Clausena Anisata Research Articles

Modulation of the enzyme activity of secretory phospholipase A2, lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase involved in inflammation and disease by extracts from some medicinal plants used for skincare and beauty

Proliferation of acute inflammation under pathological conditions makes targeting the pro-inflammatory enzymes a therapeutic intervention. The inflammation process contributes significantly to the appearance of the skin as a result of scarring and dark spots that develop. Inflammation is a normal physiological process employed to remove tissue damage due to the barrier breach of the skin. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibition and induction of enzymes associated with skin inflammation by 10 medicinal plants used traditionally for skincare and beauty in South Africa. Plants were initially examined for their total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Acetone and water extracts of the selected plants were assayed for their inhibitory activities of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), lipoxygenase (15-LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes using an inhibitor screening assay kit (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI). The total phenolic content and flavonoid content were significantly high for Cassipourea flanaganii (Schinz) Alston. Extracts of Aloe ferox Mill and Plantago lanceolata L yielded a high content of total phenols and flavonoids, respectively. Water and acetone extracts of C. flanaganii and Chenopodium album L exhibited notable inhibitory activity against sPLA2 with IC50 values of 12.34 and 10.75 μg/mL, respectively. Water and acetone extracts of C. flanaganii exhibited moderate inhibitory activity of 15-LOX enzyme with IC50 values of 16.72 and 21.59 μg/mL, respectively. Water extracts of C. album also inhibited the activity of 15-LOX enzyme with an IC50 value of 18.99 μg/mL. Water extracts of Haemanthus albiflos Jacq, Ruta graveolens L, A. ferox, C. flanaganii and Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth had a significantly high inhibitory activity against COX-2 enzyme with IC50 values ranging from 4.23 to 6.89 μg/mL. Furthermore, acetone extracts of Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek, P. lanceolata and A. ferox significantly inhibited the activity of COX-2 with IC50 values ranging from 2.69 to 4.36 μg/mL. The observed selective inhibition of COX-2 enzyme by extracts of C. flanaganii, P. lanceolata and R. nasturtium-aquaticum is significant when screening for natural inhibitors with less risk of gastro-intestinal health effects. The selective inhibition of COX-2 enzyme is beneficial in modulation of skin inflammation during pathological conditions. Therefore, extracts from these plants can be incorporated in beauty formulations intended for treatment of chronic inflammation of the skin.

Isolation of bioactive compounds of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. growing in South Africa by liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy profiling, and their antibacterial activities

Clausena anisata possesses several ethnopharmacological properties. It is used for the treatment of several diseases and health conditions, including oxidative stress and respiratory infections. This study was aimed at isolating and validating the potency of some bioactive compounds in this plant using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. A bioautography method was used for the antibacterial assay. Quercetin 3,4’-dimethyl ether was identified with a molecular mass of 330.2288 Da at a retention time of 0.72, clausine B was identified at a retention time of 24.31 and 24.37 with a molecular mass of 271.0844 Da, clausenocoumarine was identified at a retention time of 5.42 with a molecular weight of 366.1011 Da, while terpineol was also identified with the inhibition of the growth of the test organisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Subtilis cereus) to quercetin 3,4’-dimethyl ether, clausine B and clausenocoumarin observed at Rf values of 0.24, 0.52 and 0.54, respectively, on the plate using hexane/ethyl acetate (2:1) as mobile phase. A novel enantiomer of anisocoumarin derivatives and three known compounds were isolated and identified from a fraction showing a single band in the acetone leaf extract of C. anisata. Their chemical compounds were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance. The pharmacological potency of these compounds was discussed.

