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A survey of plants used by traditional healers in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
(The East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2000) Moshi, Mainen J.
A survey to evaluate the knowledge and ability of traditional healers to recognise and manage patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus was done in Handeni district Tanga region, Tanzania. Among 169 traditional healers interviewed 53.2% were treating one or more symptoms related to diabetes. Only 3% understood what diabetes mellitus is, but did not know plants used to treat any of the symptoms. Overall, 66 plant specimen, representing 31 families, 54 genera and 61 species were collected. Among these 26% are reported in literature as being used for the treatment of symptoms such as impotence or as aphrodisiacs and one is reported to have hypocholesterolemic activity. Only 2, Securinega virosa and Phyllanthus amarus, out of the 27 plants tested, improved glucose tolerance. They both lowered area under the oral glucose tolerance curve dose-dependently at doses between 0.1 - 1.0 g/kg body wt. Four plants, Croton macrostachys, Maytenus putterlickioides, Albizia versicolor and Lannea stuhlmannii worsened glucose tolerance. Further studies are required to determine other properties of these plants that may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Effect of Caesalpina Bonducella Seeds on Blood Glucose in Rabbits
(Pharmaceutical biology, 2000-01-10) Moshi, Mainen J.
The seeds of Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Flem. (Cae-salpiniaceae) are sold in shops in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. A sus-pension of the powdered seed kernel in 0.5% car-boxymethylcellulose (CMC) was tested for ability tolower blood glucose in fasted and glucose-fed normalalbino rabbits. Following administration of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 g/kg body weight of the powder there was nodifference in areas under the fasting blood glucose andoral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) curves as com-pared to controls given CMC (P 0.05). Similarly, 0.2g/kg body weight of the powder administered for 7consecutive days had no effect on either fasting bloodglucose or the clearance of a glucose load from the blood. However, 0.1 g/kg body weight chlorpropamidesignificantly decreased the area under the fasting blood glucose and OGTT curves as compared to con-trols given CMC (P 0.05). Thus, contrary to a pre-vious report, we could not detect any hypoglycaemic activity in the seeds of Caesalpinia bonducella grow-ing in Dar es Salaam
Some Pharmacological Properties of An Aqueous Extract of Securinega Virosa Roots
(Pharmaceutical biology, 2000-07) Moshi, Mainen J.
An aqueous extract of Securinega virosa is used by traditional healers in Tanga (northeastern Tanzania) as an aphrodisiac and in the treatment of impotence, which is one of the manifestations of diabetes mellitus. An aqueous extract of the roots at doses of 0.1,0.2, 0.4 and 1.0 g/kg body weight lowered the area under the oral glucose tolerance curve (OGTT) in normal albino rabbits by 0.3 (P >0.05), 7.85, 11.0 and 9.6% (P =0.05), respectively. Chlorpropamide (0.1 g/kg body weight) had a greater effect on blood glucose and lowered area under the OGTT curve by 16.3%. The extract, at a dose of 0.4 g/kg body weight, had no effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) when compared to controls given distilled water (P >0.05), except at 4 h, when the FBG for treated animals was higher. The LD 50 (95% confidence interval) determined by intraperitoneal administration of the extract to white albino mice was 0.30 (0.20–0.50) g/kg body weight. We conclude that the aqueous extract of Securinega virosa roots lowered the area under the OGTT curve dose-dependently at doses between 0.1 and 1.0 g/kg body weight. It did not lower blood glucose below fasting levels both in the fed and fasted state. More work is required to determine the toxic characteristics of the extract and the utility of the observed activity in the management of diabetes mellitus in humans.
Diterpenoids from the roots of Croton macrostachys
(Phytochemistry, 2000-09-18) Moshi, Mainen J.
Three novel diterpenoids have been isolated from the roots of Croton macrostachys. The structure and stereochemistry of the compounds have been unambiguously settled as neoclerodan-5,10-en-19,6β;20,12-diolide, 3α,19-dihydroxytrachylobane, and 3α,18,19-trihydroxytrachylobane from detailed spectroscopic evidence.
The effect of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract on blood glucose in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients
(Phytotherapy research, 2001-08-15) Moshi, Mainen J.
The glycaemic response to 124.5 ± 9.3 (mean ± SD) g of pancakes was monitored in 21 non-insulin dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients while on oral hypoglycaemics, after a 1-week washout period and after a 1-week twice daily treatment with 100 mL of an aqueous extract from 12.5 g of powdered aerial parts of Phyllanthus amarus. After the 1-week washout period, the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose increased significantly compared with treatment on oral hypoglycaemics ( p < 0.05). After a 1-week herbal treatment no hypoglycaemic activity was observed. Both FBG and postprandial blood glucose remained very similar to that recorded after the washout period ( p > 0.05). Both liver and renal functions based on alanine transaminase (ALAT) and serum creatinine, respectively, were not significantly affected by the use of the extract. Although the lymphocyte and monocyte levels were significantly decreased ( p < 0.05) and the granulocyte level was significantly increased after treatment ( p < 0.05) the overall total white blood cell (WBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb) were not significantly affected by the 1 week herbal treatment. We conclude that 1 week treatment with the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus was incapable of lowering both FBG and postprandial blood glucose in untreated NIDDM patients. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experience of Tanzanian traditional healers in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
(Pharmaceutical Biology, 2002) Moshi, Mainen J.
Traditional healers from four wards of the Kilosa district, Morogoro region (Tanzania) were interviewed to assess their knowledge and competence in the management of non- insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Among 65 reputed healers who were interviewed, 21 (32.3%) recog- nised and were treating one or more symptoms related to NIDDM, but none could unambiguously relate the symptoms they were treating with NIDDM. Based on what the tradi- tional healers revealed, 54 plants representing 54 species, 48 genera and 33 families were collected. Two of the Kilosa plants, Cassia auriculata and Ricinus communis are reported to have a hypoglycaemic activity, while Securinega virosa has been shown to improve oral glucose tolerance in rabbits. Albizzia anthelmintica has hypocholesterolemic activity and some of the plants also have antibacterial and antifungal activity which may benefit NIDDM patients. Some of the ethnomedical reports of the Kilosa healers, related to man- agement of diabetes, have been reported from other areas. However, one of the reported plants, Albizzia versicolor, is toxic. We conclude that the traditional healers of Kilosa dis- trict can not unambiguously diagnose diabetes mellitus as a disease entity, but some of them recognise symptoms char- acteristic of the disease and they are well-known with plants that may be useful in alleviating its symptoms. Two of the plants they mentioned, Cassia auriculata and Ricinus com- munis, have a proven hypoglycaemic effect. Careful sieving of the knowledge in the custody of the Kilosa district healers is needed to sort out possibly toxic plants and to determine the other properties of these plants that may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Handbook on non-clinical safety testing.
(UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO, 2002) Moshi, Mainen J.
This Handbook on Non-clinical Safety Testing is designed to serve as an aid for scientists who wish to undertake non-clinical safety testing for regulatory purposes during product development. It has been developed as part of a significant and wide- ranging technology transfer and capacity building programme in the area of pre-clin- ical product development for disease endemic countries. The Non-clinical Safety Testing Handbook was produced by a Scientific Working Group (SWG) on pre-clinical issues, convened by the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) and consisting of independent scientific specialists from around the world. The Handbook is broadly based on current safety testing guidelines including those of the Organisation for Eco- nomic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH). The Handbook will provide scientists and laboratories in disease endemic countries with the necessary technical aid for planning and implementing non-clinical safety testing programmes. The Handbook attempts to highlight the differences between syn- thetic chemical drug, vaccine and traditional herbal (botanical) medicine development programmes. TDR gratefully acknowledges the participation and support of all those involved in the production of this Handbook.
