Search

Candida spp., are saprophytic yeasts capable of creating a favorable environment for bacterial infection, amplifying or inhibiting their activity. On the other hand, bacteria produce molecules that reduce the proliferation of Candida spp or promote their adherence to surfaces. The resurgence of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers in endemic individuals and the relative effectiveness of contemporary conventional therapies arouse curiosity to explore other factors that may influence, the re-emergence of infection in patients. We carried out a cross-sectional study of 2500 patients in four hospitals in the city of Douala, Cameroon, from January to December 2019, to determine the influence of Candida spp., on the onset of these infections in patients. Widal and Felix test was used to form the sample, culture on specific media and microscopy confirmed the identity of Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi and Candida spp. Biochemical tests on a classic tube gallery revealed the biochemical characteristics of bacteria. The results showed that infection with S. typhi is predominant, 32.76 % versus 18.4 % of S. paratyphi infection. Infection with Candida spp., would increase 4-5 times the frequency of infection with S. typhi and S. paratyphi, respectively from 3.08 % to 26.03 %, and from 7.08 % to 32.76 %. The presence of Candida spp increases the risk of reoccurrence of S. typhi and S. paratyphi in patients.

An investigation was performed to evaluate the braising fish practices and the level of hygiene of the sellers in the city of Yaoundé. Thereafter, five braised carp samples were collected from each of the five selected sites and their microbiological quality assessed. The results showed that all the braising sites do not satisfy the Good Hygiene and Manufacturing Practices. Pathogenic microorganisms such as coliforms (2.17 ± 0.08 to 5.94 ± 0.38 Log cfu/g), E. coli (3.71 ± 0.20 to 6.21 ± 0.48 Log cfu/g) and Salmonella spp. were found in braised carp samples at levels higher than the microbiological criteria of the European Commission which are 1, 1 and 0 Log cfu/g, respectively. Spoilage microorganisms such as yeasts (2.39 ± 0.18 to 3.09 ± 0.23 Log cfu/g) and moulds (2.30 ± 0.10 to 2.92 ± 0.18 Log cfu/g) as well as spore-forming (3.02 ± 0.18 to 4.86 ± 0.35 Log cfu/g) and anaerobic (3.74 ± 0.28 to 4.52 ± 0.38 Log cfu/g) bacteria were also found at higher levels. The study highlights the poor microbiological quality of braised fish sold in the city of Yaoundé., Street food, Braised fish, Carp, Good Hygiene and Manufacturing Practices, Microbiological quality.

The study of the conditions which affect the pharmacological activity of medicinal plants is the basis for the development of phytomedicine. This study aimed at identifying some optimal conditions for antibacterial activity of extracts of Harungana madagascariensis. The leaves, bark, and roots were harvested in Douala, Littoral Region of Cameroon, in August 2019 at three times of the day: early in the morning (6 a.m.), at midday (12 p.m.), and in the afternoon (6 p.m.). They were dried at room temperature and ground to give a fine powder. Each powder was macerated in methanol for 72 h and boiled in distilled water and palm wine. The obtained extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial activity by broth microdilution method on 31 clinical and 4 reference bacterial strains. The results show that the best extraction yield was obtained using the bark extracted from palm wine by decoction. The methanol bark extract was found to be more active than other solvents (8 and 512 µg/mL). In fact, the activity of the 6 a.m. extract was significant on 4 of the 35 strains tested (MIC< 100 µg/mL) and moderate on 27 of the 35 strains tested (100≤ MIC≤ 625 μg/mL). The activity of the noon extract was significant on 8 strains and moderate on 23 strains and, finally, the activity of the extract of 6 p.m. was significant on 9 strains and moderate on 25 strains. The extract harvested at 6 p.m. inhibited the growth of the 35 strains tested and revealed significant activity (MIC

Background: The limits of antibiotic prompted researchers to explore foods components as antimicrobial. The present study was initiated to value the oils extracted from the fat tissues of Lutjanus dentatus against food poisoning bacteria.Methods: The oils were extracted from the adipose tissue by drying at 45°C for 24 hours and by cooking in a pressure cooker at 95°C for 20 minutes followed by pressing. Subsequently, the oil extraction yield and the chemical characterization from quality indices according to standard methods and physical analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were evaluated. The oils antibacterial activity, their emulsion as well as their interactions with some common antibiotics were evaluated by the broth microdilution method.Results: L. dentatus oil adipose tissue extraction yield obtained by cooking at 95oC was high (66.83%) compared to that obtained after drying at 45oC (55.50%). The oil extracted from L. dentatus adipose tissue by drying at 45oC showed peroxide (9.76±1.19 meqd’O2) and anisidine indices (40.94±0.8) higher than those obtained by cooking at 95°C (6.56±0.40 meq d’O2 and 37.85±0.34 respectively). However, the acid, iodine and thiobarbituric acid value of oils extracted using the two methods were not significantly different P≤0.05. The FTIR profile provided information on the functional groups present in the oil and enable to appreciate the variation of the peaks compared to the quality indicesThe antibacterial test showed that the oils studied all had antibacterial activity. The best spectrum of action (23/23 bacteria tested 16 ≤ MIC ≤ 256 mg / ml) was noted with the oil extracted by cooking at 95oC. Regardless of the extraction method, emulsions have better antibacterial activity compared to the oils (0.39 ≤ MIC ≤ 12.5 mg/ml). Moreover L. dentatus oil adipose tissue potentiated the activity of Ciprofloxacin, Tetracyclin, Gentamicin, Amoxicilin and Chloramphenicol on the bacterial strains tested.Conclusion: These results are a source of motivation for a much more in-depth exploration of the antimicrobial properties of the L. dentatus oil.

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria constitute the main cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and mainly in developing countries. In this work, the influence of fractioning and the mode of action of stem barks methanol extract ofEnantia chloranthawere investigated. The aim was to optimize the antibacterial activity of the methanol extract. The extract was prepared by maceration of barks powder in methanol. Fractioning was done using increasing solvents polarity. Standard phytochemical methods were used for phytochemical screening. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the methanol extract and fractions were determined using broth microdilution method. The studied mode of action of both methanol extract and n-butanol fraction included antibiofilm activity, H+-ATPase-mediated proton pumping assay, salt tolerance, and cells cycle. The methanol extract ofE. chloranthastem barks was found to be active on all the bacteria tested (32 ≤ MIC ≤ 512 μg/mL), its activity being significant (MIC < 100 μg/ml) out of 5 of the 28 clinical isolates used.Salmonella entericaserovar paratyphi A was the most sensitive (32 μg/mL). Compared to the extract and other fractions, the n-butanol fraction was found to be more active (32 ≤ MIC ≤ 256). Significant antibacterial activity of this fraction was observed out of 10 of the 28 bacterial isolates and 3 out of 7 bacterial strains. Lowest MIC values (32 μg/ml) of this fraction were obtained withEscherichia coli(136),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CIP 76110), andSalmonella entericaserovar typhi 9. The methanol extract ofE. chloranthaand its n-butanol fraction revealed several modes of action including the prolongation of the latency phase of the bacterial growth, the inhibition of the pump with protons H+- ATPases bacterial, the loss of the salt tolerance of theStaphylococcus aureus,and inhibition of the formation of the bacterial biofilm. The present results showed that the n-butanol fraction of the methanol stem barks extract ofE. chloranthapossess the essential antibacterial components and could best be used to fight against bacterial infections as compared to methanol extract.

Objective: To determine inhibitory activity of methanolic leaf extract of Piper umbellatum and Persea americana (P. americana) (traditionally used in Cameroon against diabetes) on α -glucosidase, β -glucosidase, maltase-glucoamylase, aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activities, enzymes involved in starch digestion or diabetic complications. Methods: The methanol extracts from Piper umbellatum and P. americana were prepared by maceration. To assess relative efficacy of these extracts, the determination of concentrations that were needed to inhibit 50% of enzyme activity was done, whereas, gas chromatography-mass spectrum was used to identify components from extracts that may be responsible for the activities. Results: The tested extracts strongly inhibited α -glucosidase, maltase-glucoamylase, aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activities with IC50 ranging from (1.07 ± 0.03) to (31.77 ± 1.17) μg/mL. Among the tested extracts, P. americana was the most active against sensitive enzymes (IC50 of 1.07 ± 0.03 to 15.63 ± 1.23). But, none of the extracts showed interesting inhibitory effect against β -glucosidase as their percentage inhibitions were less than 16%. From gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis, 10 and 8 compounds were identified in Piper umbellatum and P. americana extracts respectively, using NIST library 2014. Conclusions: Results of this study provide the scientific credential for a prospective usage of these plants to treat diabetes.

