Alkaloid Constituents Research Articles

Expanding the Chemical Diversity of Stemona parviflora: Isolation and Characterization of New Parvistemoline-Type Alkaloids

A comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Stemona parviflora led to the isolation of 13 alkaloidal constituents, including five new alkaloids, parvistemonines B–F (1–5). The structures of these compounds were elucidated through extensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR spectra, DFT NMR calculation, and comparisons with data in the literature. Notably, compounds 1–4 represent new examples of the rare parvistemoline-type alkaloids, with compound 4 showcasing a unique rearranged skeleton. Additionally, parvistemonine F (5) was identified as a distinct alkaloid skeleton characterized by a n-butyl side chain. These findings significantly expand our understanding of the chemical diversity of parvistemoline-type alkaloids and provide clues for elucidating the biosynthetic pathways of these structurally unique parvistemoline alkaloids.

Alkaloids and Iridoids From Phlogacanthus curviflorus.

Four unreported pyridine alkaloids, curviflorines A-D (1-4), two undescribed iridoids, curviridoids A and B (5 and 6), and one known iridoid glycoside (7), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Phlogacanthus curviflorus. The structures of these compounds were established by detailed interpretation of MS and NMR data, with the absolute configurations being assigned via comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Notably, it is the first report of alkaloidal constituents (1-4) from the genus Phlogacanthus. Compounds 1-7 did not show obvious inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and NO production (in RAW264.7 macrophages), nor did they exhibit anti-oxidant activity and cytotoxicity towards MDA-MB231, A549 and HeLa cancer cell lines. Nevertheless, alkaloids 1-4 did exert a significant suppressing effect on TGF-β1-induced upregulation of the fibrotic marker protein fibronectin in HK-2 cells, indicating their antifibrotic potential.

Phytochemical constituents and bioactivities of Hippeastrum puniceum: A review

Hippeastrum puniceum, a plant native to tropical Africa, including Nigeria, has garnered increasing attention due to its rich phytochemical profile and diverse bioactivities. This review highlights the key phytochemical constituents—alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, and starch—found in Hippeastrum puniceum. These compounds contribute to the plant's significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning it as a valuable resource for various industrial applications. Flavonoids and alkaloids primarily contribute to the antioxidant activity, which helps mitigate oxidative stress and potentially prevent chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Its antimicrobial effects, driven by alkaloids and flavonoids, offer promising natural alternatives to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Additionally, the plant's anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential therapeutic applications in treating inflammatory conditions like arthritis and asthma. The review also explores the potential applications of Hippeastrum puniceum across different industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, it holds promise for developing novel drugs targeting oxidative stress, microbial infections, and inflammation. The food industry can leverage its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties as natural preservatives and functional food additives. In the cosmetic industry, its bioactive compounds could be used in anti-ageing and skincare products. Despite these promising findings, further research is needed to isolate and characterise specific compounds, conduct clinical trials, and assess the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of Hippeastrum puniceum. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of continued exploration of Hippeastrum puniceum, emphasising its potential to contribute to advancements in phytochemistry, pharmacology, and various industrial applications.

The role of β-Nicotyrine in E-Cigarette abuse liability I: Drug Discrimination.

β-Nicotyrine (β-Nic) is a unique minor alkaloid constituent in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that is derived from nicotine (Nic) degradation and can reach 25% of Nic concentrations in ENDS aerosol. β-Nic slows Nic metabolism and prolongs systemic Nic exposure, which may alter the discriminability of Nic. The present study sought to examine β-Nic has interoceptive effects itself, and if it alters the subjective effects ENDS products within a drug-discrimination paradigm. The pharmacodynamics of β-Nic were examined in vitro, and a nicotine discrimination paradigm was used to determine if β-Nic (0 - 5.0 mg/kg) shares discriminative stimulus properties with Nic (0.2 mg/kg) in male (n = 13) and female (n = 14) rats after 10- & 60-min β-Nic pretreatment delays. A second group of rats was trained to discriminate β-Nic and Nornicotine (Nornic) from saline to determine if β-Nic alone has interoceptive properties and whether they are similar to Nornic. β-Nic had similar binding affinity and efficacy at the α4β2 nicotinic receptor subtype as Nornic, ~50% of Nic efficacy. However, β-Nic only weakly substituted for Nic during substitution testing in female rats, but not males, whereas Nornic fully substituted for Nic. Combination testing at the 10 and 60-min pretreatment intervals showed that β-Nic dose-dependently increased the duration of nicotine's discriminative stimulus effects, especially at the 60-min delay. Drug naïve rats could reliably discriminate Nornic, but not β-Nic, from Sal. β-Nic increased and prolonged the interoceptive stimulus properties of Nic, suggesting it may alter to the abuse liability of ENDS through its ability to slow Nic metabolism.

Disrupting Substance Use Disorder: The Chemistry of Iboga Alkaloids

The iboga alkaloids are a family of monoterpene indole alkaloids first discovered from the root of Tabernanthe iboga. The major alkaloid constituent in the root, ibogaine, has garnered interest for its anti‐addictive properties. Ibogaine has been shown to reduce opiate, amphetamine, alcohol, and nicotine self‐administration in rodents. However, ibogaine itself is less than optimal as a treatment in humans for Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD) due to its cardiotoxicity and hallucinogenic potential. Alternatively, it is an attractive lead for drug discovery efforts. Several notable programs have been launched to both elucidate ibogaine’s mechanism of action and reduce its toxicity. While there have been over twenty total syntheses of ibogamine, ibogaine, and closely related family members, there are far fewer syntheses of recently isolated iboga alkaloids. In this targeted review, we discuss the synthetic strategies applied to the synthesis of classical and non‐classical iboga alkaloids.

Integrating metabolomics and network toxicology to reveal the mechanism of hypoaconitine-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Hypoaconitine (HA), a major secondary metabolite of aconite (a plant-derived rodenticide), is a highly toxic di-ester alkaloidal constituent. The toxicity of HA is intense with a low LD50. However, studies on its toxicity mechanism have mainly focused on cardiotoxicity, with few reports on the mechanism of hepatotoxicity. In this study, we combined metabolomics and network toxicology to investigate the effects of HA on the liver and analyzed the mechanisms by which it causes hepatotoxicity. The results of metabolomics studies indicated diethylphosphate, sphingosine-1-phosphate, glycerophosphorylcholine, 2,8-quinolinediol, guanidinosuccinic acid, and D-proline as differential metabolites after HA exposure. These metabolites are involved in eight metabolic pathways including arginine and proline metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Network toxicology analysis of HA may affect the HIF-1 signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and so on by regulating the targets of ALB, HSP90AA1, MMP9, CASP3, and so on. Integrating the results of metabolomics and network toxicology, it was concluded that HA may induce hepatotoxicity by triggering physiological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and inducing apoptosis in hepatocytes.

WITHDRAWN: Alkaloid constituents from Anacyclus pyrethrum

Twelve undescribed alkaloids, including eight pyrrolo[3,2-g]isoquinoline alkaloids (+)/(-)-anacyquinoline A (1a/1b), (±)-anacyquinoline B (2), (+)/(-)-anacyquinoline C (3a/3b), (±)-anacyquinoline D (4), (±)-anacyquinoline E (5), and (±)-anacyquinoline F (6), together with four pyrrolo[2,3-g]quinoline alkaloids (+)/(-)-anacyquinoline G (7a/7b), (±)-anacyquinoline H (8), and (±)-anacyquinoline I (9), were isolated from the root of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) DC. Their structures were determined via spectroscopic analyses (UV, IR, NMR), HRESIMS, quantum chemical calculations of ECD and NMR data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (Cu Kα). In bioassay, (+)/(-)-anacyquinoline G (7a/7b), and (±)-anacyquinoline H (8) showed inhibition on NO production with IC50 values of 41.4, 44.1, and 31.4 μM, respectively.

Isolation, Identification and Chemical Modification of Bufadienolides from Bufo melanostictus Schneider and Their Cytotoxic Activities against Prostate Cancer Cells.

The traditional Chinese medicine toad venom (Venenum bufonis) has been extensively used to treat various diseases, including cancers, in China and other Southeast Asian countries. The major constituents of toad venom, e.g., bufadienolides and alkaloids, exhibit broad-spectrum pharmacological effects in cancers. Herein, two new bufadienolides (1 and 2), along with eleven known compounds (3-13) were successfully isolated from Bufo melanostictus Schneider. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data and X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, four lactam derivatives were synthesized through the transformation of bufadienolides lactones. The inhibitory effects of these compounds against human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU145 were evaluated. The outcomes indicated a notable trend, with a substantial subset displaying nanomolar range IC50 values against PC-3 and DU145 cells, underscoring their pronounced cytotoxicity. Moreover, a noteworthy distinction surfaces, wherein lactones consistently outperformed their lactam counterparts, further validating their heightened potency for the treatment of prostate cancer. This study contributes significant preclinical evidence substantiating the therapeutic viability of bufadienolides and toad venom as intervention strategies for prostate cancer.

Antihistaminic, Antiarthritic, and Antiobesity Activities of Yellow Horn Poppy Natural Products

Background: Yellow horn poppy ( Glaucium flavum, syn. Chelidonium flavum) in the family Papaveraceae, is growing in many geographical areas; it is mostly native to Northern Africa, Western Asia, and Europe. The plant is well known for its different types of alkaloids, including aporphines, protopines, and phenolic compounds. In Eastern Europe, the HCl and HBr salts of glaucine (the common active constituent in G. flavum) have been approved as cough suppressants, in addition to several therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. The natural products of G. flavum varied according to the geographical habitat, the stage of maturity, and the selected plant organ. Materials and Methods: For the first time, the extraction and isolation of natural products (alkaloids and flavonoids) from dried aerial parts of the Libyan population of yellow horn poppy and testing their biological effects, which include antihistaminic, antiarthritic, and antiobesity effects. Results: Alkaloids (glaucine and isoboldine) and flavonoid constituents (quercetin-7- O-rutinoside and rutin) have been isolated, while the biological activity results showed that quercetin-7- O-rutinoside and rutin showed half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) (µg) = 29.7 and 46.6, 26.2 and 61.3, and 58.8 and 50.1 for antihistaminic, antiarthritic, and antiobesity, respectively, compared with those of glaucine and isoboldine effects, IC50 = 77.4 and 159.3, 61.7 and 118.7, and 237.8 and 157.6, respectively. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the antihistaminic, antiarthritic, and antiobesity effects of the flavonoid compounds were stronger than those of the alkaloidal constituents of yellow horn poppy.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) Extracts Inhibit the Growth of Fungal Isolates Associated with American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.).

American ginseng, a highly valuable crop in North America, is susceptible to various diseases caused by fungal pathogens, including Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., and Pestalotiopsis spp. The development of alternative control strategies that use botanicals to control fungal pathogens in American ginseng is desired as it provides multiple benefits. In this study, we isolated and identified three fungal isolates, Alternaria panax, Fusarium sporotrichioides, and Pestalotiopsis nanjingensis, from diseased American ginseng plants. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the roots and leaves of goldenseal were prepared, and the major alkaloid constituents were assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Next, the antifungal effects of goldenseal extracts were tested against these three fungal pathogens. Goldenseal root ethanolic extracts exhibited the most potent inhibition against fungal growth, while goldenseal root aqueous extracts and leaf ethanolic extracts showed only moderate inhibition. At 2% (m/v) concentration, goldenseal root ethanolic extracts showed an inhibition rate of 86.0%, 94.9%, and 39.1% against A. panax, F. sporotrichioides, and P. nanjingensis, respectively. The effect of goldenseal root ethanolic extracts on the mycelial morphology of fungal isolates was studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mycelia of the pathogens treated with the goldenseal root ethanolic extract displayed considerable morphological alterations. This study suggests that goldenseal extracts have the potential to be used as a botanical fungicide to control plant fungal diseases caused by A. panax, F. sporotrichioides, or P. nanjingensis.

Potential anticancer agents of Curcuma aeruginosa-based kombucha: In vitro and in silico study

BackgroundThe kombucha is an original drink from China that is traditionally produced from fermentation that rich in polyphenol and act as antioxidants and anticancer. In the times, kombucha is widely combined with several medicinal plants, one of which is Curcuma aeruginosa, an herbal plant used as medicine because it has chemical constituents of saponins, triterpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Kombucha-based Curcuma aeruginosa is believed to have role as an antioxidant and anticancer. Research objectivesto determine antioxidant and anticancer activities of kombucha-based C. aeruginosa through in vitro and in silico study. Methodsproduction of kombucha-based C. aeruginosa with variation of C. aeruginosa extract concentration (2, 4, 6 %) and variation of time fermentation of kombucha production (6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 days). Then antioxidant activity analysis was carried out with the DPPH assay. The bioactive compounds contained in kombucha-based C. aeruginosa was screened using LCHRMS (Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mas Spectrometry). Anticancer activity was predicted using in silico study such as PASS Online and molecular docking. ResultsThe highest antioxidant activity was showed by 6 % of C. aeruginosa and 14 days fermentation of kombucha (IC50 = 13.17). There were 15 bioactive compounds contained in kombucha-based C. aeruginosa and 4 of them with anticancer activity, such as 2-(8-Hydroxy-4a,8-dimethyldecahhydro-2-naphthalenyl)acrylic acid, 2-[(2-Chlorobenzyl)sulfanyl]-4,6-dimethylnicotinonitrile, 3,5-Di‑tert‑butyl‑4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and Zedoarondiol. 2-[(2-Chlorobenzyl)sulfanyl]-4,6-dimethylnicotinonitrile showed the most potential anticancer compound with the strongest interaction to inhibit ERa and PR protein.

Therapeutic Effects of the major alkaloid constituents of Evodia rutaecarpa in Alzheimer's disease.

Since the report of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 1907, it has garnered widespread attention due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms, significant impact on patients' lives, and the substantial burden it places on society. Presently, effective treatments for AD remain elusive. Recent pharmacological studies on the traditional East Asian herb, Evodia rutaecarpa, have revealed that the bioactive alkaloid components within it can ameliorate AD-related cognitive impairments and neurological damage through various pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities. Consequently, this article provides an overview of the pharmacological effects and research status of the four main alkaloid components found in Evodia concerning AD. We hope this article will serve as a valuable reference for experimental and clinical research on the use of Evodia in AD prevention and treatment.

Constituents of carbazole alkaloids and anti-cancer properties of extracts, mahanine, isomahanine, mahanimbine, and girinimbine from Bergera koenigii

The new name of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. is Bergera koenigii L., the Indian curry leaf tree. Constituents of carbazole alkaloids from different plant parts of B. koenigii are compiled. Based on the number of reports, mahanimbine (MNB) and koenimbine are the two most dominant carbazole alkaloids from the leaf of B. koenigii. Carbazole alkaloids selected for review are mahanine (MN), isomahanine (IMN), MNB, and girinimbine (GNB) which are pyranocarbazoles as they possess the pyranocarbazole skeleton. MN, IMN, and MNB have 23 carbons and four methyl groups, while GNB has 18 carbons and three methyl groups. The anti-cancer properties of extracts and carbazole alkaloids from B. koenigii are tabulated with information on cancer types, cancer cell lines, effects, and mechanisms. Other pharmacological properties are briefly mentioned. Findings on the anti-cancer properties of extracts and carbazole alkaloids that will generate interest for further research are included as concluding remarks. Eight areas for future research were suggested.

A new indole alkaloid and anti-malarial activity of the stem bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidum

Background to the study: Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark extract had been shown to be antimalarial active in various studies but the compound responsible have not been identified. Methods: Its stem bark ethanol extract was successively partitioned to obtain n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol fractions and the aqueous phase with the aim of isolating the antimalarial constituent(s). The fractions were all tested for chemosuppressive activities at doses 0-80 mg/kg using Peter’s four-day test in Plasmodium berghei berghei-infected mouse model with chloroquine (10 mg/kg) and normal saline as positive and negative control respectively Result: The partitioned fractions: n hexane, butanol and aqueous with ED50 44.71±4.88, 54.84±4.25 and 54.42±3.84 and 56.6±4.64 respectively were comparable (p>0.05) in activity to each other. The ethyl acetate fraction with strong reactions to Dragendorff’s reagent and similarly has good weight, was further purified by repeated column chromatography leading to the isolation of a new indole alkaloid identified and characterized as 4, 5, 7, 8-tetrahydro-1H-1, 4-epoxyazepino [1′, 2′: 1, 2] pyrido [3, 4-b] indole-2, 3, 3(2H, 13H, 13bH)-triol (1) named as albidumine with a molecular formula C16H18N2O4. In addition, eleaginine (2), previously characterised from the seed was also identified in this stem-bark through LC-MS. To the best of our knowledge, compound 1 is a new alkaloidal constituent in Chrysophyllum sp. The structure was elucidated using the data from mass spectra, 1D (1H, 13C NMR and DEPT) and 2D-NMR (HMQC and HMBC) spectra. Conclusion: A new indole alkaloid isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol extract of the stem-bark of Chrysophyllum albidum and characterised as albidumine may likely be an antimalarial constituent of the plant

Non-Alkaloidal Compounds from Tubers of Gloriosa superba and their In vitro and In silico Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities

Background: The tubers of Gloriosa superba L. (Colchicaceae) are previously well known for their alkaloidal constituents. The present work aimed to investigate the non-alkaloidal constituents and evaluate their in vitro and in silico antibacterial and antioxidant activities from the tuber. Methods: The chloroform: methanol (1:1) tuber extract was fractionated over silica gel column chromatography, and isolated compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Various extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities against certain pathogenic strains and oxidants. The in silico drug-likeness properties of isolated compounds were also studied against 6F86 antibacterial and 1HD2 antioxidant protein models. Results: Three non-alkaloidal compounds, β-sitosterol (1), 3-(cyclopenta-2,4-dienyloxy) β- sitosterol (2) and 1,2-n-dipropyl phthalate (3), were reported herein. The n-hexane and chloroform extracts displayed better antibacterial activity against E. coli (9.83 ± 0.28 mm) and P. aeruginosa (10.65 ± 0.79 mm), and S. aureus (10.33 ± 0.3 mm), respectively, at 100,000 μg/mL concentration. Compound 3 established a better activity against all bacterial strains (9.78 ± 0.63-11.07 ± 0.09 mm) at 1000 μg/mL (IC50 values of 1.5-3.2 μg/mL). All the extracts exhibited a DPPH free radical scavenging activity comparable to ascorbic acid (IC50 value of 1.2 μg/mL), whereas isolated compounds were found with negligible DPPH scavenging activity and weak ferric ion reduction power up to 500 μg/mL dose. The docking study revealed that all the compounds fulfilled Lipinski’s rule of five by contravening no more than one rule with strong binding affinity shown by compound 1 (-8.2 kcal/mol) and compound 3 (-4.5 kcal/mol) to the 6F86 bacterial and 1HD2 antioxidant protein models, respectively, which are comparable to the ciprofloxacin (-7.2 kcal/mol) and ascorbic acid (- 4.5 kcal/mol) drugs. All the compounds also did not show any cytotoxicity properties. Whereas compound 1 showed an immunotoxicity and mutagenicity properties; and compounds 2 and 3 were found as immunotoxic and carcinogenic isolates, respectively. Conclusion: The promising antioxidant activity result of the various tubers extracts may highlight the potential use of Gloriosa superba as a source of foods by conducting further phytochemical investigation and additional bioassay evaluation, including the cytotoxicity effect of the whole part of the plant.

Determination of Alkaloids Constituents in Some Ferns by Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography Technique – Iraq

Determination of Alkaloids Constituents in Some Ferns by Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography Technique – Iraq

Cytotoxic activities of alkaloid constituents from the climbing stems and rhizomes of Sinomenium acutum against cancer stem cells.

From the methanolic extract of the climbing stems and rhizomes of Sinomenium acutum, two new aporphine analogues, acutumalkaloids I and II, were isolated together with fifteen known compounds including lysicamine. The chemical structures of the isolated new compounds were elucidated based on chemical/physicochemical evidence such as NMR and MS spectra. For acutumalkaloids I and II, the absolute configurations were established by comparison of experimental and predicted electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. We compared anti-proliferative activities of isolated compounds with reported naturally occurring Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor, nuciferine. Among the isolated compounds, we found lysicamine have anti-proliferative activity against both of HT-29 human colon cancer cell line and its cancer stem cells (CSCs). The IC50 values of lysicamine against non-CSCs and its CSCs were lower than that of nuciferine. In addition, the results of western blotting analysis suggested that lysicamine inhibited the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway target protein such as survivin. These results suggested that lysicamine show cytotoxic activity via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Curcumin

