M. E. Eja

Bio: M. E. Eja is an academic researcher from University of Calabar. The author has contributed to research in topics: Antimicrobial & Phytochemical. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 26 publications receiving 251 citations. Previous affiliations of M. E. Eja include Cross River University of Technology.

A comparative assessment of the antimicrobial effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and antibiotics on diarrheagenic organisms.

Abstract: Antimicrobial sensitivity tests were carried out on Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Sal- monella sp, and Proteus mirabilis using standard procedures. Significant differences (p<0.01) were seen in the effect of the antimicrobial agents (garlic, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin), and in the sensitivities of the microbial species (p<0.01) to the antimicrobial agents were observed. The gram-negative diarrheagenic pathogens from the stool samples were highly sensitive to garlic, while ciprofloxacin (CPX) was most effective against E. coli. The differences were in- ferred to result from genetic differences among the organisms and differences in the modes of action of the antibiotics. No isolates were resistant to garlic, making it a promising antimicro- bial agent. It appears that antibiotics that interfere with DNA and RNA syntheses, such as garlic does, could constitute an effective partner in the synergic effect of garlic currently being investigated worldwide.

Phytochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of combined effect of extracts of the leaves of Garcinia kola, Vernonia amygdalina and honey on some medically important microorganisms

Abstract: Warm water extracts of the leaves of Garcinia kola and Vernonia amygdalinasuspended in honey traditionally employed for the treatment of post circumcision wounds, fresh wounds and chronic skin ulcers was prepared and evaluated for its phytochemical properties and antimicrobial activities. The phytochemical analysis of the preparation revealed the presence of polyphenol, reducing sugars, tannins, glycoside, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and anthraquinones. Neat (100%) concentration of preparation inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniaeand Candida albicans. At 50% concentration, the growth of P. aeruginosa while S. aureus and K. pneumoniae were inhibited while at 25% concentration only P. aeruginosa was inhibited. The result suggests that the preparation exhibited significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against common wound isolates and may be employed for the routine treatment of wounds and sepsis as an alternative to antibiotics chemotherapy. Key words: Extracts, antimicrobial, honey, Garcinia kola and Vernonia amygdalina.

Self Medication in Rural Africa: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract: Self medication in rural Africa has reached a crisis state, as people take anything, and even potentially toxic substances as remedies. Thus, this study investigated the self medication profile of the rural people of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States of Southeastern Nigeria. Five hundred and fifty two out of seven hundred and thirty six persons which were randomly selected served with structured questionnaires, were interviewed. The study revealed that 99.4% relied on self medication, while 0.6% consulted physicians. A wide range of substances such as herbs, antibiotics, ash, kerosene, petrol, etc, are used as remedies, and no specific drugs are used for specific ailments, depicting a confusing state of folk medicine in rural Africa. Herbs (10.8%) and antibiotics (9.1%) can be used for the treatment of any of the identified sixteen ailments in the communities. The intervention of government to reduce poverty and provide adequate healthcare and education is recommended.

An evaluation of the antimicrobial potency of Lasianthera africana (BEAUV) and Heinsia crinata (G. Taylor) on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans

Abstract: Information on the potency of many African medical plants against microorganisms is scanty, and in the current wave of antimicrobial resistance against chemotherapeutic drugs, there is need to search for plants that could be resistance-free and affordable. The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of the extracts of Lasianthera africana (E1) and Heinsia crinata (E2) in combination with chloramphenicol, on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphlococcus aureus and Candida albicans. For this purpose, the dilution sensitivity and disc diffusion techniques were respectively applied in determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant extracts, and the sensitivities of the organisms to the plant extracts and their combinations with chloramphenicol. L. africana and H. crinata showed very high antimicrobial activity against all the test organisms. In combination, the effect of E1 on E. coli and S. typhi was completely antagonized by that of E2, whereas additive effect on S. aureus and C. albicans was observed, indicating that the combination of E1 and E2 might be effective against gram positive pathogenic organisms. The combination of either plant extract with chloramphenicol produced synergistic effect on only C. albicans. The smaller MIC of E2 indicated greater effectivity than E1. It is concluded that the additive effect produced by the combination of the two plant extracts, and the synergic effect from the combination of any of the extracts with chloramphenicol, offer alternative therapy to gram positive bacterial infections and candidiasis respectively.

An evaluation of the antimicrobial synergy of Garlic ( Allium sativum) and Utazi (Gongronema latifolium ) on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract: As part of the on-going search for potent and resistance-free antimicrobial medicinal plants, the antimicrobial and synergistic effects of the plants, Allium sativum (E1) and Gongronema latifolium (E2) on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. The sensitivities of E. coli and S. aureus to E1 and E2 and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the plant extracts, individually and in combination with themselves, and with ciprofloxacin (CPX) and ampicillin (AMP), were tested using standard procedures. E1 and E2 individually showed appreciable antimicrobial effect (zones of inhibition > 16mm). The combination of E1 and E2 against the test organisms was not effective due to antagonism between E1 and E2. E1 or E2 when combined with CPX, completely suppressed the effect of CPX against E. coli , and rather produced additive effect on S. aureus similar to the combination of E2 and AMP against S. aureus , although CPX alone was more effective than either E1 or E2, unlike AMP. Synergism was observed in the combination of E1 and AMP against S. aureus . It is concluded that synergism associated with the combination of medicinal plants is doubtful. However, the synergistic or additive effect between garlic and conventional drugs to some strains of bacteria which are resistant to some conventional drugs, gives hope of fighting drug resistance.

Therapeutic Uses and Pharmacological Properties of Garlic, Shallot, and Their Biologically Active Compounds

Abstract: Objective(s): Garlic (Allium sativum L. family Liliaceae) is well known in Iran and its leaves, flowers, and cloves have been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Research in recent decades has shown widespread pharmacological effects of A. sativum and its organosulfur compounds especially Allicin. Studies carried out on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are organosulfur compounds such as allicin, diallyl disulphide, S-allylcysteine, and diallyl trisulfide. Allicin represents one of the most studied among these naturally occurring compounds. In addition to A. sativum, these compounds are also present in A. hirtifolium (shallot) and have been used to treat various diseases. This article reviews the pharmacological effects and traditional uses of A. sativum, A. hirtifolium, and their active constituents to show whether or not they can be further used as potential natural sources for the development of novel drugs. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the authors went through a vast number of sources and articles and all needed data was gathered. The findings were reviewed and classified on the basis of relevance to the topic and a summary of all effects were reported as tables. Conclusion: Garlic and shallots are safe and rich sources of biologically active compounds with low toxicity. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety and quality of the plants to be used by clinicians as therapeutic agents.

Water and sanitation in schools: a systematic review of the health and educational outcomes.

Abstract: A systematic review of the literature on the effects of water and sanitation in schools was performed. The goal was to characterize the impacts of water and sanitation inadequacies in the academic environment. Published peer reviewed literature was screened and articles that documented the provision of water and sanitation at schools were considered. Forty-one peer-reviewed papers met the criteria of exploring the effects of the availability of water and/or sanitation facilities in educational establishments. Chosen studies were divided into six fields based on their specific foci: water for drinking, water for handwashing, water for drinking and handwashing, water for sanitation, sanitation for menstruation and combined water and sanitation. The studies provide evidence for an increase in water intake with increased provision of water and increased access to water facilities. Articles also report an increase in absenteeism from schools in developing countries during menses due to inadequate sanitation facilities. Lastly, there is a reported decrease in diarrheal and gastrointestinal diseases with increased access to adequate sanitation facilities in schools. Ensuring ready access to safe drinking water, and hygienic toilets that offer privacy to users has great potential to beneficially impact children's health. Additional studies that examine the relationship between sanitation provisions in schools are needed to more adequately characterize the impact of water and sanitation on educational achievements.

Antibacterial effect of Allium sativum cloves and Zingiber officinale rhizomes against multiple-drug resistant clinical pathogens

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the antibacterial properties of Allium sativum (garlic) cloves and Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizomes against multi-drug resistant clinical pathogens causing nosocomial infection.