The aim of the present work is to study and compare antidiabetic activity of extracts from Catharentus roseus, Persea americana, and Eucalyptus globulus as well as their mechanism of action. The aqueous and methanolic plant extracts were respectively prepared by decoction and maceration. The phytochemical screening was done by standard methods. The extracts were subsequently tested in vivo on Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) with temporary hyperglycemia. The methanolic extract of P. americana leaves showing the best activity was selected for the antidiabetic test at doses 37.5, 75 and 150 mg/kg. For that purpose, permanent diabetes mellitus was induced in rats fasted overnight by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated from the cardiac puncture’s blood. The antidiabetic mechanism of action of the 6 extracts was performed by evaluating their inhibitory activity on alpha glucosidase, beta glucosidase and glucoamylase. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous and methanolic extracts revealed that all extracts contain phenols, anthraquinones and tannins. On the other hand, no extract contains sterols. All extracts showed hypoglycemic activities. The antidiabetic tests showed that the methanolic extract of P. americana caused a decrease in blood sugar level in all the treated rats with the dose of 150 mg / kg of body weight being the most effective, without any adverse side effect in the animals. All the tested extracts showed an inhibitory activity against alpha glucosidase and glucoamylase enzymes and have no inhibitory activity on beta glucosidase. The results of the present study demonstrate the antidiabetic properties of the tested plants through inhibitory effect on alpha glucosidase and glucoamylase enzymes with P. americana being the most active.

Background: Gastroenteritis caused by bacteria are a serious public health issue. Antibiotic resistance is common. This work described the epidemiological and resistance profile of bacteria involved in gastrointestinal infection in Douala, Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to December 2017 on stool samples. Bacterial species were diagnosed on the basis of morphological, biochemical and physiological tests. The resistance profile on fifteen routine antibiotics was investigated using the disks diffusion method. Results: Out of 250 stool samples examined, 206 were positive, 129 (62.62%) samples had only one bacterial species and 77 (37.38%) more than one species. 301 pathogenic bacteria were identified of which Escherichia coli represented more than one third (33.89%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.26%), Enterobacter aerogenes (11.96%), Salmonella sp (10.30%), Citrobacter freundii (9.97%), Yersinia enterocolitica (4.65%), Shigella flexneri (3.99%), Serratia marcescens (2.33%) and Proteus sp (0.66%). The antibiogram showed high resistance to Tetracycline, Amoxycillin, Amoxycillin + clavulanic acid, Doxycycline and Cotrimoxazol. Imipenem and Amikacin were the most active Conclusion: The present findings provide additional information for the control of gastrointestinal tract infections in Douala.

BackgroundInflammation is the most common health problem faced in life relating to a vast number of diseases. The present study evaluated the pharmacological effect of three plants (Vitex thyrsiflora, Entandrophragma cylindricum, and Anonidium mannii) commonly used in the Cameroon pharmacopeia for the management of inflammatory response.MethodsThe pharmacological effect was characterized by the antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties of the ethanol extracts of the three plants. Antioxidant capacity was determined using total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, hydrogen peroxide, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro by protein denaturation and hypotonic-induced hemolysis methods and in vivo by carrageenan paw edema method. Analgesic and antipyretic activities were studied in vivo using acetic acid-induced writhing and brewer’s yeast-induced hyperpyrexia models.ResultsAll selected extracts showed high phenolic (15.93–64.45 mgCAE/g) and flavonoid (336.03–1053.48 mgCAE/g) contents and high ferric reducing power (288.75–364.91 mgCAE/g). These extracts exhibited good DPPH (IC50 = 0.30–1.65 μg/mL), ABTS (IC50 = 0.52–1.90 μg/mL), and H2O2 (IC50 = 1.40–3.55 μg/mL) radical scavenging activities. All extracts inhibited protein denaturation (6.79–82.27%) and protected the erythrocyte membrane from lysis induced by hypotonic solution (18.90–88.00%). The extracts significantly reduced dose-dependent paw edema (p < 0.05), fever, and abdominal writhing (p < 0.001) especially at 400 mg/kg.ConclusionsAll extracts exhibited interesting antioxidant properties, as well as significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.

