Safety and in Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus umbellata (Vahl.) Leaves

Toxicity is the totality of adverse effects, which can be functional and morphological lesions in a living organism, caused by a substance introduced in relatively high single doses or in small, repeated doses. The aim of this study was to assess the OECD-recommended acute oral toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaves. Animals were given a single oral dose of 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/Kg body weight (BW) of the extract. For the anti-inflammatory activity test, rats were given the ethanolic extract of F. umbellata leaves at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg/Kg or aspirin® at a concentration of 100 mg/Kg PC orally, one hour before injection of 0.05 ml of 1% formalin under the plantar fascia of the rat’s right hind paw. Paw volume measurements were taken one, two and three hours after formalin injection, using an electronic caliper. After 14 days of observation, no deaths were observed in treated rats. The LD50 of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaf powder is greater than 5000 mg/Kg body weight. This extract has no significant effects on hematological parameters and on the main markers of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity for a single dose of less than 5000 mg/Kg PC. It reduces formalin-induced edema. Evaluation of the percentage inhibition showed that the extract had greater anti-inflammatory activity at 3 hours after the start of the experiment. However, better inhibition of inflammatory oedema of the paw of rats treated with 500 mg/Kg was observed at 5 hours after the start of the experiment, with a percentage inhibition of 69.23 ± 1.02, compared with the reference group treated with aspirin® 100 mg/Kg, which showed an inhibition of 63.50 ± 0.98. These results show that F. umbellata leaves possess anti-inflammatory activity, which would justify their use in traditional African medicine to prevent or treat inflammation.

Gastrointestinal Ulcers Treatment: Plants and Recipes Used by Herbalists of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou Districts, Southern Benin

This study set out to identify plants and recipes used by herbalists in the municipalities of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and to characterize the distribution of their knowledge. An ethno-pharmacological survey was carried out in which informants who agreed freely were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 85 herbalists were surveyed. The data were processed with Microsoft Excel to calculate the relative frequencies of citation of the various species mentioned by the herbalists and various indices including Simpson’s Index were adapted to test the distribution of their knowledge. Multiple regression and correspondence analysis were performed using R studio. Our results revealed that the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, all equitable in their knowledge of anti-ulcer plants, are likely to know more than the other ethnic groups. On the other hand, respondents practicing Islam are more likely to know many antiulcer plants than those practicing Vodoun and Christianity. This constant distribution of knowledge of anti-ulcer plants among the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, three different ethnic groups seems normal and attests to the fusion between these different ethnic groups in view of this knowledge. A total of 70 anti-ulcer recipes, made from 71 species of medicinal plants or non-floristic resources were recorded. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Ocimum gratissimum were the top 03 most frequently cited in descending order of frequency. All the species cited are grouped into 44 botanical families among which the Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapotaceae were strongly represented. Benin’s flora abounds in a diversity of medicinal plant species known to herbalists in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou for the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers. The results of this study constitute a good archive for the selection of plant species for in-depth studies with a view to formulating improved traditional medicines for gastrointestinal ulcers.

Factors Contributing to Contamination of Street Foods in Bamako, Mali

The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.

SLCO1B1, NAT2 Polymorphisms and Pharmacokinetic Variability of Rifampicin and Isoniazid in Tuberculosis Patients from Sub-Saharan Africa

SLCO1B1 and NAT2 polymorphisms have been associated with the variability of Rifampicin and Isoniazid pharmacokinetic (PK). The objective of this study was to identify in African patients with tuberculosis (TB) or TB/HIV co-infection, the SLCO1B1 and NAT2 polymorphisms, associated with the variability of Rifampicin and Isoniazid pharmacokinetic. TB or TB/HIV co-infected patients from Benin, Guinea, Senegal, and South Africa were included in this study. The blood samples collected were stored at -80&#730C until DNA extractions. The DNA extracts were then frozen at -80&#730C after quality control. Double stranded DNA of the samples were quantified using a fluorimetric method to select suitable samples for the preparation of 96-well microplates, containing 100 μl of DNA extract per well at the concentration of 20 ng/μl. Illumina HumanOmniExpress-24 v1.2 microarray genotyping was performed by an external vendor. The genotyping data were analyzed and the polymorphisms with a call rate < 95% or presenting a departure from the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) were excluded. The correlation between significant genetic polymorphisms, the clearance, and the AUC were tested by a multiple linear regression model using the PLINK2 software. Out of 385 samples, five (05) were excluded after quality controls. After the frequency test, 384,586 SNPs failed the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Finally, 378 samples and 318,751 SNPs were included in the genetic analyses. The SLCO1B1 and NAT2 polymorphisms were associated with the variability of Rifampicin and Isoniazid PK parameters. There are SLCO1B1 and NAT2 polymorphisms carriers among TB and TB/HIV co-infected patients from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Purification of Moringa oleifera Leaves Protease by Three-Phase Partitioning and Investigation of Its Potential Antibacterial Activity

One of plant-based products for dental care is plant-based proteolytic enzymes which are principally proteases. In order not to damage the protein and bioactive content, an efficient method should be employed for their purifications. As such, three-phase partitioning (TPP) was used to purify protease from moringa (Moringa oleifera). TPP is an emerging, promising, non-chromatographic and economical technology which is simple, quick, efficient and often one-step process for the separation and purification of bioactive molecules from natural sources. It involves the addition of salt (ammonium sulphate) to the crude extract followed by the addition of an organic solvent (butanol). The protein appears as an interfacial precipitate between upper organic solvent and lower aqueous phases. The various conditions such as ammonium sulphate, ratio of crude extract to t-butanol and pH which are required for attaining efficient purification of the protease fractions were optimized. Under optimized conditions, it was seen that, 35% of ammonium sulphate saturation with 1:0.75 ratio of crude extract to t-butanol at pH 7 gave 4.94-fold purification with 96.20% activity yield of protease in the middle phase of the TPP system. The purified enzyme from Moringa oleifera has no antimicrobial effect on the pathogenic bacteria tested. However, this purified enzyme, can be considered as a promising agent, cheap, and safe source which is suitable for using in various industries.

Survey of Cereal Consumption Habits in the Community of Djougou, Benin

The cereal group occupies a prominent place in the dietary habits of people in northern Benin and there is little recent information on cereal consumption. This study aims to assess the consumption, acquisition and supply of cereals to households in the community of Djougou. A semi-directive survey with KoBoCollect was conducted among 369 households to collect individual cereal food consumption data. The survey data processed by statistical tools showed that the most consumed cereals are maize (95%, p = 0.887), millet (58%, p = 0.755), rice (55%, p = 0.753), sorghum (15%, p = 0.635), wheat (5%, p = 0.920) and fonio barely 5%. The most common mode of acquisition in Djougou is purchase (50%, p = 0.947) but donation is also observed (25%, p = 0.988) as well as production observed in 20.6% of households. Purchases are made from retailers in local markets (45%, p = 0.920) but also in streets and alleys (30%, p = 0.765). The most widely used preservation technique is drying at room temperature (70%, p = 0.995). Households most often dry in the areas provided in the field (50%, p = 0.783) and at home (40%, p = 0.643). The preferred storage location is the kitchen (60%, p = 0.790). The bedroom (20%, 0.669) and the store (15%, 0.522) are the alternative places for storing cereals. In addition, the supply costs of cereals increased between 2020 and 2021. This vertiginous rise in prices is due, among other things, to the covid19 pandemic. The various data generated not only make it possible to have fresh data but also to invest them in the assessment of health risks for the achievement of a high level of protection of the health and life of consumers.

Chilli Pepper (<i>Capsicum</i>Spp.) Diversity, Production and Fungal Contamination Management in Benin

The present study was carried out in the form of a survey with the aim of listing and describing the technical itineraries of production, storage and conservation used in six departments of high production of chilli pepper in Benin. The survey was conducted on the basis of a questionnaire in the six departments of Benin: Ouémé, Plateau, Atlantic, Littoral, Zou and Collines. The survey collected information on the socio-economic characteristics of producers, the varieties of chilli pepper grown, and the current technical itineraries used for the production, storage and conservation of chilli pepper. On the other hand, it also gave an idea of the constraints that prevent the production of chilli pepper of good sanitary quality. The results of this survey show that three varieties of chilli peppers are the most produced and consumed in Benin. These are the Gbotakin variety (Capsicum chinense), the Afundja variety (Capsicum annuum) and the Danhomètakin variety (Capsicum frutescens). The technical itineraries related to the cultivation of these chilli peppers varieties are the same in the six study departments. Unfortunately, their contamination sometimes starts at the nursery stage, passing through the field where other contaminants are added and develop until harvest. After harvest, contamination can continue in storage and finally reach the consumer if proper measures are not taken. The inappropriate or inadequate use of phytosanitary products in the chilli pepper industry is also a source of illness for consumers of this vegetable fruit. Training of producers on the best technical itineraries for the production and storage of chilli peppers is essential to revitalize and develop this sector by improving the sanitary quality of the chilli peppers produced in Benin.

