Browsing by Author "Anywar, Godwin"
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Item Acute and subacute toxicity profile of ethanolic stem bark extract of Albizia coriaria Welw. ex Oliv. in Wistar albino rats Author links open overlay panel(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-06) Obakiro, Samuel Baker; Kiyimba, Kenedy; Owor, Richard Oriko; Andima, Moses; Lukwago, Tonny Wotoyitide; Kawuma, Carol; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Nabatanzi, Alice; Kibuule, Dan; Kato, Charles Drago; Anywar, Godwin; Waako, PaulAbstract Albizia coriaria (Fabaceae) crude extracts are key ingredients of several licensed and unlicensed herbal products in East Africa. However, there is limited and often contradicting information regarding its toxicity. We therefore evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria in mature healthy Wistar albino rats following Lorke’s method and OECD guidelines 407. The LD 50 of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria was 2000 mg/kg. The acute toxicity signs observed included piloerection, hyperventilation, lethargy, and loss of righting reflex. There was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, red blood cells and haemoglobin in rats after 28 days at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Histological analyses revealed multifocal random parenchymal necrosis and scattered periportal mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltration in the liver, interstitial nephritis in the kidney and multifocal lymphoid accumulation in the peribronchiolar and perivascular lung tissue at 500 mg/kg. The ethanolic stem bark of A. coriaria was therefore moderately toxic to the rats when administered in a single high oral dose within 24 h. The extract caused a dose dependent toxicity with significant damage to the kidney, liver and lung tissues at a dose of 500 mg/kg after 28 days. Herbal medicines containing A. coriaria extracts should be consumed cautiously due to likelihood of toxicity particularly at higher doses greater than 500 mg/kg. ga1 • This study assesed the acute and subacute toxicity effects of the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria, a key ingredient of several licensed and unlicensed herbal products on Uganda market. • The ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria was found to be moderately toxic when administered in a single high oral dose within 24 h with a median lethal dose of 2000 mg/kg. • In repeated daily doses of 500 mg/kg, the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. coriaria caused significant toxicity to the lungs, liver and kidney tissues. • Herbal medicines containing A. coriaria extracts should be consumed cautiously due to likelihood of associated toxicity particularly at higher doses greater 500 mg/kg.Item Antibiotic‑resistance in medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Africa from 2000 to 2021: a systematic review and meta‑analysis(Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 2022) Walusansa, Abdul; Asiimwe, Savina; Nakavuma, Jesca. L.; Ssenku, Jamilu. E.; Katuura, Esther; Kafeero, Hussein. M.; Aruhomukama, Dickson; Nabatanzi, Alice; Anywar, Godwin; Tugume, Arthur K.; Kakudidi, Esezah K.Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manifests more in pathogenic bacteria in form of antibiotic resistance (ABR). On this continent, bacterial contamination of commonly used herbal medicine (HM) is on the increase, but information about antimicrobial resistance in these contaminants is limited due to fragmented studies. Here, we analyzed research that characterized ABR in pathogenic bacteria isolated from HM in Africa since 2000; to generate a comprehensive understanding of the drug-resistant bacterial contamination burden in this region. Methods: The study was conducted according to standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). We searched for articles from 12 databases. These were: PubMed, Science Direct, Scifinder scholar, Google scholar, HerbMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts, African Journal Online, and Biological Abstracts. Prevalence and ABR traits of bacterial isolates, Cochran’s Q test, and the I2 statistic for heterogeneity were evaluated using MedCalcs software. A random-effects model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of ABR traits. The potential sources of heterogeneity were examined through sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression at a 95% level of significance. Findings: Eighteen studies met our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of bacterial resistance to at least one conventional drug was 86.51% (95% CI = 61.247–99.357%). The studies were highly heterogeneous (I2 = 99.17%; p < 0.0001), with no evidence of publication bias. The most prevalent multidrug-resistant species was Escherichia coli (24.0%). The most highly resisted drug was Ceftazidime with a pooled prevalence of 95.10% (95% CI = 78.51–99.87%), while the drug-class was 3rd generation cephalosporins; 91.64% (95% CI = 78.64–96.73%). None of the eligible studies tested isolates for Carbapenem resistance. Extended Spectrum β-lactamase genes were detected in 89 (37.2%) isolates, mostly Salmonella spp., Proteus vulgaris, and K. pneumonia. Resistance plasmids were found in 6 (5.8%) isolates; the heaviest plasmid weighed 23,130 Kilobases, and Proteus vulgaris harbored the majority (n = 5; 83.3%). Conclusions: Herbal medicines in Africa harbor bacterial contaminants which are highly resistant to conventional medicines. This points to a potential treatment failure when these contaminants are involved in diseases causation. More research on this subject is recommended, to fill the evidence gaps and support the formation of collaborative quality control mechanisms for the herbal medicine industry in Africa.Item Data on medicinal plants used by herbalists for boosting immunity in people living with HIV/ AIDS in Uganda(Elsevier, 2020) Anywar, Godwin; Kakudidi, Esezah; Byamukama, Robert; Mukonzo, Jackson; Schubert, Andreas; Oryem-Origa, HanningtonThis Data in Brief article provides supplementary information to orearlier Ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants used by traditional medicine practitioners to boost the immune system in people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda [1]. We identified 71 medicinal plant species from 37 families and 64 genera. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. Most of the plant species used were trees (27) and herbs (25) from the Fabaceae (15.7%) Asteraceae Phyllanthaceae (8.6%),Rubiaceae (5.7%) and Rubiaceae (5.7%) families. Additionally, we conducted a detailed literature review of the documented species to justify their use as immunostimulants. This data is derived from a larger survey to document the use of medicinal plant species intreating opportunistic infections in Uganda by Anywar et al. [2].Item Dataset on the geographical distribution of species of the genus Solanum, subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda(Elsevier Inc, 2024-04) Kauma, Carol Mere; Anywar, Godwin; Serunjogi, Derick; Katuura, Esther; Namaganda, MaryAbstract The dataset includes the diversity, occurrence points and a distribution map of species of the subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda. The data was obtained following field surveys carried out in various parts of Uganda. These were guided by distribution data retrieved from Makerere University Herbarium and Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA). At each sampling site, species name, altitude and habitat type were recorded. Occurrence points were geocoded using a hand-held GPS (a ≤ 5M Germin S90 GPS). The distribution map was generated using ArcMap 10.7.1 software. The dataset consists of 172 occurrence points representing 18 species of subgenus Leptostemonum that occur in Uganda. The data can be used to assess the effect of climate change on the diversity and distribution of these species. The data set is also important for informing resource users, conservationists and policy makers about the biodiversity hotspots of these economically important species.Item An Ethnobotanical Documentation Of Medicinal Plants Used By Local Communities Around Kibale National Park, A Case Of Kanyawara, Kanyansowera And Ibura Villages(International Journal of Advanced Information Science and Technology, 2016) Waisindye, Noah; Anywar, Godwin; Mugisha, Maud Kamatenesi; Kazibwe, FrancisCurrently there is rapid loss of traditional knowledge and practices due to their dependency on oral transformation, impacts of modern cultural transformation, and rapid land degradation. Ethno botanical documentation of medicinal plant use is generally an appropriate means of identifying potential sources of the new drugs. Research indicates that 74% of plant derived compounds used in pharmaceuticals, retained similar use as used by traditional healers. Motivation to study the conservation status of such medicinal plants can be realized if their local use is scientifically proven by first documenting them and testing them. Current study was carried out to document useful medicinal plants, that are becoming prone to threats of endangerment before scientific interventions are made, in the local communities of Kanyawara, Kanyansowera and Ibura adjacent to Kibale National Park (KNP), located 124km East of Ruwenzori foothills and 20km South East (SE) of Fort Portal Town in western Uganda, in Kabarole District. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and guided questionnaires, house hold respondents were also chosen through random sampling. A total of 45 plant species from 28 families were recorded as useful medicinal plants harvested by people for managing diseases. Of the families encountered Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae had the highest number of species used followed by Bignoniaceae and Rutaceae. Though many plants have been used by the people in the study area to treat diseases, they have not been domesticated but are continuously being harvested from the wild. Such plants are prone to extinction yet could be domesticated for commercial purposes.Item Herbal medicine used for the treatment of diarrhea and cough in Kampala city, Uganda(Tropical Medicine and Health, 2022) Walusansa, Abdul; Asiimwe, Savina; Ssenku, Jamilu E.; Anywar, Godwin; Namara, Milbert; Nakavuma, Jesca L.; Kakudidi, Esezah K.Globally, diarrheal and respiratory diseases are among the main causes of mortality and morbidity. In Uganda, cities are facing proliferation of trade in herbal medicines (HM), including those for diarrhea and/or cough. Information on the economic, and the ethnopharmacological aspects of these HM is scarce, deterring the sector from achieving optimal capacity to support national development. We profiled the anti-diarrhea and/or anti-cough HM, and the basic economic aspects of HM trade in Kampala city, to support ethnopharmacological knowledge conservation and strategic planning. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 65 herbalists using semi-structured questionnaires. This was supplemented by an observational survey using a high-resolution digital camera. Data were collected following the guidelines for research on HM, established by Uganda National Drug Authority, and World Health organization. Results: Eighty-four plant species from 41 families were documented. Fabaceae and Myricaceae had the highest number of species (9, 10.7% each). Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck was the most commonly cited for cough, with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) of 1.00, and its relative medical importance was not significantly different from the other top 5 species except for Azadirachta indica A.Juss (RFC = 0.87). Entada abyssinica A. Rich (RFC = 0.97) was the most cited for diarrhea. Trees (34, 40.5%) were mostly used, and mainly harvested from wild habitats (55.2%) in 20 districts across Uganda. These HM were mainly sold as powders and concoctions, in markets, shops, pharmacies, and roadside or mobile stalls. The highest prices were Uganda Shillings (UGX) 48,000 ($13.15)/kg for Allium sativum L, and UGX 16,000 ($4.38)/kg for C. limon. All participants used HM trade as a sole source of basic needs; majority (60.0%) earned net monthly profit of UGX. 730,000 ($200) ≤ 1,460,000 ($400). The main hindrances to HM trade were the; disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 65, 100%), and the scarcity of medicinal plants (58, 89.2%). Conclusion: There is a rich diversity of medicinal plant species traded in Kampala to treat diarrhea and cough. The HM trade significantly contributes to the livelihoods of the traders in Kampala, as well as the different actors along the HM value chain throughout the countryItem Inorganic nutrients and heavy metals in some wild(SSRN, 2018) Nyero, Alfred; Anywar, Godwin; Malinga, Geoffrey MaxwellFor centuries, wild edible plant species have sustained local communities across Africa by supplementing households’ diets in seasons of food shortage. Wild edible plants contain inorganic nutrients, which are essential for the proper functioning of organisms. However, their nutritional contents have not been well researched and are generally poorly understood. This study aimed to quantify the levels of inorganic micro-and macronutrients as well as heavy metals (Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb) in selected wild edible plants traditionally consumed among the Acholi communities in northern Uganda, and associated health risks of consuming them. The leaves and young stems of 12 wild edible plants, viz: Acalypha rhomboidea, Asystacia gangetica, Crassocephalum sacrobasis, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Heterotis rotundifolia, Hibiscus cannabinus, Hibiscus sp., Hibiscus surattensis, Ipomoea eriocarpa, Maerua angolensis, Senna obtusifolia and Vigna membranacea were air-dried and crushed to powder. The powders were then macerated using aqua regia solution and analysed in triplicates using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Pb was calculated for non-carcinogenic health risks. Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Zn and Pb were detectable in all the wild edible plants sampled. All inorganic nutrients (mg/100gdw), were below the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA); Mg (9.4±0.19 to 10.4±0.15), Ca (119±5.82 to 1265±14.9), Fe (3.29±0.02 to 11.2±0.09), Zn (0.52±0.02 to2.36±0.03). Hg and Cd were below detectable limits in all the samples tested. The content of Pb (0.69±0.11 to1.22±0.07) was higher than the CODEX and EU limits of 0.1ppm but was below the recommended threshold of 1. The health risk assessment revealed no potential hazards both in children and adults. However, there is a need to study the bioavailability of Pb when the vegetables are consumed due to factors such as indigestion and antinutritional compounds.Item Medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Kampala city indicate the need to enhance safety frameworks(Scientific Reports, 2022) Walusansa, Abdul; Nakavuma, Jesca L.; Asiimwe, Savina; Ssenku, Jamilu E.; Aruhomukama, Dickson; Sekulima, Tahalu; Kafeero, Hussein M.; Anywar, Godwin; Katuura, Esther; Nabatanzi, Alice; Musisi, Nathan L.; Tugume, Arthur K.The high global bacterial infection burden has created need to investigate the neglected potential drivers of pathogenic bacteria, to inform disease prevention. Kampala is facing a proliferation of herbalists, selling herbal medicine (HM), of largely unregulated microbiological quality. We evaluated the bacterial contamination burden in HM sold in Kampala, to support evidence-based redress. The total viable loads (TVL), total coliform counts (TCC), E. coli counts, and prevalence of selected bacterial strains in 140 HM were examined using conventional culture, following the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO), and Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA). Data were analyzed using D’Agostino-Pearson test, frequencies, proportions, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test with STATA version-15.0. Fifty (35.7%), fifty-nine (42.1%), and twelve (8.6%) HM were unsafe for human use because they exceeded WHO’s permissible limits for TVL, TCC, and E. coli counts respectively. Solids had significantly higher mean TVL than liquids. Violation of NDA’s guidelines was significantly associated with high TVL. Fifty-nine bacteria, viz., Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 34; 57.6%), Escherichia. coli (12; 20.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (7; 11.9%), Klebsiella oxytoca (3; 5.1%), Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (1; 1.7% each), were isolated from 45 (32.1%) samples. These bacteria can cause severe clinical diseases, and promote deterioration of HM potency.Item Medicinal plants used in Malaria treatment by Prometra Herbalists in Uganda(Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014) Adia, Madina Mohamed; Anywar, Godwin; Byamukama, Robert; Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Sekagya, Yahaya; Kakudidi, Esezah K.; Kiremire, Bernard T.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The aimofthesurveywastodocumentmedicinalplantsusedin malaria treatmentbyPrometra(Promociondelamedicinatradicionalamazonica)TraditionalMedical Practitioners (TMPs)ofUgandaandforsearchofnewantiplasmodialherbalmedicines(HMs)forfurther phytochemicalanalysis. Materials andmethods: In thisstudy,semistructuredguidedopenandcloseendedquestionnaireswere used. FocusgroupdiscussionswereconductedandkeyinformantswerechosenwithintheTMPswho helped infurtherdiscussionsofhowtheherbalremedieswherecollected,preparedandadministered. Results: A samplesizeof51respondentswasrandomlyselectedamongtheTMPswiththehelpoftheir