Browsing by Author "Solomon, Omwoma Lugasi"

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Lacustrine cyanobacteria, algal blooms and cyanotoxins in east Africa: implications for human and ecological health protection
(Phycology, 2023-02) Timothy, Omara; Christine, Betty Nagawa; Christine, Kyarimpa; Stefan, Böhmdorfer; Thomas, Rosenau; Solomon, Omwoma Lugasi; Henry, Matovu; Silver, Odongo; Patrick, Ssebugere
Advected cyanobacteria, algal blooms and cyanotoxins have been increasingly detected in freshwater ecosystems. This review gives an insight into the present state of knowledge on the taxonomy, dynamics, toxic effects, human and ecological health implications of cyanobacteria, algal blooms and cyanotoxins in the East African Community lakes. The major toxigenic microalgae in East African lakes include Microcystis, Arthrospira, Dolichospermum, Planktolyngbya and Anabaenopsis species. Anatoxin-a, homoanatoxin-a, microcystins (MCs), cylindrospermopsin and nodularin have been quantified in water from below method detection limits to 81 μg L−1, with peak concentrations characteristically reported for the wet season. In whole fish, gut, liver and muscles, MCs have been found at concentrations of 2.4 to 1479.24 μg kg−1, which can pose human health risks to a daily consumer. While there have been no reported cases of cyanotoxin-related poisoning in humans, MCs and anatoxin-a (up to 0.0514 μg kg−1) have been identified as the proximal cause of indiscriminate fish kills and epornitic mortality of algivorous Phoeniconaias minor (lesser flamingos). With the unequivocal increase in climate change and variability, algal blooms and cyanotoxins will increase in frequency and severity, and this will necessitate swift action towards the mitigation of nutrient-rich pollutants loading into lakes in the region.
Medicinal plants used in the management of sexual dysfunction, infertility and improving virility in the east African community: a systematic review
(Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2023-08) Christine, Kyarimpa; Christine, Betty Nagawa; Timothy, Omara; Silver, Odongo; Patrick, Ssebugere; Solomon, Omwoma Lugasi; Ivan, Gumula
Sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED), sterility, and sexual inappetence represent some of the complex reproductive challenges that require addressing the underlying causes. Te aim of this paper was to systematically synthesize literature on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and safety of plants used as remedies for managing sexual dysfunction and infertility, and improving fertility and virility in the EAC. Trough an extensive review conducted in multidisciplinary electronic databases, 171 plant species were identifed to have been reported for the management of sexual inappetence (i.e., used as aphrodisiacs, 39.4%), ED (35.9%), infertility (18.7%), and increasing fertility (6.0%). Te most used plants are Mondia whitei, Acalypha villicaulis, Combretum illairii, Erythrina abyssinica, Pappea capensis, Rhus vulgaris, and Warburgia ugandensis while roots (44.9%), leaves (21.8%), stem and root barks (16.7%) of shrubs (35%), trees (31%), herbs (26%), and climbers (8%) are the preferred organs for making decoctions (69%). Te research strides to date indicate that Citropsis articulata, Cola acuminata, Ekebergia capensis, Plumbago zeylanica, Tarenna graveolens, Urtica massaica, and Zingiber ofcinale have been assessed for their bioactivity. Te majority (71.4%) of the plants either increased testosterone levels and mounting frequency or elicited prosexual stimulatory efects in male rats. More studies investigating the relevant pharmacological activities (aphrodisiac, fertility, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitory activities), safety aspects, responsible compounds, and clinical studies are warranted to establish the pharmacological potential of the unstudied species and elucidate the mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds.