Coleus Blumei Research Articles

THE INFLUENCE OF SHALLOT SOLUTION ON COLEUS (Plectranthus Scutellarioides (L.)) SEEDLING

Nurseries are the main critical phase in the cultivation of Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br.), which is useful as a raw material for traditional medicine. The key to producing well-grown, healthy, and uniform seedlings is using exogenous hormones throughout the seedling stage. Shallot has the potential to be used as an exogenous hormone. The study was conducted with shallot concentration treatment (0, 35, 70, and 100%) and soaking time (0, 12, and 24 hours). The results show shallot's activity as an exogenous hormone in coleus seedlings, including increasing the root volume of coleus seedlings through the initiation of root hairs, altering seedling height, and stimulating seedling adventitious shoot growth. Conversely, high concentrations of shallots reduced the number of coleus seedling shoots.

The Effect of Paclobutrazol Concentrations in Different Shade Levels on Coleus Plant Leaves Color

Coleus scutellarioides is a leaf ornamental plant that is widely used as an ornamental plant in tourist attractions because it has an interesting leaf color. The purpose of study was to obtain right concentration of paclobutrazol for the brightness of the color of the leaves of the coleus plant in shaded conditions. The method used is a Split Plot Design with two factors, light intensity as the whole plot and paclobutrazol concentration as a split plot. The whole Plot consists of 3 levels, namely I100 (100% sunlight intensity), I75 (75% sunlight intensity) and I50 (50% sunlight intensity) while the split plot consisted of P0 (Without Paclobutrazol), P40 (Paclobutrazol 40 ppm), P80 (paclobutrazol 80 ppm) and P120 (paclobutrazol 120 ppm. The results showed there were interactions from the treatment of paclobutrazol concentrations at various light intensities. The application of paclobutrazol 0 ppm at a light intensity of 75% and 50% gave the same chlorophyll content results as the 100% light intensity treatment and 0 ppm paclobutrazol concentration.The conclusions in addition of paclobutrazol 40-80 ppm at a decrease in light intensity of 75% and 50% gives the result of anthocyanin content and leaf color equal to 100% intensity and paclobutrazol 0 ppm.keyword: Coleus, Shades, Color, Paclobutrazol, Konsentrastion

Use of tropical macrophytes in wastewater treatment

Objective: To evaluate the adaptation process of ornamental tropical macrophytes irrigated with wastewater, through physiological measurements before and after planting in a tropical constructed wetland (CW). Design/Methodology/Approach: Three fractions were evaluated with 50%, 75%, and 100% wastewater and natural water (blank) in 0.5 × 2.0 m fiberglass containers. The following species were placed in the containers during 40 days: Strelitzia reginae, Alpinia purpurata, Canna indica, Xanthosoma robustum, Cyperus papyrus, Pistia stratiotes, Spathiphyllum wallisii, Ruellia brittoniana, Pasto pennisetum, Solenostemon scutellarioides, Iresine herbstii, Lantana camara, Duranta eracta golden, and Asparagus densiflorus. Subsequently, the individuals —including Heliconia psittacorum and Iris germanica— were planted and evaluated in a CW after the adaptation period, in order to replace the macrophyte lost during the said period. The following physiological variables were measured: survival percentage, stem thickness, number of flowers, chlorophyll index, and biomass (as a growth variable). Results: During the first stage (containers), only 11 out of the 14 initial species survived (78.5%), which allowed us to establish which plants had the highest survival capacity in high concentrations of pollutants. These results determined the priority with which these would be planted in the CW. Study Limitations/Implications: Significant physiological differences were observed (p ≤ 0.005) in all CW species. Canna indica, Xanthosoma robustum, Ruellia brittoniana, Alpinia purpurata, Cyperus papyrus, and Heliconia psittacorum recorded better adaptation. Findings/Conclusions: The macrophytes studied show great adaptation as phytoremediative plants in tropical CW systems; however, their physiological development is different.

Effect of Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) Leaf Extract as Natural Antibacterial Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Isolated From Dairy Cattle with Subclinical Mastitis

Mastitis is one of the causes of low milk production in dairy cows, and can be caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) leaf has antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, eugenol, polyphenols, steroids, tannins, and so on. The type of this research is experimental laboratory research that aims to test the antibacterial activity of the P. scutellarioides (L.) leaf extract with ethanol pro analysis as the solvent against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria isolated directly from the sample of dairy cow’s milk which CMT score is (+) 3, by measuring its inhibition ability indicated by the presence of clear zone using the agar-well diffusion method. The extract concentrations tested are 5%, 10%, 20% and 40%. The result of the antibacterial test of P. scutellarioides (L.) leaf extract with ethanol p.a. as the solvent showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria isolated directly from cow's milk samples with subclinical mastitis at certain concentrations.

Journey of Rosmarinic Acid as Biomedicine to Nano-Biomedicine for Treating Cancer: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a polyphenolic metabolite found in various culinary, dietary sources, and medicinal plants like Coleus scutellarioides (Linn) Benth., Lavandula angustifolia Linn., Mellisa officinalis Linn., Origanum vulgare Linn., Rosmarinus officinalis Linn., Zataria multiflora Boiss. and Zhumeria majdae Rech. F. Apart from its dietary and therapeutic values, RA is an important anticancer phytochemical owing to its multi-targeting anticancer mechanism. These properties provide a scope for RA's therapeutic uses beyond its traditional use as a dietary source. However, its oral bioavailability is limited due to its poor solubility and permeability. This impedes its efficacy in treating cancer. Indeed, in recent years, tremendous efforts have been put towards the development of nanoformulations of RA for treating cancer. However, this research is in its initial stage as bringing a nanoparticle into the market itself is associated with many issues such as stability, toxicity, and scale-up issues. Considering these pitfalls during formulation development and overcoming them would surely provide a new face to RA as a nanomedicine to treat cancer. A literature search was conducted to systematically review the various biological sources, extraction techniques, and anticancer mechanisms through which RA showed multiple therapeutic effects. Various nanocarriers of RA pertaining to its anticancer activity are also discussed in this review.

Difference in Emotional Evaluation according to the Preference of Coleus Cultivars

Background and objective: This study investigated the preferences and repurchase intentions (loyalty) of respondents to 8 coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) cultivars potentially useful for tropical style streetscapes.Methods: A survey was conducted on 148 general respondents, and the responses from 136 respondents were analyzed excluding 12 inappropriate copies.Results: Through demographic analysis on plant gardening experience, plant preference tendency, and plant-related event, we discovered that plant preference tendency was lowest in the 20s and highest in the 60s and above, indicating that plant preference tendency significantly increased with age. Out of 6 factors on perceived importance of plants, environmental and emotional relaxation for improved quality of life were high. As a result of examining the emotional responses felt by looking at the images of 8 coleus cultivars, there was a statistically significant difference among cultivars. Major emotional words were 'calm' and 'comfortable'. There was a positive correlation between loyalty to coleus, preference, Korean version of WHOQOL-BREF, plant gardening activity level, and the importance of plants, and a negative correlation with PSS-K (Korean Perceived Stress Scale). We conducted a multiple regression analysis including dummy variables to examine the effect of plant gardening activity level, PSS-K, and Korean version of WHOQOL-BREF on loyalty of survey respondents. The results showed that the effect was greatest in the order of plant-related event, physical health domain, age (50's), covers, environment domain, male, and age (30's).Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that coleus could mitigate the psychological stress and depression. As 'Lime Delight' with simple green color showed the highest preference among cultivars, we recommend a green cultivar from the psychological point of view rather than combination planting of multi-colored cultivars.

ANTIBACERIAL ACTIVITY OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ISOLATE OF PAINTED NETTLE (Coleus scutellarioides L. Benth.) AGAINST SKIN INFECTION BACTERIA USING TLC-BIOAUTOGRAPH AND AGAR DIFFUSION METHODS

Painted Nettle (Coleus scutellarioides L. Benth.) has properties as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial. It accelerates wound healing as well. Painted nettle contains essential oils, phenols, tannins, phytosterols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. This study aimed to obtain endophytic fungi isolates that have the potential as antibacterial by TLC-Bioautography and agar diffusion methods. This research was conducted by isolating endophytic fungi of painted nettle, advanced to purification and macroscopic tests and nine pure isolates were obtained. The results of the isolate screening with the IFDI code 6 showed the highest inhibition. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity was assayed by TLC-Bioautography. The results obtained two active spots (Rf1 = 0.96; Rf2 = 0.25) against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidemics, three active spots (Rf1 = 0.96; Rf2 = 0.61; Rf3 = 0.25) against Psedudomonas aeruginosa. The results of the antibacterial activity assay by diffusion method obtained inhibitory zone for each bacterium, namely Staphylococcus aureus at 8.95 mm, Staphylococcus epidermidis at 8.24 mm, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 7.46 mm.Key words: Antibacterial, agar diffusion, endophytic fungi, skin infections, TLC Bioautography

Preparation and characterization of an intelligent film based on fish gelatin and Coleus scutellarioides anthocyanin to monitor the freshness of rainbow trout fish fillet.

