Calliandra portoricensis (CP) is used in ethnomedicine to manage breast inflammation. We investigated the anti-mammary tumour effects of fraction from CP in rat model of mammary tumorigenesis induced with N methyl N nitrosourea (NMU) and benzo (a)pyrene (BaP) and MCF-7 cells. In vivo, thirty-two female Wistar rats were assigned into four equal groups: Group 1 (control), group 2 received [NMU (50 mg/kg) +BaP (50 mg/kg)], group 3 received [NMU (50 mg/kg) +BaP (50 mg/kg) + CP (100 mg/kg)] and group 4 received [NMU (50 mg/kg) +BaP (50 mg/kg) + vincristine (VIN) (500 μg/kg)]. The NMU and BaP was injected intraperitoneally to rats at age 7, 10 and 13 weeks for twelve weeks. Thereafter, CP (orally) and vincristine (i.p) was administered for two weeks. In vitro, CP and VIN concentration-dependently inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells by over 80% at 100 µg/mL. The CP and VIN elevated Bax by 4.2 and 1.5 folds, and decreased myeloperoxidase by 75% and 82%, respectively, while CP alone decreased interleukin-1β by 34% in vitro. In vivo, [NMU+BaP] increased weight and organo somatic weight of mammary gland by 3 and 2.9 folds; total bilirubin, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde by 23%, 51% and 52%, respectively. In [NMU+BaP] rats, weak expression of caspase-3, Bax, and strong expression of iNOS and NF-kB activities were observed, with histological alteration. The GC-MS fingerprint of CP fraction revealed the presence of hexadecanoic acid methyl ester as the most abundant constituent. Treatment with CP ameliorates mammary tumour through mechanisms that involve anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic reactions.

Background: Malaria continues to be a significant public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with high endemicity. Despite ongoing efforts to control the disease, the malaria parasite remains a global health issue, presenting persistent challenges for individuals and healthcare systems in affected areas. Methods: This study investigated the distribution, prevalence, and molecular characteristics of Plasmodium falciparum among febrile patients in various healthcare facilities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. A combination of retrospective and cross-sectional designs was employed to analyse 428 blood samples collected from febrile patients across selected government hospitals. Malaria parasitaemia was detected through Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears, with parasite density calculated per 200 leukocytes. RDT-prevalence wax determined using a rapid lateral flow. Result: A total of 428 individuals participated in the study, comprising 49.0% males (n=210) and 50.9% females (n=218), with no statistically significant difference in gender distribution (p>0.05). The age distribution showed that participants aged ≥41 years represented the largest group at 34.3% (n=147), while those aged <10 years accounted for 14.0% (n=60), 11–20 years for 16.1% (n=69), 21–30 years for 19.2% (n=82), and 31–40 years for 16.4% (n=70). Microscopic examination revealed a malaria infection rate of 32% (n=137) among participants, with the highest prevalence in those aged <10 years (33.6%, n=46) and the lowest in the 31–40 age group (8.8%, n=12). Gender-based analysis indicated a higher prevalence in males (52.6%) compared to females (47.4%). Facility-based prevalence was significantly higher in Wuse (30.0%, n=41) compared to other locations, with Zuba showing the lowest prevalence (8.0%, n=11). Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) results indicated a prevalence of 20.1%, with Wuse again exhibiting the highest rate at 38.6% (n=27/70). Age-related RDT prevalence showed the highest seroprevalence in the <10 years age group (65.0%, n=39/60), followed by 11–20 years (24.6%, n=17/69), 21–30 years (12.3%, n=10/81), and ≥41 years (8.8%, n=13/147). Conclusion: The findings reveal a slight predominance of females over males, indicating that women may be more inclined to seek medical attention for malaria-related symptoms. The malaria prevalence rate of 32.0% underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to combat the disease.