64 results on '"Nceba Gqaleni"'
Search Results
2. Indigenous Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Diabetes in Africa: 5 Years (2019–2024) in Perspective
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Ebenezer Kwabena Frimpong, Nokukhanya Thembane, Sphamandla Hlatshwayo, Mlungisi Ngcobo, and Nceba Gqaleni
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Amaryllidaceae ,Fabaceae ,indigenous medicinal plants ,diabetes mellitus ,Botany ,QK1-989 - Abstract
(1) Background: The utilization of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes is of great importance to the health of the indigenous population on the African continent. The high cost of orthodox conventional medicines coupled with the perceived side effects encourages the high patronage of indigenous medicinal plants in the management of this metabolic disorder. We conducted a review on the indigenous African medicinal plants that could be useful in preclinical and clinical trials in the field of diabetes mellitus research. (2) Methods: Data were mined from research articles published and associated with the use of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes on the African continent (from January 2019 to March 2024). Literature from ethnobotanical studies on the African continent was searched from the Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Medline, Web of Science and PubMed databases. We employed the following keywords: “indigenous plants”, “diabetes in Africa” and “antidiabetic effect of medicinal plants”. (3) Results: A total of 52 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families were recorded in this study. Amaryllidaceae (14.28%), Fabaceae (9.52%) and Asteraceae (9.52%) were the most cited plant families. The frequently used indigenous medicinal plants on the African continent were Allium sativum L. (n = 6), Olea europaea L. (n = 6), Azadirachta indica A. Juss (n = 5), Allium cepa L. (n = 5) and Moringa oleifera Lam. (n = 5). The highly cited parts of the plant used in the management of diabetes were the leaves (45.55%), bark (14.44%) and bulbs (12.22%). The preferred methods of the preparation of herbal medicines were decoction (45.23%) and infusion (25%). Oral (52.32%) was the preferred route of the administration of herbal medicine on the African continent. (4) Conclusions: The data revealed some similarities in the way countries on the African continent manage diabetes. This interesting observation will assist in our quest towards obtaining a standardized protocol using indigenous medicinal plants to combat diseases on the African continent.
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- 2024
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3. An in vitro study to elucidate the effects of Product Nkabinde on immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors
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Boitumelo Setlhare, Marothi Letsoalo, Siphathimandla Authority Nkabinde, Magugu Nkabinde, Gugulethu Mzobe, Andile Mtshali, Sobia Parveen, Samukelisiwe Ngcobo, Luke Invernizzi, Vinesh Maharaj, Mlungisi Ngcobo, and Nceba Gqaleni
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traditional medicine ,normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells ,cytokines ,T cell activation ,immunomodulation ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
Introduction: A significant number of the South African population still rely on traditional medicines (TM) for their primary healthcare. However, little to no scientific data is available on the effects of most TM products on cytokine and cellular biomarkers of the immune response. We evaluated the impact of a TM [Product Nkabinde (PN)] in inducing cellular and cytokine biomarkers of immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).Methods: PN, a combination of four indigenous South African plants was used in this study. The IC50 was established using the cell viability assay over 24 h. Luminex and flow cytometry assays were used to measure cytokine and cellular levels in PBMCs stimulated with PN and/or PHA over 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. UPLC-HRMS was used to analyze an ethanol: water extract of PN to better understand the possible active compounds.Results: The IC50 concentration of PN in treated PBMCs was established at 325.3 μg/mL. In the cellular activation assay, the percentages of CD38-HLA-DR + on total CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in PBMCs stimulated with PN compared to unstimulated controls after 24 h (p = 0.008). PN significantly induced the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p = < 0.001); proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-1β (p = < 0.001), TNF-α (p < 0.0001); and chemokine MIP-1β (p = < 0.001) compared to the unstimulated control after 24 h. At 48 h incubation, the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p = 0.003) was significantly induced following treatment with PN, and IL-10 was induced (p = 0.006). Based on the UPLC-HRMS analysis, four daphnane diterpenoids viz., yuanhuacine A (1), gniditrin (2), yuanhuajine (3) and yuanhuacine (4) were identified based on their accurate mass and fragmentation pattern.Conclusion: The results show that PN possesses in vitro immunomodulatory properties that may influence immune and inflammatory responses. This study contributes to scientific knowledge about the immune effects of TM. More studies using PN are needed to further understand key parameters mediating induction, expression, and regulation of the immune response in the context of pathogen-associated infections.
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- 2024
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4. Melasma in people with darker skin types: a scoping review protocol on prevalence, treatment options for melasma and impact on quality of life
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Nomakhosi Mpofana, Buyisile Chibi, Nceba Gqaleni, Ahmed Hussein, Avenal Jane Finlayson, Kabelo Kgarosi, and Ncoza Cordelia Dlova
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Melasma ,Chloasma ,Hyperpigmentation ,Hypermelanosis ,Treatment ,Therapy ,Medicine - Abstract
Abstract Background Melasma is one of the most encountered dermatoses in dermatology and skin care clinics. It is a challenging chronic, recurrent condition associated with hyperpigmentation. Its aetiology is poorly understood. Melasma affects all races and gender but is more prevalent in women with darker skin types. Being a facial lesion, melasma has a severe impact on quality of life due to its disfigurement. While many modalities of treatment for melasma exists, unfortunately, effectiveness and safety remain a huge concern. Treatment modalities are variable and often unsatisfactory. The objective of this scoping review is to systemically map available evidence from literature regarding melasma on people with darker skin types, garner insight as to how melasma affects the quality of life and begin to investigate and gain understanding on effectiveness of different treatments used for melasma. Methods A scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, the enhancements and recommendations of Levac, Colquhoun and O’Brien, Daudt and associates and the 2015 Johanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines will be conducted. Systematic electronic searches of databases and search engines will include Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Web of Science which will be conducted to attain published peer-reviewed articles of all study designs excluding reviews and grey literature. All literature that meets the inclusion criteria, research question and sub-question will be included in this review. All the retrieved literature will be exported to an Endnote X20 library. Quality appraisal of the included articles will be conducted using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) 2018 version. Discussion We anticipate mapping relevant literature on the melasma, investigating the effectiveness of treatment options of melasma as well as evaluating its association with quality of life in people with darker skin types. This study is likely to reveal research gaps, which could guide future implementation research on melasma treatment interventions. Systematic review registration This protocol has been registered a priori with OSF and is accessible on this link: https://osf.io/ru3jc/ .
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- 2023
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5. Review on the Anti-Hyperglycemic Potential of Psidium guajava and Seriphium plumosum L.
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Nokukhanya Thembane, Sphamandla Hlatshwayo, Mlungisi Ngcobo, Phikelelani Ngubane, and Nceba Gqaleni
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diabetes mellitus ,type 2 diabetes mellitus ,medicinal plants ,phytochemicals ,African traditional medicine ,Psidium guajava ,Botany ,QK1-989 - Abstract
The treatment and management of diabetes mellitus (DM) with conventional therapies, such as insulin injections and oral hypoglycemic agents, present significant challenges due to their side effects and burdensome administration. Therapies often manage symptoms rather than addressing insulin regulation, akin to medications like thiazolidinediones and glinides, which resemble many medicinal plants. Medicinal plants offer potential alternative treatments due to bioactive compounds targeting diabetes causes. We aimed to explore the antidiabetic potential of two medicinal plants, Psidium guajava and Seriphium plumosum L., by investigating their phytochemical constituents, medicinal uses, pharmacological actions, and mechanisms. This review followed specific guidelines and searched databases including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for studies on medicinal plants and DM. Eligible studies underwent quality assessment and were categorized based on their design and interventions for data synthesis. This review identified the phytochemical constituents in Psidium guajava and Seriphium plumosum L., including tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and steroids, exerting antidiabetic effects through various mechanisms like antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, stimulation of insulin secretion, glucose regulation, and inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. Psidium guajava and Seriphium plumosum L. exhibit promising antidiabetic potential, offering alternative approaches to diabetes management. Polyherbalism, combining multiple plant extracts, may enhance therapeutic efficacy in diabetes treatment. Comprehensive research is needed to explore the combined therapeutic effects of these plants and develop more effective antidiabetic treatments. This review highlights the importance of harnessing natural resources to combat the global burden of DM. Further research is warranted to fully explore the combined therapeutic effects of these plants and develop novel treatments.
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- 2024
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6. A qualitative study on traditional healers’ perceptions and management of epidermolysis bullosa
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Antoinette V. Chateau, Nceba Gqaleni, Colleen Aldous, Ncoza Dlova, and David Blackbeard
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traditional health practitioners (thps) ,epidermolysis bullosa (eb) ,traditional practices ,rare skin disease ,south africa ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare, incurable genodermatosis causing blisters that can result in multisystemic complications and death. Limited data exists on EB in South Africa. Research indicates that the majority of African patients consult traditional health practitioners (THPs) before seeking allopathic healthcare. Aim: This study aims to understand THPs belief systems, experiences, perceptions and management of EB patients and their families in the social and cultural context to improve the healthcare of EB patients. Setting: The study setting is Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, and Grey’s hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 THPs. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used. A two-site qualitative study was guided by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Guba’s trustworthiness framework was used to ensure rigour. Results: Three male and seven female THPs were interviewed, including sangoma, inyanga and umthandazi. The integration presented five global themes: (1) THP practices, (2) perceptions of THP, (3) experiences of THP with patients with EB, (4) diagnosis and management plans of THP and (5) vision and role of THPs. There were multiple divergent perspectives among the THPs with the shared African worldview. Conclusion: Understanding THPs belief systems and therapeutic options is crucial for holistic patient management. Knowledge exchange can promote safe healthcare practices and facilitate collaboration between traditional and allopathic health practitioners. Contribution: This is the first study to explore THPs perceptions and practices regarding EB, a rare disease.
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- 2023
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7. Analysis of Three Species of Cassipourea Traditionally Used for Hypermelanosis in Selected Provinces in South Africa
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Nomakhosi Mpofana, Masande Yalo, Nceba Gqaleni, Ncoza Cordelia Dlova, and Ahmed A. Hussein
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medicinal plants ,tyrosinase inhibition ,melanin inhibition ,hypermelanosis ,cosmetics ,skin lightening ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
There is a growing demand and use of herbal cosmetics for skin purposes due to their perceived safety when applied to the skin. Three Cassipourea species commonly known as “ummemezi” are used interchangeably by women in rural areas of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to treat hypermelanosis as well as sun protection. We conducted a phytochemical comparison of three Cassipourea species; Cassipourea flanaganii (Schinz) Alston, Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J. Lewis and Cassipourea malosana (Baker) Alston by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis in negative mode. The results obtained from the LC-MS/MS yielded a total number of twenty-four compounds of different chemical classes, including fatty acids, steroids, di- and tri-terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and eighteen among them were tentatively identified. The LC-MS /MS analysis showed that the three studied Cassipourea extracts contain compounds that have anti-tyrosinase activity and consequently. The presence of these compounds, either in synergy or individually, can be attributed to the anti-tyrosinase effect. Although the traditional names of the species are used interchangeably, they are different, however, they possess similar skin-lightening properties. Despite the recent popularity of modern cosmetic products, plants continue to play an important role in the local cosmetics industry in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal community provinces.
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- 2023
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8. Does Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves supplementation have an impact on the weight and bone mass index of people living with HIV that are on antiretroviral therapy? A double-blind randomized control trial
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Aisha Gambo and Nceba Gqaleni
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moringa oleifera lam. ,hiv ,bmi ,antiretroviral therapy ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Background. HIV-related weight loss and wasting were the most common malnutrition and AIDS-defining conditions before HAART. HAART has led to more obese PLHIV. HIV-positive patients should eat micro- and macronutrient-rich foods to maintain optimal nutrition. This study examined whether Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf supplementation affects PLHIV receiving ART. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted. Two hundred patients with informed consent were randomly assigned to either the Moringa oleifera Lam. (MOG) group or the control group (COG). From baseline to six months of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf supplementation, anthropometric parameters [weight; BMI] of the participants were assessed. Results. One hundred seventy-seven patients completed the 6-month follow-up (89 MOG versus 88 COG). During the study period, the MOG and COG had similar weights and BMIs (p0.05). At baseline and six months, most participants in both study groups had a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9). Many participants were overweight; few were underweight (BMI18.5). MOG and COG BMI differences at baseline and six months were not significant (p 0.05). All experiments were 95CI. Conclusions. Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf powder had no effect on HIV-positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy, in accordance with this study.
