Hermine Jatsa-Megaptche Boukeng

Hepatic, oxidative, and immunological alterations in adults with concomitant Schistosoma mansoni infection and alcohol abuse in an endemic area of Cameroon

Emmanuelle Simo Yimgoua, Emilienne Tienga Nkondo, Ulrich Membe Femoe, Joseph Bertin Fassi-Kadji, Mérimé Christian Kenfack, Nestor Gipwe Feussom et 4 autre(s)

BMC Infectious Diseases

BACKGROUND: Schistosoma mansoni infection and chronic alcohol consumption are major public health concerns that predominantly affect the liver, yet their combined hepatic effects remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with this co-exposure in an endemic setting in Cameroon. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Makenéné, Cameroon, including 310 adults stratified by parasitic status and level of alcohol exposure. Infection was diagnosed using Kato-Katz and POC-CCA assays. Alcohol exposure was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Hematological, liver function, oxidative, inflammatory, and fibrogenic profiles were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with alcohol abuse alone, combined S. mansoni infection and alcohol abuse was associated with reduced erythrocyte and platelet indices (p < 0.05), elevated activities of AST (p < 0.001), ALP (p < 0.01), GGT (p < 0.05), AST/ALT ratio (p < 0.001), and protein concentration (p < 0.001). Relative to schistosomiasis alone, the comorbidity was associated with higher ALT and AST (p < 0.01) and GGT (p < 0.05), but lower total protein (p < 0.05). Both schistosomiasis and alcohol abuse, independently, induced oxidative stress, evidenced by increased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001) and decreased catalase activity, GSH, and nitrite levels. This oxidative imbalance was exacerbated in co-exposed individuals who exhibited the lowest catalase activity (p < 0.01) and GSH concentration (p < 0.05). The comorbidity was also characterized by the lowest TNF-α levels (p < 0.05) and the highest TGF-β1 levels (p < 0.001). Procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (P3NP) peaked during S. mansoni infection (p < 0.001) but was less expressed during the comorbidity (p < 0.05). Both S. mansoni infection intensity and alcohol abuse correlate positively with transaminases and malondialdehyde, but negatively with nitrite, catalase, and TNF-α. Infection correlates positively with proteins, TGF-β1, IL-10, and P3NP, while alcohol abuse negatively correlates with IL-10 and SOD. CONCLUSION: S. mansoni infection and alcohol abuse comorbidity exacerbates liver injury beyond either condition alone, with increased liver enzymes, oxidative stress, immune imbalance, and fibrogenesis, highlighting the need for integrated public health strategies to reduce liver-related morbidity in endemic settings.

• #parasites and host interactions
• #parasite biology and host interactions
• #amoebic infections and treatments
• #schistosoma mansoni

Schistosomiasis mansoni and alcohol abuse comorbidity: Prevalence and risk factors among adults in Makenene, Cameroon

Emmanuelle S. Yimgoua, Christian M. Kenfack, Nestor G. Feussom, Joseph B. Fassi-Kadji, Emilienne T. Nkondo, Ulrich M. Femoe et 2 autre(s)

PLoS neglected tropical diseases

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption in Cameroon is approximately twice the African average, and Makenene is a hotspot of Schistosoma mansoni infection in the country. Considering that both schistosomiasis mansoni and alcohol abuse can induce liver pathology, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of S. mansoni and alcohol abuse comorbidity in Makenene, Cameroon. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Makenene, including 431 adults from four communities. Schistosoma mansoni was diagnosed using Kato-Katz (KK) and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) tests. Participants were considered S. mansoni-positive if either test was positive. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to determine the alcohol dependence score (ADS). Sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental factors were also recorded. The prevalence of S. mansoni was 19.6% (95% CI: 15.7-24.0) by KK and 66.1% (95% CI: 58.8-73.3) by POC-CCA, yielding a prevalence of 34.6% (95% CI: 30.2 - 39.0) in the study population. The prevalence of alcohol abuse was 54.3% (95% CI: 49.4-58.7). S. mansoni infection and alcohol abuse comorbidity prevalence was 17.4% (95% CI: 13.9 - 21.1). Independent predictors of this comorbidity included the community of residence, with the risk being nearly fivefold higher in Baloua (AOR = 4.99; 95% CI: 2.36-10.56; p < 0.001) and over twofold higher in Carrière (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.19-4.70; p = 0.013). Furthermore, regular consumption of palm wine (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.39-5.34; p = 0.003) and beer (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.06-3.80; p = 0.032), as well as, being aged 18-39 years (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.02-3.46; p = 0.042), were also identified as significant independent factors. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This study confirms S. mansoni endemicity in Makenene and reveals a high prevalence of alcohol misuse, highlighting the comorbidity. These findings call for integrated interventions targeting both schistosomiasis transmission and harmful alcohol use.

