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Introduction: Oxidative stress, through the increased bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a major cause of hypertension. The resulting endothelial remodeling promotes the production of vasoconstrictor substances leading to an increase in blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and vasorelaxant properties of the decoction (PAD), ethyl acetate (EAP), and residual aqueous (ARP) fractions of immature Phaseolus vulgaris pods on NMRI mice thoracic aorta rings. Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride colorimetric methods were used to quantify total polyphenol compounds (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC), respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by 2,29-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic (ABTS●), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●), and ferric ion (FRAP) radical reduction methods. The DMT 620M ADInstruments myograph technique was used to evaluate the ex-vivo vasodilatory effects of Phaseolus vulgaris extracts on aortic rings. Results: Chromatographic fingerprints showed the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, steroids, triterpenes, and saponins in the extracts studied. The TPC (61.07±0.04 mgGAE/g) and TFC (6.16±0.03 mgQE/g) of EAP were statistically significant compared to that of PAD and ARP (p

Introduction: Flemingia faginea, a Fabaceae family medicinal plant, has been used for a long time in Burkina Faso for the treatment of hypertension and excess salt. However, the safety of the preparations derived from this plant has not yet been scientifically documented. This study aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute oral toxicity of the leafy stems aqueous decoction of F. faginea (FAD) in healthy normotensive mice and rats and the impact on their normal blood pressure. Material and Methods: The acute oral toxicity study was conducted according to the toxicity class method of the Economic Cooperation and Development Organization (OECD) guideline 423. Subacute toxicity was carried out according to the OECD Guideline 407 for repeated dose chemical toxicity for 28 days. Hematological and biochemical analyzes of blood were performed after autopsy. An evaluation of the impact of the extract on the blood pressure of rats was performed using the non-invasive method. Results: A single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg bw to mice did not cause mortality or clinical signs or symptoms of toxicity during the 14-day study. The FAD was classified in the fifth category of the Harmonized System of Classification of the United Nations and considered practically safe with an estimated 50% lethal dose of 5000 mg/kg bw. Daily gavage of male and female rats with doses of 100,500 and 1000 mg/kg did not result in mortality or significant adverse effects during the 28days of experimentation. There were no significant differences in body weight gain, food &water consumption or relative vital organ weights in treated animals. Analysis of the hematological and biochemical parameters of blood serum did not show significant differences between treated and control animals in this study. Additionally, no aberrant changes were found in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the test animals during the 28 days of inclusion compared to those of the control group. Conclusion: The extract FAD could be considered safe within the doses tested for the results of the toxicological evaluation. However, microscopic, histopathological, and subchronic investigations will have to be carried out to confirm the safety of this extract use.

Introduction: The trunks barks of Anogeissus leiocarpus contains multiple antihypertensive components and are, therefore, widely used for the treatment of hypertension. Objective: This study aimed to formulate capsules containing a freeze-dried aqueous extract of the trunk’s barks. Methodology: Three (03) capsule formulations were prepared using wet granulation from lyophilised aqueous extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus trunk bark, with different proportions of excipients including Corn starch used as the diluent, Polyvinylpyrrolidone K25 (PVP) used as binding agent and Magnesium stearate used as gliding agents. The filling of capsules was done using a semi-automatic capsule filler with empty capsules of size 3. The flow properties of the granules and the quality control were performed according to the European Pharmacopoeia 10th ed. Results/Discussion: All granules had good flow properties, and the F1 and F3 formulations had the best pharmaceutics characteristics according to the recommendations of the European Pharmacopoeia 10th ed. The mean levels of phenolic tracers were 0.039±0.0097 mg gallic acid equivalent per capsule (GAE/capsule) for the F1 formulation and 0.059±0.0063 mg GAE/capsule for the F3 formulation. Conclusion: This study allowed the galenic formulation of capsules based on extracts of good characteristic quality for the treatment of hypertension. Keywords: Anogeissus leiocarpus, extract, excipients, formulations, capsule

