is typically
diagnosed in men ages greater than 50
years and has a high latency period, and
hence, even a slight delay in the
progression of this disease by chemo-
preventive intervention could result in a
substantial reduction in the incidence of the
disease and, more importantly, improve the
quality of life of the patients.
Epidemiological and laboratory evidence
also indicate that the differences in
incidence of cancers, in general, and
prostate cancer in particular, may be
associated with the presence of certain
polyphenols, especially flavonoids in the
diets of these populations.
Commonly called cloves, Syzygium
aromaticum belongs to the plant family
Myrtaceae. The locals, especially in Lagos call
it conophor.
Commonly called African pear, native pear
or bush butter, Dacryodes edulis belongs to
the plant family Burseraceae. It called
safoutier in French. In Nigeria, it is ibe in
Kalabari; boshu in Bokyi; orunmwun in Edo
(indicating something edible); ube in Ibo;
orumu in Urhobo; and elemi in Yoruba.
Commonly known in the English language
as the ben oil tree, the horseradish tree, or
the drumstick tree, Moringa oleifera belongs
to the plant family Moringaceae. Moringa
oleifera is a local plant found almost in
every region of the country has been
shown to be useful purifying water,
treating malnutrition, boosting immunity,
fighting microbes, and cancers.
In Nigeria, it is called Ewe ile, Ewe igbale, or
Idagbo monoye (the tree which grows
crazily) in Yoruba; Gawara, Habiwal hausa,
Konamarade, or Rini maka in Fulani;
Bagaruwar maka, Bagaruwar masar,
Barambo, Koraukin zaila, Shipka hali, Shuka
halinka, Rimin nacara, Rimin turawa, Zogall,
or Zogalla-gandi in Hausa; and Odudu oyibo,
Okochi egbu, Okwe olu, Okwe oyibo,
Okughara ite, Uhe, Ikwe beke in Ibo.
Until now, various laboratory researches
have confirmed that Moringa is a natural
energy booster, strengthens the immune
system, has antibiotic properties, cures
headaches, migraines, asthma, and ulcers,
reduces arthritic pains and inflammations,
and restricted tumour growths.
Canarium schweinfurthii belongs to the
plant family Burseraceae, commonly called
African elemi, incense tree or bush candle
tree. To the French it is elemier d’Afrique,
ekpakpogho in Edo, eben etiridon in Efik,
etile in Hausa, oda in Igala, ube-osa in Igbo,
and ako in Yoruba. The resin is generally
held to have action on skin-affections. It is
used for eczema, the inner bark is rub on
the skin for leprosy, and on to ulcers.
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is of the
Solanaceae family. It is called ekhue in Edo.
Leaves are used to treat eyes with
bloodstain. Young fresh leaves are
squeezed and the juice is dropped into the
eyes, one drop, twice daily.
Kale is a green leafy vegetable that belongs
to the brassica family, a group of
vegetables including cabbage, collards and
brussels sprouts that have recent
widespread attention due to their health
promoting, sulphur-containing
phytonutrients. Its Latin name is Brassica
oleracea.
The common name(s) is, Kale, Borecole. In
Asaba, Delta State of Nigeria, kale is nick-
named “hospital too far.” This is because of
the health benefits of kale.

BELLY FAT, ALCOHOL ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED ASTHMA RISK

2011-10-09T23:33:00.001-07:00

DRINKING alcohol in moderate quantities can
reduce the risk of asthma, while belly fat,
known clinically as central obesity, has been
linked to the development of asthma,
according to new studies by Danish
researchers.
The studies, presented recently at the
European Respiratory Society’s Annual
Congress in Amsterdam, found that drinking
one to six units of alcohol a week could
reduce the risk of developing the condition
and central obesity as a risk factor for the
disease.
The research examined 19,349 twins
between the ages of 12 and 41 years of
age. All participants completed a
questionnaire at the start and end of the
study to compare alcohol intake with the
risk of developing asthma over eight years.
The results showed that the lowest risk of
asthma was seen in the group which had a
moderate intake of alcohol, as less than four
per cent of those who drank one to six
units per week developed asthma.
The highest risk of asthma was observed in
people who drank rarely or never, as they
were 1.4-times more likely to develop the
condition. Heavy drinkers also had an
increased risk of asthma development and
were 1.2-times more likely to develop
asthma.
The results also suggested that a preference
for beer drinking was associated with an
increased risk of asthma when compared
with no preference.
Previous studies have found a link between
excessive intake of alcohol and asthma
attacks; however, this is the first study of
its kind to show a link between alcohol
intake and the onset of asthma for adults
over a long period of time.
Sofie Lieberoth, from the Bispebjerg
Hospital in Denmark, said: “Whilst excessive
alcohol intake can cause health problems,
the findings of our study suggest that a
moderate intake of one to six units can
reduce the risk of developing asthma. By
examining all the factors linked with the
development of asthma, we can understand
more about what causes the condition and
how to prevent it.”
Meanwhile, excess abdominal fat has been
linked with a number of health effects, such
as diabetes and heart disease, but there has
been little focus on its link with lung
disease.
Previous studies have found a link between
asthma and body mass index (BMI), which
is a marker for overall obesity. This new
study looked at waist circumference, which
is a marker for central obesity, to see
whether this form of obesity could also
contribute to asthma risk. The research is
one of the first prospective studies to
investigate the individual and combined
effect of central and overall obesity on
incident asthma in adults.

Preventing Colon Cancer’s Spread To Liver.

2011-10-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

University of Illinois, Chicago United States
of America, study reports a promising new
weapon in treating metastatic colon cancer,
particularly in patients who have developed
resistance to chemotherapy.
U of I researcher Elvira de Mejia has found
that the soy peptide lunasin binds to a
specific receptor in highly metastatic colon
cancer cells, preventing them from
attaching to the liver.
“When lunasin was used in combination
with the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin, we
saw a sixfold reduction in the number of
new tumor sites,” said de Mejia, a U of I
associate professor of food chemistry and
food toxicology.
The study appears in the most recent issue
of Cancer Letters. In a separate study, the
scientists showed that lunasin induces cell
death in highly metastatic human colon
cancer cells.
According to de Mejia, almost all colon
cancer deaths are caused when cancer
metastasizes — or spreads — to the liver.
Until now chemotherapy has targeted the
primary tumor because the process of
metastasis is not well understood, she said.
“In this study, we have learned that lunasin
can penetrate the cancer cell, cause cell
death, and interact with at least one type of
receptor in a cell that is ready to
metastasize,” said Vermont P. Dia, a U of I
postdoctoral fellow in the de Mejia
laboratory and lead author of the study.
When that receptor is blocked, new blood
vessels can’t form and differentiate, and
that prevents cancer from spreading.
Binding such receptors has emerged as a
promising target for developing cancer
therapies, he said.
In the study, which mimicked the spread of
colon cancer in humans, mice were
separated into four groups: a control group;
a group that was injected daily with lunasin;
a group injected with the chemo drug
oxaliplatin; and a group that received both
lunasin and oxaliplatin. After 28 days, the
mice were examined to learn the extent of
cancer’s involvement in the liver.
“The group that received lunasin alone had
50 percent fewer metastatic sites. But an
even more exciting result was seen in the
group that received both lunasin and the
chemotherapy drug — only five new
cancer sites when compared with 28 in the
control group,” de Mejia noted.
“This huge reduction in metastasis was
achieved with the amount of lunasin in only
25 daily grams of soy protein, the amount
recommended in the FDA health claim,” Dia
said.