In this study, a pH-sensitive indicator based on fish gelatin and Coleus scutellarioides anthocyanin extract (CSAE) was prepared and characterized. Films were prepared using the solvent casting method and different levels of CSAE, including 10 ml (CSG1), 20ml (CSG2), and 30ml (CSG3), and 0 ml (CSG0) as a control sample. The mechanical, optical, and pH sensing of active films and the release of anthocyanins from the films were investigated. The relationship between the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) of fish fillets and a* color index of films was studied. By incorporation of CSAE, the flexibility of films increased, while the tensile strength and UV-Vis light transmittance through the films decreased (p < .05). The films containing the CSAE had a darker, yellowish, and reddish color than the control film. There was a significant relationship between the pH variation and the film color. The films had a purple color at acidic pH, and their color changed to green at an alkaline pH, indicating the sensitivity of the produced films to pH changes. There was a significant relationship between the TVB-N value of fish fillets and the a* index of the film during the 16 h storage time. The results showed that by increasing TVB-N values of the fillets, the a* color index decreased, and the films' color changed from purple to colorless. In summary, the active films prepared with fish gelatin and CSAE could be used as pH-sensitive intelligent packaging to display the freshness of fishery products.

Antiglycation potential of plant based TiO2 nanoparticle in D-ribose glycated BSA in vitro.

Biosynthetic procedure is one of the best alternatives, inexpensive and ecologically sound for the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) nanoparticles using a methanolic extract of medicinal plant. The main prospect of this study was to investigate the antiglycation activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles (TNP) prepared by ethanolic leaf extract of the Coleus scutellarioides. In this study, biosynthesized TNP characterized with UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopyand scanning electron microscope. These TNP were further investigated with respect to their antiglycation property and it was checked in the mixture of d-ribose glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA) by measuring ketoamine, carbonyl content, Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and aggregation of protein instigated by glycation process. The inhibitory effect of TNP to restore the structure of BSA in presence of d-ribose were also characterize by biophysical techniques mentioned above. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest repurposing of TNP for its antiglycation property that could be helpful in prevention of glycation instigated AGEs formation and structural loss of proteins.

Formulasi Sediaan Lip Cream Ekstrak Daun Miana (Coleus scuatellariodes [L] Benth.) sebagai Pewarna Alami

Miana leaf (Coleus scutellarioides L.) is a plant that contains anthocyanins that can provide certain dyes. The purpose of this study was to formulate miana leaf extract in lip cream preparations as a natural dye. The research method includes the manufacture of ethanol extract of miana leaves (Coleus scutellarioides L.) by maceration method. The extract formulas used were 25%, 50%, and 75%. The tests carried out included organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, physical tests, pH tests, irritation tests and color preference tests. The results of the lip cream preparation, the results of the organoleptic examination were declared to have a semi-solid dosage form, distinctive odor and varied colors F1 pink F2 purplish red, F3 blackish red, homogeneity test results were declared homogeneous, stability test results showed that the preparation did not change shape, color and the odor of the preparation for 14 days of storage, the results of the pH test showed that the preparation was still within the permissible pH range on the use of the skin, the test results were declared non-irritating. Miana leaf ethanol extract can be made as a colorant in lip cream preparations.

Potential Use of Some Indonesian Plants to Inhibits Angiotensin-converting Enzyme In Vitro

BACKGROUND: Some Indonesian plants, such as Vaccinium varingiaefolium Miq., Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br., Syzygium myrtifolium Walp., and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., are rich of flavonoid and anthocyanin. Flavonoid, flavan-3-ol, quercetin, anthocyanin, and tannin compounds can reduce systemic vascular resistance because they cause vasodilation and are thought to be able to influence the function of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and inhibit ACE activity, which plays an important role in the process of hypertension. AIM: This study aims to determine the potential of some Indonesian plants to inhibit ACE activity. METHODS: Testing of ACE inhibitory activity is carried out by the hippuric acid compounds formed as a result of the reaction between the substrate and the enzyme, then measured spectrophotometrically. The inhibitory and IC50 values of each test sample were compared with the positive control of Captopril. RESULTS: The four plant extracts contained secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, quinones, steroids, triterpenoids, and essential oils. Ethanol extract of V. varingiaefolium Miq., P. scutellarioides (L.) R.Br., S. myrtifolium Walp., and E. prostrata (L.) L. each had an IC50 value of ACE inhibition activity of 131.4 ppm, 206. 7 ppm, 151.2 ppm, and 196.0 ppm. The IC50 value of the Captopril with inhibition of ACE activity is 11.1 ppm. CONCLUSION: This study shows that some Indonesian plants have the activity to inhibit the ACE and potential antihypertensive drug candidates with ACE inhibitory activity.

The antibacterial effect of Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. leaves extract against bacteria associated with peri-implantitis

Background and aimThe present study investigates Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. as potential antibacterial oral rinse against bacteria associated with peri-implantitis to prevent the initial infection as well as disease progression. Experimental procedurePhytochemical screening was done on P. scutellarioides lyophilized extract to identify the presence of chemical constituent by using mass-based identification. The extract was screened for its antibacterial activity against 4 Gram-positive aerobes (early colonizer) and 5 Gram-negative facultative anaerobes as well as obligate anaerobes (late colonizer) using disc diffusion method. The extract was tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), its cytotoxicity effects on human gingival fibroblast cell (HnGF) as well as bacteria morphological changes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results and conclusionFour flavonoid compounds were identified namely quercetin-3-glucoside, quercitrin, quercetin 3-(6″-acetylglucoside) and quercetin 3-O-acetyl-rhamnoside. The sensitivity test revealed that P. scutellarioides extract was effective against all the bacteria tested. MIC concentrations for the Gram-positive aerobes were in the range of 1.56–12.50 mg/mL, and the MBC concentrations were within 3.13–12.50 mg/mL. For Gram-negative obligate anaerobes, the MIC concentration were within 3.13–12.50 mg/mL and MBC within 6.25–200.00 mg/mL. The ethanolic extract did not have any cytotoxic effect on HnGF cells at the tested concentrations. SEM images showed bacterial cell wall disruption for all the bacteria tested. The results showed that P. scutellarioides extract exerts its antibacterial property by disrupting the cell wall of all the bacteria tested. Hence, P. scutellarioides may benefit from further investigations on its safety for oral use as an adjunctive treatment for peri-implantitis.

Novel Coleus antimicrobial activity against S. agalactiae and S. pyogenes

This paper highlights the novel antibacterial properties of Coleus scutellarioides against certain species of the domain bacteria, of which no Coleus antimicrobial activity was previously demonstrated. Coleus has demonstrated antimicrobial properties against many species of bacteria and fungi. However, the search for novel antimicrobial compounds is vital in this age of growing microbial resistance. Samples of Coleus extraction were carried out with 95% ethanol and the filtrate was impregnated into sterile discs. The extraction solvent (95% ethanol) alone was also impregnated into sterile disc as vehicle control. Discs of Coleus extracts or control were placed on bacterial and fungi plates and the zones of inhibition were measured. Coleus leaves displayed novel antimicrobial activity against S. agalactiae and S. pyogenes. Coleus stems displayed antimicrobial activity against S. pyogenes. This research demonstrated novel Coleus activity against S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae, which had not been previously demonstrated.

Impedance Measures for Detecting Electrical Responses during Acute Injury and Exposure of Compounds to Roots of Plants.

Electrical activity is widely used for assessing a plant’s response to an injury or environmental stimulus. Commonly, a differential electrode recording between silver wire leads with the reference wire connected to the soil, or a part of the plant, is used. One method uses KCl-filled glass electrodes placed into the plant, similar to recording membrane/cell potentials in animal tissues. This method is more susceptible to artifacts of equipment noise and photoelectric effects than an impedance measure. An impedance measure using stainless steel wires is not as susceptible to electrically induced noises. Impedance measurements are able to detect injury in plants as well as exposure of the roots to environmental compounds (glutamate). The impedance measures were performed in 5 different plants (tomato, eggplant, pepper, liverwort, and Coleus scutellarioides), and responses to mechanical movement of the plant, as well as injury, were recorded. Monitoring electrical activity in a plant that arises in a distant plant was also demonstrated using the impedance method. The purpose of this report is to illustrate the ease in using impedance measures for monitoring electrical signals from individual plants or aggregates of plants for potentially scaling for high throughput and monitoring controlled culturing and outdoor field environments.

