SEFA Organic

Good morning friends, we wish all of our Christian comrades, happy Martyr's day memorial celebrations.

Combretum molle
LOCAL NAMES
English (velvet leaf
willow,velvet leaf combretum,velvet bush willow);
Luganda (ndagi); Swahili (msana,mlama);

Commonly found in the dry corridors of Central Uganda, especially in Nakasongola.

PARTS USED: Roots, stem bark and leaves

C. molle (soft-leaved Combretum, velvet bush willow) is a tree with a larger, straighter trunk compared to most species of Combretum, further distinguished by its rough bark and dense crown. It occurs throughout tropical Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula in areas where woodlands and wooded grasslands predominate, often forming pure stands on hillsides.
C. molle has been widely used as a medicinal plant to treat various diseases such as parasitic, protozoan and other infectious diseases in East and West Africa. Antibacterial studies have demonstrated its activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori at different extract concentrations.
Antifungal activity was reported in models that used Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, Candida albicans,
C. neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Sporothrix schenckii and Microsporum canis. Molle was also able to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Antitrypansomal and anthelmintic activities of different extracts have also been reported.

It can treat the following: -
1. Syphillis
2. Gonorrhea
3. Influenza
4. Oedema
5. Skin diseases
6. Treatment of wounds

Toxicity studies have reported the activity of aqueous and acetone extracts against Artemia salina.
Furthermore, it is reported antimalarial activity of the methanolic extract against Plasmodium falciparum at different concentrations were tested. Molluscicidal effect of aqueous extract against Biomphalaria pfeifferi was also observed. Meanwhile, embryotoxic effects have not been reported.
Methanolic extracts of the roots and leaves (25 μg/mL) of C. molle showed strong cytotoxic effects against T-24 bladder cancer cells. In addition, the aqueous and methanol extracts of C. molle were screened for inhibitory effects against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. These extracts produced relatively strong inhibition of RNA-dependent-DNA polymerase (RDDP) activity. The compounds responsible for these activities in this plant were not sought.
In the case of compounds obtained from C. molle, the analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of mollic acid glucoside (MAG) a 1α-hydroxycycloartenoid extracted from
Combretum molle leaves, have been investigated in mice and rats The results of this laboratory animal study indicate that MAG possesses analgesic and antiinflammatory effects in the mammalian models used. The author suggested that MAG possesses both centrally- and peripherally-mediated analgesic effects.
Ojewole also reported on the cardiovascular effects of MAG. The results of this study showed that this compound was capable of causing bradycardia, vasorelaxation and hypotension in the animals evaluated. In addition, hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activity have also been demonstrated.
In vitro anti-HIV activity of two isolated tannins from an acetone fraction, punicalgin and CM-A (whose structure has not yet been fully elucidated), was assessed against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2). The results displayed selective inhibition of HIV-1 replication with selective indices (ratio of 50% cytotoxic concentration to 50% effective antiviral concentration) of 16 and 25, respectively and afforded complete cell protection against the virus-induced cytopathic effect when compared to control samples. Neither of the tannins was able to inhibit HIV-2 replication

PRODUCTS:

Fodder: The leaves are browsed by cattle.
Apiculture: Flowers attract bees and make good forage for honey production.
Fuel: Wood burns slowly, giving intense heat, and is suitable for firewood and production of high quality charcoal.
Timber: Combretum wood is yellow, hard, coarse, and brittle when dry and rots easily. It is said to be reasonably termite resistant and is suitable for implement handles, poles, stools, construction and fence posts.
Tannin or dyestuff: A red dye can be obtained from the leaves and yellow dye from the roots.

