The work involves the investigation of 6 indigenous Ghanaian plants P. pinnata, H. opposita, G. arboreum, A. nobilis, F. asperifolia and B. aegyptiaca used for the treatment of bacterial infections and wounds. It also describes the isolation and characterization of the active principles from P. pinnata. Extracts were assessed for in vitro antibacterial activity, usingwild-type and resistant strains of Staph.aureus. P.pinnata, H. opposita, G. arboreum and F. asperifolia showed antibacterial activity. The active compounds in P. pinnata were isolated, using chromatographic techniques and identified with the aid of NMR spectroscopy. The wound healing action of the plant extracts were assessed using in vitro models. P.pinnata, G. arboreum and F. asperifolia at concentrations from 1 to 25µg/ml had a significant stimulatory effect on the proliferation of HDF (142BR) cells. Paullilupeol and paullilupeone isolated from P. pinnata, showed a dose-dependent increase in proliferation of the up to 3µM. All extracts at concentrations 1 to 50µg/ml, had a statistically significant antioxidant protective effect against hydrogen peroxide induced damage to 142BR cells.

Dr. Kofi Annan was born in Kumasi, Ghana on 21st April 1967. He studied Pharmacy at KNUST to obtain B.Pharm. and M.Pharm. degrees, after which he proceeded to Kings'' College London where he was awarded a Ph.D in Pharmacognosy.He has co- authored 22 peer-reviewed articles and is currently the Head of the Department of Herbal Medicine.