African Spices Research Articles

Chemical profiling, bio-guided purification, and cytotoxic effect of two African spices: Hypodaphnis zenkeri Engl. Stapf (Lauraceae) and Staudtia kamerunensis warb (Myristicaceae) on human prostate cancer cell lines

Ethnopharmacological relevanceProstate cancer remains a significant burden in low- and middle-income countries and the second leading cause of death around the world. Spices used in daily cuisine contain interesting phytochemical components capable of helping prevent and cure cancer. AimThis study aims to give sufficient phytochemical information on two understudied species, Staudtia kamerunensis Warb. (Myristicaceae) and Hypodaphnis zenkeri Engl. Stapf. (Lauraceae), and to study their cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cells in its early form and when they have developed metastasis. Materials and methodsTo reach this goal, normal procedures for phytochemical analysis were followed; these include collection, drying, crushing and extraction of plant materials using organic solvents. GC-MS (Gas chromatography- Mass Spectrometry) was used to evaluate the volatile phytochemicals contained in the extracts, and open-column chromatography was used to isolate the pure compounds used in this study. A bio-guided exploration of Hypodaphnis zenkeri (Lauraceae) (leaves, seeds, stems) guided us in selecting the extract for further analysis. An established MTT assay was used to measure cell proliferation. Three prostate cancer cell lines were considered in this study, DU145 and PC3, human androgens-independent prostate carcinoma cells and LNCaP, which are cells derived from metastasis of a human prostate and respond to androgens, oestrogens and progestins. The eight compounds isolated were characterized using HREIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. ResultsAmong the three extracts from Hypodaphnis zenkeri, considered for biological testing, the leaf extract displayed better activities with a CC50 of 180 μg/mL against DU 145 cells, 184 μg/mL against PC3 cells and 194 μg/mL against LNCaP cells. These results were justified when GC-MS analysis of the different extracts was performed. Fifty compounds were identified from the leaves, representing 96.06% of the volatile components, with most displaying anticancer activities or activities against vectors favorizing cancer growth (inflammation, etc.). An attempt to isolate the active principle responsible for the cancer activity led to the isolation of five pure compounds, namely Eicosane [1], Nonacos-1-ene [2], Palmitic acid [3], Glucoside Stigmasterol [4] and Butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol [5]. Eicosane was identified as being responsible in part for the observed activity, even though it exhibited weak cytotoxicity with the lowest CC50 equal to 30 μg/mL against DU 145 cells. Staudtia kamerunensis sap was investigated in our previous studies with the isolation of Oleanan-12-ene-2α,3β –diol [6] and 2α, 3β -dihydroxylup-20-ene [7] among the major components, with significant antibacterial properties. Oleanan-12-ene-2α,3β –diol [7] in this study displayed a CC50 of 20 μg/mL against DU145 cells, 22 μg/mL against PC3 cells, 18 μg/mL against LNCaP cells, and 32 μg/mL in HMEC affording a selectivity index >2. Contrary to what was observed in our previous study, the activity of Oleanan-12-ene-2α,3β –diol was lost in the presence of 2α, 3β -dihydroxylup-20-ene. Conclusionthe cytotoxic effect of extract from Staudtia and Hypodaphnis genera and pure isolates are here reported for the first time, as well as the pure isolates. These studies exhibit the cytotoxic potential of two traditional African spices and, more specifically, Oleanan-12-ene-2α,3β –diol and eicosane, isolated from these plant species.

Marinated oven-grilled beef entrecôte meat from a bovine farm: Evaluation of resultant physicochemical and organoleptic attributes.

Understanding the impact that combined action of marination and oven grill processes would have on such meat products as beef entrecôte is crucial from both consumer appeal and product development standpoints. Therefore, different marinated oven-grilled beef entrecôte meat specifically evaluating resultant physicochemical and organoleptic attributes were studied. The beef entrecôte meat was provided by a reputable local bovine farm/slaughter at Wroclaw, Poland. Physicochemical attributes involved antioxidant (2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiaziline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)), (pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), cooking weight loss, L*a*b* color, and textural cutting force). Organoleptic attributes involved sensory (flavour, appearance, tenderness, taste) and texture (hardness, chewiness, gumminess, graininess, and greasiness) aspects. Different marination variants involved constituent 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% quantities of cranberry pomace (CP), grape pomace (GP), and Baikal skullcap (BS), subsequently incorporated either African spice (AS) or industrial marinade/pickle (IM). Results showed pH, ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, TBARS, L*a*b* color, cooking weight loss, and textural cutting force, sensory and textural profile with varying range values. Concentration increases of either CP, GP, and or BS may not always go along with ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP values, given the observed decreasing or increasing fluctuations. As oven-grilling either increased or decreased the TBARS values alongside some color and textural cutting force trends, pH variations by difference seemed more apparent at samples involving GP, before CP, and then BS. The organoleptic attributes obtained differences and resemblances from both sensory and textural profile standpoints. Overall, oven-grilling promises to moderate both physicochemical and organoleptic range values of different marinated beef entrecôte meat samples in this study.

Quality attributes of different marinated oven-grilled pork neck meat

ABSTRACT Whereas herbs/spices serve as natural preservatives, and thermal processing makes animal meat products edible, combining them should complement each other. Additionally, the application of oven grilling to meat products continues to increase in popularity. However, there is a paucity of relevant published information specific to different marinated oven-grilled pork neck meat. Therefore, the quality attributes of different marinated oven-grilled pork neck meat were investigated, which involved chemical (pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS], 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiaziline-6-sulfonate) [ABTS], 1,1-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazy [DPPH], ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]), physical (cooking weight loss, L*a*b* color, and textural cutting force), as well as organoleptic (sensory: flavor, appearance, tenderness, taste, and off-flavor; texture: hardness, chewiness, gumminess, graininess, and greasiness) aspects. In particular, the pork neck meat was procured from a porcine farm in Poland. Different marinated variants comprised constituent 0.5, 1, and 1.5% quantities of cranberry pomace (CP), grape pomace (GP), and Baikal skullcap (BS) that subsequently incorporated either African spice (AS) or industrial marinade/pickle (IM). Results showed decreases in ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and TBARS in some marinated oven-grilled pork neck meat samples, alongside pH variations by difference that seemingly associated with increasing concentrations of either CP, BS, or GP, which might not always coincide with L*a*b* color trends as AS and IM were incorporated. Despite the many resemblances (p > .05), the sensory aspects fluctuated as textural chewiness, gumminess, and hardness increased in some samples, more evident when incorporating AS compared to IM. Overall, oven-grilling promises to moderate the range values of key quality attributes of different marinated pork neck meat samples in this study.

Forced Degradation Studies, Elucidation of Degradation Pathways and Degradation Kinetics of Xylopic Acid via LC and LC-MS/MS Analyses

Stability studies of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) remain an essential quality requirement of the pharmaceutical industry. Stability data of an API could guide in the choice of its processing technique, packaging method and storage conditions. Here, we sought to determine the stability or otherwise of xylopic acid (XA) under various stress conditions as stipulated by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). XA is a diterpene kaurene isolate of the African spice, Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) that is credited with diverse biological activities. XA was subjected to various stress conditions (hydrolytic, oxidative, photolytic and thermal) and its degradation products characterized. Seven degradation products were identified and tentatively characterized by LC-MS/MS analysis. The probable degradation pathways for the seven degradation products were then predicted. Using a simple and validated UHPLC-DAD method, the degradation kinetics of XA under the different stress conditions were comprehensively assessed. The degradation of XA under all the stress conditions followed the first order reaction kinetics. XA was found to be less stable in strongly acidic or strongly basic solutions as well as in an oxidizing agent (hydrogen peroxide). The stability of XA was also found to be pH- and temperature-dependent. Its stability was however not affected by UV-light irradiation.

Antioxidant, Organoleptic and Physicochemical Changes in Different Marinated Oven-Grilled Chicken Breast Meat.

The antioxidant, organoleptic, and physicochemical changes in different marinated oven-grilled chicken breast meat were investigated. Specifically, the chicken breast meat samples were procured from a local retailer in Wroclaw, Poland. The antioxidant aspects involved 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazy (DPPH), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The organoleptic aspects involved sensory and texture aspects. The physicochemical aspects involved the pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), cooking weight loss, L* a* b* color, and textural cutting force. Different marination variants comprised incremental 0.5, 1, and 1.5% concentrations of Baikal skullcap (BS), cranberry pomace (CP), and grape pomace (GP) that depicted antioxidants, and subsequently incorporated either African spice (AS) or an industrial marinade/pickle (IM). The oven grill facility was set at a temperature of 180 °C and a constant cooking time of 5 min. Results showed various antioxidant, organoleptic and physicochemical range values across the different marinated oven-grilled chicken breast meat samples, most of which appeared somewhat limited. Incorporating either AS or IM seemingly widens the ABTS and FRAP ranges, with much less for the DPPH. Moreover, with increasing CP, GP, and BS concentrations, fluctuations seemingly persist in pH, TBARS, cooking weight loss, L* a* b* color, and textural cutting force values even when either AS or IM was incorporated, despite resemblances in some organoleptic sensory and texture profiles. Overall, the oven-grilling approach promises to moderate the antioxidant, organoleptic, and physicochemical value ranges in the different marinated chicken breast meat samples in this study.

Molecular networking-based lipid profiling and multi-omics approaches reveal new contributions of functional vanilloids to gut microbiota and lipometabolism changes

Obesity is now recognized as an epidemic, requiring rapid intervention. We previously demonstrated that vanilloids from the African spice known as Grains of Paradise (GOP) exhibit strong anti-obesity effects. Here, the molecular mechanism behind the obesity prevention property of the GOP extract was investigated by employing molecular networking-based lipid profiling and 16S rRNA sequencing. Administration of either GOP extract or two of its components, 6-paradol and 6-gingerol, reversed the unbalanced gut microbiota composition induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) with a decrease in Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio and increase in genera Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia. Moreover, GOP extract ameliorated abnormal fatty acid metabolism in gut bacteria. Furthermore, lipid molecular networking revealed differences in lipid composition, such as triglycerides and bile acids, in the feces. These results suggest that 6-paradol and 6-gingerol can restore an unhealthy gut environment and prevent lipid absorption, a possible consequence of the reconstruction of the gut microbiota.

A review of some common African spices with antihypertensive potential.

Hypertension is the most common non-communicable disease, with about 1.28 billion hypertensive people worldwide. It is more prevalent in men than women and more common in the elderly. Hereditary, age, obesity, lifestyle, diet, alcohol, and chronic metabolic diseases are the major risk factors of hypertension. Treating hypertension is a complex process as there are several mechanisms responsible for its pathogenesis; hence, a combination of several drugs is used for managing hypertension. Drugs used in managing hypertension are expensive and often come with associated side effects; thus, there is need for alternative means of managing this life-threatening disease. These drugs do not achieve the recommended blood pressure target in most people; more so majority of people with hypertension do not follow the treatment regimen religiously. Some Africans have been reported to become normotensive as a result of dietary consumption of spices. Several spices have been used over the years in Africa to manage hypertension. The aim of this review is to evaluate the ethnomedicinal use, bioactive phytochemical composition, bioactive compounds present, and pharmacological applications of spices commonly used in Africa for managing hypertension. Most of the plants used contained polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinone, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins. Dietary supplementation of Xylopia aethiopica and other spices in diet have been proven to significantly reduced plasma angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) than simvastatin (the reference drug). Toxicological, histological, and hematological evaluation revealed that acute and chronic consumption of most of these spices are safe. Studies have also revealed that some of the spices can be used as alternative therapy alongside usual antihypertensive medications. PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: The prevalent rate of hypertension is on the increase in both the developed and developing countries. People often skip medication due to their busy schedule and anti-hypertensive potential side effects; however, this is not the case with food/spices as most people consumed them daily. Deliberate, right combinations and consistent incorporation of spices with proven anti-hypertensive potential into our diet may be of great benefit in normalizing blood pressure and mitigate other complications on the heart and vital organs.

Ethnomedicinal Uses and Therapeutic Activities of Piper Guineense: A Review

The use of medicinal plants in most developing countries as therapeutic agents for the maintenance of good health is a widespread practice. One of such plant products is Piper guineense, which is a West African spice used in many folklore medicines and has a number of verified pharmacological activities. Proximate analysis reveals that the plant contains crude protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals while preliminary phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectrophotoscopy of the methanol leaf and seed extract of Piper guineense revealed the presence of several constituents such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes; sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenoids, saponins and secondary metabolites such as Aromadendrene, 1,6,10- Dodecatriene,7,11-dimethyl-3-methylene and piperine, piperidine amongst other secondary metabolites. Studies have revealed that Piper guineense possess several pharmacological and therapeutic properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, aphrodisiac, anti-parasitic, antiinflammatory, anti-convulsant, molluscicidal, oestrogenic and oxytocic properties. This paper provides a review on the morphology, physicochemical and phytochemical constituents, ethnomedicinal and scientifically proven therapeutic activities of Piper guineense.

The Nutrient, Mineral and Anti-Nutrient Studies of Two Indigenous South African Spices

The two South African spices named Lippia javanica (Izinziniba) and Foeniculum vulgare (Imbambosi) were studied for its proximate principles, minerals, vitamins and anti-nutrients properties. The experiment shows that L. javanica had higher figure in its lipids, fibres and carbohydrates contents. This implies that L. javanica may help the body to maintain an internal distention for proper peristaltic movement of the intestinal tract than F. vulgare will do. While, the protein, ash, moisture contents were more in F. vulgare, this may be the reason, more elemental composition were observed in it because the level of ash, moisture and protein contents determines its minerals or inorganic components. Elements such as Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) were observed to be more to mentioned few, the Ca/P levels of both plants was observed to be more than 0.5 which is the minimum ratio required for favourable calcium absorption in the intestine for bone formation. Likewise both plants shows no significant differences in its anti-nutrients levels such as the phytate, oxalate and tannin contents, but L. javanica had more of Vitamin A and E levels, compared to F. vulgare with better Vitamin C, Cyanide and Saponin contents. In general, spices have been reported to contribute to the average requirement for different nutrients. Polyphenols such as tannins have anticancer properties, so beverages such as green tea that contain large amount of these compounds might also be good for maintenance of human health despite its anti-nutrient properties. Comparatively, L. javanica has a better nutrient composition than F. vulgare.

Optimization for Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Aframomum melegueta Phenolics Using Response Surface Methodology

Aframomum melegueta seeds (AMS) is an African spice with well known traditional and therapeutic values. Its pharmacological activities are attributable mainly to phenolics. This study aimed to investigate and optimize the parameters affecting the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of AMS major constituents and total phenolic content (TPC) using response surface methodology. 6-gingerol, 6-shogoal and 6-paradol were isolated from AMS and a Box-Behnken design (3 factors /3 levels) was used to determine the effect of three extraction parameters (extraction time, methanol concentration and liquid/solid ratio) on their extraction yield. The results showed that methanol concentration and liquid/solid ratio have positive and significant impact on the UAE of TPC and the three investigated compounds, while extraction time has no significant effect. Under optimal conditions, each 1 g dry sample provides 9.32±0.02 mg, 3.72±0.01 mg, 12.32±0.04 mg and 10.71±0.19 mg/GAE of 6-gingerol, 6-shogoal, 6-paradol and TPC, respectively. The optimized UAE conditions were validated and are recommended for the recovery of 6-gingerol, 6-shogoal, 6-paradol and TPC from AMS for further applications as alternative to conventional extraction method.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the anti-rheumatoid arthritis potential of xylopic acid in a bioinspired lipoprotein nanoformulation

Xylopic acid (XA), a diterpene kaurene and the major active ingredient of the African spice Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae), is reported to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of XA for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by joint damage, in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model in rats. We synthesized bioinspired reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanoparticles loaded with purified XA crystals (rHDL/XA) that passively accumulate in inflamed joints of CFA-induced arthritic rats. Treatment with rHDL/XA minimized mononuclear cell infiltration of CFA-induced arthritic sites and ameliorated disease burden. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the major molecular pathways perturbed following CFA-induced arthritis correlated with amino acid and lipid metabolism, which were restored to normal states by rHDL/XA treatment. This work demonstrates the anti-RA potential of XA in a nanoformulation and uncovers its underlying therapeutic mechanisms at the transcript and metabolite levels.

تأثير الحرارة على نشاط مضادات الأكسدة والنمو الميكروبي في بهارات الكومبا وأم غليلة

الخلفية والأهداف: بهار أم غليله وبهار الكومبا عبارة عن شجيرات استوائية تنمو عشوائياً بأفريقيا. تستخدم تقليدياً كخافض للحمى ومانعة للنزيف ومسهل وكدواء لداء الاستسقاء. صممت هذه الدراسة لتقييم النشاط المضاد للأكسدة وللنمو الميكروبي وكذلك السمية لتلك البهارات المحلية أم غليله(أ) والكومبا (ب)، وقياس تأثير أثر المعاملة الحرارية 80مₒ على خصائص النشاط المضاد للأكسدة و للنمو الميكروبي والسمية. الطرق والوسائل: تم شراء العينات من أسواق جبل أولياء والكلالة اللفة - السودان وتجهيزها للتحليل، حيث تم استخلاص جميع العينات بواسطة الايثانول 80% (أ) و(ب) والمستخلص المعامل بالحرارة 80مₒ (ج) و(د) كما تم تحديد نشاط المضاد للأكسدة بواسطة كاشف ((DPPH. النتائج: قد تبين من خلال النتائج أن المستخلصات المعاملة بالحرارة والغير معاملة (ا, ب, ج, ود) تتدرج في نشاطها من الأعلى إلى الأقل على التوالي. تم تقييم النشاط المضاد للنمو الميكروبي لهذه المستخلصات ضد الميكروبات. Bacillssubtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, and Candida albicans.. أما بالنسبة لسمية مستخلصات أم غليله والكومبا فتم تقييمها باستعمال طريقة (MTT)assay, ولم يستدل على أي سمية في كل منهما. الخلاصة: أظهرت البهارات الإفريقية أم غليلة والكومبا نشاطا مضادا للأكسدة وكمضادات للميكروبات متميزا بالإضافة إلى خلوها من أي سمية حتى في منتجات الغذاء المطبوخة.

Evaluation of the modulatory effects of Piper guineense leaves and seeds on egg albumin-induced inflammation in experimental rat models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInflammation processes are implicated in many degenerative diseases. Piper guineense, a West African spice belonging to the Piperaceae family has been reported to contain anti-inflammatory agents. Aim of studyThis study determined the modulatory effects of methanolic extracts of Piper guineense leaves and seeds on egg albumin-induced inflammation in rats.Study design and methods: Inflammation in the hind paw was induced by injecting 0.1ml egg albumin subcutaneously. Treatments including diclofenac were given orally. Rectal temperature and paw size were monitored hourly for the first 3 h’ post-induction of inflammation and then at the 6th and 24th hour. Serum levels of CRP, MDA, LDH and GGT activities were determined at these hours. ResultsResults showed that egg albumin-induced inflammation caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in paw size and rectal temperature. It further showed that treatment with the leaves and seed extracts reversed the effect of inflammation on serum levels of CRP and MDA, and on LDH and GGT activities similar to diclofenac in rats. ConclusionExtracts of the Piper guineense seed and leaves have potentials of being used as an anti-inflammatory agent but further studies need to be done to determine their toxicity and effects on immunological markers of inflammation.

Study on mycotoxin contamination in South African food spices

A validated QuEChERS-based method was used to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxins in 70 South African food spices [coarse chilli (n=14), ground chilli (n=4), paprika (n=7), ginger (n=5), chicken spices (n=8), onion spices (n=8), beef spices (n=5), Mexican chilli (n=9), vegetable spice (n=1), fruit chutney spices (n=4), and cheese spices (n=5)]. Mycotoxins were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results revealed that 40% of the samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin G1, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, fumonisin B1, fumonisin B2 and/or roquefortine C. The contamination levels for aflatoxin B1 ranged from 3-19 μg/kg; aflatoxin G1, 10-11 μg/kg; ochratoxin A, 4-20 μg/kg; fumonisin B1 104-591 μg/kg; fumonisin B2, 64-5,897 μg/kg; sterigmatocystin, 11-18 μg/kg; 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, 42-46 μg/kg; and roquefortine C, 17-57 μg/kg. Mycotoxins co-occurred in 11% of the spice samples. Amongst the samples analysed in this study, paprika had the highest positives (100%) for the determined mycotoxins. Previous reports on mycotoxin contamination in spices, focused on the incidence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, but not on the multi-mycotoxin profile in South African spices. This study thus provides a comprehensive assessment of mycotoxin contamination of spices in South Africa.

The 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory, antioxidant, antimycobacterial activity and cytotoxicity of fourteen ethnomedicinally used African spices and culinary herbs

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCulinary herbs and spices are widely used ethnomedically across Africa. They are traditionally employed in the treatment of several ailments including inflammation disorders, pain alleviation and infectious diseases. Pharmacological studies are necessary to provide a scientific basis to substantiate their traditional use and safety. In this study, the 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory, antioxidant, antimycobacterial and the cytotoxic activities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of fourteen edible plants were investigated. Materials and methodsThe 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity was evaluated by the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) assay method. The antioxidant activity was determined using free-radical scavenging assays. The antimycobacterial activity was determined by a broth microdilution method against three species of mycobacteria: Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium aurum and Mycobacterium fortuitum using tetrazolium violet as growth indicator. The cytotoxicity was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on Vero monkey kidney cells. ResultsAll the extracts tested had some 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity ranging from 32.9 to 78.64%. Adansonia digitata (fruit) had the highest antioxidant capacity (IC50 values of 8.15μg/mL and 9.16μg/mL in the DPPH and ABTS assays respectively; TEAC of 0.75 in the FRAP assay) along with the highest amount of total phenolics (237.68mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (16.14mg E/g). There were good correlations between DPPH and ABTS values (R2 0.98) and between total phenolics and total flavonoids (R2 0.94). Tamarindus indica had significant antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium aurum (MIC 78μg/mL). As could be expected with edible plants, all the extracts had a relatively low cytotoxicity with LC50 values higher than 102μg/mL with the exception of the two Aframomum species (33 and 74μg/mL). ConclusionsThis study provides scientific support for some of the the traditional uses and the pharmacological activities of the culinary herbs and spices investigated. The results suggest that increasing intake of some of these herbs may be useful in preventing or reducing the progression of lifestyle-related diseases. The diversity of the pharmacological activities of the extract from the fruit of Adansonia digitata suggested that this plant might be valuable for application in human and animal health.

Protective effect of Aframomum melegueta phenolics against CCl₄-induced rat hepatocytes damage; role of apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibition.

Aframomum melegueta is a commonly used African spice. Through a hepatoprotective bioassay-guided isolation, the chloroform fraction of A.melegueta seeds yielded one new diarylheptanoid named 3-(S)-acetyl-1-(4′-hydroxy-3′, 5′-di methoxyphenyl)-7-(3″,4″, 5″-trihydroxyphenyl)heptane (1), and two new hydroxyphenylalkanones, [8]-dehydrogingerdione (2) and [6]-dehydroparadol (3), in addition to six known compounds (4–9). The hepatoprotective effect of A. melegueta methanol extract, sub-fractions and isolated compounds was investigated using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in a rat hepatocytes model. The methanol, chloroform extracts and compounds 1, 5, 8 and 9 of A. melegueta significantly inhibited the elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), interleukin-1beta (Il-1β), caspase3 and 9 and enhanced the reduced liver glutathione (GSH) level caused by CCl4 intoxication. These results indicate that A.melegueta extracts, and isolated compounds play a protective role in CCl4 induced acute liver injury which might be due to elevated antioxidative defense potentials, suppressed inflammatory responses and apoptosis of liver tissue.

Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry identification of anticancer phytochemicals in Aframomum danielli (LB579)

Aframomum danielli is one of the African spices used in folklore medicine for the management of several diseases. This study identified the phytochemical components present in the n‐hexane seed extract of the A. danielli by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis and also evaluated the anti‐cancer potential of the identified phytochemicals by performing molecular docking against human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) using Molegro Virtual Docker. The GC‐MS analysis identified the presence of phytochemical components caryophyllene (RT: 18.479), humulene (RT: 19.189), 2‐butanone (RT: 22.976), benzenesulfonamide (RT: 31.651) and 2‐pyridine acetic acid (RT: 32.446). 2‐Butanone was the strongest binding ligand (‐65.744 kcal/mol) while caryophyllene was the weakest bind lingand (‐56.311 kcal/mol). These compounds showed relative strong docking to VEGF with docking energies comparable to an anticancer drug, bevacizumab (‐77.883 kcal/mol). This in silico molecular docking study has shown that these phytochemical components could be responsible for anti‐cancer properties of A. danielli.

Efficacy of Essential Oils From Some African Spices Against Two Strains of Bacillus cereus Isolated From Vegetable Salad

&lt;p&gt;Chemical preservatives have been used to preserve our foods against spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms over the years. Consumers now frown at this hence the need to source for preservatives from natural sources. In this investigation fifteen samples of vegetable salad were collected from retail outlets in Lagos, Nigeria dilutions of which were plated on Brilliance &lt;em&gt;Bacillus cereus &lt;/em&gt;agar. Isolates were identified based on morphological, biochemical characteristics and reactions to API 20E and API 50 CHB/E test kit. Two strains of &lt;em&gt;Bacillus cereus&lt;/em&gt;; &lt;em&gt;B. cereus &lt;/em&gt;1 and &lt;em&gt;B. cereus &lt;/em&gt;2 were isolated. The organism was spread evenly on Mueller -Hinton agar and wells of 5mm in diameter were made on the inoculated agar with sterile cork borer. Different dilutions (1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 mg/ml) of essential oils extracted from three African spices; &lt;em&gt;Aframomum melegueta, Xylopia aethiopica &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; Piper guineense&lt;/em&gt; by hydro distillation method were introduced into the wells in triplicate. After incubation diameter of zones of inhibition were measured. The essential oils of the spices inhibited growth of the two strains. &lt;em&gt;A. melegueta&lt;/em&gt; produced the greatest zone of inhibition (14 to 24 mm) and with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31.25 mg/ml, followed by &lt;em&gt;X. aethiopica &lt;/em&gt;(10 to 18 mm) with MIC of 62.5 mg/ml and &lt;em&gt;P. guineense &lt;/em&gt;(11 to 15 mm) and MIC of 125 and 250 mg/ml against &lt;em&gt;B. cereus &lt;/em&gt;1 and &lt;em&gt;B. cereus &lt;/em&gt;2 respectively. &lt;em&gt;P. guineense &lt;/em&gt;was the least inhibitory. However, &lt;em&gt;B. cereus &lt;/em&gt;1 was more sensitive (inhibition zone of 12 to 24 mm) to the essential oils of the spices than &lt;em&gt;B. cereus &lt;/em&gt;2 (inhibition zone of 10 to 17 mm). The higher the concentration of the essential oils the greater the resultant zones of inhibition. The spices especially &lt;em&gt;A. melegueta&lt;/em&gt; have proved very efficient in the inhibition of &lt;em&gt;B. cereus &lt;/em&gt;a pathogen obtained from vegetable salad. The spices can therefore help in ensuring food safety.&lt;/p&gt;

