Acanthus Montanus Research Articles

Distribution and Conservation Status of Plants’ species in the Botanical Garden and Arboretum domiciled in University of Uyo, Nigeria

This research assessed the plant species composition, distribution and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status of plants in University of Uyo botanical garden and arboretum using systematic sampling technique. The species were sampled in 10 x 10 m quadrats spaced at least regular intervals of 20 m from each quadrat. Thirty-one and thirty-eight species were encountered in the arboretum and botanic garden respectively. In terms of the frequency, Chromolaena odorata and Nauclea diderichii had the highest values (75%), while Acanthus montanus, Anthocleista djalonensis, Anthonotha macrophylla, Baphia nitida, Barteria nigritiana, Carpolobia lutea, Ceiba pentandra, Cnestis ferruginea, Entandrophragma utile, Hura crepitans, Lonchocarpus griffoneonus, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Senna siamea, Tamarindus indica, Tectona grandis and Treculia africana had the least frequency (25% each). For the density, Nauclea diderichii had the value of 250±15.30 st/ha. In the botanic garden, Ageratum houstonianum, Alchornea cordifolia, Chromolaena ordorata and Croton hirtus had the highest frequency (100%) while Allamanda cathartica, Asystasia gangetica, Bambusa vulgaris, Caladium bicolor, Centrosema virginianum, Cnestis ferruginea, Culcasia scandens, Cyathula prostrata, Desmodium scorpiurus, Emilia sonchifolia, Heliconia psittacorum, Ipomea involucrata, Lagenaria sphaerica, Mimosa pudica, Nephrolepis bisserata, Panicum sp., Pentaclethra macrophylla, Plumeria rubra, Polyalthia longifolia, Pteridium aquilinum, Scoparia dulcis, Senna siamea, Sesamum radiatum and Sida acuta had the least frequency (33.33%). The vegetation of both sites indicated variation in composition of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers and ferns. These heterogeneities may be a pointer to their varying adaptation levels and differential responses of plant species to pedological and anthropogenic influences.

Phytochemical Contents and In Vitro Pathogenic Microbial Growth Inhibitory Activities of Acanthus montanus Root and Leaf Extracts

The study was directed at extraction, bioactivity analysis and ascertaining phytochemical composition of the leaf and root extracts of Acanthus montanus. Acanthus montanus (Acanthaceae family) is a shrub that is popularly grown in tropical countries of the world. The plant materials were harvested from Choba community in Rivers State, Nigeria. Extracts of Acanthus montanus (28.3, 19.45 and 25.5 g of n-hexane, ethylacetate and ethanol leaf extracts; and 3.45, 11.32 and 12.44 g of n-hexane, ethylacetate and ethanol root extracts respectively) were obtained through sequential maceration and were separately subjected to in vitro bioassay against a wide range of pathogenic microbes using the agar well diffusion method. Fifteen microorganisms were employed in the investigation, eight bacteria which included Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonniea, Shigella dysentariae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyogenes and seven fungi which included Candida albicans, Sacharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus eligastus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates, Fusa equisetti and Aspergillus niger. The crude extracts exhibited high microbial growth inhibitory activities with zones of inhibition which ranged between 14 and 34 mm, though there was moderate (19 mm zone of inhibition), or no activity observed for the n-hexane leaf and root extracts. All test organisms were sensitive to the extracts. Standard analytical methods and Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) were used for analysis and quantification of the phytochemicals present in the extracts. Major phytochemical contents of the leaf and root extracts included flavonoids (86% - 52.66%), alkaloids (10.66% - 3.25%) and other phenolic compounds (20.52% - 6.38%). In conclusion, the leaf and root extracts of Acanthus montanus are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents also rich in flavonoids.

