Department of Public Health and Biomedical Sciences

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ECONOMIC IMPACT OF LACOR HOSPITAL ON THE SURROUNDING AREA
(2003) Francis, Kazibwe; Everd, Maniple; Evelyn, Akello; Salome, Asio; Vento, Auma; Haruna, Lule; Bruno, Corrado; John, Odaga
The health care industry is an important contributor to the economy, especially to that of the area surrounding health institutions. This effect is even more marked in the case of rural facilities. At national level, it comes in the form of ensuring a healthy productive population and saving costs that would have otherwise been spent on treatment, thus liberating them for use on other developmental purposes. However, being a labour-intensive industry, it also contributes by providing employment for a significant section of the working-age population. At local level, in addition to the general benefits mentioned above, it comes in the form of attracting significant government and external investment to the area, and providing a market for local goods and services. It also helps to ‘keep health dollars at home’ by ensuring that locals are treated within their area and thus retaining their health expenditure within their own economy. Yet, the economic impact of the health care industry is still under-estimated the world over, Uganda inclusive. Until recently, most studies of economic impact concentrated on the contribution of activities other than health care (Scorsone 2001; Scorsone 2002) and as such, there are few articles available to be reviewed about healthcare
Chemotherapy for Schistosomiasis in Ugandan Fishermen
(American Society for Microbiology, 2004-04-02) Kazibwe, Francis.et.al
Chemotherapy for blood-dwelling schistosomes kills the worms and exposes parasite antigen to the circu lation. In many people from areas of endemicity, this treatment increases parasite-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and other Th2 responses in the months following therapy, responses that have been associated with subsequent resistance to reinfection. Here we investigate much earlier changes in immune reactions after praziquantel therapy in Schistosoma mansoni-infected fishermen working in an area of high transmission in Uganda. The subjects gave blood before treatment and at 1 and 21 days posttreatment. Blood cultures were incubated with schistosome soluble worm antigen (SWA) or soluble egg antigen (SEA). Interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, gamma interferon, and transforming growth factor levels were measured in the cultures and in plasma. A marked transient increase in plasma IL-5 levels was observed in 75% of the subjects (n 48) by 1 day posttreatment. This response was dependent on pretreatment intensity of infection and was accom panied by a transient decrease in eosinophil numbers. One day posttreatment, blood cultures from the 16 subjects with the greatest increase in plasma IL-5 level (>100 pg/ml) displayed reduced IL-5, IL-13, and IL-10 responses to SWA, and in contrast to the rest of the cohort, these high-IL-5 subjects displayed reduced levels of SWA-specific IgE in plasma 21 days posttreatment. Twenty months after treatment, the intensity of reinfection was positively correlated with the increase in plasma IL-5 level seen 1 day posttreatment. These studies describe the heterogeneity in early immune reactions to treatment, identifying subgroups who have different patterns of reaction and who may have different capacities to mount the responses that have been associated with resistance to reinfection.
Medicinal plants used to induce labour during childbirth in western Uganda
(Elsevier, 2006-06-07) Maud, Kamatenesi-Mugisha; Hannington, Oryem-Origa
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
Microgeographical and tribal variations in water contact and Schistosoma mansoni exposure within a Ugandan fishing community
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2007) Francis, Kazibwe et.al
objective To explore patterns of water contact and Schistosoma mansoni exposure by age, sex, tribe and space within a single village. methods For 10 months, we systematically observed water contacts made by the 800 inhabitants of a small Ugandan fishing village. In order to estimate cercarial exposure, times spent in water were weighted by snail infection levels, time of day and degree of immersion. results There were marked differences in water contact patterns between the two main tribes, which inhabited geographically distinct ends of the village resulting in geographically distinct spatial patterns of water contact. The distributions of the intermediate hosts, Biomphalaria sudanica and Biomphalaria stanleyi, also appeared to differ over small distances. This led to quite different exposure patterns between the two tribes, particularly amongst females. conclusions Schistosoma mansoni exposure can vary markedly within a single village. Such non homogenous patterns of exposure are likely to have wider implications for schistosomiasis control programmes and research studies.
Parasitological impact of 2-year preventive chemotherapy on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Uganda
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2007-09-03) Kazibwe, Francis.et.al
Background: Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are among the neglected tropical diseases in Africa. A national control program for these diseases was initiated in Uganda during March 2003. Annual treatment with praziquantel and albendazole was given to schoolchildren in endemic areas and to adults in selected communities where local prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni in schoolchildren was high. Methods: The impact of the treatment program was monitored through cohorts of schoolchildren and adults. Their infection status with S. mansoni and STH was determined by parasitological examinations at baseline and at annual follow-ups. The prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni and STH before and after treatment were analyzed. Results: Two rounds of treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of S. mansoni infection in schoolchildren across three regions in the country from 33.4–49.3% to 9.7–29.6%, and intensity of infection from 105.7–386.8 eggs per gram of faeces (epg) to 11.6–84.1 epg. The prevalence of hookworm infection was reduced from 41.2– 57.9% to 5.5–16.1%, and intensity of infection from 186.9–416.8 epg to 3.7–36.9 epg. The proportion of children with heavy S. mansoni infection was significantly reduced from 15% (95% CI 13.4–16.8%) to 2.3% (95% CI 1.6– 3.0%). In adults, significant reduction in the prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni and hookworm infections was also observed. More importantly, the prevalence and intensity of both S. mansoni and hookworm infections in the cohorts of newly-recruited 6-year-olds who had never previously received treatment decreased significantly over 2 years: 34.9% (95% CI 31.9–37.8%) to 22.6% (95% CI 19.9–25.2%) and 171.1 epg (95% CI 141.5–200.7) to 72.0 epg (95% CI 50.9–93.1) for S. mansoni; and 48.4% (95% CI 45.4–51.5) to 15.9% (95% CI 13.6–18.2) and 232.7 epg (95% CI 188.4–276.9) to 51.4 epg (95% CI 33.4–69.5) for hookworms, suggesting a general decline in environmental transmission levels. Conclusion: Annual anthelminthic treatment delivered to schoolchildren and to adults at high risk in Uganda can significantly reduce the prevalence and intensity of infection for schistosomiasis and STH, and potentially also significantly reduce levels of environmental transmission of infection
Diagnosis and treatment of advanced breast cancer
(BMJ, 2009-02) Kazibwe, Francis; N, Murray; J, Winstanley; A, Bennett
Epidemiology and control of intestinal schistosomiasis on the Sesse Islands, Uganda
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2010) Francis, Kazibwe et.al
Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis is often widespread among the populations living around Lake Victoria and on its islands. The Sesse Island group (containing some 84 islands), however, is typically assumed to be a low prevalence zone, with limited transmission, but has never been surveyed in detail. Here, we present a rapid mapping assessment, bringing together snail and parasite information, at 23 sites for the presence of intermediate host snails and at 61 sites for the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis in school-aged children (N = 905). Two different diagnostic tools were used and compared at 45 of these sites: Kato-Katz thick faecal smears and circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) urine dipsticks. Results: Biomphalaria snails were found at 11 sites but in low numbers; none was found shedding schistosome cercariae. At 22 out of the 45 sites, local prevalence by urine and/or stool diagnostics was in excess of 50%, although mean prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis overall was 34.6% (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 31.0- 38.3%) by Kato-Katz and 46.5% (95% CI = 42.7-50.4%) by CCA if ‘trace’ reactions were considered infection-positive (if considered infection-negative, mean prevalence was 28.1% (95% CI = 24.7-31.7%)). Diagnostic congruence between CCA and Kato-Katz was poor and significant discordance in estimated prevalence by location was found, with each often inferring different mass drug administration regimes. Conclusions: Accurate estimation of schistosome prevalence is important for determining present and future treatment needs with praziquantel; the wide range of schistosome prevalence across the Sesse Island group requires a treatment regime largely tailored to each island. In high prevalence locations, further malacological sampling is required to confirm the extent of local transmission, especially on the northern islands within the group. The observation that different diagnostic tests can provide varying results in terms of estimating prevalence by location, and hence change treatment recommendations, suggests that care must be taken in interpreting raw prevalence data. In particular, further research into the reasons for the differences in the poorer performance of the CCA test should be pursued
Medicinal plants of Otwal and Ngai Sub Counties in Oyam District, Northern Uganda
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2011) Maud, Kamatenesi-Mugisha et.al