The cosmetic potential of plants from the Eastern Cape Province traditionally used for skincare and beauty

Cosmetic products are directly and indirectly applied to the skin in order to enhance its beauty. Cosmetic products that are directly applied to the skin include creams, lotions and soaps while tablets and supplements are indirectly administered to achieve similar benefits. The aim of the current study was to investigate the cosmetic potential of plants from the Eastern Cape Province used traditionally for skincare and beauty by evaluating their antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential, photo-protective effect and anti-tyrosinase activity. The antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), 70% aqueous ethanol (v/v) and water extracts was tested against infectious skin microorganisms and skin dermatophytes. Methanolic extracts of medicinal plants were tested for their DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and their ability to delay the oxidation of β-carotene in the β-carotene linoleic acid model. Ethanol extracts of medicinal plants were tested for their photo-protective effects and anti-tyrosinase activity. Ethanol extracts of Arctotis arctotoides (L.f.) O.Hoffm and Cassipourea flanaganii (Schinz) Alston were very potent against all infectious skin microorganisms and skin dermatophytes included in the study with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values less than 1 mg/mL. Methanol extracts of C. flanaganii, Symphytum officinale L and Urtica urens L showed high antioxidant potential. Ethanol extracts from Plantago lanceolata L., C. flanaganii, Acokanthera oblongifolia (Hochst.) Codd, Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk., A. arctotoides and Aloe ferox Mill expressed moderate protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation with sun protection factor (SPF) values between 12 and 30. Furthermore, extracts from Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek, Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth., S. officinale and C. flanaganii showed good anti-tyrosinase activity similar to the positive control with IC50 values between 19.64 and 22.24 μg/mL. The results from the study have shown that extracts from A. arctotoides and C. flanaganii have potential for incorporation into hygiene products such as soaps, creams and sanitizers due to their potential to combat a range of microorganisms. Furthermore, extracts from C. flanaganii, S. officinale and P. lanceolata have potential for incorporation into beauty creams and sunscreen products.

English

Control measures of livestock ticks based on chemicals has become worrisome because of the development of resistance, especially in the case of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. It has become imperative to search for alternative tick control methods. Thus, the toxicity of the essential oil of Clausena anisata was evaluated on larvae of Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus in the laboratory in comparison with flumethrin, a reference chemical acaricide. Tests were carried out with Whatman paper circles impregnated with 200 µL of the essential oil of C. anisata either pure or diluted with palm kernel oil (v/v) at concentrations of 0.0625, 0.05, 0.042, 0.03125, 0.025, 0.020, 0.0156, 0.0125 and 0.01. A total of 100 larvae aged 15-21 days were tested with the respective doses on filter paper in Petri dishes. The Petri dishes were incubated at 28 ± 1°C, 85-95% RH and mortalities were recorded after 24 h. Chemical composition of leaf essential oil of C. anisata major compounds were estragol (57.06%) and trans-anethole (29.88%), constituting 86.94% of the crude extract. Dilution of 0.0625 caused 100% larval mortality in the three species. The mortalities were similar for A. variegatum and Rh. (B.) decoloratus at the LD50 (0.021). The LD99 of R. (B.) decoloratus was the lowest (0.075). Flumethrin was very toxic with 100% mortality for A. variegatum even at the lowest dose (0.01), unlike species of the genus, Rhipicephalus (B.) which were less sensitive. These results on the use of C. anasata as bio-acaricide and further studies will provide a perspective in response to the resistance of ticks to chemical acaricides.  Key words: Cattle, ticks, larvae, Clausena anisata, Modified Larval Packet Test (MLPT), bio-acaricide.

Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) control by plant products in cowpea grains under storage: A review

The present review focuses on some major researches dealing with controlling Cowpea seed bruchid (CSB) due to Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) [Coleoptera: Bruchidae] by using some plant products. The objective of this review is to look in to the successes of the use of plant materials in the management of CSB especially in the tropics where bulk of the crop is cultivated and consumed. The review of available literature showed that, plants such as Neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss; Garlic, Allium sativum (L.); West African pepper, Piper guineense Schumach; drum stick, Moringa oleifera Lam; African Basil, Ocimum gratissimum (L.); Moss plant; Barbula indica and Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook has been used in CSB control. Available literatures showed that garlic, chilies and peppermint applied at the rate of 0.035–0.55g significantly (p≤0.05) reduced oviposition, respectively compared to the control. Similarly, powdered flowers of M. oleifera applied at the rate of 0.5 g per 30 g of seeds caused mortality of CSB better than the control 8 hours after infestation. The use of C. anisata and Permethrin showed percentage mortality of cowpea bruchids was high using Permethrin but was not significantly (p≥0.05) better than Clausena leaf powder. Groundnut oil applied at ˂ 4mls kg-1 does not affect germination process of cowpea stored for up to 12 weeks. However, increasing rate of application decreases germination. The review clearly indicated that plant products have potentials of controlling CSB in stored cowpea as they are safe and free from residue. They are hereby encouraged.

Clausena anisata and Dysphania ambrosioides essential oils: from ethno-medicine to modern uses as effective insecticides.

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (Amaranthaceae) and Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth. (Rutaceae) are two aromatic species traditionally used in Cameroon to repel and kill insects. The present work was carried out to substantiate this traditional use and to evaluate the possible incorporation in commercial botanical insecticides of their essential oils (EOs). The EOs were distilled from leaves of C. anisata and aerial parts of D. ambrosioides and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The insecticidal activity of both EOs was investigated against the filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus, and the housefly, Musca domestica. As possible mode of action, the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by the two EOs was investigated as well. The D. ambrosioides EO was characterized by the monoterpene peroxide ascaridole (61.4%) and the aromatic p-cymene (29.0%), whereas the C. anisata EO was dominated by the phenylpropanoids (E)-anethole (64.6%) and (E)-methyl isoeugenol (16.1%). The C. anisata EO proved to be very toxic to third instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus showing LC50 of 29.3μl/l, whereas D. ambrosioides EO was more toxic to adults of M. domestica showing a LD50 of 51.7 μg/adult. The mixture of both EOs showed a significant synergistic effect against mosquito larvae with LC50 estimated as 19.3μl/l, whereas this phenomenon was not observed upon application to M. domestica adults (LD50 = 75.9 μg/adult). Of the two EOs, the D. ambrosioides one provided a good inhibition of AChE (IC50 = 77 μg/ml), whereas C. anisata oil was not effective. These findings provide new evidences supporting the ethno-botanical use of these two Cameroonian plants, and their possible application even in synergistic binary blends, to develop new eco-friendly, safe and effective herbal insecticides.

Trypanosoma brucei Inhibition by Essential Oils from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Traditionally Used in Cameroon (Azadirachta indica, Aframomum melegueta, Aframomum daniellii, Clausena anisata, Dichrostachys cinerea and Echinops giganteus).

Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile components produced by the plant secondary metabolism and consist mainly of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and, to a minor extent, of aromatic and aliphatic compounds. They are exploited in several fields such as perfumery, food, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. Essential oils have long-standing uses in the treatment of infectious diseases and parasitosis in humans and animals. In this regard, their therapeutic potential against human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) has not been fully explored. In the present work, we have selected six medicinal and aromatic plants (Azadirachta indica, Aframomum melegueta, Aframomum daniellii, Clausena anisata, Dichrostachys cinerea, and Echinops giganteus) traditionally used in Cameroon to treat several disorders, including infections and parasitic diseases, and evaluated the activity of their essential oils against Trypanosma brucei TC221. Their selectivity was also determined with Balb/3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line) cells as a reference. The results showed that the essential oils from A. indica, A. daniellii, and E. giganteus were the most active ones, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 15.21, 7.65, and 10.50 µg/mL, respectively. These essential oils were characterized by different chemical compounds such as sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Some of their main components were assayed as well on T. brucei TC221, and their effects were linked to those of essential oils.

One new genus and three new species of Diptilomiopinae from Vietnam (Acari: Eriophyoidea)

In this paper, we described one new genus Babus gen. nov. from the subfamily of Diptilomiopinae by characters as below: scapular setae (sc) placed ahead of the rear shield margin, anterolateral setae on coxisternum І (1b) absent, tarsal empodium divided, legs with six segment, basiventral femoral setae (bv) and antaxial genual setae (l'') on leg II absent. Two new species, Babus chukrasium sp. nov. collected from Chukrasia tatularis A. Juss. and Babus anisatae sp. nov. from Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth. were herein described. In addition, another new species Trimeroptes chaetophori sp. nov. collected from Rubus chaetophorus Card. was also described and illustrated from the same subfamily. All of new species described here are vagrants on the under surfaces of leaves, and no damage was observed.

