http://dspace.lamu.edu.zm:8080/handle/123456789/99 2026-10-13T05:26:46Z http://dspace.lamu.edu.zm:8080/handle/123456789/231 Title: Applications of Electrospun Drug-Eluting Nanofibers in Wound Healing: Current and Future Perspectives. Authors: Akombaetwa, Nakamwi; Bwanga, Alick; Makoni, Pedzisai Anotida; Witika, Bwalya A. Abstract: Wounds are a consequence of disruption in the structure, integrity, or function of the skin or tissue. Once a wound is formed following mechanical or chemical damage, the process of wound healing is initiated, which involves a series of chemical signaling and cellular mechanisms that lead to regeneration and/or repair. Disruption in the healing process may result in complications; therefore, interventions to accelerate wound healing are essential. In addition to mechanical support provided by sutures and traditional wound dressings, therapeutic agents play a major role in accelerating wound healing. The medicines known to improve the rate and extent of wound healing include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and proliferation enhancing agents. Nonetheless, the development of these agents into eluting nanofibers presents the possibility of fabricating wound dressings and sutures that provide mechanical support with the added advantage of local delivery of therapeutic agents to the site of injury. Herein, the process of wound healing, complications of wound healing, and current practices in wound healing acceleration are highlighted. Furthermore, the potential role of drug-eluting nanofibers in wound management is discussed, and lastly, the economic implications of wounds as well as future perspectives in applying fiber electrospinning in the design of wound dressings and sutures are considered and reported. Description: This research article can also be accessed through https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142931 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.lamu.edu.zm:8080/handle/123456789/230 Title: A brief review on the use of cannabis as a treatment option for local inflammation in peripheral tissue Authors: Akombaetwa, Nakamwi Abstract: Inflammation is a complex process which, ideally, comes about as a “mop up’ response to cell injury. It however occasionally results in undesired effects that should otherwise be prevented or resolved speedily. There are available numerous medicines with varied modes of administration commercially available for the management of inflammation. With the growing evidence of cannabis’ therapeutic effects, its anti-inflammatory properties being one of them, debates among proponents and opponents of cannabis use are ever growing. These debates are centered on the undesired central effects of some of the plants secondary metabolites an argument that can be moderated by using the plant in a manner that steers clear of these effects. Effective topical formulations could very well be one avenue through which nature can be allowed to heal with minimal negative repercussions. Description: This is a research article abstract that can also be accessed through https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330338113_A_brief_review_on_the_use_of_cannabis_as_a_treatment_option_for_local_inflammation_in_peripheral_tissue 2018-12-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.lamu.edu.zm:8080/handle/123456789/126 Title: Aphrodisiac Effects of an Ethanolic Root Extract of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. fimbriatum (Kafupa) on Male Wistar Rats Authors: Kamwela, Moses; Ezeala, Christian; Prashar, Lavina Abstract: Background: Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. fimbriatum is used traditionally in Zambia for its aphrodisiac effect, but there is no scientific evidence to support this use. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the aphrodisiac effects of the plant's root extract in rats. Study Design: This was an experimental study in which sixty Wister rats (30 males and 30 females) were separated into 5 groups of 12 rats and treated with different doses of the extract. Methods: The root extracts were administered at single oral doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg to 30 male rats. Distilled water and sildenafil served as controls. Female rats were treated with 0.1 mg/kg diethylstilbesterol and paired to the male rats. Mounting frequency, intromission, ejaculation, and latency periods were monitored using recording cameras. Recordings were analyzed visually and expressed as mean ± standard error. Results: The root extract produced significant dosedependent increases in mounting, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies and latency periods, compared to negative controls. The 400 mg/kg dose produced highest number of mounts (31.33 ± 0.49, p= 0.001), intromissions (24.17 ± 0.60, p= 0.001) and ejaculations (7.67 ± 0.33, p= 0.001) compared to negative controls. At this dose, latency periods for mounting (3.00 ± 0.37min, p= 0.001) and intromission (2.1 ± 0.32 min, p= 0.001) were shortest, while the latency periods for ejaculation (6.33 ± 0.56 min, p=0.001) were longest. Conclusion: Root extract of Ocimum fimbriatum exerted significant aphrodisiac effects in rats and justifies traditional use of the plant. Further studies are required to elucidate the active principles and mechanisms involved in this effect. Description: This journal article can also be accessed on https://mjz.co.zm/index.php/mjz/article/view/630 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z