Showing papers in "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research in 2018"
TL;DR: Paired comparison revealed that Cucurbita pepo was the most preferred species to treat headache and Olea europaea subsp.
Abstract: This study was conducted in Menz Gera Midir (Ethiopia) to document medicinal plants and related indigenous knowledge of local people. Data were collected from 72 (12 of them key) informants using semi-structured interview, group discussion and guided field walk. Priority ranking, paired comparison and direct matrix ranking were used in data analysis. A total of 155 medicinal plant species, 104 (67.1%) from natural vegetation and 51 (32.9%) from home gardens were collected. From the total species, 115 were reported to cure only human diseases, 10 species for livestock ailments and 30 for both. Asteraceae contributed 16 species and ranked first followed by Lamiaceae with 12 species. Frequently used plant parts were leaves (43.9%) and roots (31%). The recurrent mode of preparation was pounding (27.9%) followed by powdering (16%) and mostly administrated through oral drinking (33%) and dermal cream (15.7%). Paired comparison revealed that Cucurbita pepo was the most preferred species to treat headache. However, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata was reported as the most multipurpose plant species. Priority ranking indicated that Lupinus albus was the rarest medicinal plant in the study area. The medicinal plant resources of the area were threatened by agricultural expansion, charcoal making, firewood collection and overgrazing.
Key words: Ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, Menz Gera Midir.
30 citations
TL;DR: A review on the traditional uses of 15 Miombo tree species in human and animal health, as well as the status of research towards the identification of bioactive compounds is presented.
Abstract: Miombo woodlands cover about two thirds of Mozambique national territory. They provide a wide collection of goods and services to the formal and informal economies. A review on the traditional uses of 15 Miombo tree species in human and animal health, as well as the status of research towards the identification of bioactive compounds is presented. Among the 15 species selected, 12 have been screened for their biological activity and/or pharmacological properties and/or toxicity. The information gathered in this work is a key to further exploit potential new uses and future opportunities for research and valorization of the selected species.
Key words: Ethnobotanical, medicinal plants, Miombo woodlands, non timber forest products.
16 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that this novel compound is the primary anti-TNBC compound in M. flabellifolius and might be a potential candidate for targeted TNBC therapy.
Abstract: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a disease that impacts millions of people around the world. There is an urgent need to find new therapies, specific to triple negative cancer cells with minimal effect on normal cells. This study explores the use of Myrothamnus flabellifolius as an anti-TNBC. Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography, the extract was fractionated and each fraction was tested against TNBC cells BT-549 and MDA-MB-231, and a non-malignant breast cell line MCF-10A. The results showed that fraction 7 inhibited the growth of TNBC cells starting at a dry weight concentration of 31.125 μg/mL while there was no significant cell death of the MCF-10A cell line. Using analytical techniques such as Mass Spectrometry (MS-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), the major compound in fraction 7 was determined to be a derivative of galloyl glucose hexahydroxydiphenic acid. The results suggest that this novel compound is the primary anti-TNBC compound in M. flabellifolius and might be a potential candidate for targeted TNBC therapy.
Key words: Triple negative breast cancer, Myrothamnus flabellifolius, natural products, galloyl glucose hexahydroxydiphenic acid derivative.
16 citations
TL;DR: It can be concluded that, medicinal plants play a role in healthcare of livestock in rural communities.
Abstract: An ethno-veterinary survey of plants used to treat certain bacterial diseases of livestock in three geographical areas of the Eastern Cape was conducted during 2013 to 2014. A purposive sampling technique was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire and field observations to document indigenous knowledge in 48 communal households. From the respondents of the 48 households, 64.6% men and 35.4% women were interviewed regarding their knowledge on the use of plants for the treatment of bacterial diseases in livestock. Ten, eighteen and twenty respondents were surveyed at Goso, Ciko and Upper Ngqumeya, respectively. Six plants species, belonging to 6 families were documented and claimed by farmers to be used for the treatment of black quarter and paratyphoid in cattle. Results obtained showed that Agapanthus praecox Willd., Sarcophyte sanguinea and Olea europaea subsp. africana were used to treat black quarter, while Strychnos henningsii, Acokanthera oppositifolia and Dalbergia obovata were used to treat “perceived” paratyphoid in calves. Bark and leaves were the commonly used plant parts. Decoction and infusion were the main methods of preparation, while oral administration was the common route for treatment. Determination of the dose was done by using certain size bottles and plant parts by the handful as measurements. In the light of the present data, it can be concluded that, medicinal plants play a role in healthcare of livestock in rural communities.
Key words: Cattle diseases, communal, farmers, Eastern Cape, medicinal plants.
13 citations
TL;DR: Complete characterization of structure-activity relationships of modified pectin, well-planned in vivo investigations and optimization of pectorin-based scaffolds for controlled and targeted drug delivery in oncotherapy are yet to be ascertained for enhancing the marketing potential of these renewable plant-derived biopolymers.
Abstract: Plant pectin constitutes an important class of naturally occurring polysaccharides and are widely distributed in various fruits and vegetables consumed on a regular basis. These biomolecules are reported to exhibit a vast array of biological activities including effects on digestive system, chemo-preventive effect in colon cancer, regulation of blood cholesterol level and immune-potentiating effects. However, variation in spectrum of activity and efficacy occurs due to different sources of pectin and also different methods of extraction. Pectin modification by pH treatment, change in temperature or enzymatic modification methods can ensure derivatives with variable but defined degrees of esterification, customized physicochemical properties and improved pharmacological and therapeutic profile, mainly in cancer prevention and management. Pharmaceutical utility of plant pectin is attributed to the unique rheological behavior and gelling properties in aqueous medium and have been successfully employed in development of colon specific sustained release drug delivery systems and edible pectin films with stabilizing effect on entrapped labile molecules. The goal of the review article is to focus on the therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits of native and modified pectin. Although, several milestones towards understanding the process of pectin modification have been established, most of the data generated till date are obtained from in vitro studies or on commercial varieties of modified pectin. Complete characterization of structure-activity relationships of modified pectin, well-planned in vivo investigations and optimization of pectin-based scaffolds for controlled and targeted drug delivery in oncotherapy are yet to be ascertained for enhancing the marketing potential of these renewable plant-derived biopolymers.
Key words: Citrus pectin, edible films, apoptosis, colon cancer, modified pectin.
13 citations
TL;DR: A study on medicinally important plants in and around Robe town, Southwest Ethiopia was been carried out to document the medicinal plants and the associated knowledge in the area and found that Oral is the most common administration method used by the local people of the area.
Abstract: A study on medicinally important plants in and around Robe town, Southwest Ethiopia was been carried out to document the medicinal plants and the associated knowledge in the area. Thirty informants with age range between 18 and 70 years took part in this study. Semi-structured interview was used to collect the data from the informants. The collected data was then analyzed using micro-soft excel spread sheet 2007 and summarized by descriptive statistical methods. Fifty five medicinally important plants were documented from the study area. The medicinal plants comprised of 33 families and 49 genera. Fabaceae was 30.4% followed by Solanaceae (21.7%) dominatedthe family distribution. Herbs are the most harvested (45.4%) plant habits followed by shrubs (30.9%) and trees (21.8%). Leaves are the most (52.7%) important plant parts used for medicinal value. Oral (47.3%) is the most common administration method used by the local people of the area. Crushing dominates (60%) the preparation method of the medicine. The practice on the use of traditional medicine is commonin the study area. Conservation practices and awareness on the use of the medicinally important plants is suggested.
Key words: Indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, semi-structured interview, Robe Town, Ethiopia.
10 citations
TL;DR: It was determined that L. monocytogenes and S. aureus were more susceptible to the antimicrobial effects of capsaicin than Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7, while C. albicans was markedly more susceptible than all bacterial species examined.
Abstract: In this study, the capsaicin content of chile pepper extracts from 29 unexplored varieties of Capsicum (twenty five varieties of Capsicum chinense and five of Capsicum annuum) was quantified and correlated with the antimicrobial potential against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The capsaicin content and bactericidal activity against numerous human pathogens (Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans) was compared to identify the most effective chile pepper varieties in the treatment of bacterial and fungal pathogens. The capsaicin content of the tested varieties varied from 29 to 42,633 ppm (139 - 682,135 SHU). On average, the fruits of C. chinense cultivars contained much higher concentrations of capsaicin than C. annuum cultivars. The undiluted chile peppers extracts with capsaicin concentrations greater than 25,000 SHU demonstrated bactericidal and antifungal effects. Overall, it was determined that L. monocytogenes and S. aureus were more susceptible to the antimicrobial effects of capsaicin than Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7, while C. albicans was markedly more susceptible than all bacterial species examined. The extract of the sixth most pungent cultivar, C. chinense Bhut Jolokia Red, showed the greatest antimicrobial potency of all screened peppers. The antimicrobial activity of pepper extracts was not directly correlated with increasing capsaicin concentrations, indicating that various Capsicum cultivars may possess distinct capsaicin derivatives. This is the first study which showed the relationship between capsaicin contents in different Capsicum varieties and their antimicrobial potential, and opens avenues in the study of capsaicin derivatives and their role in health and medicines.
Key words: Capsicum, pathogen, capsaicin, peppers, antimicrobial, bactericidal.
10 citations
TL;DR: The results indicated that these botanicals may play an important role in reducing the use of chemicals for mosquito control and in-depth investigations to elucidate the active ingredients of the extract responsible for mosquitocidal activity in Aedes aegypti should be conducted.
Abstract: Mosquitoes are considered as a major problem in public health. Control measures mainly by chemical insecticides, have led to several environmental and health problems in addition to development of resistance. The bioefficacy of aqueous extract of leaves of Duranta erecta against the yellow fever and dengue vector, Aedes aegypti was evaluated as a step towards developing a safe and eco-friendly agent to combat the problems of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. Pulverized leaves of D. erecta were macerated in 2 L of distilled water for 24 h, filtered and concentrated. The aqueous extract of D. erecta leaves at different dilutions such as 50, 200, 500, 700, 900 and 1000 mg/L were tested against 525 eggs and 1050 fourth instar larvae of A. aegypti using emersion method. The percentage ovicidal, larvicidal activities, pupal and adult emergence, adult immergence and fecundity inhibition were studied. A concentration dependent increase in ovicidal, larvicidal, inhibition of adult emergence and fecundity were recorded. High ovicidal activity (low egg hatchability) was recorded with LC50 (95% CL) values of 340.085 mg/L (250.85-430.17mg/L). High larvicidal, emergence and fecundity inhibition were recorded with LC50 value of 420.59 mg/L (33.34-520.06 mg/L). Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkanoids, flavonoids, glycosides and anthroquinone. The results indicated that these botanicals may play an important role in reducing the use of chemicals for mosquito control. In-depth investigations to elucidate the active ingredients of the extract responsible for mosquitocidal activity in Aedes aegypti should be conducted and small scale field trials are needed for utilization.
