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Godwin Anywar

Makerere University Kampala, Biological Sciences, Faculty Member

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Anywar Godwin completed his doctorate as a German Academic Exchange (DAAD) and Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) fellow, from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology in Leipzig, Germany, the Institute for Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig and Makerere University, Kampala, where he also lectures. He is a fellow of the Global Young Academy, the African Studies Association, the Africa Science Leadership Programme and the Uganda National Academy of Sciences. He is a member of the Young East African Research Scientists’ Forum and doubles as the vice president of the Uganda Textbook Academic and Non-Fiction Writers Association and, the Natural Products Network for Eastern
Phone: +256 702 983410
Address: Makerere University, College of Natural Sciences, School of BioSciences
P.O.Box 7062 Kampala

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Papers by Godwin Anywar

Assessing knowledge and willingness to use genetically modified crops in Uganda

Agriculture & Food Security

Background There has been a lot of debate on genetically modified (GM) crops both globally and lo... more Background There has been a lot of debate on genetically modified (GM) crops both globally and locally in Uganda. Whereas some of the debates have been informed by scientific research, many are not. The level of acceptance and attitudes of people towards GM crops is a function of their knowledge. However, there is a paucity of studies on the knowledge and attitudes of Ugandans on GM crops. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of GM crops in Uganda. Methods We carried out a mixed methods study in September 2021 in Bushenyi, Jinja and Wakiso districts. We conducted 18 focus group discussions (FGDs), 13 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 698 quantitative interviews. The quantitative interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. The FGD and KI interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The qualitative data were analyzed using framework analysis and the quantitative data were analyzed using modified Poisson regression to identify factors associate...

Pharmacological Assessment of the Antiprotozoal Activity, Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Malaria in the Greater Mpigi Region in Uganda

Frontiers in Pharmacology

We investigated the potential antimalarial and toxicological effects of 16 medicinal plants frequ... more We investigated the potential antimalarial and toxicological effects of 16 medicinal plants frequently used by traditional healers to treat malaria, fever, and related disorders in the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda. Species studied were Albizia coriaria, Cassine buchananii, Combretum molle, Erythrina abyssinica, Ficus saussureana, Harungana madagascariensis, Leucas calostachys, Microgramma lycopodioides, Morella kandtiana, Plectranthus hadiensis, Securidaca longipedunculata, Sesamum calycinum subsp. angustifolium, Solanum aculeastrum, Toddalia asiatica, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum chalybeum. In addition, the traditional healers indicated that P. hadiensis is used as a ritual plant to boost fertility and prepare young women and teenagers for motherhood in some Ugandan communities where a high incidence of rapidly growing large breast masses in young female patients was observed (not necessarily breast cancer). We present results from various in vitro experiments performed ...

Advances in computer-aided drug discovery

Phytochemicals as Lead Compounds for New Drug Discovery, 2020

Abstract Drugs continue to play critical roles in the maintenance of normal body functions. This ... more Abstract Drugs continue to play critical roles in the maintenance of normal body functions. This is the thrust behind the ongoing search for the development of effective and cost-effective drugs. Conventionally, drug discovery processes have involved studies on natural products and chemical synthesis to yield therapeutic formulations with commercial application. This process develops at a tremendous cost for a long time. Over the past few decades, computer technology has been used in drug discovery. This has led to improved understanding of the quantitative relationship between molecular structure and biological activity. In addition, greater understanding of the complex biological processes provided by progress in bioinformatics and genomics also contributes to drug discovery by promoting goal validation and data integration. New generation software or tools are now available in computer-aided drug discovery and they have contributed to shortening the drug design and discovery cycles with desired reduction in cost. This chapter discusses the pharmacological processes and the effects of information and communication technology and explains some of the main tools used in silico studies. Detailed protocols of these approaches are not covered.

Data on Indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by herbalists in treating opportunistic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

In Uganda, herbalists widely used medicinal plants for treating people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHI... more In Uganda, herbalists widely used medicinal plants for treating people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Different species are mainly used to treat the opportunistic infections that characterise the disease. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in eight districts of Arua, Dokolo, Mbale, Bushenyi, Iganga, Rakai, Luwero and Kaabong in different parts of Uganda. The data has been disaggregated by district in each column. Each column captures the biodata and number of herbalists interviewed by district. Then a summary of the responses to the key questions asked pertaining to the use of medicinal plants, the signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS and the indigenous traditional knowledge and associated practices of the herbalists. Data from the individual districts is then synthesised to get a representative picture for the whole country. The data generally show that the herbalists treat HIV/AIDS by symptoms patients present with. An analysis of all the opportunistic infections and their frequency ...

