Browsing by Author "Byamukama, Robert"
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Item Anthocyanin Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Leaves of Dissotis brazzae Cogn (Melastomataceae)(Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2020) Adaku, Christopher; Skaar, Irene; Gumisiriza, Hannington; Byamukama, Robert; Jordheim, Monica; Andersen, JOyvind MoksheimAnthocyanins are colored bioactive phytochemicals in the class of flavonoids with high potential as dietary antioxidants. Demand for anthocyanins in functional food and nutraceutical industries has continued to increase over the past decades. However, sources of anthocyanins for commercial exploitation are currently limited. Tropical Africa and Uganda in particular, harbors many plant species with potential to serve as new sources of anthocyanins. In this study, the anthocyanin profile and antioxidant activity of edible leaves of Dissotis brazzae, a plant of tropical African origin, were investigated. Two known anthocyanins, (1) cyanidin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside (1.28±0.44 mg/g fr. wt.) and (2) cyanidin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (1.89±0.42 mg/g fr. wt.), were isolated from D. brazzae purple leaves by a combination of chromatographic techniques. Their structures were elucidated mainly by homo- and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and online HPLC/UV-Vis spectroscopy. The isolated anthocyanins showed appreciable level of antioxidant activity against DPPH, with 1 (IC50=9.2±0.2 μg/ml) showing slightly higher antioxidant potency than 2 (IC50=14.0±0.6 μg/ml). However, quercetin (IC50=4.5±0.4 μg/ml) used as a reference showed a higher antioxidant activity than 1 and 2. The total anthocyanin content of D. brazzae leaves (317 mg/100g) was within the range (80 – 680 mg/100g) of anthocyanins content in most dietary sources. This is the first report of fully characterised anthocyanins from the genus Dissotis, which may be of taxonomic importance. A new dietary source of the rare cyanidin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside has been identified.Item Anthocyanin Profile and Antioxidant Property of Anti-asthma Flowers of Cordyline terminalis (L.) Kunth (Agavaceae)(Natural Product Communications, 2020) Adaku, Christopher; Skaar, Irene; Byamukama, Robert; Jordheim, Monica; Øyvind, M. AndersenCordyline terminalis flower is traditionally used to treat asthma and the purple color of the flower is suggestive of anthocyanins. Thepurpose of this study was to characterize and determine the antioxidant property of anthocyanins from C. terminalis purple flowers. five anthocyanins, cyanidin 3,5-di-O-β-glucopyranoside (2.6 ± 0.2 mg/g fr. wt) (1), peonidin 3,5-di- O- β-glucopyranoside (2.8 ± 0.3 mg/g fr. wt) (2), cyanidin 3-O- β-(6″-O- E- p- caffeoylglucopyranoside)- 5-O- β-glucopyranoside (3.2 ± 0.2 mg/g fr. wt) (3), cyanidin 3-O- β-(6″-O- E- p- coumaroylglucopyranoside)- 5-O- β-glucopyranoside (6.2 ± 0.4 mg/g fr. wt) (4), and peonidin 3-O- β-(6″-O- E- p- c oumaroylglucopyranoside)-5-O- β-glucopyranoside (9.8 ± 0.2 mg/g fr. wt) (5), were isolated from the flowers of C. terminalis by a combination of chromatographic techniques. Their structures were established by UV-visible, NMR, and ESI-MS. The extract exhibited appreciable antioxidant activity (IC50 ± SD = 13.1 ± 0.8 μg/mL) against quercetin (IC50 ± SD = 4.5 ± 0.4 μg/mL) compared to the individual anthocyanins (IC50 ± SD = 13.8 ± 0.5 to 16.4 ± 0.7 μg/mL) when measured using the 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl- hydrazyl method. Cordyline terminalis flowers extract may be justified for use and standardization as herbal remedy for asthma.Item Anthocyanins acylated with gallic acid from chenille plant, Acalypha hispida(Phytochemistry, 2003) Reiersen, Bergitte; Kiremire, Bernard T; Byamukama, Robert; Andersen, Øyvind M.Three anthocyanins were isolated from the red flowers of chenille plant, Acalypha hispida Burm. (Euphorbiaceae) by a combination of chromatographic techniques. Their structures were elucidated mainly by homo- and heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry, and supported with complete assignments