Robert Peter Biney

• BPharm, PhD
• Senior Lecturer at University of Cape Coast

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Xylopia aethiopica has been used traditionally to treat some central nervous system disorders including epilepsy. Aim of the study: Despite the central analgesic and sedative effects, there is little evidence for its traditional use for CNS disorders. This study thus assessed the antidepressant potential of Xylopi...

Background: Even though the central analgesic effects of Xylopia aethiopica (XAE) and xylopic acid (XA) have been reported, XAE and XA have however not been evaluated for their effects on other neurological functions. Objectives: To determine the effects of XAE and XA on spontaneous activity, neuromuscular function, convulsive threshold and sedatio...

Kalanchoe sp. have been used since 1921 for central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as psychosis and depression. It is known to possess CNS depressant effects. To investigate the antidepressant properties of the aqueous leaf extract of Kalanchoe integra. The study was carried out at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology between...

Background: Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy still remains a clinical problem for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the interaction between xylopic acid and pregabalinco-administration as well as their toxicity in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. Materials and Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced i...

Purpose Major depressive disorder is one of the most common and burdensome psychiatric disorders worldwide. This study evaluated the anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activity of three semi-synthetic derivatives of xylopic acid (XA) to identify the most promising derivative based on mechanism(s) of action, in vivo pharmacokinetics and in vitro cy...

Background Despite efforts made to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with malaria, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, malaria continues to be a public health concern that requires innovative efforts to reach the WHO-set zero malaria agenda. Among the innovations is the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) that is effective agai...

Background Xylopic acid (XA), a kaurene diterpene from the dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica, has anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activity in mice and zebrafish. We aimed to assess the potential synergistic antidepressant-like effects of XA when combined with selected antidepressants in the mouse forced-swim test. Materials and methods The an...

Background Cytochrome P450 2D6 is involved in the metabolism of several important medicines including opioids. Variations in CYP2D6 have been implicated in drug response and according to the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline (CPIC) for CYP2D6, dosing for CYP2D6 substrates should be based on variants carried by individual...

This study investigated the antibacterial, resistance modulation, biofilm inhibition, and efflux pump inhibition potentials of Loeseneriella africana stem extract and its constituents. The antimicrobial activity was investigated by the high-throughput spot culture growth inhibition (HT-SPOTi) and broth microdilution assays. The resistance modulatio...

Background Malaria/HIV co-infection (MHC) is a public health challenge which may present with worse health outcomes due to interactions. Coadministration of artemether lumefantrine (ALU) and antiretroviral therapy may have potential drug-drug interactions that can affect the course of treatment for both diseases. Generic ALU medications are used in...

Pseudospondias microcarpa is used in ethnomedicine to manage central nervous system diseases. The hydroethanolic extract (PME) from the leaves of the plant has shown anxiolytic-like properties in mice anxiety models. However, its effects in chronic anxiety models and possible mechanism(s) of action were not studied. Therefore, the current study eva...

Background Snake bite envenoming (SBE) is one neglected tropical disease that has not received the needed attention. The sequelae of burdensome disability and mortality impact the socioeconomic life of communities adversely with little documentation of SBE in health facility records in Ghana. This study details SBE and snake distribution, habits/ha...

Plant species have been used traditionally to treat numerous inflammatory disorders because of their known medicinal properties. This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Persicaria lanigera using acute inflammatory models. The safety profile of the Persicaria lanigera extract was assessed using an...

Background: Medicinal plants have recently attracted attention on a global scale for therapeutic interventions in the field of neuroscience. Anopyxis klaineana, a medicinal plant widely used in West Africa, has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory effects. However, studies on its neuropharmacological effects are quite limited. This st...

Background Apolipoprotein E is involved in lipid transport and clearance of lipoprotein through low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). ApoE variation has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There are 3 isoforms of ApoE which originate from two non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms denoted as ε2, ε3 and ε4. The ε2 isoform i...

Loeseneriella africana (Willd.) R. Wilczek ex N. Hallé (Celastraceae) is a medicinal plant used by some traditional healers to treat microbial infections and inflammatory diseases in Ghana. This research was done to establish pharmacognostic standards and investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Loeseneriella africana. Pharma...

Introduction Pseudospondias microcarpa (Anacardiaceae) is a plant widely used traditionally for treating various central nervous system disorders. A previous study in our laboratory confirmed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) of the plant produces an antidepressant-like effect in rodent models of behavioral despair. However, its effect on...

Aidia genipiflora (DC.) Dandy (Rubiaceae) is used to treat various microbial and inflammatory conditions by traditional healers in West African countries. However, there is no information on anti-inflammatory potential of A. genipiflora. This work therefore provides information on the anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant activities of the stem bar...