Ovicide and Larvicide Activities of the Essential Oils Extracted from <i>Polyalthia longifolia</i> and <i>Clausena anisata</i> on <i>Sitotroga cerealella</i>

This work has objectives to study the chemical composition of volatile extracts obtained from leaves of Polyalthia longifolia and Clausena anisata and to evaluate their ovicide and larvicide effects by fumigation against Sitotroga cerealella, as alternative to the pesticides of synthesis. The analyses of the extracts by GC-MS showed that the essential oil of P. longifolia contains 57 compounds representing 86.1% of oil and 26 compounds corresponding to 97.3% of the essential oil of C. anisata. The main compounds identified for the extract of P. longifolia are the β-Caryophyllene (24.5%), Allo-Aromadendrene (13.5%), the α-Zingiberene (9.4%), the α-Humulene (8.5%) and the α-Selinene (2.6%). The extract of C. anisata mainly composed of methyl chavicol (69.9%) is characterized by the presence of oxygenated monoterpens (1.4%), hydrogenated monoterpens (7.8%), hydrogenated sesquiterpens (16.2%), oxygenated sesquiterpens (1.7%) and of aromatic compounds (69.9%). The biological test results showed that the treatments by fumigation done with the essential oils reduce meaningfully (p<0.001) the bursting of the ovums on the paddy rice. The essential oil of C. anisata has completely inhibited the viability of the larvas and the emergence of adult butterflies from the dose 0.5 µl mL-1 contrary to P. longifolia that recorded respectively 10.0±0.3% and 50.0±0.2% at the strong dose 3 µl mL-1. The study has, otherwise, shown that the essential oils delayed the cycle of development “ovums to adult” of S. cerealella (29.0±0.4 to 35.4±0.5 days) in relation to the witness (25±0.1 days). The essential oil of C. anisata proved to be more poisonous for the juvenile stages of S. cerealella. These results provide the scientific basis for potential alternatives to the synthetic fumigants in subsistence and commercial agriculture.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects in Rodent Models of Ethanol Extract of Clausena anisata Roots and their Chemical Constituents

The in vivo antiinflammatory and analgesic activities of the crude ethanol extract and chemical constituents of Clausena anisata roots were investigated. The crude extract, which was devoid of any visible acute toxicity, displayed significant antiinflammatory effect at the dose of 1000 mg/kg (p.o.) when assessed using the carrageenan-induced oedema model. In the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests, it produced a very significant (p < 0.001); dose- dependent analgesic effect, with maximum analgesic activity of 72.1% at 1000 mg/kg (p.o.). Phytochemical analysis of the crude extract resulted in the isolation of four coumarins (anisocoumarin B, osthol, imperatorin and xanthotoxol) and a carbazole alkaloid, heptaphylline. Among the isolated compounds, osthol and anisocournarin B produced the highest antiinflammatory activity at 9 mg/kg (p.o.): slightly better than the positive control, indomethacin. Except for xanthotoxol, all the isolated compounds administered at 6 mg/kg (p.o.) produced significant analgesic activity and higher than diclofenac; with- heptaphylline being the most potent (48.7%). The analgesic activity of anisocoumarin B (50.4%) was the highest among the isolates tested and the standard, tramadol, in the hot plate test. The nonselective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, abolished the analgesic effect of the crude extract and the tested isolates (anisocoumarin B and xanthotoxol) in the hot plate test suggesting an effect via the central opioidergic system. These findings provide the scientific basis for the use of C. anisata roots in traditional medicine as antiinflammatory and analgesic agents.