Toxicity evaluation of some traditional African spices on breast cancer cells and isolated rat hepatic mitochondria

BackgroundFagara leprieuri (FL), Fagara xanthoxyloïdes (FX), Mondia whitei (MW) and Xylopia aethiopica (XA) are used in many African countries as food spices or in traditional medicine to treat several maladies. In this work, we (a) investigate whether the crude spice extracts present selective cytotoxicity for breast cancer cell lines and (b) investigate whether the same extracts affect the bioenergetics and calcium susceptibility of isolated liver mitochondrial fractions. ResultsAll extracts were cytotoxic to the cell lines studied, with the exception of MW, which was less toxic for a normal cell line. Interestingly, some of the extracts did not depolarize mitochondria in intact breast cancer MCF-7 cells, although this effect was observed in a normal breast cancer cell line (MCF-12A). All extracts increased hepatic mitochondrial state 2/4 respiration and decreased the respiratory control ratio and the transmembrane electric potential. Also, the extracts induced the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). ConclusionsMitochondrial toxicity may be part of the mechanism by which the spices tested cause inhibition of proliferation and death in the cell lines tested. This study also warrants caution in the excessive use of these spices for human consumption.

Anti-Infective and Antiproliferative Potential of African Medicinal Plants

The importance of traditional medicine as a source of primary health care was first officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the primary Health Care Declaration of Alma Ata (1978) and has been globally addressed since 1976 by the Traditional Medicine Programme of the WHO. In Africa, traditional healers and remedies made from plants play an important role in the health of millions of people. Scientific evidence of their pharmacological potential is being provided continuously. For this special issue, we have invited investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will provide evidences on the basis of traditional knowledge of the use of African medicinal plants used in the treatment of ailments. Six papers of this special issue focused on antimicrobial and two on antiproliferative properties of African medicinal plants. One paper of the issue reports the antibacterial properties of the methanol extracts of some Cameroonian medicinal plants and the effect of their associations with currently used antibiotics on multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria overexpressing active efflux pumps. Three extracts Garcinia lucida, Garcinia kola, and Picralima nitida showed significant activities against such bacteria and are suggested as possible alternative in chemotherapy involving MDR bacterial species. Another paper highlights the importance of Annona senegalensis and it active constituent, kaurenoic acid as a potential antibacterial drugs against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Another paper provides evidence on the inhibitory potential of the acetone and aqueous extracts of mature stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea on a panel of bacteria and fungi such Streptococcus pyogenes, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella typhimurium, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida glabrata, Trichosporon mucoides, and Candida krusei. There is also a paper which demonstrates that extracts from South African medicinal plants Euclea natalensis A.DC., Knowltonia vesicatoria (L.f) Sims and Pelargonium sidoides DC can successfully be combined with isoniazid (INH) to improve it antimycobacterial activity. This paper also demonstrates that stigmasta-5,23-dien-3-ol isolated from K. vesicatoria is a bioactive compound against M. tuberculosis. Another paper reports the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of Artemisia afra and identified some of its components acacetin, scopoletin and betulinic acid as bioactive compounds against Gram-positive bacteria (Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces israelii and Streptococcus mutans), Gram-negative bacteria (Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) and a yeast, Candida albicans. One of these six papers provides information on the possible use of Pterygota macrocarpa and Cola gigantean in the fight of microbial infections involving E. coli, P. aeruginosa,S. aureus,B. subtilis, and C. albicans. Two papers of this special issue were related to cancer. Paper one provides information on the ethanol leaf extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum as an antityrosinase agent for dermatological disorders such as age spots and melasoma. The other paper reports the anticancer activities of African spices,Origanum vulgare, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula spica, Laurus nobilis, Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula-x-intermedia, Petroselinum crispum, Foeniculum vulgare, and Capsicum annuum L. (Paprika). It identifies L. nobilis and R. officinalis as strong antiproliferative agents against the human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa. Victor Kuete Namrita Lall Thomas Efferth