AFRICAN GARDEN EGG REDUCES CHOLESTEROL, POOR SIGHT.

2011-09-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

Besides being touted as a natural anti-ulcer
recipe, studies show that African garden
egg is effective in lowering blood
cholesterol and glaucoma.
GARDEN egg is a fruit but an unusual kind of
fruit, which is even used for the
preparation of stew.
Botanically known as Solanum melongena,
of the Solanaceae family and locally called
Igba among the Yoruba of Southwest
Nigeria. This populous African fruit remains
a delight for researchers as the effects of
garden egg are not only nutritional but
significantly of health benefits as the tree
that bearers them.
Studies revealed that garden egg positively
help with heart problems and will make the
weight reduction diet more successful.
Some of the studies conducted in Africa,
have come to the conclusion that garden
egg is very effective in blood cholesterol
reduction.
It is currently a fruit in season and at their
best from August through October when
they come to the market in droves. They are
eaten raw or made as stew to compliment
steaming yam. Both delight the appetite
indeed!
The cream-colour flesh has a pleasantly
bitter taste (due to the presence of small
amounts of nicotinoid alkaloids) and
spongy consistency. But garden egg plant
has more to offer than ensuring fewer
cases of constipation, reduction in blood
cholesterol and protection from poor vision
due to glaucoma.
Among the Igbo people in Nigeria
community, they can hardly do without
eating garden egg, because it is good for
the sight.
In a study to assess the “Effects of garden
egg on some visual functions of visually
active Igbos of Nigeria”, experts found that
its consumption might be of great benefits
to glaucoma patients.
Researchers at the Department of
Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of
Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State
University, Uturu, Department of
Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University
of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, and
School of Optometry, Abia State University,
Uturu, Nigeria, Drs. S. A. Igwe, D. N. Akunyili
and C. Ogbogu respectively did the study,
published in the 2003 issue of the Journal
of Ethnopharmacology.
The study, which initially set out to find out
if there may be complications associated
with its excessive consumption in the male
volunteers that were involved in the study,
found they all had a reduced pupil size.
They also had a lower intraocular pressure.
It dropped by 25 per cent, even though it
was yet still within the normal range. They
concluded that garden egg consumption did
not produce any vision discomfort and that
people needed not fear eating plenty of it
since it could even help to lower eye
pressure in persons with glaucoma.
Even though garden egg is generally said
not to contain huge amount of protein and
other nutrients, it is low in sodium, low in
calories and very rich in high dietary fibre.
It is also high in potassium, a necessary salt
that helps in maintaining the function of the
heart and regulate blood pressure.
Expert in a study indicated that garden egg
could be used for the treatment of stomach
ulcers. The study was undertaken to
evaluate the possible anti-ulcer effect of the
African garden egg and was published in
the 2011 Journal of the Asian Pacific Journal
of Tropical Medicine by Anosike Chioma,
Abonyi Obiora and Ubaka Chukwuemeka. All
were from the University of Nigeria,
Nsukka, Nigeria.
They found that it possessed ulcer
protective properties against ulcers induced
experimentally, making it a cheap source of
natural anti-ulcer remedy.
In the study, 25 overnight fasted rats were
divided randomly into five groups of five
rats. Groups one, two, three, four and five
received normal saline, extract dose levels
of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg
of ranitidine respectively.
All administrations were given orally. The
methanol extract of the plant fruit was
prepared by maceration. Ulcers were
induced using two ulcerogenic agents
(indomethacin, 50 mg/kg and aspirin 200
mg/kg). Ulcer index was checked and
analysed with appropriate statistical tools.
The scientists found that extract of garden
egg showed positive effect on all the
models used. It produced higher ulcer
inhibition than ranitidine in the
indomethacin and acid-ethanol models. All
the anti-ulcer effects of the extract at
different doses were dose dependent but
only in indomethacin model did it produce
statistically significant ulcer reduction in all
doses compared to control.
However, in a study by Dr S.O Bello and
others in the 2005 edition of the Research
Journal of Agriculture and Biological
Sciences, which assessed the toxicity and
pharmacological properties of the aqueous
crude extract of garden egg, while the
researchers agree that this fruit may work
both for the control of weight and asthma,
they raised some doubt about its use for
the control of acute attacks of asthma.
In a study undertaken to assess the
influence of whole garden egg plant in
comparison to apples and oats on serum
lipid profile in rats fed a high cholesterol
diet that were obtained from the animal
unit of Department of Pharmacology and
Toxicology of the Faculty of Pharmacy,
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, the
results suggested that eating garden egg is
better at reducing blood cholesterol than
apple and oat.
The lipid profile includes total cholesterol,
HDL-cholesterol (often called good
cholesterol), LDL-cholesterol (often called
bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. A high
level of blood cholesterol level, more
particularly low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol, is a primary risk factor for
cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and
heart disease.
James Karho Edijala, Samuel Ogheneovo
Asagba and Uzezi Atomatofa from the
Department of Biochemistry, Delta State
University, Abraka, Nigeria as well as George
Edaghogho Eriyamremu from the
Department of Biochemistry, University of
Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, did the study. It
was published in the 2005 edition of the
Pakistan Journal of Nutrition.
According to their observation, garden egg
plant significantly reduced weight gain in
those rats that eat this fruit compared with
those that had oat and apple in both the
mid-term and full-term studies.
The experts attributed the health benefits of
eating foods like garden egg to its
effectiveness at boosting High plasma HDL-
cholesterol. They stated that it might be
beneficial since studies had unequivocally
established an inverse relationship between
HDL-cholesterol and incidence of
cardiovascular diseases like stroke.
Guimaraes and his co-workers in the 2000
edition of the Brazilian Journal of Medical
Biology Research reported a similar
observation with garden egg plant juice
infusion in humans.

