Drug discovery and biodiversity conservation in Samburu, Kenya
Mark O. Nanyingi1* , James M. Mbaria 1, Adamson L.Lanyasunya 2, Cyrus G. Wagate1, Kipsengeret B. Koros. 1, 4, William O. Ogara 1, Jacob O.Midiwo3
1Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O BOX 29053-00625 Nairobi, Kenya
2Samburu Integrated Resource Aid Network (SIRAN) P.O BOX 26 Maralal, Kenya
3Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O BOX 30197 Nairobi, Kenya
4 Center for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
High-throughput screening (HTS) of large compound and combinatorial libraries offers the best chances for discovery of novel lead compounds. Considerable research on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical therapeutics has been carried out on Samburu medicinal plants as potential sources of new pharmaceuticals. We attempt to outline developments in Traditional Medicine (TM) and legislation concerning conservation and biodiversity in Samburu district. Based on field trips, interviews, site visits and literature we explored the history, current status, re-establishment and development of TM and intellectual property rights (IPR). A collaborative research as part of the economic justification for biodiversity conservation was conducted to develop a model program for drug discovery in Kenya and progress on this project is reported, including a database of 72 plants with antimalarial, ectoparasiticidal, larvicidal and antihelmintic properties. Plants were collected and screened for bioactivity at our laboratories and those with antibacterial, antiplasmodial and larvicidal potency were studied. We are conducting invitro and invivo cytotoxicity studies and isolation of active compounds in collaboration with other laboratories. The conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in bioprospecting and biotechnology as it relates to rights of indigenous knowledge holders is discussed. Any royalties from the resulting drugs will be shared with these communities as an economic incentive to maintain their habitat. We must foster the development of multidisciplinary, international, collaborative research programs which will support local and global scientists in futuristic pharmaceutical developments from natural resources.
Keywords: Drug discovery; Biodiversity; Intellectual property rights; Kenya
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
5TH African Association of Physiologists Conference, August 2008
Pharmacoepidemiology and bioprospecting of herbal medicines in three Districts in Kenya.
Nanyingi O Mark1*, Wagate G Cyrus1, Gakuya W Daniel2, Kipsengeret B. Koros1, 3, James M Mbaria1
1Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi P.O Box 29053-00625 Nairobi Kenya
2 Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi P.O Box 29053-00625 Nairobi Kenya
3 Center for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
A comparative ethnomedicinal study was conducted to document the indigenous medicinal plant knowledge, use and extinction threats in Samburu, Machakos and Kitui Districts of Kenya from December 2006 to May 2007. Data were collected from 300 randomly selected respondents using semi-structured interviews and observations in order to examine the present use of medicinal plants and their reputed therapeutic effects. Sixty-four ethnomedicinal plant species used by traditional healers to manage sixty two different veterinary and medical conditions were identified and documented. Healers' and respondents indigenous knowledge was positively correlated with their reported age but not with their educational level. High degree of consensus was observed among traditional healers in harvesting, preparation and administration of the herbal remedies. Those most frequently reported had therapeutic value for treating gastrointestinal and respiratory syndromes as analgesic/anti-inflammatory and antitusive agents. The frequently managed conditions included malaria and tick-borne diseases. The use of more than one species was significantly cited for remedy preparations. The reported abundance of the ethnomedicinal plant species varied significantly with respect to the presence of multiple uses of the reported species. Our results showed that the local population had high ethnobotanical knowledge and that the ethnomedicinal plant species are under serious threat prompting the need for urgent attention towards their conservation and sustainable utilization. Ethnobotany and pharmacoepidemiology adds value to herbal medicines and it is fundamental in pharmacognosy, bioprospecting and high throughput screening (HTS) of novel drug molecules.