Comparative bioavailability of oral Sugar-Coated and plain formulation of chloroquine phosphate marketed in Tanzania
(Tropical Doctor, 2002-01) Moshi, Mainen J.; Massele, Amos Y.
The bioavailability of chloroquine from a single oral dose (10 mg/kg body weight) of a sugar-coated (DawaquinR) and a plain formulation (ShellyquineR) of chloroquine phosphate were compared in two groups of 10 volunteers each, following an overnight fast. Whole blood chloroquine concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and bioavailability was determined by measuring area under the blood chloroquine concentration curve (AUC ng mL−1 h) and the peak blood chloroquine concentration (Cpmax ng/mL). The AUC and Cpmax for Shellyquine were 4396.3 ± 833 ng mL−1 h and 162 ± 14 ng/mL, respectively. The AUC and Cpmax for Dawaquin were 2060 ± 339 ng mL−1 h and 56.6 ± 5.2 ng/mL, respectively. Shellyquine was significantly more bioavailable than Dawaquin (P<0.001). Although the Cpmax for Dawaquin was higher than the required therapeutic level for sensitive Plasmodium falciparum of 30 ng/mL, its blood levels may not guarantee a rapid clearance of parasites. The differences between the two formulations point to a problem in the quality of pharmaceuticals marketed in this country, whose extent need to be ascertained further. Failure of chloroquine phosphate in this country has already been declared by the Ministry of Health, and the potential contribution of poorly formulated products remains a subject of debate.
Cytotoxic screening of some Tanzania medicinal plants. East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
(East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2003) Moshi, Mainen J.
Rauvolfia caffra reduced cell proliferation to 50% or more of the three cell lines. Albizia harveyi showed a significant cytotoxic activity on the RT-4 cell line (percentage survival 23%) at 10pgIml. It showed a weak cytotoxic activitv on the HT-29 cell line. Dalbergia nitidula. showed a weak cytotoxic activity with percentage death of the RT-4 and HT-29 cell lines of 39 and 34%, respectively, at the 10 pghnl level. These results show that 19 (95%) of the plant extracts tested are non-toxic. One plant (5%), Albizia harveyi showed cytotoxic activity on one of the cell lines used, which was in agreement with the accepted detection level of biological activity by chance. Bioassay guided fractionation of the plant extracts to identify active compound (s) is suggested.
Evaluation of the quality of amodiaquine and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine tablets sold by private wholesale pharmacies in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania
(Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 2003-04-23) Moshi, Mainen J.; Massele, Amos Y.
Summary Objective: There are several independent reports in Tanzania of treatment failures with commercially available sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) and amodiaquine (AQ) brands. The aim of this work was to assess the quality of SP and AQ tablets marketed by wholesale pharmacies in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: All eight wholesale pharmacies authorized to import medicines and located in Dar Es Salaam were included in the study. From each pharmacy, samples of all SP and AQ brands available at the time of sampling were bought, provided they had a shelf-life of at least 1 year. A sample was either an intact box of 100 tablets or a sealed tin of 100 tablets. To ensure blinding, 30 tablets of each sample were removed from their original containers, coded and sent to the quality control laboratory for analysis. The name, strength, batch number, manufacturer and the expiry dates of the tablets were recorded. In total 15 AQ and 18 SP samples were collected. Identity, assay for content of active ingredients and dissolution assay were performed as described in the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP). Results: All samples passed the identity test. Among the AQ samples collected, two of 15 (13%) failed the dissolution test but all passed the assay for content, whereas two of 18 (11%) and eight of 18 (44%) SP samples failed the assay for content and dissolution tests, respectively. None of the pharmacies stocked all AQ and SP brands. Conclusion: This work reveals the availability of poor quality antimalarial drugs on the Tanzanian market. Use of substandard drugs could have serious clinical consequences to patients. The results support the need for continuous monitoring of the quality of marketed drugs to ensure safety and efficacy of these products in the treatment of malaria in endemic areas.
Testing beyond ethnomedical claims: brine shrimp lethality of some Tanzanian plants
(Pharmaceutical Biology, 2004) Moshi, Mainen J.
