Abstract. Ngemenya MN, Itoe LO, Awah LA, Asongana R, Ndip RA. 2024. Antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Salmonella, toxicity and biochemical effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts in mice. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 22: 43-50. The emergence of multidrug resistance has significantly compromised the treatment of Salmonella infections. The anti-Salmonella activity, toxicity, and biochemical effects of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf crude extracts were studied by disc diffusion and microdilution against Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) strains. Cytotoxicity was investigated on monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLCMK2) and acute toxicity in BALB/c mice. Both hexane (MOHEX) and methanol (MOMET) extracts produced small zones of inhibition of 8mm at 1 mg and 2 mg per disc, indicating weak activity, but the minimum inhibitory concentration showed high (0.0625 mg/mL) to low activity (10 mg/mL) activity. No minimum bactericidal concentration was recorded at the concentrations tested. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) for methanol and hexane extracts were 2524 µg/mL and 5004 µg/mL, respectively, indicating a low risk of toxicity. No mortality or adverse effects were recorded in the acute toxicity test. Both extracts had no significant effects (p < 0.05) on renal function and one liver enzyme (alanine aminotransferase), but MOMET significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.04), suggesting possible liver toxicity. The study shows that M. oleifera leaves possess bacteriostatic activity against multidrug-resistant Salmonella and are non-toxic; hence, it is a potential alternative treatment against multidrug-resistant Salmonella. Further studies of fractions and pure natural products of the extracts should be pursued.

Abstract. Ejeh SA, Abu HA, Onyeyili PA, Abenga JN, Abalaka SE, Enefe NG, Eugiene I. 2024. Ethanol leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae) effects on reproductive dysfunctions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 22: 35-42. Diabetes and some of its treatment agents reportedly induce male reproductive dysfunction in male Wistar rats. Therefore, the study investigated the therapeutic effects of ethanol leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. on diabetic male Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were used, and 50 mg/kg freshly prepared streptozotocin in cool citrate buffer single intraperitoneal injection was used to induce diabetes mellitus. The rats were grouped into 5 of 5 rats each. Group 1 was normal + distilled water; group II was diabetic untreated; group III was diabetic + 100 mg/kg metformin HCl; and IV and V rats were diabetic and received 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract orally, respectively. Treatment was done for 28 days; after that, reproductive parameters such as extrapyramidal sperm parameters (sperm motility, count, concentrations, viability, morphology, and acrosome integrity) and hormonal assay (FSH, LH, and Testosterone) were evaluated using a standard protocol. Testicular and epididymal histopathological changes were analyzed using standard procedure. The results revealed a marked impairment in all the parameters evaluated in the untreated diabetic group. However, groups exposed to the ethanol leaf extract of A. cordifolia recorded a significant (p <0.05) improvement in the above-mentioned reproductive parameters, including the restorations of the collapsed epididymal tubules observed in the diabetic untreated group. Therefore, the ethanol leaf extract of A. cordifolia can potentially facilitate and restore reproductive dysfunctions associated with diabetes mellitus complications, hence a possible alternative to synthetic antidiabetic agents.

Abstract. Lamy GML, Likeng JLN, Ndjib RC, Ndounga SEN, Elomo LB, Mbuh SM, Nnanga LS, Mahama, Biyon JBN, Harmsen K, Nga EN, Tchinda AT. 2024. Ethnomedicine, improved traditional medicine from Cocos nucifera water and evaluation of antibacterial activity on four bacterial strains in Center, Cameroon. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 22: 27-34. In 2017, the WHO published its first list of “priority pathogens” resistant to antibiotics to combat growing antimicrobial resistance globally. These include bacteria that are multi-resistant to several antibiotics (Acinetobacter, Escherichia, etc.) and others (Salmonella, Shigella, etc.). Currently, research is focused on new antibiotics and medicinal plants are among the favored natural resources. Worldwide, Cocos nucifera water (Arecaceae) or coconut water, is traditionally reported to fight bacterial diseases. Unfortunately, information is lacking on its antibacterial potential in Center, Cameroon. The aim is to determine the traditional antibacterial uses of this water in Central, Cameroon. Then, transform this water into Improved Traditional Medicine (ITM). Finally, evaluate the antibacterial activity of ITM on 4 bacterial strains following the respective Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 0.015 and 0.25 µg/mL. The methods were ethnomedicinal surveys, the pre-formulation protocol of medicinal syrup, and sensitivity tests in liquid and solid media. Therefore, 76 informants belonging to several ethnolinguistic groups participated. Women (55.27%) exceed men (44.73%) traditionally used coconut water more to treat digestive disorders (stomachache and constipation). An antibacterial ITM named Coco Water Cure (CWC) was manufactured. The more sensitive Salmonella enteritidis and Shigella dysenteriae bacteria with CWC had an MIC of 0.25 µL/mL, respectively. In conclusion, coconut water containing actives compounds such as lauric acid is eligible among the natural antibiotic resources from Center, Cameroon.

Abstract. Ekpo GI, Eteng OE, Ekam VS, Onyemaizu MU, Ofonime N, Blessing OE, Uduak OL, Robert AE, Ufot S, Eyong U. 2024. Hesperidin and quercetin modulate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 22: 19-26. Quercetin and hesperidin are bioactive chemicals that have shown considerable promise in both conventional and herbal medicine due to their significant impact on treating various human diseases. Oxidative stress is linked to the etiology of many liver disorders. Quercetin-containing foods and fruits include kales, onions, berries, apples, cherries, and other citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and mandarins. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential therapeutic benefits of quercetin and hesperidin on oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity using male rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). A total of (30) male rats weighing 160-180 g were divided into 5 groups (n = 6). For twenty-one days, rats were gavaged with quercetin and hesperidin (2.4 and 2.4 mg/kg each) after being exposed to CCl4 (0.5 mg/kg). Samples were taken to evaluate several biochemical markers. Nitric oxide (NO), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and Malonialdehyde (MDA) levels were assayed for oxidative damage. The enzymes alanine transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were estimated to represent liver function. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated for antioxidants, and histopathology was also assessed. CCl4 increased significantly (P <0.05) the concentration of MDA, NO, H2O2, SOD, CAT, GPX, GSH, and also, the activities of ALT, ALP, and AST in serum. Following treatment with quercetin and hesperidin, significantly (P <0.05) reduced MDA, NO, H202, ALT, AST, and ALP activities and modified SOD, CAT, GPX, GSH, in rats substantially (P <0.05). Hepatotoxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was protected by quercetin and hesperidin treatment. This study concludes that by recovering from ROS-mediated oxidative stress, the injection of quercetin and hesperidin helps to offset the damage that CCl4-induced hepato-renal ailments generate. Hence, quercetin and hesperidin supplements may be recommended as an adjunctive natural therapy because they can scavenge free radicals and prevent hepato-renal damage.

Abstract. Ali S, Munazir M. 2024. Medicinal?plants used?in the management of?cancer?and other diseases in Swat District, Pakistan. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 22: 8-18. The provision of healthcare in impoverished nations is significantly influenced by traditional medicine. It has been revealed that many cancer patients use traditional medicine, either as a complementary therapy or as a primary treatment. Among noncontagious infections, cancer is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to determine the plants that people in the Swat regions, Pakistan used to treat cancer through traditional medicine. Interviewing consenting individuals about the ethno-medicinal plants they use to treat cancer was done using a structured questionnaire. Also, an assessment of the literature published on the mentioned plants was done. Questions about plants used to cure cancer, parts of plants used, the form of cancer cured, therapeutic applications of the plants, and the preparation and administration of the plant parts were posed to the practitioners and the locals. About 12 plants in all, comprising five herbs, three climbers, three trees, and one shrub, were used to treat cancer. About 50% of plants contain flavonoids, compounds with various anticancer properties. Fruits accounted for 41% of all the parts used in the documented species, with leaves coming in second at 25%, bark at 17%, roots at 17%, and the entire plant at 8%. However, the highest RFC was shown by Vitis vinifera L. (0.56), the lowest was shown by Viola biflora L. (0.03), while the highest FL was shown by Hedera nepalensis K.Koch (83), and the lowest was shown by V. biflora (30). According to the study, the gathered plants were used to treat a variety of malignancies: general tumors were treated by 75% of the plants, breast cancer was treated by 17%, and lung cancer was treated by 8%. The reported uses of the medicinal plants from prior ethno-pharmacological studies conducted in Swat regions align well with the traditional uses of the plants mentioned in this study. Therefore, if sufficiently investigated, the Swat district's indigenous herbs used to treat cancer may play key roles in searching for and creating anticancer medications.

