Aframomum Melegueta Research Articles

6-Paradol exhibits antimicrobial, anti-quorum sensing and anti-virulence capacities on gram-negative bacteria: In vitro and in vivo studies

Grains of paradise, which are native to Africa, contain 6-paradol, an antibacterial compound found in plants of the Zingiberaceae family. In this study, the antimicrobial and anti-virulence properties of 6-paradol were evaluated against significant Gram-negative bacteria. The assessment encompassed the impact of 6-paradol on the bacterial cell membrane, efflux mechanisms, bacterial motility, biofilm formation, and extracellular enzyme production. The findings demonstrated promising anti-quorum sensing activity of 6-paradol. Moreover, the outcomes unveiled that the antimicrobial activity of 6-paradol is primarily stems from its substantial influence on the bacterial cell membrane and efflux mechanisms. Furthermore, 6-paradol exhibited potential anti-virulence activities by effectively reducing the generation of biofilm and virulent enzymes, impeding bacterial motility, and inhibiting in vivo bacterial pathogenesis. These anti-virulence effects were attributed to the compound's interference with quorum sensing systems and the downregulation of genes associated with these systems. Additionally, when combined with antibiotics, 6-paradol demonstrated synergistic effects. In conclusion, 6-paradol possesses noteworthy anti-virulence activities and can be employed as an auxiliary alongside antibiotics for treating aggressive Gram-negative infections. This highlights its potential as a valuable addition to therapeutic strategies.

Aframomum Melegueta: Evaluation of Chronic Toxicity, HPLC Profiling, and In Vitro/In Vivo Antioxidant Assessment of Seeds Extracts.

Aframomum melegueta, commonly known as grains of paradise, is a medicinal plant celebrated for its rich phytochemical content and therapeutic properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of its ethanolic and methanolic extracts, both in vitro and in vivo, while also analyzing their chemical profiles. HPLC analysis identified key compounds, including gallic acid, caffeic acid, caffeine, coumarin, rutin, catechin, ferulic acid, and quercetin. Chronic toxicity assessments confirmed the safety of the extracts, with no adverse effects on animal health, particularly in liver histopathology. Cytotoxicity results indicated reduced splenocyte viability at the highest concentrations. The extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity in DPPH•, FRP, and phosphomolybdate assays, demonstrating their effectiveness as antiradical agents. In vivo antioxidant results showed a reduction in lipid peroxidation levels in serum and liver, highlighting the extracts' ability to mitigate oxidative stress. Additionally, the extracts provided protection against H2O2-induced erythrocyte hemolysis and modulated NO production in peritoneal macrophages. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of A. melegueta extracts, suggesting their promise in developing preventive strategies for oxidative stress-related chronic diseases.

Evaluation of the preventive effects of alligator pepper aframomum melegueta aqueous extract against titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced oxidative stress in adult wistar rats

This study evaluated the potential protective effects of Alligator pepper Aframomum melegueta (AM) seeds' aqueous extract in adult Wistar rats treated with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (Tio2NP). The study included the preparation of an A. melegueta aqueous extract of AP. Thirty-six healthy adult male Wistar rats were used, randomly distributed into six groups containing six rats, each dosed orally for 60 consecutive days; group 1: control group (5ml b.w. distilled water only: Group 2:100 mg/kg TIO2 NP suspension). Group 3:100mg/kg AM Aqueous extract). Group 4: 200 mg/kg AM Aqueous extract). Group 5:100 mg/kg b.w. AM before 4 hours receive TIO2 NP 100 mg/kg b.w.). Group 6:200 mg/kg b.w AM Aqueous extract before four h receive TIO2 NP 100 mg/kg b.w.The study results revealed that Restoring normal levels of blood lipid profile in G5andG6 is represented by a significant p < 0.05 decrease in the level of cholesterol, LDL accompanied by a significant p < 0.05 increase in the level of HDL compared to the Tio2NP group. A. melegueta aqueous extract 100 and 200 mg/kg was highly protected from the toxicity of TIO2 NP in Wistar rats by a significant p < 0.05 increase of SOD and Catalase level and p < 0.05 decreased MDA. The study suggested that when taken orally, the aqueous extract of AM seeds improves the defense against adverse effects of Tio2NP that cause oxidative stress and change the lipid profile, depending on the dose.

