Sociodemographic and clinical aspects of intentional karuho intoxication in Bunia City, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Roger LONEMA VAJERU, TSONGO KIBENDELWA , Stanislas Wembonyama Okitotsho — Sun, 31 May 2026 08:47:31 +0200

Introduction

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in Bunia, a phenomenon locally referred to as karuho is widely reported and interpreted as intentional poisoning or a culturally defined illness. Due to the absence of standardized biomedical diagnostic criteria, many cases are managed in traditional or tradimodern treatment centers.

Purpose

This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical profile of karuho-positive patients using a syndromic approach.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 5, 2024, to January 2, 2025, among 345 consecutive patients diagnosed as karuho-positive in four tradimodern treatment centers in Bunia, DRC. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, vital signs, and clinical manifestations were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented as frequencies and percentages. A comparative syndromic analysis was performed against selected infectious and chronic diseases.

Results

A total of 345 participants were included, with a male predominance (58.8%). The most affected age group was 30–44 years (37.1%), followed by those aged ≥60 years (33.3%). Most participants had secondary (39.7%) or university education (33.1%). Nearly half were married (49.9%), and 27.5% were unemployed. The most frequent clinical manifestations were asthenia (67.2%), headache (62.9%), epigastric pain (57.4%), chest pain (50.1%), and fever (47.0%). Gastrointestinal symptoms included nausea (38.0%), vomiting (25.8%), diarrhea (15.1%), constipation (18.0%), and abdominal pain (16.2%). Neurological manifestations included agitation (12.5%), confusion (12.2%), somnolence (13.0%), and coma (0.9%). Medical history was dominated by reported liver disease (79.1%), followed by exertional dyspnea (31.3%), peripheral neuropathy (15.1%), hypertension (12.8%), and pneumonia (10.7%). Elevated blood pressure (>140 mmHg) was observed in 78.3% of participants. Other findings included tachycardia (16.5%), bradycardia (4.1%), oxygen desaturation (4.6%), and fever (2.6%). Pulmonary rales (10.4%), jaundice (3.5%), dry skin (3.5%), and peripheral edema (2.9%) were the most common physical findings. Comparative analysis showed strong clinical overlap between karuho symptoms and those of malaria, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, HIV infection, Helicobacter pylori infection, and selected cancers.

Conclusion

Karuho presents as a non-specific multisystem syndrome with prominent gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological, and general systemic manifestations. Its clinical profile closely overlaps with common infectious and chronic diseases in tropical settings, suggesting that many cases may represent misinterpreted or undiagnosed medical conditions rather than a distinct pathological entity. Further laboratory studies are needed to determine its true nature.

Phytochemical profile and pharmacological activities of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes: bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action—A review

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:04:39 +0200

Introduction

Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes are widely used in food systems and traditional medicine across Africa, Latin America, and the Mediterranean. Their high content of bioactive compounds has attracted increasing scientific attention due to reported pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. However, current evidence remains fragmented and heterogeneous, limiting clear understanding of the relationships between phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action.

Purpose

This study provides a critical and integrative review of the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action of O. ficus-indica cladodes.

Methods

A structured literature review was conducted using ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and WHO reports. Keywords included “Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes,” “phytochemical composition,” “bioactive compounds,” and “pharmacological activity.” Peer-reviewed articles and reports published between 2014 and 2025 were included, while studies focusing on non-cladode plant parts were excluded. References were managed using Zotero.

Results

Cladodes contain diverse phenolic compounds, including p-coumaric acid (14.08–16.18 mg/100 g), narcissin (14.69–137.10 mg/100 g), rutin (2.36–26.17 mg/100 g), isoquercetin (2.29–39.67 mg/100 g), isorhamnetin derivatives, and nicotiflorin (2.89–146.50 mg/100 g), which significantly contribute to their bioactivity. Major phytosterols identified include β-sitosterol (16.17 mg/kg), stigmasterol (16.53 mg/kg), Δ7-avenasterol (13.40 mg/kg), and campesterol (11.60 mg/kg). Carbohydrates such as glucose (153.15 ± 6.50 µg/mg), xylose, and mannose, along with minerals including calcium (5.64–316.95 mg/100 g), iron, zinc, and manganese, further enhance their functional potential. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were reported in 91% of studies, while antimicrobial effects were documented in 69%.

Conclusion

The phytochemical richness of O. ficus-indica cladodes provides a strong scientific basis for their traditional and modern uses. Their pharmacological effects arise from synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive compounds acting through diverse mechanisms. Overall, cladodes represent a promising multifunctional resource for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. However, further clinical studies are required to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and human applications.

Orapuh Journal

Sociodemographic and clinical aspects of intentional karuho intoxication in Bunia City, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Phytochemical profile and pharmacological activities of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes: bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action—A review

Introduction