Browsing by Author "Kiprop, Ambrose K."

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    Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. (Rutaceae): ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and clinical application
    (Traditional Medicine Research, 2022) Omara, Timothy; Kiprop, Ambrose K.; Kosgei, Viola J.; Kagoya, Sarah
    Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. is a plant extensively used in traditional medicine. Here, a synopsis of the research on various aspects of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. is presented. An electronic literature review revealed that formulations containing Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. are used to manage and treat diabetes, eye problems, malaria, snake envenomation, malignancies, as well as venereal, gastrointestinal, reproductive, respiratory, dermatological, and odonatological ailments. To date, 90 compounds have been isolated and characterized from extracts of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, anti-human immunodeficiency virus-1, antimycobacterial, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities. These bioactivities can be attributed to alkaloids, coumarins, limonoids, and phenylpropanoids present in different parts of the plant. Although some studies have indicated moderate toxicity of the extracts, some of the dominant compounds in this species, such as estragole and carbazole alkaloids, are mutagenic or cytotoxic. A clinical trial utilizing a Ghanaian herbal formulation containing Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. was found to be effective in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis. Research progress to date supports the traditional use of this species in herbal medicine. However, these studies do not explain the relationships between traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action. Thus, further studies should be designed to understand the biochemical properties and physiological effects of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. extracts, facilitating the development and utilization of this medicinal resource.
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    Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Management of Cancer in Uganda: A Review of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Studies
    (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020) Omara, Timothy; Kiprop, Ambrose K.; Ramkat, Rose C.; Cherutoi, Jackson; Kagoya, Sarah; Moraa Nyangena, Decrah; Azeze Tebo, Tsedey; Nteziyaremye, Papias; Nyambura Karanja, Lucy; Jepchirchir, Abigael; Maiyo, Alfayo; Jematia Kiptui, Betty; Mbabazi, Immaculate; Kiwanuka Nakiguli, Caroline; Nakabuye, Brenda Victoria; Chepkemoi Koske, Margaret
    )e burden of neoplastic diseases is a significant global health challenge accounting for thousands of deaths. In Uganda, about 32,617 cancer cases were reported in 2018, accompanied by 21,829 deaths. In a view to identify some potential anticancer plant candidates for possible drug development, the current study was designed to compile the inventory of plants with reported anticancer activity used in rural Uganda and the evidences supporting their use in cancer therapy. An electronic survey in multidisciplinary databases revealed that 29 plant species belonging to 28 genera distributed among 24 families have been reported to be used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Anticancer plants were majorly from the families Bignoniaceae (7%), Caricaceae (7%), Fabaceae (7%), Moraceae (7%), and Rutaceae (7%). Most species occur in the wild (52%), though some are cultivated (48%). )e growth habit of the plants is as trees (55%) or herbs (45%). Anticancer extracts are usually prepared from leaves (29%), bark (24%), roots (21%), and fruits (13%) through decoctions (53%), as food spices (23%) or pounded to produce ointments that are applied topically (10%). Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, Opuntia species, Albizia coriaria (Welw. ex Oliver), Daucus carota L., Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell., Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K. Schum., and Oxalis corniculata L. were the most frequently encountered species. As per global reports, Allium sativum L., Annona muricata L., Carica papaya L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Opuntia species, Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, and Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. are the most studied species, with the latter having vincristine and vinblastine anticancer drugs developed from it. Prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers are the top traditionally treated malignancies. )ere is a need to isolate and evaluate the anticancer potential of the bioactive compounds in the unstudied claimed plants, such as Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell., Ficus dawei Hutch., Ficus natalensis Hochst., and Lovoa trichilioides Harms, and elucidate their mechanism of anticancer activity.
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    The Scourge of Aflatoxins in Kenya: A 60-Year Review (1960 to 2020)
    (Journal of Food Quality, 2021) Omara, Timothy; Kiprop, Ambrose K.; Wangila, Phanice; Wacoo, Alex Paul; Kagoya, Sarah; Nteziyaremye, Papias; Odero, Mark Peter; Kiwanuka Nakiguli, Caroline; Obakiro, Samuel Baker
    Aflatoxins are endemic in Kenya. +e 2004 outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in the country was one of the unprecedented epidemics of human aflatoxin poisoning recorded in mycotoxin history. In this study, an elaborate review was performed to synthesize Kenya’s major findings in relation to aflatoxins, their prevalence, detection, quantification, exposure assessment, prevention, and management in various matrices. Data retrieved indicate that the toxins are primarily biosynthesized by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, with the eastern part of the country reportedly more aflatoxin-prone. Aflatoxins have been reported in maize and maize products (Busaa, chan’gaa, githeri, irio, muthokoi, uji, and ugali), peanuts and its products, rice, cassava, sorghum, millet, yams, beers, dried fish, animal feeds, dairy and herbal products, and sometimes in tandem with other mycotoxins. +e highest total aflatoxin concentration of 58,000 μg/kg has been reported in maize. At least 500 acute human illnesses and 200 deaths due to aflatoxins have been reported. +e causes and prevalence of aflatoxins have been grossly ascribed to poor agronomic practices, low education levels, and inadequate statutory regulation and sensitization. Low diet diversity has aggravated exposure to aflatoxins in Kenya because maize as a dietetic staple is aflatoxin-prone. Detection and surveillance are only barely adequate, though some exposure assessments have been conducted. +ere is a need to widen diet diversity as a measure of reducing exposure due to consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods.