Antibacterial, Antifungal and Sub-acute Toxicity Properties of Yushania Alpina (African Mountain Bamboo)

Abstract

In the recent times, chemotherapy against bacterial and fungal infections has faced a huge challenge because of resistance to antibiotics and antifungal agents and also emergence of new microbial infections which have proven difficult to treat. Therefore, traditional medicine forms an alternative therapy for such infections. Most of the local people rely on traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases. Furthermore, traditional medicine is regarded as a cheaper and user-friendly way of treating fungal and bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal and sub-acute toxicity properties of Yushania alpina shoots extracts which has been used in parts of Central Kenya and Rift Valley and also in Asia for the treatment of wounds and chest infections. For anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, this study applied two methods; Agar well diffusion method where the diameter of zones of inhibition was measured and broth dilution test where growth of microorganism was signified by turbidity in the test tubes once the microorganisms were incubated in relevant media in the presence of Yushania alpina shoots extracts. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were used as test microorganisms. A 28-day oral subacute toxicity testing was used in this study. A group of 40 healthy Sprague Dawley rats both males and females were selected randomly and allocated to three treatment groups and a control group. The three treatment groups were given orally the plant extracts daily at doses of 1000 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg and control group was given distilled water. Their weights were taken at intervals of 7 days and data on daily food and water consumption was recorded. The animals were monitored daily for any manifestation of treatment related adverse effects in behavioural change, motor function, neurological changes and any other clinical symptoms. After 28 days the animals were sacrificed and examined for any abnormalities related to treatment...