Extracts of 34 plants that are traditionally used for the treatment of different diseases exhibited various degrees of toxicity on brine shrimp. The concentration killing 50% (LC50) of the shrimps was below 50 μg/ml for 14 (41.2%), 50–100 μ g/ml for 10 (29.4%), and greater than 100 μg/ml for 10 (29.4%) of the plants, respectively. Dalbergia nitidula (LC50 0.87 μg/ml), Ozoroa insignis (LC50 2.21 μg/ml), Markhamia obtusifolia (LC50 8.94 μg/ml), Ximenia caffra (LC50 11.25 μg/ml),Croton macrostachys (LC50 13.40 μg/ml), and Mormodica calantha (LC50 19.38 μg/ml) were the most toxic. The results indicate the possibility that some of the plant extracts may be toxic or contain useful cytotoxic compounds, which was not reported by the traditional healers.
A study of the effect of extracts of Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. Juss on Picrotoxin-induced convulsions in mice
(Tanzania Medical Journal, 2004) Moshi, Mainen J.
Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. Juss (Euphorbiaceae) leaves are used in Kagera and Coast regions for treatment of epilepsy. To confirm this claim aqueous and methanol extracts were tested for ability to inhibit picrotoxin-induced convulsions in adult Theiller's white albino mice. The methanol extract showed a significant protection of the mice against picrotoxin-induced convulsions (P<0.05), using both the i.p and oral routes. The aqueous extract also showed significant protection when administered by the intraperitoneal but not the oral route. Inactivation of active compound/s in the aqueous extract by metabolism or other mechanism is speculated. Further studies to isolate active compounds following bioassay guided fractionation and the use of other complimentary models of convulsions is suggested. KeywordsCodiaeum variegatum, Methanol, aqueous extracts, anticonvulsant activity, picrotoxin, mice
Anthranoid Compounds with Antiprotozoal Activity from Vismia orientalis
(Planta Medica, 2004-08) Moshi, Mainen J.
A phytochemical investigation of the 80% ethanolic extract of stem bark of Vismia orientalis Engl. (Guttiferae or Clusiaceae), a plant used in traditional medicine in Tanzania, resulted in the isolation and spectroscopic characterisation of 3-geranyloxy-6-methyl-1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone, emodin, vismione D and bianthrone A1. Vismione D exhibited a broad range of antiprotozoal activities against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and T. cruzi (IC50 < 10 μg/mL), Leishmania donovani (IC50 0.37 μg/mL) and Plasmodium falciparum strain K1 (IC50 1.0 μg/mL). However, it was also slightly cytotoxic against human L6 cells (IC50 4.1 μg/mL). Emodin showed antileishmanial activity (IC50 2.0 μg/mL), while its IC50 against L6 cells was 20.3 μg/mL. Other antiprotozoal activities observed for emodin against both Trypanosoma species and P. falciparum, for bianthrone A1 against T. b. rhodesiense and P. falciparum, and for 3-geranyloxy-6-methyl-1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone against T. b. rhodesiense, L. donovani and P. falciparum were in the range of 10 to 50 μg/mL. None of the compounds showed antibacterial or antiviral (including also HIV) activity. Key words Vismia orientalis - Guttiferae - Clusiaceae - 3-geranyloxy-6-methyl-1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone - bianthrone A1 - emodin - vismione D - Plasmodium falciparum - Leishmania - Trypanosoma
In Vitro Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Extracts and Compounds from Uvaria scheffleri
(Pharmaceutical biology, 2004-09-29) Moshi, Mainen J.
Petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark and leaves of Uvaria scheffleri Diels (Annonaceae) exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (wild strain), Aspergillus fumigatus (wild strain), and a Penicillium species (wild strain). The ethanol extract of the stem bark was also active against Candida albicans (Strain H6392). The dichloromethane extract of the leaves showed the highest antifungal activity and in addition it showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571). Fractionation of the dichloromethane extract of the leaves yielded nine known compounds. They included a 1 : 1 mixture of stigmasterol (1) and β-sitosterol (2), which showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Others were 3-farnesylindole (3), 2′,6′-dihydroxy-3′,4′-dimethoxy-chalcone (4), 2′-hydroxy-3′,4′,6′-trimethoxychalcone (5), 5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavanone (6), 5,7,8-trimethoxyflavanone (7), and a 3 : 2 mixture of 2′,6′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxychalcone (8) and 5,7-dihydroxyflavone (9). Compound 7 and the mixture of compounds 8 and 9 showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418, MIC 125 µg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 125 µg/ml), respectively. The mixture of compounds 8 and 9 was also active against Candida albicans (MIC 31.25 µg/ml), Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and the Penicillium species (MIC 1000 µg/ml). We conclude that Uvaria scheffleri extracts contain compounds with antifungal and antibacterial activity. The activities observed in this study are weak. Based on previous studies, it is being speculated that, possibly, the most active compounds were lost during fractionation. Further work to isolate more antifungal and antibacterial compounds is suggested. Keywords: AntibacterialAntifungalChalconesExtractsFlavanonesFlavonesSterolsUvaria Scheffleri
Handbook : quality practices in basic biomedical research / prepared for TDR by the scientific working group on quality practices in basic biomedical research
(2005) Moshi, Mainen J.
The world’s population is facing serious health challenges in the form of newly emerging diseases or disease patterns e.g. avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola, and multidrug resistant diseases or organisms such as malaria. There are in- creasing difficulties in treating ‘old’ diseases such as trypanosomiasis, onchocerciasis, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. The problem is worsened by the changing age dis- tribution in populations, greater population movements that promote transmission of diseases, new practices in land use, agriculture and forestry, and changing world cli- mate, to name but a few. As a result, there is increased demand for new drugs and new principles for treatment, based on new knowledge about the causes and mechanisms of diseases, and for new methods of vector control. The search for these commodities and principles increases the need for scientific researchers and research programmes. With the continued restrictions in available funding, it is essential that basic scientific research as a whole, and especially in all fields connected with health issues, be con- ducted in a proper fashion using processes that minimize waste of resources and reduce the need for costly confirmation and repetition of work already performed. Today, research facilities in many universities, hospitals, government institutions and industries are used for basic scientific studies relevant to the discovery and develop- ment of new strategies for fighting disease including products with potential usefulness in health care. Data from these activities need to be reliable to ensure a solid basis for deciding whether to invest in further development of a strategy or product. Since the activities fall outside regulatory scope, i.e. they are not covered by, for example, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), a need for guidance on quality practices in these areas has been recognized. This is why this handbook was commissioned. It should not be surprising, therefore, to find that some controversies in the scientific literature could probably have been resolved earlier, more easily and better if the prac- tical experimental conditions had been fully described, or if the supportive data had been properly collected.
Some pharmacological properties of extracts of Terminalia sericea roots
(Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2005-02-10) Moshi, Mainen J.
Terminalia sericea Burch. Ex. DC (Combretaceae) extracts are used to treat bacterial infections, diarrhea, and diabetes. Intermediate and polar extracts of the roots exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus anthracis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the petroleum ether extract was inactive. The extracts were mildly active against Bacillus anthracis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but exhibited the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus. They also exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. An 80% aqueous ethanol extract of the roots did not have any effect on blood glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in mice (P > 0.05). With the exception of the dichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts, all the intermediate and polar extracts were toxic to brine shrimps giving LC50 (95% confidence intervals) values ranging from 5.4 (3.5–8.4) to 17.4 (11.4–26.5) μg/ml, while that of cyclophosphamide, a standard anticancer drug, was 16.3 (10.6–25.2) μg/ml. Further work is in progress to isolate and identify active compounds in the extracts.
Plants used to treat epilepsy by Tanzanian traditional healers
(Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2005-02-28) Moshi, Mainen J.