HOW AFRICAN PEAR BOOSTS IMMUNITY AGAINST DISEASESHOW AFRICAN PEAR BOOSTS IMMUNITY AGAINST DISEASES

2011-09-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

Studies revealed that buttery African pear
is loaded with essential ingredients for
warding off diseases.
IT is uniquely different in appearance,
shape and size from the common pear.
Ube as it is locally called among the Igbos in
the south-east of Nigeria, African pear is
botanically known as Dascroides edulis, of
the family Burseraceae. African pear tree is
typically planted for its shade and its fruit.
Also, the bark of the tree is aromatic.
Nutritionists said that its pulpy pericarp has
the qualities of butter and indeed rich in oil
and vitamins! Cooked flesh of the fruit has a
texture similar to butter. It is this portion of
the delicious African pear that is eaten,
either raw or cooked, especially with corn –
cooked or roasted. Pear and corn share
similar season and mix well in the bowels
too.
Studies however revealed that African pear
is rich in carbohydrates, sugars, fiber,
vitamins, especially thiamine, riboflavin,
niacin, panthotenate folate, vitamin C and
vitamin B6.
Secretary General, West African Association
of Food Science and Technology (WAAFoST),
Prof. Osaretin Ebuehi told The Guardian that
pear contains several minerals, such as
calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium,
phosphorus, and zinc.
“Pears have antioxidant properties, because
they are rich in Vitamin C and therefore can
protect body cells from oxygen-related
damage caused by free radicals. The
presence of fiber in pears helps prevent
constipation and also ensures regularity of
bowel movement.
“Studies have revealed that eating pears
help protect women against
postmenopausal breast cancer. Pear is
described as a hypoallergenic fruit, that is,
less likely to produce an adverse response
than other fruits.
“Regular consumption of pears might lower
the risk of age-related macular
degeneration, the main cause of vision loss
in older adults.
It has been reported that pears help lower
blood pressure and also reduce the chances
of a stroke,” he said.
Osaretin, who is also the Head of
Department of Biochemistry, College of
Medicine, University of Lagos, added that
the high content of pectin in pears makes
them useful in lowering of cholesterol
levels.
“Pears have been found to be good for
colon health. Pear juice, being rich in
fructose and glucose, serves as a very quick
source of energy. Drinking a glass of pear
juice is believed to be helpful in bringing
down fever.”
He added that the antioxidant properties of
African pear makes it good for
strengthening of the immune system, while
the consumption of pear juice helps relieve
pain in various inflammatory conditions.
“The presence of boron in it helps the body
retain calcium and thus, reduces the risk of
osteoporosis. The folic acid in pear prevents
neural tube defects in infants,” he said.
A Microbiologist, Olanrewaju Disu, added
that it is believed that “resin” which is
secreted by the African pear is of medicinal
value, useful in the treatment of parasitic
skin diseases.
As traditional food plant in Africa, this little-
known fruit has potential to improve
nutrition, boost food security, foster rural
development and support sustainable land
care.
The main use of D. edulis is its fruit, which
can be eaten either raw or cooked in salt
water or roasted. The pulp contains 48 per
cent oil and a plantation can produce 7-8
tons of oil per hectare. It is also rich in
vitamins.
Dacryodes edulis is an evergreen tree is
native to Africa, attaining a height of 18–40
m in the forest but not exceeding 12 m in
plantations.
It has a relatively short trunk and a deep,
dense crown. The bark is pale gray and
rough with droplets of resin. The leaves are
a compound with 5-8 pairs of leaflets. The
upper surface of the leaves is glossy.
The flowers are yellow and about 5 mm
across. They are arranged in a large
inflorescence. The tree flowers at the
beginning of the rainy season and bears
fruits during 2 to 5 months after flowering.
There are two variants of Dacryodes edulis:
D. e. var. edulis and D. e. var. parvicarpa. The
fruit of D. e. var. edulis is larger and the tree
has stout, ascending branches. D. e. var.
parvicarpa has smaller fruit and slender,
drooping branches.
The tree is also a source of many traditional
medicines. The plant has long been used in
the traditional medicine of some African
countries to treat various ailments such as
wound, skin diseases, dysentery and fever.
The extracts and secondary metabolites
have been found to show biological
activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant
and anti sickle-cell disease. A wide range of
chemical constituents such as terpenes,
flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins
have been isolated from the plant.
In a study published in Science World
Journal, A publication of Faculty of Science
Kaduna State University, titled: “Nutritional
Composition and Microbial Spoilage of
Dacryodes edulis Fruits Nigeria” in 2010 by
Omogbai B. A., Ojeaburu S. I., they noted that
proximate analysis revealed that moisture
content, lipids, protein, ash, crude fibre and
carbohydrate ranged between 44.45-50.93
per cent, 30.55-35.60 per cent, 2.89-4.16
per cent, 2.65-2.76 per cent, 1.52-1.61 per
cent, and 9.75-12.59 per cent respectively.
“The most abundant mineral element in the
fruit pulp was phosphorus
(692.55-698.40mg/100g) followed by
potassium (540.81-553.15mg/100g),
calcium (347.50-354.6mg/100g),
magnesium (280.15-287.65mg/100g) and
sodium (162.50-170.0mg/100g).
“While the lowest concentration of nutrients
use recorded for zinc (3.65-3.81mg/100g),
iron (3.43-3.58mg/100g) and copper
(0.38-0.45mg/100g).
“The heavy metals lead, cadmium, mercury
and arsenic were not detected in all
samples. The anti-nutrient levels in all
samples were low following WHO standard
for foods. The bacterial burden of fresh
pulp samples was higher (2.82-3.18 log cfu/
g.) than the fungi load (2.58-2.72 log cfu/g).
“Microbial spoilage resulted in log increase
of these numbers. Of the 17
microorganisms isolated from Dacryodes
edulis pulp samples, Erwinia carotovora,
Pseudomonas flourescens and mostly with
roasted or boiled maize (Zea mays) or
sometimes with cassava in Nigeria.
“Bacillus subtilis had the highest
frequencies of 32.7, 23.2 and 12.5 per cent
respectively amongst the bacteria. The
predominant fungal spoilage organisms
were Sacchacromyces, cerevisiae, Rhizopus
stolonifer and Penicilium expansum.”