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- 2022
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9. An Investigation into the Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Extracts of Cassipourea flanaganii Stem Bark In Vivo
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Nomakhosi Mpofana, John Kudakwashe Chipangura, Michael Paulse, Masande Yalo, Nceba Gqaleni, Celenkosini Thembelenkosini Nxumalo, Ncoza Cordelia Dlova, Ahmed A. Hussein, and Neil R. Crouch
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Cassipourea flanaganii ,phytochemical compounds ,hypermelanosis ,in vivo ,toxicity ,Botany ,QK1-989 - Abstract
The conventional use of medicinal plants is in part based on the widespread belief that plant crude extracts are non-toxic. In South Africa, traditional preparations of Cassipourea flanaganii used to treat hypermelanosis have accordingly been regarded by many as non-toxic. Whether that is so impacts on the potential of bark extracts to be developed as a commercial drug to treathypermelanosis, given their documented capacity to inhibit tyrosinase activity. Our study investigated the acute and subacute toxicity of the methanol extract of C. flanaganii bark in rats. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into different treatment groups. The rats received a daily oral gavage of crude extract for acute and subacute toxicity tests. Haematological, biomechanical, clinical and histopathology examinations were carried out to evaluate the possible toxicity of C. flanaganii. The results were subjected to the Student’s t-test and ANOVA. For both acute and subacute toxicity, there was no statistical difference between the groups. There were no clinical or behavioral signs of toxicity observed in the rats. No treatment-related gross pathology lesions and no histopathology were observed. The findings of this study demonstrate the absence of acute or subacute toxicity after oral treatment with C. flanaganii stem bark extracts in Wistar rats at the levels administered. Chemical profiling of the total extract using LC-MS tentatively identified eleven (11) compounds as the major chemical constituents.
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- 2023
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10. Dietary diversity and impact of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves supplemented – Diet on the nutritional status and CD4 cell counts of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria: A double - Blind randomized trial
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Aisha Gambo, Nceba Gqaleni, and Tesleem K. Babalola
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Dietary diversity ,HIV ,Moringa oleifera Lam ,Nutritional status ,Immune response ,Antiretroviral therapy ,Science (General) ,Q1-390 ,Social sciences (General) ,H1-99 - Abstract
Background: To maintain an optimal nutritional status and immunological function in PLHIV, a diet with adequate nutrients is of utmost importance. This is a major challenge among poor populations in developing worlds like Nigeria, where malnutrition and food insecurity are endemic. This study aimed to assess the type of regular diet consumed and assess the impact of supplementation of the diet with Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves on the nutritional status and CD4 cell counts of PLHIV that are on ART in Nigeria. Method: A double-blind, randomized trial was conducted. Two hundred consented patients were randomly allocated to either the Moringa oleifera Lam. group (MOG) or the control group (COG). The FAO individual dietary diversity questionnaire was used. The regular diets of participants at baseline and six months were monitored. The measurements of weight, BMI, MUAC, and CD4 cell counts were obtained from baseline to six months of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves supplementation. Results: One hundred and seventy-seven patients completed the six-month follow-up (89 MOG versus 88 COG). At both baseline and sixth month, the foods most commonly consumed by the participants in both MOG and COG were cereals, spices and condiments, oils, fats and palm oil, and dark green vegetables. At baseline, significantly higher consumption of legumes, nuts & seeds (p = 0.001) was observed in the MOG and higher consumption of other vegetables (p = 0.024) in COG. Consumption of cereals, roots, and tubers was significantly higher (p = 0.024; 0.045) in the COG in the sixth month. In both groups, participants were in the medium or low dietary diversity tercile. Throughout the study period, all the nutritional status variables observed were not significantly different between the two study groups [(p > 0.0001); weight; p = 0.5556; BMI; p = 0.5145; MUAC; p = 0.6456]. Over the study period, the treatment by time interaction shows a significant difference in CD4 counts by treatment group (p < 0.0001) and an estimate of fixed effects 10.33 folds greater in the MOG than COG. All tests were conducted at 95CI. Conclusion: This study revealed a poor dietary diversity amongst PLHIV. Supplementation of regular diet with Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves did not affect the nutritional status but could improve the immune response of HIV-positive adults attending the antiretroviral treatment centre in the present study area.
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- 2022
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11. Treatment of Melasma on Darker Skin Types: A Scoping Review
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Nomakhosi Mpofana, Buyisile Chibi, Tronel Visser, Michael Paulse, Avenal Jane Finlayson, Shanaz Ghuman, Nceba Gqaleni, Ahmed A. Hussein, and Ncoza Cordelia Dlova
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melasma ,treatment ,darker skin types ,Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI ,mapping review ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Melasma is a challenging chronic skin condition associated with hyperpigmentation and unknown aetiology. This scoping review maps evidence of available treatments and their effectiveness in darker skin types. A comprehensive, systematic online search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science Core Collection. All eligible titles were exported to an EndNote20 library (Clarivate analytics, US). Thematic content analysis was performed to summarise data on current melasma treatments for darker skin types. The quality of included articles was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) 2018 version. A total of 2863 articles were retrieved from the databases, and 10 met the eligibility criteria following abstract and full-text screening. Our findings demonstrate that topical treatments, chemical peels, lasers, and tranexamic acid are common treatment modalities used in darker skin types. Although these treatments may be effective in the short term, they bring about undesirable side effects and sometimes worsen or result in reoccurrences of melasma. Based on the evidence mapped, current treatment modalities are not suitable for darker skin types. There are very few studies conducted on individuals of African descent. Further research is necessary to investigate treatment interventions that may be user-friendly when dealing with darker skin types.
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- 2023
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12. African natural medicine: Toward a health preservation theory and systematization model for clinical application
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Hlupheka Chabalala, Motlalepula Matsabisa, and Nceba Gqaleni
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African knowledge systems ,Systematization ,Medical cosmology ,Innovation ,uBu-Ntu model ,Miscellaneous systems and treatments ,RZ409.7-999 - Abstract
All knowledge fields are founded on universal epistemologies and philosophies. This is evident in ancient Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Siddha) medical systems, which are integrated into national health systems of China and India respectively. African natural medicines (ANMs) are not part of national health systems on the African continent because of a lack of systematization frameworks. This article explores classical medical systems drawn from ancient African and Chinese cosmologies.A qualitative research methodology was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 20 respondents selected using a purposeful sampling technique. The data were summarized into systematization frameworks for disease theories, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis, and treatment including medicines and disease classification.The study findings revealed that in antiquity, Africa had systematic medical cosmologies, remnants of which are evident in current cultural health practices. Therefore, parallels can be drawn in relation to Chinese Taoist and Indian Tantric healing arts. Ancient Africans recognized Ra or iSithunzi (uMbhilini) , which correspond to qi or prana and refer to energetic life force in Asian cultures. Shu and Tefnut (Nkomo weLwandle and Dungha Manzi) correspond to yin and yang or purusha and prakriti, the natural principles of polarised duality. The jing or oojas (physiological essences) and wu xing or pancha tattvas (five elements and modes of nature) and their relationships with the zang and fu (five vital organs and visceral organs, respectively) also found their application in African medical cosmologies.The data revealed that ancient and contemporary ANM systems are based on the concept of consciousness (saa or ntu) and life force energy, ra. These cosmological concepts are predicated upon the Paut Neteru or Amathogo (archetypal forces) that prescribe properties to everything. On this basis, an African-Kemetic Health Preservation Theory was developed, which gives rise to African theories for disease etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnoses, comprehensive prognosis, and holistic treatment regimens.In addition, we developed an uBu-Ntu bio-innovation model for integral research, inclusive innovation, local technology transfer, holistic enterprising, and conscious commercialization of African natural medicines. It is the intention of the authors to influence policy in the implementation of these theories, models, and frameworks for clinical application and socio-economic development.
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- 2021
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13. Convergence of infectious and non-communicable disease epidemics in rural South Africa: a cross-sectional, population-based multimorbidity study
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Emily B Wong, MD, Stephen Olivier, MA, Resign Gunda, PhD, Olivier Koole, PhD, Ashmika Surujdeen, BSc, Dickman Gareta, MSc, Day Munatsi, MBA, Tshwaraganang H Modise, MSc, Jaco Dreyer, NDipIT, Siyabonga Nxumalo, BSc, Theresa K Smit, PhD, Greg Ording-Jespersen, NDipIT, Innocentia B Mpofana, MMedSci, Khadija Khan, MAppSc, Zizile E L Sikhosana, MSc, Sashen Moodley, BSc, Yen-Ju Shen, PhD, Thandeka Khoza, MBChB, Ngcebo Mhlongo, MBChB, Sanah Bucibo, PgDip, Kennedy Nyamande, ProfPhD, Kathy J Baisley, MSc, Diego Cuadros, PhD, Frank Tanser, ProfPhD, Alison D Grant, ProfPhD, Kobus Herbst, MSc, Janet Seeley, ProfPhD, Willem A Hanekom, ProfPhD, Thumbi Ndung'u, ProfPhD, Mark J Siedner, MD, Deenan Pillay, ProfPhD, Emily B. Wong, Stephen Olivier, Resign Gunda, Olivier Koole, Ashmika Surujdeen, Dickman Gareta, Day Munatsi, Tswaraganang H. Modise, Jaco Dreyer, Siyabonga Nxumalo, Theresa K. Smit, Greg Ording-Jespersen, Innocentia B. Mpofana, Khadija Khan, Zizile E.L. Sikhosana, Sashen Moodley, Yen-Ju Shen, Thandeka Khoza, Ngcebo Mhlongo, Sana Bucibo, Kennedy Nyamande, Kathy J. Baisley, Diego Cuadros, Frank Tanser, Alison D. Grant, Kobus Herbst, Janet Seeley, Willem A. Hanekom, Thumbi Ndung'u, Mark J. Siedner, Deenan Pillay, Mosa Suleman, Jaikrishna Kalideen, Ramesh Jackpersad, Kgaugelo Moropane, Boitsholo Mfolo, Khabonina Malomane, Hlolisile Khumalo, Nompilo Buthelezi, Nozipho Mbonambi, Hloniphile Ngubane, Thokozani Simelane, Khanyisani Buthelezi, Sphiwe Ntuli, Nombuyiselo Zondi, Siboniso Nene, Bongumenzi Ndlovu, Talente Ntimbane, Mbali Mbuyisa, Xolani Mkhize, Melusi Sibiya, Ntombiyenkosi Ntombela, Mandisi Dlamini, Hlobisile Chonco, Hlengiwe Dlamini, Doctar Mlambo, Nonhlahla Mzimela, Zinhle Buthelezi, Zinhle Mthembu, Thokozani Bhengu, Sandile Mtehmbu, Phumelele Mthethwa, Zamashandu Mbatha, Welcome Petros Mthembu, Anele Mkhwanazi, Mandlakayise Sikhali, Phakamani Mkhwanazi, Ntombiyenhlahla Mkhwanazi, Rose Myeni, Fezeka Mfeka, Hlobisile Gumede, Nonceba Mfeka, Ayanda Zungu, Nonhlahla Mfekayi, Smangaliso Zulu, Mzamo Buthelezi, Senzeni Mkhwanazi, Mlungisi Dube, Philippa Matthews, Siphephelo Dlamini, Hosea Kambonde, Lindani Mthembu, Seneme Mchunu, Sibahle Gumbi, Tumi Madolo, Thengokwakhe Nkosi, Sibusiso Mkhwanazi, Simbusio Nsibande, Mpumelelo Steto, Sibusiso Mhlongo, Velile Vellem, Pfarelo Tshivase, Jabu Kwinda, Bongani Magwaza, Siyabonga Nsibande, Skhumbuzo Mthombeni, Sphiwe Clement Mthembu, Antony Rapulana, Jade Cousins, Thabile Zondi, Nagavelli Padayachi, Freddy Mabetlela, Simphiwe Ntshangase, Nomfundo Luthuli, Sithembile Ngcobo, Kayleen Brien, Sizwe Ndlela, Nomfundo Ngema, Nokukhanya Ntshakala, Anupa Singh, Rochelle Singh, Logan Pillay, Kandaseelan Chetty, Asthentha Govender, Pamela Ramkalawon, Nondumiso Mabaso, Kimeshree Perumal, Senamile Makhari, Nondumiso Khuluse, Nondumiso Zitha, Hlengiwe Khati, Mbuti Mofokeng, Nomathamsanqa Majozi, Nceba Gqaleni, Hannah Keal, Phumla Ngcobo, Costa Criticos, Raynold Zondo, Dilip Kalyan, Clive Mavimbela, Anand Ramnanan, and Sashin Harilall
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Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Summary: Background: There has been remarkable progress in the treatment of HIV throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but there are few data on the prevalence and overlap of other significant causes of disease in HIV endemic populations. Our aim was to identify the prevalence and overlap of infectious and non-communicable diseases in such a population in rural South Africa. Methods: We did a cross-sectional study of eligible adolescents and adults from the Africa Health Research Institute demographic surveillance area in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The participants, who were 15 years or older, were invited to participate at a mobile health camp. Medical history for HIV, tuberculosis, hypertension, and diabetes was established through a questionnaire. Blood pressure measurements, chest x-rays, and tests of blood and sputum were taken to estimate the population prevalence and geospatial distribution of HIV, active and lifetime tuberculosis, elevated blood glucose, elevated blood pressure, and combinations of these. Findings: 17 118 adolescents and adults were recruited from May 25, 2018, to Nov 28, 2019, and assessed. Overall, 52·1% (95% CI 51·3–52·9) had at least one active disease. 34·2% (33·5–34·9) had HIV, 1·4% (1·2–1·6) had active tuberculosis, 21·8% (21·2–22·4) had lifetime tuberculosis, 8·5% (8·1–8·9) had elevated blood glucose, and 23·0% (22·4–23·6) had elevated blood pressure. Appropriate treatment and optimal disease control was highest for HIV (78·1%), and lower for elevated blood pressure (42·5%), active tuberculosis (29·6%), and elevated blood glucose (7·1%). Disease prevalence differed notably by sex, across age groups, and geospatially: men had a higher prevalence of active and lifetime tuberculosis, whereas women had a substantially high prevalence of HIV at 30–49 years and an increasing prevalence of multiple and poorly controlled non-communicable diseases when older than 50 years. Interpretation: We found a convergence of infectious and non-communicable disease epidemics in a rural South African population, with HIV well treated relative to all other diseases, but tuberculosis, elevated blood glucose, and elevated blood pressure poorly diagnosed and treated. A public health response that expands the successes of the HIV testing and treatment programme to provide multidisease care targeted to specific populations is required to optimise health in such settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Funding: Wellcome Trust, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the South African Department of Science and Innovation, South African Medical Research Council, and South African Population Research Infrastructure Network. Translation: For the isiZulu translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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- 2021
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14. HPLC-Based Purification and Isolation of Potent Anti-HIV and Latency Reversing Daphnane Diterpenes from the Medicinal Plant Gnidia sericocephala (Thymelaeaceae)
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Babalwa Tembeni, Amanda Sciorillo, Luke Invernizzi, Thomas Klimkait, Lorena Urda, Phanankosi Moyo, Dashnie Naidoo-Maharaj, Nathan Levitties, Kwasi Gyampoh, Guorui Zu, Zhe Yuan, Karam Mounzer, Siphathimandla Nkabinde, Magugu Nkabinde, Nceba Gqaleni, Ian Tietjen, Luis J. Montaner, and Vinesh Maharaj
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antiretroviral therapy ,HIV ,Gnidia sericocephala ,daphnane-type compounds ,reverse HIV latency ,protein kinase C activation ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Despite the success of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV persists in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to emerging drug resistance and insufficient drug accessibility. Furthermore, cART does not target latently-infected CD4+ T cells, which represent a major barrier to HIV eradication. The “shock and kill” therapeutic approach aims to reactivate provirus expression in latently-infected cells in the presence of cART and target virus-expressing cells for elimination. An attractive therapeutic prototype in LMICs would therefore be capable of simultaneously inhibiting viral replication and inducing latency reversal. Here we report that Gnidia sericocephala, which is used by traditional health practitioners in South Africa for HIV/AIDS management to supplement cART, contains at least four daphnane-type compounds (yuanhuacine A (1), yuanhuacine as part of a mixture (2), yuanhuajine (3), and gniditrin (4)) that inhibit viral replication and/or reverse HIV latency. For example, 1 and 2 inhibit HIV replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by >80% at 0.08 µg/mL, while 1 further inhibits a subtype C virus in PBMC with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.03 µM without cytotoxicity. Both 1 and 2 also reverse HIV latency in vitro consistent with protein kinase C activation but at 16.7-fold lower concentrations than the control prostratin. Both 1 and 2 also reverse latency in primary CD4+ T cells from cART-suppressed donors with HIV similar to prostratin but at 6.7-fold lower concentrations. These results highlight G. sericocephala and components 1 and 2 as anti-HIV agents for improving cART efficacy and supporting HIV cure efforts in resource-limited regions.
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- 2022
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15. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder supplementation on the immune status and anthropometric parameters of adult HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in a resource-limited setting.
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Aisha Gambo, Indres Moodley, Musa Babashani, Tesleem K Babalola, and Nceba Gqaleni
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource-limited settings are vulnerable to malnutrition. Nutritional interventions aimed at improving food insecurity and malnutrition, together with antiretroviral therapy (ART), could improve treatment outcomes. In Nigeria, there is a high awareness of the nutraceutical benefits of Moringa oleifera. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation on the CD4 counts, viral load and anthropometric of HIV-positive adults on ART.MethodsThis was a double-blind, randomized study. Two hundred HIV-positive patients were randomly allocated to either the Moringa Oleifera group (MOG) given Moringa oleifera leaf powder or the control group (COG) given a placebo. Changes in anthropometric parameters [weight; body mass index (BMI)] and CD4 cell counts were measured monthly for six months, while HIV-1 viral loads were measured at baseline and the end of the study for both groups.ResultsOver the study period, the treatment by time interaction shows a significant difference in CD4 counts by treatment group (pConclusionThis study revealed that Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation was associated with increased CD4 cell counts of PLHIV on ART in a resource-limited setting. Programs in low-resource settings, such as Nigeria, should consider nutritional supplementation as part of a comprehensive approach to ensure optimal treatment outcomes in PLHIV.
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- 2021
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16. Mechanisms of Selected Cassipourea Metabolites for Melasma Treatment: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Dynamics Study [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]
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Nomakhosi Mpofana, Christina Peter, Halimat Yusuf Lukman, Mokgadi Ursula Makgobole, Ncoza Cordelia Dlova, Nceba Gqaleni, Ahmed Hussein, and Saheed Sabiu
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Research Article ,Articles ,melasma ,Cassipourea species ,Network pharmacology ,Molecular dynamics simulation ,Signalling pathways - Abstract
Background Melasma is a common dyschromia, mainly found in women with darker skin types. Although asymptomatic, melasma significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Due to this complex pathogenesis, melasma is difficult to treat. Plant and plant-derived products have been explored as alternatives for the treatment of melasma. Methods This study utilized network pharmacology coupled with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the molecular mechanisms of three selected Cassipourea metabolites in the treatment of melasma. Results Of the 202 genes obtained from the 14 profiled metabolites, only PTGS2, TYR, ESR2, and ESR1 were common among metabolites and targets implicated in melasma. From this, The gene ontology highlighted the intracellular steroid hormone receptor, signalling pathway, macromolecular complex, and estrogen receptor activity as the top enriched functional annotations, while the KEGG pathway analysis identified five signalling pathways, from which the prolactin signalling pathway, endocrine resistance, and estrogen signalling pathway were implicated in the pathogenesis of melasma. These pathways were further connected by their linkage to ESR2 and ESR1., Of all Cassipourea metabolites and standards, with afzelechin having the highest docking score for both gens. Further binding interaction analysis showed that ESR2-bound tamoxifen had the highest binding free energy of -47.68 kcal/mol, however, among the interacting Cassipourea metabolites, sitosterol-glycoside exhibited the highest negative binding affinity for both ESR2 (-40.50 kcal/mol) and ESR1 (-78.97 kcal/mol) over 150 ns simulation, suggesting its potential as a dual modulator. Altogether, the metabolites presented remarkable binding stability and thermodynamic compactness with the apo-genes. Conclusion The finding that the selected Cassipourea metabolites are associated with the genes and enzymes implicated in melasma pathogenesis, together with their significant binding effects on the enriched genes, suggests their regulatory potential on the profiled targets and, consequently, in the treatment of melasma.
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- 2024
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17. Consumption of Sutherlandia frutescens by HIV-Seropositive South African Adults: An Adaptive Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial.
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Douglas Wilson, Kathy Goggin, Karen Williams, Mary M Gerkovich, Nceba Gqaleni, James Syce, Patricia Bartman, Quinton Johnson, and William R Folk
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
BackgroundSutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br. is widely used as an over the counter complementary medicine and in traditional medications by HIV seropositive adults living in South Africa; however the plant's safety has not been objectively studied. An adaptive two-stage randomized double-blind placebo controlled study was used to evaluate the safety of consuming dried S. frutescens by HIV seropositive adults with CD4 T-lymphocyte count of >350 cells/μL.MethodsIn Stage 1 56 participants were randomized to S. frutescens 400, 800 or 1,200 mg twice daily or matching placebo for 24 weeks. In Stage 2 77 additional participants were randomized to either 1,200 mg S. frutescens or placebo. In the final analysis data from Stage 1 and Stage 2 were combined such that 107 participants were analysed (54 in the S. frutescens 1,200 mg arm and 53 in the placebo arm).ResultsS. frutescens did not change HIV viral load, and CD4 T-lymphocyte count was similar in the two arms at 24 weeks; however, mean and total burden of infection (BOI; defined as days of infection-related events in each participant) was greater in the S. frutescens arm: mean (SD) 5.0 (5.5) vs. 9.0 (12.7) days (p = 0.045), attributed to two tuberculosis cases in subjects taking isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT).ConclusionA possible interaction between S. frutescens and IPT needs further evaluation, and may presage antagonistic interactions with other herbs having similar biochemical (antioxidant) properties. No other safety issues relating to consumption of S. frutescens in this cohort were identified.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00549523.
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- 2015
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18. Antimutagenic and antioxidant effects of a South African traditional formulation used as an immune booster
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Mlungisi Ngcobo, Nceba Gqaleni, and Victor Ndlovu
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traditional medicines ,regulations ,genotoxicity ,antioxidants ,immune cells ,Science ,Science (General) ,Q1-390 ,Social Sciences ,Social sciences (General) ,H1-99 - Abstract
The traditional medicines sector in South Africa is still largely unregulated despite legislation aimed at regulating the practice being in place. The HIV and AIDS epidemic has fuelled demand for traditional medicines, with many patients consulting traditional health practitioners who offer different treatments, including herbal immune boosters. This study investigated the mutagenic and antioxidant effects of the widely sold herbal immune booster, uMakhonya®. The Ames test was used for analysis of the genototoxic effects while the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay was used to evaluate cell cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP-1 monocytes. To evaluate the antioxidant effects the malondialdehyde (MDA) quantification, the nitric oxide and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays were used. UMakhonya® doses of up to 5000 μg/mL were not genotoxic in the Ames test. UMakhonya® was shown to induce dose-dependent cytotoxicity in both PBMCs and THP-1 cells with doses ranging from 500 μg/ mL to 1000 μg/mL, showing significant (p
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- 2016
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19. Computer-aided interpretation of chest radiography reveals the spectrum of tuberculosis in rural South Africa.
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Jana Fehr, Stefan Konigorski, Stephen Olivier, Resign Gunda, Ashmika Surujdeen, Dickman Gareta, Theresa Smit, Kathy Baisley, Sashen Moodley, Yumna Moosa, Willem Hanekom, Olivier Koole, Thumbi Ndung'u, Deenan Pillay, Alison D. Grant, Mark J. Siedner, Christoph Lippert, Emily B. Wong, Anand Ramnanan, Anele Mkhwanazi, Antony Rapulana, Anupa Singh, Ashentha Govender, Ayanda Zungu, Boitsholo Mfolo, Bongani Magwaza, Bongumenzi Ndlovu, Clive Mavimbela, Costa Criticos, Day Munatsi, Dilip Kalyan, Doctar Mlambo, Fezeka Mfeka, Freddy Mabetlela, Gregory Ording-Jespersen, Hannah Keal, Hlengiwe Dlamini, Hlengiwe Khathi, Hlobisile Chonco, Hlobisile Gumede, Hlolisile Khumalo, Hloniphile Ngubane, Hollis Shen, Hosea Kambonde, Innocentia Mpofana, Jabu Kwinda, Jaco Dreyer, Jade Cousins, Jaikrishna Kalideen, Janet Seeley, Kandaseelan Chetty, Kayleen Brien, Kennedy Nyamande, Kgaugelo Moropane, Khabonina Malomane, Khadija Khan, Khanyisani Buthelezi, Kimeshree Perumal, Kobus Herbst, Lindani Mthembu, Logan Pillay, Mandisi Dlamini, Mandlakayise Zikhali, Mbali Mbuyisa, Mbuti Mofokeng, Melusi Sibiya, Mlungisi Dube, Mosa Suleman, Mpumelelo Steto, Mzamo Buthelezi, Nagavelli Padayachi, Nceba Gqaleni, Ngcebo Mhlongo, Nokukhanya Ntshakala, Nomathamsanqa Majozi, Nombuyiselo Zondi, Nomfundo Luthuli, Nomfundo Ngema, Nompilo Buthelezi, Nonceba Mfeka, Nondumiso Khuluse, Nondumiso Mabaso, Nondumiso Zitha, Nonhlanhla Mfekayi, Nonhlanhla Mzimela, Nozipho Mbonambi, Ntombiyenhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Ntombiyenkosi Ntombela, Pamela Ramkalawon, Pfarelo Tshivase, Phakamani Mkhwanazi, Philippa Mathews, Phumelele Mthethwa, Phumla Ngcobo, Ramesh Jackpersad, Raynold Zondo, Rochelle Singh, Rose Myeni, Sanah Bucibo, Sandile Mthembu, Sashin Harilall, Senamile Makhari, Seneme Mchunu, Senzeni Mkhwanazi, Sibahle Gumbi, Siboniso Nene, Sibusiso Mhlongo, Sibusiso Mkhwanazi, Sibusiso Nsibande, Simphiwe Ntshangase, Siphephelo Dlamini, Sithembile Ngcobo, Siyabonga Nsibande, Siyabonga Nxumalo, Sizwe Ndlela, Skhumbuzo Mthombeni, Smangaliso Zulu, Sphiwe Clement Mthembu, Sphiwe Ntuli, Talente Ntimbane, Thabile Zondi, Thandeka Khoza, Thengokwakhe Nkosi, Thokozani Bhengu, Thokozani Simelane, Tshwaraganang Modise, Tumi Madolo, Velile Vellem, Welcome Petros Mthembu, Xolani Mkhize, Zamashandu Mbatha, Zinhle Buthelezi, Zinhle Mthembu, and Zizile Sikhosana
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- 2021
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20. Publisher Correction: Computer-aided interpretation of chest radiography reveals the spectrum of tuberculosis in rural South Africa.
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Jana Fehr, Stefan Konigorski, Stephen Olivier, Resign Gunda, Ashmika Surujdeen, Dickman Gareta, Theresa Smit, Kathy Baisley, Sashen Moodley, Yumna Moosa, Willem Hanekom, Olivier Koole, Thumbi Ndung'u, Deenan Pillay, Alison D. Grant, Mark J. Siedner, Christoph Lippert, Emily B. Wong, Anand Ramnanan, Anele Mkhwanazi, Antony Rapulana, Anupa Singh, Ashentha Govender, Ayanda Zungu, Boitsholo Mfolo, Bongani Magwaza, Bongumenzi Ndlovu, Clive Mavimbela, Costa Criticos, Day Munatsi, Dilip Kalyan, Doctar Mlambo, Fezeka Mfeka, Freddy Mabetlela, Gregory Ording-Jespersen, Hannah Keal, Hlengiwe Dlamini, Hlengiwe Khathi, Hlobisile Chonco, Hlobisile Gumede, Hlolisile Khumalo, Hloniphile Ngubane, Hollis Shen, Hosea Kambonde, Innocentia Mpofana, Jabu Kwinda, Jaco Dreyer, Jade Cousins, Jaikrishna Kalideen, Janet Seeley, Kandaseelan Chetty, Kayleen Brien, Kennedy Nyamande, Kgaugelo Moropane, Khabonina Malomane, Khadija Khan, Khanyisani Buthelezi, Kimeshree Perumal, Kobus Herbst, Lindani Mthembu, Logan Pillay, Mandisi Dlamini, Mandlakayise Zikhali, Mbali Mbuyisa, Mbuti Mofokeng, Melusi Sibiya, Mlungisi Dube, Mosa Suleman, Mpumelelo Steto, Mzamo Buthelezi, Nagavelli Padayachi, Nceba Gqaleni, Ngcebo Mhlongo, Nokukhanya Ntshakala, Nomathamsanqa Majozi, Nombuyiselo Zondi, Nomfundo Luthuli, Nomfundo Ngema, Nompilo Buthelezi, Nonceba Mfeka, Nondumiso Khuluse, Nondumiso Mabaso, Nondumiso Zitha, Nonhlanhla Mfekayi, Nonhlanhla Mzimela, Nozipho Mbonambi, Ntombiyenhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Ntombiyenkosi Ntombela, Pamela Ramkalawon, Pfarelo Tshivase, Phakamani Mkhwanazi, Philippa Mathews, Phumelele Mthethwa, Phumla Ngcobo, Ramesh Jackpersad, Raynold Zondo, Rochelle Singh, Rose Myeni, Sanah Bucibo, Sandile Mthembu, Sashin Harilall, Senamile Makhari, Seneme Mchunu, Senzeni Mkhwanazi, Sibahle Gumbi, Siboniso Nene, Sibusiso Mhlongo, Sibusiso Mkhwanazi, Sibusiso Nsibande, Simphiwe Ntshangase, Siphephelo Dlamini, Sithembile Ngcobo, Siyabonga Nsibande, Siyabonga Nxumalo, Sizwe Ndlela, Skhumbuzo Mthombeni, Smangaliso Zulu, Sphiwe Clement Mthembu, Sphiwe Ntuli, Talente Ntimbane, Thabile Zondi, Thandeka Khoza, Thengokwakhe Nkosi, Thokozani Bhengu, Thokozani Simelane, Tshwaraganang Modise, Tumi Madolo, Velile Vellem, Welcome Petros Mthembu, Xolani Mkhize, Zamashandu Mbatha, Zinhle Buthelezi, Zinhle Mthembu, and Zizile Sikhosana
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- 2021
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21. An Investigation into the Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Extracts of Cassipourea flanaganii Stem Bark In Vivo
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Crouch, Nomakhosi Mpofana, John Kudakwashe Chipangura, Michael Paulse, Masande Yalo, Nceba Gqaleni, Celenkosini Thembelenkosini Nxumalo, Ncoza Cordelia Dlova, Ahmed A. Hussein, and Neil R.
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Cassipourea flanaganii ,phytochemical compounds ,hypermelanosis ,in vivo ,toxicity - Abstract
The conventional use of medicinal plants is in part based on the widespread belief that plant crude extracts are non-toxic. In South Africa, traditional preparations of Cassipourea flanaganii used to treat hypermelanosis have accordingly been regarded by many as non-toxic. Whether that is so impacts on the potential of bark extracts to be developed as a commercial drug to treathypermelanosis, given their documented capacity to inhibit tyrosinase activity. Our study investigated the acute and subacute toxicity of the methanol extract of C. flanaganii bark in rats. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into different treatment groups. The rats received a daily oral gavage of crude extract for acute and subacute toxicity tests. Haematological, biomechanical, clinical and histopathology examinations were carried out to evaluate the possible toxicity of C. flanaganii. The results were subjected to the Student’s t-test and ANOVA. For both acute and subacute toxicity, there was no statistical difference between the groups. There were no clinical or behavioral signs of toxicity observed in the rats. No treatment-related gross pathology lesions and no histopathology were observed. The findings of this study demonstrate the absence of acute or subacute toxicity after oral treatment with C. flanaganii stem bark extracts in Wistar rats at the levels administered. Chemical profiling of the total extract using LC-MS tentatively identified eleven (11) compounds as the major chemical constituents.
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- 2023
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22. Does
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Aisha, Gambo and Nceba, Gqaleni
- Abstract
HIV-related weight loss and wasting were the most common malnutrition and AIDS-defining conditions before HAART. HAART has led to more obese PLHIV. HIV-positive patients should eat micro- and macronutrient-rich foods to maintain optimal nutrition. This study examined whetherA randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted. Two hundred patients with informed consent were randomly assigned to either theOne hundred seventy-seven patients completed the 6-month follow-up (89 MOG vs. 88 COG). During the study period, the MOG and COG had similar weights and BMIs (p0.05). At baseline and six months, most participants in both study groups had a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9). Many participants were overweight; few were underweight ((BMI18.5). MOG and COG BMI differences at baseline and six months were not significant (p0.05). All experiments were 95CI.
