Session IV

Chairman: Dr. W. Kofi-Tsekpo
Rapporteur: Dr. M. Cajias

Presentations

Prof. Asmoah reported on the toxicity and pharmacology of some selected plants from Ghana. Four plants bad been studied for antimalarial and antimicrobial activity, both in vivo and vitro with promising results similar to tetracycline. A number of alkaloids were isolated and identified, some of them being new compounds. He recommended careful pharmacological studies.

Dr. J.D. Msonthi reported that there is a good co- operation between the traditional healers and modern practitioners and chemists in Malawi. He said the major problem was lack of equipment. He reported also that the traditional medicine is now incorporated into modern medical care. He reported the isolation of compounds with anticancer activity from Hyposis species. The compounds also showed antimalarial activity comparable to quinine.

Dr. S.R. Malele described the biotransformation of hydroxyanthroquinones glycosides from Cassia species. Two biogenetic pathways were given. Tissue cultures method with isotope labelling were described.

Dr. M. Cajias gave a general overview picture of the state of traditional medicine in Bolivia. She strongly recommended the integration and co-operation between traditional and modern medicine.

Discussion

Prof. Koumare said we are trying to look into traditional medical system from scientific point of view. He generally felt that no solid ideas are precipitating out, and the whole issue is still confused. He said it was necessary for the conference to agree on what we want to do. He suggested that delegates should keep in mind the objectives of the symposium during the discussions.

Dr. P.C. Rwangabo asked Dr. Msonthi to give details of antimalarial, and anticancer activities, and the model used. He also asked Dr. Malele if he did any pharmacological studies. He commented and showed satisfaction of Dr. Cajias presentation.

Dr. Msonthi responded that cancer was a human colon. Dr. Malele said that glycosides and cyanocides release compounds which are active in the intestine.

Dr. Jonathan strongly suggested identification of a centre with facilities to carry out research and exchange information on traditional medicines.

Ms Z. Nuru (Chairperson of the Conference) responded that at the end of the day we shall streamline the strategy of the symposium.

Dr. K. Akhiri commented on Prof. Asmoah's paper that he would not advise patients to take the drug because it has hypoglycaemic activity, and could be dangerous to diabetic patients.

Prof. Asmoah responded by saying that toxicity studies should not be extra plated but they should be used as precautions.

Prof. Dagne told Dr. Malele that he doesn't believe chrysophanol will give emodine as the two will not have the same biogenetics. Dr. Malele replied that probably Dr. Dagne is correct.

Dr. Abondo commented that most of the papers presented did not address to the objectives of the conference. He raised a serious concern on Dr. Msonthi's paper on care of carcinoma without thorough scientific studies.

Dr. Msonthi responded by saying that he is a phytochemist and other relevant institutions with competent experts were used for the testing.

Prof. Mwaluko commented that Msonthi's results were from laboratory work, and were subject to further investigation.

Dr. Fernandez from Angolan stressed the need of mass education on all fronts.

Dr. Bhat commented that the papers presented were of specialised nature and not very relevant to the objectives of the conference. Traditional Medicine should be the interaction of the drugs with the patient. Drug tolerance should be considered.

Prof. Elmi stressed on the need of feedback of information from the scientists to the traditional healers.

Prof. Asmoah): was asked if there was any abuse of the plant described with morphine type of activity? He replied that the government would will take appropriate precaution on the abuse of such plants.

Dr. Mapunda commented on the participants' insistence on the isolation of active ingredients followed by the synthesis, rather than adopting the position of traditional medicine in health care.

Ms. Zahra M. Nuru (Chairperson of the conference) noted that the participation on the first objective of the symposium had been very well covered, while other objectives were much less covered.

Dr. Wakori described biological and phytochemical screening leaflets of cassia didymobotrya.

Dr. D. W. Kioy described in detail the basic schemes of isolation and identification of natural products.

Dr. F. Mirez gave a general lecture which included information on his institute in Peru. He described the general procedure of the treatment, in different stages, of various diseases. The plants used for treating tuberculosis were reported.

Dr. Thiambino gave a general lecture on the geography population, and land statistics of her country, including government policy on traditional medicine. She also reported on the commercial production of some drugs from medicinal plants.