GUAVA CAN BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM, PREVENT CANCER, AGING

2011-08-31T08:41:00.001-07:00

Studies show that fresh guava-fruit is an
excellent source of antioxidant, which
could help the body develop resistance
against infectious agents.
GUAVA is one of the most popular,
nutritionally rich fruit all around the world.
It is known for its unique flavour, taste and
health promoting qualities making it a
common ingredient in new functional foods
category often called “super fruits.”
Botanically, this fruit belongs to the family
of Myrtaceae of the genus: Psidium
(meaning “pomegranate” in Latin) and
known as Psidium guajava. In Nigeria the
names are: gwaabaa (Hausa); woba (Efik);
ugwoba (Igbo); guafa (Yoruba)
This season, especially in the interior of
Southern Nigeria, the local fruit robustly
cluster at the tips of old guava trees of
average height, while in major markets of
the urban centres, guava are carefully
displayed to arouse appetite.
Head, Department of Biochemistry, College
of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof.
Osaretin Ebuechi said that guava is very
rich in astringents (compounds those make
your gums feel tighter and fresh after you
chew guava leaves or eat a raw guava or
use some toothpaste), which binds up loose
bowels in diarrhea.
“These astringents are alkaline in nature
and have disinfectant and anti-bacterial
properties, thus help cure dysentery by
inhibiting microbial growth and removing
extra mucus from the intestines. Further,
other nutrients in guava, such as vitamin-C,
Carotenoids and potassium strengthens and
tones up the digestive system and disinfect
it, which makes it beneficial in
gastroenteritis.”
He added that it is one of the riches sources
of dietary fiber. “Its seeds, if ingested
whole or chewed, serve as excellent
laxatives. These two properties of guava
help forming bowels, retaining water and
clean your intestines and excretory system
thoroughly.
“It is said that single constipation can lead
to seventy two types of ailments. Every
way to your total health goes through
proper digestion and more importantly,
proper excretion. Guava ensures both of
these.”
Osaretin, who is also secretary general, West
African Association of Food Science and
Technology (WAAFoST) observed that juice
of raw and immature guavas or decoction
of guava-leaves is very helpful in giving
relief in cough and cold by loosening cough,
reducing mucus, disinfecting the
respiratory tract, throat and lungs and
inhibiting microbial activity due to its
astringent properties.
“Guava is one of richest in vitamin-C and
iron which are proven to be preventive
against cold and viral infections. In some
areas in India, roasted ripe guava is used as
a remedy against extreme cases of cough
and cold and congestion.
In addition to the astringents, guava is
very-very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and
potassium, which are very good anti
oxidants and detoxifiers and keep your
skin glowing and free from aging, wrinkles
and other disorders.
“Guava helps reduce cholesterol in blood
and prevents it from thickening, thereby
maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing
blood pressure. Studies have shown that
food stuffs, which lack fiber (such a refined
flour) add to blood pressure, due to quick
conversion to sugar. Guava, being very rich
in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps
reduce blood pressure.
“Guava is very helpful for those, who want
to lose weight without compromising with
their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber.
Guava, being very high in roughage and
very rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals,
but with no cholesterol and less digestible
carbohydrates, is very filling and satisfies
appetite very easily. Just have a medium
sized guava in the lunch and you will not
feel hungry till night.
“But ironically, it helps gaining weight in
lean and thin people. This is probably due to
its richness in nutrients, which keeps your
metabolism right helping proper absorption
of nutrients,” he said.
Studies suggest that lycopene in pink
guavas prevents skin damage from UV rays
and offers protection from prostate cancer.
It is also a very good source of B-complex
vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin,
vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin E and K,
and minerals like magnesium, copper and
manganese. Manganese is used by the body
as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme,
superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in
the production of red blood cells.
Since the 1950s, guavas – particularly the
leaves – have been a subject for diverse
research in chemical identity of their
constituents, pharmacological properties
and history in folk medicine.
Most research, however, has been
conducted on apple guava (P. guajava), with
other species remaining undefined. From
preliminary medical research in laboratory
models, extracts from apple guava leaves or
bark are implicated in therapeutic
mechanisms against cancer, bacterial
infections, inflammation and pain. Essential
oils from guava leaves display anti-cancer
activity in vitro.
Guava leaves are used in folk medicine as a
remedy for diarrhea and, as well as, the
bark, for their supposed antimicrobial
properties and as an astringent. Guava
leaves or bark are used in traditional
treatments against diabetes. In Trinidad, a
tea made from young leaves is used for
diarrhea, dysentery and fever.
On medicinal uses, the roots, bark, leaves
and immature fruits, because of their
astringency, are commonly employed to
halt gastroenteritis, diarrhea and dysentery,
throughout the tropics. Crushed leaves are
applied on wounds, ulcers and rheumatic
places, and leaves are chewed to relieve
toothache.
According to researcher Peter Hutch,
combating free radicals produced during
metabolism and aids in preventing age
related chronic diseases, such as
Alzheimer’s, cancer, cataracts, heart disease
and rheumatoid arthritis.

How ‘African Mango’ extracts shed belly fat, obesity.

2011-08-18T11:11:00.001-07:00

Researchers now claim the inexpensive
exotic super fruit extract is becoming
America’s hottest access to weight loss.