• #parasites and host interactions
• #research on leishmaniasis studies
• #parasite biology and host interactions
• #schistosoma mansoni

Schistosomiasis mansoni-alcoholism comorbidity: prevalence and risk factors among adults in Makenene, Cameroon

Emmanuelle S. Yimgoua, Christian Mérimé Kenfack, Nestor Gipwe Feussom, Joseph B. Fassi-Kadji, Emilienne Tienga Nkondo, Ulrich Membe Femoe et 2 autre(s)

medRxiv

Abstract Background Alcohol consumption in Cameroon is approximately twice the African average, and Makenene is a hotspot of Schistosoma mansoni infection in the country. Considering that both schistosomiasis mansoni and alcoholism induced liver pathology and are public health concerns, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of S. mansoni and alcoholism comorbidity in Makenene, Cameroon. Methodology/Principal findings A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Makenene, including 431 adults from four neighborhoods. Schistosoma mansoni was diagnosed using Kato-Katz (KK) and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) tests. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to determine the alcohol dependence score (ADS). Sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental factors were also recorded. The prevalence of S. mansoni was 19.6% (95% CI: 15.7–24.0) by KK and 66.1% (95% CI: 58.8–73.3) by POC-CCA, yielding an overall prevalence of 34.6% (95% CI: 30.2 – 39.0). Diagnostic concordance between KK and POC-CCA was moderate (κ = 0.458; p &lt; 0.001). Alcohol misuse prevalence was 54.3% (95% CI: 49.4–58.7) and schistosomiasis–alcoholism comorbidity prevalence was 17.4% (95% CI: 13.9 – 21.1). Independent predictors of infection included being 18–39 years old (AOR = 2.01; p = 0.001), residing in the Baloua neighborhood (AOR = 2.64; p &lt; 0.001), and regularly performing domestic chores at transmission sites (AOR = 1.83; p = 0.006). Risk factors for alcoholism were male sex (AOR = 2.48; p = 0.002), regular consumption of adulterated whisky (AOR = 26.84; p = 0.005) and beer (AOR = 5.81; p &lt; 0.001) and motivational factors, including conformity (AOR = 4.80; p &lt; 0.001), coping (AOR = 3.06; p = 0.005), and social motives (AOR = 2.33; p = 0.002). Conclusion/significance This study confirms S. mansoni endemicity in Makenene and reveals a high prevalence of alcohol misuse, highlighting the comorbidity. These findings call for integrated interventions targeting both schistosomiasis transmission and harmful alcohol use. Author Summary This study presents, for the first time, documented data on the comorbidity between Schistosoma mansoni infection and alcoholism in a rural area of Cameroon. Through parasitological, sociodemographic, and behavioral approaches, it revealed the prevalence of schistosomiasis and alcohol abuse comorbidity in Makenene. The risk factors for S. mansoni infection included younger age (18–39 years), residence in the nearest riverine community, and frequent performance of domestic chores at transmission sites. In parallel, alcohol misuse was strongly associated with male sex and with the regular consumption of adulterated whisky and beer, two widely available and low-cost beverages. The primary motivations for alcohol abuse were the pursuit of social acceptance, the facilitation of social interactions, and the alleviation of psychological distress. The co-occurrence of these two major health problems highlights the urgent need for integrated strategies that address alcohol abuse within schistosomiasis control programs. These findings provide a basis for developing targeted interventions to simultaneously reduce the burden of schistosomiasis and alcohol abuse in semi-rural and rural settings.

• #parasites and host interactions
• #spondyloarthritis studies and treatments
• #employment and welfare studies
• #schistosomiasis

Morphological identification of hookworm species in five regions of Cameroon

Calvine Noumedem Dongmo, Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, L-A. Tchuem Tchuenté

Helminthologia

Summary Infections with hookworms ( Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale ) remain a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. However, the information about the distribution of each species is inaccurate in many countries since their traditional diagnosis is based only on the identification of eggs in stool under a microscope. We aimed to identify the prevalence of hookworm species using morphological stools to identify L3 larvae to gain insights into the distribution of both species in five regions of Cameroon. Samples were collected from schoolchildren in five regions and 34 subdivisions of Cameroon and examined using the Kato-Katz method. We randomly selected a total of 157 samples among hookworm's positive stool samples. They were cultured using the Harada-Mori test-tube technique. The morphological identification of a total of 8063 isolated hookworm filariform larvae L3 was conducted following established criteria. The sensitivity rate to the Harada-Mori technique was 58 %. Among the 8063 L3 larvae identified during this study, 230 (2.95 %) of L3 larvae were identified as A. duodenale , and 7833 (97.15 %) of L3 larvae were identified as N. americanus . A. duodenale was observed only in the Mouanko subdivision in the Littoral region. The complementary use of the Kato Katz and the Harada-Mori culture techniques to screen hookworm infections contributes to the differentiation of N. americanus and A. duodenale as the two hookworm species in Cameroon. An extended molecular study in the localities where only N. americanus has been identified is necessary to reach more conclusions on the distribution of hookworm species in Cameroon.

• #parasites and host interactions
• #parasite biology and host interactions
• #helminth infection and control
• #ancylostoma duodenale

In Vitro Assessment of the Cercaricidal Activity of Sida acuta Burm. F. and Sida rhombifolia Linn. (Malvaceae) Hydroethanolic Extracts, Cytotoxicity, and Phytochemical Studies

Ulrich Membe Femoe, Joseph Bertin Kadji Fassi, Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Yannick Leonel Tchoffo, David Carel Amvame Nna, Blaise Cédric Kamdoum et 7 autre(s)

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Despite the global efforts, schistosomiasis remains a public health problem in several tropical and subtropical countries. One of the major challenges in the fight against schistosomiasis is the interruption of the parasite life cycle. Here, we evaluated the anticercarial, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical profiles of Sida acuta (HESa) and Sida rhombifolia (HESr) hydroethanolic extracts (Malvaceae). Schistosoma mansoni cercaria was collected from fifteen Biomphalaria pfeifferi-infected snails. Twenty-five cercariae were incubated in duplicate with different concentrations (31.25–1,000 μg/mL) of HESa or HESr. The cercaria viability was monitored at 30 min time intervals for 150 min, and the concentration-response curve of each plant extract was used to determine their respective lethal concentration 50 (LC50). Additionally, the cytotoxicity profile of each plant extract was evaluated on the Hepa 1–6 cell line at a concentration range of 15.625–1,000 µg/mL using the WST-8 assay method and its inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was calculated. Moreover, phytochemical characterization of each plant extract was carried out by HPLC-MS. Both extracts exhibited cercaricidal activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. At 30 min time point, HESa (LC50 = 28.41 ± 3.5 µg/mL) was more effective than HESr (LC50 = 172.42 ± 26.16 µg/mL) in killing S. mansoni cercariae. Regarding the cytotoxicity effect of both extracts, the IC50 of HESa (IC50 = 109.67 µg/mL) was lower than that of HESr (IC50 = 888.79 µg/mL). The selectivity index was 3.86 and 5.15 for HESa and HESr, respectively. Fifteen compounds were identified from HESa and HESr after HPLC-MS analysis. N-Feruloyltyramine, a polyphenol, and thamnosmonin, a coumarin, were identified in both extracts. HESa and HESr displayed cercaricidal activity and were not toxic on Hepa 1–6 cell line. Based on the selectivity index of these extracts, S. rhombifolia extract could be more effective on S. mansoni cercariae than S. acuta extract. This study could provide baseline information for further investigations aiming to develop plant-based alternative drugs against S. mansoni.

• #parasites and host interactions
• #parasite biology and host interactions
• #helminth infection and control
• #phytochemical

Reduction of Testosterone Levels in Schistosoma Haematobium or Schistosoma Mansoni Infected Men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Schistosomiasis-Endemic Areas of the Adamawa Region of Cameroon

Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Ulrich Membe Femoe, Calvine Noumedem Dongmo, Romuald Issiaka Ngassam Kamwa, Betrand Nono Fesuh, Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté et 1 autre(s)

Research Square

Abstract Background: The incidence of schistosomiasis‐induced male reproductive dysfunction and infertility is probably underestimated comparing to female genital schistosomiasis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of S. haematobium or S. mansoni infection on the reproductive function of adult men in Tibati and Wouldé, two schistosomiasis endemic areas in the Adamawa region of Cameroon. Methods: A total of 89 men in the reproductive age (range: 14 – 56 years) from two localities were enrolled in the study with 51 in Tibati and 38 in Wouldé. Each participant was submitted to a questionnaire to document data on sociodemographic and stream contact behaviors. A medical examination was performed to measure the circumference of the testes and to evaluate genital tract pathologies. Stool and urine samples were collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium or S. mansoni ova. Blood serum was use to evaluate the level of transaminases and testosterone. Results: S. haematobium was present only in Tibati with a prevalence of 31.37%. S. mansoni prevalence was 3.92% at Tibati and 44.71% in Wouldé. The intensity of infection was 22.12 ± 9.57 eggs/10 mL for S. haematobium and 128.10 ± 3.76 epg for S. mansoni . Serum transaminases activity and the mean testicular circumference of Schistosoma -positive individuals were close to those of negative ones. The testes size was however higher in S. mansoni -positive individuals than in S. haematobium -positive ones ( P &lt; 0.05). The serum testosterone level of S. haematobium and S. mansoni -positive men was significantly reduced by 56.07% ( P &lt; 0.001) and 51.94% ( P &lt; 0.01) respectively in comparison to that of Schistosoma -negative ones. A significant and negative correlation was established between schistosomiasis and the low level of serum testosterone. Male genital tract pathologies such as scrotal abnormalities, varicocele, nodular epididymis, inguinal hernia and hydrocele were recorded in both Schistosoma -positive and Schistosoma -negative men. However, no significant link was established between schistosomiasis infection and these pathologies. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that infection with S. haematobium or S. mansoni is associated with a low production of the reproductive hormone testosterone, and may be a major cause of male infertility.

• #parasites and host interactions
• #parasite biology and host interactions
• #global maternal and child health
• #schistosomiasis

In vitro Activity of Ozoroa pulcherrima Schweinf. Extracts and Fractions on Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae and Adult Worms

Nestor Gipwe Feussom, Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Mérimé Christian Kenfack, Emilienne Tienga Nkondo, Ulrich Membe Femoe, Joseph Bertin Kadji Fassi et 4 autre(s)

European Journal of Medicinal Plants

Aims: Continuous attempts are being made to develop new and more effective drugs for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Ozoroa pulcherrima Schweinf. is a medicinal plant used in Africa for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, dystocia and intestinal helminthiasis. This study provides findings on the cercaricidal and schistosomicidal activity of extracts and fractions of Ozoroa pulcherrima in in vitro assays.&#x0D; Methodology: The aqueous and methanolic extracts from Ozoroa pulcherrima root parts (62.5 – 2000 µg/mL), as well as the methanol derived fractions (n-hexane and ethyl acetate: 31.25 – 1000 µg/mL) were tested on cercariae and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Niclosamide-olamine 5% (1 µg/mL) and praziquantel (10 µg/mL) were respectively used as reference drugs. During the assays, the mortality of cercariae after 2 hours, and adult worms’ mobility and mortality after 48 hours of incubation were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: Ozoroa pulcherrima extracts and fractions significantly increased cercariae and worm mortality in a concentration-dependent manner. The methanolic extract was the most active on cercariae with a LC50of 20.65 µg/mL after 30 minutes, while the n-hexane fraction was the most active on worm with a LC50 of 79.54 μg/mL (65.58 – 96.47 μg/mL) after 48 hours. Significant reduction of motor activity (18.47 to 100%) was recorded for surviving worms incubated in different concentrations of the extracts and fractions.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study proves that Ozoroa pulcherrima extracts and fractions have cercaricidal and schistosomicidal activities. Ozoroa pulcherrima may have great potential as an anti-schistosomal agent for further research.

