Tobacco is usually cited among the well-known risk factors of esophageal cancer; nevertheless, the extent of the contribution of the type of smoking and its intensity to the disease has not been comprehensively elucidated in Africa. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and African Journals Online studies published before September 2023. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale, and the funnel plot was used for assessing potential publication bias. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate summary effects using random-effects models. This study included 22,319 participants from 27 studies. The results strongly indicate a significant association between tobacco use and a higher risk of esophageal cancer. The risk of esophageal cancer is notably higher among pipe smokers [OR = 4.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.38–6.48], followed by hand-rolled cigarette smokers (OR = 3.79; 95% CI, 2.68–5.35), in comparison with those who smoked commercially manufactured cigarettes (OR = 2.46; 95% CI, 1.69–3.60). Our findings also showed that the risk of esophageal cancer is highest in people smoking >183 packs per year (OR = 5.47; 95% CI, 3.93–7.62), followed by those smoking 93 to 183 packs per year (OR = 3.90; 95% CI, 3.13–4.86), in comparison with those smoking ≤92 packs per year (OR = 2.90; 95% CI, 2.19–3.84). Our findings strongly show that among the different types of tobacco use in Africa, pipe and hand-roller smokers face a higher risk of esophageal cancer.

Africa is the continent most affected by esophageal cancer in the world. Alcoholic beverages are controversially blamed, as esophageal cancer is a rare disease in several other countries ranked in the top 10 for consumption of alcoholic beverages. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of published literature, statistically summarizing the strength of the association between drinking patterns and types, and the risk of esophageal cancer in Africa. A computerized search of reputable databases such as Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and African Journals Online was performed to identify relevant studies published up to September 2023. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for case-control studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool for cross-sectional studies. A funnel plot and Egger test were utilized to assess potential publication bias. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models with RevMan 5.3 and Stata software to estimate summary effects. The systematic review identified a total of 758,203 studies, primarily from Eastern and Southern Africa. The pooled samples across all studies comprised 29,026 individuals, including 11,237 individuals with cancer and 17,789 individuals without cancer. Meta-analysis revealed a significant association between alcohol consumption and the risk of esophageal cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-2.19). Further analysis based on the frequency of alcoholic beverage consumption indicated a stronger association with daily (OR = 2.38; 95% CI, 1.81-3.13) and weekly (OR = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.32-2.84) drinkers in contrast to occasional drinkers (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.81-1.29). Additionally, consumption of traditional alcoholic beverages was significantly associated with the risk of esophageal cancer in African populations (OR = 2.00; 95% CI, 1.42-2.82). However, no relationship has been established between the exclusive consumption of non-traditional drinks and the risk of esophageal cancer. In conclusion, the results of this study confirm the hypothesis that daily and weekly drinking patterns, significantly increase the risk of esophageal cancer in Africa, while occasional consumption does not show a significant association. Additionally, the consumption of traditional alcoholic beverages is notably linked to the risk of esophageal cancer in African populations.

Commonly known as wild pepper, Piper capense (P. capense) is a culinary herb mainly used as a secret in preparation of “Nkui” and “Nah poh” in Bayangam, West Cameroon. However, it also has many interesting pharmacological properties, which is why the people of sub-Saharan Africa so highly prize it for the treatment of multiple human pathologies. This study aimed to highlight the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and toxicological profile of the P. capense plant, to draw the attention of pharmaceutical companies to its enormous potential for the development of future phyto- or pharmaceutical products. Documentary research was meticulously carried out in the Web of Sciences, Scopus, Pubmed/Medline, and Google Scholar databases according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The results show that extracts and compounds isolated from Piper capense have interesting anticancer, antibacterial, antimalarial, hypoglycemic, anti-epileptic, and antidepressant activities. Methanolic extracts and essential oils from P. capense exhibit no harmful effects when directly applied to normal human hepatocytes, umbilical cord cells, intestinal cells, and keratinocyte cell lines. Additionally, methanolic extracts administered acutely or subchronically at low doses (≤250 mg/kg body weight) in Wistar rats also demonstrate no adverse effects. In conclusion, given its interesting activities, P. capense is a viable option for developing new antimalarial, anticancer, antibacterial, hypoglycemic, anti-epileptic, and antidepressant drugs. However, many avenues still need to be explored before translation into drugs.

Background/Objectives: Limitations of conventional treatments for esophageal cancer, which include poor solubility, drug resistance, and undesirable side effects, make it imperative to explore new therapeutic approaches to slow the progression of this disease. This study aims to assess the potential of terpene compounds as anti-cancer agents for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: This work was carried out following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to ensure rigorous methodology. Results: A systematic analysis of 34 compounds revealed various mechanisms of action, such as induction of oxidative stress and modulation of apoptotic pathways. The results also show that several compounds, including (1Z,3R,4S,5E,7Z)-1-bromo-3,4,8-trichloro-7-(dichloromethyl)-3-methylocta-1,5,7-triene, dehydrocostus lactone, (3R,4S)-3,4,6,7-tetrachloro-3,7-dimethyl-octene-1-ene, acetyl-macrocalin B, jesridonin, longikaurin A, sphaerococcenol A, DS2, rabdocoestin B, ingenol C, ingenol-3,20-dibenzonate, JDA-202, xerophilusin B, betulinic acid, euphol, and (20S) ginsenoside Rh2, with IC₅₀s below 10 µM, show promising efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, sometimes surpassing certain conventional treatments. Conclusions: However, despite these encouraging prospects, limitations remain, notably a lack of in vivo data and clearly defined mechanisms of action for certain compounds. These challenges require further research to validate their safety and efficacy, facilitating their development as viable therapeutic options for ESCC.

Esophageal cancer presents a pressing public health concern in Africa, particularly in Eastern and Southern regions, where it stands as a leading cause of mortality. Various factors, including alcohol consumption, have been implicated in the high incidence of this disease. However, the absence of a consensus regarding its precise etiology has hindered the implementation of effective preventive measures. As such, this study aims to present a detailed protocol for assessing the strength of the association between alcohol consumption patterns and esophageal cancer risk in the African context. To achieve this, we will meticulously identify relevant observational studies via a predefined search strategy applied to electronic databases like Medline/PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and African Journals Online. Additionally, a manual search will be conducted. Quality assessment will be performed utilizing established standards tools. Assessment for potential publication bias will involve the use of funnel plots and Egger´s statistical test. To estimate summary effects, we will conduct meta-analyses, utilizing random-effects models with the Review Manager software. Heterogeneity among studies will be assessed via the I2 statistical test. Reporting of our findings will be by the PRISMA guidelines. Our systematic review, based on existing published data, will provide vital insights to inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers regarding the role of alcohol consumption in the etiology of esophageal cancer among African populations. The outcome of this research will serve as a roadmap for developing targeted interventions in this population, potentially reducing the burden of this devastating disease. The final systematic review report, in the form of a scientific article, will undergo peer review and be made available to National Health Service clinicians, and healthcare professionals, and presented at scientific conferences.