Key words: Duranta erecta, aqueous extract, Aedes aegypti, mosquitocidal activity.
10 citations
TL;DR: Promising results suggest that extracts of O. obtusiloba are excellent candidates for further studies, and that marine algae are potentially important sources for the development of novel anti-ZIKV agents.
Abstract: Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne member of the family Flaviviridae, is a human pathogen of global significance. Recently, ZIKV, has become a public health problem with increases in numbers of cases and a strong association between ZIKV outbreaks and the spread of cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and microcephaly. In this study, the extracts of the seaweed Osmundaria obtusiloba (O. obtusiloba) (native to the Brazilian coast) against ZIKV using Vero cells was evaluated. The seaweed extract tested inhibited ZIKV replication in a dose-dependent manner at low concentrations with EC50 values of 1.82 μg/mL and a selective index (SI) of 288. Other results showed that this extract had significant virucidal effects. In addition, when the extract and Ribavirin were used concomitantly there was a significant synergistic effect. Our promising results suggest that extracts of O. obtusiloba are excellent candidates for further studies, and that marine algae are potentially important sources for the development of novel anti-ZIKV agents.
Key words: ZIKA, seaweeds, antiviral activity, marine algae, Osmundaria obtusiloba.
9 citations
TL;DR: This is the first ethnobotanical study on hepatic ailments in the study area and could serve as baseline data based on which further ethnopharmacological investigations would be carried out, aimed at conserving as well as validating the folkloric use of the surveyed plants.
Abstract: People in Katsina State, Nigeria have been using medicinal plants to cure several ailments associated with liver since time immemorial; however the use of such plants was never documented. In this study, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted to document the medicinal plants used for the management of hepatic ailments in Katsina State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire method was adopted to interview 150 respondents (50 respondents from 1 Local Government Area of each of the three Senatorial Zones of the State) comprising herbalist, farmers, house wives, and others. A total of 62 plant species belonging to 57 genera distributed among 34 families were documented. Most of the reported plants belong to the Fabaceae (24.19%), Moraceae (6.45%), followed by Anacardiaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Asteraceae (each with 4.84%). Senna occidentalis L., Ficus thonningii Bl., and Moringa oleifera Lam. had the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC) of 0.75, 0.64, and 0.53 respectively. Majority (38.71%) of the reported plants were trees and about 79.03% of the surveyed plants are sourced from wild. Leaves were the most frequently used (45.16%) plants part. Most of the herbal medicines (80.65%) were prepared in form of decoction and all the medicines were administered orally. This is the first ethnobotanical study on hepatic ailments in the study area. Results of the study could serve as baseline data based on which further ethnopharmacological investigations would be carried out. Further researches aimed at conserving as well as validating the folkloric use of the surveyed plants would be ideal.
Key words: Ethnobotany, hepatic ailments, Katsina State, medicinal plants, Nigeria.
9 citations
TL;DR: This review established that the high therapeutic value of W. ugandensis is attributed to the abundance of drimane sesquiterpenes in its stem bark and leaves, which have made the plant to have potent antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Abstract: Warburgia ugandensis Sprague (Family Canellacea) commonly known as Ugandan greenheart or pepper bark tree, is a highly valued medicinal plant in traditional medicine with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity whose parts especially the leaves and stem bark have for long been used in the treatment and management of many diseases and health conditions such as stomachache, cough, toothache, fever, malaria, oral thrush, measles and diarrhea in African communities where the plant occurs. This review focused on the phytochemical contents, medicinal uses and antimicrobial activities of W. ugandensis based on published peer reviewed articles. This review established that the high therapeutic value of W. ugandensis is attributed to the abundance of drimane sesquiterpenes in its stem bark and leaves. These chemicals have also made the plant to have potent antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, more pre-clinical and clinical trials need to be done to further validate the traditional medicine applications of W. ugandensis for possible drug discovery. Due to its high demand, W. ugandensis has been over exploited and hence its population is in drastic decline. Consequently, there is need for development of advanced and more rapid propagation techniques to increase its population and distribution in its natural environment to meet the ever-increasing demand.
Key words: Antimicrobial, Canellaceae, medicinal uses, phytochemicals, Warburgia ugandensis.
TL;DR: It is concluded that PE presents cytotoxic and antitumoral activity through apoptotic and necrotic processes through apoptosis and necrosis in mice treated with PE.
Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate cytotoxicity and antitumor activity of perillaldehyde 1,2-epoxide (PE), a p-menthane monoterpene derivative against four human tumor cell lines ovarian cancer (OVCAR-8), colon carcinoma (HCT-116), glioblastoma (SF-295) and leukemia (HL-60) using the colorimetric MTT assay. PE showed a high degree of inhibition of cell proliferation (GI = 95.66 to 99.71%) and IC50 16.14 μM (± 1.86), 23.61 μM (± 1.13), 21.99 μM (± 2.64) and, 9.70 μM (± 1.01) against tumor cells, respectively. Then, in vivo antitumor activity of the PE was assessed in sarcoma 180-bearing mice. Tumor growth inhibition rates were 33.4, 56.4 and 66.6% at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day for the PE and 25 mg/kg/day for 5-FU intraperitoneal treatments, respectively. Toxicological effects related to the spleen, kidneys, liver, and hematological were investigated in mice submitted to treatment. Furthermore, histopathological analyses of these organs were absent of any morphological changes in the animals treated with PE. The viability of HL-60 cells was affected by perillaldehyde 1, 2-epoxide after an exposure period of 72 h when analyzed by trypan blue exclusion. PE reduced the number of viable cells associated with an increase in non-viable cells, which contributes to the increased number of dead cells in the morphological analysis. The incorporation of ethidium bromide/acridine orange, the treated cells suggests cytotoxicity via apoptosis and necrosis. So on the results, we conclude that PE presents cytotoxic and antitumoral activity through apoptotic and necrotic processes.
Key words: Essential oils, p-menthanes, natural products, cytotoxicity, antitumor activity, sarcoma 180.
TL;DR: The antigastric ulcer and the non-toxic effects of the aqueous extract of M. barteri could justify its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastro-duodenal ulcers and the preventive anti-ulcer activity of AEMb may be due to a cytoprotective effect.
Abstract: Gastro-duodenal ulcers are diseases that constitute a major public health problem all over the world and particularly in Cote d'Ivoire. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity and gastric anti-ulcer activity of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Macaranga barteri (AEMb). Acute toxicity was carried out using the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines 420. The anti-ulcer activity of AEMb was evaluated using four models of gastric ulcer induction which are HCl/ethanol solution, ibuprofen solution, pylorus ligation and cold restraint stress in rats. The parameters assessed were mucus production, ulcer surface, ulcer index, pH, acid concentration and volume of gastric contents. Cimetidine, aluminium hydroxide and ranitidine were used as anti-ulcer standard drugs. The results of this preventive gastric anti-ulcer study revealed that for doses ranging from 62.5 to 500 mg/kg body weight (b.w), AEMb dose dependently prevented gastric lesion formation (p<0.001) in the four models. The inhibition values were 98.96, 94.11, 90.73 and 96.89% on ulcerations induced respectively by HCl/ethanol, ibuprofen, pylorus ligation and cold restraint stress at the dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. This cytoprotective action was accompanied by a significant increase in gastric mucus production. These results suggested that the preventive anti-ulcer activity of AEMb may be due to a cytoprotective effect. The median acute toxicity LD50 value of AEMb was higher than 5000 mg/kg b.w. This extract was classified as nontoxic in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Phytochemical compounds such as polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, sterols and polyterpenes found out in AEMb could be responsible for its effects. In conclusion, the antigastric ulcer and the non-toxic effects of the aqueous extract of M. barteri could justify its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastro-duodenal ulcers.
Key words: Acute toxicity, gastric ulcer, rat, Macaranga barteri.
TL;DR: In these experiments, extracts from ferns’ leaves are better photoprotectors than extracts from the rhizomes, but it is necessary to assess each formulation separately.
Abstract: Oral photoprotection can be used to prevent photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. It is mainly based on the presence of antioxidant moieties in phytochemical extracts. The appearance of different botanical formulations endowed with apparently similar properties requires their side-by-side examination using an unbiased approach. The objectives of this study were to determine the antioxidant properties of several extracts of the fern Polypodium leucotomos and their ability to prevent ultraviolet (UV) damage in vitro. In vitro study with several extracts using cell-free and cellular assays was the design used. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), antioxidant assays, and cellular viability assays were the method used. Various extracts of the same plant species contain different amounts of antioxidant moieties. They bear different antioxidant and photoprotective capability at a cellular level, as determined by cellular viability assays and the appearance of DNA damage markers after UV exposure. Each botanical extract is endowed with different photoprotective properties. In these experiments, extracts from ferns’ leaves are better photoprotectors than extracts from the rhizomes, but it is necessary to assess each formulation separately.
Key words: Polypodium, antioxidant, ultraviolet (UV), photoprotection
TL;DR: The micro-dilution technique coupled with spreading in an agar medium made it possible to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the hydroalcoholic extract showed lower MIC and would therefore be best suited for the treatment of microbial diseases.
Abstract: Mitracarpus scaber is a medicinal plant used in traditional practices for the treatment of dermatoses and liver diseases. The objective of this study was to quantify the content of phenolic compounds and to evaluate the anti-radical and antimicrobial activities of four types of its total extracts on ten microbial strains. The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine total phenol content, condensed tannin content by the Butanol-HCl method and anti-radical activity by reduction of phosphomolybdate. The micro-dilution technique coupled with spreading in an agar medium made it possible to evaluate the antimicrobial activity. The results obtained showed that the total phenol content varies according to the nature of the extracts and ranges from 36.75±1.62 mg / g to 14.63±0.44 mg / g of extract. The contents of condensed tannins ranged from 41.83%±0.03 mg CE / g to 0.39%±0.14 mg CE/g. The anti-free radical activity was between 0.48±0.06 mg AAE / g and 0.21±0.00 mg AAE/g. The antimicrobial activity gave MIC of 6.25 to 50 mg / ml. The hydroalcoholic extract showed lower MIC and would therefore be best suited for the treatment of microbial diseases.
Key words: Mitracarpus scaber, antimicrobial activity, antiradical activiy, phenols.
TL;DR: The results suggest that ethanolic and methanolic extracts of L. sativum could be used for treatment of infectious diseases caused by E. coli and P. aeruginosa strains.
Abstract: Lepidium sativum is commonly known as “fetto” in Ethiopia, and a popular herbal plant which is widely used in folk medicine. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of three different crude solvent extracts from seed of Lepidium sativum (ethanol, methanol and chloroform) against human pathogenic bacterial strains: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC-27736), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC-27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-25923) and Shigella sonnie (ATCC-25931) using agar well diffusion assay, and the test results were compared with standard antibiotics. This study revealed that the ethanol and methanol extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli (ATCC 25922) with zone of inhibition mean value of 22.63±0.7 mm. The methanol extract showed minimum antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa (ATCC-27853) with zone of inhibition mean value of of 9±0.3 mm. Among the extracts, ethanol has a higher minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with inhibition value ranges of 6.25 to 12.5 mg/ml than other solvents extract. The results suggest that ethanolic and methanolic extracts of L. sativum could be used for treatment of infectious diseases caused by E. coli and P. aeruginosa strains. Hence, further investigation of biochemical elements of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts and understanding of the genetic mechanisms of resistance will be beneficial.
Key words: Antibacterial activity, extract, Lepidium sativum, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), zone of inhibition.
TL;DR: The data generally indicates that the POV of plants leave extract showed antioxidant activity due to the presence of some Phytochemical (plyphenols, tannins, glycosides) present in plants leave extracts.
Abstract: Medicinal plants have bioactive compounds which are used for curing of various human diseases and also play an important role in healing of different disease. Terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins are some of bioactive compounds present in different parts of medicinal plants. Qualitative identification of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity determination of crude extracts of the leaves of four different medicinal plants (Cordia africanaLam, Croton macrostachyus Hochst, Vernonia amygdalina Del. and Justicia schimperiana T.Anders.) based on peroxide value (POV) method were carried out in this study. For the phytochemical screening test, the results confirmed the presence of polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, steroids and anthraquinons in all plants leave extracts, however flavonoids, glycosides and phlobatannins were absent. In case of peroxide value (POV) determination, the lowest value were recorded in crude extracts of Cordia africana Lam leaves (24 meq/kg ) and the highest value were observed in Justica Schimperiana leaves extracts (101 meq/kg ) in the 1st treatment. In the 4th treatment, Schimperiana T. Anders had lowest antioxidant activities [highest POV (290 meq/kg)] and C. Africana had the highest antioxidant activities [lowest POV (88meq/kg)]. The study also showed that temperature variations had its own influence on peroxide value. As the temperature of the system increased, the peroxide content of sample treated with leave extracts of plants also increased, however the degree of increment vary within different temperature range (30 to 50°C, 50 to 75°C and 75 to 100°C). In all temperatures, the peroxide production of niger seed oil containing plants leave extracts were less than oil free from extracts. The data generally indicates that the POV of plants leave extract showed antioxidant activity due to the presence of some Phytochemical (plyphenols, tannins, glycosides) present in plants leave extracts.
Key words: Medicinal plants, phytochemical, antioxidant, peroxide value (POV).
TL;DR: Seed extract of C. molle seed showed lower effects on haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters and on tissues of different organs as dose increased, whereas at relatively lower dose, its cytotoxic effect increased.
Abstract: Combretum molle (Combretaceae) is widely used traditional medicinal plant for treatment of different illnesses in most parts of Africa. However, its in vivo toxic effect is not evaluated yet. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic effect of C. molle seed extract on biochemical and hematological parameters using mice. Accordingly, effect of seed extract of the plant on hematological and biochemical parameters and on tissues of different organs were determined. Blood sample collected on the next day of the last dose administration was used for further analysis. Organs were collected in formalin for histological study. Result of the study showed that seed extract of C. molle did not cause significant effects on most red blood cells (RBCs) indices. Also, except eosinophil count, all white blood cells (WBCs) indices showed significant reduction (P<0.05) under use of almost all doses of the seed extract. Level of liver enzymes such as glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (sGOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT) showed significant increment (P<0.05) in mice treated with different doses of the plant seed extract, while concentration of albumin was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Similarly, significant increament (P<0.05) in levels of kidney function indicators urea and creatinine was observed. At relatively lower dose (125 mg/kg), the crude extract of C. molle seed showed lower effects on haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. As dose increased, its cytotoxic effect increased.
Key words: Combretum molle, hematological, biochemical, histopathology.
TL;DR: The present study showed that, the plant F. erecta demonstrated strong cytotoxic and antioxidant property and moderate thrombolytic activity and positive result having correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.779.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate different biological properties of fruits extracts of Ficus erecta (Thunb.). The concentrated methanolic extracts and Kupchan partitions were screened for thrombolytic activity, whereas streptokinase was used as standard antioxidant property by evaluating free radical scavenging effect and determining total phenolic content and cytotoxic activity by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The highest thrombolytic activity was exhibited by carbon tetrachloride soluble partition (CTP) of the plant (27.53±0.41%) against the standard streptokinase (65.16±0.064%). The IC50 value of the petroleum ether soluble partition (PEP) was found to be 7.35±0.08 μg/ml, whereas standard ascorbic acid demonstrated IC50 value of 5.80±0.22 μg/ml. The petroleum ether soluble partition (PEP) also exhibited highest phenolic content (43.69±1.4 mg of GAE/100 g of extractives). A correlation was calculated between total phenolic content and free radical scavenging activity of F. erecta which showed positive result having correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.779. Among the LC50 values of the plant material, petroleum ether soluble partition (PEP) exhibited the lowest value of 1.20±0.028 µg/ml as compared to the standard vincristine sulphate (0.45¬±0.003 µg/ml). The present study showed that, the plant F. erecta demonstrated strong cytotoxic and antioxidant property and moderate thrombolytic activity.
Key words: Ficus erecta, thrombolytic, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, phenolic content, brine shrimp lethality bioassay, streptokinase, vincristine sulphate, acetyl salicylic acid.
TL;DR: The ethanolic extracts of all E. tapos plant parts are promising for further purification and drug development, and exhibited the greatest antiproliferative activity against all cancer cell lines tested.
Abstract: Phytochemicals possessing free radical scavenging and antiproliferative activities play an important role in cancer chemoprevention. In this study, the ethanolic extracts prepared from fresh and dried leaves, bark, and seed skin of Pra (Elateriospermum tapos Blume.) were tested for their antioxidant activity using a ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. The antiproliferative activities against four human cancer cell lines, breast (MCF-7), colon (HT-29, HCT116) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells, were examined using the MTT assay. Fresh leaf extract exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity by giving the greatest FRAP value, followed by bark, seed skin and dried leaf extracts, respectively, which were strongly correlated to their flavonoid content. Dried leaf extract with the highest total phenolic content exhibited the greatest antiproliferative activity against all cancer cell lines tested. The growth of cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) was the most sensitive to all plant part extracts tested with IC50 values of 5.44 ± 0.57 µg/ml (fresh leaf), 5.41 ± 0.37 µg/ml (dried leaf), 6.39 ± 1.16 µg/ml (bark) and 7.03 ± 0.07 µg/ml (seed skin) at 72 h exposure. The non-cancer cell line (Vero) was more resistant to all plant part extracts when compared with the cancer cell lines. The ethanolic extracts of all E. tapos plant parts are promising for further purification and drug development.
Key words: Antioxidant, antiproliferation, chemoprevention, Elateriospermum tapos, ethanolic extract.
TL;DR: The results showed that all plant extracts showed antiviral activity against at least one herpesvirus, and it was observed a direct anti-herpes effect of extracts from B. variabilis and B. intermedia in non-toxic concentrations against all herpesviruses.
Abstract: The Brazilian savanna known as “Cerrado” is very rich in medicinal plants that are used by the local population for treatment of several illnesses. The herpesvirus is a serious problem worldwide, and affects both animal and human health. This work aimed to study the antiviral activity of eight extracts from plants natives of “Cerrado” region against human (HSV-1), equine (EqHV-1) and swine herpesviruses (SuHV-1). The results showed that all plant extracts: Banisteriopsis variabilis, Byrsonima intermedia, Campomanesia xanthocarpa, Erythroxilum deciduum, Lacistema hasslerianum, Ocotea pulchella, Stryphodendron adstringens and Xylopia aromatica presented antiviral activity against at least one herpesvirus. Furthermore, it was observed a direct anti-herpes effect of extracts from B. variabilis and B. intermedia in non-toxic concentrations against all herpesviruses. B. intermedia crude aqueous extract showed the most promising results with selective index values of the 41.76 ± 0.04; 4.12 ± 0.1 and 193.97 ± 0.09 respectively against HSV-1, EqHV-1 and SuHV-1. Due to this, B. intermedia extract was also analyzed by HPLC/MS allowing for the identification of gallic acid and quercetin as main compounds.
Key words: Brazilian savanna, Cerrado, Byrsonima intermedia, antiviral, herpesvirus, gallic acid, quercetin.
TL;DR: Two packs of the daily detox made from Agerantus conyzoides and Loranthus bengwensis each containing 21 tea bags in dust form were used for analyses and quantitative measurement of phytochemical, microelement, macro elements and heavy metal contents of the tea were performed.
Abstract: Tea is one of the commonest drinks in most homes Many people consume tea due to its unique taste and associated health benefits Several medical disorders such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus have been linked to the excessive generation of free radicals and oxidative stress Studies conducted on Daily Detox, a tea consumed by many Nigerians have been limited to qualitative assessment of phytochemicals, but quantitative measurement of phytochemical, microelement, macro elements and heavy metal contents of the tea have not been explored This study was designed to bridge this gap Two packs of the daily detox made from Agerantus conyzoides (common name, Goat weed) and Loranthus bengwensis (common name, African Mistletoe) each containing 21 tea bags in dust form, supplied by the manufacturer were used for analyses Quantitative measurements of terpenoids, trypsin inhibitors, tannin, phenol, alkaloids and carotenoids were performed using standard methods Copper, zinc, iron, sodium, potassium, cadmium, nickel, chromium and manganese were estimated using standard methods Quantitative values of phytochemicals obtained from the herbal tea were: Terpenoids (3252 µg/g), trypsin inhibitors (161155 µg/g), tannin (394 µg/g), phenol (550 µg/g), alkaloids (19 µg/g), flavonoids (30 µg/g) and carotenoids (2055 µg/g) Macro and micro elements measured from the herbal tea were: Copper (169 µg/g), zinc (829 µg/g), iron (27427 µg/g); sodium (24429 µg/g); potassium (221328 µg/g); chromium (189 µg/g) and manganese (3404 µg/g) Lead was (99 µg/g) while nickel and cadmium levels were undetected The metabolic roles of these chemicals are discussed in relation to their health benefits
Key words: Herbal tea, phytochemicals, herbal medicine, traces elements
TL;DR: The results contribute to the conservation of experimental experiential knowledge of medicinal plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections hence, shouldering world’s efforts geared towards anti-HIV/AIDS innovations.
Abstract: The current ethnobotanical study identified medicinal plant species used to manage HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections by the communities in Rungwe District, Tanzania. Data were collected using questionnaires (n=193), interviews (n=9) and field observations. A total of 31 plant species from 23 families are used in managing HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections. Compositae and Rosaceae were predominantly used in disease management by 15% each. Of the plant parts, leaves were the most used (44%), followed by roots (28%), bark (7%), fruits, seeds and stem (5%) while the least used plant parts were tubers (4%) and the whole (2%). Tuberculosis utilized 60% of the species, Herpes simplex 55%, chronic diarrhea 40%, oral candidiasis 35% and Herpes zoster 30%. Dissotis phaeotricha scored the highest fidelity value (73%), followed by Berberis holstii (60%). The knowledge on medicinal plants among respondents was influenced by; informal education (p<0.01), village location (p<0.01) and ethnic background (p<0.05). The study exposed the presence of reasonable knowledge of traditional medicinal plants among communities in Rungwe District. The results contribute to the conservation of experimental experiential knowledge of medicinal plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections hence, shouldering world’s efforts geared towards anti-HIV/AIDS innovations.