African and Asian Medicinal Plants as a Repository for Prospective Antiviral Metabolites Against HIV-1 and SARS CoV-2: A Mini Review

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021

Introduction:The worldwide burden of viral infections has triggered a resurgence in the search fo... more Introduction:The worldwide burden of viral infections has triggered a resurgence in the search for new and more efficient antiviral drugs. Scientists are also repurposing existing natural compounds such as the antimalarial drug artemisinin fromArtemesia annuaL. as potential drug candidates for some of the emerging and re-emerging viral infections such as covid-19Aim:The aim of this review was to analyse the existing literature to explore the actual or potential natural antiviral compounds from African and Asian medicinal plants as lead compounds in the drug discovery process.Methods:We searched the literature on African and Asian medicinal plant species as antiviral agents for HIV-1 and the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in various databases and search engines such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed. The search was limited toin vitro,in vivo, and clinical studies and excludedin silicostudies.Results:We present 16 plant species with actual or potential antiviral activity ag...

Historical Use of Toxic Plants

Poisonous Plants and Phytochemicals in Drug Discovery, 2020

Antiinflammatory Medicinal Plants from the Ugandan Greater Mpigi Region Act as Potent Inhibitors in the COX-2/PGH2 Pathway

Plants, 2021

Our study investigates 16 medicinal plants via assessment of inhibition of proinflammatory enzyme... more Our study investigates 16 medicinal plants via assessment of inhibition of proinflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenases (COX). The plants are used by traditional healers in the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda to treat inflammation and related disorders. We present results of diverse in vitro experiments performed with 76 different plant extracts, namely, (1) selective COX-2 and COX-1 inhibitor screening; (2) 15-LOX inhibition screening; (3) antibacterial resazurin assay against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K12; (4) DPPH assay for antioxidant activity; and (5) determination of the total phenolic content (TPC). Results showed a high correlation between traditional use and pharmacological activity, e.g., extracts of 15 out of the 16 plant species displayed significant selective COX-2 inhibition activity in the PGH2 pathway. The most active COX-2 inhibitors (IC50 < 20 µg/mL) were nine extracts from Leucas ...

Medicinal Plant Species Used in the Management of Hernia by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Central Uganda

Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2015

of non-surgically treated inguinal hernia alone was reported to be between 5 and 10% among men in... more of non-surgically treated inguinal hernia alone was reported to be between 5 and 10% among men in international and US surveys (Beddy et al. 2006, Everhart 1994). According to Kingsworth and LeBlanc (2003), it was estimated that more than 20 million hernias were repaired annually around the world. This made hernia repair one of the most commonly performed general surgical procedures worldwide (Tekatli et al. 2012) Prevalence of hernia in Africa is difficult to determine because of insufficient medical records in most parts of the continent. Even in the west, large-scaled epidemiologic data are sparse (Burcharth et al. 2013). However in eastern Uganda alone, the prevalence of groin hernias in adult males was reported to be almost 10% (Odula 2011). Untreated, hernias may develop potentially fatal complications when they become irreducible or strangulated (Ruhl & Everhart 2007, Zollinger 2003). A study by Burcharth et al. (2013) in Denmark showed that out of 5,639,885 persons, 88.6% males and 11.4% females had at least one groin hernia repair during the five-year study period.

Traditional system of medicines in Africa

Preparation of Phytopharmaceuticals for the Management of Disorders

Abstract African traditional medicine is as old as mankind. There has been a recent resurgence in... more Abstract African traditional medicine is as old as mankind. There has been a recent resurgence in the use of traditional medicine all over the world, and in Africa specifically. The term traditional medicine is usually interchangeably used with complementary medicine and alternative medicine in some countries. Although different African governments have contributed toward improving traditional medicine in their respective countries, these efforts need to be consolidated through political goodwill. This can be translated into building robust and well-researched systems of traditional medicine, to strengthening capacity by training and accrediting traditional health practitioners, researching and adding value to traditional medicines, and stemming the tide of destruction of natural resources such as forests. This will take a concerted effort from all governments and different stakeholders, if African traditional medicine is to develop to international standards. Therefore, for there to be an increase in the credibility and acceptance of traditional medicines, more scientific validation for quality, safety, and efficacy is required.