AFRICAN mango is now becoming the
wonder fruit in far away America. Consider
this research published in the scientific
journal Lipids in Health and Disease, it
revealed that men and women
supplementing with African Mango extract
for just 28 days lost an astonishing 3,990
per cent more weight than those taking a
placebo (8.9 lbs vs. 0.22 lbs).
Beyond the weight loss, the volunteers
taking African Mango extract 30 minutes
before meals lost a stunning average of 2.4
inches from their waistlines as well as 1.8
inches from their hips – and their bad LDL
cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels
all plummeted.
In fact, studies show that it is so safe that it
reduces LDL cholesterol and dangerous
triglycerides. It is also effective that it is
shown to shed 8.9 pounds and 2 inches of
belly fat in just 28 days. Strange as it may
seem, it is also not expensive with 62 cents
per serving; less than a sugary soda at
McDonald’s.
It is a product to aid in weight loss, lower
cholesterol, level out sugar in the
bloodstream, and regulate the hormone
leptin. Leptin is responsible for controlling
appetite and boosting metabolism. This is
very important in the fight against body fat.
And much to the chagrin of the nation’s $40
billion-dollar diet industry, which sells
outrageously expensive surgical
procedures and drugs that have done little,
if anything, to trim America’s ever-growing
collective waistline.
Despite the recent frenzy surrounding
African Mango and its ability to cause safe
weight loss, the fruit has actually been used
as a diet aid for centuries in Cameroon,
Africa.
The brightly coloured tropical fruit is native
to Cameroon’s west-coastal rainforests and
found in the forest of Leboudi outside
Yaoundé. African Mango, or Bush Mango,
differs from other mango fruits in that it
produces a peculiar seed, which natives of
Cameroon refer to as Dikka nuts.
For hundreds of years, an extract from the
seeds called irvingia gabonensis has been
used among Cameroon villagers for its
wide-ranging medicinal benefits, which
range from reducing and preventing
obesity to lowering cholesterol to regulating
blood sugar to treating infections.
Studies carried out by the Laboratory of
Nutritional Biochemistry of the University
of Yaoundé, revealed that irvingia is
efficient in controlling body weight. The
research study was initiated in 2005 and
later confirmed by nutritionists in the
United States of America.
After the revelation, irvingia gabonensis or
bush mango as it is known locally referred
to, has suddenly become of high demand in
the U.S. weight loss market.
Experts argue that the fruit has the
strongest natural fat burner known, so far.
Cameroonian scientist, Prof Julius Oben who
took part in the research, said that the bush
mango burns fats and has no side effects.
Indeed, interest in the use of African Mango
extract (irvingia gabonensis) as a safe,
effective and inexpensive weight loss
alternative surged after Dr. Mehmet Oz
called it, mentioning no specific brand, a
“breakthrough supplement” and a “miracle
in your medicine cabinet” on his Emmy
Award-winning The Dr. Oz Show in 2010
Similarly, one of the show’s leading medical
contributors, Dr. Tanya Edwards, M.D., called
African Mango extract, mentioning no
specific brand, a “miracle pill” after it helped
her lose seven pounds in less than a month
without making any changes to her diet or
exercise routine.
According to Edwards, Irvingia, an extract
of the West African mango, has been used
for a variety of medicinal purposes in Africa
for many centuries. Recently, there have
been a few studies on the use of this
extract for weight loss.
“As an obese nation, we are chronically on
the search for that magic pill which allows
us to eat whatever we want while losing
weight at the same time.”
In the two randomised trials in overweight
and obese humans using Irvingia,
participants in the Irvingia group lost on
average 5-10 pounds/month compared to
the placebo group. Neither group made any
lifestyle changes during the trial. They also
noted that cholesterol levels and blood
sugar levels improved significantly
compared to the control group.
“Sounds like a magic bullet to me! I tried it
myself, and low and behold, in the first
month of taking it (only once per day, mind
you, instead of the recommended twice
daily), I lost seven pounds without making
any changes in my usual healthy diet and
exercise routine!
“I began recommending it to my patients
who needed to lose weight, especially if
they had high cholesterol and/or diabetes.
The results have been slightly
underwhelming. A few patients lost a few
pounds, but it has not been the magic bullet
I had hoped for. And with continued use, I
have not lost any more weight,” Edwards
said.
She added that it may be helpful for those
needing to lose 5-10 pounds, and studies
have shown no undesirable side effects.

SKIPPING MEALS INCREASES RISK OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL

2011-08-18T08:41:00.001-07:00

A CERTIFIED diabetics educator at the Apex
Care Foundation, Dr. Chimaobi Adindu, has
said that skipping meals increases the risk
of low blood sugar level.
Adindu said that meals contained glucose,
an important source of energy, which most
organs in the body depended on to
function effectively.
“In our society, the rigours of the day force
people to skip meals as they are usually
involved in brain tasking activities. Such
brain tasking activities require glucose to
enable the individual to function optimally,”
he said.
He explained that after every meal, glucose
is absorbed into the blood stream and
carried to the body’s cells by insulin, a
hormone produced by the pancreas, which
helps the cells to use glucose for energy.
“So when meals are skipped, the insulin
level in the system becomes too high
because there is inadequate food for the
insulin to work on; then low sugar level sets
in.”
Adindu said that low sugar level, clinically
referred to as hypoglycemia, was a medical
condition, which simply meant that the
body’s blood sugar level was too low (when
the sugar level in the system is less than
4mmol/perlitre in the system). Low blood
sugar level affected both diabetic and non-
diabetic individuals.
He noted that low sugar level was mainly
caused by skipped or delayed meals,
increase in physical activities and the
consumption of alcohol on an empty
stomach.

Honey Beneficial In Warding Off Heart Diseases.

2011-08-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

Individuals
worried
about
warding
off
heart
disease
should
substitute
honey
for
refined
sugar as a sweetener in their tea, coffee or
morning cereals. Expert’s assessment of
honey found it to be rich in chemical
substances that ensure a healthy heart by
improving blood circulation, helping to
prevent blood clot that could affect
important organs of the body such as the
brain as well as in reducing blood’s level of
bad cholesterol.
Honey is a sweet food made by bees using
nectar from flowers. The variety produced
by honey bees is the one most commonly
referred to and is the type of honey
collected by beekeepers and consumed by
humans. Honey produced by other bees
and insects has distinctly different
properties. Honey bees form nectar into
honey by a process of regurgitation, and
store it as a primary food source in wax
honeycombs inside the beehive.
It is composed of sugars like glucose and
fructose and minerals like magnesium,
potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine,
sulphur, iron and phosphate. It contains
vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of
which change according to the qualities of
the nectar and pollen. Besides these, honey
also contains copper, iodine, and zinc
existing in small quantities. Several kinds of
hormones are also present in it.
Honey has a long history of human
consumption, and is used in various foods
and beverages as a sweetener and
flavouring. It also has a role in religion and
symbolism. Flavours of honey vary based
on the nectar source, and various types and
grades of honey are available.
Historically, honey has been used by
humans to treat a variety of ailments. It is
cheap, making it potentially useful for
treating wounds in earthquake-stricken and
war-torn areas where running water is
scarce and often contaminated. It is being
used to treat burn, wounds, effective in the
treatment of stomach ulcers.
Preliminary studies in the 2004 edition of
Journal of Medicinal Food on honey
suggested that eating honey can reduce
blood levels of some markers that are linked
to an increased risk of heart disease.
For many years, blood levels of cholesterol
and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol have been used,
and more recently homocysteine and C-
reactive protein (CRP) have been added to
the list of heart disease risk factors. People
with high homocysteine levels have higher
rates of heart disease, cancer, and some
other conditions, but antioxidants, vitamin
E, and some medications, such as statin
drugs, can lower CRP levels.
Antioxidants present in honey come from a
variety of sources, and include Vitamin C,
monophenolics, flavonoids, and
polyphenolics. Now, experts’ review of
studies on antioxidant properties of honey
and their ability to protect cardiovascular
diseases such as heart problem indicated
that honey’s antioxidant levels rivals those
levels found in tomatoes and sweet corn.
Although honey by itself may not serve as a
major source of dietary antioxidants, it
demonstrates the potential for honey to
play a role in providing antioxidants in a
highly palatable form.
For instance, one of these studies involved
seven small trials with between five and
nine participants. In each trial, blood was
examined before and after drinking
solutions containing honey, glucose, and
artificial honey (approximately half glucose
and half fructose). The solutions used in
each trial contained between 1 and 3
ounces of honey, glucose, or glucose and
fructose. Healthy people experienced an
immediate slight decrease in total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride
levels after drinking the honey solution but
not after glucose and artificial honey
solutions.
This trend persisted in healthy people
drinking the honey solution for 15 days,
after which HDL cholesterol levels rose and
homocysteine levels dropped. The effect of
taking the honey solution every day for 15
days was even more pronounced in people
with high cholesterol: total cholesterol levels
dropped by 8 per cent, LDL cholesterol levels
dropped by 11 per cent, and CRP levels
dropped by 57 per cent.
Interestingly, they indicated that “due to
honey’s pleasing taste, it may be more
readily consumed by individuals reluctant
to ingest plant-derived antioxidants.
Certainly, compared to refined sugars such
as sucrose and fructose, which has no
antioxidant value, honey can be a flavorful,
supplementary source of antioxidants
because of its unique positive effect on risk
factors for heart disease.”
Furthermore, substances that belong to a
class of chemical substances called
polyphenols that are found in honey have
been reported as promising pharmaceutical
drugs in the treatment of cardiovascular
diseases. For instance, epidemiological
studies reported that quercetin, an
antioxidant flavonol that is present in
honey, is associated with reduced risk of
coronary heart disease and stroke.
The researchers in the review of health
benefits of honey for the heart, in the 2010
African Journal of Traditional,
Complementary and Alternative Medicines in
their conclusion wrote: “This review has
clearly demonstrated that certain honey
polyphenols have a promising
pharmacological role in preventing
cardiovascular diseases. After generating
more in-depth and exhaustive information
of these compounds jointly in vitro and in
vivo studies, clinical trials should be initiated
to further validate these compounds in
medical applications.”
So individuals avoiding honey because they
think its consumption can cause obesity,
high blood pressure, and heart disease,
must have a rethink. Indeed, honey
contains sucrose, glucose and fructose, but
fortunately, the substances in honey is
healthy.