Aims: This study was designed to elucidate the antioxidant, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the ethanol extract of the stem bark of Dichaetanthera africana. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Bhopal, India, between September 2014 and November 2014. Methodology: Antioxidant activities were determined in vitro by the total phenolic, total flavonoid, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and ABTS methods. Analgesic and antipyretic activities were investigated using the acetic acid induced writhing and brewer’s yeast induced hyperpyrexia assays respectively. Results: Ethanol extract had high phenolic (4.15-44.35 mgCA/g) and flavonoid (85.56-596.7 mgCA/g) contents and FRAP (187.87-371.41 mgCA/g). This extract exhibited strong DPPH (IC50 = 0.49 µg/ml), H2O2(IC50 = 1.62 µg/ml) and ABTS (IC50= 0.43 µg/ml) radical scavenging activities. Significant reduction of abdominal writhing (P< 0.001) and fever (P< 0.001) were observed in rats in a dose dependent manner after administration of the ethanol extract with the most effective dose being 400 mg/kg b.w. Conclusion: These results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of Dichaetanthera africana in the treatment of pain and fever.

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria constitute the main cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and mainly in developing countries. In this work, the influence of fractioning and the mode of action of stem barks methanol extract of Enantia chlorantha were investigated. The aim was to optimize the antibacterial activity of the methanol extract. The extract was prepared by maceration of barks powder in methanol. Fractioning was done using increasing solvents polarity. Standard phytochemical methods were used for phytochemical screening. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the methanol extract and fractions were determined using broth microdilution method. The studied mode of action of both methanol extract and n-butanol fraction included antibiofilm activity, H+-ATPase-mediated proton pumping assay, salt tolerance, and cells cycle. The methanol extract of E. chlorantha stem barks was found to be active on all the bacteria tested (32 ≤ MIC ≤ 512 μg/mL), its activity being significant (MIC < 100 μg/ml) out of 5 of the 28 clinical isolates used. Salmonella enterica serovar paratyphi A was the most sensitive (32 μg/mL). Compared to the extract and other fractions, the n-butanol fraction was found to be more active (32 ≤ MIC ≤ 256). Significant antibacterial activity of this fraction was observed out of 10 of the 28 bacterial isolates and 3 out of 7 bacterial strains. Lowest MIC values (32 μg/ml) of this fraction were obtained with Escherichia coli (136), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CIP 76110), and Salmonella enterica serovar typhi 9. The methanol extract of E. chlorantha and its n-butanol fraction revealed several modes of action including the prolongation of the latency phase of the bacterial growth, the inhibition of the pump with protons H+ - ATPases bacterial, the loss of the salt tolerance of the Staphylococcus aureus, and inhibition of the formation of the bacterial biofilm. The present results showed that the n-butanol fraction of the methanol stem barks extract of E. chlorantha possess the essential antibacterial components and could best be used to fight against bacterial infections as compared to methanol extract.

Background In our previous work, the dichloromethane-methanol (1:1 v/v) extract, fractions and isolated compounds from Polyscias fulva stem bark showed interesting antifungal activity. As a continuity of that work, this study aimed to bring out complementary informations about the antimicrobial properties of P. fulva stem bark that may be useful in the standardization of phytomedicine from this plant. Methods The antibacterial activities of the crude extract, fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and residual) and isolated compounds from Polyscias fulva stem bark were assayed by broth microdilution techniques. Their antioxidant activity were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), pyrogallol (superoxide anion) and β-carotene - linoleic acid assays. Results The crude extract presented antibacterial activities against S. typhi (ATCC 6539), E. aerogenes (ATCC 13045), P. aeruginosa (PA01) and E. coli (ATCC 10536) with MIC values of 2000 to 8000 μg/ml. The fractionation led the ethyle acetate and n-butanol fractions relatively more active (MIC = 500 to 1000 μg/ml) as compared to the crude extract. β-sitosterol and 3-O-α-L- arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin were the most active compounds on the tested bacteria with MIC values ranging from 6.25 to 100 μg/ml. The most sensitive was P. aeruginosa (PA01) on which all the tested compounds were active with MICs ranging from 6.25 to 400 μg/ml. Among all the tested substances, the crude extract (RSa50 = 84.86 μg/ml) and the methyl atrarate (RSa50 = 14.77 μg/ml), showed the highest scavenging activities against DPPH free radicals and those arising from the oxidation of the linoleic acid respectively. Conclusion From this study, the results obtained reveal that the stem bark of P. fulva possesses antibacterial and antioxidant activities. It may then be useful in the development of an antimicrobial phytomedicine with a large spectrum of actvity endowed with antioxidant properties which can be standardised based on the isolated compounds.