In Vitro Anti-Venom Potentials of Aqueous Extract and Oils of Toona ciliata M. Roem against Cobra Venom and Chemical Constituents of Oils

Molecules

There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal p... more There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal plants are locally used for snakebite treatment in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the in vitro anti-venom activities of aqueous extract and oils of Toona ciliata against Naja melanoleuca venom. A mixture of venom and extract was administered intramuscularly in rats. Anticoagulant, antiphospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibition assay, and gel electrophoresis for anti-venom activities of oils were done. The chemical constituents of the oils of ciliata were identified using Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (GC-MS/MS). The LD50 of the venom was 0.168 ± 0.21 µg/g. The venom and aqueous extract mixture (1.25 µg/g and 3.5 mg/g) did not cause any rat mortality, while the control with venom only (1.25 µg/g) caused death in 1 h. The aqueous extract of T. ciliata inhibited the anticoagulation activity of N. melanoleuca venom from 18.58 min. to 4.83 min and reduced the hemolytic halo diamet...

Cytotoxicity of Medicinal Plant Species Used by Traditional Healers in Treating People Suffering From HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Frontiers in Toxicology

Introduction: Many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda widely use herbal medicines. How... more Introduction: Many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda widely use herbal medicines. However, their toxicity and safety have not been investigated. The use of these plants can potentially cause harmful effects to the health of patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity of some commonly used medicinal plant species used by PLHIV.Methods: The cytotoxicity of the plant extracts was determined with the AlamarBlue cell viability assay using the human glioblastoma cell line U87.CD4.CXCR4. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of extracts of Warburgia ugandensis, Erythrina abyssinica, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Albizia coriaria, Psorospermum febrifugium, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Securidaca longipendunculata, Vachellia hockii, Gardenia ternifolia, and Bridelia micrantha reconstituted with ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Using regression analysis, the half maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the plant extra...

Medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Kampala city indicate the need to enhance safety frameworks

Scientific Reports

The high global bacterial infection burden has created need to investigate the neglected potentia... more The high global bacterial infection burden has created need to investigate the neglected potential drivers of pathogenic bacteria, to inform disease prevention. Kampala is facing a proliferation of herbalists, selling herbal medicine (HM), of largely unregulated microbiological quality. We evaluated the bacterial contamination burden in HM sold in Kampala, to support evidence-based redress. The total viable loads (TVL), total coliform counts (TCC), E. coli counts, and prevalence of selected bacterial strains in 140 HM were examined using conventional culture, following the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO), and Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA). Data were analyzed using D'Agostino-Pearson test, frequencies, proportions, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test with STATA version-15.0. Fifty (35.7%), fifty-nine (42.1%), and twelve (8.6%) HM were unsafe for human use because they exceeded WHO’s permissible limits for TVL, TCC, and E. coli counts respectively. Solids had ...

The Development of Nutraceuticals and Traditional Medicine

Antibiotic-resistance in medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Africa from 2000 to 2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 2022

Background Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manif... more Background Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manifests more in pathogenic bacteria in form of antibiotic resistance (ABR). On this continent, bacterial contamination of commonly used herbal medicine (HM) is on the increase, but information about antimicrobial resistance in these contaminants is limited due to fragmented studies. Here, we analyzed research that characterized ABR in pathogenic bacteria isolated from HM in Africa since 2000; to generate a comprehensive understanding of the drug-resistant bacterial contamination burden in this region. Methods The study was conducted according to standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). We searched for articles from 12 databases. These were: PubMed, Science Direct, Scifinder scholar, Google scholar, HerbMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts, African Journa...

A review of Aloe species used in traditional medicine in East Africa

South African Journal of Botany, 2021

Abstract Introduction There is widespread use of Aloe species in traditional healing practices in... more Abstract Introduction There is widespread use of Aloe species in traditional healing practices in East Africa for a variety of diseases. Unfortunately, there is a tendency of mistakenly referring to all species of the genus Aloe as Aloe vera, despite the diversity of aloes in the region. The names for the different Aloe species in local languages are usually the same for the different species. Aim The aim of this review was to assess the medicinal uses of the indigenous little-known and other popular Aloe species in East Africa. Methods Relevant articles, books, theses, dissertations, patents, and other English-only reports on the ethnobotany, traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological or biological activity, toxicity, phytochemistry, trade, conservation, etymology, and distribution of aloe species in East Africa (Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi) were reviewed. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and search engines such as Google Scholar, were searched between May and September 2020. Scientific names and synonyms of the aloe species were verified and resolved using Plants of the World Online (POWO, http://powo.science.kew.org/ ). Results Forty-nine of the over 180 Aloe species known in East Africa, are traditionally used for treating various ailments. Most of the Aloe species (85.7%) had direct references to their use in traditional medicine. Thirty-six species (73.5%) had some form of phytochemical analysis performed on them. Most of the Aloe species (67.3%) have never been investigated for any biological activity. The distinctive constituents in aloe leaves are phenolic compounds including chromone, anthraquinone or anthrone derivatives. Aloe aageodonta, A. ballyi, and A. christianii are known to be poisonous to humans when used in high doses, despite being used in traditional medicine. Aloe elgonica, A. ferox, and A. lateritia are all highly toxic to brine shrimp, whereas A. macrosiphon, A. vera, and A. volkensii cause a wide range of toxic side effects, such as bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, kidney damage, miscarriage, nausea and vomiting, hepatotoxicity, and acute renal failure, when used for long periods and in high doses. Conclusion Several Aloe species are used in East Africa for treating various ailments. However, most of the local Aloe species have not been scientifically investigated for their biological activity, as well as their toxicity.

A Review of the Toxicity and Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plant Species Used by Herbalists in Treating People Living With HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021

Introduction: Despite concerns about toxicity, potentially harmful effects and herb-drug interact... more Introduction: Despite concerns about toxicity, potentially harmful effects and herb-drug interactions, the use of herbal medicines remains widely practiced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda.Objective: The objective of the paper was to comprehensively review the literature on the toxicity and chemical composition of commonly used medicinal plant species in treating PLHIV in Uganda.Methods: We reviewed relevant articles and books published over the last sixty years on ethnobotany, antiviral/anti-HIV activity, toxicity, phytochemistry of Vachellia hockii, Albizia coriaria, Bridelia micrantha, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Erythrina abyssinica, Gardenia ternifolia, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Psorospermum febrifugium, Securidaca longipendunculata, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum chalybeum and their synonyms. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar.Discussion: Most of the plant species reviewed apart from P. febrifugium, S. longipedunc...

Medicinal plants used by herbalists in the treatment of snakebites envenomation in the Acholi, Teso and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda

Background There is high mortality and morbidity due to poisonous snakebites globally, with Sub S... more Background There is high mortality and morbidity due to poisonous snakebites globally, with Sub Saharan African having one of the highest rates. However, Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMP) have been treating snakebites in Uganda for long. However, few studies have been conducted to document such vital traditional indigenous knowledge before its lost. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plant species used by experienced TMP in treating snake envenomation in selected post-conflict parts of northern Uganda. Methods An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in Serere, Kaberamaido and Kaabong districts in Uganda. Twenty-five TMP with expertise in treating snakebites were purposively identified using the snowball technique, and interviewed using semi structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results Sixty plant species from 28 families were documented with high consensus among the isolated Ik community in Kaabong district. ...

Production of Fuel Oil from Municipal Plastic Wastes Using Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastic... more Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastics has gone up to 299million tones in 2013, which is believed to be increasing in the near future. The utilization of plastics and its final disposal pose a tremendous negative significance impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis for production of fuel oil from the polyethene plastic wastes. Catalysts used in the experiment were acid activated clay mineral and aluminum chlorides on activated carbon. The clay mineral was activated by refluxing it with 6M Sulphuric acid for 3hours. The experiment was conducted in three different phases: the first phase of the experiment was done without a catalyst where 88mL oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 39 and heating rates of 12.5, reaction time of 4hours. The second phase involves the use of acid activated clay mineral where 100mL of oil was obtained and heating rates of 12.5...

Indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by herbalists in treating opportunistic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Medicinal Plants Used in Paediatric Health Care in Namungalwe Sub County, Iganga District, Uganda

Nova Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences, 2014

Background: An ethnobotanical study was carried out in Namungalwe Sub County, Iganga District Eas... more Background: An ethnobotanical study was carried out in Namungalwe Sub County, Iganga District Eastern Uganda, to document medicinal plant species used in disease management among children. Methods: Ethnobotanical data was collected through interviews with households and key informants, Focus Group Discussions and the Snow ball technique. This was complemented by field observations and photography. Results: A total of 61 plant species and one mushroom species, Termitomyces microcarpus were reported to be used as medicinal plants used in the disease management among children. These species belonged to 36 families and 58 genera. The most commonly mentioned medicinal plant species were Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Chenopodium opulifolium Schrad. ex W.D.J.Koch & Ziz and Albizia corialia (Schum. & Thonn.) Benth. Most of the medicinal plant species belonged to the family Leguminosae (29.7%).The most commonly used plant life forms for peadiatric health care were herbs (45.2%), and leaves (53.1%) were the most used plant parts. Most of the medicines were prepared as decoctions. Malaria and diarhoea were the most frequently occurring ailment among children. Conclusion: There is diversity of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants used in the management of ailments among children in the study area. Mothers and other care takers in homes are the custodians of this knowledge.