Bioassay-directed isolation of two novel antimicrobial coumarin and flavanone from Acanthus montanus

Abstract This work is geared towards extraction, isolation and characterization of phytocompounds from the ethyl acetate extract of Acanthus montanus root. The ethyl acetate extract was obtained through sequential maceration using a nonpolar solvent first before introducing ethyl acetate. The extract was subjected to vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) for fractionation and phytocompounds were purified through column chromatography. Characterization was done employing infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (NMR). The phytocompounds were isolated and characterized as 6,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxycoumarin and 2ʹ-acetoxy-4ʹ,5-dihydroxy-6ʹ-methoxy-3-(2ʹʹ-hydroxy-6ʹʹ-oxanyl)-8-(2ʹʹʹ-hydroxy-4ʹʹʹ-oxanyl)flavanone named Acanthusin G with percentage yield of 0.7% and 1.16% respectively. 6,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxycoumarin and Acanthusin G indicated good antimicrobial activities at 200 µg/ml with zone of inhibition range of 18 - 36 mm against fifteen pathogens using agar well diffusion method.

Anti-ulcer Activity of Crude Extract and Fractions of Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson on Indomethacin-Induced Ulcer

Peptic ulcer disease has remained a global threat due to several complications such as perforation, gastrointestinal obstruction and organ penetration associated with the disease. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and anti-ulcer activity of crude extract and fractions of Acanthus montanus on an indomethacin-induced ulcer in a mouse model. The plant was extracted using cold maceration in methanol and fractionated using solvents of varying polarities into their corresponding fractions. The phytochemical screening was conducted using a standard procedure. The acute toxicity test employed Lorke’s method and the anti-ulcer activity was conducted using the indomethacin-induced method. The phytochemical composition revealed the abundance of tannins, saponins, steroids/terpenoids and flavonoids in the crude extract and fractions. An acute toxicity study showed that the extract is safe even at a high dose of 5000 mg/kg. The anti-ulcer study revealed that A. montanus extract and fractions elicited a dose-dependent activity against peptic ulcer with strong curative indices of 79, 93, and 71% for the 400 mg/kg doses of methanol extract aqueous, and n-hexane fractions respectively compared with 42% index of the control. There was a dose-dependent ulcer healing with 400 mg/kg doses eliciting higher curative indices than the 200 mg/kg doses. The 200 mg/kg doses of aqueous fraction and 400 mg/kg doses ofmethanol extract, aqueous, and n-hexane fractions elicited ulcer indices significantly different (p<0.05) from those of controls. The rich presence of biologically active constituents with antiulcerogenic properties in the methanol extract and fractions of A. montanus supports its use in ethnomedicine.&nbsp

BIOSYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ACANTHUS MONTANUS LEAVES EXTRACT

The tremendous application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the various scientific fields has rendered its synthesis to be largely significant in the scientific community. Interestingly, plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles appears sustainable over the conventional synthetic method as a result of the cheap, safe, fast, and clean outcome. This study, for the first time, investigates the potential of Acanthus montanus leaves extract as a biological reducing agent capable of synthesizing AgNPs. Qualitative phytochemical investigation of A. montanus methanolic leaves extract was studied and AgNPs were prepared at different concentrations, using the green-synthetic method. Obtained AgNPs were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results of the qualitative phytochemical studies revealed the presence of important phytochemicals. After 6 hours, the reduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles was confirmed from the observed colour change from light yellow to dark/reddish brown. The UV-visible spectrum showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance at 450 nm while XRD analysis revealed crystalline AgNPs. Microscopic investigation of A. montanus-synthesized AgNPs with SEM showed a non-uniform morphology including spheres and wires. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of elemental silver in abundance. For the first time, A. montanus leaves extract was employed in the synthesis of AgNPs and our results have proven its effectiveness as an interesting bioreducing agent required for the synthesis of clean and non-toxic AgNPs.

