Bulbifera Bulbils Research Articles

Effect of Herbal Aphrodisiac, Dioscorea Bulbifera on Sperm Parameters, Serum Hormonal Levels and Testicular Histology of Wistar Rats

Aim: The present study was aimed at screening phytochemicals of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts and evaluating its effects on male rat reproductive system. Background: Since ancient times, man has found a lot of health benefits from medicinal plants. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 80% of the world population depends on traditional medicine, which is 90% plant-based, for their health needs. In respect of this, men in Africa use herbal medicines in the management of erectile dysfunction and infertility. Amongst thousands of herbs, folklore has implicated Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils in the treatment of piles, dysentery, syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, cancer and infertility. Despite such great health benefits from D. bulbifera, in vitro studies and clinical data in support of its efficacy as an aphrodisiac are scanty. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts on Wistar rat sperm parameters, hormonal levels and histology of the testis. Methods: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each and were given different treatments of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts by oral gavage at 200 and 400 mg kg-1 body weight. After 8 weeks, body and reproductive organ weights, sperm concentration, hormonal levels and histological structure of the testis were evaluated. A calorimetric method was used to assess the quantity of phytochemical constituents. Results: Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly (p<0.05) enhanced whereas prolactin levels were significantly (p<0.05) down-regulated in the treated groups. Total sperm motility, sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively motile cells increased compared to the control. All the treated animals showed an increase in body weight, seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height with the testes showing all the stages of spermatogenesis. Phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. Conclusion: Dioscorea bulbifera has secondary metabolites that seem to stimulate androgenic and anabolic effects. These secondary metabolites appear to be responsible for the positive changes in testicular architecture, serum hormonal levels, caudal sperm concentration and motility parameters. This study supports the ethno-aphrodisiac claims that have been made against it.

Anti-inflammatory, wound healing and antioxidant potential of compounds from Dioscorea bulbifera L. bulbils.

BackgroundDioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) has been traditionally used in Thai folk medicine as a diuretic and anthelmintic, for longevity preparations, and for wound and inflammation treatment. This plant is also commonly used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines in the treatment of sore throat, gastric cancer, rectal carcinoma and goiters. However, the wound healing effects of the active compounds in this plant have not been investigated.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify compounds responsible for the wound healing activity of D. bulbifera and determine their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.MethodsCrude extracts of D. bulbifera bulbils, their derived fractions and eleven purified compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages. The wound healing effects were evaluated via cell proliferation and migration assays using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and the antioxidant effects were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging activity assays.Results15,16-Epoxy-6α-O-acetyl-8β-hydroxy-19-nor-clero-13(16),14-diene-17,12;18,2-diolide (2), (+)-catechin (5), quercetin (6) and myricetin (11) exhibited significantly potent wound healing effects and promoted marked cell proliferation, resulting in % viabilities of 107.4–137.6, 121.1–151.9, 98.0–131.9, 90.9–115.9, respectively. Among them, (+)-catechin produced the highest % cell migration, resulting in 100.0% wound closure sooner (at day 2) than the other compounds. In addition, 1 μg/ml (+)-catechin significantly increased fibroblast migration by 2.4-fold compared to that in the control after 24 h. Regarding anti-inflammatory properties, kaempferol (7) and quercetin (6) decreased (p < 0.005) NO production, with IC50 values of 46.6 and 56.2 μM, respectively. In addition, the crude extracts, solvent fractions and flavonoid compounds were also found to possess marked antioxidant activity in both DPPH and •OH radical scavenging assays.ConclusionsThese findings provide more evidence to support the traditional use of D. bulbifera for the treatment of wounds and inflammation.

Simultaneous quantification of allantoin and steroidal saponins in yam (Dioscorea spp.) powders

Wild yams (Dioscorea spp.) are medicinal plants rich in secondary metabolites of pharmacological interest, mostly allantoin and steroidal saponins. Their natural populations are overexploited and endangered. Cultivated yams could represent an alternative source of metabolites if interesting varieties could be selected. The objectives of the present study were to develop an HPTLC protocol for the simultaneous quantification of allantoin and steroidal saponins in dried yam powders, to compare species and varieties originating from distant geographical origins and to assess their potential as a source of secondary metabolites. Overall, 1151 accessions belonging to six cultivated species were analysed (1000 acc. from Nigeria, and 146 acc. from Vanuatu) and were compared to five commercial powders of wild yam (D. villosa). Allantoin, dioscin, gracillin, protodioscin, protogracillin and five unknown saponins were quantified. Dioscorea villosa powders varied in content and composition, with allantoin ranging from 0.23 to 22.35 mg/g (DW) and total saponins from 37.36 to 129.97 mg/g. Allantoin was present in the six species, with highest values in D. bulbifera bulbils (20.38 mg/g) and D. cayenensis tubers (17.12 mg/g). Steroidal saponins were quantified in three species, D. cayenensis, D. esculenta and D. rotundata, but were absent in D. alata, D. bulbifera and D. dumetorum. Mean total saponins contents were 42.15 mg/g in D. cayenensis, 17.65 mg/g in D. esculenta and 17/44 mg/g in D. rotundata, with accessions presenting very high values in D. cayenensis (78.31 mg/g) and D. rotundata (69.65 mg/g). For both allantoin and saponins, variation was observed within tubers and the tuber peel was richer than the flesh. Cultivated yam species represent a sustainable source of allantoin and steroidal saponins which could be further increased through conventional breeding.

Dioscorea bulbifera, a highly threatened African medicinal plant, a review

Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils are used in the treatment of Piles, dysentery, syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. It is a raw material for contraceptives, and it is one of ...

Development of HP-TLC method for rapid quantification of sugars, catechins, phenolic acids and saponins to assess Yam (Dioscorea spp.) tuber flour quality

AbstractEight yam species (Dioscorea spp.) represented by 522 accessions (landraces and hybrids) were analysed for the individual sugars, catechins, phenolic acids and saponins contents of their tuber flours. Maltose, sucrose, glucose and fructose were quantified. Reducing sugars mean values were highly variable within species and ranged from 0.16%dry weight (DW) (SD ± 0.12) in D. dumetorum to 3.15%DW (±2.49) in D. esculenta. Maltose was detected only in D. esculenta. Chlorogenic acid, gallic acid and other phenolic acids ranged from 4.33 mg/g DW in D. bulbifera to 4.87 mg/g in D. alata and 9.55 mg/g in D. nummularia but were not detected in other species. Catechins (epicatechin and catechin) were highest in D. bulbifera bulbils (25.18 mg/g) and tubers (6.96 mg/g), and lowest in D. esculenta (0.32 mg/g). Their content is significantly correlated with dark flour colour and they most likely contribute to the oxidation of tuber flesh. Saponins (dioscin and gracillin) were quantified in only two species: D. cayenensis (5.94 mg/g, SD ± 3.78) and D. esculenta (3.74 mg/g, SD ± 3.72). Varietal selection may tend to reduce sugars levels and increase secondary metabolites with bioactive properties. HP-TLC is a suitable technique for the rapid quantification of compounds related to yam tuber flour quality.

Purification, characterization and biological significance of mannose binding lectin from Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils

Dioscorea bulbifera or air potato has been used as a folk remedy to treat cancer. A mannose binding lectin from bulbils of D. bulbifera was purified in a single step by affinity chromatography on mucin coupled Sepharose 4B column, determined by its fine sugar specificity by glycan array analysis and studied for its clinical potential in cancer and HIV research.SDS-PAGE showed that lectin is a monomer of Mr 24kDa. DBL agglutinated only rabbit erythrocytes and was inhibited by mucin, asialomucin, fetuin, asialofetuin and transferrin but not by any monosaccharides. Glycan array analysis of DBL revealed its affinity toward high mannose N-linked glycans with enhanced affinity for terminal mannose including N-linked glycans of HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 and has strong anti-reverse transcriptase activity. DBL showed strong binding to non-metastatic human colon epithelial cancer HT 29, metastatic SW 620 and hepatocellular HepG2 cell lines. DBL showed dose and time dependent growth inhibitory effects on all the three cell lines HT 29, SW 620 and HepG2 with IC50 of 110μg, 9.8μg, 40μg respectively at 72h. Inhibitory effect of DBL was effectively blocked in presence of competing glycans like mucin. DBL has promising clinical potential both in cancer and HIV research.

Anti-HIV-1 integrase compounds from Dioscorea bulbifera and molecular docking study

Context Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) has been used in a traditional Thai longevity medicine preparation. Isolation of inhibitors from natural products is a potential source for continuous development of new HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors.Objective The objective of this study is to isolate the compounds and evaluate their anti-HIV-1 IN activity, as well as to predict the potential interactions of the compounds with an IN.Materials and methods The ethyl acetate and water fractions (1–100 μg/mL) of Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils were isolated and tested for their anti-HIV-1 IN activity using the multiplate integration assay (MIA). The interactions of the active compounds with IN were investigated using a molecular docking method.Results and discussions The ethyl acetate and water fractions of Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils afforded seven compounds. Among these, allantoin (1), 2,4,3′,5′-tetrahydroxybibenzyl (2), and 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-2-styrylchromone (5) were isolated for the first time from this plant. Myricetin (4) exhibited the most potent activity with an IC50 value of 3.15 μM, followed by 2,4,6,7-tetrahydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (3, IC50 value= 14.20 μM), quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6, IC50 value = 19.39 μM) and quercetin-3-O-β-d-galactopyranoside (7, IC50 value = 21.80 μM). Potential interactions of the active compounds (3, 4, 6, and 7) with the IN active site were additionally investigated. Compound 4 showed the best binding affinity to IN and formed strong interactions with various amino acid residues. These compounds interacted with Asp64, Thr66, His67, Glu92, Asp116, Gln148, Glu152, Asn155, and Lys159, which are involved in both the 3′-processing and strand transfer reactions of IN. In particular, galloyl, catechol, and sugar moieties were successful inhibitors for HIV-1 IN.

Anti-fatigue effect of Amarkand on endurance exercise capacity in rats.

BackgroundAmarkand tubers are routinely used by many Indian tribes as a specialized food for health and longevity but so far there is no scientific evidence for their activities. Taxonomically, Amarkand belong to genera Eulophia and Dioscorea.MethodsIn this communication, comparative antifatigue potential of Amarkand was analyzed using forced swimming model in rats and evaluated using biomarkers of physical fatigue.ResultsMethanol extracts of tubers of D. bulbifera, E. ochreata, E. leghapanensis and bulbils of D. bulbifera exhibited rich polyphenolic content. D. bulbifera bulbils and E. ochreata significantly prolonged the swimming endurance time. Creatine kinase and urea nitrogen were significantly reduced by treatment of D. bulbifera bulbils and E. ochreata as compared to negative control. D. bulbifera bulbils effectively increased creatine (p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.01) and hemoglobin (p < 0.001) compared to negative control. D. bulbifera bulbils and E. ochreata treatments significantly increased glycogen (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and lowered malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001) in muscles and in liver tissue compared to negative control.ConclusionThese results indicate that a treatment with D. bulbifera bulbils and tubers of E. ochreata facilitates aerobic glucose metabolism and endurance by improving various impairments associated with fatigue.

Dormancy in Dioscorea: Comparison of Dormant Characters in Bulbils of a Northern Species ( D. opposita) and a Southern Species ( D. bulbifera var. vera)

Summary Several physiological features associated with dormancy were compared between bulbils of Dioscorea opposita (species of northern, cold region) and D. bulbifera (species of southern, warm region). Mature bulbils of both species fully sprouted at high temperature (26 °C) after chilling for about 3 months at 5 °C (D. opposita) and for 2 months at 10 °C (D. bulbifera). Mature dormant bulbils of D. opposita contained low levels of sprouting inhibitors, and the levels of these inhibitors increased considerably during incubation at 26 °C. In contrast, D. bulbifera bulbils contained higher levels of sprouting inhibitors, but the increase in levels of the inhibitors during incubation was low. In both species the increase in levels of sprouting inhibitors during incubation at 26 °C was suppressed by 8-azaguanine. Application of 8-azaguanine greatly promoted sprouting of D. opposita bulbils. Oxygen consumption rates was higher in bulbils of D. opposita than those of D. bulbifera. These results suggest that some aspects of metabolism that are involved in maintaining dormancy are operative in the northern species when dormant bulbils are incubated at high temperature. By contrast, bulbils of the southern species have already reached a deeply dormant state by the time they have matured on the mother plant, and these aspects of metabolism are suppressed during the incubation of bulbils.

Cellular events during wound periderm formation in Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils

The cytological events induced by a deep wound applied to Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils were studied using specific cytochemical methods and fluorescence and electron microscopy. Following wounding, a superficial layer with lignified (3rd h) and weakly suberized (6th h) cell walls formed in the original starchy parenchyma in contact with the wounded cells. Before the first mitoses (72nd h), an extensive dedifferentiation occurred in the underlying layers and involved reactivation of cell nuclei, nucleoli, and plastids. A concomitant aggregation of cytoplasmic ribosomes into polysomes occurred. Starch hydrolysis in the amyloplasts was evident before the first periclinal divisions. Periclinal divisions occurred in the reactivated cells from the second to the fourth layers beneath the wound. These newly meristematic cells could be divided into two to four new cells, leading to a periderm without a true phellogen. These covering layers degenerated during the period of lignification and weak suberization of cell walls. The thickness of the wound periderm depended on the age of the wounded bulbil.