Browsing by Author "Duwiejua, M"
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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 Self-reported use of anti-malarial drugs and health facility management of malaria in ghana(Malaria Journal, 2007) Buabeng, K.O.; Duwiejua, M; Dodoo, A.N.; Matowe, L.K.; Enlund, H.OBJECTIVE: To assess the appropriateness of self-reported use of anti-malarial drugs prior to health facility attendance, and the management of malaria in two health facilities in Ghana. METHOD: A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 respondents who were diagnosed clinically and/or parasitologically for malaria at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital and Suntreso Polyclinic, both in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Collected information included previous use of anti-malarial drugs prior to attending the health facilities, types of drugs used, how the drugs were used, and the sources of the drugs. In addition, the anti-malarial therapy given and outcomes at the two health facilities were assessed.RESULTS: Of the 500 patients interviewed, 17% had severe malaria, 8% had moderate to severe malaria and 75% had uncomplicated malaria. Forty three percent of the respondents had taken anti-malarial drugs within two weeks prior to hospital attendance. The most commonly used anti-malarials were chloroquine (76%), sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (9%), herbal preparations (9%) and amodiaquine (6%). The sources of these medicines were licensed chemical sellers (50%), pharmacies (21%), neighbouring clinics (9%) or "other" sources (20%) including left-over medicines at home. One hundred and sixty three (77%) of the 213 patients who had used anti-malarial drugs prior to attending the health facilities, used the drugs inappropriately. At the health facilities, the anti-malarials were prescribed and used according to the national standard treatment guidelines with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of inappropriate use of anti-malarials in the community in Ghana is high. There is need for enhanced public health education on home-based management of malaria and training for workers in medicine supply outlets to ensure effective use of anti-malaria drugs in the country.