Assessing knowledge and willingness to use genetically modified crops in Uganda

Agriculture & Food Security

Background There has been a lot of debate on genetically modified (GM) crops both globally and lo... more Background There has been a lot of debate on genetically modified (GM) crops both globally and locally in Uganda. Whereas some of the debates have been informed by scientific research, many are not. The level of acceptance and attitudes of people towards GM crops is a function of their knowledge. However, there is a paucity of studies on the knowledge and attitudes of Ugandans on GM crops. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of GM crops in Uganda. Methods We carried out a mixed methods study in September 2021 in Bushenyi, Jinja and Wakiso districts. We conducted 18 focus group discussions (FGDs), 13 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 698 quantitative interviews. The quantitative interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. The FGD and KI interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The qualitative data were analyzed using framework analysis and the quantitative data were analyzed using modified Poisson regression to identify factors associate...

Pharmacological Assessment of the Antiprotozoal Activity, Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Malaria in the Greater Mpigi Region in Uganda

Frontiers in Pharmacology

We investigated the potential antimalarial and toxicological effects of 16 medicinal plants frequ... more We investigated the potential antimalarial and toxicological effects of 16 medicinal plants frequently used by traditional healers to treat malaria, fever, and related disorders in the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda. Species studied were Albizia coriaria, Cassine buchananii, Combretum molle, Erythrina abyssinica, Ficus saussureana, Harungana madagascariensis, Leucas calostachys, Microgramma lycopodioides, Morella kandtiana, Plectranthus hadiensis, Securidaca longipedunculata, Sesamum calycinum subsp. angustifolium, Solanum aculeastrum, Toddalia asiatica, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum chalybeum. In addition, the traditional healers indicated that P. hadiensis is used as a ritual plant to boost fertility and prepare young women and teenagers for motherhood in some Ugandan communities where a high incidence of rapidly growing large breast masses in young female patients was observed (not necessarily breast cancer). We present results from various in vitro experiments performed ...

Advances in computer-aided drug discovery

Phytochemicals as Lead Compounds for New Drug Discovery, 2020

Abstract Drugs continue to play critical roles in the maintenance of normal body functions. This ... more Abstract Drugs continue to play critical roles in the maintenance of normal body functions. This is the thrust behind the ongoing search for the development of effective and cost-effective drugs. Conventionally, drug discovery processes have involved studies on natural products and chemical synthesis to yield therapeutic formulations with commercial application. This process develops at a tremendous cost for a long time. Over the past few decades, computer technology has been used in drug discovery. This has led to improved understanding of the quantitative relationship between molecular structure and biological activity. In addition, greater understanding of the complex biological processes provided by progress in bioinformatics and genomics also contributes to drug discovery by promoting goal validation and data integration. New generation software or tools are now available in computer-aided drug discovery and they have contributed to shortening the drug design and discovery cycles with desired reduction in cost. This chapter discusses the pharmacological processes and the effects of information and communication technology and explains some of the main tools used in silico studies. Detailed protocols of these approaches are not covered.

Data on Indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by herbalists in treating opportunistic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

In Uganda, herbalists widely used medicinal plants for treating people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHI... more In Uganda, herbalists widely used medicinal plants for treating people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Different species are mainly used to treat the opportunistic infections that characterise the disease. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in eight districts of Arua, Dokolo, Mbale, Bushenyi, Iganga, Rakai, Luwero and Kaabong in different parts of Uganda. The data has been disaggregated by district in each column. Each column captures the biodata and number of herbalists interviewed by district. Then a summary of the responses to the key questions asked pertaining to the use of medicinal plants, the signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS and the indigenous traditional knowledge and associated practices of the herbalists. Data from the individual districts is then synthesised to get a representative picture for the whole country. The data generally show that the herbalists treat HIV/AIDS by symptoms patients present with. An analysis of all the opportunistic infections and their frequency ...

