http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/82051 2026-05-18T20:37:16Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/154650 An Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Natural Foods and Medicinal Plants of the Ilkisonko Maasai Community, Kenya Kimondo, Julia W Background The Ilkisonko Maasai are a pastoralist community in Kajiado County, Kenya that uses indigenous plants for ethnomedicinal interventions. Methodology An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Loitokitok sub-county using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information on plants with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic or adaptogenic activity. Plants were collected and underwent preliminary screening by assessing the phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity via the Folin and Ciocalteu’s method, aluminium chloride colorimetric method and 2, 2- Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl test respectively. From the assays, plant extracts with the highest antioxidant activity were selected to undergo in vivo testing. Anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extracts of these plants was evaluated via the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. After this, one plant was subjected to chromatographic fractionation and isolation of the active ingredients. Spectroscopic techniques were used for structural elucidation of the isolated compounds. Results The ethnobotanical survey yielded 30 plant species from 21 families and 25 genera reportedly used as food and/or medicine. Some of the commonly treated ailments included body pains, stomach aches, constipation, joint aches, back aches, and sexually transmitted infections. The plants were also used as adaptogens, digestives, and restoratives. In the phytochemical assays, the methanol extracts had a higher phenolic content with the exception of a few plants in which the phenolic content in the water extract is higher. Acacia nilotica methanol and water extracts had the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity, while Acacia reficiens had the highest flavonoid content. In the anti-inflammatory assay, the selected plants all exhibited anti-inflammatory activity at early phase of inflammation. Grewia villosa extract underwent chromatographic isolation to give two pure compounds. Conclusion and recommendations This study has shown a positive correlation between the polyphenolic content and the antioxidant effect of plants and hence their health benefits in humans. This might encourage xiv growing and consumption of these foods. Thus, it is vital to perform a large-scale systematic screening of these herbs to add new knowledge on nutraceuticals. Further, the isolated bioactive compounds may act as starting points in drug development by providing templates for semi-synthetic derivation of more active compounds. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/107142 Assessment Of Characteristics Of Patients With Pregnancy Related Acute Kidney Injury In Kenyatta National Hospital Kivai, Jayne Mueni Pregnancy related acute kidney injury (PRAKI) remains a grave complication of pregnancy. Studies on patient characteristics are few and demonstrate diverse patient features. Objective: To determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with PRAKI at Kenyatta National Hospital (K.N.H) Methods: We carried out a descriptive study on women with gestation age equal to or above 28 weeks and on women in postpartum, within six weeks after delivery. The principal investigator or study assistant introduced study requirements to patients with diagnosis of PRAKI. After consent, clinical and demographic information was obtained from participants through verbal interviews and from medical records using a data capture form. Follow up was until discharge or maximum of two weeks which ever came first. Management of patients was at the discretion of the attending clinician. Results Out of 2068 admissions, 66 participants were enrolled into the study. The prevalence of PRAKI was 3.2%. The mean age was 28 years with peak age between 26-30 years. Forty-two (63.6%) were referred from other health facilities, of whom, 24(57.1%) were from rural areas. Nineteen (27.8%) had pre-pregnancy medical conditions, predominantly cardiovascular. All participants developed one or more obstetric complication: -preeclampsia 28(42.4%), eclampsia eight (9.1%) and hemolysis with elevated liver enzyme low platelet (HELLP) syndrome 17(25.8%). Sixty (91%) pregnancies were delivered. Average gestation age at delivery was 35 weeks, with 33(55%) preterm births, of whom, 10 (30.3%) were fresh still births. Severity of PRAKI at presentation was evenly distributed across stages 1 to 111. Forty-one (62.1%) participants improved on conservative management and 25(37.9%) worsened, of whom, 19 (76.0%) were dialyzed. No maternal mortality was reported during the study. Conclusion: We demonstrate a prevalence of PRAKI of 3.2% in K.N.H. Hypertensive disorders were the main associated factors. There was high rate of premature births and a six-fold increase in fresh still births among participants. 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/106643 Remarks at the University of Nairobi Alumni Association Awuondo, Isaac 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/104791 Determinants For Correct Diagnosis Of Preeclampsia Among Women Seeking Antenatal Services At Mbagathi County Referral Hospital Nairobi, Kenya Dullo, Yvonne Background: Preeclampsia is one of the five chief causes of maternal death. Early diagnosis greatly reduces maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Guidelines have been developed in Kenya on the parameters and methods of diagnosis. However, maternal mortality and morbidity from preeclampsia in Kenya remains high. Study Objective: To assess factors that determine correct diagnosis of preeclampsia at Mbagathi county referral hospital, Nairobi, Kenya Study Design: A hospital based descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Study population/ sample subjects/ procedures: The sample size was 216 antenatal women and 3 health care providers. Ethical clearance was sought from UoN/KNH ethics review committee, Nairobi County, Mbagathi hospital and the ward in charge. Informed consent was sought from the respondents. The tools were pretested at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. Study area: The study was conducted in Mbagathi county referral hospital. Data collection: The data was collected using questionnaires, Key Informant Interview (KII) guide and a checklist. Data analysis and interpretation: Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Qualitative data was processed through thematic analysis. It is presented through narratives. Findings: Health workers have limited knowledge of preeclampsia diagnosis particularly in timing of preeclampsia, and diagnostic criteria for urinalysis/ dipstick test. Dipsticks and guidelines on PET diagnosis were unavailable in the antenatal clinic Client knowledge on PET diagnosis is low Conclusion: Health workers have limited knowledge of diagnosis and need constant refresher courses. There is need for dipsticks and preeclampsia guidelines to be available in the antenatal clinic. Women need to be informed on Preeclampsia diagnosis Recommendations: Diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia should be reviewed, proteinuria tests done for every woman at every antenatal visit. Awareness talks given to women on preeclampsia and constant refresher updates for health care providers. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z