Key words: Ethnobotany, conservation, medicinal plants, traditional practitioner.
TL;DR: This study supports the use of A. leiocarpa in the traditional treatment of bacterial infections and offer many perspectives in the search for new molecules against resistant microbial strains.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity of the root bark extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC) Guill. & Perr, in Escherichia coli extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-induced diarrhea in rat. The antibacterial activity was performed in vitro by determining the inhibition zone using standard agar diffusion method as well as in vivo on E. coli infected Wistar rat model. Both minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were carried through microdilution method. Results obtained in this study indicated that ethanolic and acetatic extracts were only active on bacteria presenting an inhibition zone range from 8 to 16 mm. The MIC observed in agar slant tubes ranged from 6.25 to 50 mg/ml. The ethanolic fraction of A. leiocarpa (ETHA) showed the highest in vitro antibacterial activity against strains with MICs ranging from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/ml and MBCs ranging from 12.5 to 25 mg/ml. In vivo, after infection, diarrhea increased faeces frequency, weight and volume faeces and bacterial faeces load to a maximum on the 2nd day after infection (P < 0.01). ETHA normalized the appearance, weight, volume and water content of faeces. To all doses, like ciprofloxacin it reduced significantly (P < 0.05) the bacterial growth compared to control Lot (infected and untreated). The death rate in diarrheic control Lot was 50% by Day 14. No death was recorded in Lot treated with ciprofloxacin and Lot treated with ethanolic fraction at dose of 2222.22 mg/kg body weight (bw). This study supports the use of A. leiocarpa in the traditional treatment of bacterial infections and offer many perspectives in the search for new molecules against resistant microbial strains.
Key words: Anogeissus leiocapa, antibacterial activity, in vitro, in vivo, therapeutic.
TL;DR: Diversity and richness of species were higher in leaf tissues, and the fungi with the highest activity presented antibacterial activity were Phomopsis, Penicillium, and those unknown, respectively.
Abstract: Croton lechleri is a native species from the Amazon and used with relative frequency in folk medicine in Brazil and other countries. Diversity and antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi associated with this plant were studied here. Samples of leaves and stems were used and 575 endophytic fungi were isolated (307 from leaves and 268 from stems), comprising 284 morphotypes distributed in 13 genera and unknown. The most frequently isolated genera were Phomopsis (30.78%), Penicillium (21.57%) and Pestalotiopsis (16.70%). Diversity and richness of species were higher in leaf tissues. Fifty-five fungi presented antibacterial activity. The fungi with the highest activity were Phomopsis (6.34%), Penicillium (3.17%), and those unknown (5.28%). Penicillium sp. 9 showed the highest antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Phomopsis sp. 8 and Phomopsis sp. 9 against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Curvularia sp. 1 and a fungus that could not be identified (Unknown sp. 9), showed the highest antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, respectively. Only two fungi (Penicillium sp. 9 and Curvularia sp. 1) inhibited the five tested bacteria. Endophytic fungi of C. lechleri harbor a great diversity of endophytic fungi, which have the potential for producing antibacterial compounds.
Key words: Dragon’s blood, antibacterial agent, endophytic fungi, microbial interaction.
TL;DR: In the present study three species of mushrooms, Auricularia auricula (AAP), Lentinus edodes (LDP, Shiitake mushroom) and Poria cocos (PCP) were isolated water soluble polysaccharides, and their antioxidant properties and chemical characteristics were evaluated.
Abstract: In the present study three species of mushrooms, Auricularia auricula (AAP), Lentinus edodes (LDP, Shiitake mushroom) and Poria cocos (PCP) were isolated water soluble polysaccharides, and their antioxidant properties and chemical characteristics were evaluated. Fourier Transform-infrared analysis demonstrated that three polysaccharides were composed of β-glycoside linkages 3304 to 1000 cm-1, and continued until 658 to 1000 cm-1. FTIR analyses recommend that there were no significant differences between chemical compositions of polysaccharides. The main monosaccharide compositions were D-galactose, D-glucose, L-rhamnose, arabinose, and D-mannose for A. auricular (AAP) and L. edodes (LDP) while P. cocos (PCP) were found to consist of D-mannose and D-galactose. Though, the antioxidant activity of A. auricular (AAP) confirmed a significant result in scavenging free radicals than P. cocos (PCP).
Key words: Polysaccharides, total antioxidants, monosaccharide.
TL;DR: The bioactive compounds in T. avellanedae make it a potential source for the control of A. aegypti vectors, without promoting deforestation of trees, according to the aim of this work.