Lazare Belemnaba,1 Mathieu Nitiéma,1 Sylvain Ilboudo,1 Gueswindé Geoffroy Ouédraogo,1 Noufou Ouédraogo,1 Mohamed Bonewendé Belemlilga,1 Souleymane Compaoré,1,2 Salfo Ouédraogo,1,2 Sylvin Ouédraogo1 1Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (IRSS/CNRST), 03 BP 7047, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina Faso; 2Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina FasoCorrespondence: Lazare BelemnabaResearch Institute for Health Sciences (IRSS), Department of Medicine and Traditional Pharmacopeia (MEPHATRA/Ph), National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), 03 BP 7047, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina FasoTel +226 25 36 33 64/25 36 32 15Fax +226 25 36 28 38/25 36 03 94Email lbelemnaba2@gmail.comBackground: The present study investigates the effect of an aqueous extract of Anogeissus leiocarpa (AEAL) on normotensive Wistar rats and its chronic antihypertensive effects in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats by using a non-invasive tail-cuff model.Methods: The effects of AEAL (50mg/kg) and NaCl 0.9% on blood pressure were investigated by daily oral administration in normotensive Wistar rats over four weeks. L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats were produced by L-NAME (40mg/kg) daily oral administration for two weeks. For chronic antihypertensive effects, induced hypertensive rats have received L-NAME in combination with AEAL (10 or 50mg/kg/day) for two following weeks.Results: In normotensive rats, daily administration of AEAL (50mg/kg) has no significant effect on their blood pressure, which was similar to that of the control group. L-NAME’s daily oral administration induces a progressive increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 115.8 ± 7.9mmHg to 153.5 ± 4.6mmHg after two weeks, which was maintained to the end of the treatment. In L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats, AEAL (50mg/kg/day) significantly decreases the SPB from 160.0 ± 5.8 mmHg to 108.8 ± 2.7mmHg after only four days of administration. However, the lower dose of AEAL (10mg/kg) also normalized the SBP of L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats but only evident after seven days of administration. Moreover, AEAL does not effect on the serum biochemical parameters (ALAT, ASAT, CREAT, etc.) and any macroscopic adverse effect was detected on the sensible organs involved during hypertension. In the aorta rings from treated rats, AEAL (50mg/kg/day) alone or in combination with L-NAME has enhanced the vasodilation effect of acetylcholine. However, the vasodilation effect of AEAL alone or in association with L-NAME has enhanced the sodium nitroprusside effect in treated rat aorta rings after autopsy.Conclusion: These findings suggest that AEAL affords significant antihypertensive effects against L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats without modification of serum parameters and deleterious effects.Keywords: Anogeissus leiocarpa, non invasive, L-NAME-induced hypertension, vasorelaxation

Lannea microcarpa, is one of the species of medicinal plants used in medicine and traditional pharmacopoeia for the treatment of human pathologies in Africa. This review focuses on the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological previous studies of Lannea microcarpa. Some information on phytochemical makeup and its effects on human health are already documented. However, information concerning its ethnopharmaceutical and phytopharmaceutical potential is scarce and poorly documented. These data were obtained by documentary researches using different scientific sites such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, ResearchGate, PubMed, and SCIENCEDOMAIN, from theses, dissertations and scientific articles. Additional information was obtained from classic books about herbal medicine and others scientific databases. Ethnobotanical surveys carried out have indicated their uses in the management of arterial hypertension. It appears from bibliographic research that Lannea microcarpa has vasorelaxant, hypotensive and antihypertensive effects, etc. Other studies have shown the presence of phytochemicals of interest for the management of high blood pressure. However, their use in traditional forms does not make it possible to guarantee the stability of medicinal preparations. Quality control and standardization studies were carried out in order to define the optimal conditions for guaranteeing effectiveness. This article gives an overview of previous studies carried out on the plant in order to have data for the improvement of its use.

Les plantes constituent un réservoir pour les pharmacopées du monde. Plusieurs médicaments importants sont fabriqués à partir des substances actives d’origine végétales. En outre de nombreux médicaments modernes ont été fabriqués à partir de ces matières premières. Les plantes médicinales sont utilisées directement sous forme fraîche, sèche ou transformée, stabilisée, ou extrait ou formulée avec d’autres plantes ou excipients de synthèse. Dans tous les cas, la matière végétale utilisée pour fabriquer la forme posologique doit faire preuve de son efficacité, son innocuité et être de qualité conforme aux exigences de la Pharmacopée Européenne pour les phytomédicaments, garantissant ainsi sa sécurité d’emploi. Pour ce faire, l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS) a mis à la disposition des états membres des guides et standards permettant d’harmoniser et de sécuriser leur utilisation. Ainsi de nombreux pays africains ont adopté ces outils après des modifications appropriées pour faire progresser la recherche et le développement (R&D) de médicaments à base de plante. Le but de ce travail était de faire une synthèse des différentes étapes de production, de contrôle qualité et de standardisation des matières premières issues des plantes médicinales et des médicaments à base de plantes médicinales.Mots clés : Pharmacopée, médicaments, médecine traditionnelle, sécurité d’emploi, phytomédicaments. English title: Production of raw materials and manufacturing of drugs from medicinal plants Plants are a reservoir for the world's pharmacopoeias. Several important medicines are made from active substances of plant origin. In addition, many modern medicines have been made from these raw materials. Medicinal plants are used directly in fresh, dry or processed, stabilized, or extracted form or formulated with other plants or synthetic excipients. In all cases, the herbal material used to manufacture the dosage form must demonstrate its efficacy, safety and be of a quality that meets the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia for phytomedicines, thus ensuring its safe use. To this end, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made available to Member States guides and standards to harmonize and secure their use. Thus, many African countries have adopted these tools after appropriate modifications to advance research and development (R&D) of plant-based drugs. The aim of this work was to make a synthesis of the different stages of production, quality control and standardization of raw materials from medicinal plants and herbal medicines.Keywords: Pharmacopoeia, drugs, traditional medicine, safe use, phytomedicines.

The use of modern drugs to manage hypertension and diabetes is enough expensive and requires constant monitoring of the patient due to the chronicity and complications of these diseases. Thus, the populations of southern Burkina Faso have opted for the use of plants, including Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G. Don, Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst, Lannea acida A. Rich, Lannea microcarpa Engl. & K. Krause and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile. To better contribute to preserving these five target species, the present study analyses the floristic diversity of the different vegetation types in which they occur, assesses their availability and determines the health status of their stands. To achieve this, a floristic inventory was conducted in 109 plots, including 26 plots of 500 m2 in riparian forests, 22 of 2500 m2 in fallows 31, 18 and 12 of 1000 m2 in tree savannahs, shrub savannahs and fenced areas, respectively. The diameter at breast height (dbh) of each individual of the target species was measured in each plot and its health status assessed. Results showed that species diversity varied significantly among vegetation types. According to the Shannon index, riparian forests were the most diversified (H = 2.62 ± 0.02 bits). Lannea microcarpa, Lannea acida, Sclerocarya birrea, and Balanites aegyptiaca were very frequent (Ri ≤ 60) to moderately frequent (60

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the diuretic and electrolyte excretion properties of the aqueous extract of Celosia trigyna L. (Amaranthaceae) on female Wistar rats. Methodology: The extraction of active principles was done by macerating aerial parts of the plant. The administration of the extract and other products was done by single-dose gavage. Measurements of urinary flow rate (UFR), natriuria, kaliuria and chloruria were taken on urine collected for twenty-four hours after each product was administered. Diuretic activity (DA) and diuretic index (DI), natriuretic and saluretic effects, and carbonic anhydrase inhibition were calculated. A NaCl solution (0.9%) was used as a negative control; furosemide and aldactone were respectively used as hypokalemic and hyperkalemic positive controls. Results: We observed a significant increase in UFR, confirmed by the values of DA and DI, obtained after the administration of extract. For electrolyte excretion, we observed an increase of the kaliuria (p ˂ 0.001) and a decrease of natriuria (p ˂ 0.001) after the extract was administered; chloruria did not significantly changed. We also found a drastic anti-natriuretic dose-dependent effect while saluretic activity and carbonic anhydrase inhibition were not clearly observable. Conclusion: These results confirm the ethnobotanical data about diuretic effect of Celosia trigyna L. extract. This diuretic effect would be supported by a specific increase in K+ excretion suggesting that the extract is possibly hypokalemic. The anti-natriuretic effect suggests that extract possess an aldosterone-like properties.

Like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, hypertension is currently a public health problem in Togo. To decrease the insufficient of the methods previously used, a new survey technique, namely ATRM (Achat en Triplet des Recettes Médicinales), has been proposed. This study aims to contribute to a better knowledge of traditional remedies for their safe and sustainable use in the management of hypertension. ATRM method applied with 34 herbalists of 17 markets in maritime and Lomé-Commune health regions. Plant species and parts used, preparation and administration methods and market characteristics of plants were collected. In total, 62 plant species (56 genera and 30 families) were identified from 102 collected recipes. These recipes included 70% single plant recipes and 30% associated plant recipes, showing the influence of the ATRM method in reducing the number of plants in the recipes. Lippia multiflora Moldenke (23.50%) was the most used plant species followed by Uvaria chamae P. Beauv (8.20%), Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (4.92%), Lannea kerstingii A. Rich. (3.83%), Vitex doniana Sweet (3.83%), and Senna sieberiana DC. (3.28%). Leafy stems (33.33%), roots (20.83%) and trunk bark (16.67%) were the most used organs. The recipes were mainly prepared as a decoction and administered orally. In the transit market, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (7.12 USD/kg), Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (4.98 USD/kg), Senna angustifolia Vahl (3.73 USD/kg) and Gardenia aqualla Stapf. & Hutch. (3.56 USD/kg) were the most expensive plants. 59.18% of the plant parts sold were roots, fruits, seeds, trunk bark and whole plants. These results suggest, on the one hand, an extensive biological investigation for effective management of hypertension. On the other hand, there is an urgent need to preserve the species whose vital organs were heavily sold.

The aim of this study was to exhibit cardiovascular effects of aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome sold in Ouagadougou markets (Burkina Faso). Phytochemical constituents and some blood biochemical parameters were also investigated. Colorimetric method was used for phytochemical screening. Extract was prepared and orally administered on Wistar rats. Arterial pressure and cardiac rhythm were measured using Ugo Basile Blood Pressure Recorder 58500. Biochemical parameters were performed using Mindray BA-88A, Semi-auto Chemistry Analyzer. Triterpenes and/or sterols, and saponosides were present in aqueous extract of the plant. We also found very significative hypotension effect on rat mean arterial pressure, when plant extract was administered at 400 mg/kg bw (p ˂ 0.01). When extract was administered after a hypertension induced by L-NAME, we observed a high significative antihypertensive effect (p ˂ 0.001) at 200 and 400 mg/kg bw. This effect was comparable to captopril inhibition of L-NAME induced hypertension. However, in all cases, we did not observe any significative variation of heart rate. For biochemical parameters, we did not find any effect, excepted a significant increase of phosphoremia at 400 mg/kg bw and after L-NAME administration (highly significant). Our results confirm literature data and corroborate traditional uses of Z. officinale sold in Ouagadougou markets. They suggest that antihypertensive effect of AEZO is mainly supported by vascular physiology components.

Aims: To determine the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of methanolic and aqueous extracts from Ampelocissus africana (Lour) Merr rhizomes. Study Design: Phytochemical content and screening, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Traditional Pharmacopoeia and Pharmacy (MEPHATRA / PH) of the Institute for Research in Health Sciences (IRSS) and Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry and Chemistry (LABIOCA), University Joseph KI-ZERBO in Ouagadougou between April and August 2020. Methodology: The antioxidant activity of both extracts of the plant was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS+ radical cation decolorization, ferric ion reduction and lipid peroxidation inhibition in rat liver assays. The anti-inflammatory activities in vitro were measured on the ability of the extract to inhibit the activity of enzymes such as 15-lipoxygenase, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2). Results: This study revealed that the total phenolic contents of the extracts varied from 471.79 ± 1.71 mg GAE/g to 173.88 ± 1.71 mg GAE/g for methanolic and aqueous extract respectively. The extracts were also rich in flavonoids and tannins. The methanolic extract possessed better antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 2.32 ± 0.18 µg/ml for the ABTS, 1.71 ± 0.05 µg/mL for the DPPH, a reducing power agent of 87.44 ± 0.5 mmol AAE /100 g and a percentage inhibition of lipid peroxidation of 52.21%. The methanolic and aqueous extract of A. africana has an inhibitory action on activity of lipoxygenase with IC50 values of 26.09 ± 1.83 μg/mL to 34.32 ± 1.60 μg/mL, respectively. The methanolic extract caused COX-1 inhibition of 36.07%, COX-2 inhibition of 38.31% and PLA2 inhibition of 26.9%. Conclusion: These results showed that the methanolic and aqueous extract from the rhizomes of Ampelocissus africana possessed antioxidant power, inhibitor effect against proinflammatory enzymes.

Sickle cell disease remains a major public health problem in Burkina Faso and Africa. For the management of this pathology in young children, the Institute for Research in Health Sciences has developed an herbal drug called FACA® syrup. The objective of this study was to verify the safety and pharmacological efficacy of this formulation for its use in the management of sickle cell disease. Acute and subacute oral toxicity tests were performed on Wistar rats in accordance with Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development test guidelines and anti-sickling activity of FACA® syrup was evaluated according to the Emmel test. In the acute test, FACA® syrup didn’t cause mortality or any behavioral change at dose of 2000 mg/kg/b.w suggesting that the test product estimated LD50 is 5000 mg/kg b.w. The results of subacute toxicity study indicate that the daily administration of FACA® syrup during 28 days did not result in significant change on physical, haematological and biochemical parameters up to dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w. The evaluation of effect of FACA® syrup in vitro on sickling revealed that, FACA® syrup possesses a real antisickling activity. Regarding these results FACA® syrup would be considered as safe in both acute and subacute exposure and could be used in the management of sickle cell diseases. Keywords: FACA® syrup, oral toxicity, sickle cell anemia, Antisickling activity

Diabetes, has become a public health problem whose prevalence is increasing in subsahelian Africa. The present study aimed to determine the consensus level of plant use and their antidiabetic potentiality. Thus, a semi-structured interview carried out from May 2014 to April 2018 with 120 traditional healers allowed retaining nine species after selection according to the frequency of citation and the bibliographic review: Crescentia cujete L., Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq. Ficus platyphylla Delile, Lannea acida A. Rich., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel, Feretia apodanthera Delile, Cassia italica (Mill.) Lam. ex F.W. Andrews and Boscia angustifolia A. Rich. Phytochemical screening of methanolic and aqueous extracts was performed by high performance thin layer chromatography and the total flavonoids, hydrolyzable and condensed tannins were determined by spectrophotometer method. Results showed that thirty-seven, fifty-five and sixty-five species were inventoried in the provinces of Bazega, Zounweogo and Sanmatenga respectively but the Informant Consensual Factor related to the plant use remains low (FIC

Background: Hypertension and diabetes are major public health issues in developed and low-income countries today. The prevalence of these diseases is higher in low-income countries due to high population density, weak health care systems, and a high number of undiagnosed and untreated people. Due to these factors, the majority of patients rely heavily on herbal medicines for their management. This study aimed to assess the vulnerability and ecological importance of species of interest for the two diseases in the sub-sahelian area of Burkina Faso. Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 70 Traditional healers from the departments of Kaya and Barsalogho using a questionary. Floristic inventories followed by measurements of diameters at breast height (dbh) were conducted on 50 plots of 50m x 20m. Results: Ethnobotanical surveys identified 36 species that are used for the management of hypertension and diabetes; 25 woody species were vulnerable (IV ≥ 2). Among these species, Cadaba farinosa, Lannea acida, Parkia biglobosa, Saba senegalensis, Sclerocarya birrea, Tamarindus indica, Ximenia americana, and Ziziphus mauritiana were highly vulnerable (IV ≥ 2.5). Consistent with the Traditional healers perception, most of these highly vulnerable species were rare (RI ≥ 80%) in the sample units. In addition, only Combretum micranthum and Cassia sieberiana had the highest importance value indices. Conclusions: These results justify that there is a real threat to heavily used species. It appears necessary for traditional healers to apply the right methods of plant use that will not compromise the availability of local plant resources.

Aims: To investigate ovicidal and larvicidal activities of an aqueous decoction (AD) and hydroethanolic macerate (HEM) extracts and fractions of the leaves of Saba senegalensis. Study Design: In vitro, the ovicidal and larvicidal activities of AD and HEM extracts and fractions of the leaves of Saba senegalensis on the eggs and larvae (L1) of Heligmosomoides bakeri. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the department of Medicine and Traditional Pharmacopeia-Pharmacy (MEPHATRA-PH) of Institute of Research in Health Sciences (IRSS) between June 2015 and December 2016. Methodology: The phytochemical groups of the extract and fractions of Saba senegalensis were determined by a colorimetric and Thin Layer Chromatography methods. The eggs were obtained from feces of mice deliberately infected and the larvae from the eggs were incubated at 25 ±2℃ for 72 hours. Eggs and larvae were exposed to increasing concentrations (100; 625; 1250; 2500; 3750 µg/mL) of the different extracts, 48 hours and 24 hours for the eggs and larvae respectively. Distilled water and DMSO 0.1% were used as negative controls while albendazole and levamisole were used as positive controls. Results: The phytochemical groups of interest are the tannins, saponins, flavonoids and triterpenes. The negative control had given 2.16% of egg hatch inhibition and 0% of larvae mortality mean while the positive control had given 100% in both cases. The extracts inhibited eggs hatching and affected larval survival. Pharmacological effects were concentration-dependent. The ovicidal and larvicidal activity of HEM is more interesting than that of AD with an Emax = 95.60% and an IC50 = 390 µg/mL. It is the same for the larvicidal activity with Emax = 100% and an LC50 = 900 µg/mL. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: These results show the ovicidal and larvicidal properties of the S. senegalensis leaves.

The side effects prediction is a regulatory requirement prior the effective use of a new product as drug or pesticide constituent is allowed. The handling hazards of Cymbopogon schoenanthus essential oils (CSEO) were determined by investigating their acute and subacute toxicities as well as irritancy potential for eye and skin in compliance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. In mice, the essential oils did not induce mortality at the limit single dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w., meaning that the test product estimated LD50 is 5000 mg/kg b.w. In the 28 days sub-acute oral toxicity study in rats, there was no mortality observed for all tested doses in both sex. Furthermore, besides body weight gain that slightly dropped, there was no significant difference observed in food and water consumption, relative organs weight, and blood biochemical proi¬le in test animals, compared to the control. No eye irritant reaction was shown in the rabbits exposed to CSEO. To assess dermal irritation, rabbits were dermally exposed to CSEO for 4 h. The results showed that no adverse reactions such as erythema and edema were observed throughout the test. Based on these i¬ndings, CSEO do not cause either oral toxicity up to 28 days in repeated administration, nor dermal and eye irritation, and seems to be safe for animal in the study conditions. These results constitute a new scientific support for the safe use of C. scheonanthus essential oils as alternatives to synthetic pesticides. However, for further clinical relevance of the results and complete toxicological profile elucidation, toxicity studies must be extended to long term toxicity test as subchronic and chronic toxicities, reprotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and mutagenicity investigations. Key words: Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Wistar rat, essential oils, sub-acute toxicity, blood chemistry, naturel insecticide.

Aims: We aimed in this study to investigate the mechanisms of the vasorelaxation effect caused by the anthocyanins-enriched extract of Odontonema strictum flowers. Study Design: Anthocyanins-enriched extract of Odontonema strictum flowers and vasorelaxantes activities of mice aortic rings. Place and Duration of Study: The flowers of Odontonema strictum (Nees) Kuntze (Acanthaceae) were collected in January 2015 at the “Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS)” experimental station in Ouagadougou. The experiments were conducted in October - November 2018 at the department of Medicine and Traditional Pharmacopeia-Pharmacy (MEPHATRA-PH)/IRSS. Methodology: The extract was enriched in anthocyanins using Amberlite XAD-7 non-ionic resin column. The vasorelaxant activity of anthocyanins-enriched extract of O. strictum flowers (OSF) was tested using isolated organ-chamber technique with mice aorta rings. Results: OSF showed concentration-dependent relaxant effects on mice endothelium intact or denuded aortic rings pre-contracted with U46619 (10-7 M) and KCl (80 mM). OSF induced relaxation in the mice aortic rings by stimulating smooth muscle cells. The vasorelaxant effect of OSF (10-1000 µg/mL) was similar in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings. The maximum relaxant effect was 93.78 ± 4.69% and 92.30 ± 3.19% for endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings, respectively. Moreover, after incubation of the aorta rings with OSF (400 µg/mL) or vehicle (0.02% of DMSO) in PSS, OSF blocked the contraction through mechanism involving inhibition of CaCl2 and U46619 effect. Conclusions: The present study provides a pharmacological evidence for the antihypertensive medicinal use of Odontonema strictum by highlighting its vasorelaxant activity.

Aims: This study investigated the antioxidant activity and the 90 days subchronic toxicity of the standardized LAMIC phytomedicine prototype based on aqueous extracts from Lannea microcarpa trunk bark. Methods: Three spectrophotometric methods were used to evaluated the antioxidant activity of LAMIC which were 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, 2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzolin-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. For the standardized LAMIC subchronic toxicity study, male and female Wistar rats were used by daily oral administration at doses of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg bw consecutively for 90 days. Results: The LAMIC extract exhibit better inhibitory activity against DPPH radical than ABTS radical with respective IC50 values of 45.38±3.21 µg/mL and 66.45±18.76 µg/mL, while FRAP assay exhibit antioxidant activity of 211.34±15.92 mmol EAA/g. Subchronic oral administration of LAMIC was well-tolerated at all tested doses. No behavioral and physiological changes and mortality were observed. The LAMIC extract did not present any impact on general hematological parameters and biochemical parameters. Moreover, no significant changes were raised in organ and body weight of treated groups compared to the Control group. Conclusion: These results support that LAMIC prototype was a valuable source of natural antioxidants and no toxicity was associated to its long terms oral consumption in rats indicating a potential application as a cardiovascular protective formulation. Keywords: LAMIC–Lannea microcarpa–Standardization–Antioxidant–Subchronic toxicity.

Waltheria indica L. (Malvaceae) is a plant used in Burkina Faso for the treatment of various ailments including asthma. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacological relaxant effect of the leafy stem extracts of Waltheria indica and thereby verify claim of use in treating asthma. Aqueous decoction and hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the powdered leafy stems were screened for the presence of some phytoconstituents. The in vitro relaxant effect of the two extracts was evaluated on acetylcholine- (ACh 10−5 M) and potassium chloride- (KCl 6 × 10−2 M) induced contractions on rat-isolated tracheal preparations. To examine whether the potassium (K+) channels are involved in the relaxant effect, glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel inhibitor, was used. Moreover, to assess the safety of the extracts, acute oral toxicity was carried out on mice. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and coumarins in the hydroalcoholic extract. Tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, and coumarins were not detected in the aqueous decoction. With respective EC50 values of 1.517 ± 0.002 mg/mL and 1.433 ± 0.001 mg/mL on ACh-and KCl-provoked contractions, the hydroalcoholic extract was found more potent in relaxing the isolated rat tracheal preparations compared to the aqueous decoction. In the presence of glibenclamide, the relaxant effect of the hydroalcoholic extract (EC50 = 0.191 ± 0.002 mg/mL) increased and was higher than that of the aqueous decoction. At dose of 5000 mg/kg of body weight, the extracts did not produce deaths or any significant changes in the general behavior of mice. The results suggest that different mechanisms including modulation of calcium and potassium channels, particularly the ATP-sensitive K+ channels, could be involved in the relaxation effect. These findings could justify the traditional use of W. indica in the management of asthma.

Chronic inflammation is a deleterious process occurring in several pulmonary diseases; it is a driving force promoting tumorigenesis. By regulating local cyclic nucleotide concentration, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) govern important biological processes, including inflammation and proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of NCS 613, a specific PDE4 inhibitor, on TNFα-treated human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) and on human lung adenocarcinoma explants. PDE4 isoforms and inflammatory pathways mediated by p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and IκBα were analyzed by Western blot and immunostainings. Proliferation were performed using [3H]-thymidine incorporation under different experimental conditions. TNFα-stimulation increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus, which was abolished by NCS 613 treatment. Concomitantly, NCS 613 restores IκBα detection level in human adenocarcinoma. An IC50 value of 8.5 μM was determined for NCS 613 on anti-proliferative properties while ERK1/2 signaling was down-regulated in A549 cells and lung adenocarcinoma explants. These findings shed light on PDE4 signaling as a key regulator of chronic inflammation and cancer epithelial cell proliferation. It suggests that PDE4 inhibition by NCS 613 represent potential and interesting strategy for therapeutic intervention in tackling chronic inflammation and cell proliferation.

Background:Anogeissus leiocarpusis a Sahel tree traditionally used by the residents of Burkina Faso for its antihypertensive properties. In this study, experiments were conducted to evaluate whether an aqueous extract of theAnogeissus leiocarpus(AEAL) trunk bark induces a vasorelaxant effect on porcine coronary artery rings and to investigate the underlying mechanism.Methods:AEAL-induced relaxations were assessed using porcine coronary artery rings suspended in organ chambers. The phosphorylation levels of Src, Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were assessed in a primary endothelial cell culture by Western blot. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was assessed using dihydroethidine.Results:In porcine coronary artery rings, AEAL at 0.1–300 μg/mL induced endothelium-dependent relaxations, which were inhibited in the presence of inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) and the endothelium-derived hyperpolarization pathways. Moreover, the AEAL-induced NO-mediated relaxations were significantly reduced by the inhibitors of Src and PI3-kinase as well as by the membrane-permeant ROS scavengers. In cultured porcine coronary artery endothelial cells, treatment with AEAL is associated with an intracellular generation of ROS. Moreover, the AEAL induced the phosphorylations of Akt (Ser473), eNOS (Ser1177) and a transient phosphorylation of Src (Ser17) in a time-dependent manner.Conclusions:These findings indicate that AEAL is a potent inducer of endothelium-dependent NO-mediated relaxations in porcine coronary arteries through the redox-sensitive Src/PI3-kinase/Akt pathway-dependent activation of eNOS.

Neuropeptide Y binds to G-protein coupled receptors whose action results in inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. Using HEK293 cells stably expressing the native neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors, we found that the NPY agonist elicits a transient phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). We first show that ERK1/2 activation following Y1 receptor stimulation is dependent on heterotrimeric Gi/o since it is completely inhibited by pre-treatment with pertussis toxin. In addition, ERK1/2 activation is internalization-independent since mutant Y1 receptors unable to recruit beta-arrestins, can still activate ERK signaling to the same extent as wild-type receptors. We next show that this activation of the MAPK pathway is inhibited by the MEK inhibitor U0126, is not dependent on calcium signaling at the Y1 receptor (no effect upon inhibition of phospholipase C, protein kinase C or protein kinase D) but instead dependent on Gbeta/gamma and associated signaling pathways that activate PI3-kinase. Although inhibition of the epidermal-growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase did not influence NPY-induced ERK1/2 activation, we show that the inhibition of insulin growth factor receptor IGFR by AG1024 completely blocks activation of ERK1/2 by the Y1 receptor. This Gbeta/gamma-PI3K-AG1024-sensitive pathway does not involve activation of IGFR through the release of a soluble ligand by metalloproteinases since it is not affected by the metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat. Finally, we found that a similar pathway, sensitive to wortmannin-AG1024 but insensitive to marimastat, is implicated in activation of ERK signaling in HEK293 cells by endogenously expressed GPCRs coupled to Gq-protein (muscarinic M3 receptors) or coupled to Gs-protein (endothelin ETB receptors). Our analysis is the first to show that beta-arrestin recruitment to the NPY Y1 receptor is not necessary for MAPK activation by this receptor but that transactivation of the IGFR receptor is required.