LOCAL PLANTS MAY OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST HEPATITIS

2011-08-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

Combination of local plants- Phyllanthus
amarus, avocado, and turmeric- may
provide the cheap novel solution to the
management of hepatitis B and C.
NO fewer than 20 million Nigerians are
reported to be living with hepatitis B and C
(inflammation of the liver), and over five
million are already chronically ill with liver
cirrhosis or cancer. The viral infections are
said to be 100 times more infectious than
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS).
Conventionally the virus can only be
contained by vaccination, mass screening,
and treatment. But the government is not
forthcoming in performing these life saving
measures probably because of the huge
cost implication of screening over 100
million people and treating over 25 million
that are infected.
But natural remedies may provide a
cheaper route to prevention and treatment
of hepatitis B and C, and indeed liver
damage in the country. Top on the list are
Phyllanthus amarus, avocado, and turmeric.
Phyllanthus amarus belongs to the plant
family Euphorbiaceae. To the Efik it is called
oyomokeso amanke edem; geeron-
tsuntsaayee (birds millet) in Hausa; Ibo
(Asaba) buchi oro, Ibo (Umuahia) ngwu;
iyeke in Urhobo; and ehin olobe or eyin
olobe in Yoruba.
Botanically called Persea americana,
avocado is also commonly known as
avocado pear, alligator pear, or mountain
pear.
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root
of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger
family, Zingaberaceae. It is called atale pupa
in Yoruba; gangamau in Hausa; nwandumo
in Ebonyi; ohu boboch in Enugu (Nkanu
East); gigir in Tiv; magina in Kaduna; turi in
Niger State; onjonigho in Cross River (Meo
tribe).
Rev. Fr. Anslem Adodo of Pax Herbal Clinic,
Ewu in Esan Local Government of Edo State,
had said: “Bring one unripe pineapple fruit,
10 leaves of cashew plant, one handful of
cotton seed, 10 bottles of water to boil
together. Take one glassful four times daily
for 10 days
“Secondly, grind 20 pieces of bitter-kola
into fine powder, then mix with one bottle
of lime juice and one bottle of honey. Take
four dessertspoons four times daily for two
months.
“Thirdly, squeeze 40 bitter leaves into four
litres of water. Take one glassful thrice daily
for two months. (make fresh preparation as
needed).”
According to The Useful Plants of West
Tropical Africa by H.M. Burkill, Phyllanthus
amarus is a weed of cultivated land and in
waste spaces. It is said to have sand-
binding properties.
“It is a plant of general medicinal
application. In Yorubaland it features in an
incantation ‘against disease’. It is an
ingredient of the agbo prescription in
Lagos. An infusion of leaves is used in the
Ibadan area for haemorrhoids.”
A recent study published this year in
Biomedical Research strongly suggests that
the therapy with Phyllanthus amarus
increases antioxidants and reduces lipid
peroxidation of hepatic cellular and
intracellular membranes and protects liver
damage due to free radicals in hepatitis-C.
Another study published in International
Journal of Biology and Medical Research
found that the therapy with Phyllanthus
amarus increases antioxidants and reduces
lipid peroxidation of hepatic cellular and
intracellular membranes and protects liver
damage due to free radicals in hepatitis-B.
The study focused on effect of Phyllanthus
amarus therapy for protection of liver in
hepatitis B through investigating liver
profile enzymes, antioxidant enzymes,
antioxidant vitamins and lipid peroxidation.
The study consisted of 65 clinical diagnosed
hepatitis B patients ranging in between age
group 25 to 60 years. The control group
includes 65 ages and sex matched normal
healthy persons.
The study reads: “Plasma LPO levels were
significantly high but activity of SOD, GPx,
catalase and levels of vitamin E and vitamin
C were significantly lowered in hepatitis B
on comparison with controls. After
Phyllanthus amarus therapy for four weeks
and eight weeks plasma lipid peroxidation
levels were significantly decreased and
activity of SOD, GPx, catalase and vitamin E
and vitamin C were significantly increased
in hepatitis B.”
Also, scientists suggest that extracts of the
nutritious avocado fruit (botanically called
Persea americana) may be able to lessen the
liver damage caused by the hepatitis
viruses.
A study carried out at Shizuoka University
in Japan and published in Journal of
Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests
the avocado fruit may have potential. Rats
were given a chemical, which causes similar
liver damage to the hepatitis viruses, and
fed 22 different types of fruit to see if they
made any difference.
The researchers found five compounds
extracted from fruit to have a beneficial
effect, and the most potent of these came
from the avocado.
The scientists are still not sure whether the
same effect could be found in humans, and
say further studies are needed. They also
have no idea how the avocado extract
actually has this effect.
Precisely how much help this would be to
stem the damage caused by hepatitis in
humans is as yet unclear, as often patients
are wholly unaware of their infection until
serious damage has taken place.