African and Asian Medicinal Plants as a Repository for Prospective Antiviral Metabolites Against HIV-1 and SARS CoV-2: A Mini Review

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021

Introduction:The worldwide burden of viral infections has triggered a resurgence in the search fo... more Introduction:The worldwide burden of viral infections has triggered a resurgence in the search for new and more efficient antiviral drugs. Scientists are also repurposing existing natural compounds such as the antimalarial drug artemisinin fromArtemesia annuaL. as potential drug candidates for some of the emerging and re-emerging viral infections such as covid-19Aim:The aim of this review was to analyse the existing literature to explore the actual or potential natural antiviral compounds from African and Asian medicinal plants as lead compounds in the drug discovery process.Methods:We searched the literature on African and Asian medicinal plant species as antiviral agents for HIV-1 and the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in various databases and search engines such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed. The search was limited toin vitro,in vivo, and clinical studies and excludedin silicostudies.Results:We present 16 plant species with actual or potential antiviral activity ag...

Historical Use of Toxic Plants

Poisonous Plants and Phytochemicals in Drug Discovery, 2020

Antiinflammatory Medicinal Plants from the Ugandan Greater Mpigi Region Act as Potent Inhibitors in the COX-2/PGH2 Pathway

Plants, 2021

Our study investigates 16 medicinal plants via assessment of inhibition of proinflammatory enzyme... more Our study investigates 16 medicinal plants via assessment of inhibition of proinflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenases (COX). The plants are used by traditional healers in the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda to treat inflammation and related disorders. We present results of diverse in vitro experiments performed with 76 different plant extracts, namely, (1) selective COX-2 and COX-1 inhibitor screening; (2) 15-LOX inhibition screening; (3) antibacterial resazurin assay against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K12; (4) DPPH assay for antioxidant activity; and (5) determination of the total phenolic content (TPC). Results showed a high correlation between traditional use and pharmacological activity, e.g., extracts of 15 out of the 16 plant species displayed significant selective COX-2 inhibition activity in the PGH2 pathway. The most active COX-2 inhibitors (IC50 < 20 µg/mL) were nine extracts from Leucas ...

Medicinal Plant Species Used in the Management of Hernia by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Central Uganda

Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2015

of non-surgically treated inguinal hernia alone was reported to be between 5 and 10% among men in... more of non-surgically treated inguinal hernia alone was reported to be between 5 and 10% among men in international and US surveys (Beddy et al. 2006, Everhart 1994). According to Kingsworth and LeBlanc (2003), it was estimated that more than 20 million hernias were repaired annually around the world. This made hernia repair one of the most commonly performed general surgical procedures worldwide (Tekatli et al. 2012) Prevalence of hernia in Africa is difficult to determine because of insufficient medical records in most parts of the continent. Even in the west, large-scaled epidemiologic data are sparse (Burcharth et al. 2013). However in eastern Uganda alone, the prevalence of groin hernias in adult males was reported to be almost 10% (Odula 2011). Untreated, hernias may develop potentially fatal complications when they become irreducible or strangulated (Ruhl & Everhart 2007, Zollinger 2003). A study by Burcharth et al. (2013) in Denmark showed that out of 5,639,885 persons, 88.6% males and 11.4% females had at least one groin hernia repair during the five-year study period.

Traditional system of medicines in Africa

Preparation of Phytopharmaceuticals for the Management of Disorders

Abstract African traditional medicine is as old as mankind. There has been a recent resurgence in... more Abstract African traditional medicine is as old as mankind. There has been a recent resurgence in the use of traditional medicine all over the world, and in Africa specifically. The term traditional medicine is usually interchangeably used with complementary medicine and alternative medicine in some countries. Although different African governments have contributed toward improving traditional medicine in their respective countries, these efforts need to be consolidated through political goodwill. This can be translated into building robust and well-researched systems of traditional medicine, to strengthening capacity by training and accrediting traditional health practitioners, researching and adding value to traditional medicines, and stemming the tide of destruction of natural resources such as forests. This will take a concerted effort from all governments and different stakeholders, if African traditional medicine is to develop to international standards. Therefore, for there to be an increase in the credibility and acceptance of traditional medicines, more scientific validation for quality, safety, and efficacy is required.

In Vitro Anti-Venom Potentials of Aqueous Extract and Oils of Toona ciliata M. Roem against Cobra Venom and Chemical Constituents of Oils

Molecules

There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal p... more There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal plants are locally used for snakebite treatment in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the in vitro anti-venom activities of aqueous extract and oils of Toona ciliata against Naja melanoleuca venom. A mixture of venom and extract was administered intramuscularly in rats. Anticoagulant, antiphospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibition assay, and gel electrophoresis for anti-venom activities of oils were done. The chemical constituents of the oils of ciliata were identified using Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (GC-MS/MS). The LD50 of the venom was 0.168 ± 0.21 µg/g. The venom and aqueous extract mixture (1.25 µg/g and 3.5 mg/g) did not cause any rat mortality, while the control with venom only (1.25 µg/g) caused death in 1 h. The aqueous extract of T. ciliata inhibited the anticoagulation activity of N. melanoleuca venom from 18.58 min. to 4.83 min and reduced the hemolytic halo diamet...