Molecular Screening of Rice Cultivated in Benin for the Identification of Xanthomonas oryzae Pv. oryzae and Bacterial Leaf Blight Resistance Genes

One of the most devastating diseases of rice worldwide is bacterial blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo). In Benin, Xoo was first described in 2013 on wild rice Oryzae longistaminata. So far, no study has been done on Beninese Xoo strains. We do not know whether the pathogen has already passed into the rice varieties grown, or if they are exposed to other bacteria. Whereas the use of resistant varieties, carrying resistance genes, is the only highly effective and environmentally friendly way to control this disease, no information is available on these Xoo resistance genes in rice varieties grown in Benin apart from the one we recently. This study aims to identify Beninese Xoo strains, causing BLB and screen rice varieties grown in Benin for the main resistance genes. Diseased rice leaves showing typical symptoms of fire blight collected from different rice fields in the three phytogeographic areas of Benin were analyzed by PCR for Xoo-specific sequence identification. Furthermore, seventy-five collected rice accessions were screened to identify xa5, Xa7, xa13, and Xa21 resistance genes to Xoo. The results reveal that Xanthomonas oryzae was identified in two fields in Banikouara and one in Malanville. On the other hand, Sphingomonas sp. has been identified in several other rice fields in Benin. Forty-seven of seventy-five rice accessions examined (62.66%) carried Xoo resistance genes with 3 (4%) and 40 (53.33%) of xa5 and Xa21 respectively. None of the accessions had either Xa7 or xa13 resistance genes. Three accessions possess both xa5 and Xa21 genes. Isogenic lines IRBB60 and IRBB21, supposed to be a positive control, presented a Xoo sensitivity allele. These results indicate that Xoo has moved from the wild rice variety to the cultivated variety in northern Benin and varietal improvement programs must be implemented with varieties having several resistance genes for the efficient response against a possible BLB pandemic in Benin.

Characterization of Potential Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated in High-Risk Infectious Services at the University Hospital Center of Suru-Léréin Benin

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to characterize potential pathogenic bacteria isolated in high-risk infectious services at the University Hospital Center of Suru-Léré in Benin. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out on 215 samples with 8 air samples, 20 hand samples and 187 samples of medical-technical material. Genes for resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M and blaOXA-1) were sought. The data were processed and analyzed using EPI Info version 3.5.4 software. A total of 10 bacterial species were identified. Of the 319 bacterial strains identified, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis were predominant at 20.06%, 17.87% and 11.28% respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility showed that the majority of bacterial strains were multidrug-resistant. Of the 4 resistance genes sought, only the blaTEM and blaSHV genes were found. The poor microbiological quality observed in high-risk infectious services could be a risk factor for healthcare-associated infections. It is therefore useful to implement preventive measures in order to prevent or reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Analysis of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hypertensive Farmers and Non-Farmers in the Zou Region of Central Benin

The heavy use of chemicals, pesticides, cosmetics and plastic packaging coincides with a resurgence of cardiovascular disease, in particular hypertension, which is affecting younger and younger populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive farmers compared with hypertensive non farmers. This was a prospective case-control study that included 239 hypertensive farmers and non farmers aged 25 to 65 with blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg. Hypertensive farmers (101) represented 42.25% of the population versus hypertensive non farmers (138) 57.74%. The median ages were 47 ± 11.3 years for farmers and 51.45 ± 9.77 years for non farmers. Biochemical analysisand screening for major cardiovascular disease risk factors such as metabolic syndrome were performed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the new definition of the International Diabetes Federation. Our results revealed higher blood glucose levels in farmers (47.77%) than in non farmers (27.20%) (p = 0.0132). Dyslipidemia was more frequent in non farmerswith high level of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. Farmers presented a high level of tryglycerides. The prevalence of obesity was higher in non farmers 51 (36.96%) than farmers 18 (17.82%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 106 (44.35%) in our study population. There was not an important difference between farmers (39.60%) and non farmers (47.82%). However, the variation of metabolic syndrome according to age and sex showed a higher prevalence in young male farmers aged 25 to 45 whereas non farmers presented an increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to age and the absence of metabolic syndrome between age 25 and 35. Our results showed that the cardiovascular risk appeared early in young farmers compared with non farmers suggesting a possible role of pesticides in the onset of this risk.