Ethno-botanical uses and taxonomic composition of some Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps)

This document focuses on the ethnobotanical uses and taxonomic composition of some Aju Mbaise (Mbaise wraps). A total of 31 plant species belonging to 24 families were identified in the wraps collected from the study area. These plants are used in the treatment of ailments such as hypertension, typhoid, malaria, boost fertility in females, post-partum (immediately after birth), treatment of diabetes, treatment of arthritis, and induce weight loss. Annonaceae family constituted 9.68% of the total plant family, followed by Acanthaceae, Combretaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Rubiaceae with 6.45% each. Among the plant species, Cnestis ferruginea (Connaraceae) occurred in five wraps. This is followed by Alternanthera bettzickiana (Amaranthaceae), Craterispermum cerinanthum (Rubiaceae), and Napoleona imparalis (Lecythidaceae) found in four wraps while Acanthus montanus (Acanthaceae), Barteria nigritana (Passifloraceae), Nephrolepis exaltata (Nephrolepidaceae), Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Poaceae), Palisota hirsuta (Commelinaceae), Scleria naumanniana (Cyperaceae), and Sida rhomboidea (Malvaceae) are in three ailments each. These plant species and families with high occurrence are the most effectively used plant groups in the study for the treatment of these diseases.

Pharmacognostic and antidysentery screening of mixed ethanol leaf extract of Parkia biglobosa and Acanthus montanus (50:50)

Introduction: Parkia biglobosa belong to the family mimosaceae and Acanthus montanus belong to the family acanthaceae. The plants both have a multipurpose use as herbal medicine. Aim: This work investigate the pharmacognostic standard and anti-dysentery activity of the mixed ethanol extract of both plants on E. histolytical induced dysentery. Method: The phytochemical, chemo microscopy and proximate analysis were carried out using the standard procedures. The mixed extract of ratio 50:50 was administered to different groups of rats at different doses. Loperamide was administered as standard drug. The change in faecal consistency was observed and recorded. Result: The phytochemical analysis shows the presence of alkaloids, tannins, proteins, glycosides and carbohydrates. Chemomicroscopy of both plants showed the presence of starch, calcium oxalate, lignin, cellulose. While the extractive value analysis gave 25.0% and 32.7% for water extractive value and ethanol extractive value respectively (for Acanthus montanus) and 23.0% and 30.0% for water extractive value and ethanol extractive value respectively (for Parkiabiglobosa). The absence of death at 5000mg/kg of the extract shows that the lethal dose of the ethanol extract of the plant mixture is higher than 5000mg/kg which may be an indication of safety of the mixture. The anti-dysentery activity of the mixture of both plants with different concentration of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract showed a significant change in the faecal consistency of the rats. The effect obtained on the administration of 500mg/kg body weight of the extract mixture is more comparable to the standard (loperamide). Conclusion: The synergistic use of the extract contains the secondary metabolites glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, which may be responsible for their anti-dysentery synergistic activity. Mixed extracts from both leaves of P. biglobosa and A. montanus can be recommended as an anti-dysentery agent.

Evaluation of different solvents for phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of the leaves of Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson

Bear’s breech or mountain thistle ( Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson) is a shrub belonging to Acanthaceae family. It is widespread in Africa, Romania, Greece, and Eastern Mediterranean. African people engage its medicinal use for the management of urethral pain, endometritis, urogenital infections, urinary disease, aches and pains. Fresh leaves of A. montanus were collected from Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) herbal garden and identified at the Forestry Herbarium, Ibadan. About 200 g of the powered sample was macerated in 400 mL each of three organic solvents such as ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol respectively, for 24 h. Each extracts were screened for phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, phlobotannins, alkaloids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Estimation of total flavonol content, and antioxidant assays such as 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity were also carried out. The quantitative phytochemical test (flavonol content) revealed that Acanthus montanus methanol extract was the richest one among the solvent systems while acetone extract gave the best antioxidant activity. It was observed that the antioxidant activity could be attributed to moderately polar extracts. The study, therefore, provides evidence that various solvents used in extraction can result in differences in quantitative phytochemicals and antioxidant activity.

Evaluation of different solvents for extraction of phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of the leaves of Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson

Bear's breech or mountain thistle (Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson) is a shrub belonging to Acanthaceae family. It is widespread in Africa, Romania, Greece, and Eastern Mediterranean. African people engage its medicinal use for the management of urethral pain, endometritis, urogenital infections, urinary disease, aches and pains. Fresh leaves of A. montanus were collected from Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) herbal garden and identified at the Forestry Herbarium, Ibadan. About 200 g of the powered sample was macerated in 400 mL each of three organic solvents such as ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol respectively, for 24 h. Each extracts were screened for phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, phlobotannins, alkaloids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Estimation of total flavonol content, and antioxidant assays such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity were also carried out. The quantitative phytochemical test (flavonol content) revealed that Acanthus montanus methanol extract was the richest one among the solvent systems while acetone extract gave the best antioxidant activity. It was observed that the antioxidant activity could be attributed to moderately polar extracts. The study, therefore, provides evidence that various solvents used in extraction can result in differences in quantitative phytochemicals and antioxidant activity.

Toxicological studies on Acanthus montanus leaf extracts in male and female albino rats

Toxicological studies on Acanthus montanus leaf extracts in male and female albino rats

Extraction of Stigmasterol and β-Sitosterol from the leaves of Acanthus montanus and their contractile activity on uterine muscles of non-pregnant female albino rats

Acanthus montanus is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It is a plant with several phytoconstituents which accounts for its tradopharmacological uses such as treatment of pain, female infertility and spontaneous abortion with dosage schedule depending on the ailment. The present study was aimed at identifying and characterizing some of the active principles from leaves of the plant. Keywords: Acanthus montanus; Stigmasterol; β-sitosterol; contractile activity; uterine contraction; non-pregnant rat.

Assessment of Proximate, Phytochemical and Selected Mineral Content of Acanthus montanus Leaf

Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anders belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is one of the most threatened and underutilized species of vegetables in Africa. However the leaves of this plant are part of a consortium infusion (agabada nkwu) given to post-natal mothers within and around Mbaise in Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria, to ensure health and vitality of both nursing mother and child. The proximate, phytochemical and selected mineral contents of the Acanthus montanus leaf were investigated to ascertain the various components. The fresh plant sample was obtained from Ife, Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state, Nigeria. The sample was air-dried at room temperature for 72 hours prior to the various analyses, which were done using standard methods. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed 1.60 % flavonoids, 6.67 % tannins, 5.60 % alkaloids, 6.45 % saponins, 0.26 % phytate, 5.41% oxalate, 0.49 % phenol and 0.019 % Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN). The percentage proximate evaluation for moisture content, carbohydrate, protein, fibre, ash content and fat were: 11.85, 37.86, 17.72, 16.70, 10.56 and 5.31 respectively, while the percentage quantities of selected minerals; iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, zinc and copper were: 0.014, 0.569, 3.152, 0.909, 0.089, 0.202, 0.009, 0.010 and 0.001 respectively. Acanthus montanus is reported for its nutritional and medicinal values throughout Africa. The result of this work suggests further exploitation of the parts of Acanthus montanus to unveil more of its potential uses for the treatment of diseases.

Evaluation of botanical powders and extracts from Nigerian plants as protectants of maize grains against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) [Coleoptera: Curculionidae

