Chapters authored
Some Igbo Indigenous Plants with Anti-COVID-19 Properties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has shaken the world not minding the strength of the global health system leading to over 824, 000 deaths amidst the search of a cure and total prevention. The Igbo states in Nigeria has the average prevalence of 711 cases of COVID-19 with the highest 1096 (Enugu) and least 207 (Anambra) as at 26th August, 2020. This chapter studied some Igbo indigenous plants in use since the outbreak and presents Bitter kola, Garlic, Giloy, Ginger, Lime, and Turmeric which are having anti-COVID-19 properties. The authors suggest that these plants have the properties that alter the PH on the interface between the virus spike proteins and the human respiratory surfaces causing a brake on the interaction with human ACE-2 and where interaction has taken place, the replication and translation stages are disrupted. The plants thus are potential modifiers of this milieu and inhibitor of the main protease and endoribonuclease via epigenetics and homeostasis. These plants consumption should be encouraged as prophylactic or curative measures pending the discovery of a definitive cure. The chapter recommends that the search for COVID-19 cure should not be limited to conventional medicines, rather should be extended to some indigenous plants in Igbo land.
Part of the book: Alternative Medicine
Protein Detection in Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Prevalent Neurodegenerative Diseases and Metabolic Disorders
An accurate diagnosis gives leeway to cost-effective treatments. However, many diseases continue to evolve; hence, their etiology is sometimes missed due to the procedures used during diagnosis. Protein-related diseases include proteopathies (proteinopathies) such as neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders like protein-energy malnutrition and some hormonopathies. Hormonopathies are associated with the change in the production of hormones. Diabetes mellitus, a type of hormonopathy, is reviewed in this work alongside neurodegenerative diseases and protein-energy malnutrition. This chapter aims to elucidate more on the diagnosis of these diseases considering the structure and function of their proteins viz-a-viz their deficiencies and hyper-production in man. Their pathogenesis and the principles underlying their diagnosis are further discussed to optimize the management of these diseases among patients.
Part of the book: Protein Detection