RP-Department of Pharmacy & Complementary / Alternative Medicine

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Factors that Influence Place of Delivery for Women of Reproductive Age in Narok South Sub County
(ajhmn, 2023-08) Kirubet Purity, Ngotiek; Kahiga, Titus Muhu; onyambu, Meshack Ondora
Purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore the factors that influence the place of delivery for women of reproductive age in Narok South Sub County. Methodology: The study adapted a descriptive, cross sectional study design which focused on all women of reproductive age who delivered at home after antenatal hospital care visits in the last 24 months. The research was completed in Narok South Sub County, Narok County in Kenya. The target populace included all women with children below two years of age who gave birth at home yet attended antenatal care visits in a health facility in Narok North Sub-County. The study population included all women of reproductive age which were in the age bracket of 15 and 49 years from Narok south sub-county in Narok County. The study adapted two sampling techniques (purposive sampling and simple random sampling) first, purposive sampling was used to obtain women who have had delivered in the last 24 months and also key informants like TBAs and community elders. A sample of 30% of the targeted population was selected; this is coherent with the proposition by Mugenda and Mugenda (2009) that 30% of the population is deemed to be sufficient for statistical analysis in research. A semi structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data. The study utilized primary data only. The primary data was collected through semi structured questionnaires by visiting households with women of reproductive age who gave birth in the last 24 months in a non- hospital set up. Data was analyzed using excel and statistical package for social sciences SPSS version 22.0. Findings: The study found that emergencies during delivery are well handled in a hospital setup and will greatly improve delivery outcome, the health of the mother and baby. The extended walking distance nearest health facility, the lesser the expectation of mothers to make use of skilled and trained delivery service. The absence of trouble-free transportation service to the nearest health facility is also an essential significant convolution. Source of information on reproductive health matters and more so about pregnancy, labor, and place of delivery can highly influence decision-making on the place of giving birth. Majority of women in rural areas receive advice on reproductive health matters from their 'mothers-in-law and extended family members. When pregnant mothers attend ANC they are taught about delivery and how to prepare for it. Recommendations: County Education officers in liaison with social development officers to promote adult formal education to improve literacy levels, which will go a long way in influencing reproductive health decisions. County health management team, together with the reproductive health section to network with other relevant stakeholders to increase sensitization on utilization of hospital-based deliveries. Health education by all relevant stakeholders on the advantages of hospital delivery. Establish community health units and train community health volunteers and traditional birth attendants to be safe motherhood promoters.
Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of the Genus Sarcophyte: A Review
(Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024-01) Onyancha, Jared Misonge; Moriasi, Gervason Apiri; Onsinyo, Meroka James; Wainaina, Samuel Murigi; Sengera, Geoffrey Ogeto; Nyandoro, Vincent Obaga
Although medicinal plants have been used by ethnic communities since ancient times to prevent and treat various diseases, only a few have been scientifically documented. Therefore, due to their rare availability and lack of comprehensive scientific information, we reviewed the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of plants within the genus Sarcophyte. To do this, we used specific search terms and phrases to retrieve relevant information from online sources published in English from 2000 to July 2023. The results showed that there are only two plants in the genus Sarcophyte (Sarcophyte sanguinea Sparrm. and Sarcophyte piriei Hutch.), which are traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases, especially cancer, and skin, gastrointestinal, and urinogenital tract ailments in humans, and to cure animals in ethnoveterinary practices. It was noted that 13 secondary metabolites have been isolated from the two plants, the most prominent of which are flavonoids (diinsininol, diinsinin, and naringenin). The antioxidant activity of S. piriei is reported based on the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50: 4.26 ± 0.22 μg/mL) and 2 -2′-Azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonate (ABTS) radicals (IC50: 4.62 ± 0.14 μg/mL), chelating iron (IC50: 1.82 ± 0.01 μg/mL, 3.50 ± 0.09 μg/mL), and nitric oxide (IC50: 9.97 ± 0.88 μg/mL, 9.09 ± 0.11 μg/mL). The methanolic stem extracts of S. piriei possess antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio fluvialis, and Enterococcus avium, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.16 to 0.625 mg/mL, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.25 to 5 mg/mL. Cytotoxic effects of the extracts from the two plant species were also demonstrated. Sarcophyte piriei possesses therapeutic potential as evidenced by the inhibitory effects of the aqueous rhizome extract on edema (1,000 mg/kg) and prostaglandin synthesis (IC50 = 0.2 mg/mL). In addition, diinsininol and diinsinin were isolated from S. sanguinea inhibited prostaglandin synthesis (IC50: 9.20 µM, 13.14 µM) and platelet-activating factor-induced exocytosis. Therefore, based on this review, further scientific research is needed to demystify the links between traditional medicinal uses, various secondary metabolites, and the pharmacology of the two plants.