Nanyingi O Mark1*, Wagate G Cyrus1, Gakuya W Daniel2, Kipsengeret B. Koros1, 3, James M Mbaria1
1Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi P.O Box 29053-00625 Nairobi Kenya
2 Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi P.O Box 29053-00625 Nairobi Kenya
3 Center for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
A comparative ethnomedicinal study was conducted to document the indigenous medicinal plant knowledge, use and extinction threats in Samburu, Machakos and Kitui Districts of Kenya from December 2006 to May 2007. Data were collected from 300 randomly selected respondents using semi-structured interviews and observations in order to examine the present use of medicinal plants and their reputed therapeutic effects. Sixty-four ethnomedicinal plant species used by traditional healers to manage sixty two different veterinary and medical conditions were identified and documented. Healers' and respondents indigenous knowledge was positively correlated with their reported age but not with their educational level. High degree of consensus was observed among traditional healers in harvesting, preparation and administration of the herbal remedies. Those most frequently reported had therapeutic value for treating gastrointestinal and respiratory syndromes as analgesic/anti-inflammatory and antitusive agents. The frequently managed conditions included malaria and tick-borne diseases. The use of more than one species was significantly cited for remedy preparations. The reported abundance of the ethnomedicinal plant species varied significantly with respect to the presence of multiple uses of the reported species. Our results showed that the local population had high ethnobotanical knowledge and that the ethnomedicinal plant species are under serious threat prompting the need for urgent attention towards their conservation and sustainable utilization. Ethnobotany and pharmacoepidemiology adds value to herbal medicines and it is fundamental in pharmacognosy, bioprospecting and high throughput screening (HTS) of novel drug molecules.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
World Congress on Magic Bullets, Nuremberg Germany, October 3-5, 2008
Dr. Nanyingi Mark a promising young scientist from Kenya continues with his exemplary indefatigable zeal to make impact on the global arena. He will be among scientists from 84 countries attending the this very special and prestigious conference that is organized by the Germany society pharmaceutical sciences in Nuremberg, Germany October 3-5, 2008. on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Nobel Prize awarded to Paul Ehrlich. This conference aims at reviewing our knowledge on compounds that deserve or failed to receive the designation "MAGIC BULLET" and at discussing the reasons. having made significant contributions to drug research he will be privileged to showcase his data to many top scientists and have opportunity to take part in their superb workshops, listen to their plenary talks and also talk to them in "Meet the Professor - Sessions".
A snippet of Nanyingi's presentations include
1. In-vitro and In-vivo antiplasmodial efficacy of some Kenyan medicinal plants
2. Ethnopharmacological survey of Samburu district, Kenya (www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2412850).
3. Bioprospecting of novel herbal antimalarials in Kenya
correspondence: Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi P.O Box 29053-00625 Nairobi Kenya
A snippet of Nanyingi's presentations include
1. In-vitro and In-vivo antiplasmodial efficacy of some Kenyan medicinal plants
2. Ethnopharmacological survey of Samburu district, Kenya (www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/
3.
correspondence: Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi P.O Box 29053-00625 Nairobi Kenya
Friday, June 6, 2008
climate change and vector borne diseases in the tropics
A vector-borne disease is one in which the pathogenic microorganism is transmitted from an infected individual to another individual by an arthropod or other agent, sometimes with other animals serving as intermediary hosts. The transmission depends upon the attributes and requirements of at least three different living organisms: the pathologic agent, either a virus, protozoa, bacteria, or helminth (worm); the vector, which are commonly arthropods such as ticks or mosquitoes(image) ; and the human host. In addition, intermediary hosts such as domesticated and/or wild animals often serve as a reservoir for the pathogen until susceptible human populations are exposed.
An increased incidence of vector-borne diseases is to be expected as a result of climate change. The projected changes in climate and climate variability will have a profound impact on the ecology of vector populations. In order to estimate the extent to which such events might occur, the effects of climate change on the distribution and epidemiology of malaria and dengue are to be scientifically evaluated. There is a clear indication of the change in risk of malaria and dengue in the coming 80 years. '. All climate scenarios an increase of malaria and dengue transmission potential as climate changes. Also a change of the seasonality of these diseases is to be expected. The field study in western Kenya underlines the potential changes that may occur under predicted climate change scenario's. Increased temperatures lead to shorter mosquito development times and more mosquito generations per year. Should this be accompanied by more events of intense rainfall, malaria in the Kano plains will increase, and the people of the Kericho hills will experience more episodes of malaria epidemics than at present. Such events can, as we have seen, alarming effects on the malaria incidence in mostly African children.
Nearly half of the world's population is infected by vector-borne diseases, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. The distribution of the incidence of vector-borne diseases is grossly disproportionate, with the overwhelming impact in developing countries located in tropical and subtropical areas.
Weather affects vector population dynamics and disease transmission, with temperature and humidity considered key variables. Only recently have researchers attempted to predict how climate change might affect the distribution of vector-borne diseases. A comprehensive model should consider both the direct impacts (such as changes in temperature or rainfall) and indirect impacts (such as changes in hydrology or agriculture) of global warming on the agent, vector, intermediary host, and the human host. The response of each element of the disease process to climate change may have ramifications for the others.
THE MOSQUITO thrives well in the tropics causing Malaria and other life threatening conditions.
So let us work towards a better world with minimal environmental degradation because this can lead to extinction of life and the universe in totality.
An increased incidence of vector-borne diseases is to be expected as a result of climate change. The projected changes in climate and climate variability will have a profound impact on the ecology of vector populations. In order to estimate the extent to which such events might occur, the effects of climate change on the distribution and epidemiology of malaria and dengue are to be scientifically evaluated. There is a clear indication of the change in risk of malaria and dengue in the coming 80 years. '. All climate scenarios an increase of malaria and dengue transmission potential as climate changes. Also a change of the seasonality of these diseases is to be expected. The field study in western Kenya underlines the potential changes that may occur under predicted climate change scenario's. Increased temperatures lead to shorter mosquito development times and more mosquito generations per year. Should this be accompanied by more events of intense rainfall, malaria in the Kano plains will increase, and the people of the Kericho hills will experience more episodes of malaria epidemics than at present. Such events can, as we have seen, alarming effects on the malaria incidence in mostly African children.