Drug-Phytochemical Interaction: In vitro Investigation of the Effects of Aframomum melegueta Seed Extract on Acetaminophen and Amlodipine Absorption

Drug-Phytochemical Interaction: In vitro Investigation of the Effects of Aframomum melegueta Seed Extract on Acetaminophen and Amlodipine Absorption

Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Activity of Phytochemicals from pod Extracts of Aframomum Melegueta

Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Activity of Phytochemicals from pod Extracts of Aframomum Melegueta

Light-emitting diode irradiation at 590nm combined with active substances modulates ultraviolet B radiation-induced keratinocyte inflammation.

To evaluate the efficacy of yellow light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation at 590 nm, alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory active substances against ultraviolet (UV)-induced inflammation in keratinocytes. HaCaT keratinocytes were pretreated with LED yellow light (590 nm) alone or in combination with an antiinflammatory active substance such as glycerophosphoinositol choline (GC), extract of grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta Schum, AM), or a bisabolol and ginger root extract mixture (Bb-GE) before UVB irradiation. Following each treatment, we measured the levels of inflammatory mediators secreted by keratinocytes. HaCaT keratinocytes treated with UVB (300mJ cm-²) and then cultured for 24h exhibited significantly upregulated expression of proinflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1α, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and IL-8. After pretreatment with 590nm LED, UVB-induced inflammatory responses were significantly inhibited. Co-pretreatment with 590nm LED irradiation and GC further inhibited the expression of IL-1α and IL-8. IL-8 expression was inhibited by co-pretreatment with 590nm LED irradiation and AM, whereas PGE2 expression was inhibited by co-pretreatment with 590nm LED irradiation and Bb-GE. Co-treatment with 590nm LED irradiation and various active substances modulated UVB-induced inflammation in keratinocytes, suggesting the potential application of this approach to prevent damage caused by voluntary sun exposure in daily life.

Discover the Most Effective Disease Management Strategies for Fusarium Dry Rot of Potato through Comprehensive Bio-assay of Three Techniques (Chemical, Plant extracts, and Bio-control)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a multicultural staple food and cash crop. Unfortunately, production of potatoes is predominantly constrained by diseases including dry rots. To evaluate management of dry rots, three in vitro sub-trials were set up using the completely randomized design with each treatment replicated thrice for each trial. Firstly, synthetic fungicides were assayed against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. tuberosi. Secondly, plant extracts were assessed against F. oxysporum. Finally, the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum applied against F. oxysporum was evaluated. The colony radii were measured. The inhibition of F. oxysporum by Ketoconazole (at 100% concentration) was significantly (p≤0.05) highest, followed by Ketoconazole (50% concentration), Itraconazole (100% concentration), Itraconazole (50% concentration), Sulphur (100% concentration), Ridomil (100% concentration), Sulphur (50% concentration), and finally Ridomil (50% concentration). Percentage inhibition of the growth of the Fusarium species by fungicides ranged from 39.5-95.7%. Blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) (at 100% concentration) gave the highest inhibition, followed by blue gum (50% concentration), Sweet alligator-pepper (Aframomum melegueta) at 100% concentration, locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) at 100% concentration, Sweet alligator-pepper (50% concentration), candle bush (Senna alata) (100% concentration), locust bean (50% concentration), and Senna alata (50% concentration) in descending order of percentage inhibition. Plant extracts caused a percentage inhibition of the fungus between 20.6-100% inhibition with time. Inhibition of Fusarium by T. Harzianum isolate BGMZ4 was significantly (p≤0.05) highest, followed by T. Harzianum isolate NSBM then T. Harzianum isolate BGMZ3. Control of F. Oxysporum by T. Harzianum ranged from 23.5-94.1% inhibition. All the methods evaluated successfully inhibited the pathogen compared to the control.

