Cotyledon Orbiculata Research Articles

In Vitro Bioactivities of Plants Used against Skin Diseases in the Eastern Free State, South Africa

Skin diseases are a worldwide issue, accounting for approximately 34% of all occupational illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate medicinal plants used to treat wounds and skin diseases in the eastern Free State Province of South Africa. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to gather information from traditional healers on plants they use to treat human ailments. Plants were collected and then investigated for antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties using standard assays. Cotyledon orbiculata, Dioscorea sylvatica, and Lycopodium clavatum had the highest frequency of citation (RFC) values among the 22 plants reported. Saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and tannins were found in the phytochemical examination. L. clavatum had the greatest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 0.39 mg/mL and 0.098 mg/mL, respectively. C. orbiculata and D. sylvatica extracts showed significant antifungal activity between 0.39 and 1.56 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals was found in all extracts. The extracts had significant anti-inflammatory action against the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, with IC50 values ranging from 0.02 to 0.49 g/mL. The usage of C. orbiculata, D. sylvatica, and L. clavatum in the treatment of skin problems in the Eastern Free State of South Africa was verified in this research.

The Cytotoxicity of Cotyledon orbiculata Aqueous Extract and the Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Derived from the Extract.

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become popular because of their promising biological activities. However, for most of these nanoparticles, the cytotoxic effects have not been determined and their safety is not guaranteed. In a previous study, we successfully synthesized AgNPs (Cotyledon-AgNPs) using an extract of Cotyledon orbiculata, a medicinal plant traditionally used in South Africa to treat skin conditions. Cotyledon-AgNPs were shown to have significant antimicrobial and wound-healing activities. Fibroblast cells treated with extracts of C. orbiculata and Cotyledon-AgNPs demonstrated an enhanced growth rate, which is essential in wound healing. These nanoparticles therefore have promising wound-healing activities. However, the cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles is not known. In this study, the toxic effects of C. orbiculata extract and Cotyledon-AgNPs on the non-cancerous skin fibroblast (KMST-6) were determined using in vitro assays to assess oxidative stress and cell death. Both the C. orbiculata extract and the Cotyledon-AgNPs did not show any significant cytotoxic effects in these assays. Gene expression analysis was also used to assess the cytotoxic effects of Cotyledon-AgNPs at a molecular level. Of the eighty-four molecular toxicity genes analysed, only eight (FASN, SREBF1, CPT2, ASB1, HSPA1B, ABCC2, CASP9, and MKI67) were differentially expressed. These genes are mainly involved in fatty acid and mitochondrial energy metabolism. The results support the finding that Cotyledon-AgNPs have low cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested. The upregulation of genes such as FASN, SERBF1, and MKI-67 also support previous findings that Cotyledon-AgNPs can promote wound healing via cell growth and proliferation. It can therefore be concluded that Cotyledon-AgNPs are not toxic to skin fibroblast cells at the concentration that promotes wound healing. These nanoparticles could possibly be safely used for wound healing.

Chemical profiling and inhibitory effects of selected South African plants against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi of tomato

Soilborne pathogens are economically important, causing great losses in agricultural production globally. The high cost and toxicity of antibiotics, coupled with the development of drug-resistant bacteria, has awakened interest in finding alternative methods of plant-pathogen control. This study aimed to screen extracts of selected plants against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi that infect tomatoes, and to profile their chemical constituents. The antimicrobial activity of acetone, water and dichloromethane: methanol (DCM/MeOH = 1:1) extracts from leaves of ten plants was examined against five phytopathogenic bacterial strains and one fungal strain using a serial microplate dilution method to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for profiling constituents in the acetone and DCM/MeOH extracts. The MIC values indicated weak antibacterial activity of all the water extracts against tested bacterial strains. Acetone and DCM/MeOH extracts of Leucosidea sericea and Searsia lancea had very good to outstanding antibacterial activity against most of the tested bacteria with MIC values ranging between 19.5 and 78 µg/mL. All extracts were not active against Fusarium spp. except for the acetone extract of Cotyledon orbiculata and the water extract of Leonotis leonurus which inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum with MIC = 39 and 97.5 µg/mL after 24 h, with further incubation resulting in MICs of 156 and 469 µg/mL respectively. The GC–MS analysis of the acetone and DCM/MeOH extracts indicated the major peaks of 9-octadecenamide, (Z)-, octadecanoic acid and dodecanamide which were present in almost all the extracts. The 9-octadecenamide was found to be the most highly concentrated compound in most extracts. Leucosidea sericea and S. lancea, therefore, contain bioactive compounds that may be used as broad-spectrum antimicrobials against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Extracts from Early, Mature, and Germinated Somatic Embryos of Cotyledon orbiculata L.

Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae)-round-leafed navelwort-is used worldwide as a potted ornamental plant, and it is also used in South African traditional medicine. The current work aims to assess the influence of plant growth regulators (PGR) on somatic embryogenesis (SE) in C. orbiculata; compare the metabolite profile in early, mature, and germinated somatic embryos (SoEs) by utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS); and determine the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potentials of SoEs. A maximum SoE induction rate of 97.2% and a mean number of SoEs per C. orbiculata leaf explant of 35.8 were achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 25 µM 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.2 µM 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3,-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea. The globular SoEs were found to mature and germinate best on MS medium with gibberellic acid (4 µM). The germinated SoE extract had the highest amounts of both total phenolics (32.90 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and flavonoids (1.45 mg rutin equivalent/g extract). Phytochemical evaluation of SoE extracts by UHPLC-MS/MS reveals the presence of three new compounds in mature and germinated SoEs. Among the SoE extracts tested, germinated SoE extract exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity, followed by early and mature somatic embryos. The mature SoE extract showed the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The SE protocol established for C. orbiculata can be used for the production of biologically active compounds, mass multiplication, and conservation of this important species.

The Antioxidant and In Vitro Wound Healing Activity of Cotyledon orbiculata Aqueous Extract and the Synthesized Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles.

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles using biogenic methods, particularly plants, has led to the discovery of several effective nanoparticles. In many instances, plant-derived silver nanoparticles have been shown to have more activity than the plant extract which was used to synthesize the nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized using the medicinal plant, Cotyledon orbiculata. This is a shrub found in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine in the treatment of wounds and skin infections. The C. orbiculata synthesized silver nanoparticles (Cotyledon-AgNPs) were reported to have good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities; however, their wound-healing properties have not been determined. This study aimed to determine the wound healing activity of Cotyledon-AgNPs using the scratch assay. Gene expression studies were also done to determine the nanoparticles' mechanism of action. The Cotyledon-AgNPs showed good antioxidant, growth-promoting and cell migration properties. Gene expression studies showed that the C. orbiculata water extract and Cotyledon-AgNPs promoted wound healing by upregulating genes involved in cell proliferation, migration and growth while downregulating pro-inflammatory genes. This confirms, for the first time that a water extract of C. orbiculata and silver nanoparticles synthesized from this extract are good wound-healing agents.

New Zealand's non-native flora – friends or foes?

New Zealand is acutely aware of the threats posed by invasive non-native plants. Nonnative species make up nearly ninety percent of the country's flora. Succulents, numbering over a hundred, constitute a relatively small proportion of the total. Most, if not all, of the country's non-native succulents are a consequence of introduction, escape from cultivation or careless disposal. Carpobrotus edulis and its hybrids pose a threat to native flora. The poisonous Cotyledon orbiculata poses a threat to livestock. These two species are controlled, to some extent, by restrictions on sale and distribution. Conservation measures, other than those applied to these species, are limited. The conservation authorities in New Zealand should be alert of the potential threats from some other succulent plants, especially at local level.

Evaluation of the wound healing properties of South African medicinal plants using zebrafish and in vitro bioassays

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn South Africa, medicinal plants have a history of traditional use, with many species used for treating wounds. The scientific basis of such uses remains largely unexplored. Aim of the studyTo screen South African plants used ethnomedicinally for wound healing based on their pro-angiogenic and wound healing activity, using transgenic zebrafish larvae and cell culture assays. Materials and methodsSouth African medicinal plants used for wound healing were chosen according to literature. Dried plant material was extracted using six solvents of varying polarities. Pro-angiogenesis was assessed in vivo by observing morphological changes in sub-intestinal vessels after crude extract treatment of transgenic zebrafish larvae with vasculature-specific expression of a green fluorescent protein. Subsequently, the in vitro anti-inflammatory, fibroblast proliferation and collagen production effects of the plant extracts that were active in the zebrafish angiogenesis assay were investigated using murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) and human fibroblast (MRHF) cell lines. ResultsFourteen plants were extracted using six different solvents to yield 84 extracts and the non-toxic (n=72) were initially screened for pro-angiogenic activity in the zebrafish assay. Of these plant species, extracts of Lobostemon fruticosus, Scabiosa columbaria and Cotyledon orbiculata exhibited good activity in a concentration-dependent manner. All active extracts showed negligible in vitro toxicity using the MTT assay. Lobostemon fruticosus and Scabiosa columbaria extracts showed noteworthy anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The acetone extract of Lobostemon fruticosus stimulated the most collagen production at 122% above control values using the MRHF cell line, while all four of the selected extracts significantly stimulated cellular proliferation in vitro in the MRHF cell line. ConclusionsThe screening of the selected plant species provided valuable preliminary information validating the use of some of the plants in traditional medicine used for wound healing in South Africa. This study is the first to discover through an evidence-based pharmacology approach the wound healing properties of such plant species using the zebrafish as an in vivo model.

The Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesised from Cotyledon orbiculata Aqueous Extract.

Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as pig’s ear, is an important medicinal plant of South Africa. It is used in traditional medicine to treat many ailments, including skin eruptions, abscesses, inflammation, boils and acne. Many plants have been used to synthesize metallic nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). However, the synthesis of AgNPs from C. orbiculata has never been reported before. The aim of this study was to synthesize AgNPs using C. orbiculata and evaluate their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. AgNPs were synthesized and characterized using Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). The antimicrobial activities of the nanoparticles against skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans) as well as their effects on cytokine production in macrophages (differentiated from THP-1 cells) were evaluated. The AgNPs from C. orbiculata exhibited antimicrobial activity, with the highest activity observed against P. aeruginosa (5 µg/mL). The AgNPs also showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta) in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages. This concludes that the AgNPs produced from C. orbiculata possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties.

Apoptosis in Cancer Cells Is Induced by Alternative Splicing of hnRNPA2/B1 Through Splicing of Bcl-x, a Mechanism that Can Be Stimulated by an Extract of the South African Medicinal Plant, Cotyledon orbiculata.

Alternative splicing is deregulated in cancer and alternatively spliced products can be linked to cancer hallmarks. Targeting alternative splicing could offer novel effective cancer treatments. We investigated the effects of the crude extract of a South African medicinal plant, Cotyledon orbiculata, on cell survival of colon (HCT116) and esophageal (OE33 and KYSE70) cancer cell lines. Using RNASeq, we discovered that the extract interfered with mRNA regulatory pathways. The extract caused hnRNPA2B1 to splice from the hnRNPB1 to the hnRNPA2 isoform, resulting in a switch in the BCL2L1 gene from Bcl-xL to Bcl-xS causing activation of caspase-3-cleavage and apoptosis. Similar splicing effects were induced by the known anti-cancer splicing modulator pladienolide B. Knockdown of hnRNPB1 using siRNA resulted in decreased cell viability and increased caspase-3-cleavage, and over-expression of hnRNPB1 prevented the effect of C. orbiculata extract on apoptosis and cell survival. The effect of the hnRNPA2/B1 splicing switch by the C. orbiculata extract increased hnRNPA2B1 binding to Bcl-xl/s, BCL2, MDM2, cMYC, CD44, CDK6, and cJUN mRNA. These findings suggest that apoptosis in HCT116, OE33, and KYSE cancer cells is controlled by switched splicing of hnRNPA2B1 and BCL2L1, providing evidence that hnRNPB1 regulates apoptosis. Inhibiting this splicing could have therapeutic potential for colon and esophageal cancers. Targeting hnRNPA2B1 splicing in colon cancer regulates splicing of BCL2L1 to induce apoptosis. This approach could be a useful therapeutic strategy to induce apoptosis and restrain cancer cell proliferation and tumor progression. Here, we found that the extract of Cotyledon orbiculata, a South African medicinal plant, had an anti-proliferative effect in cancer cells, mediated by apoptosis induced by alternative splicing of hnRNPA2B1 and BCL2L1.

Isolation of endophytic fungi from South African plants, and screening for their antimicrobial and extracellular enzymatic activities and presence of type I polyketide synthases

Endophytes are bacteria or fungi which live inside the host plant and participate in many biological processes without causing disease or other adverse effects. Endophytes are recognised as a rich source of secondary metabolites with potentially useful pharmacological properties. Many South African medicinal plants are highly under-investigated sources of potentially useful endophytic microbes. In this report six endophytic fungi were obtained from the leaves, stems and roots of South African medicinal plants which are known for their traditional uses and pharmacological properties. The endophytic fungi were isolated from Cotyledon orbiculata L., Psychotria zombamontana (Kuntze) Petit, Tecomaria capensis (Thunb.) Lindl., Catha edulis (Vahl) Endl. and Melianthus comosus Vahl. The crude extracts of the isolated endophytic fungi were investigated for their antimicrobial potential, extracellular enzymatic activity and phosphate solubilization. Additionally, the present study used genetic screening to assess the ability of the endophytic fungi to synthesize bioactive compounds, indicated by the presence of the polyketide synthase type 1 (PKS 1) gene. In preliminary microbial inhibition screening the fungal extracts had promising antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the endophytic fungus Talaromyces funiculosus displayed extracellular enzymatic activity, namely xylanase and cellulase. Five fungal strains demonstrated ability to solubilize phosphate and three strains demonstrated the presence of polyketide synthase type 1 (PKS 1) gene. It is worth considering further investigation of their bioactive secondary metabolites.

Cotyledon tanquana, a New Species from the Tanqua Karoo Region, Western Cape, South Africa

A new Cotyledon is described from the Tanqua Karoo in the Western Cape. Cotyledon tanquana is a distinct succulent shrublet from the lower eastern slopes of the Cedarberg Mountains and rocky terrain in the Succulent Karoo. It differs from Cotyledon orbiculata var. orbiculata by its distinctly cuneiform glandular hairy dull-green leaves and short dull-reddish corolla tube 15–17 × 5–8 mm bearing horizontally spreading transversely oblong yellowish squamae 2 × 1 mm, truncate at the apex.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of leaf extracts of eleven South African medicinal plants used traditionally to treat inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInflammation is a complex mechanism employed by the body to promote healing and restoration to normal function in the event of injury. Eleven plant species were selected in this study based on their use in traditional medicine against inflammation in South Africa. MethodsHexane, acetone, ethanol, methanol and water extracts of the powdered plants were prepared and a total of fifty-five extracts were tested for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was evaluated via the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory and the nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Total flavonoid and total phenolic contents were determined. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was performed using radical scavenging DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and electron reducing ABTS (2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. ResultsThe hexane extract of Typha capensis (TC) had good lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with IC50 of 4.65 µg/mL, significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the positive control quercetin (IC50 = 24.60). The same extract also had good nitric oxide inhibitory activity with 86% NO inhibition and cell viability of 97% at 50 µg/mL. The TC acetone extract had the best antioxidant activity with IC50 of 7.11 and 1.91 µg/mL respectively in the DPPH and ABTS assays. Following fractionation of the TC plant material, the ethyl acetate fraction had interesting antioxidant activity and the methanol/water (35%) and hexane fractions had good 15-LOX inhibitory activity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities therefore resided in both polar and more non-polar fractions. ConclusionThe acetone extract of Typha capensis and its fractions had good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, supporting the medicinal use of this species against inflammation. Other species including Ficus elastica, Carpobrotus edulis, Cotyledon orbiculata and Senna italica also had good activity worthy of further investigation.

