Browsing by Author "Asiimwe, Savina"

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    Antibacterial, antioxidant, and Sun Protection Potential of selected Ethno Medicinal Plants used for skin infections in Uganda
    (Tropical Medicine and Health, 2021) Namukobe, Jane; Sekandi, Peter; Byamukama, Robert; Murungi, Moses; Nambooze, Jennifer; Ekyibetenga, Yeremiah; Nagawa, Christine Betty; Asiimwe, Savina
    Background: Rural populations in Uganda rely heavily on medicinal plants for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. However, the efficacy of these medicinal plants for their pharmacological action is not known. The study aimed at evaluating the antibacterial, antioxidant, and sun protection potential of Spermacoce princeae, Psorospermum febrifugum, Plectranthus caespitosus, and Erlangea tomentosa extracts. Methods: The plant samples were extracted by maceration sequentially using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water. Antibacterial activity of each extract was carried out using an agar well diffusion assay against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonie, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Salmonella typhi. Acute dermal toxicity of the aqueous extract of S. princeae and P. febrifugum, and E. tomentosa was assessed in young adult healthy Wistar albino rats at a dose of 8000 and 10,000 mg/kg body weight. The antioxidant activity of each extract was carried out using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The sun protection factor was determined using Shimadzu UltraViolet-Visible double beam spectrophotometer between 290 and 320 nm. Results: The plant extracts showed good antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging between 3.12 and 12.5 mg/ml. There was no significant change in the levels of creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase in the rats even at a higher dose of 10,000 mg/kg, which was related to the results of biochemical analysis of the blood samples from the treated and control groups. The aqueous and methanol extracts of S. princeae showed potential antioxidant properties, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 59.82 and 61.20 μg/ml respectively. The organic and aqueous extracts of P. caespitosus showed high levels of protection against Ultraviolet light with sun protection potential values ranging between 30.67 and 37.84. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the selected medicinal plants possessed good antibacterial, antioxidant, and sun protection properties. Therefore, the plants are alternative sources of antibacterial, antioxidant, and sun protection agents in managing bacterial skin infections.
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    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.
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    An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants used in the Management of Dermatological Disorders in Buyende and Kayunga Districts, Uganda
    (European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2021) Namukobe, Jane; Lutaaya, Anthony; Asiimwe, Savina; Byamukama, Robert
    This study was done to document medicinal plants used in the management of dermatologicaldisorders. Documentation of plants is important for conservation especially of rare and endangeredplant species. The study was done in Buyende and Kayunga districts in Uganda, between April andJuly 2017. Data was obtained using semi-structured questionnaires and group discussions,performed on 63 respondents (33 females; 30 males) who were purposively selected because oftheir expertise in plant use. The study recorded 111 plant species that belong to 46 plant familiesfor treatment of 30 skin disorders. The dominant life form was herb (41%), while leaves were themost used parts (59 %). Majority of plants (72%) were harvested from their natural habitats. Family Fabaceae contributed the highest number of species (20). Milicia excelsa was recorded to be threatened with extinction. The most cited diseases were skin rash (14%), wounds (12%), syphilis (9%), allergy (9%) and ring worm (7%). The plant species with high percent respondent knowledge were Hoslundia opposita, cited by 83% of the people; Bidens pilosa (76%) and Jatropha carcus (56%) all for treating wounds. Topical application (90%) was the common mode of administering herbal remedies, while decoction was least used to prepare remedies. Plants are important in the management of dermatological disorders by local communities in the study areas. The diversity of medicinal plant species used in these areas is based on the rich traditional knowledge of the local communities. There is need to domesticate the rare and threatened medicinal plant species to avoid extinction. Plant species with high percent respondent knowledge can be considered for further studies to identify key active compounds important to develop natural based skin care products.
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    Global evidence on the potential of some Ugandan herbal medicines to mitigate antibiotic resistance: a systematic review and meta-analysis from 1996 to 2021
    (Research Square, 2022) Walusansa, Abdul; Ssenku, Jamilu. E.; Tugume, Arthur. K.; Asiimwe, Savina; Kafeero, Hussein. M.; Aruhomukama, Dickson; Nakavuma, Jesca. L.; Kakudidi, Esezah K.