Pteleopsis hylodendron is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Cameroon where it is used to treat measles, chickenpox, sexually transmitted diseases, female sterility, liver and kidney disorders as well as dropsy. To date there is no documented evidence corroborating its safety. This study thus aimed to determine the toxicity profile of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron.The acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron were investigated by employing established methods. The acute toxicity study was done by administering single doses (2-8 g/kg body weight) of plant extract to adult mice. For the sub chronic toxicity study, doses (85-680 mg/kg bw) of plant extract were administered daily to adult rats during 28 days after which the effect on organs, the hematological and biochemical parameters was assessed.In mice, single oral administrations of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron caused dose-dependent general behaviour adverse effects and mortality. The LD50 values were 3.00 and 3.60 g/kg bw for males and females respectively. In rats, daily single oral doses of the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron provoked significant (p0.05) growth retardation in rats at all tested doses after 28 days of dosing. Haematological parameters showed a significant decrease in white blood cells count and significant increases red blood cells count; irrespective of the sex, all biochemical parameters studied, except triglycerides significantly (p0.001) increased with dose. However, a dose-dependent significant (p0.007) increase in HDL was observed only in male rats. Increases in liver enzymes (ALT and AST), proteins and creatinine levels correlate the observed histopathological damages (i.e. inflammation and vascular congestions) in the liver and kidneys.The overall results of this study indicate that the methanolic extract of Pteleopsis hylodendron stem bark possesses hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects at doses ≥ 85 mg/kg bw, suggesting that this plant should be used with caution.

The emergence of bacterial infections including those associated with Staphylococcus aureus causes a benefit of interest to medicinal plants as an effective means of control. The present study was designed to investigate the activities of 12 selected Cameroonian medicinal plants against S. aureus isolates. The plant extracts were prepared by maceration in methanol at laboratory temperature. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed by chemical reaction methods. The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the activities of plant extracts against 11 S. aureus clinical isolates. Dacryodes edulis was found to have significant antibacterial activity on all the S. aureus isolates (MIC = 64–256 µg/ml). Occimum gratissimum revealed significant inhibitory activity on 9 of the 11 isolates while Commelina erecta and Spilanthes filicaulis revealed similar results on 6 of the 11 clinical isolates. The present findings showed that D. eduli, O. gratissimum, C. erecta and S. filicaulis possess interesting inhibitory properties against S. aureus species. These plants could therefore be good candidates to overcome infectious diseases associated with these microorganisms.