Sickle cell disease is a major public health problem. It is the first genetic disease in the world. FACA syrup offers an alternative treatment. It is a dry powder preparation of two components, the roots barks of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Lam. (Rutaceae) Zepernick, Timler and Calotropis procera. Ait. R.B.r. (Asclepiadaceae). The product was developed at Institute for Research in Health Sciences (IRSS) from a traditional recipe used in Burkina Faso for treatment of sickle cell crises. This study aimed to establish physical-chemical, pharmaco technical and microbiological control parameters essential for the standardization of the phytomedicine. This valuation concerned specifications of moisture content, pH, the fingerprint by thin layer chromatography, pesticide residues, heavy metal content, microbial quality, and total ash. These charcteristics were determined by the methods prescribed by the World Health Organization (1998) and the European Pharmacopoeia 6th edition. The results have shown that dry syrups and reconstituted syrups were sweet, slightly spicy with a bitter after taste, a white room color and a faint odor. The density at the preparation was 0.985 and the pH was 5.93. After 2 months of storage in the laboratory, the organoleptic parameters of the reconstituted syrups have not changed. They were mold free, the density remained around 1 and the pH between 5 and 4. These parameters have shown that the quality of plants powders and these medicine comply with the recommendations of the European pharmacopoeia. Faca syrup may contribute to the better management of sickle cell disease in children.

Background The present study investigates the effect of AEAL on normotensive Wistar rats and its chronic antihypertensive effects in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats by using a non-invasive tail-cuff model. Methods The effects of AEAL (50 mg/kg) and NaCl 0.9% on blood pressure were investigated by daily oral administration in normotensive Wistar rats over four weeks. L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats were produced by L-NAME (40 mg/kg) daily oral administration for two weeks. For chronic antihypertensive effects, animals were treated with L-NAME for two weeks and then, L-NAME was administrated in combination with AEAL (10 or 50 mg/kg/day) and compared with a control group receiving only NaCl 0.9% for two following weeks. The blood pressure was measured daily by a Blood Pressure Recorder system. Results In normotensive rats, daily administration of AEAL (50 mg/kg) had no significant effect on their blood pressure, which was similar to that of the control group. Daily oral administration of L-NAME induced a progressive increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 115.8 ± 7.9 mmHg to 153.5 ± 4.6 mmHg after two weeks of treatment, which was maintained to the end of the treatment. In L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats, AEAL (50 mg/kg) significantly decreased SPB from 160.0 ± 5.8 mmHg to 108.8 ± 2.7 mmHg after only four days of administration. In addition, the lower dose of AEAL (10 mg/kg) also normalized the SBP of L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats, however this was only evident after eight days of administration. Conclusion These findings suggest that AEAL affords significant antihypertensive effects against L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.

Many traditional medicinal herbs from Burkina Faso are used to treat arterial hypertension (HTA). Among them, Anogeissus leiocarpus (A. Leiocarpus) which is well known and widely used in Burkina traditional medicine. Herein we assess the effects of dichloromethane fraction from A. leiocarpus stem bark (ALF), selected as the most active on cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and characterized its specificity towards purified vascular PDE1 to PDE5 isoenzymes and study its effects on a vascular model. ALF potently and preferentially inhibits (IC50=1.6 ± 0.6 µg/mL) the calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase PDE1, being mainly present in vascular smooth muscle and preferentially hydrolyses cGMP. In the same range (IC50 =2.8 ± 0.2 µg/ml) ALF inhibits PDE2, a cGMP-activated enzyme that is only present in endothelial cells and hydrolyses both cAMP and cGMP. PDE5, which specifically hydrolyses cGMP and which mainly contributes to cGMP hydrolysis is also potently inhibited by ALF (IC50=7.6 ± 3.5 µg/ml). The potencies of ALF on cAMP hydrolyzing isoenzymes was lesser, being more effective on PDE4 (IC50= 17.6 ± 3.5 µg/ml) than on PDE3 (60.9 ± 1.8 µg/ml). Since the major effect of ALF were against cGMP hydrolysis and since cGMP is implicated in endothelium-dependent relaxation, the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was studied on isolated porcine coronary arteries rings pre-contracted with U46619. The endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation is significantly inhibited by N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine (LNA 300 µmol/L, an inhibitor of endothelial NO synthase), but not affected by charybdotoxin (CTX, 100 nM) plus apamin (APA, 100 nM) (two inhibitors of EDHF-mediated responses). The combination of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 1 mmol/L, inhibitor of voltage-dependent potassium channels, Kv) plus baryum (Ba(2+), 30 µmol/L, inhibitor of the potassium channels with entering correction, Kir) plus ouabain (3 µmol/L, inhibitor of ATPase Na(+)/K(+) channels) partially inhibits endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effect. This endothelium-independent relaxant effect was also sensitive to combination of 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin1-one (ODQ, 10 µM, soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor) and N-[2-(p-Bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline sulfonamide dihydrochloride (H89, 100 nM, Protein Kinase A inhibitor). Taken together, these results indicate that ALF is a powerful vasodilator modulated by the formation of NO from endothelium, but also act by directly relaxing the vascular smooth muscle cells, by inhibiting cGMP hydrolyzing PDEs (PDE1, PDE2 and PDE5) and to a lesser extend on cAMP degradation (PDE3 and PDE4), cAMP and cGMP being second messengers involved in vascular relaxation.