Stephen Gbedema

Recent studies have provided relevant scientific support for the use of C. membranaceus root in the treatment of prostate cancers. In the current study, we formulated both liquid and solid oral dosage forms from the ethanol extract of C. membranaceus root and investigated their physicochemical properties, release effects and suitability in comparison with the currently used aqueous decoctions and directly powdered plant material, in order to determine the most appropriate and suitable dosage form that will maximize the benefits of therapy with this species. The prepared solution from the ethanol extract had characteristics similar to the aqueous decoction, but unlike the later, it maintained its specifications and stability throughout the period of study. However, the use of large volumes, convenience and suitability for long term use, will limit their application. The assessed properties of the prepared tablets and capsules met all the specifications required for good quality and they can be used in simple and convenient doses of one tablet or capsule, three times a day, in place of unstable decoctions and large volume solutions. The in vitro release profile of the capsules was however, better (98.8±1.3 % after 45 minutes) and significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of the tablets (85.2±1.6 %), and with the protection of the extract from light and masking of unwanted color and taste as added advantages, the oral capsules should be the preferred choice of solid dosage form for C. membranaceus. The capsules of the direct plant material had active content (2.8±1.4 mg) and in vitro cumulative release after 45 minutes (42.0±2.6 %) lower and significantly different (P<0.01) from those of the tablets and capsules prepared with the extract. The results strongly support the assertions that the formulation of suitable and appropriate herbal remedies from plant extracts may be more desirable, advantageous and therapeutically more beneficial than incorporating the direct plant materials, and that the oral capsule of C. membranaceus root extract will ensure compliance and maximize therapeutic outcomes.

Recent studies have provided relevant scientific support for the use of C. membranaceus root in the treatment of prostate cancers. In the current study, we formulated both liquid and solid oral dosage forms from the ethanol extract of C. membranaceus root and investigated their physicochemical properties, release effects and suitability in comparison with the currently used aqueous decoctions and directly powdered plant material, in order to determine the most appropriate and suitable dosage form that will maximize the benefits of therapy with this species. The prepared solution from the ethanol extract had characteristics similar to the aqueous decoction, but unlike the later, it maintained its specifications and stability throughout the period of study. However, the use of large volumes, convenience and suitability for long term use, will limit their application. The assessed properties of the prepared tablets and capsules met all the specifications required for good quality and t...

As part of our ongoing study to screen local herbs for their possible usefulness in chemotherapy of infectious diseases, we assessed extracts from sixteen herbs for their antimicrobial properties and their influence on the activity of tetracycline. The minimum inhibito-ry concentrations (MIC) of tetracycline against Staph. aureus, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. typhi were determined alone and in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of the extracts by the Kirby–Bauer agar diffusion method of antibacterial assay. Twelve of the extracts potentiated the antibacterial activity of tetracycline against at least one of the test bacteria. Extracts of B. arun-dinacea, B. pilosa, C. membranaceus, E. guineensis, H. sabdariffa, J. curcas root, M. oppositifolius, M. lucida and S. campanulata significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the MIC of tetracycline against Staph aureus. J. curcas root extract did not exhibit any antimicrobial activity against Staph. ureus, B. subtilis and P. ...

Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance is a major public health challenge in sub-Sahara Africa. Many people are now resorting to the use of herbs in managing malaria due to the increasing treatment failures with the conventional drugs. In this study the ethanolic extract of Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn) Thw. var. pendula, a variety fondly used in folklore medicine in Ghana was investigated for potential antimalarial drug development. The ethanolic extract of P. longifolia (Sonn) Thw. var. pendula stem bark was screened against the multidrug resistant, K1 strain of P. falciparum by the parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay and a good antiplasmodial activity (IC50 22.04± 4.23µg/ml) was observed which led to further chromatographic analysis in search for actives. Bioassay guided fractionation of the extract yielded; three clerodane diterpenes [16-hydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-16,15-olide (1), 16-oxocleroda-3,13E-dien-15-oic acid (2) and 3,16-dihydroxycleroda-4(18),13(14)Z-dien-15,16-oli...

The stem wood and twigs of Garcinia kola are extensively used in Ghana and other West African countries as “chew‐sticks” for personal oral hygiene and the decoction of various parts is used to treat infections and other diseases. In this study we investigated the in vitro antimicrobial properties of a methanolic extract of G. kola stem wood and its toothpaste formulation against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, α‐haemolytic Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans by the standard agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. The cytotoxic activity of the extract against a normal human cell lines (SVK‐14) and three human cancer cell lines (DLD‐1, MCF‐7 and M14) was also assessed by the standard MTT Colorimetric method. All the micro‐organisms were significantly susceptible (p&lt;0.01) to the extract (MIC range 0.25 ‐ 2.0 mg/ml) and the toothpaste (zones of growth‐inh...