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- 2022
23. The Prevalence and Treatment Options of Melasma as Well as its Association with Quality of Life in Darker Skin Types: A Scoping Review Protocol
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Nomakhosi Mpofana, Buyisile Chibi, Nceba Gqaleni, Ahmed Hussain Mohammed, Avenal Jane Finlayson, Kabelo Kgarosi, and Ncoza Cordelia Dlova
- Abstract
BackgroundMelasma is one of the most encountered dermatoses in dermatology and skin care clinics. It is a challenging chronic, recurrent condition associated with hyperpigmentation. Its etiology is poorly understood. Melasma affects all races and gender but is more prevalent in women with darker skin types. Being a facial lesion, melasma has a severe impact on quality of life due to its disfigurement. While many modalities of treatment for melasma exists, unfortunately, effectiveness and safety remain a huge concern. Treatment modalities are variable and often unsatisfactory. The objective of this scoping review is to systemically map available evidence from literature regarding melasma, garner insight as to how melasma affects the quality of life and begin to investigate and gain understanding on effectiveness of different treatments used for melasma.MethodsA scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, the enhancements and recommendations of Levac, Colquhoun and O’Brien, Daudt and associates and the 2015 Johanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines will be conducted. Systematic electronic searches of databases and search engines such as, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Web of Science will be conducted to attain published peer-reviewed articles of all study designs excluding reviews. All literature that meets the inclusion criteria, research question and sub-question will be included in this review. All the retrieved literature will be exported to an Endnote X20 library. Quality appraisal of the included articles will be conducted using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) 2018 version.DiscussionWe anticipate mapping relevant literature on the prevalence of melasma, investigating the effectiveness of treatment options of melasma as well as evaluating its association with quality of life in darker skin types. This study is likely to reveal research gaps, which could guide future implementation research on melasma treatment interventions.Protocol registration: This protocol has been registered apriori with OSF and is accessible on this link: https://osf.io/ru3jc/
- Published
- 2021
24. Dietary diversity and impact of
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Aisha, Gambo, Nceba, Gqaleni, and Tesleem K, Babalola
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To maintain an optimal nutritional status and immunological function in PLHIV, a diet with adequate nutrients is of utmost importance. This is a major challenge among poor populations in developing worlds like Nigeria, where malnutrition and food insecurity are endemic. This study aimed to assess the type of regular diet consumed and assess the impact of supplementation of the diet withA double-blind, randomized trial was conducted. Two hundred consented patients were randomly allocated to either theOne hundred and seventy-seven patients completed the six-month follow-up (89 MOG versus 88 COG). At both baseline and sixth month, the foods most commonly consumed by the participants in both MOG and COG were cereals, spices and condiments, oils, fats and palm oil, and dark green vegetables. At baseline, significantly higher consumption of legumes, nutsseeds (p = 0.001) was observed in the MOG and higher consumption of other vegetables (p = 0.024) in COG. Consumption of cereals, roots, and tubers was significantly higher (p = 0.024; 0.045) in the COG in the sixth month. In both groups, participants were in the medium or low dietary diversity tercile. Throughout the study period, all the nutritional status variables observed were not significantly different between the two study groups [(p0.0001); weight; p = 0.5556; BMI; p = 0.5145; MUAC; p = 0.6456]. Over the study period, the treatment by time interaction shows a significant difference in CD4 counts by treatment group (p0.0001) and an estimate of fixed effects 10.33 folds greater in the MOG than COG. All tests were conducted at 95CI.This study revealed a poor dietary diversity amongst PLHIV. Supplementation of regular diet with
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- 2021
25. Attitudes and perceptions of traditional health practitioners towards documentation of patient health information in their practice in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, Natal Province, South Africa
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Exnevia Gomo, Mlungisi Ngcobo, Nceba Gqaleni, and Tracy Zhandire
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020205 medical informatics ,Leadership and Management ,Health Policy ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Medical record ,02 engineering and technology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Documentation ,Geography ,Nursing ,Perception ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Health information ,African traditional medicine ,Kwazulu natal ,Healthcare system ,media_common - Abstract
Background: Documentation of patient health information in the form of patient medical records (PMRs) is an essential, ethical and regulatory requirement in any healthcare system. African traditional medicine (ATM) exists parallel to biomedicine and continues to play a significant role in primary healthcare of the majority of South Africans. The World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted the integration of ATM into the national health system of South Africa. Patient health information documentation can facilitate this integration, and PMRs promote communication between the two health systems through referrals. Documentation in biomedicine is a clear, compulsory, routine activity, but does not occur regularly or routinely in ATM. Objective: To examine the attitudes and perceptions of traditional health practitioners (THPs) towards documentation of patient health information in their practice. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional survey involved snowball sampling to recruit THPs in Umlazi Township and rural parts surrounding the township, in Durban, South Africa. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS 25 and the Relative Importance Index (RII) and qualitative data were analysed using Excel for themes. Results: Sampling resulted in 248 THPs of whom 178 (72%) were females. The RII ranked the factors that negatively influenced the participants’ attitudes towards documentation of patient health information. Of the 178 females who participated in the study, 129 (72.5%) showed their willingness to introduce documentation in their practice. Of the 127 participants with less than 10 years of practice experience, 126 (99.2%) agreed to the importance of introducing PMRs in their practice. The majority of participants perceived documentation of patient health information as vital to improve their practice. A prominent theme was that the THPs regarded documenting patient health information as important and effective in their practice. Conclusion: More than half of participants showed positive attitudes and perceptions towards documenting of patient health information in ATM. The majority of the participants in this study acknowledged the importance of introducing documentation of patient health information in their practice even though they lacked experience and more knowledge. This reflects a need for essential intervention in developing specialised tools to begin promoting documentation of patient health information in ATM.
- Published
- 2021
26. Dietary Diversity and Impact of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves Supplemented – Diet on the Nutritional Status and CD4 Cell Counts of Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Nigeria: A Double - Blind Randomized Trial
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Aisha Gambo, Tesleem Kayode Babalola, and Nceba Gqaleni
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History ,Polymers and Plastics ,business.industry ,medicine.disease ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,law.invention ,Clinical trial ,Moringa ,Treatment and control groups ,Malnutrition ,Cog ,Randomized controlled trial ,Informed consent ,law ,Environmental health ,medicine ,Business and International Management ,business ,Biomedical sciences - Abstract
Background: To maintain an optimal nutritional status and immunological function in PLHIV, a diet with adequate nutrients is of utmost importance. This is a major challenge among poor populations in developing worlds like Nigeria, where malnutrition and food insecurity are endemic. This study aimed to assess the type of regular diet consumed and assess the impact of supplementation of the diet with Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves on the nutritional status and CD4 cell counts of PLHIV that are on ART in Nigeria. Method: A double-blind, randomized trial was conducted. Two hundred consented patients were randomly allocated to either the Moringa oleifera Lam. group (MOG) or control group (COG). The FAO individual dietary diversity questionnaire was used. The regular diets of participants at baseline and six months were monitored. The measurements of weight, BMI, MUAC, and CD4 cell counts were obtained from baseline to six months of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves supplementation. Results: One hundred and seventy-seven patients completed the six-month follow-up (89 MOG versus 88 COG). At both baseline and sixth month, the foods most commonly consumed by the participants in both MOG and COG were cereals, spices and condiments, oils, fats and palm oil, and dark green vegetables. At baseline, significantly higher consumption of legumes, nuts & seeds (p= 0.001) was observed in the MOG and higher consumption of other vegetables (p= 0.024) in COG. Consumption of cereals, roots, and tubers was significantly higher (p= 0.024; 0.045) in the COG in the sixth month. In both groups, participants were in the medium or low dietary diversity tercile. Throughout the study period, all the nutritional status variables observed were not significantly different between the two study groups [(p > 0.0001); weight; p=0.5556; BMI; p=0.5145; MUAC; p=0.6456]. Over the study period, the treatment by time interaction shows a significant difference in CD4 counts by treatment group (p
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- 2021
27. Core competencies acquired in indigenous training of traditional health practitioners in Kwazulu-Natal
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Mlungisi Ngcobo, Mbatha Nompumelelo, Exnevia Gomo, and Nceba Gqaleni
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Adult ,Male ,Rural Population ,Indigenous training, traditional health practitioners, Kwazulu-Natal ,traditional health practitioners ,Urban Population ,Health Personnel ,education ,030231 tropical medicine ,Indigenous ,Kwazulu-Natal ,South Africa ,03 medical and health sciences ,Professional Competence ,0302 clinical medicine ,Interim ,Health care ,Health Services, Indigenous ,Humans ,Medicine ,Cultural Competency ,Medicine, African Traditional ,Qualitative Research ,Accreditation ,Medical education ,business.industry ,Core competency ,Articles ,General Medicine ,Focus Groups ,Middle Aged ,Focus group ,Female ,Indigenous training ,Apprenticeship ,business ,End-of-life care - Abstract
Introduction: Despite the recognition of Traditional Medicine systems as a critical component of health care by the WHO and the African Union, its integration into the health care mainstream remains very subdued in South Africa. This is partly due to the lack of empirical data pertinent to traditional healer training that could inform the accreditation process. Objective: To determine core competencies acquired by Traditional Health Practitioners (THP) of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa during their apprenticeship. Materials and methods: Purposeful, convenient and snowballing sampling and the sequential data collection methods of questionnaires, journaling and focus groups was used to collect data from the THP tutors and their trainees in rural, peri-urban and urban areas of eThekwini and uThungulu Districts of Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN). Results: Eleven core competencies were identified: consultation, diagnoses, holistic patient care and treatment, integrative and holistic healing, application of healing procedures and cultural rituals, spiritual development, ethical competencies, problem solving, herbalism, ancestral knowledge and end of life care. Conclusion: The apprenticeship of THPs in KZN is based on eleven core competencies. These competencies are fundamental pillars for critical health care provided by THPs and are crucial for setting standards for the accreditation of traditional training in South Africa if the THP Act 22 of 2007 is to achieve its purpose of providing for the management of and control over the registration, training and conduct of the practitioners. Hence, the appointed interim THP Council should include the identified competencies when articulating bases for accreditation of the training and assessments. Keywords: Indigenous training, traditional health practitioners, Kwazulu-Natal.
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- 2020
28. Knowledge and documentation of patient health information among traditional health practitioners in urban and peri-urban areas of eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
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Exnevia Gomo, Nceba Gqaleni, Mlungisi Ngcobo, and Tracy Zhandire
- Subjects
Adult ,020205 medical informatics ,Adolescent ,Leadership and Management ,02 engineering and technology ,Documentation ,Health informatics ,Standard procedure ,03 medical and health sciences ,South Africa ,Young Adult ,0302 clinical medicine ,Nursing ,Health care ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Medicine, African Traditional ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,business.industry ,Health Policy ,Middle Aged ,Geography ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Female ,African traditional medicine ,Health information ,business ,Delivery of Health Care ,Kwazulu natal - Abstract
Background: Documentation of patient health information (PHI) is a regulatory requirement and hence a standard procedure in allopathic healthcare practice. The opposite is true for African traditional medicine (ATM) in most African countries, including South Africa, despite legal and policy frameworks that recognise and mandate the institutionalisation of ATM. Developing good practice standards for PHI documentation is an essential step in the institutionalisation of ATM. Objective: This study examined the knowledge and practices of documentation of PHI by traditional health practitioners (THPs) in Durban, eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Methods: In this quantitative cross-sectional study, snowball sampling was used to identify and recruit THPs. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to gather data. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to assess associations of knowledge and practice of documentation of PHI with potential predictors; age, gender, education, type of practitioner, experience, number of patients seen per day and location of the practice. Results: Of the 248 THPs who participated, 71.8% were female. Mean (SD) age was 47.4 (14.2), ranging 18–81 years. The majority (65.7%) were Izangoma (diviners). Overall, 42.9% of the THPs reported knowledge of patient medical records (PMRs). In logistic regression, only number of patients seen per day remained a significant predictor of knowledge about PMR. THPs who reported seeing 6–10 patients were five times more likely (Odds Ratio (OR): 5.164, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.270–20.996; p = 0.022) to report knowledge of PMR than those seeing Conclusion: Knowledge of PMR is low, and the practice of documenting PHI is even lower among THPs in eThekwini. That knowledge of PMR was a strong predictor of documentation practice, and the most common reason for not documenting was lack of knowledge about what and how to document suggests that training could improve PHI documentation in traditional medicine practice.
- Published
- 2020
29. Production of the Mycotoxin Cyclopiazonic Acid by Penicillium commune on Solid Agar Media: Effects of Water Activity, Temperature, and Incubation Time
- Author
-
George Gettinby, John E. Smith, Nceba Gqaleni, and John Lacey
- Subjects
food.ingredient ,Water activity ,Biology ,Microbiology ,Yeast ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,food ,Biochemistry ,chemistry ,Agar ,Yeast extract ,Food science ,Cyclopiazonic acid ,Mycotoxin ,Incubation ,Food Science ,Penicillium commune - Abstract
The combined effects of water activity (aw), temperature, incubation time, and medium composition on cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) production by an isolate of Penicillium commune was studied using a full-factorial experimental design. An analysis of variance for the mycotoxin showed that there was a complex interaction between all these factors and that this affected the production of CPA. The minimum aw for CPA production (0.025 to 0.238 μg ml-1) in yeast extract agar was 0.90 whereas in Czapek yeast autolysate agar it was 0.85 (0.048 to 0.123 μg m1-1). The temperature range for CPA production was 20 to 30°C. The optimum temperature for CPA production was 25°C. CPA was maximally produced (3.199 to 3.993 μg ml-1) at an aw of 0.996 after 15 days of incubation.
- Published
- 2019
30. Immunomodulatory effects of Umakhonya®: A South African commercial traditional immune booster
- Author
-
N. Sibiya, Nceba Gqaleni, Metse Serumula, Mlungisi Ngcobo, and V. Ndlovu
- Subjects
Chemokine ,High prevalence ,biology ,Monocyte ,Cell migration ,Plant Science ,Pharmacology ,030226 pharmacology & pharmacy ,030205 complementary & alternative medicine ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Immune system ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Immunology ,biology.protein ,medicine ,Cytotoxic T cell ,Secretion ,Cytotoxicity - Abstract
South Africa is currently experiencing an increase in the number of traditional medicine preparations which purport to have immune boosting effects. This is largely related to the high prevalence of HIV infections. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the possible immunomodulatory mechanisms of uMakhonya ® , one of the widely used commercial immune boosters, using THP-1 monocyte cells. Endotoxin-free doses of uMakhonya ® ranging from 1000 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL were used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects, cell migration, secretion of twelve different chemokines and possible modulation of nuclear factor kappa Beta (NF-κβ) transcriptional activity. This commercial traditional medicine product was shown to induce dose dependent cytotoxicity with high doses significantly ( p 50 of 100.08 and 107.68 μg/mL for normal and LPS stimulated THP-1 cells respectively) when compared to untreated cells. The lower doses were shown to have no significant ( p > 0.05) chemo-attractant effects in the cell migration assay. UMakhonya ® at these lower and less cytotoxic doses induced a significant ( p uMakhonya ® increased transcriptional activity of NF-κβ which may explain the increase in chemokines secretion. Therefore this in vitro study showed that uMakhonya ® is cytotoxic at high doses, did not show any chemo-attractant effects and induced significant increases in chemokines secretion. Increased transcriptional activity of NF-κβ in treated cells may contribute to increased chemokines secretion. This study on uMakhonya ® should form the benchmark for the research of the high number of related products that are sold commercially in South Africa.
- Published
- 2016
31. Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effects of a South African commercial traditional immune booster in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- Author
-
Nceba Gqaleni and Mlungisi Ngcobo
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Cell Survival ,Cytotoxicity ,Immune booster ,Nitric Oxide ,Peripheral blood mononuclear cell ,Proinflammatory cytokine ,Nitric oxide ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Immune system ,Traditional medicines ,Humans ,Immunologic Factors ,Cytotoxic T cell ,Medicine ,Receptor ,Medicine, African Traditional ,Phytohaemagglutinin ,Soluble receptors ,Plants, Medicinal ,biology ,Plant Extracts ,business.industry ,General Medicine ,030104 developmental biology ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,chemistry ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Immunology ,Leukocytes, Mononuclear ,biology.protein ,Cytokines ,Interleukin-2 ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background With the burden of HIV and AIDS still very high, South Africa has seen an increase in commercial traditional medicines claiming to have immune-enhancing effects. Because of lack of regulation of the traditional medicine sector, these products have proliferated. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of uMakhonya®, a commercial traditional immune booster, using various models of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods Immunosuppressed, mitogen-, and peptidoglycan (PG)-stimulated PBMCs were treated with various doses of uMakhonya® and incubated for 24 h. The treated and control samples were analyzed for cytotoxicity, secretion of 12 different inflammatory cytokines, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels, and nitric oxide (NO) secretion. Results In cytotoxicity assays, uMakhonya® induced dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in all three models, with IC50 values of 512.08, 500, and 487.91 μg/mL for immunosuppressed, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-, and PG from Staphylococcus. aureus (PG-S. aureus)-stimulated PBMCs, respectively. UMakhonya® at 100 and 10 μg/mL induced a significant (p 0.05) decreased NO levels in PBMCs after PG-S. aureus stimulation. Conclusions These results showed that uMakhonya® can induce both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects depending on the initial stimuli applied to immune cells.
- Published
- 2016
32. African Traditional Medicine Based Immune Boosters and Infectious Diseases: A Short Commentary
- Author
-
Mlungisi Ngcobo and Nceba Gqaleni
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,060101 anthropology ,030505 public health ,Tuberculosis ,High prevalence ,business.industry ,Alternative medicine ,Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ,06 humanities and the arts ,medicine.disease ,medicine.disease_cause ,Bioinformatics ,03 medical and health sciences ,Immune system ,Research studies ,medicine ,0601 history and archaeology ,African traditional medicine ,0305 other medical science ,Intensive care medicine ,business ,Immunodeficiency - Abstract
Introduction: Developed from centuries of oral knowledge passed from generation to generation, African traditional medicines (ATM) are at a crossroads. In order for these ATMs to evolve with time similarly to modern medical sciences, there is an urgent need to scientifically evaluate their mechanism of action, safety and efficacy. Case report: In this short commentary we report on the progress we have made in scientifically evaluating traditional herbal immune boosters at a period where the African continent finds itself ravaged by a plethora of infectious diseases. Discussion: While the South African government has gone a long way in building an effective modern health system, many people still use ATMs such as immune boosters for a variety of infectious diseases and general wellbeing. The high prevalence of HIV infections is one of the reasons that have led to an increase in the use of ATMs which purport to have immune boosting capabilities. In our laboratory we have developed various models and carried out extensive in vitro and in vivo biochemical and molecular experiments on the immunomodulatory effects of these immune boosters and have shown that these products can modulate the expression and secretion of both cytokines and chemokines. Therefore the potential uses of immune boosters in clinical medicine does not only apply in treating immunodeficiency caused by HIV but can be useful in managing tuberculosis (TB), various forms of cancer and various other diseases that can be managed by modulating the immune response. Such research studies are very promising and present opportunities for further clinical studies to develop unique ATMs. Conclusion: As medicines meant to stimulate the body’s immune system to defend itself, immune boosters can be useful alone or as immune adjuvants along with pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore further studies on the effectiveness of these immune boosters are justified along with those that will ensure that there are no drug interactions with other pharmaceutical products.
- Published
- 2016
33. Lactic acid fermentation improves the quality of amahewu, a traditional South African maize-based porridge
- Author
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Nceba Gqaleni, Paul Kiprono Chelule, H. P. Mbongwa, and S. Carries
- Subjects
Fumonisin B1 ,Aflatoxin ,food and beverages ,General Medicine ,Biology ,Analytical Chemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Fermentation ,Food science ,Food quality ,Mycotoxin ,Zearalenone ,Lactic acid fermentation ,Food Science ,Food contaminant - Abstract
The ability of traditional amahewu fermentation to increase protein digestibility and detoxify mycotoxins commonly contaminating maize in southern Africa was investigated. Commercial maize meal, with or without a range of added ingredients, was fermented, following the traditional way, and the levels of proteins and amino acids assessed. Traditional amahewu samples (and the maize meal used to prepare them) were also collected from a neighbouring rural village. Mycotoxin levels (aflatoxin B1, fumonisin B1 and zearalenone) in maize meal and amahewu were analysed and compared in the two sets of samples. Increased levels of protein were observed in amahewu, especially in the samples with added yeast and bread flour (up to 149%), in comparison to the levels in starter maize. In addition, the mycotoxins detected in maize samples were drastically reduced, by 76.5–100%, following fermentation. This observation shows that traditional amahewu fermentation may improve the nutritional quality of maize-based foods and reduce the levels of toxic/carcinogenic mycotoxins.
- Published
- 2010
34. The toxicity and decreased concentration of aflatoxin B1 in natural lactic acid fermented maize meal
- Author
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Nceba Gqaleni, Paul Kiprono Chelule, and Mduduzi P. Mokoena
- Subjects
Aflatoxin ,business.industry ,Decreased Concentration ,food and beverages ,General Medicine ,Biology ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Lactic acid ,Biotechnology ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Starter ,chemistry ,Fermentation ,Poaceae ,Food science ,business ,Mycotoxin ,Lactic acid fermentation - Abstract
Aims: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin which is known to frequently contaminate poorly stored food products destined for human consumption. This study was carried out to investigate the potential activity of lactic acid fermentation in reducing AFB1 level in fermented maize meal products. Methods and Results: Maize meal was spiked with 60 μg g−1 AFB1 and fermented, with or without starter culture, for 4 days at 25°C. Unbound AFB1 in solution and the pH of the media were monitored daily. A significant decrease (P 0·05). Conclusions: These results indicate that lactic acid fermentation can significantly reduce the concentration of AFB1 in maize to trace levels. However, the safety of fermented products has not been well studied, as the mechanism of AFB1 removal is not well understood. Significance and Impact of the Study: Natural fermentation may potentially reduce exposure to natural toxins occurring in food.
- Published
- 2006
35. The Frequency of CytochromeP450 2E1 Polymorphisms in Black South Africans
- Author
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Michael F. Dutton, Nceba Gqaleni, Paul Kiprono Chelule, and R.J. Pegoraro
- Subjects
squamous cell carcinoma ,Adult ,Male ,Adolescent ,Esophageal Neoplasms ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Population ,Black People ,Cytochrome P450 ,Biology ,polymorphism ,South Africa ,PstI ,Asian People ,Gene Frequency ,Genotype ,Genetics ,Humans ,Genetic Predisposition to Disease ,Allele ,education ,Molecular Biology ,Allele frequency ,Aged ,lcsh:R5-920 ,education.field_of_study ,oesophagus ,Biochemistry (medical) ,Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,Molecular biology ,genomic DNA ,Genetic marker ,alleles ,Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ,biology.protein ,Female ,Other ,Restriction fragment length polymorphism ,lcsh:Medicine (General) ,Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length - Abstract
Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the Cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) gene reportedly modify the metabolic activity of CYP2E1 enzyme, and have been associated with increased susceptibility to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oesophagus in high prevalence areas such as China. To assess the frequency of these polymorphisms in Black South Africans, a population with a high incidence of oesophageal SCC, this study examined genomic DNA from 331 subjects for restriction fragment length polymorphisms in theCYP2E1(RsaIandPstIdigestion). The frequency of theCYP2E1c1/c1 and c1/c3 genotypes was 95% and 5% respectively. The frequency of theCYP2E1allele distribution was found to be markedly different between Chinese and South African populations; hence it is important to place racial differences into consideration when proposing allelic variants as genetic markers for cancer.