Medicine: Boiled root decoction is used to induce abortion and treat constipation, leprosy, headaches, stomach pains, fever, dysentery, general pains, swellings and as an anthelmintic for hookworm. The root and leaf together are believed to be an antidote for snake bite; leaves are chewed or pounded, soaked in water and the juice drunk for chest complaints and as an anthelmintic, or they are used as an inhalant in hot steam bath. An infusion of the inner bark is taken orally or as an e***a to relieve various stomach ailments. The bark exudes a gum that can be used to treat wounds, or crushed dried or fresh leaves can be used for the same purpose.

Tomorrow we will explore the medicinal and other uses of Combretum molle, known to Uganda as

Health is not the absence of Disease.
It is a state of Physical, Moral and Spiritual well being.

Share with a friend and explore each others' experiences.

Weird facts about human body

*Men lose about 40 hairs in a day and women lose 70 hairs in a day.
*Your blood has same amount of salts in it as an ocean has.
*You are taller in the morning than you are at night.
*Heart circulates blood in your body about 1000 times each day.
*Eyelashes last about 150 days.
*There are 500 hairs in an eyebrow.
*The average human body contains approximately 100 billion nerve cells.
*It is not possible to sneeze with open eyes.
*Bones are 4 times stronger than concrete.
*Average life span of a taste bud is only 10 days.
*You are born without knee caps and they don't appear until age of 2 to 6 years.
*Children grow faster in spring time.
*Eyes stay the same size throughout life but nose and ears never stop growing.
*We are born with 300 bones but end up with 206 bones when we are adult.
*Human skull is made up of 26 different bones.
*Hair is made of same substance as fingernails.
*Our entire body functions stop when we sneeze, even your heart beat.
*Tongue is the strongest muscle in human body.
*Food takes 7 seconds to reach stomach from mouth.
*Children have more taste buds than adults.
*Sneeze blows air out of nose at the speed of 100 miles per hour.
*Largest muscle in your body is one on which you are sitting on.
*Smallest bone of body is in ears.
Isn't it amazing??

Morning family, We hope the God Lord is taking care of you all.
A fortnight ago, we highlighted the medicinal and other uses of ginger, , Zingber Officinale. We have not heard from you concerning the usage and outcome
Last Saturday we discussed body organs that make our daily life functional, including blood and the body defensive system, please ask any questions or queries through our varied contacts, we will respond to the earliest, thank you.

Today we have discussed the varied importance of:

Botanical Name:
Common Name: globe amaranth, bachelor button
Luganda Name: , mostly known by horticulturalists

Parts Used: Flowers (Purple mostly), Leaves

Properties
- Sweet tasting, Antitussive, Antiasthmatic. Depurative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hypotensive.

Medicial Uses:

• The gentle spiked petals of this flower are rich in phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants (anti-free radicals) vitamins: Vitamins A, Vitamin E, and the group B vitamins;
• Minerals: Germanium, natural Selenium, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Manganese, Potassium; Phytosterol Saponosides, Allantoises and several essential Amino acids...
• Saponosides have medicinal properties against hypertension, arthritis, migraines and colitis. Researchers now know that it is the saponosides that relieve arthritic symptoms and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Saponosides also increase and accelerate the body's ability to absorb some active compounds, and in so doing help speed up the pain relieving effects. P hytosterol saponosides are recognized for their skin firming abilities.
• Used the moist petal of this under the eyes to lighten the skin and firm up dark bags under the eyes.
• It is used it for stress periods, because Gomphrena allows a relaxing of the nerves and muscles, to be serene and full of energy.
• It relaxes muscles by increasing their force. It decreases the mental concern and fights against tiredness and aggressiveness.
• Furthermore it favors sleep. It allows memory stimulation, to increases concentration and lucidity.
• It has a beneficial action on digestion.
• Its properties of anti-stress and anti-oxidation promotes against skin aging/

Claimed Therapeutical Values: Treats chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, dysentery, pertussis, pulmonary tuberculosis with hemoptysis, infantile fever.

Greetings,
Today we discussed the medicinal benefits of Soursop, Annona Muricata. It was a repeat program because we have talked about it in the past, well, here are some of the facts.