Toxicities of leaf powders and extracts of Acanthus montanus, Acanthospermum hispidum, Alchornea laxiflora and Argyreia nervosa against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) were evaluated. Powders were tested at dose 3.0g/20g while extracts were tested at concentration 3%/20g of maize grains. Mortality, oviposition, and adult emergence rates as well as weight loss, seeds damage and weevil perforation index (WPI) were evaluated. Phytochemical constituents of the experimental plants were also carried out. The results showed that Acanthus montanus powder was the most potent with 65% adult mortality after 24 h of treatment. This is followed by Argyreia nervosa powder that evoked 52.5% weevil mortality. The least toxic to S. zeamais was Acanthospermum hispidum powder with 32.5% adult mortality. Extracts were more toxic than the powders of the tested plants. Acanthus montanus extract was the most toxic since it promoted 80% adult mortality after 24 h of treatment. Acanthus montanus, Alchornea laxiflora and Argyreia nervosa leaf powders and extracts completely prevented oviposition by adult insect, adult emergence, weight loss and seeds damaged. The phytochemicals present in Acanthus montanus were alkaloids (3.67 mg/g), saponin (3.33 mg/g), tannin (3.00 mg/g) and flavonoid (2.67 mg/g) contents. Acanthospermum hispidum had the least alkaloid (2.67 mg/g), saponin (1.67 mg/g), tannin (1.33 mg/g) and flavonoid (1.00 mg/g) contents. Acanthus montanus, Argyreia nervosa, Alchornea laxiflora and Acanthospermum hispidum were efficacious against S. zeamais instead of synthetic chemical insecticides that have environmental health hazards and they can be used in integrated pest management by farmers and foods merchants.

Impact of mining on the floristic association of gold mined sites in Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundOccurrences in land use, human activities and climate change have both direct and indirect influences on the environment. Of interest for this study is mining; a common activity in developing countries such as Nigeria which is endowed with over 34 solid minerals. The gold mining sites in the Southwest region of the country is predominantly by Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM). Though the benefits are known, its induced consequences are enormous. To understand its extent of floristic diversity, identification of functional plants and plant species surviving on the mined sites (despite its characterized mining and alteration level); this study compared the floristic composition of an abandoned mining site (Site 1), an active mining site (Site 2) and an undisturbed vegetation sites (Control) of similar vegetation zone.ResultsA total of 54, 28 and 37 species belonging to 31, 20 and 23 families were found on Site 1, Site 2 and the control site, respectively. It shows that the floristic composition of all the sites has been altered due to its past intense agricultural colonization and human activities, but severe on Site 1 and 2 due to mining. Lots of the identified species are functional species and stand as ecological indicators. Species such as Acanthus montanus and Icacina trichantha found on the Control sites are native and significance but species such as Capsicum frutescens and Crassocephalum crepidioides on Site 2 are due to human inference while most species on Site 1 shows both original and altered floristic composition (e.g. Adenia venenata and Grewia flavescens).ConclusionsApart from the on-going farming activities, ASM activities such as pollution, deforestation and exposure of the forest soils to direct sunlight has greatly stressed and disturbed the floristic composition, species richness, life form patterns, of the mined sites as well as introduction of non-native plant species. It is therefore necessary to develop effective approaches and policies to curb these illegal ASM activities, empower the community (especially youths), stabilize the economy and establish sustainable development strategies with adequate reclamation measures.

Humoral Immune Effect of Methanolic Extract of Spondiamombin, Mucunapruriens and Acanthus montanus in Cockerel

This study was conducted to assess the effect of methanolic plant extract of some selected plants (Acanthus montanus, Spondia mombins and Mucuna pruriens) on immune response in cockerel. One hundred and forty birds were allotted to 7 groups (n=10) in this experimental unit and replicated twice. Birds were administered Spondias mombin orally at 250mg/kg bw, Spondias mombin at 500mg/kg bw, Mucuna pruriens at 250mg/kg bw, Mucuna pruriens at 500mg/kg bw, Acanthus montanus at 250mg/kg bw, Acanthus montanus administered orally to birds at 500mg/kg bw and distilled water and designated as Groups 1-7 respectively. Birds were vaccinated against Gumboro twice at days 10 and 21 while Lasota vaccine was administered twice at days 14 and 28. Blood samples were collected brachial vein (wing vein) of the animal on days 9, 23 and 37 to obtain sera samples which were used for indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) (Gumboro) and days 13, 27 and 42 for sera samples used for Haemaglutination inhibition test (HI) (Newcastle). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the initial antibody titre among the birds for both IHA and HI. The highest antibody titre, 28.0 was found in birds administered with Acanthus montanus (500mg/kg) at day 42 for HI. The highest antibody titre for the IHA was found in birds administered with Acanthus montanus (500mg/kg) at day 37. The control birds had 23.5 and 23.7 at days 37 and 42 for IHA and HI respectively.From this study, A. montanus at 500mg/kg is recommended as adjuvant to gumboro and Newcastle vaccines in poultry.