Cotyledon egglii, a new species from the Barberton region, Mpumalanga, South Africa

A new Cotyledon is described from the Barberton centre of endemism, in Mpumalanga. Cotyledon egglii is a distinct succulent shrublet from serpentine soils growing on steep cliffs and rocky terrain in Savanna. It differs from Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga by its distinctly cuneiform leaves sparingly beset with glandular hairs and corolla bearing horizontally spreading transversely oblong yellowish squamae 2 × 1mm, truncate at the apex.

Prevalence of Bacillus in the interior tissues of Monsonia burkeana and other medicinal plants in South Africa

This study was undertaken to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria in Monsonia burkeana and eight other medicinal plant species, namely, Aloe aculeata, A. arborescens, A. chabaudii, Aloe spp., Athrixia phylicoides, Cotyledon orbiculata, Portulacaria afra and Sansevieria hyacinthoides. Interior tissues of the nine medicinal plant species were sampled and endophytic bacteria were isolated under sterile conditions. The bacteria were grown on Luria Bertani agar and bacterial species identification was done by using MALDI-TOF. A wide range of bacteria represented by the genera Acinetobacter, Anaerococcus, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Cellulosimicrobium, Clostridium, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Kocuria, Lactobacillus, Microbacterium, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptomyces and Viridibacillus were identified in the different plant species. Bacillus was the most prevalent bacterial genus found in three plant genera and in all tissues of M. burkeana. This study forms the basis for further research in cataloguing endophytes in medicinal plants.

In vitro propagation and antibacterial activity in Cotyledon orbiculata: a valuable medicinal plant

An effective in vitro propagation system via organogenesis was developed for Cotyledon orbiculata, a valuable medicinal plant. Plant regeneration and morphogenesis in vitro of C. orbiculata was initiated from leaf explants using various concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs). The highest number of regenerated shoots (20.0 ± 1.64) and shoot length (2.36 ± 0.27 cm) per explant was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with a combination of 5 µM thidiazuron and 2.0 μM benzyladenine. The regenerated shoots were elongated (6.47 ± 1.02 cm) when transferred to half-strength MS medium. Elongated shoots rooted (39.60 ± 1.27 per shoot) best in a half-strength MS medium containing 10 μM indole-3-butyric acid. Plantlets were successfully acclimatized (100 %) in a vermiculite-soil mixture (1:1 v/v) in the greenhouse. Rooting was also achieved ex vitro during acclimatization in a vermiculite-soil mixture (1:1 v/v) in the greenhouse with good plant growth. Different tissue types from in vitro culture (callus, shoots and plantlets) and leaves from ex vitro plants exhibited antibacterial activity [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 0.098 to 0.78 mg ml−1] against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In vitro and ex vitro developed plant tissues showed antibacterial activity (MIC of 0.195–0.78 mg ml−1) specifically against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Despite this, generally the leaf of ex vitro plants gave good activity (MIC of 0.195–0.78 mg ml−1) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The present study indicated that tissue-culture-derived calli, shoots and plantlets, and ex vitro acclimatized leaves influenced therapeutic potential by the PGRs treatment used in the tissue culture system. The in vitro regenerated plants and its tissues of C. orbiculata using this protocol can be utilized as therapeutic agents for traditional medicine and for ex situ conservation.