• #parasites and host interactions
• #helminth infection and control
• #parasite biology and host interactions
• #praziquantel

Evaluation of the schistosomicidal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethyl acetate fraction from Ozoroa pulcherrima Schweinf. Roots on Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver pathology in mice and its phytochemical characterization

Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Nestor Gipwe Feussom, Ulrich Membe Femoe, Mérimé Christian Kenfack, Emilienne Tienga Nkondo, Joseph Bertin Kadji Fassi et 7 autre(s)

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

• #parasites and host interactions
• #sesquiterpenes and asteraceae studies
• #phytochemistry and bioactivity studies
• #phytochemical

Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of the leaves aqueous extract of Clerodendrum umbellatum Poir. on mice

Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Joseph Bertin Kadji Fassi, Mrim Kenfack, Nestor Gipwe Feussom, Mireille Kameni, Nadge Simo et 3 autre(s)

American Journal of Physiology Biochemistry and Pharmacology

ABSTRACT Aim: The schistosomicidal activity of C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract has been previously demonstrated. The present study was performed to establish the acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity profile of C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract in mice. Methods: For acute oral toxicity study, C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract (CuAE) was administered per os to female mice at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. Animals were observed for 14 days in order to identify signs of toxicity or death. In the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study, the extract was administered daily and per os to female and male mice at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg for 28 consecutive days. A satellite group was also set up. Body weight was measured weekly. Hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were analyzed. Results: CuAE at 2000 mg/kg produced no sign of toxicity or mortality. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, no mortality, no significant change of the body weight, the relative organ weights and the hematological parameters were recorded in all treated mice. CuAE at 400 mg/kg significantly increased transaminases activities in male mice. Except for creatinine and HDL-cholesterol which concentrations increased after administration of CuAE at 800 mg/kg, the levels of others biochemical markers didn’t change. Histopathological abnormalities found in the kidneys were reversible. Conclusion: These results indicated that the LD50 of CuAE is greater than 2000 mg/kg and CuAE, therefore, belongs to the category five of relatively non-toxic substances. From the sub-chronic toxicity study, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of CuAE for both male and female mice was considered to be 200 mg/kg/day.

• #drug-induced hepatotoxicity and protection
• #pharmacological effects of medicinal plants
• #ethnobotanical and medicinal plants studies
• #aqueous extract

Ozoromide: A New Ceramide from the Stem Bark of Ozoroa pulcherrima

Christelle Tsague Dongmo, Hidayat Hussain, Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Muhammad Saleem, Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Farooq et 3 autre(s)

Chemistry of Natural Compounds

• #plant-derived lignans synthesis and bioactivity
• #bioactive natural diterpenoids research
• #biological activity of diterpenoids and biflavonoids
• #fern

Improvement of the liver pathology by the aqueous extract and the n-butanol fraction of Sida pilosa Retz in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice

Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Remo Castro Russo, Cíntia Aparecida de Jesus Pereira, Edenil Costa Aguilar, Cristiana Couto Garcia, Emília Souza Araújo et 9 autre(s)

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

• #parasites and host interactions
• #research on leishmaniasis studies
• #parasite biology and host interactions
• #schistosoma mansoni

In Vitro Evaluation of Sida pilosa Retz (Malvaceae) Aqueous Extract and Derived Fractions on Schistosoma mansoni

Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Cíntia Aparecida de Jesus Pereira, Ana Bárbara Dias Pereira, Deborah Aparecida Negrão‐Corrêa, Fernão Castro Braga, Glauber Meireles Maciel et 3 autre(s)

Pharmacology &amp Pharmacy

Sida pilosa Retz. (Malvaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Africa for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pains and intestinal helminthiasis. S. pilosa aqueous extract and derived fractions were investigated for their bioactivity against Schistosoma mansoni. The aqueous extract from S. pilosa aerial parts (1.25 - 40 mg/mL) and derived fractions (n-hexane, DCM, EtOAc and n-BuOH: 0.25 - 8 mg/mL) were tested on adult S. mansoni maintained in a GMEN culture medium. Praziquantel was used as the reference drug. After 24 h of incubation, worms were monitored for their viability and egg output. The antioxidant activity of S. pilosa was evaluated by the ability to scavenge the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals. The chemical composition of the n-BuOH fraction was investigated by HPLC-MS analysis. S. pilosa aqueous extract and fractions significantly increased worm mortality in a concentration-dependent manner. The n-BuOH fraction was the most active with a LC50 of 1.25 mg/mL. Significant reduction of motor activity (25% to 100%) was recorded for surviving worms incubated in different concentrations of the extract and fractions. Incubation of S. mansoni in different concentrations of S. pilosa extract and fractions led to significant reduction of egg laying (52% to 100%). The aqueous extract and derived fractions exhibited antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The highest antioxidant activity was found with the EtOAc fraction, followed by the DCM and n-BuOH fractions. HPLC-MS analysis of the n-butanol fraction revealed the presence of two indoloquinoline alkaloids. This study disclosed the schistosomicidal activity of the n-butanol fraction from S. pilosa aqueous extract. This activity is probably related to the indoloquinoline alkaloids identified in the fraction.