A cross-sectional study performed in Temeke District (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) showed that 5.5% of the traditional healers have knowledge for the treatment of epilepsy. Of the 100 healers interviewed, 30 (30%) believed that epilepsy was caused by witchcraft, while 19 (19%) thought epilepsy has a genetic origin which can be inherited. Other healers thought epilepsy can be caused by head injury or malaria (24%), and the remaining 27% did not know the cause. Most of the healers (92%) could present an accurate account on the symptoms of the disease, including dizziness, loss of consciousness, abrupt falling down, frothing from the mouth, loss of memory, biting of the tongue, confusion, and restlessness. They showed competence in the treatment of the disease, whereby 60 plants that are commonly used were mentioned. Abrus precatorius L. (Leguminosae), Clausena anisata (Willd.) Oliv. (Rutaceae) and Hoslundia opposita Vahl (Lamiaceae), which are among the plants mentioned, have proven anticonvulsant activity, while a few other species on their list have been reported to be useful in the treatment of epilepsy. Biological testing of these plants, using different models of convulsions is, suggested.
Brine shrimp lethality of a glutarimide alkaloid from Croton sylvaticus Hochst
(East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2005-04) Moshi, Mainen J.
Cytotoxic properties of pure compounds from the leaves of roto on sylvaticus (Euphorbiaceae) against brine shrimp (Artemia salina) larvae were investigated. A glutarimide alkaloid, julocrotine (1) showed'very high cytotoxic activity with a LCs0 (95 % CI) value of 0.074 (0.052-0.105) pglml when tested in vitro while lupeol (2) and penduliflaworisin (3) were inactive in brine shrimp lethality test. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by modern spectroscopic methods.
Current and future prospects of integrating traditional and alternative medicine in the management of diseases in Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2005-09-07) Moshi, Mainen J.
Traditional medicine and medicinal plants, in general, continue to be a powerful source of new drugs, now contributing about 90% of the newly discovered pharmaceuticals. Traditional medicine continues to provide health coverage for over 80% of the world population, especially in the developing world. The past and the present are all full of living examples of discoveries of drugs, ranging from anticancer, antiasthma, antidiabetic, antihypertensives and many others which owe their origin to traditional medicine. The current era of HIV/AIDS is not short of contributions from traditional medicine. The recent discovery of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), calanolide A, is a new addition from traditional medicine. Many more such discoveries are yet to come. While this potential is much acknowledged, little has been done in African countries, to utilize the plants that are already known and proven to be safe for use by patients. A number of plants could be widely cultivated for local industrial production of medicines and herbal nutritional supplements. There is need to ensure that what is known is made use of, for financial gain, and for improvement of the health of our people. We need to establish the necessary expertise for development of traditional medicines and deliberate efforts should be made to encourage local industrial production of traditional/herbal medicines so that cultivation may become possible and hence contribute to poverty reduction. Keywords: traditional medicine, alternative medicine, diseases, Tanzania
Antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality of extracts of Terminalia mollis Laws
(African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2006) Moshi, Mainen J.
Using the disc diffusion method it was demonstrated that extracts of the leaves, stem and roots of Terminalia mollis Laws (Combretaceae) have antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571), Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662), Klebsiella pneumoniae (NCTC 9633), Salmonella typhi (NCTC 8385), and Bacillus anthracis (NCTC 10073) and antifungal activity against Candida albicans (Strain HG 392), and local strains of Aspergillus flavus and Cryptococcus neoformans. The root extracts were the most active followed by the stem, and leaf extracts. Extracts of the three parts also exhibited cytotoxicity to brine shrimp larvae with LC50 values ranging from 26.3 to 58.1, l0.4 to 69.5, and 42.9‐ 101.3μg/ml, for the root, stem, and leaf extracts, respectively. The results support the traditional uses of extracts of this plant for the management of bacterial and fungal infections. Key words: Terminalia mollis, Antimicrobial activity, Traditional medicine.

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