Cytotoxicity of Medicinal Plant Species Used by Traditional Healers in Treating People Suffering From HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Frontiers in Toxicology

Introduction: Many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda widely use herbal medicines. How... more Introduction: Many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda widely use herbal medicines. However, their toxicity and safety have not been investigated. The use of these plants can potentially cause harmful effects to the health of patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity of some commonly used medicinal plant species used by PLHIV.Methods: The cytotoxicity of the plant extracts was determined with the AlamarBlue cell viability assay using the human glioblastoma cell line U87.CD4.CXCR4. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of extracts of Warburgia ugandensis, Erythrina abyssinica, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Albizia coriaria, Psorospermum febrifugium, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Securidaca longipendunculata, Vachellia hockii, Gardenia ternifolia, and Bridelia micrantha reconstituted with ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Using regression analysis, the half maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the plant extra...

Medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Kampala city indicate the need to enhance safety frameworks

Scientific Reports

The high global bacterial infection burden has created need to investigate the neglected potentia... more The high global bacterial infection burden has created need to investigate the neglected potential drivers of pathogenic bacteria, to inform disease prevention. Kampala is facing a proliferation of herbalists, selling herbal medicine (HM), of largely unregulated microbiological quality. We evaluated the bacterial contamination burden in HM sold in Kampala, to support evidence-based redress. The total viable loads (TVL), total coliform counts (TCC), E. coli counts, and prevalence of selected bacterial strains in 140 HM were examined using conventional culture, following the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO), and Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA). Data were analyzed using D'Agostino-Pearson test, frequencies, proportions, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test with STATA version-15.0. Fifty (35.7%), fifty-nine (42.1%), and twelve (8.6%) HM were unsafe for human use because they exceeded WHO’s permissible limits for TVL, TCC, and E. coli counts respectively. Solids had ...

The Development of Nutraceuticals and Traditional Medicine

Antibiotic-resistance in medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Africa from 2000 to 2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 2022

Background Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manif... more Background Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manifests more in pathogenic bacteria in form of antibiotic resistance (ABR). On this continent, bacterial contamination of commonly used herbal medicine (HM) is on the increase, but information about antimicrobial resistance in these contaminants is limited due to fragmented studies. Here, we analyzed research that characterized ABR in pathogenic bacteria isolated from HM in Africa since 2000; to generate a comprehensive understanding of the drug-resistant bacterial contamination burden in this region. Methods The study was conducted according to standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). We searched for articles from 12 databases. These were: PubMed, Science Direct, Scifinder scholar, Google scholar, HerbMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts, African Journa...

A review of Aloe species used in traditional medicine in East Africa

South African Journal of Botany, 2021

Abstract Introduction There is widespread use of Aloe species in traditional healing practices in... more Abstract Introduction There is widespread use of Aloe species in traditional healing practices in East Africa for a variety of diseases. Unfortunately, there is a tendency of mistakenly referring to all species of the genus Aloe as Aloe vera, despite the diversity of aloes in the region. The names for the different Aloe species in local languages are usually the same for the different species. Aim The aim of this review was to assess the medicinal uses of the indigenous little-known and other popular Aloe species in East Africa. Methods Relevant articles, books, theses, dissertations, patents, and other English-only reports on the ethnobotany, traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological or biological activity, toxicity, phytochemistry, trade, conservation, etymology, and distribution of aloe species in East Africa (Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi) were reviewed. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and search engines such as Google Scholar, were searched between May and September 2020. Scientific names and synonyms of the aloe species were verified and resolved using Plants of the World Online (POWO, http://powo.science.kew.org/ ). Results Forty-nine of the over 180 Aloe species known in East Africa, are traditionally used for treating various ailments. Most of the Aloe species (85.7%) had direct references to their use in traditional medicine. Thirty-six species (73.5%) had some form of phytochemical analysis performed on them. Most of the Aloe species (67.3%) have never been investigated for any biological activity. The distinctive constituents in aloe leaves are phenolic compounds including chromone, anthraquinone or anthrone derivatives. Aloe aageodonta, A. ballyi, and A. christianii are known to be poisonous to humans when used in high doses, despite being used in traditional medicine. Aloe elgonica, A. ferox, and A. lateritia are all highly toxic to brine shrimp, whereas A. macrosiphon, A. vera, and A. volkensii cause a wide range of toxic side effects, such as bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, kidney damage, miscarriage, nausea and vomiting, hepatotoxicity, and acute renal failure, when used for long periods and in high doses. Conclusion Several Aloe species are used in East Africa for treating various ailments. However, most of the local Aloe species have not been scientifically investigated for their biological activity, as well as their toxicity.