leader.86speciesdistributedover81generaand39familieswerereportedlybeingusedasherbal remedies inmalariatreatment.TheTMPsusesymptomslikehightemperature,shivering,amongothers in malariadiagnosisanindicationthattheyunderstandmalaria.Theyemphasizedtheuseofleavesand bark intreatmentbecausetheycanregenerateandthereforeensuresustainableuseofplantsratherthan the useofrootswhichwouldbedestructive.TheseTMPStreatandalsoadvisetheirpatientson preventivemeasuresagainstmalariaattackslikesleepingundermosquitonets,clearingbushesnear homesteads, amongotherswhichisanindicationthattheyhelpinthepreventionandmitigationof malaria incidencesandprevalenceintheareaswheretheylive.TheInformantConsensusFactor(FIC) valueof0.8demonstratedthattheTMPsofPrometra-Ugandatendtoagreewitheachotherintermsof the plantspeciestheyuseinmalariatreatmentanindicationofqualitycontrolinasfarasadministration of theherbalremedies. Vernoniaamygdalina Delile, Bidens pilosa L., Justicia betonica L. werehighlycited as beingusedinmalariatreatmentwithfrequenciesofmentionof38,28and25,respectively. Conclusion: TMPs ofPrometra-Ugandaunderstandandtreatmalariausingtheavailableplantdiversity from theirhugeforestandtheherbalgardenswithinBuyijaforest.Thehealersareverykeenatplant conservationwhichisagoodpractice.Specieslike Justica betonica may beinvestigatedfurtherfor antiplasmodial assaystojustifyitsefficacy.Item Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment and Prevention of Malaria in Cegere Sub- County, Northern Uganda(Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2015) Anywar, Godwin; Van’t Klooster, Charlotte I.E.A.; Byamukama, Robert; Willcox, Merlin; Nalumansi, Patricia A.; Jong, Joop de; Rwaburindori, Protase; Kiremire, Bernard T.In Uganda, malaria has been ranked as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality with Apac District having one of the highest transmission rates. The objective of this study was to assess the use of medicinal plants in preventing and treating malaria and to determine the traditional concept of malaria in Cegere Sub-County, Apac. A snowball sampling method was used to work through a network of informants. Ninety respondents, including traditional healers, were interviewed using focus group discussions and questionnaires. Twenty plant species from 15 families were used for preventing and treating malaria. Most of the plants were herbs (50%), and leaves (64%) were the mostfrequently used parts. Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.) Kuntze ex Thell. was the most frequently cited plant for treating malaria, mentioned by 77% of the respondents. Traditionally, malaria was known as atipa and was treated ritually. Fewer medicinal plant species were used to treat malaria in Apac compared to other parts of UgandaItem Wild and semi-wild edible plants used by the communities of Acholi sub-region, Northern Uganda(Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2021) Nyero, Alfred; Achaye, Innocent; Odongo, Walter; Anywar, Godwin; Malinga, Geoffrey MaxwellIn the Acholi sub-region, consumption of wild edible plants is still an integral part of the food culture, particularly during times of food shortage. However, much of indigenous traditional knowledge has not been documented due to the history of prolonged civil war in the area. We conducted an ethnobotanical survey to document the wild plants utilized by the Acholi communities in northern Uganda. Methods: Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 1,353 respondents between November 2017 and February 2018 and 65 focus group discussions. Results: Seventy-three edible plants from 39 families were identified to species level while three species were unidentified. Vitex doniana (0.72), Aframomum alboviolaceum. (0.70), Saba comorensis (0.45), Hibiscus surattensis (0.42), and Borassus aethiopum (0.39) had the highest relative frequencies of citation. Fabaceae (7) and Euphorbiaceae (5) had the highest number of plant species. Most of the edible plants were herbs (34%) and trees (31%). Fruits were the major parts consumed (57%), followed by leaves (37%). Only 34% of species were cooked before eating, while 60% were eaten raw. Sixty-seven percent of the species were harvested during the rainy season and 22% in the dry season. Conclusion: There is a rich diversity of wild edible plants in the Acholi sub-region. Conservation and domestication of these plants will provide a buffer crop and enhance the food security of the locals in the face of recurrent droughts and climate change.