Browsing by Author "Amoateng, P"
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Item Anti-nociceptive effects of an ethanolic extract of the whole plant of synedrella nodiflora (L.) gaertn in mice: Involvement of adenosinergic mechanisms(Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2009) Woode, E; Amoateng, P; Ansah, C; Duwiejua, MThis study presents the effect of an ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Synedrella nodiflora, a plant used in Ghana for the treatment of epilepsy and pain, in formalin-induced pain and acetic acid-induced writhing assay and the possible mode(s) of action of its analgesic action. For comparison, morphine and diclofenac were used as standard opioid and NSAID respectively. The ethanolic extract (100-1000 mg kg-1; p.o.) and morphine (1-10 mg kg-1; i.p.) dose-dependently decreased both phases of the formalin-induced nociceptive behavior. The antinociceptive effect of S. nodiflora (300 mg kg-1 p.o.) on the first and second phases of formalin induced pain was significantly blocked by caffeine but not by naloxone. In the acetic acid- induced writhing test, diclofenac and S. nodiflora significantly reduced the number of writhes dose dependently. Also, the effect of S. nodiflora (300 mg kg-1 p.o.) was blocked by caffeine (3 mg kg-1 i.p.) but the analgesic effect of diclofenac was enhanced significantly. The observed effects of caffeine on the central and peripheral analgesic effects of S. nodiflora in the formalin and acetic acid induced writhing suggest the possible involvement of adenosinergic mechanism(s).Item Antioxidant and anticoagulant properties of phyllanthus fraternus GL webster (family: Euphorbiaceae)(Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2011) Koffuor, GA; Amoateng, PThe aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anticoagulant activities of the ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus fraternus. The antioxidant and anticoagulant activity of an ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus fraternus (gulf leaf-flower) was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The results obtained indicate that the extract of P. fraternus (PFE) exhibits antioxidant activity by significantly scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, concentration-dependent reducing capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Detection of phenols in the extract gave preliminary evidence of its possible antioxidant activity which correlated with the total antioxidant capacity. The extract significantly increased in vitro clotting time and bleeding time in rabbits. Heparin and aspirin exhibited similar effects. Since thrombus formation and oxidative stress are known to be main risk factors contributing to stroke, the anticoagulant and antioxidant activity in the plants makes it useful as adjuncts in the management of stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders.Item Ethnomedicinal survey and mutagenic studies of plants used in Accra metropolis, Ghana(Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019-10-23) Bekoe, E.O.; Agyare, C.; Boakye, Y.D.; Baiden, B.M.; Asase, A.; Sarkodie, J.; Nettey, H.; Adu, F.; Otu, P.B.; Agyarkwa, B.; Amoateng, P; Asiedu-Gyekye, I.; Nyarko, A.Ethnopharmacological relevance: Majority of people living in Ghana and many other developing countries rely on traditional medicinal plants for their primary healthcare. These plants are used either alone or in combination to manage a wide range of ailments. However, most of these plants have not been investigated for their mutagenic effects. Aim of the study: This study, therefore aimed at evaluating the mutagenic activity of the most frequently used medicinal plants amongst Ghanaians living within the Accra metropolis, Ghana. Materials and methods: Validated questionnaires were administered to 53 herbalists and herbal medicines dealers in the Makola, Madina and Nima communities. Plants that were identified as being frequently used were investigated for their mutagenicity using the Ames test. Results: A total of 110 medicinal plants belonging to 53 families were identified as most frequently used plants in the study sites. These are used to treat various ailments including gastric ulcer, fever, malaria, male impotence, diabetes, typhoid, high blood pressure and candidiasis. Thirteen samples (52%) showed moderate to high mutagenicity in the TA 100 bacterial strain before and after metabolism with rat liver enzyme. Conclusions: The study showed that over half of the frequently used medicinal plants showed moderate to high mutagenicity before and after metabolism at the concentration of a 100 μg/mL. This may have implications for the safety of those who use them to manage diseases. These findings will suggest the need for an in-depth study of the mutagenic potentials of plants commonly used by indigenous people and more especially for those exhibiting high mutagenicity in this study.Item Gastroprotective effect and safety assessment of zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (lam) waterm root bark extract(American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2012) Boye, A; Koffuor, GA; Boampong, JN; Amoateng, P; Ameyaw, EO; Ansah, EO; Penu, DKAProblem statement: Gastrointestinal ulcers account significantly for morbidity and mortality in Ghana. The study therefore investigated the gastroprotective effect of an ethanolic root bark extract of Zanthoxylum zanthxyloides and its safety for us. Approach: Gastric ulceration was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats with Indomethacin (25 mg kg-1, p.o) and was treated with 150, 250, or 500 mg kg-1 of the extract, or 20 mg kg-1 Esomeprazole. The number of ulcers per stomach, Ulcerative Index and Curative Ratio were determined. A histological study of the gastric mucosa was also performed. The extract’s effect on an isolated guinea-pig ileum preparation was investigated to elucidate its possible mechanism of action. Safety assessments involving, organ weight to body weight ratio determination, hematological analysis and liver function tests were performed. Results: The extract significantly decreased (p≤0.001) the number of ulcers per stomach and the Ulcerative Index (similar to Esomeprazole) and significantly increased (p≤0.001) the Curative Ratio in a dose-dependent manner. It completely corrected the architectural distortions caused by gastric ulceration and inhibited significantly (p≤0.001) the contractile responses of the isolated guinea-pig ileum to Acetylcholine, Nicotine and Histamine in a manner comparable to reference antagonists. The extract had no significant effect (p>0.05) on organ weight to body ratio and hematological profile. Plasma levels of Alanine transaminase and Alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly (p≤0.001) in extract and Esomeprazole-treated ulcerated rats. Levels of Gamma-glutamyl transferase, Total bilirubin (direct and indirect) however increased significantly (p≤0.01-0.001). Conclusion/Recommendations: Per the findings, the ethanolic root bark extract of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides has gastroprotective effect in Sprague-Dawley rats working possibly via antimuscarinic or antihistaminic mechanism. It however has a potential of causing cholestasis hence liver function should be monitored.Item Hypoglycaemic activity of tragia tennifolia (euphorbiaceae) extract in rats(International Journal of Pharmacology, 2011) Koffuor, GA; Woode, E; Amoateng, PThe hypoglycaemic effect of the ethanolic Tragia tennifolia Extract (TTE) was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPGT) and alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus. Acute toxicity studies were also conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats. TTE (53 mg kg-1, p.o.) significantly (p≤0.01) reduced the peak plasma glucose concentration and the AUC of the OGTT curve, by 47.0 and 44.9%, respectively 1 h after its administration and this was comparable to that produced by glibenclamide (0.14 mg kg-1) and metformin (12.14 mg kg-1). TTE like glibenclamide, significantly (p≤0.01) reduced the fasting plasma glucose by 29.1% after 5 h compared to control groups. The AUC for TTE-treated rats was reduced by 14.8%. In alloxan-induced DM rats, insulin (8.5 unit/kg/day) significantly (p≤0.01) reduced hyperglycaemia by 68.6% whereas TTE, glibenclamide and metformin had no significant effects. Acute toxicity studies showed no evidence of toxicity after an oral administration of TTE (0.1-0.5 g kg-1). These results indicate that TTE may be potentially useful in Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) but not for Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM).