Research Article
Effects of Early Treatment of Lassa Fever and Symptoms in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
1-9
Received:
9 January 2025
Accepted:
1 February 2025
Published:
26 February 2025
Abstract: Lassa fever is an acute viral disease characterized by a broad range of clinical symptoms. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, focusing on demographic patterns, symptomatology, geographic distribution, and factors influencing outcomes of patients. Using secondary data collected from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from 2018 to 2021, Geographically, Edo and Ondo States accounted for the majority of cases, contributing 49.1% and 23.6% of recoveries, respectively, highlighting the regional concentration of Lassa fever burden. Factor analysis of symptoms revealed two distinct clusters: Late-stage symptoms, such as bleeding, respiratory distress, and chest pain, which were strongly associated with fatal outcomes, and Early-stage symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which facilitated initial disease detection. Logistic regression identified early- stage symptoms, late-stage symptoms and advanced age as significant predictors of mortality, while early-stage symptoms shows a less pronounced likelihood of death compared to late-stage symptoms when there is timely intervention. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection of symptoms and treatment as critical strategies to mitigate the impact of Lassa fever. Additionally, targeted interventions should focus on capturing Lassa fever cases in rural areas of other regions and prioritize regions with high disease prevalence and vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Enhanced diagnostic accuracy, timely treatment, and symptom monitoring are crucial to reducing mortality and improving outcomes for Lassa fever patients.
Abstract: Lassa fever is an acute viral disease characterized by a broad range of clinical symptoms. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, focusing on demographic patterns, symptomatology, geographic distribution, and factors influencing outcomes of patients. Using secondary data collected from the Nigeria Centre for D...
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Research Article
Phytochemical Profiling and Health Benefits of Chloroform and Methanol Extracts of Laurus nobilis (Bay Leaf)
Ngozi Nneka Offor
,
Bruno Chukwuemeka Chinko*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
10-23
Received:
28 February 2025
Accepted:
10 March 2025
Published:
26 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijbmr.20251301.12
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Abstract: Background: Laurus nobilis, commonly known as bay leaf, is widely used in global cuisine for flavouring soups and stews, as well as in baked foods and desserts. The present study aims to characterize the phytochemical composition of chloroform and methanol extracts of Laurus nobilis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Materials and Methods: Dried Bay leaves were locally sourced, properly identified, and authenticated. The leaves were extracted using cold maceration to obtain chloroform (CELN) and methanol (MELN) extracts of Laurus nobilis. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, along with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, was performed following standard protocols. Results: The qualitative analysis of CELN and MELN confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, and carbohydrates. Quantitative analysis indicated that MELN contained higher levels of phenols (11.34 mg/100g), tannins (5.20 mg/100g), and carbohydrates (16.23 mg/100g). GC-MS analysis identified 87 and 98 compounds in CELN and MELN, respectively, with 10 compounds common to both extracts. The most abundant (≥5%) compounds in MELN were Spiro(1,3,3-trimethylindoline)-2,5’-pyrrolidin-2-one (8.35%), 7,10,13-Hexadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (12.75%), Azuleno(4,5-b)furan-2(3H)-one, 3a,4,6a,7,8,9,9a,9b-octahydro-6-methyl-3,9-bis(methylene) (9.09%), and n-Hexadecenoic acid (18.25%). For CELN, the most abundant compounds were Buta-1,3-diyne,1,4-bis(2-methoxycarbonylcyclopropyl) (5.11%), Azuleno[6,5-b]furan-2,5-dione, decahydro-4a,8-dimethyl-3-methylene-,3aR-(3aα,4a,7aα,8β,9aα) (5.75%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (5.89%), phytol (7.57%), and Benzene, 1-phenyl-4-(2,2-dicyanoethenyl) (13.91%). Conclusion: This study highlights the rich phytochemical and bioactive profile of Laurus nobilis (bay leaf) extracts, reinforcing their potential in disease management. It also underscores the need for comprehensive pharmacological investigations of its bioactive compounds to support drug discovery efforts.
Abstract: Background: Laurus nobilis, commonly known as bay leaf, is widely used in global cuisine for flavouring soups and stews, as well as in baked foods and desserts. The present study aims to characterize the phytochemical composition of chloroform and methanol extracts of Laurus nobilis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Mater...
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