No abstract

Xylopic acid, a diterpenoid isolated from the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica has demonstrated analgesic properties in acute pain models. It was therefore evaluated for its analgesic properties in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, a type of pain difficult to treat clinically. Neuropathic pain was induced in rats by injecting 2 mg kg -1 of paclitaxel on alternative days for four days (days 0, 2, 4 and 6). Paclitaxel-induced cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured during pre-paclitaxel administration and on day 16 post-paclitaxel administration. The rats were treated with xylopic acid (10, 30 and 100 mg kg -1 ; groups 1-3), pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg kg -1 ; groups 4-6) and vehicle (group 7) daily for 5 days. Pain thresholds were also measured daily for 5 days in the three models. Xylopic acid and pregabalin produced analgesic properties seen as increased paw withdrawal latencies to mechanical and cold water stimuli during the five days treatment. In addition, the two agents significantly (P<0.05) exhibited analgesic properties in the thermal hyperalgesia test. These data suggest that xylopic acid is an effective agent against paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.

The role of herbalists in the management of malaria in Ghana is yet to be recognized despite the proliferation of antimalarial herbal products produced by the herbalists, on the Ghanaian market. This study was carried out to ascertain the role of herbalists in the management of severe and uncomplicated malaria among children in the Shama-Ahanta East and Ahanta West Districts of the Western Region of Ghana. The study areas were divided into twelve clusters, questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to obtain the needed information on the people's knowledge about malaria, their perception of the herbal medicinal practice and the role herbalists play in the management of severe and uncomplicated malaria among children. All the herbalists involved in the study used plants with neem tree (Azadiracta indica) being the most commonly used (43%). The study indicated that 75.6% of mothers patronized recognized healthcare services with only 7.3% patronizing both the services of the herbalists and recognized healthcare providers whilst 17.1% of the mothers relied solely on the services of herbalists. All the herbalists managed convulsion but only 65% collaborated with health centres in the management of malaria. The study has unveiled the significant role of herbalists in the management of malaria in the two districts.