Level of Knowledge on Risks Associated with Home Deliveries among Women of Reproductive Age after Formal Antenatal Care Visits in Narok South Sub- County
(CARI, 2023-10) Ngotiek, Kirubet Purity; Kahiga, Titus Muhu; Onyambu, Meshack Ondora
Purpose: The main objective of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge on risks associated with home deliveries among women of reproductive age after formal antenatal care visits in Narok Sub County. Methodology: The study adapted a descriptive, cross sectional study design which focused on all women of reproductive age who delivered at home after antenatal hospital care visits in the last 24 months. The research was completed in Narok South Sub County, Narok County in Kenya. The target populace included all women with children below two years of age who gave birth at home yet attended antenatal care visits in a health facility in Narok North Sub-County. The study population included all women of reproductive age which were in the age bracket of 15 and 49 years from Narok south sub-county in Narok County. The study adapted two sampling techniques (purposive sampling and simple random sampling) first, purposive sampling was used to obtain women who have had delivered in the last 24 months and also key informants like TBAs and community elders. A sample of 30% of the targeted population was selected; A semi structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data. The study utilized primary data only. The primary data was collected through semi structured questionnaires by visiting households with women of reproductive age who gave birth in the last 24 months in a non- hospital set up. Data was analyzed using excel and statistical package for social sciences SPSS version 22.0. Findings: The study found that during antenatal care visits women are taught on how to plan for births and have back-up plans, many do not have any backup plans for life-threatening occurrences when giving birth. The study concluded that, young women as compared to older women are more involved in non-hospital delivery due to unplanned births. Also, those women who had attended antenatal care visits were more knowledgeable about the risk factors of delivering at home. In addition, regardless of the government effort to provide free maternal services in Kenya, stable source of income, formal education with the right knowledge about reproductive health and geographical access, are the determinants of place of delivery among women in rural parts of Narok County. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: County Education officers in liaison with social development officers should work to promote adult formal education to improve literacy levels, which will go a long way in influencing reproductive health decisions.
Over-Prescription of Short-Acting β2-Agonists Remains a Serious Health Concern in Kenya: Results from the SABINA III Study
(BMC Primary Care, 2023) Chakaya, Jeremiah; Mecha, Jared; Beekman, Maarten
Background Despite a high asthma burden in Kenya, insights into asthma management practices, including prescription of short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs), are lacking. Therefore, this study describes patient demographics, disease characteristics, and asthma treatment patterns in the Kenyan cohort of the SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) III study. Methods Patients with asthma (aged≥12 years) with medical records containing data for≥12 months prior to the study visit from 19 sites across Kenya were included in this cross-sectional study and classifed by investigatordefned asthma severity (guided by the 2017 Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA] recommendations) and practice type (primary/specialist care). Data on severe exacerbation history, prescribed asthma treatments, and over-the-counter (OTC) SABA purchases in the 12 months before the study visit and asthma symptom control at the time of the study visit were collated using electronic case report forms. All analyses were descriptive in nature. Results Overall, 405 patients were analyzed (mean age, 44.4 years; female, 68.9%), of whom 54.8% and 45.2% were enrolled by primary care clinicians and specialists, respectively. Most patients were classifed with mild asthma (76.0%, GINA treatment steps 1−2) and were overweight or obese (57.0%). Only 19.5% of patients reported full healthcare reimbursement, with 59% receiving no healthcare reimbursement. The mean asthma duration of patients was 13.5 years. Asthma was partly controlled/uncontrolled in 78.0% of patients, with 61.5% experiencing≥1 severe exacerbation in the preceding 12 months. Crucially, 71.9% of patients were prescribed≥3 SABA canisters, defned as over-prescription; 34.8% were prescribed≥10 SABA canisters. Additionally, 38.8% of patients purchased SABA OTC, of whom 66.2% purchased≥3 SABA canisters. Among patients with both SABA purchases and prescriptions, 95.5% and 57.1% had prescriptions for≥3 and≥10 SABA canisters, respectively. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), ICS with a longacting β2-agonist fxed-dose combination, and oral corticosteroid bursts were prescribed to 58.8%, 24.7%, and 22.7% of patients, respectively. Conclusions SABA over-prescription occurred in almost three-quarters of patients, with over one-third of patients purchasing SABA OTC. Therefore, SABA over-prescription is a major public health concern in Kenya, underscoring an urgent need to align clinical practices with latest evidence-based recommendations.
An Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used For the Treatment and Management of Cancer in Embu County, Kenya
(Research Gate, 2019) Misonge, Onyancha Jared; Kamindu, Gikonyo Nicholas; Wangui, Wachira Sabina; Muita, Gicheru Michael
Documentation of anticancer plants is not exhaustive in Kenya. The current study therefore was carried out to identify the plants used for treatment and management of cancer in Embu County. This is part of the mapping requirements of the laws of Kenya to promote complementary medicine. Analytical crosssectional ethnobotanical study was conducted in Embu County, sixteen key informants were recruited and provided information about the names of plants, the parts of plant and methods of preparation of the medicines used to manage cancer. The plants were collected from their natural habitat and identified. Nine plants were recorded to manage cancers of the breast, prostate and throat. Fagaropsis angolensis, Hydnora abyssinica and Indigofera swaziensis were recorded for management of cancer for the first time in this study. It was concluded that traditional medical practitioners of Embu County use plant extracts to manage and treat cancers of the breast, prostate and throat.
Amphotericin B Toxicities among HIV Infected Adults with Cryptococcal Meningitis in Kiambu District Hospital
(Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya, 2018) Karita, A.W; Nyamu, D.G; Karimi, P.N; Gitau, S.C
Background: HIV infection is a worldwide epidemic with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. This has increased the prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis which is a common AIDS-related opportunistic infection with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Amphotericin B is the standard treatment for cryptococcal meningitis but its use is limited by toxicities resulting from a number of factors such as cumulative dosage and concomitant drugs. Published local studies on patterns of toxicities are scanty. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess toxicities associated with Amphotericin B in the management of cryptococcal meningitis among HIV infected patients aged 18 years and over in Kiambu District Hospital. Methodology: A cross- section design was used that involved review of patients’ records at Kiambu District Hospital medical records department between January 2010 to December 2014. One hundred and six files of HIV infected adults with cryptococcal meningitis and treated with amphotericin B were used. Data on amphotericin B toxicities, risk factors, and preventive strategies were extracted from the files using a predesigned semi-structured data collection form. This data was entered into Microsoft Access version 2013 to create a database and then exported to IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 22.0 for analysis. Bivariate analysis using chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine statistical significance at 0.05. P values that were equal or less the 0.05 were considered significant Results: Prevalence of infusion-related toxicities was high at 87.7%, with fever being the most common (58.1%). The overall prevalence of nephrotoxicity was at 27.4% but principally characterized by hypokalemia (41.4%) and elevated creatinine at 58.6%. Dosing of the drug was not weight based and higher amphotericin B doses were important risk factors for toxicity (p=0.045). Prevention of toxicities associated with amphotericin B involved monitoring of serum levels of potassium (p=0.028) and creatinine (p=0.019) as well as patients hydration status A.W. Karita , D.G. Nyamu , P.N. Karimi , S.C. Gitau University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacy Practice, P.O Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya. Emails- P.N. Karimi- ndirang@yahoo.com, D.G.Nyamu-dgnyamu@gamil.com, A.W Karita-aggienjane@gmail.com. Kenyatta University, Department of Pharmacy and complementary/Alternative medicine, P.O Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, email—gitaus2009@gmail.com *Corresponding author 1 2 1 2 (p=0.026). Monitoring of toxicity was only prevalent (70%) at the initiation of therapy but declined to less than 20% in the course of treatment. Conclusion and recommendation: Prevalence of toxicity of amphotericin B in Kiambu District Hospital was high and related to the dose given. Therefore, care should be taken when dosing the drug. In addition, frequent patient monitoring, adequate hydration, and premedication are key to preventing the toxicity and should be encouraged.
Kenyan Traditional Medicine: Exploring Solutions to the Modern Antibacterial Crises through Natural Products Chemistry
(2023) Ndegwa, Fidensio K; Gikonyo, Nicholas K; Kondam, Chaitanya; Ghose, Debarati; Esan, Taiwo E; Waxali, Zohra Sattar; Miller, Margaret E; Mbugua, Paul K; Okemo, Paul O; Meganathan, Rangaswamy; Hagen, Timothy J
Background: Medicinal plants are used to treat various ailments in Kenya. This study describes the antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts used in traditional medicine in Kenya. Seven medicinal plants were studied to determine antimicrobial effect of plant extracts in vitro after phytochemical screening. Materials and methods: Dry materials of the plants, A. remota, B. micrantha, S. didymobotrya, C. africana, P. peruviana, P. africana, and A. annua were sequentially extracted using three solvents - water, methanol, and hexane. Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. cereus and M. smegmatis was determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion assay.
Evaluation of the Mineral Composition of Chia (Salvia HispanicaL.) Seeds from Selected Areas in Kenya.
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2023) Gikonyo, Nicholas; Ikumi, Pauline W; Mburu, Monica; Njoroge, Daniel; Musingi, Benjamin M
Chia ( Salvia hispan ica L.) seeds are gaining popularity among consumers and food processors, particularly in food fortification. Consequently, there has been an increased need to determine the mineral composition of chia seeds cultivated in different regions to ascertain the ir potential in various food applications. In this study, 20 chia seeds samples obtained from farmers practicing commercial farming of chia seeds in selected areas in Kenya during the two main chia seed planting seasons (April August 2019) and (September D ecember 2019) were analyzed for their mineral content using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Values of sodium and potassium were determined using a Flame photometer using sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) as the standards, while phosphorus was determined using the Vanodo molybdate method. Chia seeds samples studied revealed the most predominant minerals as phosphorus (531 to 889 mg/100g), calcium (478 to 589 mg/100g), potassium (343 to 526 mg/100g) and, magnesium (322 to 440 mg/1 00g). The general linear model (GLM) used to determine the coefficient of variation on all chia seed growing sites showed that calcium, iron, and magnesium are the best performing chia minerals in Kenya and hence should be the minerals of interest in food fortification using chia seeds.
Promotion of Neuronal Differentiation Through Activation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors Transiently Expressed by Undifferentiated Neural Progenitor Cells in Fetal Rat Neocortex
(Wiley Library Online, 2008) Yoneyama, Masanori; Nakamichi, Noritaka; Fukui, Masaki; Kitayama, Tomoya; Georgiev, Danko D.; Makanga, Juliet O.; Nakamura, Nobuhiro; Taniura, Hideo; Yoneda, Yukio
Neural progenitor cell is a generic term for undifferentiated cell populations composed of neural stem, neuronal progenitor, and glial progenitor cells with abilities for self-renewal and multipotentiality. In this study, we have attempted to evaluate the possible functional expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by neural progenitor cells prepared from neocortex of 18-day-old embryonic rats. Cells were cultured in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for different periods up to 12 days under floating conditions. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence imaging analyses revealed transient expression of functional NMDA receptors in neurospheres formed by clustered progenitors during the culture with bFGF. A similarly potent increase was seen in the fluorescence intensity after brief exposure to NMDA in cells differentiated after the removal of bFGF under adherent conditions, and an NMDA receptor antagonist invariably prevented these increases by NMDA. Moreover, sustained exposure to NMDA not only inhibited the formation of neurospheres when exposed for 10 days from day 2 to day 12 but also promoted spontaneous and induced differentiation of neurospheres to cells immunoreactive for a neuronal marker protein on immunocytochemistry and Western blotting analyses. These results suggest that functional NMDA receptors may be transiently expressed to play a role in mechanisms underlying the modulation of proliferation along with the determination of subsequent differentiation fate toward a neuronal lineage in neural progenitor cells of developing rat
Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Cassia Didymobotrya Fres
(International Journal of Research and Review, 2020) Musau, Joseph; Wanjiru, Irene
