November 2016

Preclinical anti-HSV-1 activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Kenya grown pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium)

Due to the opportunistic nature of Herpes simplex viral infections, it is of great public concern in sub-Saharan Africa. To date, there is no vaccine or cure for this viral infection. In this study, anti-viral activity of the Kenyan Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (Pyrethrum) against Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) was evaluated in vivo (using Swiss mice). Phytochemical screening for presence of secondary metabolites of...

Author(s): Simon, A. Ogbamikael, Festus, M. Tolo and Anselimo O. Makokha

November 2016

DNA damages promoted by the essential oil from leaves of Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae)

The Casearia species (Salicaceae) occur in the tropics and subtropics and their extracts are rich in clerodane-type diterpenes, known as casearins. According to the literature, extracts from Casearia sylvestris exhibit cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in different tumor cell lines, possibly related to the casearins. On the other hand, there are few studies related to the DNA damages of the essential oils from this...

Author(s): Flaviane G. Pereira, Ronaldo Marquete, Letícia O. Cruz, Adriano Caldeira-de-Arujo, Elisabeth Mansur  and Davyson de Lima Moreira

November 2016

Phytolacca octandra (L.), Phytolacca dodecandra (L'Herit) and Balanites aegypiaca (L.) extracts as potential molluscicides of schistosomiasis transmitting snails

Schistosomiasis is a widespread parasitic infection whose intermediate host is aquatic snails and affects more than 250 million people worldwide. Although control of the snails with synthetic molluscicides is possible, it is not greatly preferred due to concerns of environmental toxicity and the relatively high cost of the chemicals. Conversely, organic plant-derived molluscicides are a better alternative that can be...

Author(s): Kariuki, S.T., Kariuki, J. M. Mailu, B. M and Muchiri, D.R.