Background In our previous studies, it was evident that the dichloromethane-methanol (1:1 v/v) stem barks extract of Polyscias fulva and fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol and residue) demonstrated interesting antidermatophytic activities. So, as a continuity of that, this work aimed at identifying active principles with antifungal properties from P. fulva that could be used as markers for possible standardization of this plant as phytomedicine. Methods The ethyl acetate, n-butanol and residual fractions of the dichloromethane-methanol (1:1 v/v) stem bark extract of Polyscias fulva were further fractionated by column chromatography and the structures of isolated compounds elucidated based on their spectroscopic data in comparison with existing literature information. Antifungal activity was assayed by broth microdilution techniques on yeasts and dermatophytes spores. Results The fractionation of the crude dichloromethane-methanol (1:1 v/v) stem bark extract of Polyscias fulva led to the isolation of 10 known compounds (1 to 10) and one new saponin (11: 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1–2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-[α-L-4-O-acetyl-rhamnopyranosyl (1–4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1–6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-hederagenin). Among these compounds, 3-O-α-L- arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin and 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1–2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-hederagenin were the most active on the tested fungi with MIC values ranging from 0.78 to 100 μg/ml against both yeasts and dermatophytes. Conclusion The results of this work constitute a step forward in the possible development of an antidermatophytic phytomedicine from Polyscias fulva stem bark, the isolated compounds being possible markers for the standardisation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0541-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background The use of herbal medicines as complements or alternatives to orthodox medicines has been on the increase. There has been the erroneous belief that these medicines are free from adverse effects. Schefflera barteri is popularly used in the West region of Cameroon for the treatment of various diseases such as diarrhea, spasm, pneumonia and animals bite. Considering the ethnopharmacological relevance of this plant, this study was designed to investigate the possible toxic effects of the stem bark extract of S. barteri. Methods The extract was prepared by maceration of stem bark dry powder in methylene chloride/methanol mixture. Phytochemical analysis was performed by chemical reaction method. Oral acute toxicity study was carried out by administering single geometric increasing doses (2 to 16 g/kg body weight) of plant extract to Swiss albino mice. For sub-acute toxicity study, repeated doses (100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg bw) of plant extract were given to Wistar albino rats for 28 consecutive days by oral route. At the end of the treatment period, hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed, as well as histopathological studies. Results Phytochemical analysis of stem bark extract of S. barteri revealed the presence of anthocyanins, anthraquinons and saponins. Acute toxicity results showed that the LD50 was greater than 16000 mg/kg. Sub-acute treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased the level of serum transaminase, proteins and HDL cholesterol. On the other hand, the extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the level of leucocytes as well as neutrophils, basophils and monocytes in female. No significant variation of serum creatinine, LDL cholesterol, serum triglycerides as well as liver, spleen, testicles and ovaries proteins was noted. Histopathological analysis of organs showed vascular congestion, inflammation of peri-portal and vacuolization of hepatocytes at the level of the liver. Leucocytes infiltration of peri-portal veins were noticed on lungs and liver cells as well as inflammatory peri-bronchial and basal membranes seminar tube merely joined on lungs and testis respectively. Conclusion The results suggest that acute administration of the stem bark extract of S. barteri is associated with signs of toxicity, administration over a long duration provokes hepatotoxicity, testes and lungs toxicities.

Crude palm oil (CPO) is an essential ingredient of Cameroonian recipes. However, its quality is subject to doubt, considering the very often inadequate conditions of extraction, conditioning, storage, and selling in the fast growing small holder sector or in the market. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of seasons and containers on the microbiologic, physicochemical quality and the carotenoids content of CPO sold in Douala. A total of 194 samples of CPO were randomly collected in seven markets among which: 95 during the rainy season and 99 during dry season; 93 from CPO contained in opened containers and 101 in closed containers. In these samples, aerobic count colony (ACC) load, total yeasts and moulds load, peroxide value (PV), free fatty acids content (FFA), impurity level and carotenoids content were assayed.The samples tested had ACC load of 4.48±1.86x105 CFU/ml, total yeasts and moulds load of 0.30±0.14x105 CFU/ml, PV of 1.81±0.74 meqO2/kg, FFA of 4.30±1.82%, impurity level of 0.34±0.16% and carotenoids content of 756.41±110.67 mg/l. Also, none of these parameters had varied according to the market. Moreover, among these parameters, PV and carotenoids content were not varied whatever CPO is sold during rainy or dry season, in open or closed containers while others parameters analysed were significantly (P

Pteleopsis hylodendron (Combretaceae) is used in Cameroon and West Africa folk medicine for the treatment of various microbial infections (measles, chickenpox, and sexually transmitted diseases). The antibacterial properties of the methanolic extract and fractions from stem bark of Pteleopsis hylodendron were tested against three Gram-positive bacteria and eight Gram-negative bacteria using Agar-well diffusion and Broth microdilution methods. Antioxidant activities of the crude extract and fractions were investigated by DPPH radical scavenging activity and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays. The methanolic extract and some fractions exhibited antibacterial activities that varied between the bacterial species (ID = 0.00–25.00 mm; MIC = 781–12500 μg/mL and 0.24–1000 μg/mL). The activity of the crude extract is, however, very weak compared to the reference antibiotics (MIC = 0.125–128 μg/mL). Two fractions (FE and FF) showed significant activity (MIC = 0.97 μg/mL) while S. aureus ATCC 25922 was almost resistant to all the tested fractions. In addition, the crude extract and some fractions showed good antioxidant potential with inhibition values ranging from 17.53 to 98.79%. These results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of this plant as well as some of the fractions in the treatment of infectious diseases and oxidative stress.

Background During the last decades, the number of people suffering from dermatophytoses has seriously increased, mainly due to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms to a range of formally efficient antibiotics. Polyscias fulva, a medium size tree which grows in the West Region of Cameroon is traditionally used for local application against dermatoses and orally against venereal infections. The dichloromethane-methanol (1:1 v/v) extract from the stem bark of Polyscias fulva was evaluated for its in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities. Methods The plant extract was prepared by maceration of its stem bark powder in CH2Cl2-MeOH (1:1 v/v). The extract obtained was successively partitioned in hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. In vitro antidermatophytic activity was assayed by the well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The degree of dermal irritation of the crude extract was determined in guinea pigs using the occluded dermal irritation test method. The in vivo antidermatophytic activity of the extract-oil formulation (1.25, 2.5 and 5% w/w concentrations) was evaluated using Trichophyton mentagrophytes- induced dermatophytosis in a guinea pigs model. Results Phytochemical screening indicated that, the crude extract, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and residue fractions contain in general saponins, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones and phenols while the hexane fraction contains only alkaloids. The ethyl-acetate, n-butanol and residue fractions displayed higher antifungal activities (MIC = 0.125-0.5 mg.mL-1) against eight dermatophytes as compared to the crude extract (MIC = 0.5-1 mg.mL-1). This latter appeared to have slight perceptible erythema effects on guinea pigs as the primary irritation index (PII) was calculated to be 0.54. In vivo, the antidermatophytic activities of the extract-oil formulations were dose-dependent. Griseofulvin-oil 5% at 0.01 g/kg and formulated extract-oil (5%) at 0.1 g/kg eradicated the microbial infection after thirteen and fourteen days of daily treatment respectively. Conclusions The results of preclinical in vitro and in vivo evaluations indicate that the extract-oil formulation at 5% may constitute an alternative means to alleviate fungal infections caused by dermatophytes.

Background The emergence in recent years of numerous resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria to a range of formerly efficient antibiotics constitutes a serious threat to public health. Crassocephalum bauchiense, a medicinal herb found in the West Region of Cameroon is used to treat gastrointestinal infections as well as liver disorders. The ethyl acetate extract from the leaves of C. bauchiense was evaluated for its antibacterial activity as well as acute and sub-acute toxicities. Methods The plant extract was prepared by maceration in ethyl acetate. Its phytochemical screening was done by standard methods. The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity. The in vivo antibacterial activity of a gel formulation (0.05, 1 and 2% w/v) of this extract was evaluated using a Staphylococcus aureus-induced dermatitis in a murine model. Selected haematological and biochemical parameters were used to evaluate the dermal sub-acute toxicity of the extract in rats. Results Phytochemical screening of the C. bauchiense extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannins and sterols. In vitro antibacterial activities were observed against all the tested microorganisms (MIC = 0.04-6.25 mg/ml). Formulated extract-gel (2% w/v) and gentamycin (reference drug) eradicated the microbial infection after five days of treatment. A single dermal dose of this extract up to 32 g/kg body weight (bw) did not produce any visible sign of toxicity. Also, daily dermal application of the C. bauchiense extract gel formulation for 28 days did not show any negative effect, instead some biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT and AST), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides were significantly (p < 0.05) affected positively. Conclusion These results indicate that the C. bauchiense ethyl acetate extract can be used safely for the treatment of some bacterial infections.

Background Crassocephalum bauchiense is a flowering plant, found in the West Region of Cameroon. Previous studied has highlighted the antibacterial and the dermal toxicological safety as well as the immunomodulatory activities of the ethyl acetate extract of its dry leaves. As an extension of the previous researches, the current work has been undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antifungal and antioxidant activities of C. bauchiense dried leaves ethyl acetate extract and fractions. Methods The extract was obtained by maceration in ethyl acetate and further fractionated into six fractions labeled F1 to F6 by flash chromatography. The antifungal activity of the extract and fractions against yeasts and dermatophytes was evaluated using broth microdilution method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and β-carotene - linoleic acid assays. Results The extract (MIC = 0.125 - 4 mg/ml) was found to be more active on dermatophytes and yeasts compared to the fractions. The ethyl acetate extract and fractions exhibited strong scavenging activity on DPPH (CI50 = 28.57 - 389.38 μg/ml). The fractions F3 and F6 expressed best antioxidant activity on DPPH radicals compared to the crude extract. Conclusion The results of these findings clearly showed that C. bauchiense ethyl acetate extract has a significant antifungal and antioxidant activity. It is therefore a source of active compounds that might be used as antifungal and antioxidant agents.