Phytochemical analysis and effect of short-term administration of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta on haematologic indices of female albino rats

Background and aims: Aframomum melegueta (Alligator pepper) is a dietary spice widely used for entertainment, religious rites, food flavor enhancer, possessing erythropoietic potentials, and many other medicinal uses. Women are included in eating this widely used spice. This experiment determined the health risk or benefit of short-term administration of aqueous seed extract of A. melegueta on haematologic indices of female albino rats. Methods: Thirty adult female albino rats weighing 160 to 200 g were used for the study. Male rats were introduced into the female rat cages of groups II-V within 12h at the expected estrous phase for mating and withdrawn afterward. Groups I, II, and III were orally administered distilled water only, while groups IV and V received oral doses of 5 µg/kg b.w. Cabergoline and 3000 mg/kg b.w. aqueous seed extract of A. melegueta respectively 24 hours postpartum and once daily by oral gavage for three days. Results: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified twelve functional groups in the seed extracts, namely –OH, -NH2 , CH, -NH3 +, -CH3 , -OH, -N=C=O, -C≡N, -C=C=C, -NH, -CH3 and -1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes, while gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GCFID) determined 15 bioactive components namely kaempferol, naringenin, Sapogernin, flavanones, anthocyanin, flavan-3-ol, cyanogenic glycoside, ribalinidine, rutin, catechin, resveratrol, spartein, epicatechin, steroid and phytate. Non-significant alterations in hemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell count were observed. There was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in WBC during pregnancy, but it was improved postpartum. However, platelet count was significantly (P<0.05) reduced after extract administration. Conclusion: The results indicate no adverse anemic condition elicited during pregnancy and delivery on haematologic parameters, namely red blood cells, hemoglobin, and PCV, with a significant decrease in WBC during pregnancy as well as reduction in platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) of extract treated animals post-partum likely due to the flavonoid, resveratrol as well as rutin and (–)-epicatechin components of A. melegueta and thus may increase the risk of bleeding disorders but reflects a positive anti-atherogenic and cardioprotective effect.

Effects of Some Plant Powders on Immatures of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Stored Cocoa Beans

Rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica, an important insect pest of many stored food products has been reported as one of the most important pest of cocoa bean, which causes significant reduction in weight and quality of beans. High pesticides level in cocoa beans pose danger to human health and may hinder its acceptance in the global market due to regulations on Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). This study therefore, evaluated the insecticidal effects of the powders of Piper guineense, Aframomum melegueta, Eugenia aromatica and Rice husk on egg hatchability and larva mortality of C. cephalonica. Powder efficacies as insecticides were tested by applying varying rates (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4g) on petri dish lined with filter paper and the developmental stages (20 eggs and 10 larvae) of the insect were introduced in a Completely Randomized Design experiment. Egg hatchability was recorded at 24 h interval for 96 h. Larvae mortality was recorded at every 24 and 48 h of introduction. All powders completely inhibited egg hatchability at 0.3 and 0.4g rates. P. guineense and A. melegueta recorded 60% and 50% larva mortality at 48hour post treatment. Mean adult emergence was zero at higher rates in all treatments. Powders of P. guineense and A. melegueta were effective as contact bio-insecticide against C. cephalonica immature stages

Attenuation of Cadmium Toxicity by Methanol Extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta leaves

Highlights:1. This study provides insight into the detrimental effect of cadmium exposure on mammalian cells using a murine model.2. The co-administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta leaf extracts is more effective in ameliorating cadmium-induced toxicity than a single administration of each plant extract.3. The co-administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta plant extracts can upregulate the expression of IL-10 and reverse the derangements in the TNF-α, IL-6, SOD, and GPX levels. Abstract Cadmium has long been known to be an environmental pollutant that can harm human health, with toxicity majorly affecting the kidneys and liver. This study aimed to investigate the mitigating potential of methanol extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta leaves in cadmium-induced liver toxicity. Twenty-five male adult Wistar rats, averagely weighing 200 g, were randomly allocated into five groups, each comprising five rats. Group 1 was unexposed to any substances and only received distilled water. Group 2 was given cadmium at a standard dose of 12 mg/kg bw. Groups 3, 4, and 5 received 12 mg/kg bw of cadmium, and each group was treated with 200 mg/kg bw of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaf extract, Aframomum melegueta leaf extract, and a combination of both extracts, respectively. After 28 days, the animals were euthanized to obtain their livers, which were then excised and processed for histopathological, mRNA expression, and biochemical analyses. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data, and Duncan multiple tests were employed to compare the categorical variables (p<0.05). The results revealed elevated levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) in the rats treated with Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta extracts when compared to Group 2. On the other hand, the treatment groups exhibited a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, along with significantly elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Group 5 showed a normal liver histoarchitecture similar to Group 1, reversing the histopathological abnormalities shown in Group 2. In conclusion, the co-administrative treatment using Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta extracts reversed the cadmium-induced toxicity better than using each plant extract individually. This further suggests that Rauvolfia vomitoria and Aframomum melegueta leaf methanol extracts may ameliorate the effects of cadmium-induced toxicity, including reducing oxidative stress and fortifying the anti-oxidant system.

Lactation suppression effect of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melengueta on female albino rats

Background and aims: Alligator pepper, a dietary spice used as food flavor enhancer is a common ingredient in pepper soup, a spicy delight in most parts of West Africa and possesses both medicinal and nutritive properties. Despite the well documented benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, there are a variety of medical situations for which breastfeeding is contraindicated. Therefore, lactation suppression might be indicated for the best interest of the mother and/or infant. This study was undertaken to investigate the Lactation suppression effect of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum Melengueta on female albino rats. Methodology: Thirty (30) adult female albino rats weighing 160 to 200 g were used for the study while eighteen (18) albino mice of body weights (b.w.) range of 25 g to 30 g were used for the preliminary acute toxicity test. Male rats were introduced into the female rat cages of groups II-V within 12h at the expected estrous phase for mating and withdrawn thereafter. Groups I, II and III were orally administered distilled water only, while Groups IV and V received oral doses of 5 µg/kg b.w. Carbagoline and 3,000 mg/kg b.w. aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta respectively 24 hours postpartum once daily by oral gavage for 3 days. Results: LD50 determination revealed no death was recorded among the animals up to 5000 mg extract/kg body weight. Study indicates that Aframomum melengueta extract elicited significant reduction of prolactin with corresponding increase in estrogen and progesterone in postpartum animals. Histological sections of the mammary gland show extensive fibrosis and congested ducts lobular units within the tissue stroma of the mammary gland of Aframomum melengueta treated animals. Conclusion: The results confirms a positive lactation suppression effect of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum Melengueta on postpartum lactating female albino rats

Enhancing Nutritional Composition of Fermented Parkia biglobosa Seeds with Spices