A Literature Review—<i>Khaya senegalensis, Anacardium ouest</i>L., <i>Cassia sieberiana</i>DC., <i>Pterocarpus erinaceus</i>, <i>Diospyros mespiliformis</i>, <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i>, <i>Manihot esculenta</i>, <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>Delile, <i>Pseudocedrela kotschyi</i>and <i>Daniellia oliveri</i>Possess Properties for Managing Infectious Diarrhea

The rise in antimicrobial resistance increases researchers’ interest in medicinal plants used for traditional treatment of infectious diseases. The study is based on ten (10) medicinal plants mostly cited in the treatment of diarrhea in West Africa: Khaya senegalensis, Anacardium ouest L., Cassia sieberiana DC., Pterocarpus erinaceus, Diospyros mespiliformis, Ocimum gratissimum, Manihot esculenta, Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Daniellia oliveri. The objective is to make a review on ethnopharmacological, pharmacological, toxicological and chemical data that enhance these medicinal plants in the fight against diarrheal infections. Specific keywords were used for bibliographic research in Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and other databases. Generalities relating to diarrheal infections and scientific data on the ten selected plants in the fight against diarrheal infections were sought. From the results, it emerges that each of the ten plants has been listed as useful in the traditional treatment of diarrheal infections. Antibacterial tests showed their effectiveness on several bacterial strains responsible for bacterial infections. The chemical components identified as responsible for the activity of medicinal plants belong to the groups of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and others. An optimal use of these medicinal plants in the fight against diarrheal infections requires deep pharmacological, chemical and toxicological studies.

Potential of Biostimulants Based on PGPR Rhizobacteria Native to Benin’s Soils on the Growth and Yield of Maize (<i>Zea mays </i>L.) under Greenhouse Conditions

The application of biostimulants in agriculture represents an environmentally friendly alternative while increasing agricultural production. The aims of the study were to develop solid biostimulants based on five rhizobacteria native to Benin’s soils and to evaluate their efficacy on the growth and biomass yield of maize under greenhouse conditions on ferrallitic and ferruginous soils. Clay and peat were used as a conservation binder for the preparation of the biostimulants. These binders were used alone or combined in the different formulations with maize flour and sucrose. 10 g of biostimulants were applied at sowing in pots containing five kilograms of sterilised soil. The experimental design was a completely randomised block of 24 treatments with three replicates. The results obtained showed significant improvements (P < 0.001) in height (49.49%), stem diameter (32.7%), leaf area (66.10%), above-ground biomass (97.12%) and below-ground biomass (53.98%) on ferrallitic soil with the application of the clay + Pseudomonas putida biostimulant compared to the control. On the other hand, the use of the peat biostimulant + Pseudomonas syringae was more beneficial for plant growth on ferruginous soil. The height, stem diameter, leaf area, above-ground biomass and below-ground biomass of the plants under the influence of this biostimulant were improved by 83.06%, 44.57%, 102.94%, 86.84% and 42.68%, respectively, compared to the control. Therefore, these results confirm that Rhizobacteria express their potential through biostimulants formulated on maize. The formulated biostimulants can later be used by producers to improve crop productivity for sustainable agriculture.

