Some Investigations on the Traditional Pharmacopoeia about Venomous Bites and Stings from Scorpions, Snakes and Spiders; in the Hina Subdivision, Far-North, Cameroon
Journal Title: Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International - Year 2015, Vol 5, Issue 5
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to find out (a) which plants and animals are used in popular phyto- and zootherapy for the treatment of spiders, scorpions and snake venoms in the Hina subdivision, of the Far-North Region of Cameroon, and (b) the reasons for these usage. Methods: The morbidity data on venomous bites and stings was obtained from the Hina-Marback (main town of subdivision) hospital. Information on the treatment was gathered through interviews with traditional healers and conversation with people who had spent their entire lives in the region. Results: Of the 31 patients recorded at Hina-Marback hospital, 22.58% are 3 to 10 years and 35.5% are 11 to 20 years old. Among victims, 41.9% were pupils of whom 64.5% were males. Necrotize bites and stings are most frequent constituting 67.7% of the total. Of 82 patients studied, bites from Echis ocellatus (49.9%) and Cobra nigricollis (23.2%) are most frequent. Twenty-two plant species belonging to 20 genera were collected, from which 22 therapeutic preparations are used for treatment. While some preparations such as from Annona senegalensis are used to treat necrotizing bites, those of Securidada longipedonculata are used for neuro-toxic bites. Chemistry and pharmacology confirm the virtues of these plants, which act by competing for the venom active binding sites. Also 6 animal species belonging to 5 genera were collected from which 8 therapeutic preparations are useful. Conclusion: Traditional healers of Hina are able to overcome non-complicated bites and sting-related disorders. Chemotherapy with plant preparations and animal products are most frequently employed. Therapies used in combination show some efficiency. Ingestion of the flesh of venomous snake for treatment needs further investigation.
Authors and Affiliations
Noumi Emmanuel, Safiatou Mamoudou
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP344386
- DOI 10.9734/BJPR/2015/8894
- Views 97
- Downloads 0
Effect of Root and Leaf Extracts of Tetracarpidium conophorum on Liver Enzyme Levels in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats
Aim: Tetracarpidium conophorum is a climbing shrub grown principally for its leaf, root, fruit and nut in Southern Nigeria and Western Cameroon. This study was conducted to assess the liver function status in alloxan- in...
Immunization Services: Involvement of Community Pharmacies in Lagos State, Nigeria
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practice of Community Pharmacies in immunization services, and evaluate the level of willingness of Community Pharmacists to participate in immunization services. S...
Iodine-125-Chlorambucil as Possible Radio Anticancer for Diagnosis and Therapy of Cancer: Preparation and Tissue Distribution
Chlorambucil (CLB) is an aromatic nitrogen mustard and an alkylating agent. It has been mainly used in the chemotherapy. A method for radiopharmaceutical preparation of [125I]-iodo-Chlorambucil a potential cancer therape...
Study of Bacterial Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus by Comparison of Conventional in-vitro Methods with PCR & RFLP Based Genotypic Methods
Methicillin Resistant S. aureus is an increasingly common cause of nosocomial infections, causing severe morbidity and mortality worldwide and accounting for more than 50% of all S. aureus diseases. S. aureus used in our...
In vitro Equivalence Studies/Comparative Assessment of Generic Metronidazole Tablets Commercially Available in Lagos, Nigeria
Purpose: For drug products to be interchangeably used by healthcare providers, formulation characteristics, which reflect variation within brands, batches and lots examined via dissolution profile analysis, must not show...