Browsing by Author "Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud"

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Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Rumex abyssinica Jacq. (Polygonaceae) and Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae)
(Scientific Research Publishing Inc, 2014-03-20) Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Gakunga Ndukui, James; Namutembi, Agnes; Waako, Paul; Borg Karlson; Ann-Karl; Vudriko, Patrick
Rumex abyssinica Jacq. (Polygonaceae) is locally used in management of allergies and female reproductive healthcare; whereas Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae) is used to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory distress, dandruff, halitosis and malaria in Uganda. Owing to the paucity of data on their safety profiles, this study evaluated the acute and sub-acute toxicities of 70% ethanolic leaf extracts of both plants in mice and Wistar albino rats. The oral acute toxicity of both plants was evaluated in Swiss mice of 7 - 8 weeks old (16 - 22 g) body weight and LD50 determined. Sub-acute toxicity was evaluated in Wistar albino rats (6 per group) at dose rates of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg for 28 days. The LD50 of R. abyssinica and M. spicata in mice was 7727 mg/kg and 13,606 mg/kg body weight, respectively. General signs of toxicity due to large doses of both plants extract included hyperurination, abdominal muscle twitches and convulsions. In the sub-acute toxicity test, rats treated with both extracts did not exhibit any clinical signs of toxicity; no mortality and changes in body weight were observed. R. abyssinica did not cause significant changes in haema- tological indices, except a significant increase in HCT (p < 0.05). However, a dose dependant significant decrease in HCT (p < 0.05) and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of WBC, LMY and MCHC were observed in rats treated with M. spicata extract. Biochemical test showed that both extracts caused a significant dose dependent increase (p < 0.05) in levels of ALT and ALP. Marked increase in the levels of AST was also observed in rats treated with M. spicata extract. Of the two extracts, only rats treated with R. abyssinica revealed congestion, hemorrhages and cellular infiltration in vital organs. In conclusion, the LD50 values of both plant extracts were above 5000 mg/kg suggesting that they are experimentally safe, thus justifying their use in traditional medicine. However, prolonged exposure to higher doses may cause observable alterations in histopathological, biochemical, and haematological parameters, particularly with R. abyssinica.
The antiplasmodial and radical scavenging activities of flavonoids of Erythrina burttii.
(Elserver, 2012) Yenesew, Abiy; Akala, Hoseah M.; Twinomuhwezia, Hannington; Chepkirui, Carolyne; Beatrice N; Irungu; Eyaseb, Fredrick L; Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Bernard T.; Kiremire; Jacob D; Johnson; Waters, Norman C.
The acetone extract of the root bark of Erythrina burttii showed in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 values of 0.97±0.2 and 1.73±0.5 _g/ml respectively. The extract also had radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical with an EC50 value of 12.0 _g/ml. The isoflav-3-enes burttinol-A and burttinol-C, and the 2 arylbenzofuran derivative burttinol-D were identified as the most active antiplasmodial (IC50 < 10 _M) and free radical scavenging (EC50 ca. 10 _M) principles. The acetone extract of E. burttii at 800 mg/kg/day, in a 4-day Plasmodium berghei ANKA suppressive test, showed in vivo antimalarial activity with 52% chemosuppression. In the same in vivo test, marginal activities were also observed for the extracts of the root and stem bark of Erythrina abyssinica and the root bark of Erythrina sacleuxii.
Medicinal plants used in the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections in and around Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve, western Uganda
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2008) Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Oryem-Origa, Hannington; Odyek, Olwa; Makawiti, Dominic W.
In Uganda, bacterial and fungal infections are prevalent especially, the sexually transmitted diseases including HIV⁄AIDS. Because of low socio-economic empowerment,traditional beliefs and cultural barriers, the suffering people resort to use of herbal remedies in search of cure especially for rural women who rarely discuss ⁄ disclose diseases affecting secretive body parts. The study documented 67 medicinal plants distributed among 27 families and 51 genera used to treat fungal and bacterial infections in and around Queen Elizabeth Biosphere Reserve in western Uganda. The highest numbers of species were from Families Lamiaceae (13) and Asteraceae (11). The most commonly harvested plant parts were leaves (88.1%) and roots (23.9%). The most common growth form harvested were herbs (47.8%) and most of the medicinal plants used were wild species (67.2%). The main methods of herbal drug preparation were by squeezing, boiling and pounding and were mainly orally administered. However, most of the steamed plant species were inserted in the birth canal besides oral administration. Some plants such as Allium sativum, Aloe vera and Ocimum gratissimum are topically applied on the affected body parts. This vital indigenous knowledge about healing secretive and discrete diseases among the marginalized population requires urgent ethnobotanical studies to sustain livelihoods.
Medicinal plants used to induce labour during childbirth in Western Uganda
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd., 2006-07-05) Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Oryem-Origa, Hannington
Traditional medicine usage in rural Ugandan population for day-to-day health care needs is close to 90%.Women and children form the bulk of the people reliant on herbal medicine. This study was undertaken to document how ethnomedical folklore aids childbirth in rural western Uganda by conducting field surveys, discussions and interviews with the resource users (mothers) and health providers (traditional birth attendants). Health surveys revealed that over 80% of childbirths are conducted at home by using herbal remedies in Bushenyi district. Seventy-five plants have been recorded for usage in inducing labour and some of these plants may be oxytocic. The dilemma lies in the toxicity levels and the unspecified dosages that may threaten the life of the unborn baby and the mother. The high population growth rate, high total fertility rate coupled with high maternal mortality and morbidity in Uganda calls for rethinking in gendered health provision policies and programmes for which herbal medicine integration in health care systems seems viable. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Non-Timber Forest Products Trade and Community Livelihoods around Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
(Macrothink institute, 2016-09-11) Tugume, Patience; Mukadasi, Buyinza; Kakudidi, Esezah; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kalema, James; Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud
This paper generates data on the diversity and value of non- timber forest products (NTFP) traded in markets adjacent to Mabira Central forest reserve. The objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of NTFP trade to the livelihoods of traders’ households. Quarterly market surveys and field observations were conducted in eleven markets in 2014. All NTFP traders were interviewed using semi structured questionnaires. Simple profitability method was used to determine the profit margins of the traded products. The per capita value of NTFP traded was calculated and was highest for drums ($ 3,101) and lowest for winnowing trays ($3). All products had profit margins above 60%. Income generated from NTFP was used to cater for other essential needs like payment of school fees, medical treatment, buying food and other household items. NTFP trade has potential of improving the lives of traders through establishment of NTFP enterprises. In order for such enterprises to be successful traded forest products must be harvested sustainably to ensure consistent supply of the products. Multipurpose species like Markhamia lutea, Phoenix reclinata, Raphia farinefera and Calamus sp could be domesticated to minimize pressure on the forest.
Socio-economic predictors of dependence on Non-timber forest products: lessons from Mabira Central Forest Reserve Communities
(American Research Institute for Policy Development, 2015-11) Tugume, Patience; Mukadasi, Buyinza; Namaalwa, Justine; Kakudidi, Esezah K; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kalema, James; Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud
Resource user surveys were conducted in 14 villages of Mabira central forest reserve. The study was intended to assess factors that encourage dependency on non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Understanding NTFP dependence is instrumental in guiding plans of forest use. The study was based on the hypothesis that forest income is more important to poor than wealthier households. Stratified random sampling was used to select NTFP users in different use categories per village. Information on household income of NTFP users was obtained using semi structured questionnaires and relative NTFP income was calculated. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse factors that influence NTFP dependence. 277 respondents used and sold a variety of products including; charcoal, firewood, fodder, construction materials, secondary products of NTFPs, medicinal and wild edible plants. Relative NTFP income was highest (53%) for poor households. 56% of households surveyed were dependent on NTFPs. Age, other income, household head, wealth quintile and distance from the forest significantly affected NTFP dependence. The high dependence on NTFPs is critical in development of management strategies that enhance conservation of the forest by focusing on women and the poor to avoid negative impact on their wellbeing.
Traditional herbal remedies used in the management of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction in western Uganda
(African Health Sciences, 2005-03) Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Oryem-Origa, Hannington
Western Uganda. Reproductive health care is the second most prevalent health care problem in Africa. However, this concept of reproductive health care has been focusing mainly on women disregarding men. Thus, some diseases such as sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction that deserve mention are regarded as petty though important in economic productivity, family stability and sexually transmitted diseases control including HIV/AIDS. Objective: This study was carried out mainly to document medicinal plants used in the treatment of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction disorders in western Uganda. Methods: The medical ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge were collected by visiting traditional healers and documenting the medicinal plants used and other socio-cultural aspects allied with sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction. The methods used to collect the relevant information regarding the medicinal plants used included informal and formal discussions, field visits and focused semi-structured interviews. Results: Thirty-three medicinal plants used in the management of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction were documented and Citropsis articulata and Cola acuminata were among the highly utilized medicinal plants. Conclusion: From the researchers’ point of view, the usage of herbal remedies in managing male sexual disorders is useful because of long cultural history of utilisation and the current renewed interest in natural products to sustain health globally. As a way recognising the values and roles of traditional medical knowledge in health care provision, further research into the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in male sexual disorders is precious in Uganda and beyond. More so, the establishment of rapport between relevant government department in Ministry of Health, modern health workers through collaborative and networking ventures with traditional healers under close supervision and monitoring of herbal treatments is noble