INDICES> Lateria Spp Chemistry (2)

[DID <did.jms@imul.com>]

INDICES> Lateria Spp Chemistry (2)
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Dear Peter Ruzangi,

In late May, 2001, peter asked a question about the chemistry of
Lateria spp.

Sometimes, as Peter noted, we may not know the chemistry of herbs.
And it
may be difficult to isolate active ingredients.  At least initially,
the
process of isolation of active ingredient(s) may require alot of trial
and
expenditure.  Especially when literature on some herbs is not
available.

First find out how the natives use the crude form of Lateria spp.  And
try
to make your isolation and/or  testing procedures resemble the method
of
use.

For example, if your natives swallow the crude drug, it may be that
upon
swallowing, the active ingredient is activated in gut acid, or by
liver
metabolism.
If they mix the crude drug with a special additive, that additive my
contribute to the efficacy -- when the herb is used topically.  ETC.

After that, you may need to try out a number of solvents, or vehicles
which
are similar to the vehicle the natives use.  It may not be surprising
that
in your laboratory investigation, you discarded the useful substance.
Try
out aqueous and non-aqueous extracts.  For solvents, vary the
concentrations, pH, and other factors which influence solubility.

Test the various extracts, including the residues on appropriate
fungal or
bacterial growths.

You will be surprised at your finding.

As you can notice, interactions of the crude form with the laboratory
reagents may be prohibitive and expensive for your setting.

This is what i recommend.

Seek to find out whether the herbal product really works.  By
comparing it
with placebo.

The placebo should resemble the crude preparation in color, taste,
appearance and other organoleptic factors.  Give some cases the
placebo and
other the right herb.  If the natives enchant as is common with use of
some
alleged medicinal substances here, simulate that.

Do a clinical trial.  Compare the result, for statistical
significance.
The purpose is to prove whether the effects of the crude drug are due
to
psychological impact or chemical content of the herb.

If there is statistical significancy, move to better the crude drug.
Like determining appropriate doses, packaging and storage.

You can not do that alone.  You need other health workers and the
herbalists well known for distributing the herb.

Interactions with other drugs will be the next step.  Again, there
will be
need for clinical assessment or reports from patients to identify
interactions.

So before going to the laboratory, first do clinical trials on placebo
and
crude dose form.  Organize a placebo in the laboratory and help your
natives.  Seeking mechanisms of action and development of pure
molecules
could be done later.

Sincerely,

George Kibumba, MPS(Uganda).
Drug Information Pharmacist
Drug Information Desk,
Joint Medical Store,
P.O.BOX 4501, KAMPALA, Uganda(E.A)
e-mail: did.jms@imul.com
Tel:    256-41-268482
fax:    256-41-267298


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