Background An ethnobotanical study was carried out in four parishes in the Ngai and Otwal Sub Counties in Oyam district, Northern Uganda, where insurgency has been prevalent for the past 20 years. Documenting medicinal plant species used in treating various health conditions among the local people. Methods Information was obtained from mainly the local population, the traditional healers and other experienced persons through interviews, formal and informal discussions and field excursions. Results Seventy one plant species were reported for use in the treatment of various diseases in the study area. These plant species belongs to 41 families, with Asteraceae being the most represented. Roots were ranked the commonest plant part used. Oral administration was the most frequently used route of administration. A total of 41 different health conditions were reported to be treated by use of medicinal plant species. Thirty nine percent of the recorded plant species were reported for treating stomach related ailments. Conclusion The use of medicinal plants in primary healthcare is still a common practice in Ngai and Otwal Sub Counties. The trust they have is built on the curative outcome properties claimed, poverty and armed conflict that lead to inadequate healthcare facilities. The generation gap caused by the over 20 years of insurgency in the area has brought about knowledge gap on the usage of medicinal plant species between the young and the older generation.
Ethno-pharmacological screening of Vernonia amygdalina and Cleome gynandra traditionally used in Childbirth in Western Uganda
(NAPRECA Symposium Book of Proceedings, Antananarivo, Madagascar, 2013) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; Hannington, Oryem-Origa; Olwa, Odyek; Dominic W, Makawiti
Over 80% of pregnant women in Western Uganda deliver at home with the assistance of mainly traditional birth attendants who use herbal remedies to complete the processes of child bearing in the rural communities. In Uganda, complications resulting from reproductive health related conditions such as maternal mortality and morbidity (20.4%) account for number one problem among the disease burden followed by malaria (15.4%). The national maternal mortality average is 506/100,000 and that has remained stable for over the last ten years. Despite the wide usage of herbal remedies in childbirth, this indigenous knowledge is not well documented and the claims not properly validated through scientific scrutiny under conditions mimicking the indigenous methods of use. This paper will discuss the crude aqueous herbal extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Del. and Cleome gynandra L. that were screened for their bioactivities on the motility of the rat uterus and rabbit jejunum. The ethnopharmacological screening results showed that the aqueous herbal extracts of V. amygdalina and C. gynandra increased rat uterine motility. In addition, aqueous extracts from V. amygdalina caused rabbit jejunum contraction. The aqueous plant extracts of V. amygdalina and C. gynandra that increased the rat uterine contraction may be oxytocic. Since the usage of herbal medicines offers a holistic approach that is lacking in western medicine, integration and safety aspects of herbal medicine development is a concern to the developing countries and globally.
Oral acute toxicity study of selected botanical pesticide plants used by subsistence farmers around the Lake Victoria Basin
(Academic Journals, 2013-02-10) Maud, Kamatenesi-Mugisha; John, Paul Buyungo; Patrick, Ogwal; Alex, Kasibante; Arop L., Deng; Joshua, O. Ogendo; Matabola, J. Mihale
A survey carried out around the Lake Victoria region showed evidence that people around this region use plant extracts, parts and powders to protect stored food commodities from insect pests. The widely used plants were identified and selected for biosafety assessments namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Tithonia diversifolia, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus globulus and Cupressus lusitanica. Wistar mice were acclimatized and divided into groups of six. Each mice group was administered with one extract at different concentrations. The extracts were administered orally and the animals were observed for 24 h. A control group was kept which received only the carrier substance orally. The LD50 values were determined by the use of the graphical method and regression analysis. Oral acute toxicity studies established the LD50 values for essential oils of O. gratissimum, E. saligna and C. lusitanica as 4.570, 2.290, and 3.311 mg/kg, respectively. For ethanol extracts, LD50 values were 12.882, 12.302, 14.996 and 11.481 mg/kg for O. gratissimum, E. globulus, C. lusitanica and T. diversifolia, respectively. For the aqueous extracts, the LD50 of T. diversifolia was found to be 12.302 mg/kg. For E. globulus and C. lusitanica, their aqueous LD50s were beyond 15.000 mg/kg. The oral acute toxicity tests showed weak toxicities for all the plant extracts investigated in the study. The low toxicity levels exhibited by these extracts may be the reason why these plant products have been used by local communities for long without adverse effects. Chronic studies should be carried out to assess whether these extracts have serious effects on experimental animals exposed to them at small doses for a long period of time.
Ethnobotanical study of nutri-medicinal plants used for the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments among the local communities of western Uganda
(Crossmark, 2013-09-26) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; Savina, Asiimwe; Agnes, Namutebi; Anna-Karin, Borg-Karlsson; Peace, Musiimenta
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Herbal remedies are a source of therapeutics for nearly 80% of the population in Uganda. Poor health facilities and limited access to antiretroviral drugs have perpetuated and increased the use of traditional medicine especially in rural areas for the treatment of opportunistic ailments of HIV/AIDS. To document the traditional uses of nutri-medicinal plants in the management of immunocompromised ailments associated with HIV/AIDS. To document the parts and growth forms of plants used, methods of preparation and administration of the herbal remedies. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Mbarara and Isingiro districts of western Uganda between December 2010 and May 2011. Ethnobotanical information was collected from 64 respondents who were sampled based on recommendations of local elders and administrators. Ethnobotanical data on the use of nutri-medicinal plants for traditional treatment of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments were collected by employing semi-structured interviews with selected respondents, house hold visits and field observations as described by (Martin, 1995a). The respondents were mainly traditional medical practitioners who treat patients who are already receiving antiretroviral drugs. Fidelity levels of plant species and informant consensus factor were determined to show the percentage of informants claiming the use of certain plant species for the same major purpose and to analyse people's knowledge of plant use.
Medicinal Plants Used in Paediatric Health Care in Namungalwe Sub County, Iganga District, Uganda
(Nova Explore Publications, 2014) Maud, Kamatenesi-Mugisha et.al
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.
Chemical composition and Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous leaf extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus Lour. Spreng
(International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention, 2014-02) Savina, Asiimwe; Anna-Karin, Borg- Karlsson; Muhammad, Azeem; Kamatenesi, Maud Mugisha; Agnes, Namutebi; Ndukui, James Gakunga
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Plectranthus amboinicus is used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases and ailments including opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. However, there is little insight as to the possible toxic effects of this herbal formulation on major organ systems of the body. This study was designed to assess the acute and sub acute toxic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of P. amboinicus on the histology of tissues, biochemical (liver and kidney functions) as well as hematological indices in albino swiss mice and wistar rats respectively. Materials and methods: In this study, phytochemical screening of the aqueous extracts of P. amboinicus was carried out using standard qualitative and quantitative (SPME and GCMS) analytical methods. The extracts were tested for acute toxicity in mice and for sub acute toxicity in Wistar rats according to the OECD guidelines No 425. In acute toxicity test, the dose of 5000 mg/kg was used as the limit dose test. The sub acute toxicity test was evaluated through biochemical, hematological, histopathological and body weight of rats using daily doses of 2500 mg/kg, 1250 mg/kg and 625 mg/kg of the aqueous extract for 28 days. Any signs of toxicity were recorded. Histopathological examination was done on the liver, kidneys, lungs and intestines. Body weight changes were measured weekly for 28 days of daily single dose of extract administration. Results: Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extracts revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroid glycosides and polyuronides. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 11 chemical compounds constituting 97.6% of the total extract composition. The principle constituents include linalool (50.3 %), nerol acetate (11.6%), geranyl acetate (11.7 %) and carvacrol (14.3%). In acute toxicity, the extracts did not cause any mortality or evidence of adverse effects following oral administration of the highest dose of 10,000 mg/kg of crude extract in both mice. In sub acute study, normal body weight gains were observed during the study period compared to the control group. The kidney function parameters (Urea, creatinine, uric acid) were significantly increased following administration of extract. Histopathological examination of extract treated groups showed necrosis of hepatic cells with generalized congestion in the renal cortex, pneumonitis and sloughing of intestinal villi. Conclusion: The aqueous extract is rich in phytochemical compounds that are of therapeutic value. No mortalities were observed during acute and sub acute toxicity study period. These finding indicate that the extract caused treatment- related toxicological abnormalities which increased with dosage. The aqueous extract of P. amboinicus is safe to use as indicated by the high LD50 value, but should be used with caution at high doses.
Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Rumex abyssinica Jacq. (Polygonaceae) and Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae)
(Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 2014-03-05) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; James, Gakunga Ndukui; Agnes, Namutembi; Paul, Waako; Ann-Karl, Borg Karlson; Patrick, Vudriko
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 haematological 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.
Documentation and consensus of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used by the local communities of western Uganda
(Scholars Research Library, 2014-04) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; Hannington, Oryem-Origa; Savina, Asiimwe; Agnes, Namutebi; Anna-Karin, Borg-Karlsson
An ethnobotanical study was conducted to document the uses of medicinal plants among the local communities of western Uganda. The aim of the study was to identify and document plant species used for treatment of various ailments in the study areas, identify the commonly used plants, parts used, preparation and administration of herbal drugs. To find out the level of consensus or agreement between informants regarding the uses of plants for particular disease categories. Information on the plants was gathered between December 2010 and May 2011 from 124 informants using semi-structured interviews and discussions. For analysis of general use of plants, factor informant consensus (Fic) was used. The reported plants were collected and identified. The study revealed 231 plant species belonging to 72 families and 164 genera. These plants were used to treat various diseases and ailments grouped under 14 ailment categories, with the highest number of species (127) being used for gastrointestinal disorders followed by reproductive health disorders (75). The factor informant consensus highlighted low agreement in the use of plants. The highest Fic (0.61) was scored for the digestive problems, such as intestinal worms, stomachache and constipation. Aloe vera was used for malaria with the highest frequency of mention (26 mentions). Herbs (55%) were the main source of medicine followed by shrubs (18%). Leaves (65%) and roots (19%) were the main plant parts used in remedy preparation while decoction was the major form of preparation. Family Asteraceae accounted for 16% of the total species recorded. The majority of plants (53%) were harvested from wild habitats. The most important species according to their fidelity are Senna occidentalis (L.) Link for deworming, Aloe vera L. for malaria, Maytenus senegalensis (Lam) Exell for syphilis and Senecio hadiensis Forssk for miscarriages.The low consensus means the majority of informants do not agree or exchange information on the use of plant species and this may require bioactivity screening to justify the use for the reported ailments. The documented information regarding therapeutic uses provides basic data for further studies focused on pharmacological studies and conservation of the most important species.
Wild Plants Used as Nutraceuticals from Nebbi District, Uganda
(European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2014-04-13) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; Godwin, Anywar
Currently, there is a global outcry over food insecurity [1]. This is worsened by the soaring food prices [2,3]. Uganda is not an exception, with a high average annual population growth rate of 3.2% and low annual growth rate of food production of about 1.5 % [4,5]. The proportion of undernourished people is highest in sub-Saharan Africa at 30 % [6,7], especially among children, women and the elderly [8]. Although Uganda has fertile soils and good climate, food insecurity exists throughout the country, but varies both geographically and amongst livelihood groups [9]. Families in Nebbi have only one harvest or agricultural season per year causing a serious burden on the nutritional status, livelihood and health of the local people.
Medicinal plant species used in the treatment of skin diseases in Katabi Sub- County, Wakiso District, Uganda
(Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2014-06-23) Maud, Kamatenesi-Mugisha; Cissy, Nambejja; Patience, Tugume; Clement, Nyakoojo
Background: The use of medicinal plants in primary healthcare is central among rural communities in Uganda due to the expensive and often inaccessible conventional healthcare. Skin diseases pose a serious health risk given the challenge of HIV-AIDS whose opportunist infections manifest themselves as skin complications. The study investigated, identified and documented plant species used to manage skin infections, the plant parts used, methods of preparation and administration of herbal remedies.Methods: An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant species used to treat skin diseases was conducted in Katabi Sub-County, Wakiso District in Uganda using semi structured interviews. A questionnaire, checklist, and personal observation were the research instruments used. Descriptivestatistics were used to present the data.
Effects of aqueous root bark extract of Citropsis articulata (Swingle & Kellerman) on sexual function in male rats
(African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2015-07-17) Joseph, Oloro; Paul, E. Alele; Martin, Amanya; Julius, K. Tanayen; Joseph, O. Chukwujekwu Ezeonwumelu; Amon, G. Agaba
About 80% of the world’s population uses herbal medicine for the treatment of various health conditions. Erectile dysfunction is one of the conditions commonly treated using traditional herbs on large scale. In this study, our goal was to determine the safety and effects of the aqueous root bark extract of Citropsis articulata on sexual function in male Wistar rats. This study aimed to carry out phytochemical analysis of the aqueous root bark extract of C. articulata, conduct acute toxicity test to determine the safety of the aqueous root bark extract from C. articulata, determine the effect of the extract of C. articulata on inducing erection in male rats, and also to evaluate the effect of the extract of C. articulata on testosterone levels in male rats. Extraction was carried out by warm maceration, and phytochemical analysis done, following the methods of Trease and Evans, and acute toxicity studies were conducted following the Lorke’s method. Efficacy was evaluated using non-contact and contact models. Testosterone analysis was performed using the AXSYM Testosterone reagent by Abbott AXSYM system. Results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, proteins, free amino acids, arginine and phenolic compounds. The LD50 was estimated at 9486.833 mg/kg body weight. Extract did not induce erection, but had a significant effect on mounting (p-value = 0.013) and a significant effect on testosterone level (p-value = 0.02). Aqueous root bark extract of C. articulata increases mounting frequency and testosterone levels in male rats, is slightly toxic, and contains phytochemicals effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Non-Timber Forest Products Trade and Community Livelihoods around Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
(Macrothink Institute, 2016) Maud, Kamatenesi-Mugisha et.al
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
Prevalence Of Violence-Related Traumatic Events And Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among The Congolese Refugees In Uganda.
(Makerere University College of Health Sciences, 2016-08-15) Ainamani, Herbert E; Elbert, Thomas; Olema, David K; Hecker, Tobias
Introduction: Following the waves of violence in Congo after the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, there has been an influx of Congolese refugees into Uganda and more have continued to flock into the country up to date. These refugees were exposed to multiple traumatic events that continue to be detrimental to their psychological well-being. Whereas there has been vast research on the prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on a single most traumatizing event, literature on the relative contribution of cumulative exposure to different traumatic events and PTSD symptom severity is still scanty in refugee or trauma studies. Objective: In this study, we investigated the prevalence and association of violence-related traumatic events of war to PTSD symptom severity among the Congolese refugees in Nakivale refugee settlement in Uganda. Methods: Using the Post-traumatic Symptom Scale Interview (PSSI)and a prepared checklist of war and non-war traumatic events, exposure to different types of traumatic events and their association with PTSD symptom severity was assessed. Results: We found a high prevalence of different types of violence-related traumatic events among our sample of the Congolese refugees with 99%, 98.2% and 98.2% of the participants having experienced or witnessed War, Community, and Family related traumatic events respectively. Additionally the prevalence of Community and Family related traumatic events within one month prior to the interview was at 84.7% and 57.7% respectively. PTSD symptom severity was positively associated with a higher number of and the type of traumatic events. Conclusion: Congolese refugees experienced a number of violence-related traumatic events and they continued to experience the same in the form of community and family related traumatic events in re-settlement. Repeated number of traumatic events was associated with increasing severity of PTSD symptoms. Our results highlighted the need for better provision of psychological services among refugee populations as well as their protection against continued violence-related traumatic events in their families and communities of resettlement.

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