TRADITIONAL PRACTITIONERS SEEK COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT FOR HERBAL MEDICINE

2011-08-11T00:18:00.000-07:00

IN the light of growing relevance of local
herbs in managing immune compromised
opportunistic infections, traditional
practitioners said dwindling support for
herbal research have prevented their
findings from passing clinical trials.
Studies showed that there are medicinal
plants of interest, which herbal medical
practitioners claim are useful in treating
infections including Human Immuno-
deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) opportunistic
infections like tuberculosis, diarrhoea, and
others.
The State Publicity Secretary, National
Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine
Practitioners (NANTMP), Dr. Lambo Adebisi,
told The Guardian that there had been
ground-breaking findings on remedies for
diseases such as HIV/AIDS but regretted that
the findings have not enjoyed sufficient
support from conventional medicine.
“Yes and I can tell you of two of our
members that have treated HIV/AIDS and
have the patients cured. I can demand for
the documents to that effect. For us there is
no separating tradition from herbal
medicine. Traditional practitioners are
disgruntled to hear that something is
impossible,” he said.
Noting that there is apparent social rivalry
in the practice, Adebisi explained: “When
members of NANTMP were at College of
Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) for
training, this was part of things that we
fought for, that they should provide us with
patients and allow us to treat them with our
traditional medicine, and then having the
requisite department monitor the clinical
pathology over time. But it was all
constrained.”
He observed that partnership with experts
in conventional medicine have helped to
upgrade the knowledge of the traditional
practitioners.
“We understood so many things, including
clinical analysis, trials, evaluation of drugs
and registration. Some of our members
succeeded in having their products
registered but there have been nothing
more. We were made to understand that
perhaps because of the cheaper rates that
traditional medical practitioners charges, the
orthodox medical practitioners are not
comfortable.”
Adebisi commended the effort of the CMUL
pharmacognosy department on the new
Model Herbal Clinic at the Pharmacy
department of the institution. He added that
the project’s failure to incorporate other
practitioners in the country further shows
limited support for the entire practice.
He said: “The major players in traditional
medicine in the country were not invited
for whatever reason. They ought to have
invited us in the same manner in which we
were invited at the commencement of the
National Herbal Medical Research Centre.
“Without herbal medicine practitioners,
there is no pharmacognosy. We want more
collaboration between the NANTMP on
behalf of all the traditional medicine
practitioners and the pharmacognosy
department. It is the only department that is
functioning well in traditional medicine,
when compared with other universities. We
give them credit for that.”
Nigeria is a large country with numerous
rich natural medicinal plants and human
resources. The country has immense
potential in the area of using preparations
from these plants to complement what the
western world offers in treatment and/or
prevention of infections including HIV/AIDS
opportunistic infections.

The Healing Power Of Moringa.

2011-08-04T06:05:00.001-07:00

Moringa oleifera has been known as the
“miracle tree” for centuries in certain
African, Asia and Caribbean countries. It is
reported to aid in the treatment of more
than 300 diseases and chronic conditions.
Moringa is estimated to have more than 90
nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants, with
no known side effects.
That plant Moringa oleifera is a shrub with
numerous benefits especially in the
treatment of human and animal health.
Every part of Moringa oleifera, including the
seeds and roots, are very useful in tackling
many diseases. For instance, Moringa seeds
which have now become a “hot cake” in
many African countries as well as in the USA
and other Asian countries according to
reports, sell for 10 pounds for just 10 seeds.
Even the World Health Organisation (WHO)
has undertaken scientific researches on
Moringa plant, and has come to a conclusion
that it is extremely nutritional and
medicinal. The benefits have also been
documented in some medical and
nutritional journals. Little wonder many
pharmaceutical companies all over the
world are seriously working on the plant to
make a fortune from it by extracting its
active ingredients to produce drugs for
both human and animal benefit.
Some of those nutrients and antioxidants
include:
Vitamin A – Moringa contains four times
more Vitamin A and beta-carotene than
carrots;
Contains more Vitamin C than oranges and
higher calcium content than milk;
Contains greater potassium count than
bananas, as well as large quantities of zinc;
Has greater amounts of iron than spinach;
Delivers essential amino acids.
Benefits of Moringa
Helps prevent blindness
Builds immune system.
Helps prevent osteoporosis and other bone
diseases.
Can reduce risk of stroke and kidney
disorders, and improve muscle strength and
metabolism.
Effective in the treatment of anemia and
low energy levels.
Aids in muscle recovery and sustained
overall health.
Moringa has also been proven effective for
preventing or treating
•Diabetes
•High cholesterol
•AIDS and other immune-system diseases
•Obesity
•Bacterial conditions
•Liver and kidney disorders
• Poor digestion
Moringa flowers
•Flower juice improves the quality and flow
of mothers’ milk when breast feeding.
•Flower juice is useful for urinary problems
as it encourages urination.
•In Haiti, villagers boil Moringa flowers in
water and drink its tea as a powerful cold
remedy.
Moringa pods
• If eaten raw, pods act as a de-wormer and
treat liver and spleen problems and pains of
the joints.
• Due to high protein and fibre content,
they can play a useful part in treating
malnutrition and diarrhoea.
Moringa seeds
•Its seeds are used for their antibiotic and
anti-inflammatory properties to treat
arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, sexually
transmitted diseases and boils. The seeds
are roasted, pounded, mixed with coconut
oil and applied to the problem area. Seed oil
can be used for the same ailments.
•Roasted seeds and oil can encourage
urination.
•They can also be used as a relaxant for
epilepsy.
Moringa seeds are effective against skin-
infecting bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They contain
the potent antibiotic and fungicide
terygospermin.
Lesson from Songhai farms
We took the first batch of agric investors on
our agrobusness excursion to Songhai
farms, Portnovo, Republic of Benin, last
week. The experience at Songhai farms is
overwhelming. The Moringa trees in
Songhai farms are well over 30,000 stands
and they use the leaves primarily to feed
the Japanese quails and the egg laying
birds. It has been discovered that Moringa
fresh leaves in their diet cause egg
production increase, and also serve as
antibiotics for the birds.
The Moringa leaves are also used for biogas
generation. I also feed my grasscutter,
rabbits, and dogs with Moringa leaves and
powder. Rabbits seem to love Moringa most.
Moringa plants are now being introduced
into the USA as the plant gains popularity
among health-conscious people. Moringa
plants for sale are now a common sight on
the Internet. Many people are also raising
their own Moringa plantation. With 200
stands on a plot, a farmer is in business.
Order for your Moringa seedlings today!
The Moringa plant is among the most useful
plant species around the world. As people
continue to study and learn more about the
Moringa plant, demand for its leaves, seeds,
and oil will undoubtedly continue to
increase.

