Epilepsy is a serious condition and it can be difficult to find the right drug to treat it. Some commonly used antiepileptic drugs may show adverse effects. Most are expensive, and some may be ineffective.
A plant that grows in Nigeria shows promise as the source of a new drug. Tetrapleura tetraptera also known as aidan and uyayak, is a tree found in the West African rainforest belt. Its fruit gives a characteristic aromatic odour, making it a sought-after spice in some Nigerian dishes. Research into the plant found that an extract of its fruit could protect against seizure and prevent brain degeneration. It could therefore be studied further for the development of a new antiepileptic drug, writes Moses B. Ekong for The Conversation.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that arises from imbalances of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. This disorder manifests as recurring seizures, unconsciousness, and momentary loss of memory. These events are frequent and unpredictable. The burden of epilepsy in Nigeria is high, with estimated prevalence of eight per 1,000 people.
Hot mix asphalt, used mainly for road construction, is produced by mixing aggregates -- gravel, crushed stones, rock dust or powder - with bitumen under high-temperature conditions. This is done using an assembly of mechanical equipment in a plant - a facility which may be a temporary or permanent structure. These asphalt production plants are sometimes located within residential areas for convenience and proximity to construction sites.
Emissions from hot mix asphalt and other plant
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People have been using plants in skincare for thousands of years, for cleansing, perfuming, beautifying and healing. Today, plants contribute significantly to the beauty and medicinal industry, which is worth billions of dollars. Though orthodox medicine can treat many skin disorders, traditional herbal medicines and cosmetics remain popular especially in rural areas where they are part of people's culture.
In South Africa, it is estimated that about 27 million people still rely
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The last time Nigeria reported a novel antimicrobial compound of microbial origin was in 1986, under a project commissioned by Pfizer. The compound was used to treat coccidiosis in poultry and to promote growth in pigs. It was the second such compound from Nigeria, but research stalled in the decades that followed.
While work continued on the potential of microorganisms as antibiotic producers, no
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