Introduction: Fermented Parkia biglobosa seed is an essential condiment in Nigeria for its unique flavor and nutritional value. Aims: The study investigated the influence of spices such as Aframomum melegueta (alligator pepper), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Xylopia aethiopica (grains of Selim), Chrysobalanus icaco (cocoplum) and Parinari excelsa (skinplum) on the nutritional composition of the condiment. Methodology: Thirty grams (30g) of dried spice was added to 300g of previously pressure cooked and dehulled locust beans in separate containers. Each was inoculated with Bacillus subtilis and fermented at 37oC for 36 hours. Results: The phytic acid in alligator fermented ‘iru’, ginger fermented ‘iru’ and nutmeg fermented ‘iru’ were 4.53mg/g, 18.54mg/g and 20.19mg/g respectively, which were significantly lower than the phytic acid of the commercially produced ‘iru’ (21.40mg/g). Starter culture fermented ‘iru’, turmeric fermented ‘iru’ and cocoplum fermented ‘iru’ had significantly lower levels of trypsin inhibitors of 24.68mg/g, 26.13mg/g and 26.13mg/g, respectively when compared to commercially fermented ‘iru’. Skinplum fermented ‘iru’ and cocoplum fermented ‘iru’ had significantly higher flavonoids levels. Alligator fermented ‘iru’ had significantly higher Vit. A (4.65), Vit. B1 (2.94), Vit. B2 (0.31mg/g) and Vit. B5 (0.08 mg/g) compared to commercially produced ‘iru’. The protein digestibility of Nutmeg fermented ‘iru’ was significantly higher than commercially fermented ‘iru’. However, other fermented samples had significantly reduced protein digestibility compared to commercially produced ‘iru’. Conclusion: To fortify and enhance nutritional composition of fermented Parkia biglobosa seeds, alligator pepper, skinplum and nutmeg may be used.

Factors influencing the growth and yield of grains of paradise: extra income for farmers

The Forestry Commission of Ghana has adopted forest plantations as a strategy to ensure landscape restoration, enhance environmental quality and develop a sustainable resource base to satisfy future timber demands. Modified Taungya System (MTS) is a co-management system between the Forestry Commission and smallholder farmer that allows inter-cropping of timber and food crops. Practitioners and farmers observed decline in NTFPs from the wild, which in recent times have become a threat to source of livelihood that often contributes significantly to household incomes. NTFPs were introduced in MTS to engage farmers to protect the forest from wildfire and decreased theft incidences. However, farmers had to leave these lands because their crops were not doing well during canopy closure. Grains of Paradise amongst others were found to do well under shade but the best silvicultural practice to apply is indefinite. This study was undertaking to research and determine the best condition (tree stand spacing and percentage of shade) suitable for Grains of Paradise cultivation. Primary data were collected from the field. The results shows that Grains of Paradise can grow well and produce high yield under tree stands with a planting distance of 4 x 4m and a shade cover of 86% and. The Production of GoP should be introduced to other MTS farmers and interested farmers throughout the country as an alternative livelihood.

Phytochemical analysis and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in vivo of Aframomum melegueta K Schum seed extracts.

Aframomum melegueta K Schum (A. melegueta), an herbaceous plant renowned for its medicinal seeds, was investigated for its potential immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo using ethanolic and methanolic extracts. The immunomodulatory effect was evaluated by measuring antibody titers using the agglutination technique, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model. In vitro immunomodulatory activity was measured by lysozyme release from neutrophils. Additionally, white blood cell counts were analyzed post-extracts treatment. The MTT assay was employed to determine cytotoxicity, and the biochemical parameters of liver toxicity were evaluated. Remarkably, both extracts exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in paw edema (p < 0.001), with the most significant reduction observed at 1g/kg (78.13 and 74.27% for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively). Neutrophil degranulation was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.003), reaching maximal inhibition at 100μg/mg (60.78 and 39.7% for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively). In comparison to the control group, both antibody production and white blood cell counts were reduced. Neither of the extracts showcased any cytotoxicity or toxicity. These findings suggest that A. melegueta extracts exhibit immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities due to the presence of various biomolecules.

