Pralidoxime is an organophosphate antidote with poor central nervous system distribution due to a high polarity. In the present study, pralidoxime‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles were prepared and evaluated as potential delivery of drug into system. The using double emulsion solvent evaporation method. Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic (PLGA) in ethyl acetate made organic phase pralidoxime water aqueous phase. was stabilized by polyvinyl alcohol. Different drug/polymer ratios used...

Abstract A retrospective study of the pattern poisoning cases admitted to eight major urban referral hospitals in Zimbabwe over a 2‐year period (1998–1999 inclusive) was conducted describe at these centres. There were total 2764 hospital admissions due poisoning, involving 2846 toxic agents. Accidental (AP) and deliberate self‐poisoning (DSP) accounted for 48.9% (1352 cases) 41.3% (1142 cases), respectively. With AP, highest number (45.9%) occurred children below age 5 years, with half...

Bacteria have developed resistance to most of the current antibiotics. There is evidence suggesting that plant-derived compounds a potential for interacting with biological processes. One plants commonly used in African ethnomedicine Vernonia adoensis from Asteraceae family. The leaves plant been reported antimicrobial activity. Hence, aim this study was isolate bioactive leaf extract and evaluate their antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae Pseudomonas...

Background. Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is a well-recognized cause of morbidity and mortality but not well described in developing countries. We describe the toxicoepidemiology APP Zimbabwe. Methods. All cases admitted to eight major referral hospitals Zimbabwe from January 1998 December 1999 (inclusive) were identified using ICD-9 codes ward registers relevant information recorded on standard data collection sheet. Results. There total 914 single exposures. Almost half (49.1%) resulted...

Crinum macowanii has been found to contain alkaloids that have activity against acetylcholinesterase enzyme in vitro . The present study was undertaken investigate the vivo ability of hydroethanolic crude extract ameliorate memory impairment induced by scopolamine. Thirty-six male Balb/c mice weighing around 25–35 g were employed investigation. Y-maze and novel object recognition apparatus served as exteroceptive behavioural models, scopolamine-induced amnesia interoceptive model. C. (10,...

Boophone disticha (B. disticha) has been used systemically in traditional medical practice Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries for the management of various central nervous system conditions including hysteria. Abuse plant by teenagers its claimed hallucinogenic effects also reported, with advent serious toxicity some cases. In present work, we describe acute neurotoxicological a freeze dried hydro-ethanolic extract bulb B. disticha. Thirty-three adult (6—12 weeks old), non-pregnant female...

Extracts from the bulb of Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. (Amaryllidaceae) are used in management various medical conditions Southern Africa ranging neuropsychiatric illnesses to inflammatory conditions. Over a century ago 1911, Tutin reported presence anti-inflammatory compound acetovanillone an extract B. disticha. This brief communication reports on only other published work isolation and identification

Chloroquine is commonly implicated in pharmaceutical poisonings Zimbabwe. A retrospective hospital record review was performed to describe the epidemiology of chloroquine poisoning compared with that other medicines. All records admissions eight referral hospitals Zimbabwe due single agents were collated and separated into those involving either or Case characteristics a cohort study investigate association pregnancy overdose. Of 544 cases, antimalarials accounted for largest proportion...

The burden of poisoning exposures in Africa is a significant public health concern, yet only ten African countries have poisons information centres. establishment centres was subsequently identified as priority. This article focuses on workshop discussions with international multi-sector stakeholders Eastern regarding the possibility sub-regional centre serving multiple countries.The project led by an independent consultant under guidance steering group. Steering group members provided input...

The Araceae family of plants is the major cause symptomatic plant ingestions in some developed countries (Dieffenbachia and Philodendron) Zimbabwe (Elephant's Ear), especially children. A retrospective case series was carried out to evaluate management poisoning due Elephant's Ear at largest referral hospital for period January 1995-December 1999. study revealed inappropriate use antibiotics, atropine, antihistamines treatment poisoning. This article also reviews as exemplified by Ear. There...

Background. Toxicoepidemiological data from rural areas of developing countries is scarce. Most studies examine admissions to urban referral hospitals and extrapolate lower level health facilities. The validity this approach was examined in work. Methods. A retrospective review all poisoning conducted at the provincial hospital (PH) six district (DH) Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe for period January 1998 December 1999 (inclusive). Patient records were traced by hand medical ward...

Crinum macowanii is a bulbous plant indigenous to many parts of Southern Africa. Extracts C. have gained interest since the discovery various alkaloids, few which possess acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The present study was performed evaluate effect crude hydroethanolic extract against aluminum chloride-induced memory impairment in mice using Morris water maze and novel object recognition task. (10, 20, 40 mg/kg p.o) administered daily for five weeks, while donepezil (3 used as...

Introduction. Paraffin (kerosene) ingestion is the most common form of childhood poisoning in developing countries. Despite this, there a paucity toxicoepidemiological data which could potentially be used measures to reduce preventable exposures. This article reports on patterns hospital admissions resulting from paraffin exposure Zimbabwe. Methods. All cases admitted eight major referral hospitals Zimbabwe January 1998 December 1999 (inclusive), were identified using ICD-9 codes and ward...

Introduction. Crude extracts of Boophone disticha are used in Southern African traditional medical practice for the management various illnesses and conditions have also been abused their claimed euphoric hallucinogenic effects. Unfortunately, ingestion has resulted toxicity death. The results a recent acute study rat model insinuated that central nervous system (CNS) serotonin overdrive could be cause B. poisoning. present work sought to test hypothesis by investigating whether...