Abstract
BackgroundMesembryanthemum edule is a medicinal plant which has been indicated by Xhosa traditional healers in the treatment HIV associated diseases such as tuberculosis, dysentery, diabetic mellitus, laryngitis, mouth infections, ringworm eczema and vaginal infections. The investigation of the essential oil of this plant could help to verify the rationale behind the use of the plant as a cure for these illnesses.MethodsThe essential oil from M. edule was analysed by GC/MS. Concentration ranging from 0.005 - 5 mg/ml of the hydro-distilled essential oil was tested against some fungal strains, using micro-dilution method. The plant minimum inhibitory activity on the fungal strains was determined.ResultGC/MS analysis of the essential oil resulted in the identification of 28 compounds representing 99.99% of the total essential oil. A total amount of 10.6 and 36.61% constituents were obtained as monoterpenes and oxygenated monoterpenes. The amount of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (3.58%) was low compared to the oxygenated sesquiterpenes with pick area of 9.28%. Total oil content of diterpenes and oxygenated diterpenes detected from the essential oil were 1.43% and 19.24%. The fatty acids and their methyl esters content present in the essential oil extract were found to be 19.25%. Antifungal activity of the essential oil extract tested against the pathogenic fungal, inhibited C. albican, C. krusei, C. rugosa, C. glabrata and C. neoformans with MICs range of 0.02-0.31 mg/ml. the activity of the essential oil was found competing with nystatin and amphotericin B used as control.ConclusionHaving accounted the profile chemical constituent found in M. edule oil and its important antifungal properties, we consider that its essential oil might be useful in pharmaceutical and food industry as natural antibiotic and food preservative.
Highlights
Mesembryanthemum edule is a medicinal plant which has been indicated by Xhosa traditional healers in the treatment Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated diseases such as tuberculosis, dysentery, diabetic mellitus, laryngitis, mouth infections, ringworm eczema and vaginal infections
Having accounted the profile chemical constituent found in M. edule oil and its important antifungal properties, we consider that its essential oil might be useful in pharmaceutical and food industry as natural antibiotic and food preservative
Percentage chemical compounds of the essential oil Hydro-distilled essential oil from fresh M. edule leaves analyzed by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) resulted in the identification of 28 compounds representing 99.99% of the total essential oil
Summary
Mesembryanthemum edule is a medicinal plant which has been indicated by Xhosa traditional healers in the treatment HIV associated diseases such as tuberculosis, dysentery, diabetic mellitus, laryngitis, mouth infections, ringworm eczema and vaginal infections. Sub-Saharan Africa remains heavily affected region according to the report of UNAIDS [1]. Among the Sub-Saharan Africa countries, South Africa happened to be the largest burden of HIV/ AIDS worldwide with an estimate of 5, 38 million out of 50.6 million indigenes in 2011 [2]. Majority of people living with HIV/AIDS are vulnerable to developing fungal illness because of their suppressed immune systems [3,4]. Fungal infections remain a significant cause of gastrointestinal disease, a consequence of HIV/AIDS contaminants especially in immunocompromised individuals [3,4]. The incidence of re-occurring fungal associated HIV/AIDS has increased dramatically. Candida albicans is one of the major causes of mucosal and bloodstream infections with over 85% to 95% cases reported if not treated [4]. Meningitis, including lung infections are the common diseases related to C. neoformans [5]
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