Man has used plants for treatment and prevention of diseases since prehistoric times. The cost of antibiotics coupled with bacterial resistance especially in developing countries like Kenya, has made it necessary to upscale research on cheaper antibiotics with novel mechanism of action. Studies have demonstrated a promising potential of antimicrobial agents from plants which are also likely to be cost effective. This study aimed at investigating the phytochemical constituents and the antibacterial activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Cassia didymobotrya Fres. leaves and stem bark. Preliminary phytochemical screening was done using established protocols while antibacterial activity was by the Agar Well Diffusion Method and assessment of zones of inhibition. E. coli and P. aeruginosa were the most susceptible organisms while S. aureus was the least susceptible. Leaf extracts generally showed better activity than the stem bark extracts
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Trypanosomal Activities of Methanol Extract of Azadirachta Indica Stem-Bark
(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321102140, 2017) Wanzala, Everlyne N; Gikonyo, Nicholas K; Murilla, Grace; Githua, Mercy; Hassanali, Ahmed
Background: Current chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of African trypanosomiasis have become largely ineffective, necessitating the search for alternative compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro anti-trypanosomal activities of methanol extracts of parts of Azadirachta indica against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma evansi and establish the in vivo efficacy of the most active extract. Materials and methods: Maceration of powdered leaves, stem bark and root bark of the plant in methanol afforded three extracts. In vitro assays were carried out with the extracts on the three trypanosome strains in 96-well microtitre plates at concentration ranges of 4000 - 1000μg/ml. The most active extract was assayed in vivo using Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infected Swiss albino mice at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Melarsoprol and suramin served as positive controls. The infected untreated group served as the negative control. Parasitaemia levels, packed cell volume, body weight changes and mean survival period of all groups were monitored throughout the experimental period. Results: Methanol extract of the stem bark of A.indica was most active in vitro against all the three trypanosome strains (MIC values of 9.93±1.88, 16.25±0.92 and 9.97±0.44μg/ml for T. b. rhodesiense, T. b. brucei and T. evansi, respectively). The extract showed optimum activity at 400 mg/kg and was comparable to the positive control groups. Parasitaemia levels were kept at a significantly low level (p < 0.05) by the extract compared to the negative control. Notably, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in mean survival time of mice treated with the extract at 400 mg/kg and the positive controls. Conclusion: In vitro and in vivo anti-trypanosomal activities of the methanol extract of A. indica stem bark could be attributed to the presence of constituents of moderate polarity
Traditional Kenyan Herbal Medicine: Exploring Natural Products’ Therapeutics Against Schistosomiasis
(Cambridge University press, 2022) Ndegwa, Fidensio K; Kondam, Chaitanya; Aboagye, Samuel Y; Esan, Taiwo E; Waxali, Zohra Sattar; Miller, Margaret E; Gikonyo, Nicholas K; Mbugua, Paul K; Okemo, Paul O; Williams, David L; Hagen, Timothy J
Praziquantel (PZQ) remains the only drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms. The widespread use of PZQ in schistosomiasis endemic areas for about four decades raises concerns about the emergence of resistance of Schistosoma spp. to PZQ under drug selection pressure. This reinforces the urgency in finding alternative therapeutic options that could replace or complement PZQ.We explored the potential of medicinal plants commonly used by indigenes in Kenya for the treatment of various ailments including malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea for their antischistosomal properties. Employing the Soxhlet extraction method with different solvents, seven medicinal plants Artemisia annua, Ajuga remota, Bredilia micranta, Cordia africana, Physalis peruviana, Prunus africana and Senna didymobotrya were extracted. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to determine the presence of various phytochemicals in the plant extracts. Extracts were tested against Schistosoma mansoni newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) and adult worms and the schistosomicidal activity was determined by using the adenosine triphosphate quantitation assay. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed different classes of compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, etc., in plant extracts active against S. mansoni worms. Seven extracts out of 22 resulted in <20% viability against NTS in 24 h at 100 μg/ml. Five of the extracts with inhibitory activity against NTS showed >69.7% and ≥72.4% reduction in viability against adult worms after exposure for 24 and 48 h, respectively. This study provides encouraging preliminary evidence that extracts of Kenyan medicinal plants deserve further study as potential alternative therapeutics that may form the basis for the development of the new treatments for schistosomiasis