English

Faced with the increasing growth of microorganism’s resistance to conventional antibiotics, the search of new bioactive molecules having pharmaceutical interest is more than ever committed. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the effectiveness of seven mouthwashes formulated from essential oils of Ocimum gratissimum, Ocimum basilicum, Cymbopogon citratus, Clausena anisata, Lippia multifora, Eugenia caryophyllata or Mentha piperita against five oral germs (Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10240, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 24974, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Candida albicans IP 4872). The antimicrobial power of different mouthwashes was evaluated through the determination of their minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations by microdilution method. All mouthwashes had an inhibitory and bactericidal effect against the studied germs. Their minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration varied according to the type of germ (from 0.125 to 1 μg/ml). The mouthwashes formulated from essential oils of O. basilicum and C. citratus were the most effective against all germs. They were followed by mouthwashes formulated from essential oils of O. gratissimum and C. anisata. Key words: Medicinal plants, essential oils, antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, Mouthwash.

Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activities of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook F. Ex Benth. Root Mediated Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activities of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook F. Ex Benth. Root Mediated Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Traditional medicine practices among community members with diabetes mellitus in Northern Tanzania: an ethnomedical survey.

BackgroundDiabetes is a growing burden in sub-Saharan Africa where traditional medicines (TMs) remain a primary form of healthcare in many settings. In Tanzania, TMs are frequently used to treat non-communicable diseases, yet little is known about TM practices for non-communicable diseases like diabetes.MethodsBetween December 2013 and June 2014, we assessed TM practices, including types, frequencies, reasons, and modes, among randomly selected community members. To further characterize TMs relevant for the local treatment of diabetes, we also conducted focus groups and semi-structured interviews with key informants.ResultsWe enrolled 481 adults of whom 45 (9.4 %) had diabetes. The prevalence of TM use among individuals with diabetes was 77.1 % (95 % CI 58.5–89.0 %), and the prevalence of using TMs and biomedicines concurrently was 37.6 % (95 % CI 20.5–58.4 %). Many were using TMs specifically to treat diabetes (40.3 %; 95 % CI 20.5–63.9), and individuals with diabetes reported seeking healthcare from traditional healers, elders, family, friends, and herbal vendors. We identified several plant-based TMs used toward diabetes care: Moringa oleifera, Cymbopogon citrullus, Hagenia abyssinica, Aloe vera, Clausena anisata, Cajanus cajan, Artimisia afra, and Persea americana.ConclusionsTMs were commonly used for diabetes care in northern Tanzania. Individuals with diabetes sought healthcare advice from many sources, and several individuals used TMs and biomedicines together. The TMs commonly used by individuals with diabetes in northern Tanzania have a wide range of effects, and understanding them will more effectively shape biomedical practitices and public health policies that are patient-centered and sensitive to TM preferences.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1262-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

English

Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth (Rutaceae) is a medicinal plant indigenous to Southern Africa and scientific studies report on its biomedical activities and possible antihypertensive property by demonstrating in vitro angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition. This study investigated the antihypertensive effects of an aqueous leaf extract of Clausena anisata in a spontaneously hypertensive rat model, and determined whether these blood pressure lowering effects could be attributed to diuresis, the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blood pressure control system and/or possible negative inotropic or chronotropic cardiac effects. Aqueous extracts were prepared from ground leaves of Clausena anisata. Four groups of ten rats each received 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg.bw of aqueous extracts intra-arterially respectively to obtain a dose response relationship. Another two groups of fifteen rats each received either plain water (control group) or the plant extract added to their drinking water (experimental group) for 40 days. Urine output was measured at 10 day intervals. All cardiovascular data was recorded with a Powerlab 200 recording system in anaesthetised rats that were catheterised via the carotid artery. Plasma angiotensin II levels were determined using a commercially available enzyme immunosorbent assay kit. The results showed that Clausena anisata was effective in reducing aortic blood pressure at the highest dose tested (400 mg/kg.bw). Furthermore, Clausena anisata significantly reduced the blood pressure over 40 days. This appears to have occurred via a mechanism that causes a reduction in plasma angiotensin II levels and not via diuresis or negative chronotropic effects. Key words: angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor), negative inotropic effect, diuresis, antihypertensive agents, traditional medicinal plants, lethal dose 50 cardiac contractility, South Africa.