Abstract: Tabebuia avellanedae is an important timber source belonging to the family of Bignoniaceae. The latter is known for its richness in terms of variety of bioactive chemical constituents, and it has been used in folk medicine for treatment of various diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate the chemical composition, oviposition deterrent and larvicidal activities of the wood extracts of T. avellanedae from the Cerrado of Brazil. Extracts of acetone, ethyl acetate and ethanol from T. avellanedae were obtained using various extraction methods. Quantitative analysis of phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phenols and tannins in the wood extracts, however, anthraquinones, coumarins and alkaloids were absent. The toxicity of T. avellanedae extracts against 3rd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti using maceration and Soxhlet extraction methods was analyzed. The acetone and ethyl acetate extracts obtained by Soxhlet extraction were more toxic against 3rd instar A. aegypti larvae, with CL50of 100.1 and 151.0 μg/mL, respectively. The mortality values (LT50 and LT95) were 38.66 and 66.74 min for ethyl acetate extract, respectively, and 53.47 and 119.96 min for acetone extract, respectively. In all cases, the assay showed that all extracts presented mortality of 100% to 3rd instar larvae after 12 h. The oviposition assay showed that gravid A. aegypti females laid their eggs preferentially in the control ovitraps. The ethanol extract at 333.3 μg/mL strongly deterred oviposition by 89.89% while the ethyl acetate and acetone extracts presented 89.04 and 68.10% deterrence, respectively. The bioactive compounds in T. avellanedae make it a potential source for the control of A. aegypti vectors, without promoting deforestation of trees.
Key words: Mosquitoes, larvae, toxicity, Ipe-roxo, Aedes aegypti, phytochemical, phenolic compounds.
TL;DR: It can be concluded that the Bananal community demonstrates knowledge about the plant species used and how to extract their active compounds, as well as the strong historical and cultural context, in addition to the diversity and availability of native plant resources in Brazil, may have perpetuated the use of medicine bottled.
Abstract: Using plants to treat health problems is an ancient practice that is still practiced today One way that plants are used to improve health is through medicine bottled (garrafada) A medicine bottled is a homemade mixture of medicinal plants added to a solvent Medicines bottled are medicinal mixtures that have been widely used, especially by residents of rural areas Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine the plant species and contents used to prepare medicine bottled by the Bananal Community in the municipality of Rondonopolis/MT/Brazil Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with the residents of the community Data analysis was descriptive The study revealed a total of 12 medicine bottled types used by the community, with 27 plant species belonging to 24 genera and 14 families The most frequently cited families were Fabaceae, Rutaceae, Moraceae, and Bignoniaceae The most frequently cited species was Brosimum gaudichaudii Trecul, known popularly as a mama-cadela; was used in three cited medicine bottled Some medicine bottled was produced with a single species of medicinal plant and others with three or more Their therapeutic purposes were diverse, with some medicine bottled indicated to treat one disease and others to treat two or more diseases It can be concluded that the Bananal community demonstrates knowledge about the plant species used and how to extract their active compounds The strong historical and cultural context, in addition to the diversity and availability of native plant resources in Brazil, may have perpetuated the use of medicine bottled in the Bananal Community
Key words: Medicinal plants, medicine bottled (garrafada), popular knowledge
TL;DR: It was observed that in all 50 species were used by shepherds enroute from high hills to low hills, and Morchella esculenta was found to be one of the delicacies used for food in their tribe.
Abstract: The present study was carried out in Himachal Pradesh of the Western Himalayas, India to obtain information on the wild edible plants used by the migratory shepherds. The shepherds started their migration in July from Chitkul, Rakchham, Batseri, Sangla and Kamru of district Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh). Questionnaire for the survey, personal field visits and participatory observations were used to collect information about the use of various plants by the migratory shepherds. The shepherds move in a group of 5 to 6 comprising their own family members and size of the flock (of sheep and goats) varied from 654 to 990. The migration route followed from their villages to Churdhar ranges (mid hills) and to Sirmour ranges (low hills). It was observed that in all 50 species were used by shepherds enroute from high hills to low hills. In high hills, 23 species, in mid hills 31 species and in low hills 34 species were found to be used as livelihood source. Some of the plants, besides being used as fruits and vegetables, are also used as herbal tea (bark of Betula utilis) and condiments. Morchella esculenta was found to be one of the delicacies used for food in their tribe. The documentation of plant resources and the indigenous knowledge of shepherds highlighted in the present study is a step in raising awareness about the importance of these edible plants and their further conservation.
Key words: Edible plants, sheep, goats, shepherds, seasonal migration, Himachal Pradesh.
TL;DR: It is revealed that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root extracts possesses antimalarial activity in the in vivo mice model and has the ability of re-establishing the blood cells by boosting and stabilizing the blood parameters.
Abstract: This study aims to determine the malaria parasite clearance rate of crude methanol extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in mice infected with chloroquine sensitive strain of Plasmodium berghei. P. berghei was injected in mice and left for 3 days for establishment. Blood sample collected and diluted with phosphate buffer saline was used for infection. Five (5) groups of animals (mice) were used in this study each containing 5 animals each. The body weights of the entire animal were recorded before and after treatment. Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (positive control, untreated malaria-passaged mice), Group 3 (standard control, malaria -passaged mice treated with 25 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine), Group 4 (malaria-passaged mice treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of extract), and Group 5 (malaria-passaged mice treated with 400 mg/kg body weight of extract). Hematological assessments were carried out before the experiment, 5 days after infection and after treatment. The percentage of parasite load in malaria passaged mice was found to be significantly (p 0.05) elevation was observed in the body weight of mice. On day 5 after infection, dose-dependent significant (p < 0.05) decrease was observed in the test groups. After treatment period, the body weights of the animals exhibited dose-dependent increase. The study thus revealed that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root extracts possesses antimalarial activity in the in vivo mice model and has the ability of re-establishing the blood cells by boosting and stabilizing the blood parameters.
Key words: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, chloroquine, Plasmodium berghei, malaria and clearance rate.