Abstract 5552: Medicinal plants show anticancer splicing activity of apoptotic genes

Abstract Oncogenesis is associated with splicing switches and a disruption of splicing regulation being specific for cancer formation and tumour progression. An association between differential expression of splicing isoforms and tumour progression has been shown for several proteins, such as MDM2 and survivin. Currently the analysis of cancer-specific alternative splicing is a promising step forward in basic and translational molecular biology. Traditional medicine has a long history and is still the major source of medicine in developing countries. Approximately 70% of the South African population consults traditional healers, perpetuating the need for scientific appraisal of traditional medicine as a means to establish its efficiency and safety Also, pharmacological and phytochemical insights into several plants have led to the discovery of novel chemicals and therefore novel drugs. Alternatively, such novel chemical structures can serve as lead compounds/templates for the design of new drugs. The aim was to ascertain if the South African medicinal plants have anticancer splicing activity. 10c cells were treated with Tulbhaghia violacea and Cotyledon orbiculata, followed by mRNA extraction and RT-PCR. The results showed that Tulbhaghia violacea and Cotyledon orbiculata extracts have anti-cancer splicing activity on the BCLX and the AXL apoptosis genes. Additionally Cotyledon orbiculata extract has an anticancer splicing activity of the angiogenesis gene VEGF165. VEGF Elisa also confirmed the VEGF165 VEGF165b splicing switch. We have shown that South African medicinal plants have anti-cancer splicing activity. The anti-cancer splicing activity of the VEGF gene by Cotyledon orbiculata could mean that this extract has both angiostatic and apoptotic anti-cancer activities. We are continuing to screen more medicinal plants and will select those extracts with anti-cancer splicing activity for further studies. These further studies should identify numerous splicing pathways and completely elucidate the splicing target compounds that may serve as novel anti-cancer drugs or lead compounds. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Zodwa Dlamini, David Bates. Medicinal plants show anticancer splicing activity of apoptotic genes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5552. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5552

An inventory of indigenous plants used as anthelmintics in Amathole district municipality of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common chronic human infections in developing countries; particularly within the tropical and subtropical regions. An ethno-botanical survey was carried out to document medicinal plants used for the treatment of intestinal worms in Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South AfricaMaterials and methods: A questionnaire-guided interview of the indigenous people by random sampling was done with the help of an interpreter during the survey of the district.Results: Medicinal plants mostly used for traditional management of intestinal worms were selected from 13 plant families: Alliaceae, Anacardiaceae, Asphodelaceae, Asteraceae, Crassulaceae, Dracaenaceae, Fabaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Lamiaceae, Longaniaceae, Punicaceae, Polygonaceae, and Verbenaceae. Out of these, Hypoxis hererocallidea (17%), Strychonos henningsii (14%), Rumex lanceolatus (12%), Ozoroa mucronata (9%) and Acacia karoo (9%) belonging to the families Hypoxidaceae, Longaniaceae, Polygonaceae, Anacardiaceae and Fabaceae respectively were found as the most cited, the least cited plant was Cotyledon orbiculata (2%). Leaves and roots from these plants were found to be commonly used (36%), followed by the root (27%), bark (14%), the bulb and stem (9%), and rhizome collectively constitute (5%). Oral method of administration by decoction (50%) and infusion (39%) was however found to be a common method by respondents.Conclusion: The current study however showed that ethno-pharmacological knowledge of the traditional healers in ECP largely depends on naturally growing species, documentation of which will go a long way in validating the therapeutic uses and safety of these plants as anthelmintic plants.Keywords: Ethno-botanical survey, Eastern Cape Province, Amathole District, anthelmintic, indigenous recipes

