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Background: Combretum micranthum (CM) (Combretaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine throughout West Africa for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, inflammation, malaria and liver ailments. In our recent research we demonstrated that CM has nephroprotective potentials in diabetes mellitus, hypertension and renal disorders. However, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic study concerning its toxicity profile has been reported. Aim of the study: The study carried out to evaluates the potential toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of the CM, through the method of acute and sub-chronic oral administration in rats. Materials and methods: During the acute toxicity study, male and female rats were orally administrated with CM extract at single doses of 5000 mg/kg (n = 5/group/sex). Abnormal behaviour, toxic symptoms, weight, and death were observed for 14 consecutive days to assess the acute toxicity. For sub-chronic toxicity study, the extract was administered orally at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg (n = 5/group/sex) daily to Wistar rats for 28 days. The general behaviour and body weight of the rats was observed daily. A biochemical, haematological, macroscopical and histopathological examinations of several organs were conducted at the end of the treatment period. The CM extract was subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometric examination in order to detect the presence or absence of cyanide toxic compounds. Results: The absence of absorbance peaks between the 2220−2260 cm−1 region of FT-IR spectrum of CM, indicating the absence of cyanide groups. This suggested that the CM extract may not contain toxic substances. During the acute toxicity test, no mortality or adverse effects were noted at the dose of 5000 mg/kg. In the subchronic study, the CM extract induced no mortality or treatment-related adverse effects with regard to body weight, general behaviour, relative organ weights, hematological, and biochemical parameters. Histopathological examination of vital organs showed normal architecture suggesting no morphological alterations. Conclusion: The present study revealed that oral administration of CM extract for 28 days, at dosage up to 1000 mg/kg did not induce toxicological damage in rats. From acute toxicity study, the median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was estimated to be more than 5000 mg/kg.

The biomedical analysis laboratory is a structure intended to carry out biological, immuno-serological, biochemical, hematological or other examinations of substances of human origin to provide information useful for the diagnosis, management, prevention or treatment of diseases. These laboratories produce solid and liquid biomedical waste (BMW) that constitutes a serious health problem for humans and their environment. Temain goal of this study is to assess the management of solid BMW produced by biomedical laboratories in Togo. It is a descriptive, exploratory and transverse study that took place from March 5 to July 5, 2018. Through a systematic random sampling 82 public and private biomedical analysis, laboratories were selected and submitted to a questionnaire. Direct observation and an interview were made with the managers of these laboratories to assess the state of BMW management. The assessment of BMW management of the prospected centers showed that among the 67.1% of public centers and 32.9% of private centers present in the study sample, only 26.3% present all laboratory units and together in 87.8% of cases. Males predominate in these facilities (85.3%) with an average age of 37.07 ± 7.34 years and work experience of 10.24 ± 5.81 years. While in 67.0% of the cases, the location of waste storage is available, only 18.3% of these locations meet international requirements. Incinerators were available in 72.0%. Plastic pedal/balance garbage cans were the most commonly used tools for collection in 32.9% of the facilities. Black bags are used 82.9% for collection. Waste generation is significant with 13.4% of the laboratories producing more than 8 kg/d. Gloves were available and taps in sufficient number in the laboratories. The most common health problems reported were respiratory disorders (32.9%) followed by gastrointestinal disorders (17.1%). BMW is in most cases (18.3%) disposed of in public dumps, while 72% of producers have received training on BMW management.The problem of BMW management remains a concern in health facilities in Togo. Safe disposal of BMW is therefore necessary.

Introduction: Ficus sur is a plant widely used in traditional pharmacopoeia in Togo. So, this study aimed the assessment of antioxidant properties and identification of some compounds from the ethanolic extracts of different parts of the plant (leaves, fruits, roots, and barks). Methods: The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the ethanolic extracts of different organs of Ficus sur were assessed using conventional known methods. The DPPH radical scavenging and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to highlight the antioxidant activities. The different extract samples were also analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time of flight mass detector (ESI-QTOF). Results: Total phenolic contents (TPCs) for 1 mg of dry extract ranged from 489.40 ± 7.48 μg GAE (gallic acid equivalents) for the bark to 62.34 ± 2.66 μg GAE for unripe fruits. The bark exhibited the highest flavonoid content, which was closed to 90.20 ± 3.72 μg QE (quercetin equivalents)/mg of dry extract. The radical scavenging activities of the bark and unripe fruits were 56.50 ± 0.29 and 7.3 ± 0.30 μg QE/mg of dry extract, respectively. In the same order, the FRAP values of the two organs were 104.57 ± 4.75 and 19.61 ± 0.22 μmol FeSO4 Eq/mg of dry extract. Many compounds including notoginsenoside R10; 4’,5,7-trihydroxyflavan-3-ol; catechin; and boviquinone 4 were identified. Conclusion: The various organs of Ficus sur are a source of bioactive compounds especially phenolic compounds and flavonoids with antioxidant activity.

Blighia sapida oil, a substance with a rich history of use for its nutritional, therapeutic, traditional, and cosmetic benefits, was the focus of our study. We investigated the impact of consuming edible oil from B. sapida arils on Wistar rats. The crude oil from unripe arils was extracted using cold pressing and then administered to the rats. The toxicity was evaluated according to the OECD method. Notably, there were no signs of food poisoning or adverse effects on the weight and behavior of the rats treated with B. sapida oils. The LD50 of the oil was more significant than 5000 mg/kg of body weight, and hematological and biochemical parameters did not differ significantly from the control group. Rats fed with an oil‐supplemented diet showed an increase in weight compared to the negative control group. No fatty deposits were found in vital organs, and consuming the oil did not affect the immune system or biochemical biomarkers. However, excessive intake of fat may have harmful effects on tissues. Our findings strongly suggest that B. sapida oil is safe for consumption within reasonable limits. The data we present here reveal that the oil derived from B. sapida is suitable for moderate consumption and may offer various health advantages, a potential that warrants further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochemistry, hematology and serology laboratories produce very heterogeneous discharges capable of polluting water, soil and the environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the physico-chemical quality of the ashes, effluents and the range of equipment that produce the much effluent and pollutions.This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study of 82 laboratories followed by the sampling of effluents from automatons. The physico-chemical parameters and trace elements are determined according to French Standardization Association (AFNOR) standards and used atomic absorption spectrometers and molecular absorption spectrometers. The Mindray hematology automaton is used for 64.7% and 81.5% of the cans are used to collect waste. Semehow 77.8% of discharges are released into sinks without adequate treatment in 42.6% of cases. Chemical analyses show that trace elements (TE) levels in effluents range from 5.89 ± 0.21 to 105.80 ± 0.96 μg/L for Arsenic; from 5.62 ± 0.34 to 6.53 ± 0.49 μg/L for Cadmium; 0.70 ± 0.01 to 10.63 ± 1.17 μg/L for Mercure and 35.72 ± 1.88 to 61.98 ± 5.15 μg/L for Plomb. pH ranges from 7.17 ± 0.65 to 8.3 ± 1.35 with total dissolved salts (TDS) range from 3260.20 ± 401.68 to 17117.41 ± 265.37 mg/L. All averages of contamination indices (CI) and polymetallic contamination indices (PCI) for post-incineration ashes are greater than 1.5 with the exception of Hg (0.22). For effluents, in addition to polymetallic contamination indices (PCI), CI in hematology effluents (1.09), all CI are less than 1. Hematology effluents have a lower pH and are much more mineralized and concentrated in trace elements while those from biochemistry and serology appear to be similar. However, the effluents of Biochemistry and Serology are more basic and concentrated in Suspended Solids with higher values obtained in Biochemistry. Although the physico-chemical parameters comply with WHO standards, discharges from automatons deserve appropriate treatment before their disposal.