Browsing by Author "Gavamukulya, Yahaya"
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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 Advances in green nanobiotechnology: Data for synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from ethanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of Annona muricata(Data in brief, 2019) Gavamukulya, Yahaya; El-Shemy, Hany A.; Meroka, Amos M.; Madivoli, Edwin S.; Maina, Esther N.; Wamunyokoli, Fred; Magoma, GabrielIn this data article, data obtained from an efficient, eco-friendly and low-cost method for the synthesis and recovery of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ethanolic extracts of Annona muricata fruits and leaves as reducing, stabilizing and capping agents has been reported. 99.7% pure silver nitrate was used as the inorganic ion source. The data was obtained using different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The data is presented in form of images, Microsoft excel sheets, graphs,.raw files,.dpt files, PDF files, among others. Methods of analysis and interpretation of the data have also been presented. The data can be most useful to researchers, research students, industrialists and academicians to acquire knowledge on the green synthesis of AgNPs and relatedItem Annona muricata silver nanoparticles exhibit strong anticancer activities against cervical and prostate adenocarcinomas through regulation of CASP9 and the CXCL1/CXCR2 genes axis(Tumor Biology, 2021) Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Maina, Esther N.; El-Shemy, Hany A.; Meroka, Amos M.; Kangogo, Geoffrey K.; Magoma, Gabriel; Wamunyokoli, FredGreen synthesized nanoparticles have been earmarked for use in nanomedicine including for the development of better anticancer drugs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to undertake biochemical evaluation of anticancer activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from ethanolic extracts of fruits (AgNPs-F) and leaves (AgNPs-L) of Annona muricata. METHODS:Previously synthesized silver nanoparticles were used for the study. The effects of the AgNPs and 5-Fluorouracil were studied on PC3, HeLa and PNT1A cells. The resazurin, migration and colonogenic assays as well as qRT-PCR were employed. RESULTS: The AgNPs-F displayed significant antiproliferative effects against HeLa cells with an IC50 of 38.58 g/ml and PC3 cells with an IC50 of 48.17 g/ml but selectively spared normal PNT1A cells (selectivity index of 7.8), in comparison with first line drug 5FU and AgNPs-L whose selectivity index were 3.56 and 2.26 respectively. The migration assay revealed potential inhibition of the metastatic activity of the cells by the AgNPs-F while the colonogenic assay indicated the permanent effect of the AgNPs-F on the cancer cells yet being reversible on the normal cells in contrast with 5FU and AgNPs-L. CASP9 was significantly over expressed in all HeLa cells treated with the AgNPs-F (1.53-fold), AgNPs-L (1.52-fold) and 5FU (4.30-fold). CXCL1 was under expressed in HeLa cells treated with AgNPs-F (0.69-fold) and AgNPs-L (0.58-fold) and over expressed in cells treated with 5FU (4.95-fold), but the difference was not statistically significant. CXCR2 was significantly over expressed in HeLa cells treated with 5FU (8.66-fold) and AgNPs-F (1.12-fold) but under expressed in cells treated with AgNPs-L (0.76-fold). CONCLUSIONS: Here we show that biosynthesized AgNPs especially AgNPs-F can be used in the development of novel and better anticancer drugs. The mechanism of action of the AgNPs involves activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway through upregulation of CASP9 and concerted down regulation of the CXCL1/ CXCR2 gene axis.Item Annona muricata: Is the natural therapy to most disease conditions including cancer growing in our backyard? A systematic review of its research history and future prospects(Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine, 2017) Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Wamunyokoli, Fred; El-Shemy, Hany A.Annona muricata (A. muricata) is a tropical plant species belonging to family Annonaceae and known for its many medicinal uses. This review focuses on the research history of its traditional uses, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, toxicological aspects of the extracts and isolated compounds, as well as the in vitro propagation studies with the objective of stimulating further studies on this plant for human consumption and treatment. A. muricata extracts have been identified in tropical regions to traditionally treat diverse conditions ranging from fever to diabetes and cancer. More than 200 chemical compounds have been identified and isolated from this plant, the most important being alkaloids, phenols and acetogenins. Using in vitro studies, its extracts and phytochemicals have been characterized as antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, larvicidal, and cytotoxic to cancer cells. In vivo studies have revealed anxiolytic, antistress, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimalarial, antidepressant, gastro protective, wound healing, hepato-protective, hypoglycemic, anticancer and anti-tumoral activities. In silico studies have also been reported. In addition, clinical studies support the hypoglycemic as well as some anticancer activities. Mechanisms of action of some pharmacological activities have been elucidated. However, some phytochemical compounds isolated from A. muricata have shown a neurotoxic effect in vitro and in vivo, and therefore, these crude extracts and isolated compounds need to be further investigated to define the magnitude of the effects, optimal dosage, and mechanisms of action, long-term safety, and potential side effects. Additionally, more clinical studies are necessary to support the therapeutic potential of this plant. Some studies were also found to have successfully regenerated the plant in vitro, but with limited success. The reported toxicity notwithstanding, A. muricata extracts seem to be some of the safest and promising therapeutic agents of the 21st century and beyond that need to be studied further for better medicinal formulations and diseases management.Item Antiproliferative Activity, c-Myc and FGFR1 Gene Expression Profiles and Safety of Annona muricata Fruit Extract on Rhabdomyosarcoma and BALB/c Mice(Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 2021) Chikwana, Naomi; Maina, Esther N.; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Bulimo, Wallace; Wamunyokoli, FredRhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive solid tumour of skeletal muscles origin whose current treatment is associated with high expenses, severe side effects, drug resistance and tumour regrowth. There is a need to develop safer and more effective chemotherapeutic agents. Annona muricata is one of the widely used plants in treating various diseases due to its reported effectiveness. However, there is a dearth of scientific information regarding the efficacy of Annona muricata on rhabdomyosarcoma and its safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Annona muricata ethanolic fruit extract on the antiproliferative activity and gene expression in RD cell line, including its biosafety in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: The resazurin metabolic assay was used to assess the antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of Annona muricata ethanolic fruit extract on RD and Vero cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the gene expression profiles on c-Myc and FGFR1 genes. To evaluate the safety of the Annona muricata ethanolic fruit extract, an acute oral toxicity study was conducted on BALB/c mice. Results: Annona muricata ethanolic fruit extract significantly inhibited the growth of RD cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner while being highly selective on the Vero cells (selectivity index of 6.10 at 72h) compared to a reference cancer drug, doxorubicin (Selectivity index of 1.38 at 72hr). The c-Myc and FGFR1 genes were under expressed in RD cells treated with Annona muricata ethanolic fruit extract with (3.4 and 6.1 fold), respectively, compared to untreated cells. Acute oral toxicity studies revealed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between the treated mice and the control group, indicating the safety of the fruit extract. Conclusion: Annona muricata ethanolic fruit extract can serve as effective and safe anticancer agents against rhabdomyosarcoma and further develop into standard drugs. Non-human primate studies need to be undertaken to step towards the clinical utilization of the Annona muricata ethanolic fruit extract in the management of rhabdomyosarcoma.Item Baseline Assessment of Risk Factors of Presumptive Tuberculosis among under Five Children Living with an Index Client under Treatment in Mbale District, Eastern Uganda(Microbiology research journal international, 2020) Tumusiime, Rosemary; Mukasa, Charles; Kisakya-Maria, Agatha K.; Neumbe, Irene Mildred; Odyeny, Jerome; Maube, Bernard; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Nekaka, RebeccaChildren in contact with adults having pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) are vulnerable to TB infection and hence contact tracing and screening is important for early detection of infection. However, there are few contacts traced and the prevalence and risk factors for transmission are not well studied. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection and risk factors associated with TB transmission among under five children in household contact with adult pulmonary TB patients. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in three health facilities with a high TB burden in Mbale District, Eastern Uganda involving all under five household contacts of adults with pulmonary tuberculosis recorded in the TB register from October 2018 to March 2019 and still on treatment. Structured questionnaires were administered to the index clients to obtain their demographic and clinical data about TB, HIV as well as information on the children. Children were screened using the intensive case finding forms to identify presumptive cases. Results: The total number of index TB Clients line listed were 70. Number of clients traced was 38, 21 (%) of whom had children under five years and a total of 33 children were identified. The number of presumptive cases was 9/33 (27.27%). 77.8% of the presumptive cases were living in poorly ventilated houses. Conclusion: The study identified children with presumptive TB and various risk factors for TB transmission. Intensive contact tracing can therefore help reduce TB transmission within the communities. It is recommended to undertake studies aiming at improving contact tracing and strategies to eliminate the risk factors to TB transmission.Item Dermaseptin B2’s Anti-Proliferative Activity and down Regulation of Anti-Proliferative, Angiogenic and Metastatic Genes in Rhabdomyosarcoma RD Cells in Vitro(Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2021) Abdille, Ahmed A.; Kimani, Josephine; Wamunyokoli, Fred; Bulimo, Wallace; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Maina, Esther N.Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most prevalent soft tissue sarcoma in children, representing approximately 50% of pediatric sarcomas and can develop in any part of the body though more frequently at the extremities. Aim: Evaluating the in vitro anti-proliferative activity of Dermaseptin B2 on Rhabdomyosarcoma RD (CCL-136TM) cells and its effect on the expression of MYC, FGFR1, NOTCH1, and CXCR7 genes involve in processes including proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Methods: RD cells were grown in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum. Exponentially growing cells were treated with Dermaseptin B2 and Antiproliferative activity was assayed using the resazurin and migration assays at three time-points. In order to determine the gene expression profiles of MYC, NOTCH1, FGFR1 and CXCR7, total RNA was extracted from the cells and q-RT-PCR was performed with β-Actin as reference gene. Results: Dermaseptin B2 inhibited the proliferation of RD cells in a time and concentration dependent manner as with IC50 values of 7.679 μM, 7.235 μM, 5.993 μM. The 2-dimentional wound healing assay showed inhibition of migration and motility of the RD cells at time-points of 6, 24, 48 and 72-hours with the greatest inhibition observed at 72-hours. Dermaseptin B2 downregulated the target MYC (fc; 1.5013, 1.5185, 2.4144), CXCR7 (fc; 2.8818, 4.4430, 3.9924), FGFR1 (fc; 2.3515, 2.0809, 2.2543), NOTCH1 (fc; 2.4667, 4.6274, 4.3352) genes for the three-time points respectively. NOTCH1 and CXCR7 showed higher fold changes with respect to β-Actin than MYC and FGFR1. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Dermaseptin B2 is a target molecule for signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, RTK and NOTCH pathways that could affect the transcription of these genes and overall inhibition of cancer progression. Further studies are needed to give a better understanding of the detailed mechanisms of action as well as the effects of the Dermaseptin B2 peptide in vivo.Item Determination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as in vitro cytotoxic activities of extracts of Anastatica hierochuntica (Kaff Maryam) against HeLa cell lines(Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2016) Abou-Elella, Faten; Hanafy, Eman A.; Gavamukulya, YahayaAnastatica hierochuntica L. is distributed throughout the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa. It is locally called "Kaff Maryam". All parts of the plant are used in folk medicine. This study aimed to investigate possible antioxidant activity of various extracts of Kaff Mariam, anti-inflammatory activities, as well as in vitro cytotoxic activities. Five extract types were used, namely, the whole ethanolic extracts, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, water, and butanol extracts. The explored items included determination of total phenolics using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and total flavonoids using Muller’s method, anti-oxidant activity using three assays (2, 2'-Azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]- diammonium salt (ABTS), reducing power, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)), membrane stabilization test for anti-inflammatory studies, as well as in vitro cytotoxic activities against HeLa cell lines using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiozol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results obtained indicated high flavonoid and phenolic contents in all the five extracts types. All extracts registered high antioxidant activity using three assays, but generally, the ABTS assay recorded the highest antioxidant activity as compared to the reducing power and DPPH methods. The membrane stabilization test showed that extracts of Kaff Maryam had good anti-inflammatory activity. Extracts of Kaff Maryam also registered very good cytotoxic activities against HeLa cell lines. Kaff Maryam extracts have good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities and the results of this study provide the basis for further investigation of Kaff Maryam for potential identification of novel bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties.Item Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemistry of medicinal plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Eastern Uganda(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-06) Owor, Richard Oriko; Kawuma, Carol; Nantale, Gauden; Kiyimba, Kenedy; Obakiro, Samuel Baker; Ouma, Simple; Lulenzi, Jalia; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Chebijira, Mercy; Lukwago, Tonny Wotoyitide; Egor, Moses; Musagala, Peter; Andima, Moses; Kibuule, Dan; Waako, Paul; Hokello, JosephCurrently, highly active antiretroviral therapy is unable to cure HIV/AIDS because of HIV latency. This study aimed at documenting medicinal plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Eastern Uganda so as to identify phytochemicals with HIV latency reversing potential. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted across eight districts in Eastern Uganda. Traditional medicine practitioners were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests were respectively, performed to determine the presence and quantity of phytochemicals in frequently mentioned plant species. Data were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Twenty-one plant species from fourteen plant families were reported to be used in the management of HIV/AIDS. Six plant species with the highest frequency of mention were: Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Warbugia ugandensis, Leonatis nepetifolia, Croton macrostachyus and Rhoicissus tridentata. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of all the six most frequently mentioned plant species revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids and phenolics. Quantitative analysis revealed the highest content of flavonoids in L. nepetifolia (20.4 mg/g of dry extract) while the lowest content was determined in C. macrostachyus (7.1 mg/g of dry extract). On the other hand, the highest content of tannins was observed in L. nepetifolia. (199.9 mg/g of dry extract) while the lowest content was found in R. tridentata. (42.6 mg/g of dry extract). Medicinal plants used by traditional medicine practitioners in Eastern Uganda to manage HIV/AIDS are rich in phytochemicals including flavonoids and tannins. Further studies to evaluate the HIV-1 latency reversing ability of these phytochemicals are recommended to discover novel molecules against HIV/AIDS.Item Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Lantana trifolia Aqueous Extracts and Their Antibacterial Activity(Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials, 2020) Shigwenya Madivoli, Edwin; Gachoki Kareru, Patrick; Ngure Gachanja, Anthony; Mutuura Mugo, Samuel; Sujee Makhanu, David; Indire Wanakai, Sammy; Gavamukulya, YahayaSynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using secondary metabolites present in plant extracts has attracted attention. In this study, Lantana trifolia aqueous extracts were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which were then screened for their antimicrobial activity. The morphology, size and functional groups present in AgNPs was evaluated using electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The role of temperature, reaction time and concentration of precursor ion were evaluated by measuring the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The crystal structure, hydrodynamic diameters and redox potential were evaluated using powder X-ray diffractometer (PWXRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cyclic voltammetry respectively. The data obtained in this study revealed that increase in the reaction time led to an increase in surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs while the increase in temperature from 20 to 35 ℃ increased the rate of AgNPs synthesis. The XRD diffractogram revealed that the particles were composed of silver with 2θ = 38.36, 44.428, 54.89, and 57.87, corresponding to the silver crystal planes of (111), (200), (220), and (311). The diameters of the nanoparticles were between 35 and 70 nm, and they had moderate antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, S. aureus and B. subtilis.Item Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy and its Effects in Kibuku Town Council, Kibuku District, Eastern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study(Primary Health Care: Open Access, 2018) Manzi, Fred; Ogwang, Joshua; Akankwatsa, Allen; Wokali, Oliver Caroline; Obba, Francis; Bumba, Ahmed; Nekaka, Rebecca; Gavamukulya, YahayaThe prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Kibuku District was reported to be 35.8% in 2016, higher than the average rate for rural areas in Uganda estimated at 27%. This study aimed at determining the factors associated with teenage pregnancy and its effects in Kibuku Town Council, Kibuku District. The research used a cross sectional study that employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Researcher administered questionnaires were given to 180 teenagers in three randomly selected secondary schools in Kibuku Town Council while oral interviews were conducted to 40 pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers attending antenatal clinic at Kibuku Health Centre IV. Microsoft excel and SPSS were used to analyze the data and it was represented in form of frequency tables and figures. There was a big knowledge gap about reproductive health as 75% of school going teenagers believed the minimum age of conception was above 14 years. Bad peer groups, enticement with gifts and poverty were the most common causes of teenage pregnancy while school dropout at 48%, broken marriages and miscarriages at 9% were recorded as its major effects. In conclusion, teenage pregnancy remains a major problem in Kibuku Town Council, Kibuku District and needs urgent interventions which include encouraging parents and schools to adopt a culture of discussing sexual and reproductive health, advocating for abstinence and where necessary, contraception be made open and accepted without stigma.Item GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Phytochemicals Present in Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves of Annona muricata: A Further Evidence for Its Medicinal Diversity(Pharmacognosy Journal, 2015) Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Abou-Elella, Faten; Wamunyokoli, Fred; El-Shemy, Hany A.Folk medicine has taken an important place especially in developing countries where limited health services are available. However, the absence of scientific evaluation of medicinal plants may cause serious adverse effects. Objective: To analyze the phytochemical composition of the ethanolic extracts of leaves of Annona muricata using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Materials and methods: GC-MS Analysis was used. Results: The GC-MS Analysis revealed 25 constituents of which 12 of the compounds were identified. The major constituents were two unidentified compounds with percentage peak areas of 23.51% and 16.8%. Of the identified compounds, the outstanding in composition were 7-Tetradecenal, (Z) (peak area 9.39%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (peak area 7.12%), Oleyl Alcohol (peak area 6.15%), Phytol (peak area 5.61%), cis, cis, cis-7,10,13-Hexadecatrienal (peak area 4.26%), 2-Pentadecanol (peak area 3.93%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester (peak area 3.21%), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl octyl ester (peak area 2.67%), and 1,E- 11,Z-13-Octadecatriene (peak area 2.15%), while the rest had less than 2% composition by peak area. Conclusion: The current study suggests that ethanolic extracts of leaves of Annona muricata are a potent therapeutic agent and paves the way for the development of several treatment regimens based on compounds from this extract.Item Green Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Stable Silver Nanoparticles from Ethanolic Extracts of Fruits of Annona muricata(Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials, 2020) Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Maina, Esther N.; Meroka, Amos M.; Madivoli, Edwin S.; El‑Shemy, Hany A.; Wamunyokoli, Fred; Magoma, GabrielGreen synthesis of nanoparticles from plant materials opens a new scope in nanobiotechnology and discourages the use of expensive toxic chemicals. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a method for the synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) from ethanolic extracts of fruits of Annona muricata as well as to characterize the green synthesized AgNPs. AgNPs were synthesized via AgNO3 solution. The AgNPs were characterized using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The formed AgNPs had an absorption maximum of 427 nm and were stable under different temperature, pH and storage conditions. Fourier Transform Infrared Resorption spectroscopy revealed the functional groups responsible for the synthesis and stabilization of the AgNPs. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis revealed a spherical nature of the AgNPs. Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy showed presence of Ag, Cl, Ca, and Si with Ag having the highest composition at 80%. X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering revealed a crystalline nature of AgNPs with an average size of 60.12 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.1235 respectively. Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis further confirmed the crystalline and spherical nature of the AgNPs. In this article, an efficient, eco-friendly and low-cost method for the synthesis and recovery of stable AgNPs using ethanolic extracts of Annona muricata fruits as both reducing and capping agents has been reported. The synthesized AgNPs could have many biomedical and clinical applications.Item In search of new anticancer drugs: Data for cytotoxic activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles from ethanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of Annona muricata and 5- Fluorouracil against HeLa, PC3 and PNT1A cell lines(Data in brief, 2019) Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Maina, Esther N.; Meroka, Amos M.; El-Shemy, Hany A.; Magoma, Gabriel; Wamunyokoli, FredIn this article, we present data on the anticancer activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from ethanolic extracts of fruits (AgNPs-F) and leaves (AgNPs-L) of Annona muricata and standard anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) on two cancer cell lines, i.e. cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa cells) and prostate adenocarcinoma (PC3 cells) as well as on an immortalized normal prostate cell line, PNT1A. The cytotoxicity on the cells was determined by measuring the absorbance signal of resazurin dye. It has long been known that metabolically active cells change the resazurin from blue (oxidized) to red (reduced) forms, corresponding to the absorbance signals at a wavelength of 570nm (A570) and 600nm (A600) respectively, from which therefore the effects of any treatments on percentage cell viability/death can be elucidated. The raw data values of the treatments against the HeLa, PC3 and PNT1A cells are shown in the different Tables. Examples of how the data can be analyzed have been illustrated using different growth inhibition curves. The data can be used by academics, students, and researchers working on development of anticancer drugs.Item Liquid Chromatography Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC/SQ MS) Analysis Reveals Presence of Novel Antineoplastic Metabolites in Ethanolic Extracts of Fruits and Leaves of Annona muricata(Pharmacognosy Journal, 2019) Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Maina, Esther N.; Meroka, Amos M.; Madivoli, Edwin S.; El-Shemy, Hany A.; Magoma, Gabriel; Wamunyokoli, FredAnnona muricata, a tropical plant species belonging to family Annonaceae is one of the most used plants in folk medicine because of its many medicinal uses. Despite its wide usage, there is still need to continue scientifically evaluating its medicinal properties in order to avoid any adverse effects. Elucidating the detailed chemical composition of this plant is a significant step towards this evaluation. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct LC MS analysis on the ethanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of Annona muricata for detection of novel metabolites. Materials and Methods: Leaves and fruits of Annona muricata were collected from Eastern Uganda during the month January 2018. Extraction was conducted using the tissue homogenization method and the extracts were analyzed on an LC/SQ MS detection system. The results were obtained by analyzing the MS spectra using the retentions time and fragmentation patterns on the NIST Library. Results: The study revealed that the fruits extracts contain 1,3-Dimethylthiourea and (4-chlorophenyl)-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-[(Z)-3-(dimethylamino) prop-1-enyl]quinolin-6-yl]-(3-methylimidazol-4-yl)methanol, which are reported antioxidant and antineoplastic agents. The leaves contained 2,4,6-Tribromoaniline another antioxidant and antineoplastic agent, while compound (dichlorozirconium(2+);dimethyl-bis(2-methyl-4- phenylinden-1-id-1-yl)silane was found in both extracts of fruits and leaves. Conclusion: The current study suggests that ethanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of Annona muricata contain compounds which are potent antioxidant, antineoplastic and therapeutic agents for various conditions and paves the way for the development of several treatment regimens from these plant parts. Finally, the compounds reported in this study have been identified for the first time as being found in Annona muricata.Item A Mathematical Model Approach for Prevention and Intervention Measures of the COVID19 Pandemic in Uganda(BMJ, 2020) Mbabazi, Fulgensia Kamugisha; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Awichi, Richard; Olupot, Peter Olupot; Rwahwire, Samson; Biira, Saphina; Luboobi, Livingstone S.The human–infecting corona virus disease (COVID–19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS–CoV–2) was declared a global pandemic on March 11th, 2020. Current human deaths due to the infection have raised the threat globally with only 1 African country free of Virus (Lesotho) as of May 6th, 2020. Different countries have adopted different interventions at different stages of the outbreak, with social distancing being the first option while lock down the preferred option for flattening the curve at the peak of the pandemic. Lock down is aimed at adherence to social distancing, preserve the health system and improve survival. We propose a Susceptible–Exposed–Infected–Expected recoveries (SEIR) mathematical model to study the impact of a variety of prevention and control strategies Uganda has applied since the eruption of the pandemic in the country. We analyze the model using available data to find the infection–free, endemic/infection steady states and the basic reproduction number. In addition, a sensitivity analysis done shows that the transmission rate and the rate at which persons acquire the virus, have a positive influence on the basic reproduction number. On other hand the rate of evacuation by rescue ambulance greatly reduces the reproduction number. The results have potential to inform the impact and effect of early strict interventions including lock down in resource limited settings and social distancing.Item A Mathematical Model Approach for Prevention and Intervention Measures of the COVID{19 Pandemic in Uganda(Asian Research Journal of Mathematics, 2022) Kamugisha Mbabazi, Fulgensia; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Awichi, Richard; Olupot-Olupot, Peter; Rwahwire, Samson; Biira, Saphina; Luboobi, Livingstone S.The human{infecting corona virus disease (COVID{19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS{CoV{2) was declared a global pandemic on March 11th, 2020. Current human deaths due to the infection have raised the threat globally with only 1 African country free of Virus (Lesotho) as of May 6th, 2020. Different countries have adopted different interventions at different stages of the outbreak, with social distancing being the first option while lock down the preferred option for flattening the curve at the peak of the pandemic. Lock down is aimed at adherence to social distancing, preserve the health system and improve survival. We propose a Susceptible{Exposed{Infected{Expected recoveries (SEIR) mathematical model to study the impact of a variety of prevention and control strategies Uganda has applied since the eruption of the pandemic in the country. We analyze the model using available data to find the infection{free, endemic/infection steady states and the basic reproduction number. In addition, a sensitivity analysis done shows that the transmission rate and the rate at which persons acquire the virus, have a positive influence on the basic reproduction number. On other hand the rate of evacuation by rescue ambulance greatly reduces the reproduction number. The results have potential to inform the impact and effect of early strict interventions including lock down in resource limited settings and social distancing.Item Nutritional Knowledge and Practice among Patients with Non-communicable Diseases Attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study(International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 2019) Nambala, Esther; Byakika-Tusiime, Jayne; Gavamukulya, YahayaTo determine nutritional knowledge and practices among patients with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) attending Mbale Regional Referral hospital, in Eastern Uganda. Study Design: A mixed methods cross sectional study design was used. Place and Duration of Study: Mbale Regional Referral Hospital among patients attending the NCD clinic from May to July 2017. Methodology: Two hundred sixty clients were recruited for the study. Quantitative data was collected through structured administered questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Chi square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association between nutrition knowledge and utilization. Qualitative data was coded first and summarized according to the themes. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 55 years (SD= 14) and hospital was the main source of nutrition information (n=156, 60%). Most respondents (n=156, 60%) had a high level of nutrition knowledge, however only 48.8% (n=127) were utilizing the knowledge. Those who had attained secondary level of education were 2.308 more likely to utilize the nutrition knowledge than those who had never studied P value of .028, 95CI (1.093-4.874). Those with tertiary education were even 9.261 times more likely to utilize the knowledge P value <.001 95CI (2.721-31.522). Those with adequate knowledge were about 1.6 times most likely to utilize the nutrition knowledge compared to those with inadequate knowledge level, however, with the adjusted odd ratio of 1.573 at 95% CI (0.923- 2.868) the results were not statistically significant (P value .098). Conclusion: NCD patients had adequate knowledge, with a few of them utilizing the knowledge. High education level was associated with better nutrition practices.Item Phytochemical Analysis and Antileishmanial Activity of Clerodendrum myricoides and Salvadora persica Plant Extracts against Leishmania major(Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 2020) Maina, Esther N. M.; Njau, Virginia N.; Gavamukulya, YahayaClerodendrum myricoides and Salvadora persica have been reported in management of leishmaniasis which is one of the neglected tropical diseases. The study aimed at undertaking phytochemical analysis as well as investigating the in vitro antileishmanial activity of Clerodendrum myricoides and Salvadora persica extracts on promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania major. Materials and Methods: Solvent extraction of the stem parts of the two plants was performed using water, methanol, petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), anti-amastigote and nitric oxide production assays were carried out to demonstrate antileishmanial activity of these plant extracts against the two forms of Leishmania major parasite species: promastigote and amastigote. Cytotoxicity assay was then conducted to assess their safe use as herbal medicinal products. Results: Both plants showed presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, anthraquinones and saponins. The Clerodendrum myricoides water extract demonstrated the best potential antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major promastigotes (MIC=625 μg/ml). The dichloromethane and petroleum ether extract were nontoxic to vero cells but showed moderate to weak activity against Leishmania major promastigotes (MIC=1250 μg/ml; 2500 μg/ml) and amastigotes respectively. The Salvadora persica ethyl acetate, successive methanol and dichloromethane extracts recorded the most potential activity towards both Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes. Conclusions: All Salvadora persica and Clerodendrum myricoides extracts have potential antileishmanial activity and may offer a cheaper alternative to the more expensive pentavalent antimonials.Item Phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant activity and in vitro anticancer potential of ethanolic and water leaves extracts of Annona muricata (Graviola)(Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine, 2014) Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Abou-Elella, Faten; Wamunyokoli, Fred; El-Shemy, Hany A.To determine the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and anticancer activities of ethanolic and water leaves extracts of Annona muricata (A. muricata) from the Eastern Uganda. Methods: Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard qualitative methods and a Chi-square goodness of fit test was used to assign the relative abundance of the different phytochemicals. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2-diphenyl2-picrylhydrazyl and reducing power methods whereas the in vitro anticancer activity was determined using three different cell lines. Results: Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed that they were rich in secondary class metabolite compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins and lactones, anthraquinones, tannins, cardiac glycosides, phenols and phytosterols. Total phenolics in the water extract were (683.69依0.09) µg/mL gallic acid equivalents (GAE) while it was (372.92 依0.15) µg/mL GAE in the ethanolic extract. The reducing power was 216.41 µg/mL in the water extract and 470.51 µg/mL GAE in the ethanolic extract. In vitro antioxidant activity IC50 was 2.0456 mg/mL and 0.9077 mg/mL for ethanolic and water leaves extracts of A. muricata respectively. The ethanolic leaves extract was found to be selectively cytotoxic in vitro to tumor cell lines (EACC, MDA and SKBR3) with IC50 values of 335.85 µg/mL, 248.77 µg/mL, 202.33 µg/mL respectively, while it had no cytotoxic effect on normal spleen cells. The data also showed that water leaves extract of A. muricata had no anticancer effect at all tested concentrations. Conclusions: The results showed that A. muricata was a promising new antioxidant and anticancer agent.