Malaria remains a global health threat due to its overwhelming statistics on morbidity and mortality, especially in pregnant women and children under five years. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a hydroeth-anolic leaf extract of Calotropis procera (CPE) in managing malaria utilizing in vivo and in vitro models. Methods: The curative antipl...

Mood disorders can be considered among the most common and debilitating mental disorders. Major depression, as an example of mood disorders, is known to severely reduce the quality of life as well as psychosocial functioning of those affected. Its impact on the burden of disease worldwide has been enormous, with the World Health Organisation projec...

Background: Cognitive dysfunction, presenting as learning and memory impairment, is a common manifestation in many chronic diseases of the nervous system. Some of these diseases include depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. To date, few drugs or medicinal products have shown ability to improve learning and memory deficits. Neuroprotection...

Free radicals are intricately woven into the fabric of oxidative stress and are significant in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). This chapter examines free radicals in the context of neurodegeneration and provides overview of the multiple roles they play in the pathophysiology and clinical progression of varying NDs including Pi...

Background: Despite reports of malaria and coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID‑19) co‑infection, malaria‑endemic regions have so far recorded fewer cases of COVID‑19 and deaths from COVID‑19, indicating a probable protection from the poor outcome of COVID‑19 by malaria. On the contrary, other evidence suggests that malaria might contrib‑ ute to the...

Introduction: Xylopic acid (XA), the major constituent of the fruit of Xylopia aethiopica, has shown several pharmacological properties. Traditionally, the plant is used to treat several diseases and is being used in the preparation of several local foods despite the lack of information about its safety, food-drug interaction, and other pharmacoki...

In pregnancy, there is a significant risk for developing embryos to be adversely affected by everyday chemicals such as food additives and environmental toxins. In recent times, several studies have documented the detrimental effect of exposure to such chemicals on the behaviour and neurodevelopment of the offspring. This study evaluated the influe...

Evidence of Plasmodium resistance to some of the current antimalarial agents makes it imperative to search for newer, and effective drugs to combat this challenge, and combination therapy remains key in the quest to address this problem. Therefore, this study evaluated the interaction that exist when xylopic acid-artesunate and xylopic acid-amodiaq...

Background: Patients with gynaecological disorders often suffer from psychological disorders including anxiety and depression. Although depression and anxiety have been studied in Ghana, data regarding the prevalence of these disorders in patients with gynaecological disorders is non-existent. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence...

Hyperlipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally. Celecoxib attenuated hypercholesterolaemia associated with CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats without improving liver function in our previous study. This present study investigated the lipid lowering potential of celecoxib in normal rats fed w...

Background Depression causes significant debilitating symptoms and economic burden. Current management is challenged by slow onset of action and modest efficacies of antidepressants; thus, the search for newer antidepressants remains relevant. We evaluated the antidepressant effects of a kaurene diterpene, xylopic acid (XA), in zebrafish and mouse...

The diversity offered by natural products has timelessly positioned them as a good source for novel therapeutics for the management of diverse medical conditions, including pain. This study evaluated hydro-ethanolic root bark extract of Ziziphus abyssinica (ZAE) as well as β-amyrin and polpunonic acid isolated from the plant for analgesic property....

Background: Calotropis procera has been widely used traditionally for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also reportedly used in ethnomedicine for mental health disorders including epilepsy even in the absence of supporting scientific data. Thus, the potential of the plant to affect neurological functions was evaluated. Methods:...

A number of currently used drugs have been obtained from medicinal plants which are a major source of drugs. These drugs are either used in their pure form or modified to a semisynthetic drug. Drug discovery through natural product research has been fruitful over the years. Traditionally, Calotropis procera is used extensively in the management of...

Persicaria lanigera is used traditionally to treat pain. The antinociceptive properties of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Persicaria lanigera (PLE) were evaluated in rats and mice. Mice were pretreated orally with PLE (30, 100, and 300 mg kg−1) and evaluated for antinociceptive effects in the acetic acid-, glutamate-, and formalin-induced nocic...

Ethnopharmacological relevance Pain remains real and still a major problem in clinical medicine which requires new agents with improved efficacy for more therapeutic benefits. Plant sources can serve as a basis for the search for some novel drugs hence the analgesic effects of the hydroethanolic extract of Calotropis procera (CPE) which is widespre...

Background: The present study aimed at validating the traditional use and toxicity profile of a methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Psychotria ankasensis in alleviating depression and anxiety disorders. Method: The antidepressant effect of methanolic extract of Psychotria ankasensis (PAE 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) was assessed in mice u...