English

Ethnobotanical investigation revealed the use of Alafia barteri Oliv., Allium ascalonicum L., Alstonia congensis Engl., Anthocleista djalonensis A. Chev., Calliandra portoricensis (Jacq.) Benth., Capsicum frutescens L., Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook f. ex Benth., Erythophleum suaveolens (Guill. & Perr.) Brenan, Grewia flavescens Juss., Khaya ivorensis A. Chev., Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth., Lophira alata Banks ex C.F. Gaertn., Macaranga barteri Mull. Arg., Olax subscorpoioidea Oliv., Plumbago zeylanica L., Tephrosia vogelli L., Tetracera alnifolia Willd., Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. & Thonn.) Taub., Triclisia subcordata Oliv., and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal.) A. Rich. in the management of breast cancer in Ogun State, Nigeria. The prevalence of breast cancer in Nigeria was 15.3 per 100,000 in 1976 and 33.6 per 100,000 in 1992. Breast cancer is the leading malignancy in the South Western Nigeria; it is second to cancer of the cervix in the north-west. In north-central, 22.41% of new cancer was registered for breast cancer in five years and accounted for 35.41% of all cancers in women. The limitations of orthodox drugs such as cost, accessibility, effectiveness, and side effects necessitate the search for cheap, safe and effective phytomedicine in cancer management. Thus, this paper reviewed twenty plants used traditionally for the management of breast cancer; this was with a view to presenting them for future research activities and scientific validation of their potency in cancer regimen. Key words: Ethnobotanicals, breast cancer, traditional recipes, Ogun State, Nigeria.

An acetone extract of Clausena anisata may be a potential control agent for flies encountered in cutaneous myiasis.

Clausena anisata is a medicinal plant used traditionally to treat myiasis and as an insect repellent by various communities. We have previously demonstrated the effects of C. anisata extracts on blowfly feeding and development in our laboratory. The impact of C. anisata leaf extracts on populations of different fly species on farms in Mpumalanga, South Africa was investigated in this study under field conditions. Flies were exposed to liver baits treated with acetone leaf extracts of C. anisata (150 mg/mL). Fly numbers and composition on two farms, with and without C. anisata treated liver, were compared during a period of 12 weeks when fly populations were expected to be high. Observations were made on fly behaviour and development, adult sizes and numbers. The flies exposed to liver treated with the leaf extract of C. anisata had a decreased rate of development, prolonged larval period, smaller body sizes and more sluggish behaviour compared to those subjected to the control treatment. No significant differences were, however, found between the numbers and sizes of flies on the treated and on the control farm, which was most likely due to the limited nature of the baiting programme we followed. The effects of C. anisata extracts on blowfly behaviour and development observed in previous laboratory studies were confirmed in this field evaluation. Although the extracts did not have a significant effect on the overall population size in this experiment, we believe that the C. anisata leaf extract could be useful in integrated pest management based on its effect on larval development. In addition, species such as Lucilia cuprina and Chrysomya marginalis seemed to have been repelled by the C. anisata treated liver; as a result, further work should explore this aspect and how it can be used for the protection of animals.

Clausena anisata-mediated protection against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. (CA), which is widely used in traditional medicine, reportedly exerts antitumor, anti-inflammatory and other important therapeutic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of CA in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Male C57BL/6 mice were administered treatments for 3 days by oral gavage. On day 3, the mice were instilled intranasally with LPS or PBS followed 3 h later by oral CA (30 mg/kg) or vehicle administration. In vitro, CA decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. CA also reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase-2. In vivo, CA administration significantly reduced inflammatory cell numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as reactive oxygen species production in the BALF. CA also effectively reduced airway inflammation in mouse lung tissue of an LPS-induced ALI mouse model, in addition to decreasing inhibitor κB (IκB) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation. Taken together, the findings demonstrated that CA inhibited inflammatory responses in a mouse model of LPS-induced ALI and in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Thus, CA is a potential candidate for development as an adjunctive treatment for inflammatory disorders, such as ALI.

Repellent and mosquitocidal effects of leaf extracts of Clausena anisata against the Aedes aegypti mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae).