COOKED GREEN VEGETABLES LOWER COLON CANCER RISK

2011-08-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

EATING legumes at least three times a week
and brown rice at least once a week was
linked to a reduced risk of colon polyps by
33 per cent and 40 per cent respectively,
according to Loma Linda University
research recently published in Nutrition and
Cancer. High consumption of cooked green
vegetables and dried fruit was also
associated with greater protection, the
study shows.
“Eating these foods is likely to decrease
your risk for colon polyps, which would in
turn decrease your risk for colorectal
cancer,” says lead author Yessenia
Tantamango, a post-doctoral research
fellow with Adventist Health Study-2 at
Loma Linda University.
“While a majority of past research has
focused on broad food groups, such as
fruits and vegetables, in relation to colon
cancer, our study focused on specific foods,
as well as more narrowed food groups, in
relation to colon polyps, a precursor to
colon cancer. Our study confirms the results
of past studies that have been done in
different populations analyzing risks for
colon cancer.”
Results also show that consuming cooked
green vegetables once a day or more, as
compared to less than five times a week,
was associated with a 24 per cent reduction
in the risk of rectal/colon polyps.
Consuming dried fruit three times a week or
more, versus less than once a week, was
associated with a 26 per cent reduced risk.
The protective effects of these foods could
be due in part to their cancer-fighting
agents, the study reported.

Physic Nut Gives Similar Pain Relief As Aspirin.

2011-08-02T02:28:00.001-07:00

Researchers have found a natural
strong painkiller from an extract of the
poisonous shrub Jatropha curcas whose
mode of action is different from
conventional pain relieving medicines such
as morphine and other pharmaceuticals.
Jatropha curcas, also known as Barbados
nut, physic nut, purging nut or Lapalapa in
Yoruba, is a semi-evergreen shrub native to
Central America and Mexico, and is
cultivated in subtropical and tropical areas
of the world. The plant’s fruit is combined
with the stem bark of Cochlospermum
planchonii (Gbehutu or Feru in Yoruba) in
Nigerian medicine for treating diabetes
mellitus and is also used traditionally as a
painkiller. The plant’s seeds have been used
for making soap, candles, detergents,
lubricants and dyes and the seed oil is used
in biodiesel. Its pain-relieving qualities are
in sharp contrast to these other uses.
The researchers, Omeh Yusuf and Ezeja
Maxwell of the Micheal Okpara University of
Agriculture in Umudike, Nigeria, extracted
what they believed to be the physiologically
active components of the leaves of physic
nut using methanol as solvent.
They compared the effects of this extract at
100, 200 and 400 milligrams per kg (mg/kg)
of body mass, against 400 mg/kg of
aspirin, a common painkiller, in standard
laboratory animal tests for assessing the
strength of painkillers. They found that 100
mg/kg was an inadequate dose; however,
200 and 400 mg/kg doses produced
analgesia (relief from pain) comparable to
aspirin, affirming the use of the plant for
pain relief.
The team reporting in the International
Journal of Biomedical Engineering and
Technology suggested that the extract
could probably be acting through both
peripheral and central pain mechanisms like
aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. This is
quite different from morphine and similar
drugs that act on the central nervous
system.
However, they intend to work more on
isolating and characterising the active
ingredient in the extract as well as to
determine its clear-cut mode of action.
The findings of the study are important
because new, more effective pain-relieving
drugs without addiction and side effect
issues are needed. Given that widely used
pain killers like aspirin and morphine were
originally derived from natural sources,
turning to herbal and traditional medicine
for new products is a rational approach.
Herbal ointments containing different
medicinal plants like physic nut are used in
folk practice to promote wound repair.
Although the use of the leave extract of
physic nut in skin infections and wound
treatment in many local communities in
south-eastern Nigeria is well known, its pro-
wound healing activity was never
investigated. However, researchers in a
study published in the International
Journal of Applied Research in Natural
Products which assessed an herbal
ointment containing the leaf extract of
physic nut found that it caused a
significantly higher rate of wound healing
without leaving any scar.
The herbal ointment was tried out in rats by
Esimone CO and Nworu CS from the Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Nigeria, Nsukka in collaboration with
Jackson CL from Department of
Pharmaceutics, University of Uyo. The study
entitled “Cutaneous wound healing activity
of a herbal ointment containing the leaf
extract of Jatropha curcas” was carried out
in rats.
Five batches of the ointment (A-E) were
prepared and used in the study. Batches A-C
contained varying concentration of the
extract (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g per 10 g of the
ointment base, respectively). Batch D was
formulated to contain gentamycin (1 % w/
w) and batch E is a blank control ointment
and was prepared with neither the extract
nor the standard drug. For each batch, 10 g
of blank petroleum jelly B.P.
The researchers, while indicating that based
on the result of the study that formulating
physic nut extracts into an ointment is
effective in wound repairs, concluded that
formulating physic nut extract as ointment
is effective in wound care and should be
explored in harnessing the potential of the
plant in the treatment of skin diseases.
This is more so given that the plant has
previously demonstrated other properties
relevant in treatment of topical infections
and blemishes.
In addition, other previous studies have
reported that the plant exhibits bioactive
activities for fever, mouth infections,
jaundice, guinea worm sores and joint
rheumatism. Some other researchers
reported that its crushed leaves had being
used as a worm expeller or to repel flies in
animals while women in South Sudan had
used its seeds as a contraceptive. In
addition, its latex showed anti-cancerous
properties.
The search for pain relieving herbs have
yielded other herbs and natural substances
such as Aloe Vera plant, Camphor, nutmeg
and castor oils, cat’s claw, devil’s claw (atale
pupa in Yoruba; gangamau in Hausa) and
eucalyptus.
Natural herbal pain relievers may provide a
safe alternative, although they should not
replace conventional medicine. These herbs
and natural substances provide pain relief
in several different ways. Some herbs may
have a direct action on your nerve’s pain
receptors, thereby desensitizing you to the
sensation of pain.
Other herbs may help reduce inflammation,
which can also help reduce your pain.
Furthermore, there are some herbs that may
help regenerate damaged tissues and
bones, especially those that are beneficial
for degenerative conditions like arthritis.