Nearly half of the world's population is infected by vector-borne diseases, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. The distribution of the incidence of vector-borne diseases is grossly disproportionate, with the overwhelming impact in developing countries located in tropical and subtropical areas.
Weather affects vector population dynamics and disease transmission, with temperature and humidity considered key variables. Only recently have researchers attempted to predict how climate change might affect the distribution of vector-borne diseases. A comprehensive model should consider both the direct impacts (such as changes in temperature or rainfall) and indirect impacts (such as changes in hydrology or agriculture) of global warming on the agent, vector, intermediary host, and the human host. The response of each element of the disease process to climate change may have ramifications for the others.
THE MOSQUITO thrives well in the tropics causing Malaria and other life threatening conditions.
So let us work towards a better world with minimal environmental degradation because this can lead to extinction of life and the universe in totality.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Antimalarial activity of herbal drugs
The recently concluded first national scientific conference held in Kenya's capital city Nairobi had very interesting research papers.
One specific article that captured the attention of participants was the role of traditional medicines in combating infectious and neglected tropical diseases in Africa.
Malaria is endemic in Africa and due to high costs of importing antimalarials and the dilapidated medical infrastructure the intervention has been poor.
The use ITN and IRS have been major achievements in the fight against vectors and the plasmodium parasites.
Chemotheratheupetic interventions have been paramount but the rate of resistance development has led to search of novel molecules from cheaper botanicals.
the paper by Dr.Nanyingi Mark Opiyo from University of Nairobi is a must read for policy change and adaptation of herbal medicines in the treatment of malaria in Kenya and Africa.
There is need for support of scientists engaged in this and other research geared towards eliminating tropical diseases.
opiyo.
One specific article that captured the attention of participants was the role of traditional medicines in combating infectious and neglected tropical diseases in Africa.
Malaria is endemic in Africa and due to high costs of importing antimalarials and the dilapidated medical infrastructure the intervention has been poor.
The use ITN and IRS have been major achievements in the fight against vectors and the plasmodium parasites.
Chemotheratheupetic interventions have been paramount but the rate of resistance development has led to search of novel molecules from cheaper botanicals.
the paper by Dr.Nanyingi Mark Opiyo from University of Nairobi is a must read for policy change and adaptation of herbal medicines in the treatment of malaria in Kenya and Africa.
There is need for support of scientists engaged in this and other research geared towards eliminating tropical diseases.
opiyo.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
kenyas demographic profile
its with utmost urgency that fellow countrymen understood the demographic pattern of this beautiful country, my intention is to ultimately insist on peaceful coexistence to save kenya from anarchy because even the poor and weak have their story .
"Genocide, political assassinations, hatred, suspicion, vandalism have become synonymous with kenya".
Land ownership has fueled animosity clouded in the disputed presidential election where the incumbent claims to rule while a huge chunk of his cabinet swept aside by the ODM wave.
My logical argument to this contestation would be a presidential rerun, i was quite optimistic of the future of this country when i lined up and voted for my desired candidates and never dreamt of plunging my own fate into disrepute.
Today is a month since we chose our leaders but these are the results :
1. Declaration of kibaki as the winner of the election amidst heightened tension and incomplete documentation of the results.
2.Archaic swearing in of the head of state
3. spontaneous protests countrywide.
4.Retaining of persons of the past government in the half cabinet.
3.Burning of refugees in a church in Eldoret
5.Exodus of kenyan refugees in uganda.
6.Vandalizing of railway line in kibera.
7.Helicopter firing on warring ethnic groups in Naivasha.
8.Koffi Annan formal launching of negotiations.
9.NSE closing momentarily for the first time.
10.kenya losing 60 billion in month
11. Universities and colleges remain closed.
12.Killing of Mellitus Mugabe Were(Assassination).
you realize that there is no chronology of events but i have attempted to recollect the most significant.
i Have few questions to whom it may concern
1. can this happen for 5 years.?
2. Is this a tribal issue any more? having looked at the map of kenya we realise that no single tribe has the numbers to rule alone.
3. Did MUGABE die of thuggery or ....?
4. Does any of the two antagonists feel this heat?
5. Do we need constitutional reforms?
6. Is majimbo pragmatic or redefining of our geopolitical boundaries and have Kenya CENTRAL and WESTERN as in Sudan?
7. Do we have persons owning land more than entire communities?
8. How well is the wealth equity ?
9. Do we still intend to intermarry with other tribes?
10. Do we need to swallow our prides even when the truth is out there?
11. Do we need a rerun since Kibaki has the numbers with Kalonzo?
12. Do we need a new ECK outfit?
if any one can answer those questions please do.
Dr. OPIYO NANYINGI
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