Toll Like Receptor 4 Expression Profile in Mice Infected Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Given with Miana Leaves Extract (Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth) (Tuberculosis Preventive and Curative Mechanisms)

Introduction: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. During Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, pathogens modulate TLR-4 receptor flow signaling, suggesting possible involvement of TLR-4 in the regulation of the host immune response. This study aims to determine the effect of miana leaf extract on the expression of toll like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in tuberculosis mice at the preventive and curative stages. Methods: Mice were divided into 3 groups with 7x replication. Providing 14 days of preventive treatment, 14 days of incubation and 14 days of curative treatment. Group 1 and group 3 were given Miana Leaves Extract (EDM) and placebo at all three stages. Group 2 was given EDM at the preventive and incubation stages, then they were given anti-tuberculosis drugs (OAT). Results: The results proved that EDM given as a preventive did not increase the expression of TLR-4 protein in healthy mice; Changes in expression of TLR-4 protein in M.tb-infected mice before and after curative EDM increased by 17%, after administration of placebo increased 97% and decreased 12% after OAT curative administration; Changes in expression of TLR-4 protein in M.tb-infected mice before preventive administration and after EDM curative administration increased by 20%, after administration of placebo increased 102% and decreased by 10% after the curative administration of OAT. Conclusions: EDM has potential as antituberculosis with TLR-4 regulatory mechanism.

Medicinal plants used by the community of Lipulalongo Village, Banggai Laut District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Haruna MF, Kenta AM, Herawati. 2022. Medicinal plants used by the community of Lipulalongo Village, Banggai Laut District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 62-68. Plants have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes to cure diseases or maintain body wellness and health. However, the utilization of medicinal plants by a particular community is unique and specific to the context of area, thus it might differ from one community to another. This study aimed to document the diversity of plant species used by the community in Lipulalongo Village, Labobo Sub-district, Banggai Laut District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, as well as to reveal the method of use of such plants in their medication practices. The research used a cruising survey method, and data collection used interviews, field observation, and identification. The study recorded 21 species of medicinal plants, namely Phaleria macrocarpa Boerl, Andrographis paniculata Burm.f., Orthosiphon stamineus Bent, Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth., Averrhoa bilimbi L., Psidium guajava L., Capsicum annum L., Annona squamosa L., Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. &amp; L.M.Perry, Morinda citrifolia L., Gossypium arboreum L., Sesbania grandiflora (L) Pers., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Curcuma domestica Valeton, Curcuma zedoria (Christm.) Roscoe), Areca catechu L, Alpinia galangal (L.) Willd), Carica papaya L., Theobroma cacao L., Chamaedaphne sp., and Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. The leaf was the most utilized plant organ rather than fruit, stem, bark, rhizomes, or tubers. Boiling and drinking was the most common method of preparation and mode of application, respectively. Diseases that can be prevented and treated using medicinal plants are fever, diarrhea, colds, coughs, sore teeth, skin diseases (e.g., boils, tinea versicolor, and ringworm), digestive tract diseases in the stomach, and therapy after giving birth.

Heavy metals distribution and accumulation characteristics of 16 species plants on ecological floating-bed

Distribution and accumulation characteristics of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in the aerial and underground parts of 16 species of plants on ecological floating-bed were studied in the present study, and they showed significant differences. Most translocation factors for Cu, Zn, Hg, and Pb were smaller than 1. Coleus blumei had a considerable absorption and accumulation effect on Zn, Hg, and Pb; Hylotelephium erythrostictum had a good absorption and accumulation effect on Zn and Hg. Arundo donax var. versicolor, Lythrum salicaria, and Iris pseudacorus which had remarkable absolute accumulation in the aerial part due to their massive biomass, and were expected to have a promising prospect in applying floating-bed technology.

Light intensity and giberelic acid in the seedling\production of four ornamental species

Ornamental species, especially those involving the use of seedlings in trays to serve residential gardens, need to be produced quickly for commercialization, which requires studies that provide such a condition. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of light intensity and exogenous application of gibberellin on seedlings of four ornamental species (Calendula officinalis, Gypsophila elegans, Solenostemon scutellarioides and Viola wittrockiana). The experiment was carried out at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Dois Vizinhos. The seeds were sown in trays containing substrate composed of a mixture of humic Distroferric Red Latosol: medium texture sand: commercial substrate, in the volumetric proportion of 2:1:1, respectively. The trays were kept in shading environments, using black screens with 35%, 50% and 80% shading intensity, red with 35% shading, in addition to full sun. After 30 days of emergence, gibberellic acid solution was applied to the seedlings at concentrations of 0 mg L-1 and 300 mg L-1. Emergence, emergence speed index, mean emergence time, total length, shoot and roots, number of leaves, leaf area, root volume density, shoot, root and total dry matter were evaluated. For each environmental condition of cultivation, the values of temperature and air humidity and light intensity were obtained. The use of gibberellic acid proved to be beneficial for Viola wittrockiana and Solenostemon scutellarioides. The shading environments, regardless of color and light intensity, were more favorable for the formation of seedlings of these four ornamental species.