Assessment of Treatment from the National Laboratory of Cholera Patients in Benin: Retro-Prospective and Prospective Study

Cholera is re-emerging as an infectious disease with an increase in its overall incidence in Africa since 2008. To analyze the epidemiological aspects of the cholera outbreak in endemic areas in Benin. The study is a retrospective investigation on 2560 data of cholera patients received in health facilities from 2012 to 2016 in Benin. Besides, a prospective study was conducted. This prospective study includes 513 person (health professionals, community workers and people exposed to cholera) of five different areas of the country. It was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2017. A survey was conducted over 513 in order to collect data on cholera symptoms, hygiene guidelines suggested by the respondents, excreta disposal, drinking water, household waste management and direct observation. Software R 3.4.0 was used for simple correspondence factor analysis (CFA). From 2012 to 2016, 16.48% of samples were taken and 48.34% were positive for Vibrio cholera O1, El Tor biotype, Ogawa serotypes. The Littoral area is leading in the number of cases (33.83%) followed by Atlantic (23.75%), Ouémé (16.79%) and Colline (8.91%). The survey revealed that the exposed populations are unaware of the symptoms of cholera and do not perceive the quality of drinking water as a strong guidance in the prevention of cholera. Nevertheless, the majority of respondents (86%) are aware for the best times to wash their hands and know that they need to go to hospital in case of symptoms. Our study highlights the persistence of vulnerability factors to cholera in the targeted population, despite a good knowledge of prevention rules among staff and the population.

A simple and efficient seed-based approach to induce callus production from B73 maize genotype

The wild type maize genotype, B73, is not amenable for callus production and an efficient protocol for B73 maize callus induction has never been reported up-to-date. Scientific efforts in producing B73 maize callus using all known callus inducible media have been unsatisfactory. Here we developed and described an efficient protocol for callus induction from B73 maize seedlings. The protocol is based on well known callus inducible media CM4C where we have sequentially subtracted some chemical compounds and added some new compounds mediating cell proliferations. This newly described protocol was able to induce callus production in a wide range of crop species including rice and soybean. We found that cell proliferation factors, NAA (auxin analog) and 2,4 D (auxin influx carrier) were not only very crucial but required for positive B73 maize callus induction. The absence of one or the other will lead to the failure of B73 maize callus production. The well known CM4C callus induction composition lacks NAA. Our findings will advance genetic studies of maize mutants generated from B73 genotype background.

Effect of Different Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on Maize Seed Germination and Seedling Development

Our study aimed at assessing the effects of 3 Plants Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) either singly or in combination on maize growth under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Seeds were inoculated with single and combined solution of 108 CFU/ml of Rhizobacteria. Seeds were not inoculated for the control variant. The highest germination percentage was obtained with the combination of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas putida. This combination also recorded the best vigor index, plants circumferences number of leaves and the leaf area. The maximal heights of plants were observed with seeds treated with Azospirillum lipoferum with an increase of 37.32%. The highest rates of underground dry matter were recorded with A. lipoferum, with an increase of more than 56% comparative to control, while the combination P. fluorescens and P. putida increased the aerial dry matter of 59.11%. Finally, the highest value of the aerial biomass was obtained with the plants treated with the combination of P. fluorescens and P. putida and the highest underground biomass was obtained with plants treated only with A. lipoferum. These results suggest that specific combinations of PGPR can be considered as efficient alternative biofertilizers to promote maize seed germination, biomass and crop yield.

Morphological Diversity of Corn’s (<i>Zea mays</i>L.) Local Cultivar and Improved Varieties in Central and North of Benin

The better knowledge of a plant genetic biodiversity is based on a prior study of its agro-morphological characteristics. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphological diversity of maize accessions and its structure on the basis of 14 variables. For the experimentation, 43 and 98 maize accessions were planted in three replicates respectively in central and northern Benin following an incomplete randomized block. The mixed model analysis of two factors variance revealed a significant difference for all accessions considering each agro-morphological characteristic evaluated except the germination day of two areas seed accessions. The numerical classification grouped the accessions into four groups in each zone. The stepwise discriminant analysis showed that early characters related to plant height and ear insertion were the variables that discriminated accessions in both zones. Maturity and recovery ears, sensitivity to streak and the germination days are the variables that discriminate accessions of the two areas. These results provide a database for the creation of improved maize varieties that meet the needs of

Genetic Polymorphisms and Toxicities of First-Line Antituberculosis Drugs: Systematic Review of the Literature