Background: Neuropathic pain is a very disturbing condition commonly found in diabetic patients. This study investigated xylopic acid (XA), the major constituent of Xylopia aethiopica in diabetic neuropathy as well as established possible toxicity of the compound on some selected tissues.Methods: Diabetes was induced in six groups of male rats with...

Abstract Background Evidence of Plasmodium resistance to some of the current anti-malarial agents makes it imperative to search for newer and effective drugs to combat malaria. Therefore, this study evaluated whether the co-administrations of xylopic acid-amodiaquine and xylopic acid-artesunate combinations will produce a synergistic anti-malarial...

Hyperlipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally. Celecoxib attenuated hypercholesterolemia associated with CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats without improving liver function in our previous study. This present study investigated the lipid lowering potential of celecoxib in normal rats fed wi...

The diversity offered by natural products has timelessly positioned it as a good source for novel therapeutics for the management of diverse medical conditions, including pain. The study aimed at evaluating the hydro-ethanolic root bark extract of Ziziphus abyssinica (ZAE) for analgesic property and the mechanism(s) responsible for this action. Als...

Background Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the singular most common congenital anomalies and account for a significant fraction of childhood mortality and morbidity. CHD occurs in ~ 1% of livebirths globally and often requires surgical interventions to improve quality of life and survival of patients. The prevalence and clinical presentations of...

Objectives Ziziphus abyssinica (ZA) is employed in managing several ailments in Traditional African Medicine. Scientific evaluations are necessary to ascertain the medicinal potential of ZA as a source of new drug molecules. This study investigated the possible therapeutic benefit of ZA leaf (ZAL) and root bark (ZARB) extracts in an experimental mo...

Bergapten (5-methoxysporalen) is a furanocoumarin extracted from several species of citrus and bergamot oil. Bergamot essential oil is used traditionally in the management of inflammatory conditions. Previous studies on bergapten have explored mainly its in vitro anti-inflammatory activities which include suppression of the expression and release o...

Background: Evidence of plasmodium resistance to some of the current antimalarial agents makes it imperative to search for newer and effective drugs to combat malaria. Therefore, this study evaluated whether the co-administrations of xylopic acid-amodiaquine and xylopic acid-artesunate combinations will produce synergistic antimalarial effect. Meth...

Prior studies on the anti-inflammatory compound bergapten have shown promise in averting allergic airway hyperresponsiveness. This study sought to establish its possible role in modulating an immunologically-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in an ovalbumin model of asthma. Asthma is characterised by inflammation and constriction...

Xylopic acid (15β-acetyloxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid) is a kaurene diterpene that can be obtained from various Xylopia spp. Xylopic acid has demonstrated several pharmacological activities in vitro and in vivo. The compound has shown promising effect as a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent. Xylopic acid is a CNS depressant an...

Background Albizia zygia (DC.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae) has been used to treat mental disorders in traditional African medicine. Nonetheless, there is limited scientific evidence to justify its present use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the hydroethanolic extract of A. zygia roots (AZE) in murine models. Met...

Background: Advertisements of most alcoholic beverages in Ghana persuasively entice consumers with herbal constituents believed to enhance sexual performance, although, alcohol has negative effect onfertility. The impact of herbal constituents in these alcoholic beverages on the known negative effects of alcohol on fertility remains to be evaluated...

Free radicals are intricately woven into the fabric of oxidative stress and are significant in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). This chapter examines free radicals in the context of neuro-degeneration and provides overview of the multiple roles they play in the pathophysiology and clinical progression of varying NDs including P...

Introduction The stem bark extract of Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) is used as a traditional remedy for management of anxiety, psychosis, and epilepsy. Aim of the Study We therefore aimed at evaluating the anxiolytic and antidepressant potential of the plant in mice models. Methods The dried stem bark was extracted with petroleum ether/ethy...

Aims: Inflammation has been implicated in many disorders and currently available therapies elicit adverse effects. The coarse shrub of Calotropis procera has been used in folk medicine to treat several ailments such as asthma, rheumatism and also fever. The anti-inflammatory potential of Calotropis procera was assessed in this study to evaluate its...

Anxiety disorders affect people worldwide with disabling symptoms. Xylopic acid, an ent-kaurane diterpene, exerts central nervous system depressant, opioid receptor-mediated analgesic and anti-neuropathic pain effects. Agents acting as CNS depressants can ameliorate anxiety disorders hence, this study evaluates the anxiolytic potential of xylopic a...

Pseudospondias microcarpa is used traditionally for treating various diseases. However, although parts of the plant are extensively used in African traditional medicine, no scientific study has been reported on its toxicity. Therefore, this study evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity studies of the ethanolic extract of P. microcarpa in rats. Ma...