Medicinal plants cultivated in urban home gardens in Heredia, Costa Rica

BackgroundUrban ethnobotanical research in Costa Rica is rather rare and home gardens are poorly studied so far. Investigating their biodiversity is crucial in gathering knowledge on the uses of this particular flora, especially related to the owners’ health. This study therefore explores the diversity and knowledge of medicinal plants of private garden owners from three different urban neighborhoods in Heredia, Costa Rica, an thus far understudied area.MethodsSemi-structured interviews (n = 61) were conducted with garden owners in three socioeconomically different urban neighborhoods (Central Heredia, Maria Auxiliadora and Bernardo Benavides). Information was collected about medicinal plants cultivated in the garden, treatments, plant part used and mode of administration. All species were identified and their geographical origin was determined. This information was then compared with the available regional and local (ethno)pharmacopoeias to detect possible newly documented uses.ResultsThe majority or 90% of garden owners who also held knowledge on medicinal plants species were women (n = 30) of all ages (between 26 and 85 years old). A list of 27 species of medicinal plants was obtained from the participants of three urban neighborhoods. In Central Heredia, 74% (n = 20) of the total species were present, in Maria Auxiliadora 33% (n = 9) and in Bernardo Benavides 56% (n = 15). Most plant species were used by the participants to treat respiratory problems (11 spp.), hair and skin problems (9 spp.) and digestive disorders (8 spp.). Some plants were used to treat multiple ailments (10 spp.). About a third of all species (n = 8) were used by the participants to treat disorders that were not indicated in the regional and local pharmacopoeias. More specifically, Aloe saponaria, Blechum pyramidatum, Costus scaber, Impatiens walleriana, Lippia alba, Tradescantia zebrina, Psidium friedrichsthalianum and Solenostemon scutellarioides used for medicinal purposes by the participants were not found in the above-mentioned resources.ConclusionsThe present study provides new information about the use of medicinal plants in a thus far understudied urban area in Costa Rica. We documented new medicinal uses for several plants listed in the regional and local pharmacopoeias as well as for plants not previously reported in an urban environment. In general, there is little information about the types of plants used for medicinal purposes in urban ecosystems in Costa Rica. Although the country has a high endemic diversity of plants, many exotic medicinal plant species were introduced by the Spaniards during the colonization and by Afro-Costa Rican descendants. The present results thus show how the diversity of the medicinal plants used by these garden owners' confirms a socioeconomic gradient and reflects both Costa Rica’s colonial history as well as the current epidemiological profile of the country. These findings underline the need for more ethnobotanical research in urban areas in Costa Rica.

The Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Miana Plant Flour (Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R. Br. on Serum Lipid Profile and Organ Weights of Broiler Chickens

Miana plant (Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R. Br. contains active compounds (such as steroids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins) which can have several health benefits, including lowering cholesterol LDL and triglyceride as well as increasing feed consumption, body weight, and carcass weight of broilers. Therefore, the current experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Miana plant flour (Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R. Br. in the diet on blood serum lipid profiles and physiological organs of broilers. The experiment was performed on 100 day-old broiler chickens from strain Arbor Acres CP-707. The experiment was designed in a completely randomized design with five different levels of Miana plant flour (0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%) in broiler's diets as treatment, and each treatment was repeated four times. The diet was arranged iso-protein (21%) and iso-energy (2900 kcal/kg). The serum lipid profile measurement included the analysis of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Physiological organ analysis entailed the percentage of liver weight, pancreas weight, gizzard weight, small intestine weight, and length of parts of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) of broilers. The results showed that the inclusion of Miana plant flour in the broiler's diet could significantly affect total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL in the serum of broiler chickens, and it affected duodenum length significantly. Furthermore, the inclusion of Miana plant flour in the broiler's diet had an insignificant effect on the percentage of liver weight, pancreas weight, gizzard weight, small intestine weight, and length of each part of the small intestine (jejunum and ileum) on broilers. In conclusion, the inclusion of Miana plant flour as much as 12.5% in broiler's diets reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, and increased the HDL and duodenum length without adverse effects on the other physiological organs of broiler chickens.