Background In Ethiopian folk medicine Podocarpus falcactus is used to treat stomachache, cancer, diabetes, and difficulty of urination. However, its diuretic activity has not been proven scientifically. Objective To determine the diuretic activity and phytochemical contents of the aqueous extract of the shoot apexes of Podocarpus falcactus . Methods The coarse powder of Podocarpus falcactus shoot apex was extracted by cold maceration using distilled water. Male rats were treated with distilled water, the standard drug (furosemide 10 mg/kg), and three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract. The diuretic activity was determined by measuring parameters such as time to the first urination, volume, electrolyte concentration, and pH of urine. Electrolyte indices were calculated to elucidate the possible mechanism of diuresis. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemicals in the plant extract was carried out. Results The aqueous extract induced diuresis, natriuresis, and kaliuresis in a dose- and time-dependent manner as compared to the negative control. The extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses produced significant diuresis (p<0.001) by the end of the fifth hour compared to the negative control. Excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride also significantly (p<0.001) increased following extract administration. In addition, there was a significant change in the pH of urine samples of the extract-treated group compared with the negative control. Qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemicals revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins with the value of 128.4 mg atropine equivalents (AE)/g, 142.23 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g, 196.84 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, and 25.5 mg tannic acid equivalents (TAE)/g, respectively. The aqueous extract exhibited significant diuretic activity due to its phytochemical content, which could be used as a starting point for further studies. Conclusion The aqueous extract showed significant diuretic activity and confirmed the folkloric use of Podocarpus falcactus .
Background The liver is a hub of metabolism and detoxification of substances. Since many redox reactions take place in the liver, it is prone to oxidative damage. Unlike conventional agents, botanicals act through several mechanisms in preventing oxidative damage. Among these Phytolacca dodecandra is the most commonly used agent in Ethiopian folk medicine. Objective To evaluate antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the 80% methanol extract of P. dodecandra root. Methods Male mice were divided into six groups and treated accordingly. Negative control was given 2% Tween 80, toxicant control administered with carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ), positive control treated with silymarin 100 mg/kg, and test groups were treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract. Then, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin were determined. Determination of the change in body weight and liver weight, histopathologic examination of the liver, and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant assays were also carried out. Results The levels of ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, and bilirubin were significantly reduced, while albumin and total protein were significantly increased after treatment with P. dodecandra root extract at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg in CCl 4 intoxicated mice. Cholesterol metabolism and lipoprotein synthesis capabilities of the liver of mice were also returned to normal in the two doses. Besides, the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were able to return the normal architecture and morphology of hepatocytes. Furthermore, the plant extract was found to scavenge free radicals in vitro and inhibit lipid peroxidation in vivo. Conclusion The results suggest that the 80% methanol extract of P. dodecandra root can be used for the management of liver disease.
Objective: The increased prevalence of leftover medicines in the community is currently a global concern due to the detrimental effects on the environment and health. However, several developing countries have failed to give sufficient consideration to the issue. The primary purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of leftover medicines, disposal practices, and the factors affecting those in households in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among households in Bere Edigetber and Nech Sar of Arba Minch town, from June 25 to August 27, 2022. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews with revalidated structured questionnaires. A multistage sampling technique was utilized to select each household. Results: Three hundred forty-eight households agreed to participate in a study, resulting in a 94.8% response rate. Of the study participant, 172 (49.4%) of the households had leftover medicines, with antibiotics being the most common (64% of 172). Subsidy of symptoms and saving for later use were two frequently cited reasons for the presence of leftover medicines in the house. Throwing leftover medicines in household garbage was the preferred method of disposal (>60%). Only 0.1% of respondents considered returning leftover medicines to healthcare facilities or professionals. A binary regression analysis identified four predictors for having leftover medicines. Medicines obtained without prescription were the strongest predictor (odds ratio = 3.7; p < 0.001), followed by higher family monthly income (odds ratio = 2.5; p = 0.005), those waived paying for medicine (odds ratio = 0.294; p = 0.049), and those used medications for acute diseases ( p = 0.048; odds ratio = 0.450). Respondents who had prior information on safe medicine disposal were 2.3 ( p = 0.04) more likely to dispose of possessed leftover medicines rather than keep them for future use. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of leftover medicines and their improper disposal in Arba Minch town. The preferred methods of leftover medicine disposal in this study deviate from conventional standards. Significant factor variables that predict having leftover medicines are attributed to purchasing medicine without a prescription, higher family monthly income, those waived paying for medicine, and those who used medications for acute diseases. Prior knowledge of proper disposal practices predicated the decision to dispose of on-hand leftover medicines or keep them for future use. These findings would be critical in developing strategies to reduce leftover medicines and promote proper disposal practices.
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