Browsing by Author "Chumba, Careen Ihazano"

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    Application of molecular and biotechnological techniques in plant disease management: A review
    (Academic Journals, 2018-08-01) Dayou, Olivier; Maina, Mwangi; Egesa, Andrew Ogolla; Muteti, Peter Munyao; Chumba, Careen Ihazano
    Plant diseases are a major challenge in crop production. They are caused by nematodes, bacteria, fungi, viruses as well as plant nutritional factors. Diseases interfere with the normal physiological and metabolic processes of plants. This results in various effects including wilting, stunting, yellowing and death of plant tissues and organs. Crop losses due to diseases manifest in form of reduced yield, poor quality produce, and reduced post-harvest storage. Past research has brought to the limelight the continuous capacity of pathogens to revert to new pathotypes and strains, some that break resistant varieties or are less sensitive to chemical control products. Currently, farmers are advised to combine several plant disease management practices, a strategy known as integrated plant disease management. Such strategies include crop rotation, use of disease free planting materials, field sanitation, and chemical methods as well as use of resistant varieties. However, some of these methods are expensive and substantially increase the cost of production. Development in molecular biology and biotechnology found application in plant disease management. This ranges from identification, diagnosis to control through gene transfer, mutation breeding and RNA interference, among others. In this paper, the current developments in the application of molecular techniques and biotechnology to manage plant diseases, outlining their possible future application and potential for enhanced plant disease management.
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    Phytochemical Analysis, Oral Toxicity, and in Vivo Antinociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antipyretic Activities of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Prunus Africana
    (Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology, 2025-07) Chumba, Careen Ihazano; Kefa, Kipngetich Bunei; Kingori, Daniel Gathuka; Ngugi, Mathew Piero; Njagi, Eliud Nyaga Mwaniki
    Introduction: Prunus africana is traditionally used in Kakamega against pain, fever, and inflammation. This research aimed to identify the phytochemicals, the antipyretic, antiinflammatory, and antinociceptive effects, and oral toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of P. africana. Methods: The plant extract was screened for phytochemicals and minerals. The antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects were assessed using formalin-induced edema and pain models using Swiss-albino mice, while the antipyretic effect was evaluated through a turpentineinduced fever model using Wistar rats. Sub-acute toxicity was assessed by administering the extract orally to Wistar rats at doses of 150, 260, and 450 mg/kg for 28 days. The animals’ weekly weight and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: The extract reduced rectal temperature, edema, as well as pain in the initial and late phases (P < 0.05). The leaves contained carnosic acid, flavonoids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and thirteen minerals. Serum biochemistry indicated liver injury at doses of 260 and 450 mg/kg with alterations in total protein, globulin, glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and phosphorus levels compared to the normal control (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The extract of P. africana exhibits antipyretic, antinociceptive, and antiinflammatory effects; however, it can also cause liver damage. These findings establish a basis for additional investigation of P. africana for therapeutic use