- Published
- 2006
36. African Natural Plant Products Volume II: Discoveries and Challenges in Chemistry, Health, and Nutrition
- Author
-
H. Rodolfo Juliani, James E. Simon, Chi-Tang Ho, Julius Mwine, Patrick Van Damme, Bernadetta Rina Hastilestari, Jutta Papenbrock, Gerhard Prinsloo, Renée A. Street, A. R. Koroch, L. Giordano, L. Amekuse, S. Koffa, J. Asante-Dartey, J. E. Simon, David R. Katerere, Kelsey Gustafson, Qing-Li Wu, Julie Asante-Dartey, A. A. Appiah, W. A. Asomaning, I. V. Oppong, G. Duker-Eshun, J. Clement, L. K. N. Okine, G. Achel, O. Gyampo, S. Adjei, A. K. Nyarko, F. A. Aboagye, D. A. Edoh, Albert P. Ekanem, Austin I. Obiekezie, Jeanine L Marnewick, Irma Venter, Fanie Rautenbach, Henry Neethling, Maritha Kotze, Naisheng Bai, Kan He, Marc Roller, Ching-Shu Lai, Xi Shao, Min-Hsiung Pan, Adolfina R. Koroch, Ray-Yu Yang, Chris Ojiewo, Hee Seung Nahm, Renee A. Street, Nceba Gqaleni, Tom Villani, Sahrah Fischer, Peter M. Hanson, J. D. H. Keatinge, Diaminatou Sanogo, Babacar Diedhiou, Abdoulaye Diop, Haby Sanou, Mactar Thiome, Yaye Kène Gassama, Emmanuel Bassène, Lorraine S. Cordeiro, Ramu Govindasamy, Surendran Arumugam, H. Rodolfo Juliani, James E. Simon, Chi-Tang Ho, Julius Mwine, Patrick Van Damme, Bernadetta Rina Hastilestari, Jutta Papenbrock, Gerhard Prinsloo, Renée A. Street, A. R. Koroch, L. Giordano, L. Amekuse, S. Koffa, J. Asante-Dartey, J. E. Simon, David R. Katerere, Kelsey Gustafson, Qing-Li Wu, Julie Asante-Dartey, A. A. Appiah, W. A. Asomaning, I. V. Oppong, G. Duker-Eshun, J. Clement, L. K. N. Okine, G. Achel, O. Gyampo, S. Adjei, A. K. Nyarko, F. A. Aboagye, D. A. Edoh, Albert P. Ekanem, Austin I. Obiekezie, Jeanine L Marnewick, Irma Venter, Fanie Rautenbach, Henry Neethling, Maritha Kotze, Naisheng Bai, Kan He, Marc Roller, Ching-Shu Lai, Xi Shao, Min-Hsiung Pan, Adolfina R. Koroch, Ray-Yu Yang, Chris Ojiewo, Hee Seung Nahm, Renee A. Street, Nceba Gqaleni, Tom Villani, Sahrah Fischer, Peter M. Hanson, J. D. H. Keatinge, Diaminatou Sanogo, Babacar Diedhiou, Abdoulaye Diop, Haby Sanou, Mactar Thiome, Yaye Kène Gassama, Emmanuel Bassène, Lorraine S. Cordeiro, Ramu Govindasamy, and Surendran Arumugam
- Subjects
- Aromatic plants--Africa, Botany, Medical, Essences and essential oils--Africa, Medicinal plants--Africa, Medicinal plants, Materia medica, Vegetable--Africa
- Published
- 2013
37. Exposure of rural and urban populations in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to fumonisin B(1) in maize
- Author
-
Nceba Gqaleni, Paul Kiprono Chelule, Anil A. Chuturgoon, and Michael F. Dutton
- Subjects
Fusarium ,Veterinary medicine ,Esophageal Neoplasms ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Population ,Carboxylic Acids ,Food Contamination ,Rural Health ,Fumonisins ,Zea mays ,Feces ,South Africa ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Fumonisin ,Humans ,Mycotoxin ,education ,Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ,education.field_of_study ,biology ,business.industry ,Incidence ,Urban Health ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Environmental Exposure ,Environmental exposure ,Mycotoxins ,biology.organism_classification ,Biotechnology ,chemistry ,Rural area ,business ,Research Article ,Food contaminant - Abstract
We surveyed households in rural and urban areas of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to assess the exposure of the inhabitants to fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium verticillioides. In southern African regions maize, used as a staple food by the population, is prone to F. verticillioides infection. Furthermore, high levels of FB(1) in maize have been associated with esophageal cancer in South Africa. We assessed exposure of the population to FB(1) at three levels, namely, by analyzing stored maize, plate-ready food, and feces. The positions of participating households in the rural area were recorded using geographic information systems (GIS) for ease and accuracy of follow-up. Of the 50 rural maize samples examined, 32% had levels of FB(1) ranging from 0.1-22.2 mg/kg, whereas 29% of the 28 cooked maize (phutu) samples contained FB(1) ranging from 0.1-0.4 mg/kg. The incidence and levels of FB(1) in feces were 33% and 0.5-39.0 mg/kg, respectively. Of the 49 urban maize samples analyzed 6.1% had a range of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg FB(1), whereas 3 of 44 fecal samples (6%) ranged between 0.6 and 16.2 mg/kg. No FB(1) was detected in urban phutu samples. Because these levels are lower than those published from regions in South Africa with high incidence of esophageal cancer, it may be concluded that the risk of esophageal cancer from FB(1) exposure is lower in the KwaZulu Natal region.
- Published
- 2001
38. The determination of fumonisin B1in human faeces: a short term marker for assessment of exposure
- Author
-
Michael F. Dutton, Anil A. Chuturgoon, Paul Kiprono Chelule, and Nceba Gqaleni
- Subjects
Fumonisin B1 ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Contamination ,Biochemistry ,High-performance liquid chromatography ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Rural school ,chemistry ,Fine powder ,Environmental protection ,Solid phase extraction ,Food science ,Mycotoxin ,Feces - Abstract
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a compound that occurs frequently in rural foods and feeds, creating health hazards. When ingested, FB1 does not appear to change in structure and is mostly excreted unchanged in faeces within 24 h. Twenty human stool samples obtained from rural school children of Vulamehlo, south of Durban (South Africa), were analysed for FB1, as well as 23 urban control samples obtained from various households within the Durban metropolitan area. The samples were freeze-dried and ground to a fine powder. A fraction of each sample was extracted three times with aqueous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid at pH 5.2. The pooled extracts were purified using reversed phase C18 solid phase extraction cartridges. Analytical high performance liquid chromatography was used to quantitate the amount of FB1 as an o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) derivative in the extracts. The rural (35%) and the urban samples (9%) showed the presence of FB ranging from 790 to 19 560 ng g(-1) of freeze dried stool. It was concluded that this method could be used as a routine biomarker for short term human exposure to FB1 in contaminated food.
- Published
- 2000
39. Effects of Sutherlandia frutescens extracts on normal T-lymphocytes in vitro
- Author
-
Mlungisi, Ngcobo, Nceba, Gqaleni, Paul K, Chelule, Metse, Serumula, and Alain, Assounga
- Subjects
Caspase 7 ,Cell Death ,Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ,Caspase 3 ,Plant Extracts ,Caspases, Effector ,T-Lymphocytes ,Fabaceae ,DNA Fragmentation ,Research Papers ,Necrosis ,Adenosine Triphosphate ,Humans ,Phytotherapy - Abstract
Sutherlandia frutescens (SF), a popular traditional medicinal plant found in various parts of southern Africa, is used for treatment or management of HIV/AIDS and other diseases including cancer. However, its toxicity profile has not been fully established. The aims of this study were to examine the effects of 70% ethanol (SFE) and deionised water (SFW) extracts on normal isolated human T cells. An experimental study on normal human lymphocytes treated with doses SF extract doses ranging from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/ml. Untreated, vehicle-treated (Ethanol) and camptothecin (CPT) treated normal T cells were used as controls. Induction of cell death, changes in intracellular ATP, caspase-3/-7 activity and nuclear changes were analysed using flow cytometry, luminometry and nuclear staining (Hoechst) respectively. The highest concentration (2.5 mg/ml) of SFE extract induced significant necrosis (95%), depletion of ATP (76%), and inhibition of caspase-3/-7 activity (11%) following a 24 hour incubation period (p< 0.001). The 2.5 mg/ml concentration of SFW showed the same trend but were less effective (necrosis- 26%, ATP- 91%, & caspase-3/-7- 15%). These effects showed a time-dependence over 48 hours of incubation, with high doses of SFE extracts eliminating viable cells by necrosis, depleting ATP levels and decreasing caspase-3/-7 activity (p< 0.001). The activity of SFE extract was independent of ethanol. The SFW extract dilutions were less toxic than the SFE extracts. Significant DNA fragmentation as demonstrated by Hoechst staining was also seen over 48-hour incubation for high doses of both types of SF extracts. These results showed that although high concentrations of SF extracts can be toxic to normal T cells in vitro, SFW fractions were relatively safe for use.
- Published
- 2013
40. Guidelines for Quality Control during Preclinical Testing of African Traditional Medicines
- Author
-
Gerhard Prinsloo, Nceba Gqaleni, and Renée A. Street
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Preclinical testing ,business.industry ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Control (management) ,medicine ,Medical physics ,Quality (business) ,business ,media_common - Published
- 2013
41. Marula [Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich) Hochst]: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology
- Author
-
Gerhard Prinsloo, Renée A. Street, and Nceba Gqaleni
- Subjects
Series (mathematics) ,Library science ,Biology - Published
- 2013
42. The production of cyclopiazonic acid by Penicillium commune and cyclopiazonic acid and aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus as affected by water activity and temperature on maize grains
- Author
-
George Gettinby, John Lacey, John E. Smith, and Nceba Gqaleni
- Subjects
Aflatoxin ,Water activity ,Veterinary (miscellaneous) ,Environmental factor ,Aspergillus flavus ,Fungi imperfecti ,Biology ,medicine.disease_cause ,biology.organism_classification ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Microbiology ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Botany ,medicine ,Food science ,Cyclopiazonic acid ,Mycotoxin ,Agronomy and Crop Science ,Penicillium commune - Abstract
The combined effects of water activity (a(w)) and temperature on mycotoxin production by Penicilium commune (cyclopiazonic acid - CPA) and Aspergillus flavus (CPA and aflatoxins - AF) were studied on maize over a 14-day period using a statistical experimental design. Analysis of variance showed a highly significant interaction (P ≤ 0.001) between these factors and mycotoxin production. The minimum a(w)/temperature for CPA production (2264 ng g(-1) P. commune, 709 ng g(-1) A. flavus) was 0.90 a(w)/30 °C while greatest production (7678 ng g(-1) P. commune, 1876 ng g(-1) A. flavus) was produced at 0.98 a(w)/20 °C. Least AF (411 ng g(-1)) was produced at 0.90 a(w)/20 °C and most (3096 ng g(-1)) at 0.98 a(w)/30 °C.
- Published
- 1996
43. Best practice programme in the standardisation of traditional medicines: Evaluation of an immune booster formulated by traditional healers of the Vaal Triangle, South Africa
- Author
-
M.G. Pinkoane, Nceba Gqaleni, and Mlungisi Ngcobo
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Chemokine ,biology ,Lipopolysaccharide ,business.industry ,Ascorbic acid ,Nitric oxide ,Proinflammatory cytokine ,Traditional healers, traditional medicines, regulation, standardization, immune stimulation ,030207 dermatology & venereal diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Interleukin 10 ,030104 developmental biology ,0302 clinical medicine ,Immune system ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,chemistry ,Drug Discovery ,Immunology ,biology.protein ,Medicine ,Tumor necrosis factor alpha ,business - Abstract
Background: Regulation and standardization of African traditional medicines (ATM) prescribed by traditional healers in South Africa is still far from being implemented. This is despite the fact that more people are using ATM products than ever. In an effort to demonstrate that collaboration with traditional health practitioners (THPs) can yield standardized TM products, this study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of an herbal immune booster formulated by traditional healers from the Vaal Region, South Africa. Materials and Methods: Using normal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) models, doses of the immune booster ranging from 1000 to 10 μg/mL were evaluated for their cytotoxicity, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secretion, nitric oxide (NO) secretion, malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results: The immune booster induced a dose dependent cytotoxic effect on both normal and LPS stimulated PBMCs with higher doses showing cytotoxicity while lower dose from 100μg/mL did not show any cytotoxicity. When re-dissolved in aqueous PBS immune booster doses up to 100 μg/mL showed better DPPH radical inhibition (41%) than ascorbic acid at 40μg/mL (33%). The immune booster also decreased lipid peroxides significantly (p< 0.05) and this was comparable to ascorbic acid. There was also a significant (p< 0.05) increase in nitrite (NO) after treatment of LPS stimulated PBMCs with immune booster doses when compared to untreated samples. The immune booster stimulated inflammatory cytokines secretion in normal PBMCs (IL 1α, IL 1β, IL 6, IL 10 and TNFα while showing a decrease in IFNγ at the higher dose) while in LPS stimulated PBMCs some cytokines were decreased (IL 1α, IL 17α and at lower doses IL 10 and TNFα) and others were increased (IFNγ, TNFα and GM-CSF) depending on the dose used. In both normal and LPS stimulated PBMCs the immune booster significantly (p< 0.05) increased (MIP 1α) while causing significant (p< 0.05) decreases in IP 10 (high dose), I-TAC and MIG secretion. Conclusions: This immune booster showed potential immunostimulatory effects by increasing nitric oxide, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secretion in both normal and LPS stimulated PBMCs. This TM also showed promising antioxidant potential in the MDA and DPPH assays. Further in vitro and animal studies are warranted.
