Abstract
BackgroundIt has been observed that perturbations in the antioxidant defense systems, and consequently redox imbalance, are present in many tissues of HIV-infected patients. Hence, the exogenous supply of antioxidants, as natural compounds that scavenge free radicals, might represent an important additional strategy for the treatment of HIV infection. The aim of this study was therefore to analyse the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of Gasteria bicolor Haw and Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims., two South African plants traditionally used for the management of opportunistic fungal infections (OFIs) in AIDS patients.MethodsThe in vitro antioxidant properties of the two plants were screened through DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), NO (nitric oxide), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) radical scavenging effects and reducing power assays. Phytochemical studies were done by spectrophotometric techniques.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the flavonoid and proanthocyanidins contents between the leaves and bark extracts of Gasteria bicolor and Pittosporum viridiflorum respectively, while the total phenolic content of the bark extract of P. viridiflorum was significantly higher than that of G. bicolor leaf. The acetone extracts of both plants indicated strong antioxidant activities.ConclusionThe results from this study indicate that the leaves and stem extracts of Gasteria bicolor and Pittosporum viridiflorum respectively possess antioxidant properties and could serve as free radical inhibitors, acting possibly as primary antioxidants. Since reactive oxygen species are thought to be associated with the pathogenesis of AIDS, and HIV-infected individuals often have impaired antioxidant defenses, the inhibitory effect of the extracts on free radicals may partially justify the traditional use of these plants in the management of OFIs in HIV patients in South Africa.
Highlights
It has been observed that perturbations in the antioxidant defense systems, and redox imbalance, are present in many tissues of HIV-infected patients
Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in this region highlighted some plants used for the treatment of opportunistic fungal infections (OFIs) in HIV/AIDS such as the decoction of Alepidea amatymbica (Apiaceae) for aspergillosis, infusion of Pittosporum viridiflorum (Pittosporaceae) for cryptococcal meningitis, decoction of Artemisia afra (Asteraceae) for oesopharyngeal candidiasis, infusion of Carpobrotus edulis (Mesembyanthemaceae) for oral candidiasis, lotion of Aloe ferox (Liliaceae) for vaginal candidiasis, infusion of Arctotis arctotoides (Asteraceae) and lotion of Gasteria bicolor (Asphodelaceae) for dermatophytoses (Otang et al, manuscript accepted for publication)
Alkaloid and saponin content Quantitative estimation indicated that the alkaloid content in the leaf extract of G. bicolor (285.0 mg/g) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of P. viridiflorum bark (Figure 1)
Summary
It has been observed that perturbations in the antioxidant defense systems, and redox imbalance, are present in many tissues of HIV-infected patients. The aim of this study was to analyse the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of Gasteria bicolor Haw and Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims., two South African plants traditionally used for the management of opportunistic fungal infections (OFIs) in AIDS patients. Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in this region highlighted some plants used for the treatment of opportunistic fungal infections (OFIs) in HIV/AIDS such as the decoction of Alepidea amatymbica (Apiaceae) for aspergillosis, infusion of Pittosporum viridiflorum (Pittosporaceae) for cryptococcal meningitis, decoction of Artemisia afra (Asteraceae) for oesopharyngeal candidiasis, infusion of Carpobrotus edulis (Mesembyanthemaceae) for oral candidiasis, lotion of Aloe ferox (Liliaceae) for vaginal candidiasis, infusion of Arctotis arctotoides (Asteraceae) and lotion of Gasteria bicolor (Asphodelaceae) for dermatophytoses (Otang et al, manuscript accepted for publication)
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