FORMULATION OF ACTIVE PHYTOMEDICINES AGAINST ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA AND CORONAVIRUS: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF AFRICAN FLORA

2021

Period :

2021 - 2024

The project aims to collect ethnobotanical data on plants
African medicinal products, evaluate their effectiveness and safety, form a youth taskforce
scientists and create a regional collaboration platform.

1. Context

The project “Formulation of phytomedicines active against bacteria resistant to
antibiotics and coronaviruses: exploring the potential of African flora”, funded by
amounting to $200,000 by ECOWAS, took place from May 2022 to August 2024. Coordinated
by the University of Abomey-Calavi and involving five countries (Benin, Togo, Ghana, Burkina
Faso, Cabo Verde), it aimed to collect ethnobotanical data on plants
African medicinal products, evaluate their effectiveness and safety, form a youth taskforce
scientists and create a regional collaboration platform.

2. Objectives

General Objective

Develop safe and effective phytomedicines from African flora,
capable of fighting against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and coronaviruses,
by combining the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds with formulation
innovative therapeutic products adapted to African health needs.

3. Résultats Essentiels

Surveys and reviews have identified 532 plants against infections bacterial and 152 against coronaviruses, resulting in a technical report and two manuscripts. The tests carried out on the most cited plants led to the development of an antibacterial elixir and cream, while studies on antiviral activity continues. The project also trained 16 students (5 doctoral students, 3 masters, 5 doctors), several of whom have benefited from mobility in the consortium, notably at the University of Helsinki. A regional platform has been set up in place, accompanied by MOOCs and monthly webinars, reaching more than 1 500 participants.

4. Livrables

The impacts include the development of phytomedicines, strengthening of capacities and the establishment of a collaborative network, with sustainability ensured by the continuation of activities and a new cell culture installation.

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FORMULATION OF ACTIVE PHYTOMEDICINES AGAINST ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA AND CORONAVIRUS: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF AFRICAN FLORA