Curcumin is a bright yellow phytochemical derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Curcumin possesses a wide range of biological effects such as antimicrobial, anti-proliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and neuroprotective activities. Such versatility makes curcumin a promising lead compound for the development of new derivatives that may have a role in the management of numerous illnesses like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. These biological effects of turmeric have been attributed to its constituent curcumin that has been widely studied for its anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, wound healing and anti-cancer effects and phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract was done. As a result of extensive epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies several molecular mechanisms are emerging that elucidate multiple biological effects of curcumin. The purpose of the study was concentrated on in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological effects of Curcumin, preliminary phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the turmeric rhizome and determined the antioxidant activity of curcumin by employing in vitro antioxidant assays such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH)scavenging. The solvent extracts tested positive for the presence of bioactive constituents alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, Terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and fixed oils and fatty acid. DPPH demonstrated total antioxidant activity.

Kratom Alkaloids, Cannabinoids, and Chronic Pain: Basis of Potential Utility and Role in Therapy.

Introduction: Chronic neuropathic pain is as a severe detriment to overall quality of life for millions of Americans. Current pharmacological treatment options for chronic neuropathic pain are generally limited in efficacy and may pose serious adverse effects such as risk of abuse, nausea, dizziness, and cardiovascular events. Therefore, many individuals have resorted to methods of pharmacological self-treatment. This narrative review summarizes the existing literature on the utilization of two novel approaches for the treatment of chronic pain, cannabinoid constituents of Cannabis sativa and alkaloid constituents of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), and speculates on the potential therapeutic benefits of co-administration of these two classes of compounds. Methods: We conducted a narrative review summarizing the primary motivations for use of both kratom and cannabis products based on epidemiological data and summarize the pre-clinical evidence supporting the application of both kratom alkaloids and cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain. Data collection was performed using the PubMed electronic database. The following word combinations were used: kratom and cannabis, kratom and pain, cannabis and pain, kratom and chronic pain, and cannabis and chronic pain. Results: Epidemiological evidence reports that the self-treatment of pain is a primary motivator for use of both kratom and cannabinoid products among adult Americans. Further evidence shows that use of cannabinoid products may precede kratom use, and that a subset of individuals concurrently uses both kratom and cannabinoid products. Despite its growing popularity as a form of self-treatment of pain, there remains an immense gap in knowledge of the therapeutic efficacy of kratom alkaloids for chronic pain in comparison to that of cannabis-based products, with only three pre-clinical studies having been conducted to date. Conclusion: There is sufficient epidemiological evidence to suggest that both kratom and cannabis products are used to self-treat pain, and that some individuals actively use both drugs, which may produce potential additive or synergistic therapeutic benefits that have not yet been characterized. Given the lack of pre-clinical investigation into the potential therapeutic benefits of kratom alkaloids against forms of chronic pain, further research is warranted to better understand its application as a treatment alternative.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Phytochemical Investigation of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Dryopteris dilatata

Bioactive constituents are the active ingredients of herbal product such as Dryopteris dilataa that possess therapeutic efficacies in the treatment and management of several diseases. Thus, we evaluated different concentration of the free radical scavenging activity and phytochemical constituents of ethanol and sub-extracts of Dryopteris dilatata (Dd) leaves such as butane, hexane and benzene. Phytochemicals analysis was determined on the ethanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata sub-extracts using standard principles, also free radical scavenging capacity of the ethanol extract for Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (OH), superoxide radical scavenging assay (SSRA), 2,2--Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), 2, 2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphoric acid scavenging activity (ABTS) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay (TBA) was done using standard protocols. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed flavonoids and cardiac glycosides in all extracts, terpenoid, phytosterol, alkaloid, tannins and saponin constituents were present in ethanol, butane and hexane extracts and absent in benzene extract, phenols is present in only hexane extract but absent in all other extracts, glycerols is present in only benzene extracts while phlobotannin and carbohydrate are absent in all extracts. The plant ethanol extract revealed statistically significant at P<0.05 capacity for (FRAP), (OH), (SSRA), (DPPH), (ABTS), (TA). The study therefore suggest that the plant extract could lead to producing therapeutic agent in the treatment and management of several disorders that are attributed to reactive species and oxidative stress.