Browsing by Author "Agwaya, Moses"

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    In Vitro Antiosteoporosis Activity and Hepatotoxicity Evaluation in Zebrafish Larvae of Bark Extracts of Prunus jamasakura Medicinal Plant
    (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020) Komakech, Richard; Shim, Ki-Shuk; Omujal, Francis; Agwaya, Moses; Nambatya, Grace Kyeyune; Motlalepula, Gilbert Matsabisa; Kang, Youngmin
    Osteoporosis is one of the main health problems in the world today characterized by low bone mass and deterioration in bone microarchitecture. In recent years, the use of natural products approach to treat it has been in the increase. In this study, in vitro antiosteoporosis activity and hepatotoxicity of P. jamasakura bark extracts were evaluated. Methods. Mouse bone marrow macrophage (BMM) cells were incubated with tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP) buffers and p-nitrophenyl phosphate and cultured with different P. jamasakura bark extracts at concentrations of 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 μg/ml in the presence of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) for 6 days. The osteoclast TRAP activity and cell viability were measured. Nitric oxide (NO) assay was conducted using murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells treated with P. jamasakura ethanolic and methanolic bark extracts at concentrations of 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml. For hepatotoxicity assessment, zebrafish larvae were exposed to P. jamasakura bark extracts, 0.05% dimethyl sulfoxide as a negative control, and 5 μM tamoxifen as a positive control. The surviving larvae were anesthetized and assessed for hepatocyte apoptosis. Results. TRAP activity was significantly inhibited ( < 0.001) at all concentrations of P. jamasakura extracts compared to the control treatment. At 50 μg/ml, both ethanolic and methanolic extracts of P. jamasakura exhibited significant ( < 0.01) BMM cell viability compared to the control treatment. P. jamasakura ethanolic and methanolic extracts had significant inhibitory ( < 0.01) effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production at 200 μg/ml and exhibited significant ( < 0.01) and ( < 0.05) stimulative effects, respectively, on RAW 264.7 cell viability. No overt hepatotoxicity was observed in the liver of zebrafish larvae in any of the treatments. Conclusion. The TRAP activity of P. jamasakura bark gives a foundation for further studies to enhance future development of antiosteoporosis drug.
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    Repeat-dose effects of Zanthoxylum chalybeum root bark extract: A traditional medicinal plant used for various diseases in Uganda
    (African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2008) Engeu, Ogwang P.; Tumusiime, Ralph; Agwaya, Moses; Mugisha, Gerosome; Nambatya Kyeyune, Grace; Galiwango, Badru; Waako, Paul
    Zanthoxylum chalybeum is a traditional medicinal plant used in the treatment of various ailments in the African region. In sickle cell disease a decoction of the root bark extract is administered for life. The safety of long term use of this plant is not documented. This study investigated the systemic effects of daily administration of low and high oral doses of the root bark extract of this plant in rodents. Three groups of six young Albino wistar rats each were used. The first and second groups received a daily dose of 100 and 4000 mg/kg of the extract respectively orally for 4 weeks. Animal weight, renal, liver function tests, heamatological indices, plasma electrolytes and tissue pathology were used to assess safety. No serious adverse event was observed with both study doses in the experimental animals. Histology revealed presence of squamous cell growth in the small and large intestines of the rats that received the dose of 4000 mg/kg. This group also showed significant elevations in plasma creatinine, sodium and potassium levels (p< 0.05). Long term administration of low doses of the root bark extract of Z. chalybeum is safe in experimental animals. High doses however may be associated with impaired renal function and intestinal neoplasms. We recommend cautious dosing in traditional use of the root bark extracts of Z. chalybeum as there is a possibility of dose-dependant toxicity. There is need for further studies to document the effectiveness of these extracts in sickle cell disease
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    Variations in antimalarial components of Artemisia annua Linn from three regions of Uganda.
    (African health sciences, 2015-09) Engeu, Patrick Ogwang; Omujal, Francis; Agwaya, Moses; Kyakulaga, Hassan; Obua, Celestino
    Introduction: Artemisia annua plant from the family Asteracea is a powerful antimalarial plant introduced to Uganda around 2003. In addition to the artemisinin component, the plant also contains flavonoids which work in synergy to artemisinin against malaria parasites. The plant also contains aromatic oils which repel mosquitoes. In this paper we report the variations in antimalarial components of A. annua samples from the regions cultivating it in Uganda. Methods: Artemisia annua samples were obtained from three regions that cultivated the plant at the time of this study. The samples were brought to laboratory, authenticated and processed. The levels of artemisinin, total flavonoids and aromatic components were quantified using high performance thin layer chromatography, ultra violet spectrophotometry and gas chromatography respectively. Results: Artemisinin and total flavonoids levels were higher in samples obtained from high land areas (western and south western region) compared to that obtained from lowland regions (central) i.e 0.8% Vs 0.4% and 2.6% Vs 1.5% respectively. The aromatic oils (mosquito repellent components) were similar with camphor component being highest and levels ranging from 75.4% to 79.0%. Conclusion: Our findings show that the active components in Artemisia annua cultivated and used in the Uganda vary with geographical regions and this calls for standardisation by source.