Anti-spasmolytic and Anti-diarrheal Activities of Newbouldia laevis, Cola nitida and Acanthus montanus Extracts on Gastrointestinal Muscles

Anti-spasmolytic and Anti-diarrheal Activities of Newbouldia laevis, Cola nitida and Acanthus montanus Extracts on Gastrointestinal Muscles

Atherogenicity of diabetic rats administered single and combinatorial herbal extracts

ObjectiveThe present study sought to investigate atherogenicity of alloxan-induced diabetic rats administered single and combinatorial herbal formulations of Acanthus montanus, Asystasia gangetica, Gongronema latifolium and Solanum melongena. MethodsA single intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection of 90 mg/kg b.w. of alloxan monohydrate was given to the rats to induce diabetes mellitus (DM). Serum lipid profiles were measured using standard spectrophotometric methods, whereas atherogenicity, serum lipid ratios and atherogenic coefficient/indices were calculated using standard formulae. ResultsSerum total cholesterol (TC) concentrations of experimental rat groups varied between 1.59 ± 0.10 mmol/L and 2.72 ± 0.16 mmol/L (p < 0.05). Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration of untreated DM rat (DM-r) group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of treated DM-r groups. Atherogenic risk indices (ARIs) of treated DM-r groups were within the range of 0.74 ± 0.03 and 2.64 ± 0.21, whereas ARI of untreated DM-r was 4.04 ± 0.25. The linear regression analysis of atherognic index of plasma (AIP) versus serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations of the experimental rat groups gave a relatively close fitted regression line (R2 = 0.8275). Atherogenic protection of herbal extract treated DM-r groups was within the range of 33.4–81.7%. ConclusionThe present study showed that double herbal formulations (DHFs): A. gangetica + G. latifolium and A. gangetica + A. montanus offered comparatively high protection to DM-r against atherogenic outcomes, which paralleled the capacities of these DHFs to reverse dyslipidemia.

Medicinal plants of northern Angola and their anti-inflammatory properties

Ethnopharmacological relevance32 plants, from which 30 are used in local traditional medicine – identified by interviews with the resident population – in the province of Uíge in northern Angola for the treatment of inflammation related disorders, were screened on different anti-inflammatory parameters. Three extracts were selected for a detailed ethnobotanical, pharmacological and phytochemical investigation based on their in vitro activity. Aim of the studyWe aimed to assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of these plants and highlight the active principles of the three most promising candidates. Materials and methodsPlant material was collected in northern Angola during eight field trips from 2013 to 2015 based on data documented in 61 interviews with 142 local informants. 36 methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared and tested at different concentrations (100, 50, 10µg/mL) to evaluate their inhibition on cyclooxygenase (COX)−2 expression and on nitric oxide (NO) release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774A.1 macrophages. Five selected extracts were additionally tested at the lower concentrations of 5, 2.5, and 1.25µg/mL and for their potential on inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) release. The major compounds of three of those five extracts were either identified by HPLC coupled with (tandem) mass spectrometry and comparison with data from literature or isolated from the respective extracts and confirmed by NMR experiments (one and two dimensional). Results30 plant species with in total 161 citations were mentioned by the informants to have anti-inflammatory properties. The predominantly used plant part is the leaf (39%), followed by underground organs like roots and rhizomes (25%), bark (18%) as well as fruits and seeds with 15%. With 47%, decoction is the most frequent preparation form. A large number of the MeOH extracts showed promising activities in our preliminary screening for the inhibition of COX-2 expression and NO release. Five extracts with high activities in both assays showed also concentration dependent inhibition at lower concentrations and a decreased release of two additional pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-6 and TNF-α) vs. LPS. Three leaf extracts where chosen for a detailed investigation, which lead to the identification of several constituents: verbascoside and isoverbascoside (Acanthus montanus), geraniin, chebulagic acid and a large flavonoid fraction (Alchornea cordifolia) as well as the four flavonoids astilbin, isovitexin, isoorientin and swertisin (Chaetocarpus africanus). Their implication in the observed biological activity was proved by comparison with published data of these compounds in identical or similar pharmacological models. ConclusionsThe indigenous use of these plants against inflammation related ailments could be – at least partly – verified by our in vitro models for many of the investigated extracts. Acanthus montanus and Alchornea cordifolia particularly stood out with their high activity in all four performed assays, which was in accordance with pharmacological studies of their major constituents in literature. In addition, this study was the first phytochemical investigation of Chaetocarpus africanus and first description of the occurrence of the ellagitannins geraniin and chebulagic acid in Alchornea cordifolia. These results support the traditional use and should encourage further investigations of medicinal plants of northern Angola.

Phytochemical Profiling, Hypolipidemic, Haematological and Body Weight Effects of Acanthus Montanus Leaf Extracts in Male and Female Albino Rats

Acanthus montanus leaves in the eastern part of Nigeria has been used in treatment diseases. This work was designed to evaluate phytochemical constituents, hypolipidemic, hematological and body weight effects of Acanthus montanus extracts in male and female albino rats. GC-MS analysis showed eleven bioactive compounds. Ninety (90) albino rats of 45 male and 45 female rats were used for the study, divided into eighteen groups of five rats. Alphabets and figures were used to identify the male and female rats. Groups A and 1 received normal rat chow, Groups B and 2, C and 3 , D and 4, E and 5 received 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of aqueous extract of A. montanus leaves while groups F and 6, G and 7, H and 8, I and 9 received 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg , 600 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of methanol extract of A. montanus. Results showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in HDL, TG and cholesterol while HDL increased significantly (P<0.05). The hematological test showed no significant (P<0.05) difference in most test groups relative to control. The plant leaves may be helpful in managing heart related diseases.

Effect of processing on the biochemical contents of Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) leaves.

The effect of processing on the biochemical contents of Acanthus montanus leaves was investigated. The moisture, crude protein, lipid, fiber, ash, and total carbohydrate contents of the raw vegetable were 59.15, 1.85, 2.32, 3.76, 2.04, and 34.65 g/100 g, respectively. The saponin, alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid, phenol, and anthocyanin contents of the raw vegetable were 5.35, 4.04, 1.10, 3.53, 2.87, and 1.27 g/100 g, respectively, while it contained 2.65 mg/100 g calcium, 1.14 mg/100 g magnesium, 7.66 mg/100 g potassium, 350.75 μg/g vitamin A, 50.87 mg/100 g vitamin C, and 0.25% titratable acidity. There were significant reductions (p < .05) in the protein, lipid, fiber, ash, saponin, alkaloid, tannin, phenol, anthocyanin, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and titratable acidity of the boiled or boiled + sun‐dried A. montanus leaves; significant elevation of the moisture contents but significant reduction of the total carbohydrate contents of the boiled; and significant reduction of the moisture contents of the boiled + sun‐dried vegetable compared with the raw. There were significant increases (p < .05) in the total carbohydrate contents of the boiled + sun‐dried leaves; significant reductions (p < .05) in the moisture, saponin, alkaloid, and vitamins A and C contents of the sun‐dried vegetable; and no significant differences (p > .05) in the lipid, calcium, potassium, and ash, but significant increases (p < .05) in the protein, crude fiber, total carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, anthocyanin, magnesium, and titratable acidity of the sun‐dried vegetable when compared with the raw. Sun drying alone either retained or enhanced the release of some important bioactive compounds in A. montanus leaves. Furthermore, the reduced moisture content of the sun‐dried vegetable together with its increased titratable acidity will make the sun‐dried vegetable uninhabitable for microorganisms, thereby increasing its shelf life.