Introduction The stem bark of Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) is traditionally used for management of epilepsy. Our aim was to evaluate the antiseizure potential and identify possible mechanisms by which the effects are registered. Methods The petroleum ether/ethyl acetate extract (100–1000 mg kg⁻¹) was administered per os to male Sprague-Dawl...

Background: Increasing resistance to current anti-malarial therapies requires a renewed effort in searching for alternative therapies to combat this challenge, and combination therapy is the preferred approach to address this. The present study confirms the anti-plasmodial effects of two compounds, cryptolepine and xylopic acid and the relationshi...

Margaritaria discoidea and Xylopia aethiopica are plants native in the Ghana and the West-African region and used traditionally to treat different pathologies including inflammatory conditions. Betulinic acid (BA) and xylopic acid (XA) extracted from M. discoidea and X. aethiopica respectively have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects. H...

This study investigated the antiinflammatory properties of betulinic acid (BA) and xylopic acid (XA) extracted from Margaritaria discoidea and Xylopia aethiopica, respectively. M. discoidea and X. aethiopica are plants native in Ghana and the West-African region and used traditionally to treat different pathologies including inflammatory conditions...

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Maerua angolensis DC (Capparaceae) has been employed in the management of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders including anxiety. This study evaluated the anxiolytic effects of the petroleum ether/ethyl acetate fraction stem bark extract and its possible mechanism(s) using zebrafish anxiety models. Method...

Background: Adequate cancer pain assessment using valid and reliable pain assessment tools is essential for effective cancer pain management. This study evaluated the common types, effectiveness as well as adherence to prescribed analgesics in oncology outpatients in a tertiary oncology centre in Ghana.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional stud...

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. is a plant used for managing various diseases including central nervous system disorders. Aim of the study: This study explored the anticonvulsant activity of P. microcarpa hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) as well as possible mechanism(s) of action in animal models. Meth...

In the form of a decoction, X. aethiopica is traditionally employed in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. This study establishes the inhibitory effect of X. aethiopica and its principal constituent, xylopic acid, on the arachidonic acid pathway of inflammation. Hydrogen sulphide is endogeno...

Background and Aim Potentially life-threatening and unpleasant side effects associated with some analgesics have fueled the drive for the search for more analgesics with better side effect profiles. Geraniin, the most dominant secondary metabolite in the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Phyllanthus muellerianus, has been shown to possess anti...

Background: Although cancer pain is well documented, efficient management is largely inadequate in most patients especially in developing countries. This study evaluated the adequacy of pain management as well as potential social factors that may be associated with inadequate pain management. Methods: 204 ambulatory oncology patients (82% female;...

Background Geraniin, a dehydroellagitannin, is a major component of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Methods The nature of the interactions of morphine and diclofenac with geraniin was evaluated by undertaking the isobolographic analysis. Mice were treated with geraniin (3–30 mg/kg), morphine (1–10 mg/kg), and diclofenac (10–100 mg/kg) t...

Context: Fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) are used traditionally to manage arthritis, headache and other pain disorders. Objective: The analgesic properties of the X. aethiopica ethanol fruit extract (XAE) and xylopic acid (XA) were evaluated in musculoskeletal pain models. Materials and methods: Acute muscle pain was indu...

Plants from the genus Phyllanthus like Phyllanthus muellerianus have long been used in folk medicine for several ailments including fevers, toothache, dysmenorrhea, anemia, and paralysis. Despite these folkloric uses, there are little scientific data supporting the use of this plant in the management of pain. The purpose of this study is to evaluat...

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Xylopia aethiopica has been used traditionally to treat some central nervous system disorders including epilepsy. Aim of the study: Despite the central analgesic and sedative effects, there is little evidence for its traditional use for CNS disorders. This study thus assessed the antidepressant potential of Xylopia a...

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are implicated in several central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Xylopic acid has CNS effects including anti-neuropathic pain [1], anxiolytic and antidepressant effects [2] while other kaurene diterpenes have protective effect against MPP+-induced neuronal death [3]. This study evaluates a possible neuroprote...

Vincristine-induced neuropathy is a major dose-limiting side effect of cancer chemotherapy and thus effective therapeutic strategy is required. The present study utilized a rodent model of neuropathy to determine whether an ethanolic leaf extract of Palisota hirsuta (PHE), a plant widely used in West African traditional medicine for pain management...

Background: Leaf extracts of Ficus exasperata has been used traditionally in Ghana for the management of sprains, sore eyes, rheumatism and arthritis. Objective: This study evaluates the scientific basis for the use of Ficus exasperata leaves in the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain Methods: The carrageenan-kaolin-induced hyperal...