Interference in drug assay by phytochemicals: An experience with colorimetric assay of amlodipine in physiological fluids

Purpose: To investigate the potential interactions between methanol extract of Aframomum melegueta seeds (AMSE) and amlodipine (AML).&#x0D; Methods: Amlodipine concentrations 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 µg/mL were assayed in vitro with or without AMSE using potassium ferricyanide/FeCl3 (FeCl3/K4(Fe(CN)6)) method. The resulting solution was wavelength-scanned in the range 380 – 950 nm and absorbance read at 393.1, 455.6 and 774.8 nm.&#x0D; Results: Aframomum melegueta seeds (AMSE), when present in biological fluids and solutions of AML, interfered significantly with FeCl3/K4(Fe(CN))6. The highest interference occurred at 774.8 nm, and 50 µg/mL AMSE gave as much as 1.5 absolute unit increase in absorbance of 2.5 µg/mL when compared to its absence. Spectral scan of the sample revealed two additional peaks at 393.1 and 455.6 nm with only 0.07 and 0.16 nm unit increases in the presence of AMSE. Concentration–absorbance relationship at these two wavelengths satisfied Beer-Lambert’s law. Beyond 15 µg/mL AML at 774.8 nm, Beer-Lambert’s law was not followed.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study highlights the potential interactions between components of the methanol extract of Aframomum melegueta seeds on assay methods of AML. Furthermore, reliable concentration measurements have been made at 393.1 or 455.6 nm. This should be kept in mind when carrying out drug measurements in populations where concurrent use of herbal remedies is highly probable.

Flavonoids-rich extract of Aframomum melegueta (black pepper) improves antioxidant status and modulates aging process in lead-induced neurotoxic Drosophila melanogaster

Flavonoids-rich extract of Aframomum melegueta (black pepper) improves antioxidant status and modulates aging process in lead-induced neurotoxic Drosophila melanogaster

Assessment of Haematology, Performance, and Yolk Lipid in Laying Birds Supplemented Aframomum Melegueta Seed Meal

Assessment of Haematology, Performance, and Yolk Lipid in Laying Birds Supplemented Aframomum Melegueta Seed Meal

Antimicrobial and anti-virulence activities of 4-shogaol from grains of paradise against gram-negative bacteria: Integration of experimental and computational methods

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing global concern, highlighting the urgent need for new antimicrobial candidates. Aframomum melegueta was traditionally used for combating urinary tract and soft tissue infections, which implies its potential as an antimicrobial agent. Aim of studyThis study was designed to explore the antibacterial and anti-virulence capabilities of 4-shogaol isolated from A. melegueta seeds versus gram-negative bacteria: Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and the clinically important pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Materials and methods4-Shogeol was isolated from A. melegueta seeds and its MICs were determined for Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC-17978), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC-27853), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC-700603), and Serratia marcescens clinical isolate. The anti-efflux activity and effect on the bacterial cell membrane for the compound were evaluated. Furthermore, the anti-virulence activities of the compound were evaluated. The effects of 4-shogeol at sub-MIC on bacterial motility, biofilm formation, and production of virulent enzymes and pigments were assessed. The anti-quorum sensing activities of 4-shogeol were evaluated virtually and by quantification its effect on the expression of quorum sensing encoding genes. The in vivo protection assay was conducted to evaluate the effect of 4-shogaol on the P. aeruginosa capacity to induce pathogenesis in mice. Finally, the effect of shogaol-antibiotics combination was assessed. ResultsThe research revealed that 4-shogaol's antibacterial action primarily involves disrupting the bacterial cell membrane and efflux pumps. It also exhibited significant anti-virulence effects by reducing biofilm development and repressing virulence factors production, effectively protecting mice against P. aeruginosa infection. Furthermore, when combined with antibiotics, 4-shogaol demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to reduced minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against P. aeruginosa. Its anti-virulence properties were linked to its ability to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms, as evidenced by its interaction with QS receptors and downregulation of QS-related genes. Notably, in silico analysis indicated that 4-shogaol exhibited strong binding affinity to different P. aeruginosa QS targets. ConclusionThese findings suggest that 4-shogaol holds promise as an effective anti-virulence agent that can be utilized in combination with antibiotics for treating severe infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

Phytochemical profiling and anthelmintic potential of extracts of selected tropical plants on parasites of fishes in Epe Lagoon