A Review of the Toxicity and Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plant Species Used by Herbalists in Treating People Living With HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021

Introduction: Despite concerns about toxicity, potentially harmful effects and herb-drug interact... more Introduction: Despite concerns about toxicity, potentially harmful effects and herb-drug interactions, the use of herbal medicines remains widely practiced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda.Objective: The objective of the paper was to comprehensively review the literature on the toxicity and chemical composition of commonly used medicinal plant species in treating PLHIV in Uganda.Methods: We reviewed relevant articles and books published over the last sixty years on ethnobotany, antiviral/anti-HIV activity, toxicity, phytochemistry of Vachellia hockii, Albizia coriaria, Bridelia micrantha, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Erythrina abyssinica, Gardenia ternifolia, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Psorospermum febrifugium, Securidaca longipendunculata, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum chalybeum and their synonyms. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar.Discussion: Most of the plant species reviewed apart from P. febrifugium, S. longipedunc...

Medicinal plants used by herbalists in the treatment of snakebites envenomation in the Acholi, Teso and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda

Background There is high mortality and morbidity due to poisonous snakebites globally, with Sub S... more Background There is high mortality and morbidity due to poisonous snakebites globally, with Sub Saharan African having one of the highest rates. However, Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMP) have been treating snakebites in Uganda for long. However, few studies have been conducted to document such vital traditional indigenous knowledge before its lost. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plant species used by experienced TMP in treating snake envenomation in selected post-conflict parts of northern Uganda. Methods An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in Serere, Kaberamaido and Kaabong districts in Uganda. Twenty-five TMP with expertise in treating snakebites were purposively identified using the snowball technique, and interviewed using semi structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results Sixty plant species from 28 families were documented with high consensus among the isolated Ik community in Kaabong district. ...

Production of Fuel Oil from Municipal Plastic Wastes Using Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis

Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastic... more Plastics have become an indispensable part of modern life today. The global production of plastics has gone up to 299million tones in 2013, which is believed to be increasing in the near future. The utilization of plastics and its final disposal pose a tremendous negative significance impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis for production of fuel oil from the polyethene plastic wastes. Catalysts used in the experiment were acid activated clay mineral and aluminum chlorides on activated carbon. The clay mineral was activated by refluxing it with 6M Sulphuric acid for 3hours. The experiment was conducted in three different phases: the first phase of the experiment was done without a catalyst where 88mL oil was obtained at a maximum temperature of 39 and heating rates of 12.5, reaction time of 4hours. The second phase involves the use of acid activated clay mineral where 100mL of oil was obtained and heating rates of 12.5...

Indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by herbalists in treating opportunistic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Medicinal Plants Used in Paediatric Health Care in Namungalwe Sub County, Iganga District, Uganda

Nova Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences, 2014

Background: An ethnobotanical study was carried out in Namungalwe Sub County, Iganga District Eas... more Background: An ethnobotanical study was carried out in Namungalwe Sub County, Iganga District Eastern Uganda, to document medicinal plant species used in disease management among children. Methods: Ethnobotanical data was collected through interviews with households and key informants, Focus Group Discussions and the Snow ball technique. This was complemented by field observations and photography. Results: A total of 61 plant species and one mushroom species, Termitomyces microcarpus were reported to be used as medicinal plants used in the disease management among children. These species belonged to 36 families and 58 genera. The most commonly mentioned medicinal plant species were Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Chenopodium opulifolium Schrad. ex W.D.J.Koch & Ziz and Albizia corialia (Schum. & Thonn.) Benth. Most of the medicinal plant species belonged to the family Leguminosae (29.7%).The most commonly used plant life forms for peadiatric health care were herbs (45.2%), and leaves (53.1%) were the most used plant parts. Most of the medicines were prepared as decoctions. Malaria and diarhoea were the most frequently occurring ailment among children. Conclusion: There is diversity of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants used in the management of ailments among children in the study area. Mothers and other care takers in homes are the custodians of this knowledge.