Abstract. Ibiye A, Green BO, Ajuru MG, Chikere LC. 2024. Phytochemical and proximate compositions of frond extracts of Nephrolepis biserrata, Phymatosorus scolopendria, and Microgramma mauritiana in Rivers State University, Nigeria. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 22: 1-7. Pteridophytes have a great range of forms and are cosmopolitan in distribution. There are about 13,500 species of fern and allies distributed throughout the world. This research was carried out to investigate the phytochemical and proximate compositions of three species of ferns growing at Rivers State University, Nigeria. The three fern species were Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Desv., Phymatosorus scolopendria (Burm.fil.) Pic.Serm., and Microgramma mauritiana (Willd.) Tardieu. The phytochemical and proximate composition analyses were done using standard procedures. Results from the phytochemical analysis showed that glycoside was the highest content in the three ferns, that is, P. scolopendria (17.24%), N. biserrata (14.47%), M. mauritiana (12.8%), followed by alkaloid in M. mauritiana (7.18%), N. biserrata (6.10%), P. scolopendria (4.42%). Phenol content in M. mauritiana, P. scolopendria, and N. biserrata were 4.09%, 2.17%, and 1.33%, respectively. Flavonoid content in N. biserrata, P. scolopendria, and M. mauritiana were 3.16%, 2.87%, and 2.43%, respectively. Saponin content in P. scolopendria, M. mauritiana, and N. biserrata were 1.65%, 1.35%, and 1.29%, respectively. Tannins content in P. scolopendria, M. mauritiana, and N. biserrata were 2.54%, 1.91%, and 0.98%, respectively. Results from proximate analysis showed that the highest moisture content was in M. mauritiana (53.39%), followed by P. scolopendria (50.78%) and N. biserrata (44.58%). The lowest content in the frond extracts was ash, with the values of M. mauritiana (0.84%), N. biserrata (0.83%), and P. scolopendria (0.73%). The results of the phytochemical and proximate evaluation of the species studied indicated that they are nutritionally and medicinally important, and their consumption can provide essential nutrients humans need.

Abstract. Sahu MK, Suthakaran S, Ghosh SC, Singh D, Das A, Jha H. 2023. Anticancer activity of secondary metabolite isolated from the rhizospheric fungus Fusarium oxysporum isolate-ABRF1, 2-propenoic acid, pentadecyl ester. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 21: 88-100. The rhizospheric fungus Fusarium oxysporum ABRF1 from the Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve, Chhattisgarh, India, was evaluated for its anticancer potency using various cellular and molecular assays. A differential cytotoxic profile of the different fractions of the ABRF1 isolate was observed against various cancer cell lines. DNA fragmentation analysis revealed the aqueous and toluene fractions were effective and correlated well with apoptotic gene expression in several breast cancer cells. The fractions showed markedly increased expression of pro-apoptotic protein markers – BAX and cleaved caspase 3 in the breast cancer cells. Structural and functional characterization of potential secondary metabolite from the fungal isolate ABRF1 was carried out using Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance that characterized as 2-propenoic acid, pentadecyl ester. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the anticancer property were confirmed by molecular docking analysis of 2-propenoic acid, pentadecyl ester, and positive controls such as Doxorubicin and Noscapine. The results showed an efficient binding with molecular targets such as protein kinases (EphA2) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers (Vimentin) in breast cancer cells. The active metabolite 2-propenoic acid, pentadecyl ester, has a potential anticancer property that needs to be taken further for in vivo studies and drug development in the future.

Abstract. Ayo VI, Adondua MA, Morayo AE, Ekele JU, Amilo D, Ochuele DA, Ayantse LM, Barrah C, Abdulsalam IO, Eya SB, Iheanacho CC, Tibile ST, Mohammed RI, Barde CE. 2023. Effect of Lactuca sativa supplemented diet on Poloxamer 407 induced hyperlipidemic albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 21: 67-78. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have primarily contributed to the global disease burden. They represent the leading cause of mortality and healthcare expenditures in developed and third-world nations, responsible for approximately 30 percent of global deaths and 10 percent of global diseases annually. This study investigated the effects of a Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) supplemented diet on Poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic albino rats. Twenty-four (24) rats were grouped into six groups of treatments, i.e., four rats in each treatment. Treatments applied in this study were: control treatment (feed and water only), a P-407 induced without Atorvastatin, a P-407 induced treated with Atorvastatin, and P-407 induced with 10%, 30%, and 50% L. sativa supplemented diet. P407 was administered intraperitoneally at 1000 mg/kg body weight. Body weight was measured every three days for 14 days. Blood sample collection was carried out for the analysis of lipid profiles (High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), Triacylglycerides (TAG), and Total Cholesterol (TC)) and liver function parameters (ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, TP, ALB and GLB). The liver and brain tissues were analyzed for lipid peroxidation levels. Results showed that induction of P407 resulted in a higher body weight gain (p<0.05) compared to other treatments. The treatment groups other than the P-407 treatment showed a significant decrease in Total Cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerides (TAG), and LDL cholesterol levels and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol. The TC, TAG, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels in treating P-407 with a 50% L. sativa-supplemented diet did not differ (P>0.05) compared to the control treatment. The atherogenic risk prediction indices indicated a decreased risk in the treated groups with Atorvastatin or L. sativa-supplemented diet. Furthermore, liver function parameters were better in the treatment groups with Atorvastatin or L. sativa-supplemented diet, including decreased liver function parameters and increased total protein, albumin, and globulin levels. The L. sativa-supplemented diet also exhibited anti-lipid peroxidation activity, as indicated by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In conclusion, the L. sativa-supplemented diet had hypolipidemic effects, anti-lipid peroxidation activity, and hepatoprotective effects, suggesting its potential as an antihyperlipidemic agent.

Abstract. Scott S, Daniel R, Kalicharran L. 2023. Effectiveness of Passiflora foetida (Baby Semitoo) and Ocimum campechianum extracts (Married Man Pork) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 21: 79-87. Medicinal plants have long been used to treat illnesses. They contain many secondary metabolites, which have antibiotic properties, and can treat antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemicals in Passiflora foetida L. (Baby Semitoo) and Ocimum campechianum Mill. (Married Man Pork) and to analyze the antimicrobial potential against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plant extracts were prepared using hexane, methanol, and water, with a rotary evaporator. The extracts were tested using zone of inhibition, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bacterial Concentration (MBC) methods. The extract of O. campechianum produced the highest percent yield for each solvent, while methanol produced the highest yield of all solvents. The results of the phytochemical test showed that, O. campechianum contained flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and phenols; while flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins were found in P. foetida extract. Similarly, O. campechianum also showed higher antimicrobial potential than P. foetida. The P. aeruginosa proved more susceptible than K. pneumoniae to both plants.

Abstract. Lamy GML, Nnanga LS, Mahama, Ossongo AF, Elomo LB, Tagne RS, Mbo JA, Likeng JLN, Nga EN, Harmsen K. 2023. Medicinal syrup for children from the association of significant parts of anti-COVID-19 medicinal plants from the Centre, Cameroon. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 21: 58-66. In Africa, Improved Traditional Medication (ITM) has been promoted since 1970 and classified into four categories. The import-substitution policy under the "Made in Cameroon" label encourages local production. Globally, there is an urgent need for anti-COVID-19 drugs, especially for children. The mechanisms of action of SARS-CoV-2 can be attenuated by combination therapy of the parts of anti-COVID-19 medicinal plants. A plant has several parts whose therapeutic properties generally differ. From 2020 to 2022, the most cited anti-COVID-19 plants in the literature were Allium sativum L., Citrus ×limon (L.) Burm.fil., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Unfortunately, a gap exists in the names of the significant parts of these plants. For example, were the barks, leaves, roots, or flowers used? In addition, the significant association of said plants and the majority of traditional preparation methods are not specified. The objective was to determine the significant parts of 4 anti-COVID plants, their significant association, and the majority traditional method of preparation allowing the pre-formulation of an infant anti-COVID ITM syrup. An ethnomedicinal survey, ANOVA, and the pre-formulation protocol of a medicated syrup were used. Altogether, 180 informants from several ethnic groups participated. The bulb and rhizome parts for A. sativum and Z. officinal showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between plants. The leaves and fruits of C. citratus and C. limon showed a highly significant difference (P<0.000) between plants. The association of four significant plants and infusion, the majority traditional mode of preparation, allowed the pre-formulation of the infant syrup named COVID-Med, an ITM category 2. The bulbs, rhizomes, leaves, and fruits were significant parts of A. sativum, Z. officinale, C. citratus, and C. limon.