Alcohols and Denaturants Hand Rub Sanitizers Used to Curb COVID-19 Pandemic in Kiambu County, Kenya
(International Journal of Scientific Research in ________Chemical Sciences___________________ Research Paper., 2022) Gacuiga, Martha W; Wanjau, Ruth N; Murigi, martin K.M; Mbugua, Gerald W; Ndiritu, Antony M; Gikonyo, Nicholas K
The coronavirus disease outbreak in 2019 (COVID-19) became a pandemic that led to tremendous increase in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers globally. Governments and public health agencies across the world advocated for hand hygiene as one of the preventive measures against COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, washing of hands with water and soap or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers became mandatory. The efficacy of these sanitizers is dependent on the alcohol concentration in the hand sanitizer. Alcohols commonly used in sanitizers include ethanol and isopropyl alcohol at levels of 60% to 80%. Ethanol used to manufacture the sanitizers is of industrial grade and is usually denatured to prevent human consumption. Denaturants include methanol, pyridine, acetone and denatonium benzoate at levels of ≤ 630 ppm for methanol and 20 to 50 ppm for denatonium benzoate. This paper mull over comparing levels of alcohols and denaturants with label claims of alcohol-based hand sanitizers used to curb the COVID-19 pandemic in Kiambu County, Kenya. Samples of alcohol-based hand sanitizers of different brands were analyzed in triplicates using Attenuated Total Reflectance- Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR). Each hand sanitizer was given a unique sample identifier code ranging from HS1-HS12. The findings indicated that alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain significant amount of either ethanol or isopropyl alcohol and low concentration of methanol or denatonium benzoate. The percentage of ethanol ranged from 4.607±0.0 to 81.23±0.3. Nine samples showed concentrations above 70% ethanol. The levels found in the study were not in agreement with levels indicated on the labels. Isopropyl alcohol was found in only two samples contrary to the label claims in five samples. The analysis showed that all samples contained either isopropyl alcohol, methanol or denatonium benzoate as denaturants with levels ranging from 0.040±0.02% to 72.6857±0.4241%, while the label claim indicated the presence of denaturants in only five samples. However, two samples gave methanol levels that exceeded threshold limits of 630 ppm (0.063% v/v). In conclusion, the concentration levels of alcohols and denaturants in all alcohol-based hand sanitizers analysed in this study didn’t match with the label claim. This calls for stringent measures by regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with set standards in the manufacture of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Physical, Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Properties of Chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) Seeds Grown In Kenya
(Scientific Researching Publishing, 2022) Ikumi, Pauline W; Mburu, Monica; Njoroge, Daniel; Gikonyo, Nicholas; Musingi, Benjamin Musyimi
In the recent past, there has been an increased uptake of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) by consumers resulting in the increased adoption of chia farming, particularly in Kenya whereby most farmers are practicing subsistence farming and a few farming it commercially. The widespread farming of chia seeds in Kenya translates to increase uptake at household level while offering a niche for industrial processing of chia seeds necessitating the need for studies on physical, total phenolic and flavonoid properties of chia seeds grown in Kenya. The physical, total phenolic and flavonoid properties of chia seeds from two chia planting seasons April to August 2019 and September to December 2019 were evaluated. The physical attributes (length, width and thickness) were determined using a digital vernier caliper while proximate components were determined using AOAC standard methods. The Quencher procedure was used to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Chia seeds revealed a length of 1.82 to 2.32 (mm), a width of 1.15 to 1.31 (mm) and a thickness of 0.77 to 0.88 (mm). The percentage moisture content of chia seeds was 7.23 to 10.67, the percentage of crude fat was 31.48 to 42.45, the percentage of crude ash was 3.63 to 6.82, and the percentage of crude fibre was 30.95 to 38.65 and the percentage of crude protein was17.82 to 28.97. The total phenolic content observed for chia seeds was 0.73 to 0.87 mg GAE g−1 while the total flavonoid content was 0.39 to 0.57 mg GAE g−1. The proximate components of chia seeds varied significantly (p < 0.05) based on the chia planting season while the physical properties, total phenolics and total flavonoid contents did not vary significantly
Microbial Quality of Unregulated Herbal Medicinal Products in Kenya
(African Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2013) Onyambu, Meshack O.; Chepkwony, Hezekiah K.; Thoithi, Grace N.; Ouya, Godfrey. O.; Osanjo, George O.