BOTANICAL NAME: ANNONA MURICATA
COMMON names:Graviola (English), (Luganda), Mstafeeri (Swahili)
The fruit is usually called soursop due to its slightly acidic taste when ripe.
FAMILY: Annonaceae

Parts Used:
Whole Plant.

:
Soursop leaves are the most beneficial parts of this tree. They have the Acetogenins containing compounds namely bulatacin, asimisin and squamosin. Acetogenins acts as an anti- feedent. Thus, they are often used in killing insects and pests which die by consuming these leaves even in small amounts. Scientific research conducted by The National Cancer Institute has proved that Soursop leaves can effectively attack and destroy cancer cells. In addition to this, they are also used in the treatment of several other diseases

Properties
The fruit contains significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B1 and vitamin B2
It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, antihelmin, analgesic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and immune enhancer.

Medicinal Uses:
1. Gout
2. Diabetes
3. Eczema
4. Rheumatism
5. Back Pain
6. Hypertension
7. Treatment of lice
8. Coughs and catarrh
9. Anaemia

TOXICOLOGY:
Annonacin is a neurotoxin found in soursop seeds.
Avoid USE during pregnancy and or breast feeding.
High doses may cause nausea and vomiting.

Bridelia Micrantha
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Synonym: Candelabria micrantha.
Vernacular / common names: , coast gold leaf (English); mkarakala, mkarati, (Swahili)

Parts Used: WHOLE

CONSTITUENTS:

Taraxerol and friedelin,anthocyanidin,delphinidi, gallic and ellagic acids.

Uses
Scientific studies have shown that extracts of the whole stem demonstrate antimicrobial activity by inhibiting the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and campylobacter jejuni/coli. It is used as a treatment for skin problems such as ulcers, boils and rashes; for respiratory problems such as persistent cough, TB, pneumonia, bronchitis and pleurisy; as an analgesic (pain reliever); as an antimalarial; for toothache and gum diseases; for painful menstruation; to prevent abortion; as a stimulate and restorative tonic (alternative) for fortifying pregnant women; for sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS; and anemia in general.
Preliminary research on medical properties of Katazamiti has shown this herb to be beneficial in treating HIV/AIDS as it cures diarrhea and stomach discomfort, which are common illnesses in AIDS and contributes to the well-being of the patient. It has also been shown to be a possible principle inhibitor to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Recent research shows that Bidelia micrantha contains the sterol, taraxerol (a phytochemical found in dandelions and seaweed to name a few), which is used in producing anti-cancer drugs. Taraxerol-3B-acetate improves tolerance of exercise, removes fatigue and is an anti-aging, anti-tumour, hepatoprotective, an antineoplastic agent and an immune stimulate.
Katazamiti is also used traditionally in Africa to treat psychological problems such as neurosis and psychosis and protection against enemies.

The species has a durable, termite resistant wood that is in high demand for poles, tool handles, bows, and timber for interior carpentry. It is regarded as one of the best fuel-wood trees and is used for both firewood and charcoal. The species has several applications in traditional medicine: the roots are crushed and used for treating stomach aches, tapeworms, diarrhoea, headaches, and sore joints. The leaf sap is used for sore eyes. The fruits are sweet, tasting like currants and are readily eaten by children. The species has wide applications in agroforestry especially for erosion control. The roots are effective soil binders. It is used in various types of intercropping as a shade tree e.g. in combination with banana and coffee.

Traditional Uses:
The leaf sap of Bridelia micrantha is used by the Haya as an application to sore eyes; the Shambala use the roots as a remedy for severe epigastric pain while the Zigula rub a preparation of the powdered root, made with oil or butter, into the scalp for the relief of headache. In both East and West Africa the root is used as purgative

In South Africa, Bridelia micrantha stem bark is used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal ailments, paralysis and painful joints.
In five districts of Lagos state of Nigeria Bridelia micrantha stem bark is used in traditional medicine for treating diabetes in South Western Nigeria a leaf decoction is used traditionally as part of recipe for the management of diabetes mellitus.
In the Sango bay ecosystem in Rakai district, central Uganda, a decoction of bark and leaves is indicated for treating syphilis and the bark for prehepatic jaundice.

