Browsing by Author "Ogwang, Patrick E."

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    Artemisia Annua L. Infusion Consumed Once a Week Reduces Risk of Multiple Episodes of Malaria: A Randomised Trial in a Ugandan Community
    (Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2012) Ogwang, Patrick E.; Ogwal, Jasper O.; Kasasa, Simon; Olila, Deogratius; Ejobi, Francis; Kabasa, David; Obua, Celestino
    To evaluate the protective effect of Artemisia annua infusion against malaria in a community that uses it as herbal ‘tea’ for malaria prevention. Methods: 132 flower farm workers who met the study inclusion criteria and were not yet using A. annua infusion were randomized either to A. annua or placebo groups in the ratio of 1:1. Treatments were administered once a week under direct observation to participants. Malaria episodes were documented over a 9-month period while adverse effects were documented over 12 months. Results: A. annua herbal ‘tea’ significantly reduced the risk of suffering more than one episode of malaria in nine months by 55 % (12/67 vs 26/65, p = 0.005 No participant experienced any serious adverse effect although bitter taste was the most common side effect of the infusion. Conclusion: Artemisia annua infusion consumed once a week was effective in preventing multiple episodes of malaria in humans living in malaria endemic areas. However, its bitter taste and the risk of development of malaria parasite resistance to the artemisinin contained in it remain major challenges for its use in the mass control of malaria.
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    Drug-like properties of anticancer molecules elucidated from Eichhornia crassipes
    (Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2018) Mtewa, Andrew G.; Deyno, Serawit; Ngwira, Kennedy; Lampiao, Fanuel; Peter, Emanuel L.; Ahovegbe, Lucrece Y.; Ogwang, Patrick E.; Sesaazi, Duncan C.
    and melanoma cells. This systematic review was conducted according to Cochrane hand book of systematic review and guidelines for systematic reviews aiming to explore the potential that the plant has in providing drug leads against cancer. The results show that only a few molecules (10) have been elucidated from leaves of the plant and shown to be active against cancers. The molecules are alkaloids and tepernoids. Some drug-like properties (Solubility, permeability, lipophilicity and melting point) of a few of the compounds are known. Drug-like properties of the compounds elucidated from the roots, flowers and stem of Eichhornia crassipes, as well as other compounds from the leaves are yet to be determined. It is important to further explore these molecules as well as more from this promising plant for the developing of better anticancer drugs.
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    Occurrence of Citropsis articulata in Tropical Forests in Uganda: Implication for Ex Situ Conservation
    (International Journal of Forestry Research, 2021) Wangalwa, Rapheal; Apio Olet, Eunice; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Umba Tolo, Casim; Ogwang, Patrick E.; Barasa, Bernard
    Citropsis articulata is a medicinal plant that is increasingly threatened by unsustainable methods of harvesting and habitat degradation. Owing to the fact that this plant species is highly utilized for herbal medicine and is currently restricted to a few forest reserves in Uganda, this has significant implications for ex situ conservation. ,erefore, the aim of this study was to assess how physiographical factors influence the occurrence and distribution of C. articulata in the three forest reserves in Uganda, namely, Budongo, Mabira, and Kibale National Park. ,e study was carried out in 15 compartmental sites in each of the three forests. In each compartmental site, 4 plots of 60m× 60m were systematically established, and within each plot, 4 subplots each of size 20m× 20m were randomly setup. A total of 240 subplots were assessed for occurrence of Citropsis articulata in each forest. ,eresults indicated a significant (p < 0.05) variation in the density of C. articulata with the highest recorded in Kibale National Park. Citropsis articulata generally occurred at moderate altitudinal landscapes (overall elevation = 1200.0 ± 20.73 m) with soils that are moderately acidic (overall pH= 5.7 ± 0.10), low in salinity (overall salinity = 84.0 ± 3.84 mg/l), and moderate levels of macro- and micronutrients. Citropsis articulata was generally associated with plant communities dominated by canopy tree species of genera such as Chryosphyllum, Celtis, Markhamia, Cynometra, Lasiodiscus, Trilepisium, Funtumia, and Diospyros, thus suggesting that C. articulata is a shade-tolerant species. Establishing the ecological requirements of this plant species among other things informs the potential for ex situ production of this plant. ,is will not only provide alternative sources of plant harvest but also go a long way in relieving the current harvest pressures exerted on the conserved wild populations of this plant species.
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    Use of Artemisia annua L. Infusion for Malaria Prevention: Mode of Action and Benefits in a Ugandan Community
    (British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2011) Ogwang, Patrick E.; Ogwal, Jasper O.; Kasasa, Simon; Ejobi, Francis; Kabasa, David; Obua, Celestino
    Malaria is major public health problem in Uganda endemic in 95% contributing up to 40% of hospital outpatient attendances. Approaches to controlling the disease include; environmental, entomological and medicinal interventions. Some communities use medicinal plants to control the disease. In this paper we report the use of Artemisia annua L. for malaria prophylaxis at a Ugandan floricultural farm. We conducted a survey of the farm workers to determine extent of use of A. annua ‘tea’, their clinic attendance patterns and also quantified the levels of artemisinin and flavonoids in A. annua. We further tested the effect of artemisinin devoid extract in laboratory animal models. Findings from the survey showed that 84.2% of the managers and 62% of field workers in this farm consumed A. annua ‘tea’ once a week to prevent malaria and related fevers. Clinic attendance due to fevers or symptoms associated with malaria was reduced by 80% while cases of laboratory confirmed diagnosis of malaria reduced by 16.7%. Laboratory test of A. annua leaf powder used in community indicated the presence of artemisinin (0.4% to 0.5%) and flavonoids (9% to 11%). A. annua extract devoid of artemisinin was found to significantly boost monocyte counts in albino rats (p<0.001).The action of these flovonoids could explain the mechanism of prophylaxis of A. annua ‘tea’. A. annua variety or product thereof rich in flavonoids but devoid of artemisinin should be developed and tried for mass prevention of malaria as a beverage or food taken regularly.