• #parasites and host interactions
• #parasite biology and host interactions
• #helminth infection and control
• #schistosoma mansoni

Evaluation of the in vivo activity of different concentrations of &lt;i&gt;Clerodendrum umbellatum&lt;/i&gt; poir against &lt;i&gt;Schistosoma mansoni&lt;/i&gt; infection in mice

Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, T.M Sock, L.A. Tchuem Tchuenté, Pièrre Kamtchouing

African Journal of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicines

Clerodendrum umbellatum Poir (Verbenaceae) is traditionally used in Cameroon for the treatment of many diseases including intestinal helminthiasis. This study was undertaken to assess the in vivo antischistosomal activity of its leaves aqueous extract on a Schistosoma mansoni mice model and to determine the most effective dose of this extract. Mice showing a patent infection of S. mansoni were daily treated with C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract at the doses of 40, 80 or 160 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Seven days after administration of the extract, schistosomicidal activity was evaluated on the liver and spleen weights, faecal eggs releasing, liver egg count and worm burden. Treatment using C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract resulted in an important reduction in faecal egg output by 75.49% and 85.14% for 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg of the extract respectively. These reduction rates did not differ significantly from the 100% obtained in the group of infected mice treated with 100 mg/kg of praziquantel. C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract was lethal to S. mansoni worm. A 100% reduction rate was recorded in the group of infected mice treated with 160 mg/kg of the extract, as well as in praziquantel-treated mice. An amelioration of the hepatosplenomegaly was noticed in both the extract-treated mice and the praziquantel-treated mice. From these results, we can conclude that C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract demonstrated schistosomicidal properties in S. mansoni model at doses of at least 80 mg/kg body weight.

• #ethnobotanical and medicinal plants studies
• #drug-induced hepatotoxicity and protection
• #parasites and host interactions
• #schistosoma mansoni

Evaluations of toxicity of Turraeanthus africanus (Méliaceae) in mice

Dieudonné Massoma Lembè, A. Sonfack, I. Gouado, Théophile Dimo, Alain Bertrand Dongmo, M. F. A. Demasse et 3 autre(s)

Andrologia

Turraeanthus africanus (Meliacaeae) is known to possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological, medicinal and therapeutic properties. However, no extensive safety studies have been conducted on these extracts to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate toxicity of the aqueous extract of Turraeanthus africanus (Meliacaeae) after oral and intraperitoneal administration in mice. The acute toxicity was evaluated after single daily administration of the aqueous extract orally at doses of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 g kg(-1) or by the intraperitoneal route at doses of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 g kg(-1) of raw material. The subacute toxicity was evaluated only by the intraperitoneal route for 6 weeks at doses of 1.5, 3, 6 g kg(-1) of raw material. Oral doses up to 30 g kg(-1) of the aqueous extract of Turraeanthus africanus (TA) did not produce mortality or significant changes in the general behaviour and gross appearance of internal organs of rats. However, the intraperitoneal administration of the aqueous extract of Turraeanthus africanus caused dose-dependent lethal effects. The acute intraperitoneal toxicity (LD(50)) of TA extract in mice was 7.2 g kg(-1). In subacute toxicity in mice, after the intraperitoneal administration of TA extract for 6 consecutive weeks, the feed consumption was significantly affected at the dose 3 g kg(-1) with P < 0.05 and at the dose 6 g kg(-1) with P < 0.001 and consequently had significant effect with P < 0.05 in body weight of animals. Level of triglyceride of treated animals lowered at dose 1.5 g kg(-1) with P < 0.001 and at dose 3 g kg(-1) and 6 g kg(-1) with P < 0.05. Total cholesterol level of treated animals lowered at dose 1.5 g kg(-1) with P < 0.005 and at dose 3 and 6 g kg(-1) with P < 0.001. HDL cholesterol level of treated animals lowered up to dose 6 g kg(-1) with P < 0.05 while levels of LDL cholesterol, serum and tissue creatinine of treated animals lowered at dose 3 g kg(-1) and dose 6 g kg(-1) with P < 0.05. Serum protein level of treated animal enhanced at dose 1.5 g kg(-1) and at dose 6 g kg(-1) with P < 0.05 while tissue creatinine level of treated animal enhanced with P < 0.001. The histology of liver, kidney and lung of the treated mice indicated morphological change of these organs (data not shown). No significant difference was observed during treatment concerning the haematological parameters. The results suggest that the plant is not toxic through the oral route in mice and that parenteral administration should be avoided.