A bark decoction is taken as a remedy for stomach-ache and tapeworm. The bark is also boiled to make a soup for treating diarrhoea in children, or is mixed with milk and drunk as a tonic. A decoction of roots is drunk to cure aching joints. The leaf sap is used as an application to sore eyes and, in a decoction with a number of other plants, for the treatment of conjunctivitis. The root is used as a remedy for severe epigastric pain and is applied to the scalp to relieve headache. A decoction of the root is drunk as a purgative, an anthelmintic or an antidote for poison, as it causes vomiting or diarrhoea that gets rid of the poison. An infusion made from the root is taken orally for coughs. The powdered bark is applied to burns to speed healing.

Other products: The plant is said to contain saponin. Edible fruits are sometimes used as fish bait.

Good evening folks, tune in tomorrow (88.8 CBS Fm) from 7:30 t0 8:00 am as we discuss the medicinal uses of .

Greetings people, today we discussed Comfrey, here under are the deatail:

Botanical name: Symphytum officinale
Synonyms---Common Comfrey. Knitbone. Knitback. Blackwort. Bruisewort. Slippery Root.
Luganda Name:
Family: Boraginaceae

Description:
Comfrey leaves are sometimes found as an adulteration to Foxglove leaves, which they somewhat resemble, but may be distinguished by the smaller veins not extending into the wings of the leaf-stalk, and by having on their surface isolated stiff hairs.

---Parts Used---Root, leaves.

---Constituents---
The chief and most important constituent of Comfrey is mucilage, which it contains in great abundance, more even than Marshmallow. It also contains Allantoin and tannin. Starch is present in a very small amount.

Medicinal Action and Uses---
Demulcent, mildly astringent and expectorant.
It forms a gentle remedy in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery.
Comfrey leaves are of much value as an external remedy, both in the form of fomentations, for sprains, swellings and bruises, and as a poultice, to severe cuts, to promote suppuration of boils and abscesses, and gangrenous and ill-conditioned ulcers .
It is useful in any kind of inflammatory swelling including the following: -

• Back pain and osteoarthritis
• Skin ulcers.
• Wounds.
• Broken bones.
• Heavy menstrual periods.
• Diarrhea.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Gum disease.
• Joint pain.
• Chest pain.
• Cancer.
• Inflammation (pain and swelling).

For its demulcent action it has long been employed domestically in lung troubles and also for quinsy and whooping-cough. The root is more effectual than the leaves and is the part usually used in cases of coughs. It is highly esteemed for all pulmonary complaints, consumption and bleeding of the lungs.

Most Effective for: Warts, Dry sockets, Herpes
Highly Effective: Facial neuralgia, Fracture
Effective: Abscess, Anemia, Athlete’s foot, Acne, Arthritis, A**l fissures, Blemishes

Toxicity
There are several dangers associated with the use of comfrey. One of the biggest problems is that people accidentally collect foxglove instead of comfrey. Foxglove is deadly. Among other things, it can cause irregular heart beats and convulsions.
Another problem with comfrey is that it contains at least eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). While the level of PAs in fresh plant may not be very high, ready-to-use preparation often have high levels (e.g., 270-2900 mg/kg). PAs are hepatoxins and can cause irreversible liver damage. One of the problems is that the effects of the alkaloids can be cumulative. Therefore, damage to the liver may not be associated to the alkaloids in comfrey. Sometimes toxicity signs will not be present until an animal is stressed by something that requires greater liver function (e.g., lactation). Also, the leaves and roots of comfrey have been shown to be carcinogenic.

We wish the of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi a fruitful celebration of your 60th birthday. Long live!