Introduction: Polymorphisms are the main genetic factors associated with toxicities of antituberculosis drugs. This literature review summarizes the polymorphisms of the genes that code for the enzymes of the metabolism of antituberculosis drugs and their transmembrane transporters. Some mechanisms of drug-associated toxicities and strategies for their management have also been described in this review. Methods: The bibliographic searches were exclusively carried out in PubMed, over a period of ten years (2010-2020). The search terms were the words “toxicity + antituberculosis drug + one or two word(s) among the following: polymorphism, genetics, mutation, SNP, HLA or haplotype”. Publications in English or French, relating to the various toxicities associated with first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide) administered to patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis or co-infected with TB/HIV were included in this review. Duplicates, in vitro, in silico or drug-induced toxicity studies other than antituberculosis drugs and genetic mutations of Mycobacteria strains were not included. Results: The studies selected and included were case reports, cohort studies, original research, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on human subjects of different ethnic origins. Hepatotoxicity is the most common toxicity associated with NAT2, CYP2E1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in patients on antituberculosis drugs. Other forms of toxicity, less frequent, occurring in certain patients under concomitant treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiretrovirals (ARVs), antibiotics or antiepileptics have also been identified. Conclusion: The genetic polymorphisms associated with the toxicities of antituberculosis drugs concern both the main enzymes of the metabolic pathways (NAT2, CYP2E1, GST) and the transmembrane transporters (SLCO1B1 and ABCB1). Other genetic polymorphisms (TXNRD1, SOD2, TYMP) have been suspected but their mechanisms are not yet well understood.

Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of Khaya senegalensis on Some Biochemical Parameters on Rabbit’s in Glucose Overload Condition

The effect of the ethanolic extract Khaya senegalensis on some biochemical parameters was tested in rabbits with normal glucose and glucose overload. Phytochemical screening after three batches of 6 rabbits race (TBD) were treated with the extract in oral doses of respectively 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight for 30 days;three other groups receiving respectively these doses of the extract were placed under a priori temporary overload of glucose;a control group received instead distilled water treatment. Blood glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol were measured by spectrophotometry and weight gain of the animals was performed at the beginning of the experiment and every 2 weeks during the study period. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenolic compounds (majority) of saponins of anthracene derivatives and steroids in the extract. The test results indicate that under the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in blood glucose after 24 hours. The extract had no effect on the lipid profile or body weight of rabbits.

Genetic Variability of the Mitochondrial DNA in Honeybees （Apis mellifera L.） from Benin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability in bees Apis mellifera from Benin by using mitochondrial DNA （mtDNA） as a molecular marker in their cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and II （COI-COI1） intergenic region. A total of 304 bee colonies were sampled in 27 municipalities of the cashew growing area of Benin. These samples were analyzed by the cleaved amplified polymorphisms technique for determining the haplotypes of subspecies present in the sampled population. Eight PCR-RFLP profiles of African lineage A were then identified in the 304 samples of bees investigated. Forty-nine percent （49%） of the samples showed the profile of haplotype A1 （subspecies adansonii of Zambia）, 40% of haplotype A4 （subspecies scutellata of South Africa） and 3% of haplotype A 19 （subspecies adansonii of Guinea）. Five other haplotypes of the African branch （A） that had been described in a previous study were also identified： new 1 （2%）, new 2 （2%）, new 3 （1%）, new 4 （2%） and new 5 （1%）. This study showed that A. rnellifera from Benin belonged only to lineage A with the predominance of haplotypes AI and A4. This study will contribute to the development of coherent policies for conservation of local bees in Benin.

Diversity, Chemical Compositions and Beneficial Effects of Some Spices and Aromatic Leaves Consumed in Benin and in the World: Critical Review

Spices and aromatic plants are products of plant origin used in food. They are used for the preparation of remedies, for seasoning dishes or for preserving food. This review takes stock of the diversity of spices and aromatic herbs, the chemical composition, the different properties and forms of use of six spices and aromatic herbs commonly used in Benin and around the world. These are Zingiber officinalis (ginger), Curcuma longa (curcuma), Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and three aromatic herbs Petroselinum crispum (parsley), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Laurus nobilis (laurel). The methodology used is that of documentary research oriented towards the consultation of previous scientific documents that have highlighted the different pharmacological activities of the different species of spices and aromatic plants targeted. It is important to note that more than twenty plant species are used as spices and aromatic plants in Benin and around the world. Chemically, these different spices and aromatic herbs contain certain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, saponins, and polyphenols. This diversity of secondary metabolites alone or in a possible synergy may be responsible for many beneficial properties attributed to spices and aromatic herbs.