• #phytochemical compounds biological activities
• #bioactive compounds and antitumor agents
• #phytochemistry and bioactive compounds
• #toxicity

Endothelium Mediated Aortic Relaxation and Blood Pressure Lowering Effect of a Procyanidin Rich Fraction of the Stembark Extracts of Erythrophleum suaveolens

Albert Kamanyi, Alain Bertrand Dongmo, Mohammed Kassim Salah, Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Hildebert Wagner, W. Vierling et 1 autre(s)

Pharmaceutical Biology

A procyanidin-rich fraction of the stembark extracts of Erythrophleum suaveolens induced significant dosedependent (0.1-100µg/ml) relaxation of the guinea pig and rat aortic ring segments precontracted with noradrenaline (10µM) and potassium chloride (KC1, 30mM). However, the extract produced more significant relaxation in aortic rings with endothelium intact (+E) than in those without endothelium (-E). The plant extract produced a relaxation effect of 54.35 ± 3.53% in rat aortic rings in the presence of endothelium. The relaxation was 10.18 ± 1.64% in the rat endothelium-denudated aortic rings. The procyanidin fraction (30µg/ml) also prevented NA-induced contraction of aortic rings while 10 mg/kg provoked a fall in blood pressure of over 30mmHg a few seconds after extract administration with gradual return to the initial level. A 0.33mg/ml procyanidin fraction also produced over 86.6% inhibitory effect on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, indicating a possible blood pressure lowering effect through vasodilation. These results indicate vasodilating properties on aortic rings which are endothelium mediated due to the liberation of nitric oxide leading to the lowering of blood pressure.

• #biological stains and phytochemicals
• #traditional chinese medicine analysis
• #angiogenesis and vegf in cancer
• #vasodilation

Effects of Aframomum melegueta and Piper guineense on sexual behaviour of male rats

P. Kamtchouing, G. Y. F. Mbongue, Théophile Dimo, Pierre Watcho, Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, Sélestin Dongmo Sokeng

Behavioural Pharmacology

The effects of aqueous extracts of Aframomum melegueta and Piper guineense on the sexual behaviour of male rats were studied, considering many criteria, such as penile erection, copulatory behaviour and orientation activities towards themselves (genital grooming) and female rats (ano-genital sniffing, mounting). For 8 days different groups of rats received a daily administration of distilled water (control) or a plant extract: A. melegueta at 115 mg/kg or P. guineense at 122.5 mg/kg. Both plant extracts stimulated male sexual behaviour. In fact, A. melegueta and P. guineense significantly increased penile erection index, and the frequencies of intromission and ejaculation. These plant extracts were found to enhance the orientation of males towards females by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behaviour. Results of this study showed that A. melegueta and P. guineense modified the sexual behaviour of male rats by increasing sexual arousal.

• #marriage and sexual relationships
• #sexual function and dysfunction studies
• #piperaceae chemical and biological studies
• #piper

Protective role of Anacardium occidentale extract against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

Pièrre Kamtchouing, Sélestin Dongmo Sokeng, Paul Fewou Moundipa, Pierre Watcho, Hermine Boukeng Jatsa, D. Lontsi

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

• #ginkgo biloba and cashew applications
• #neurological disease mechanisms and treatments
• #natural antidiabetic agents studies
• #anacardium