Background: The use of herbal medicines is global, with the majority of the world’s population depending on traditional medicines, particularly herbal remedies for their primary healthcare needs. In Kenya, it is estimated that conventional healthcare system provides for approximately 30 % of the population, while nearly 70 % rely on herbal remedies. Herbal medicines, however, present safety concerns as they carry a relatively high risk of contamination by pathogenic microbes, organic and inorganic pollutants including toxic metals and non-metals, organic, mycotoxins, endotoxins, and agrochemical residues. Objective: This study was designed to assess the microbial quality of regulated and unregulated herbal medicinal products in diverse Kenyan markets, such as the supermarkets, roadside vendors, retail pharmacies and herbal clinics, for levels of microbial contaminants. Materials and Methods: Thirty samples of registered and unregistered herbal medicinal products were collected by purposive sampling from five Kenyan provinces. Microbial load analysis was performed in accordance to pharmacopoeial methods (BP and USP). Microorganisms were further isolated and characterized using differential and selective media and by biochemical analyses. Results: All registered products had microbial load below 100 cfu/ml, and complied with BP and USP requirements. However, none of the unregistered samples complied with pharmacopoeial limits for either or both bacterial and fungal load limits. Most of the unregistered samples had microbial loads ranging from 3.00×106 to 1.56 × 1010 cfu/ml, thus exceeding by far BP or USP standards. The microbial isolates belonged to fifteen (15) different bacterial genera and seven (7) fungal genera. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated bacteria from 75 % of the unregistered product samples while Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus followed in 70 %, 60 % and 45 % of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp was isolated in 40 % of the samples while Shigella spp was found in 20 % of the samples. Conclusion: Unregulated herbal medicinal products that are available in diverse Kenyan markets show poor microbial quality and exhibit contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. There is need to extend regulatory control by the drug authorities to herbal medicinal products to enhance microbial quality and safety.
Stakeholder Engagement and Management as a Determinant of Health Intervention Outcomes: The Varied Messages Communicated During HIV and AIDS Interventions in Kisii County, Kenya
(International journal of communication research, 2020) Nyakundi, Augustus Onchari; Maroko, Geoffrey Mokua; Mokua, Gladys Nyamoita; Onyambu, Meshack Ondora
Introduction. The management of stakeholder relationships, a key feature and function of communication, determines the outcomes of health interventions. This study sought to establish how stakeholder involvement and stakeholder relationship management were influencing the outcomes of the interventions against HIV and AIDS in Kisii County, Kenya. Materials and methods. Data was collected from 89 respondents drawn from 14 high volume hospitals in the county. These hospitals were purposively selected. The respondents comprised of health care staff, representatives of bodies involved in HIV and AIDS interventions in the county. These were selected purposively. Female sex workers and men who have sex with men were selected using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected from these respondents using interviews and focus group discussions. Additional data was collected from county and national strategic plans and policy documents selected purposively. Results and discussion. The key findings were that effective strategies of targeting, engaging and managing relationships with PLHIV and FSWs were employed. However, the strategies were effectively implemented in very few hospitals. There were no clear and consistent strategies and messages targeting and engaging the general population, men, young people, and victims of GBV in HIV and AIDS activities. Furthermore, the effectiveness of all the strategies employed in stakeholder relationship management was being undermined by lack of consultation with and involvement of health care workers by donor agencies and the relevant county government authorities in making critical decisions. Conclusions: Without proper stakeholder mapping, engagement and relationship management, the HIV and AIDS interventions may not be useful in achieving sustainable behaviour chang
Knowledge and Attitude of Women Utilizing Focused Antenatal Care and Maternal Complications in Public County Hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Eastern and Central Africa, 2020) Mukhwana, R.M; Margaret, N.K; Meshack, O
Introduction: Focused Antenatal Care is antenatal care that provides individualized counseling, targeted assessment and provides safe, cost effective, and evidence-based intervention. Aim: This study aimed at investigating the knowledge and attitude of women utilizing Focused Antenatal Care associated with maternal complications in selected public county hospitals in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study design. A sample of 397 postnatal women interviewed for the study. Kenyatta University Ethics and Review Committee (KUERC) approved the study and the National Commission issued the permit for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). Permission to collect data obtained from the participating hospitals. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version 22.0) Inferential statistics were done using Chi Square tests to determine the association between study variables at 95% confidence interval (p<0.05). Results: The study results revealed that 30% of respondents reported to have encountered a maternal complication during their current delivery outcome. The study results further revealed that 54.7% of respondents had high knowledge levels with 63.7% having positive attitude towards FANC utilization. Knowledge level was significantly associated (p=0.017) with maternal complications among respondents. Conclusion: The study concludes that the respondents from Nairobi City County had relatively low maternal complications. The respondents further had high knowledge levels and positive attitude towards FANC utilization. Recommendation: Scaling up male sensitization and awareness programs towards improved transfer of correct knowledge on FANC thus signify importance of seeking such services while pregnant.