Mosquitoes are rapidly developing resistance to insecticides that millions of people relied on to protect themselves from the diseases they carry, thereby creating a need to develop new insecticides. Clausena anisata is used traditionally as an insect repellent by various communities in Africa and Asia. For this study, the repellency and adulticidal activities of leaf extracts and compounds isolated from this plant species were evaluated against the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. In the topical application assays, using total bites as an indicator, repellency was dose dependent, with the acetone crude extract (15%) having 93% repellence and the hexane fraction (7.5%) 67% repellence after 3h. Fractionation resulted in a loss of total repellence. As mosquito-net treating agents, the acetone and hexane extracts of C. anisata, both at 15%, had average repellences of 46.89 ± 2.95 and 50.13 ± 2.02%, respectively, 3h after exposure. The C. anisata acetone extract and its hexane fraction caused mosquito knockdown and eventually death when nebulised into the testing chamber, with an EC50 of 78.9mg/ml (7.89%) and 71.6mg/ml (7.16%) in the first 15min after spraying. C. anisata leaf extracts have potential to be included in protection products against mosquitoes due to the repellent and cidal compounds contained therein.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxicity Activity of Clausena anisata, Acokanthera shemperii and Olea europaea Growing in Tanzania

Aims: To evaluate antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activities of Clausena anisata, Acokanthera shemperii and Olea europaea against seven Gram negative bacteria and fungal species. Study Design: Bioassay of antimicrobial assay was done using 96-well micro-dilution method. Place and Duration of Study: School of Life Science and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania, from April 2014 to June 2014. Methodology: 96-well micro dilution method was used in antimicrobial assay. Extracts were loaded in the wells of the first row, followed by serial dilution and 50 μl of the bacterial suspensions (0.5 MacFarland standard turbidity) were added in each well. The first concentration which showed no bacterial growth was considered as minimum inhibition concentration. Method developed by Meyer et al 1982 was adopted in cytotoxicity activities. Results: All extracts indicated antibacterial activity on at least three to five of the tested seven bacteria and two fungi species with MIC value ranging 0.7812 12.5 mg/mL. The highest activity Original Research Article Makirita et al.; EJMP, 14(2): 1-9, 2016; Article no.EJMP.23635 2 was demonstrated by Olea europaea leaf methanolic, Acokanthera shemperii stem bark and Clausena anisata twigs ethyl acetate extracts with MIC value of 0.7812 mg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa while the same MIC value was exhibited by Olea europaea stem bark methanol against Proteus mirabilis. However the Olea europaea root methanolic extract inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella kisarawe with MIC value of 0.7812 mg/mL. Olea europaea leaf methanolic and stem bark methanolic which demonstrated high antimicrobial activity were non toxic against brine shrimp larvae with LC50 value of 369.8272 and 226.1566 μg/mL, while Clausena anisata twigs ethyl acetate, Acokanthera shemperii stem bark ethyl acetate and Olea europaea root methanolic extracts were toxic with LC50 value of 6.21276, 67.4179 and 92.3089 μg/mL respectively. Conclusion: This study has unveiled antimicrobial and cytotoxicity properties of Clausena anisata, Acokanthera shemperii and Olea europaea.

Anthelmintic properties of traditional African and Caribbean medicinal plants: identification of extracts with potent activity against Ascaris suum in vitro.

Ascariasis affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, mainly in developing countries, causing substantial morbidity. Current treatments for Ascaris infection are based on mass drug administration (MDA) with synthetic anthelmintic drugs such as albendazole, however continual re-infection and the threat of drug resistance mean that complementary treatment options would be highly valuable. Here, we screened ethanolic extracts from 29 medicinal plants used in Africa (Ghana) and the Caribbean (US Virgin Islands) for in vitro anthelmintic properties against Ascaris suum, a swine parasite that is very closely related to the human A. lumbricoides. A wide variety of activities were seen in the extracts, from negligible to potent. Extracts from Clausena anisata, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Punica granatum were identified as the most potent with EC50 values of 74, 97 and 164 μg/mL, respectively. Our results encourage further investigation of their use as complementary treatment options for ascariasis, alongside MDA.