of 13C NMR resonances. The novel pigment, cyanidin 3-O-(200-galloyl-600-O-a-rhamnopyranosyl-b-galactopyranoside) (5%), contains the disaccharide robinoside. The other anthocyanins were identified as cyanidin 3-O-(200-galloyl-b-galactopyranoside) (85%), and cyanidin 3-O-b-galactopyranoside (5%). Anthocyanins acylated with gallic acid have previously been identified in species from the families Nymphaeaceae and Aceraceae, and tentatively in Abrus precatorius (Leguminosae).Item Anthocyanins from flowers of Hippeastrum cultivars(Elsevier, 2006) Byamukama, Robert; Jordheim, Monica; Kiremire, Bernard; Namukobe, Jane; Øyvind, M. AndersenThe anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-O-(6″-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-β-glucopyranoside) (1) and pelargonidin 3-O-(6″-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-β-glucopyranoside) (2), were isolated from the ornamental flowers of a Ugandan Hippeastrum cultivar by a combination of chromatographic techniques, and their structures were elucidated mainly by the use of homo- and heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. The same anthocyanins were found in six different Hippeastrum cultivars purchased in Norway. However, the absolute amount of the anthocyanins (0.08–1.79 mg/g, fresh weight) and the relative proportions of the individual anthocyanins varied from cultivar to cultivar (13.2–96.5% of 1). The colours of the fresh petals of the three cultivars ‘Red Lion’, ‘Royal Velvet’ and ‘Liberty’ were described by the CIELab coordinates L* (lightness), C* (chroma) and hab (hue angles). All the cultivars showed hue angles corresponding to scarlet nuances (hab = 22–35°), with the highest value in ‘Red Lion’. The most reddish petals (in ‘Royal Velvet’) contained the highest relative proportion of 1. Thus, the in vivo colours of these cultivars seem to be correlated with the relative proportions of individual anthocyanin in the petals.Item Anthocyanins from fruits of Rubus pinnatus and Rubus rigidus(Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2005) Byamukama, Robert; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Andersen, Øyvind M.; Steigen, AndreasThe same anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-(600-O-a-rhamnopyranosyl-b-glucopyranoside) (1), and cyanidin-3-Ob- glucopyranoside (2), were isolated from extracts of red fruits of Rubus pinnatus Willd. and purple-black fruits of Rubus rigidus Sm. using Amberlite XAD-7 column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel filtration and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of chromatography, homo- and heteronuclear NMRtechni ques. The relative amounts of 1 and 2 in R. rigidus were 59.4% and 40.6%, respectively, while in R. pinnatus, the relative amounts were 58.6% and 41.4%, respectivelyItem Anthocyanins from leaf stalks of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)(Byamukama, R., Namukobe, J., & Kiremire, B. (2009). Anthocyanins from leaf stalks of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 3(2), 020-025https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJPAC/article-abstract/1396EB61511., 2009) Byamukama, Robert; Namukobe, Jane; Kiremire, BernardThe anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-O-(6’’-O-a-rhamnopyranosyl-b-glucopyranoside) (1) and delphinidin 3-O-(6’’-O-a-rhamnopyranosyl-b-glucopyranoside) (2) isolated from the leaf stalks of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) by a combination of chromatographic techniques, and their structures were elucidated mainly by the use of homo- and heteronuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The relative amounts of 1 and 2 in the extracts were approximately 92 and 4%, respectively. The absolute amount was 124 mg/100 g.Item Anthocyanins from Mauve Flowers of Erlangea tomentosa (Bothriocline longipes) Based on erlangidin – The first Reported Natural Anthocyanidin with C-ring methoxylation(Phytochemistry Letters, 2019) Adaku, Christopher; Skaar, Irene; Berland, Helge; Byamukama, Robert; Jordheim, Monica; Andersen, Øyvind M.Above 700 different anthocyanins have been isolated from plants. These flavonoid pigments are grouped after the number and