- Published
- 2016
44. Antimutagenic and antioxidant effects of a South African traditional formulation used as an immune booster
- Author
-
Nceba Gqaleni, Victor Ndlovu, and Mlungisi Ngcobo
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Antioxidant ,DPPH ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Pharmacology ,medicine.disease_cause ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Ames test ,lcsh:Social Sciences ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,immune cells ,regulations ,medicine ,lcsh:Social sciences (General) ,Cytotoxicity ,lcsh:Science ,lcsh:Science (General) ,Lipid peroxide ,genotoxicity ,traditional medicines ,Ascorbic acid ,lcsh:H ,030104 developmental biology ,antioxidants ,chemistry ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Toxicity ,General Earth and Planetary Sciences ,lcsh:Q ,lcsh:H1-99 ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,Genotoxicity ,lcsh:Q1-390 - Abstract
The traditional medicines sector in South Africa is still largely unregulated despite legislation aimed at regulating the practice being in place. The HIV and AIDS epidemic has fuelled demand for traditional medicines, with many patients consulting traditional health practitioners who offer different treatments, including herbal immune boosters. This study investigated the mutagenic and antioxidant effects of the widely sold herbal immune booster, uMakhonya®. The Ames test was used for analysis of the genototoxic effects while the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay was used to evaluate cell cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP-1 monocytes. To evaluate the antioxidant effects the malondialdehyde (MDA) quantification, the nitric oxide and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays were used. UMakhonya® doses of up to 5000 μg/mL were not genotoxic in the Ames test. UMakhonya® was shown to induce dose-dependent cytotoxicity in both PBMCs and THP-1 cells with doses ranging from 500 μg/ mL to 1000 μg/mL, showing significant (p
- Published
- 2016
45. The Immunomodulatory Effects of Sutherlandia frutescens Extracts in Human Normal Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
- Author
-
Mlungisi Ngcobo, Nceba Gqaleni, Paul Kiprono Chelule, Alain Assounga, and Metse Serumula
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,biology ,Pharmacology ,biology.organism_classification ,Peripheral blood mononuclear cell ,Immune system ,Endocrinology ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,Internal medicine ,Sutherlandia frutescens ,Drug Discovery ,medicine ,Cytokine secretion ,Tumor necrosis factor alpha ,Interferon gamma ,Secretion ,Viability assay ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) is one of the medicinal plants used as an immune booster in the treatment of chronic ailments such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. Limited data suggest that its efficacy is based on its regulatory effect on cytokines, the critical components of the immune response. In this study, we investigated the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of SF extracts on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). An ELISA-based assay was used to assess the levels of expression of 12 cytokines in treated cells. An adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay was used to assess cell viability in relation to cytokine secretion. SF ethanol extracts induced changes in cytokine secretion relative to the dose of the extract. Generally cytokine expression and secretion was low in concentration because were not stimulated with any endotoxin. The high SFE dose (2.5 mg/ml) significantly (p
- Published
- 2012
46. In Vitro Testing of African Traditional Medicines for Cytotoxic, Immune Modulatory and Anti-HIV Activities
- Author
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Raveen Parboosing, Anneta Naidoo, Mlungisi Ngcobo, and Nceba Gqaleni
- Subjects
business.industry ,Glutathione ,Pharmacology ,law.invention ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Immune system ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,chemistry ,law ,Drug Discovery ,Toxicity ,Immunology ,Cytotoxic T cell ,Medicine ,Cytokine secretion ,Phytotherapy ,business ,Cytotoxicity ,Viral load - Abstract
African Traditional Medicines (ATMs) serve as a major source of primary healthcare for African people. The reasons for their use range from easy access, affordability, beliefs in traditional systems and long term safety. ATMs have been used to treat individuals infected with HIV and therefore need scientific validation; a view supported by Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs). This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity, immune modulatory and anti-HIV activities of traditional multiple herbal preparations from local THPs. Ugambu, Ihashi, Product Nene, Product Blue, SPNa and SDKc ATM were supplied by local THPs. Changes in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) & glutathione (GSH) over 24 hours were measured using luminometry. Changes in 12 cytokines were assayed using an ELISA-based absorbance assay. Protective effects against HIV killing of MT-4 cells were tested using the XTT assay and antiviral activity was measured using an HIV-1 viral load assay. Cyclosporine and AZT were used as positive controls. Ugambu, Ihashi, Product Nene and SDKc induced a dose dependent toxicity on treated PBMCs by reducing ATP and GSH at high doses (p< 0.001). These medicinal preparations, along with SPNa, showed immunomodulatory activity by significantly (p< 0.001) changing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Product Blue stimulated the levels of ATP and GSH in treated PBMCs at all doses however this product did not show any immunomodulatory activity on cytokine secretion when compared to control cells. Ugambu, Ihashi, Product Nene showed promising anti-HIV activity relative to AZT (p< 0.01). This study has shown that some of these traditional medicinal preparations have at least one or all the properties of immunostimulation, immunomodulation or antiretroviral effects. The mechanism of action of the shown activities should further be investigated.
- Published
- 2012
47. Characterization of allergens and airborne fungi in low and middle-income homes of primary school children in Durban, South Africa
- Author
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Nkosana Jafta, Thomas G. Robins, Stuart Batterman, Nceba Gqaleni, and Rajen N. Naidoo
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Population ,Air Microbiology ,medicine.disease_cause ,Article ,South Africa ,Allergen ,Indoor air quality ,Environmental health ,medicine ,Humans ,education ,Child ,Household Articles ,Respiratory health ,Asthma ,education.field_of_study ,business.industry ,Public health ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Fungi ,Dust ,Environmental exposure ,Environmental Exposure ,Allergens ,medicine.disease ,Air Pollution, Indoor ,Housing ,Low and middle income ,business ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
The South Durban Health Study is a population-based study that examined the relationship between exposure to ambient air pollutants and respiratory disease among school children with high prevalence of asthma who resided in two purposely-selected communities in north and south Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. From these participants, a subgroup of 135 families was selected for investigation of household characteristics potentially related to respiratory health. In these households, a walkthrough investigation was conducted, and settled dust and air samples were collected for allergen and fungal measurements using standardised techniques. Asp f1 allergen was detected in all homes, and Bla g1 allergen was detected in half of the homes. House dust allergens, Der f1 and Der p1 exceeded concentrations associated with risk of sensitization and exacerbation of asthma in 3 and 13%, respectively, of the sampled homes, while Bla g1 exceeded guidance values in 13% of the homes. Although airborne fungal concentrations in sleep areas and indoors were lower than outdoor concentrations, they exceeded 1000 CFU/m3 in 29% of the homes. Multivariate analyses identified several home characteristics that were predictors of airborne fungal concentrations, including moisture, ventilation, floor type and bedding type. Airborne fungal concentrations were similar indoors and outdoors, which likely reduced the significance of housing and indoor factors as determinants of indoor concentrations. Conclusion Allergen concentrations were highly variable in homes, and a portion of the variability can be attributed to easily-recognised conditions.
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- 2012
48. Recommendations for the Development of Regulatory Guidelines for Registration of Traditional Medicines in South Africa
- Author
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Mlungisi Ngcobo, Bongani Nkala, Indres Moodley, and Nceba Gqaleni
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Economic growth ,education.field_of_study ,Traditional medicine ,business.industry ,Health Policy ,Population ,Alternative medicine ,Review ,South Africa ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,Regulation, Registration, Traditional Medicines, South Africa ,Who guidelines ,Practice Guidelines as Topic ,Drug Discovery ,Health care ,medicine ,Humans ,business ,education ,Delivery of Health Care ,Medicine, African Traditional ,Health policy - Abstract
The regulation and registration of traditional medicines (TM) continues to present challenges to many countries regardless of the fact that an increased number of the population utilises TM for their health care needs. There have been improvements in the legal and policy framework of South Africa based on the WHO guidelines. However, there are currently no guidelines or framework for the registration of TM in South Africa. This article reviews literature and existing guidelines of specific countries and regions and makes recommendations for South African guidelines.Keywords: Regulation, Registration, Traditional Medicines, South Africa
- Published
- 2011
49. Effects of Sutherlandia frutescens Extracts on Normal T-Lymphocytes In Vitro
- Author
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Alain Assounga, Paul Kiprono Chelule, Metse Serumula, Mlungisi Ngcobo, and Nceba Gqaleni
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Necrosis ,Pharmacology ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,Staining ,Incubation period ,law.invention ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,Biochemistry ,law ,Apoptosis ,Sutherlandia frutescens ,Drug Discovery ,medicine ,medicine.symptom ,Phytotherapy ,Incubation ,Camptothecin ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Sutherlandia frutescens (SF), a popular traditional medicinal plant found in various parts of southern Africa, is used for treatment or management of HIV/AIDS and other diseases including cancer. However, its toxicity profile has not been fully established. The aims of this study were to examine the effects of 70% ethanol (SFE) and deionised water (SFW) extracts on normal isolated human T cells. An experimental study on normal human lymphocytes treated with doses SF extract doses ranging from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/ml. Untreated, vehicle-treated (Ethanol) and camptothecin (CPT) treated normal T cells were used as controls. Induction of cell death, changes in intracellular ATP, caspase-3/-7 activity and nuclear changes were analysed using flow cytometry, luminometry and nuclear staining (Hoechst) respectively. The highest concentration (2.5 mg/ml) of SFE extract induced significant necrosis (95%), depletion of ATP (76%), and inhibition of caspase-3/-7 activity (11%) following a 24 hour incubation period (p< 0.001). The 2.5 mg/ml concentration of SFW showed the same trend but were less effective (necrosis- 26%, ATP- 91%, & caspase-3/-7- 15%). These effects showed a time-dependence over 48 hours of incubation, with high doses of SFE extracts eliminating viable cells by necrosis, depleting ATP levels and decreasing caspase-3/-7 activity (p< 0.001). The activity of SFE extract was independent of ethanol. The SFW extract dilutions were less toxic than the SFE extracts. Significant DNA fragmentation as demonstrated by Hoechst staining was also seen over 48-hour incubation for high doses of both types of SF extracts. These results showed that although high concentrations of SF extracts can be toxic to normal T cells in vitro, SFW fractions were relatively safe for use.
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- 2011
50. Consumption of Sutherlandia frutescens by HIV-Seropositive South African Adults: An Adaptive Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
- Author
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Nceba Gqaleni, William R. Folk, Patricia Bartman, Quinton Johnson, James Syce, Karen B. Williams, Kathy Goggin, Douglas Wilson, and Mary M. Gerkovich
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Science ,T-Lymphocytes ,Antitubercular Agents ,Herb-Drug Interactions ,Placebo-controlled study ,Administration, Oral ,HIV Infections ,Opportunistic Infections ,Placebo ,Drug Administration Schedule ,law.invention ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Internal medicine ,Isoniazid ,medicine ,Humans ,Adverse effect ,Tuberculosis, Pulmonary ,Multidisciplinary ,biology ,business.industry ,Fabaceae ,Viral Load ,16. Peace & justice ,biology.organism_classification ,CD4 Lymphocyte Count ,3. Good health ,Surgery ,Plant Leaves ,Clinical trial ,Sutherlandia frutescens ,Cohort ,HIV-1 ,Medicine ,Female ,Patient Safety ,business ,Viral load ,Research Article - Abstract
BackgroundSutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br. is widely used as an over the counter complementary medicine and in traditional medications by HIV seropositive adults living in South Africa; however the plant's safety has not been objectively studied. An adaptive two-stage randomized double-blind placebo controlled study was used to evaluate the safety of consuming dried S. frutescens by HIV seropositive adults with CD4 T-lymphocyte count of >350 cells/μL.MethodsIn Stage 1 56 participants were randomized to S. frutescens 400, 800 or 1,200 mg twice daily or matching placebo for 24 weeks. In Stage 2 77 additional participants were randomized to either 1,200 mg S. frutescens or placebo. In the final analysis data from Stage 1 and Stage 2 were combined such that 107 participants were analysed (54 in the S. frutescens 1,200 mg arm and 53 in the placebo arm).ResultsS. frutescens did not change HIV viral load, and CD4 T-lymphocyte count was similar in the two arms at 24 weeks; however, mean and total burden of infection (BOI; defined as days of infection-related events in each participant) was greater in the S. frutescens arm: mean (SD) 5.0 (5.5) vs. 9.0 (12.7) days (p = 0.045), attributed to two tuberculosis cases in subjects taking isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT).ConclusionA possible interaction between S. frutescens and IPT needs further evaluation, and may presage antagonistic interactions with other herbs having similar biochemical (antioxidant) properties. No other safety issues relating to consumption of S. frutescens in this cohort were identified.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00549523.
- Published
- 2015
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