@article {786, title = {Pharmacognostic Studies of the Leaves, Stem and Root of Capparis erythrocarpos Isert (Capparaceae)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {January 2019}, pages = {112-118}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {112}, abstract = {

Introduction: The roots of Capparis erythrocarpos are used traditionally across Africa for the management of pain, arthritis and other forms of inflammatory conditions. Owing to its proven efficacy, it has gained commercial value, particularly as a key ingredient in several herbal products and alcoholic beverages. The increased scarcity owing to demand outstripping supply lend the roots of C. erythrocarpos to adulteration. This paper presents a detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of the leaf, stem and root of C. erythrocarpos which will be used in its identification and consequent standardization. Methods: The leaf, stem and root were evaluated for their macroscopic and microscopic features as were the physicochemical parameters and phytochemical screening done. Results: Leaves are alternately arranged, have collateral vascular bundle, crystal sheaths and a pericyclic fibre. Actinocytic stomata and secretory cells were contained in powdered leaves. The stem showed lenticels and thorns, stellate and branched trichomes which leave off cicatrices in older stems. The powdered stem and roots contained stone cells, secretory cells and scalariform vessels. However, the roots lacked thorns, trichomes and had smaller secretory cells. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves, stem and roots were slightly acidic to neutral. Ash values of leaves, stem and roots are (16.58 {\textpm} 0.09) \% w/w, (5.01 {\textpm} 0.09) \% w/w and (6.53 {\textpm} 0.19) \% w/w respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaves, stem and roots showed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids and tannins. Conclusion: The determined parameters for the leaf, stem and root of C. erythrocarpos constitute quality parameters for their unequivocal identification.

}, keywords = {Capers, Cicatrices, crystal sheaths, Herbal medicine, Morphological features, Physicochemical parameters}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2019.1.19}, author = {Twumasi Mary A and Ekuadzi Edmund and Mante Priscilla K and Boakye-Gyasi Mariam E and Mensah Merlin LK and Woode Eric} } @article {80, title = {Anti-Nociceptive Synergism of Pregabalin and Xylopic acid Co-administration in Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathy: Isobolographic Analysis}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {Nov-Dec 2015}, pages = {363-368}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {363}, keywords = {Isobolograms, Neuropathic pain, Paclitaxel, Toxicity, xylopic acid}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2015.6.8}, author = {Ameyaw Elvis Ofori and Boampong Johnson Nyarko}, editor = {Kyei Samuel} } @article {1447, title = {Anti-Nociceptive Synergism of Pregabalin and Xylopic acid Co-administration in Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathy: Isobolographic Analysis}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {7}, year = {2015}, month = {7th July 2015}, pages = {55-57}, type = {Original Article}, abstract = {

Background: Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy still remains a clinical problem for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the interaction between xylopic acid and pregabalinco-administration as well as their toxicity in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. Materials and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in rats with 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel on alternative days for four days (days 0, 2, 4 and 6). Equi effective doses of xylopic acid and pregabalin that produced 50\% anti-nociception (ED50) were determined from their log-dose response curves in the cold allodynia and thermal pain tests. Xylopic acid and pregabalin were again administered to rats in a fixed ratio combination (1:1) of their ED50\’sin order to determine the experimental ED50 (Zexp) of the co-administered compounds. Isobolograms were constructed to compare the Zexp to a theoretical ED50 (Zadd). Blood samples from the various treatment groups of rats were collected for toxicological assessment of the co-administered compounds. Results: The Zexplay below the Zadd on the isobologram of the cold allodnia test. The co-administration exhibited additivity in the thermal pain test. The co-administration did not produce significant (p\>0.05) toxicity in rats. The co-administration may be beneficial in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

Key words: Isobolograms, Neuropathic pain, Paclitaxel, xylopic acid, Toxicity.

}, keywords = {Isobolograms, Neuropathic pain, Paclitaxel, Toxicity., xylopic acid}, author = {Ameyaw Elvis Ofori and Woode Eric and Kyei Samuel and Biny Peter Robert and Boampong Johnson Nyarko} }