position of hydroxy- and methoxy-groups on their anthocyanidin A- and B-rings, which influence their properties. In this study two new anthocyanins, erlangidin 5-O-(4″-(E-caffeoyl)-6″-(malonyl)-β-glucopyranoside)- 3′-O-(6‴-(3II-(β-glucopyranosyl)-E-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranoside) and erlangidin 5-O-(6″-(malonyl)- β-glucopyranoside)-3′-O-(6‴-(3II-(β-glucopyranosyl)-E-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranoside) were isolated from purple flowers of Erlangea tomentosa (Bothriocline longipes) Oliv. & Hiern (Asteraceae) in amounts of ∼1.6 and 0.6 mg/g fr. wt., respectively. They were found to contain the first reported natural anthocyanidin with a methoxy-group on the heterocyclic C-ring, which we have given the name erlangidin.” During extraction, isolation and storage in acidified methanolic solvents the two anthocyanins were both partly converted to their demalonylated and methylmalonyl esterified forms. Spectroscopic and chromatographic characteristics for erlangidin in comparison with the common anthocyanidins, which it might be mistaken for, are included.Item Anthocyanins from ornamental flowers of red frangipani, Plumeria rubra(Scientia Horticulturae, 2011) Byamukama, Robert; Namukobe, Jane; Jordheim, Monica; Andersen, Øyvind M.; Kiremire, Bernard T.Two anthocyanins were isolated from ornamental reddish flowers of Plumeria rubra L. (Apocynaceae) by a combination of chromatographic techniques. Their structures were elucidated mainly by the use of homo- and heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry. The anthocyanin cyanidin 3-O- -(2 -glucopyranosyl-O- -galactopyranoside) (75%), has previously been isolated only from Cornus suecica (Cornaceae) fruits, while the other (20%) was identified as cyanidin-3-O- -galactopyranoside. This is the first report of the anthocyanins responsible for the attractive colours of the flowers of red frangipani.Item Anthocyanins with Unusual Furanose Sugar (Apiose) from Leaves of Synadenium Grantii (Euphorbiaceae)(Elsevier, 2010) Andersen, Øyvind M.; Jordheim, Monica; Byamukama, Robert; Mbabazi, Angella; Ogweng, George; Skaar, Irene; Kiremire, BernardFour anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-O-(200-(5000-(E-p-coumaroyl)-b-apiofuranosyl)-b-xylopyranoside)-5-O-bglucopyranoside, cyanidin 3-O-(200-(5000-(E-p-coumaroyl)-b-apiofuranosyl)-b-xylopyranoside), cyanidin 3-O-(200-(5000-(E-caffeoyl)-b-apiofuranosyl)-b-xylopyranoside) and cyanidin 3-O-(200-(5000-(E-feroyl)-bapiofuranosyl)- b-xylopyranoside) were isolated from leaves of African milk bush, (Synadenium grantii Hook, Euphorbiaceae) together with the known cyanidin 3-O-b-xylopyranoside-5-O-b-glucopyranoside and cyanidin 3-O-b-xyloside. The four former pigments are the first reported anthocyanins containing the monosaccharide apiose, and the three 5000-cinnamoyl derivative-200-(b-apiosyl)-b-xyloside subunits have previously not been reported for any compound.Item 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, SavinaBackground: 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.Item Antimycobacterial Activity of the Extract and Isolated Compounds From the Stem Bark of Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. and Perr.(Natural Product Communications, 2021) Oloya, Benson; Namukobe, Jane; Heydenreich, Matthias; Ssengooba, Willy; Schmidt, Bernd; Byamukama, RobertZanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. and Perr. (Rutaceae) stem bark is used locally in Uganda for treating tuberculosis (TB) and cough-related infections. Lupeol (1), sesamin (2), trans-fagaramide (3), arnottianamide (4), (S)-marmesinin (5), and hesperidin (6) were isolated from the chloroform/methanol (1:1) extract of Z. leprieurii stem bark. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques and by comparison with literature data. Furthermore, the extract and isolated compounds were subjected to antimycobacterial activity. The extract exhibited moderate activity against the susceptible (H37Rv) TB strain, but weak activity against the multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB strain with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 586.0 and 1172.0 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 3 (trans-fagaramide) showed significant antimycobacterial activity against the susceptible (H37Rv) TB strain (MIC 6 μg/mL), but moderate activity against the MDR-TB strain (MIC 12.2 μg/mL). Compounds 2, 5, 6, and 1 showed moderate activitiesagainst the susceptible (H37Rv) strain (MIC 12.2-98.0 μg/mL) and moderate to weak activities against theMDR-TB strain (MIC24.4-195.0 μg/mL). This study reports for the first time the isolation of compounds 1 to 6 from the stem bark of Z leprieurii. trans-Fagaramide (3) may present a vital template in pursuit of novel and highly effective TB drugsItem Antiplasmodial Quinones from the Rhizomes of Kniphofia foliosa(Natural product communications, 2013) Induli, Martha; Gebru, Meron; Abdissa, Negera Abdissa; Akala, Hosea; Wekesa, Ingrid; Byamukama, Robert; Heydenreich, Matthias; Murunga, Sylvia; Dagne, Ermias; Yenesew, AbiyExtracts of the rhizomes of Kniphofia foliosa exhibited antiplasmodial activities against the chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 values of 3–5 g/mL. A phenyloxanthrone, named 10-acetonylknipholone cyclooxanthrone (1) and an anthraquinoneanthrone dimer, chryslandicin 10-methyl ether (2), were isolated from the rhizomes, along with known quinones, including the rare phenylanthraquinone dimers, joziknipholones A and B. The structures of these compounds were determined based on spectroscopic data. This is the second report on the occurrence of the dimeric phenylanthraquinones in nature. In an in vitro antiplasmodial assay of the isolated compounds, activity was observed for phenylanthraquinones, anthraquinone-anthrone dimers and dimeric phenylanthraquinones, with joziknipholone A being the most active. The new compound, 10-acetonylknipholonecyclooxanthrone, also showed anti-plasmodial activity. In an in vivo assay, knipholone anthrone displayed marginal antimalarial activityItem Bioactive compounds in the stem bark of Albizia coriaria (Welw. ex Oliver)(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2015) Byamukama, Robert; Barbara, Ganza; Namukobe, Jane; Heydenreich, Matthias; Kiremire, Bernard T.Albizia coriaria was investigated for the bioactive compounds present in its stem bark. The plant was selected on the basis of its widespread use in traditional herbal medicine. Extraction of the plant material was done with ethyl acetate, methanol and water and the bioactivity of each extract was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Separation and purification of the compounds in the most active (ethyl acetate) extract was done using a combination of chromatographic techniques. The compounds were identified by 1D and 2D -1H and 13C NMR techniques as well as Mass spectrometry (MS). Six compounds, namely: Lupeol (1), Lupenone (2), Betulinic acid (3), Acacic acid lactone (4), (+) – Catechin (5) and Benzyl alcohol (6) were identified and characterized from the ethyl acetate extract. The results of the bioactivity tests carried out in this study indicated that A. coriaria has potential antimicrobial activity. Four of the characterized compounds (1, 2, 3 & 5) have a wide range of biological activity reported in literature. This justifies the use of this plant in traditional medicine and indicates a promising potential for the development of medicinal agents from A. coriaria stem bark.Item Bioactive secondary metabolites from the leaves of Secamone africana (Olive.) Bullock(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2020) Sekandi, Peter; Namukobe, Jane; Byamukama, Robert; Akala, Hoseah M.; Yeda, Redemptah A.; Heydenreich, MatthiasSecamone africana leaves are used in the treatment of malaria and other ailments in Uganda. The aim of the study was to characterize the antiplasmodial compounds from the leaves of Secamone africana. The leaves were extracted sequentially using dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH). The crude extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine sensitive Sierraleone I (D6) and chloroquine-resistant Indochina I (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Isolation and purification were done using chromatographic techniques including