    Diarrheal and respiratory ailments are major causes of global deaths, and are mostly escalated by antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), warranting novel therapies against ARB. In Uganda, plants like C. pyrrhopappa, E. abyssinica, C. limon, M. foetida, C. flexuosus, and C. citrinus are often used to treat diarrhea and/or cough. Some of these are reported to demonstrate antibacterial properties in some countries, but the evidence is limited due to fragmented studies. We evaluated global antibacterial research on these plants, to derive practical insights, able to stimulate new thinking and inform drug development. Methods Electronic articles on antibacterial effects of the named plants (with a special focus on efficacy against ARB), were identified from 14 electronic databases. The eligible articles were examined using Standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Sensitive ARB to the plant-extracts, Cochran’s Q test, and heterogeneity were evaluated with MedCalcs software, using a random-effects model. Sources of heterogeneity were examined through sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression (p < 0.05). Publication bias was assessed using Begg’s test and funnel plot asymmetry. Results Sixty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 20 assessed the plants against 237 ARB invitro. C. flexuosus had the greatest efficacy (89.8%), while C. pyrrhopappa had the least (0.0%). Efficacy differences between C. flexuosus (the most efficacious species), and the rest of the plants were not significant except for M. foetida and C. pyrrhopappa (χ2, p < 0.05). The multidrug-resistant strains (resistant to at least three drug-classes), with 100% sensitivity to plant extracts included A. baumannii, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 86.85%), with no evidence of publication bias, hence suggesting robust results. Conclusion Some herbal medicines in Uganda have vast potential to avert the global antibacterial resistance menace. Their efficacy against globally circulating bacteria that are resistant to vital drugs, such as carbapenems, shows possible treatment success if these species are used in drug development. More research is desired, especially on the potential efficacy of these plants against the world’s leading strains of resistant bacteria like K. pneumoniae and E. coli. Also, in-vivo studies are recommended due to their importance in drug discovery.
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    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 country
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    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.
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    The Potency and Efficacy of Essential Oils from Selected Aromatic Crop Species Commercially Grown in Uganda: A Review of their Use in Animal and Human Therapeutics
    (Challenges and Advances in Pharmaceutical Research, 2022) Tugume, Patience; Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Bazirake, George Byarugaba; Waisindye, Noah; Asiimwe, Savina
    There is increased use of essential oils from aromatic crops in the beverage pharmaceuticals, apiary and cosmetics industries in addition to aromatherapy due to production of active compounds. Essential oils have been proven to have bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, anti-parasitic and insecticidal effects. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of efficacy and potency of essential oils from selected aromatic crop species commercially produced in Uganda. We reviewed relevant articles, books, theses, dissertations, patents, and other English only reports using potency, traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological or biological activity, toxicity, phytochemistry, and efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus, Salvia rosmarinus, Eucalyptus citriodora and Lavandula anguistifolia as the key search terms. We searched databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and search engines such as Google Scholar between June and November 2021. The essential oils were reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anthelmintic, insecticidal, larvicidal, acaricidal and antioxidant effects. Additionally, rosemary oil inhibited aflatoxin growth and secretion, stimulated the nervous system and stabilized mayonnaise during storage. The biological activities exhibited by essential oils in this review validate their current and potential use in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.
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    Prevalence and dynamics of clinically significant bacterial contaminants in herbal medicines sold in East Africa from 2000 to 2020: a systematic review and metaanalysis
    (Tropical Medicine and Health, 2021) Walusansa, Abdul; Asiimwe, Savina; Kafeero, Hussein M.; Iramiot, Stanley J.; Ssenku, Jamilu E.; Nakavuma, Jesca L.; Kakudidi, Esezah K.
    Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world, and those caused by bacteria are common in the East African region. In this region, trade and consumption of herbal medicine has been expanding in the recent decades. Herbal medicines may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria; however, there is limited information due to fragmented studies in East Africa. In this meta-analysis, we critically analyzed original research related to the incidence of pathogenic bacterial contaminants of HM in the East African region since 2000. The aim was to create a comprehensive understanding of the extent and dynamics of bacterial contamination in HM, to guide future research and concerted public health protection in the region. Methodology: The study was conducted according to the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. We searched and evaluated published articles from eleven electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, HerbMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scifinder Scholar, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, EMBASE, Biological Abstracts and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts). Prevalences of different bacterial species, Cochran’s Q test, and the I2 statistic for heterogeneity were evaluated using a software called MedCalcs. Random and fixed effects models were used to determine the pooled prevalence of clinically significant bacteria from studies which were included in this meta-analysis. The potential sources of heterogeneity were examined through sensitivity analysis, sub-group analysis, and meta-regression at 95% level of significance.