Nine Medicinal Plants Used In Management of HIV/AIDS in Kisii County, Kenya
(Plants Journal, 2020) Mokua, Gladys Nyamoita; Maroko, Geoffrey Mokua; Nyakundi, Augustus Onchari; Onyambu, Meshack Ondora
In view of the challenges people living with HIV/AIDS face in accessing health care services, approaches based on natural products can play an integral role in tackling the disease. Unfortunately, medicinal plants used in HIV/AIDS management by the Kisii community have not been documented despite their use since time immemorial. The current study therefore aimed at documenting the traditional medicine in management of the disease in Kisii County. Data was obtained through semi-structured oral interviews of fifteen traditional healers from the County. Nine plant species used are Opuntia ficus-indica, Aloe vera, Carissa edulis, Triumfetta macrophylla, Clerodendrum myricoides, Leonotis nepetifolia, Maesa lanceolata, Prunus africanus and Azadirachta indica. The remedies are formulated into liquid and powder forms which are administered as a combination orally. Isolation of the metabolites responsible for the plants’ activities and data on preclinical and clinical trials on the herbs and their extracts will be of fundamental importance.
Communication Strategies in the Management of HIV and AIDS in Kisii County, Kenya: Successes and Gaps
(International Journal of Communication Research, 2019) Nyakundi, Augustus Onchari; Maroko, Geoffrey Mokua; Mokua, Gladys Nyamoita; Onyambu, Meshack Ondora
Although interventions on HIV and AIDS in Kisii County have been ongoing for over ten years, the County’s infection rates are among the highest in Kenya. The purpose of this paper is to describe stakeholder communication strategies and tools in the management of HIV and AIDS interventions in the County. A sample of 73 informants drawn from 16 selected hospitals in the County was identified. The sample included, sex workers, officials of units affiliated to the National AIDS Control Council (NACC), and one Community Based Organisation (CBO). Data was collected using interviews, analysis of communication documents used to put to effect HIV and AIDS intervention. Further, an analysis of the websites of selected stakeholders was done to elicit their communication strategies. Findings revealed that interpersonal communication strategies used by peer navigators, mentor mothers and among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) were the most effective in the interventions against HIV and AIDS in the County. Mobilization was also found to be effective in targeting sex workers and Men who have sex with men (MSM). It emerged that the audiences targeted by the communication strategies were PLHIV and sex workers. The general population, men, the youth and other key populations were not effectively targeted. The study concludes that the communication strategies, as packaged, may not be effective in bringing about significant behaviour change among vulnerable populations. The paper recommends tailor-made communication s
A Conceptual Analysis of Metaphors Engendering HIV and AIDS-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Kisii County, Kenya
(Language Circle: Journal of Language and Literature, 2020) Maroko, Geoffrey Mokua; Mokua, Gladys Nyamoita; Nyakundi, Augustus Onchari; Onyambu, Meshack Ondora
Metaphors are mapped across two conceptual domains where A is B. Metaphorical expressionsare defined by dimensions including novelty, conventionality, abstractness and concreteness. The AbaGusii of Western Kenya is a highly conservative community of Bantu speakers of Western part of Kenya. They view HIV and Aids as taboo that cannot be the subject of discussion in public. Hence, People Living with HIV (hereafter PLHIV) are stigmatized and discriminated. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the metaphorical words and concepts that engender HIV and Aids-related stigma and discrimination in Kisii County. Descriptive narratives were elicited from HIV support providers using focus group discussions and follow-up interviews. The narratives were ana-lysed in terms of five attributes of stigma and discrimination within the conceptual metaphor theory. Results revealed some culturally ingrained metaphors that evoke stigma and discrimination. The paper advocates for language management efforts using success stories in HIV and Aids management to construct positive messages to counter the negative metaphors

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