This research aims to study the anthelmintic properties of selected five (5) tropical plant extracts, ascertained margin of fish host safety in reference with praziquantel, a commonly used chemo-therapeutics. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of Alligator pepper seeds (Aframomum melegueta), Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera), Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), Ginger bulbs (Zingiber officinale) and Garlic (Allium sativum) and their potencies in reference to praziquantel against Clarias gariepinus and different classes of helminth parasites were investigated. The results obtained show that the 70% ethanol extract had 80 to 100% presence of the phytochemical content, compared with the 100% aqueous and 100% ethanol extracts with 50 to 80% and 50 to 90%, respectively. Among the five tropical plants, the richest in saponin and flavonoids are alligator pepper and neem with alkaloids, tannin, flavonoid and saponin in ratios 1:1:3:9 and 1:1:4:3 respectively. While, moringa, garlic and ginger are rich in alkaloids with alkaloids, tannin, flavonoid and saponin in ratios, 8:1:10:1, 6:2:1:4 and 6:3:2:1, respectively. Aframomum melegueta and praziquantel showed above 70% potency (at 96 h LC5) against all the classes of parasites; Wenyonia spp (cestode), Procamallanus spp (nematode), Tenuisentis spp (acanthocephalan), and Electrotaenia sp (cestode) as compared to the other plant extracts that showed above 70% potency (at 96 h LC5) only against Electrotaenia spp. Sub-lethal Concentrations (96 h LC5) of praziquantel and Aframomum melegueta on the juvenile fish host (12.36 mg/l and 9.9 mg/l respectively) were found to be 90.9% and 93.5% effective against adult Electrotaenia spp after 8 to 10 min of exposure. These concentrations were 78 to 85.7% and 89.7 to 88.4%, respectively, effective against the other classes of parasites after 18 to 25 min and 15 to 21 min of exposure. These concentrations were tested on the post juvenile of the fish to determine behavioral changes; there were no significant behavioral responses after 24 h of exposure. The effective concentrations indicate the widest margin of safety for the fish host.

Evaluation of therapeutic potentials of some bioactive compounds in selected African plants targeting main protease (Mpro) in SARS-CoV-2: a molecular docking study

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease brought on by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a global treat in early 2020. Despite worldwide research proving different medications used to treat COVID-19, the infection still affects the human race; we need to continue researching the virus to protect humanity and reduce the complications that some medications might cause. This study focuses on finding another promising therapeutic compound against SARS-CoV-2. Twenty-four (24) bioactive compounds were selected from the following African plants' Adansonia digitata L, Aframomum melegueta K. Schum, Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L, and Boswellia dalzielii, and Remdesivir was used as the control medication. The PubChem web server acquired the 3D structures of bioactive compounds in the plant and the control medication. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) crystal structure was obtained using the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Using the SwissADME web server, the bioactive compounds' drug-likeness was assessed, and AutoDock was employed for the molecular docking with the Mpro. The Proteins Plus and Protein–Ligand Interaction Profiler web servers were used to analyse the docked complexes. Furthermore, the admetSAR website was utilized to predict the ligands' absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties.ResultsBased on the drug-likeness screening, Rutin violated more than one of the Lipinski rules of five, while Remdesivir violated two. Molecular docking analysis results indicated that Catechin, Epicatechin, Vitexin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Gamma-Sitosterol, and Kaur-16-ene exhibited a stronger binding affinity with Mpro, with binding scores of − 7.1, − 7.1, − 8.0, − 7.3, − 7.2, − 6.8, and − 6.5 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to Remdesivir's binding score of − 6.3 kcal/mol. Consequently, binding scores of bioactive compounds suggest their potential biological activity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Additionally, these bioactive compounds exhibited favourable ADMET properties. Vitexin also has a plasma protein binding below 90%, a promising medication distribution feature.ConclusionsThis study shows that Catechin, Epicatechin, Vitexin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Gamma-Sitosterol, and Kaur-16-ene have better binding affinities with Mpro than Remdesivir. Molecular dynamics simulation in vitro and in vivo investigation is required to support this study.