column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods. The MeOH extract (IC50 = 5.45 μg/mL) was found to be more active than the DCM extract (IC50= 15.93 μg/mL) against the D6 malaria parasite. Chemical investigation of the MeOH extract yielded one new compound; 2-(2,4-dimethyloxetan-2-yl) acetic acid (3) in addition to the six known compounds; α-linolenic acid (1), conduritol B (4), β-sitosterol (5), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (6), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (7) and coumaric acid (8). The DCM extract yielded one known compound: 1-methyl cyclobutene (2). The presence of these compounds with good anti-plasmodial activities and other bioactivities reported in literature, appears to argue for the therapeutic potential of Secamone africana.Item Cycloartane triterpenes from the leaves of Neoboutonia macrocalyx L.(Elsevier, 2014) Namukobe, Jane; Kiremire, Bernard T.; Byamukama, Robert; Kasenene, John M.; Dumontet, Vincent; Guéritte, Françoise; Krief, Sabrina; Florent, Isabelle; Kabasa, John DNeoboutonia macrocalyx is used by people in south western Uganda around Kibale National Park in the treatment of malaria. Phytochemical investigation on the leaves of this plant led to the isolation of nine cycloartane triterpenes (1–9) and one phenanthrene; 7-methoxy-2,8 dimethyl-9, 10-dihydrophenantherene-3,6 diol (10) along with three known compounds which included 22-de-Oacetyl- 26-deoxyneoboutomellerone (11), mellerin B (12) and 6-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (13). The chemical structures of the compounds were established mainly through a combination of spectroscopic techniques. The isolated compounds were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-resistant FcB1/Colombia strain of Plasmodium falciparum and for cytotoxicity against the KB (nasopharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma) and MRC-5 (human diploid embryonic lung) cells. Seven out of 13 compounds exhibited good antiplasmodial activity with IC50 of 65 lg/ml with two compounds exhibiting low cytotoxicity and five compounds having significant cytotoxicity.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 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, RobertThis 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.Item Hippeastrum hybridum anthocyanins as indicators of endpoint in acid – base titrations(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2016) Byamukama, Robert; Waninda, Eric Nicholas; Mukama, David; Namukobe, JaneAnthocyanins from Hippeastrum hybridum (Amaryllis) were investigated as indicators of endpoint in acid- base titrations. Extraction of the anthocyanins was done using distilled water, methanol and methanol containing 0.5% acetic acid. The extracts were used in determination of endpoint in titrations between strong acid/strong base, strong acid / weak base, weak acid / strong base and weak acid / weak base at concentration levels of 0.1 M, 0.5 M and 1.0 M. The titres were compared to those obtained using phenolphthalein, methyl orange and mixed indicator. The shelf life of anthocyanin extracts kept in amber bottles at room temperature (16.8 0C – 29.1 0C) was also investigated. The plant extracts gave accurate and precise results in titration of strong acids with strong bases and weak acids against strong bases at all concentrations investigated (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 M) that were very comparable to the values obtained using phenolphthalein, methyl orange and mixed indicator. In titration of weak acids against weak bases, the plant extracts gave accurate results when concentration was 0.1 M but failed for 0.5 M and 1.0 M. On average the anthocyanins from Hippeastrumhybridum could be used in the titration of strong acid versus strong base, weak acid versus strong base andweak acid versus weak base. The anthocyanins from Hippeastrum hybridum had a good shelf life of 90 dayswhen kept at room temperature. The extracts can thus be used in any place including those that have no access to refrigeration facilities since they can be kept at room temperature for some time before they undergo degradation.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 Uganda