AN INVENTORY OF INDIGENOUS PLANTS USED AS ANTHELMINTICS IN AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY OF THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common chronic human infections in developing countries; particularly within the&#x0D; tropical and subtropical regions. An ethno-botanical survey was carried out to document medicinal plants used for the treatment of intestinal worms&#x0D; in Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa&#x0D; Materials and methods: A questionnaire-guided interview of the indigenous people by random sampling was done with the help of an interpreter&#x0D; during the survey of the district.&#x0D; Results: Medicinal plants mostly used for traditional management of intestinal worms were selected from 13 plant families: Alliaceae,&#x0D; Anacardiaceae, Asphodelaceae, Asteraceae, Crassulaceae, Dracaenaceae, Fabaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Lamiaceae, Longaniaceae, Punicaceae,&#x0D; Polygonaceae, and Verbenaceae. Out of these, Hypoxis hererocallidea (17%), Strychonos henningsii (14%), Rumex lanceolatus (12%), Ozoroa&#x0D; mucronata (9%) and Acacia karoo (9%) belonging to the families Hypoxidaceae, Longaniaceae, Polygonaceae, Anacardiaceae and Fabaceae&#x0D; respectively were found as the most cited, the least cited plant was Cotyledon orbiculata (2%). Leaves and roots from these plants were found to commonly used (36%), followed by the root (27%), bark (14%), the bulb and stem (9%), and rhizome collectively constitute (5%). Oral method administration by decoction (50%) and infusion (39%) was however found to be a common method by respondents.&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study however showed that ethno-pharmacological knowledge of the traditional healers in ECP largely depends on naturally&#x0D; growing species, documentation of which will go a long way in validating the therapeutic uses and safety of these plants as anthelmintic plants.

Indigenous plant species used by Bapedi healers to treat sexually transmitted infections: Their distribution, harvesting, conservation and threats

An ethnobotanical survey on indigenous plant species used by Bapedi traditional healers to treat sexually transmitted infections was conducted in three districts of the Limpopo Province. Data was collected from 34 traditional healers via a semi-structured questionnaire, supplemented by field observations. Results showed that 37 species from 33 genera belonging to 24 families, mostly Asteraceae (10.8%), Asphodelaceae, Fabaceae and Hyacinthaceae (8.1%, each) are used to treat STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV/AIDS, syphilis and other STIs (nta — Bapedi terminology). The vast majority (90%) of these species were harvested from communal lands. Entire plants (10.2%) and underground parts such as roots (61.5%), bulbs (10.2%) and tubers (7.6%) were mostly harvested. All species recorded in this study appear on the South African National Red Data List. These include amongst others Cotyledon orbiculata (near threatened), Dioscorea sylvatica (vulnerable), Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii (near threatened), Gethyllis namaquensis (vulnerable) and Hypoxis hemerocallidea (declining). Furthermore, Boscia albitrunca, Elaeodendron transvaalense and Sclerocarya birrea are protected under the South African National Forest Act (NFA) No. 84 of 1998. The major factors threatening indigenous species used by Bapedi healers include urban development (23%), trading and agricultural expansion (19%, each), deforestation (13%) and overexploitation (12%). This study conclude that Bapedi healers need to be informed about the conservation measures that they can implement to ensure the long term sustainability of threatened and protected species, and ultimately traditional healing as a profession.

Phytomedicine versus Gonorrhoea: The Bapedi Experience

Records regarding the phytomedicine employed by the Bapedi are almost non-existent. This is the first study of herbal remedies used by Bapedi traditional healers to treat gonorrhoea, of concern as it is a danger to reproductive health. A semi-structured questionnaire, centred on sexual health, was administered to 30 traditional healers in 15 local municipalities across the three districts of Limpopo Province during 2009/10. The questionnaire focussed on the use of plants for medicine as well their application in reproductive health management. This investigation found that the Bapedi employed no less than 18 different plant species, sometimes as multiple-plant extracts, but more often as single-plant extracts. The single most used species was Catharanthus roseus, which accounted for 60% of all reported cases, followed by Aloe marlothii subsp. marlothii (13.3%). Both these species occur abundantly throughout the province and are currently not threatened. This is the first record for the use of Callilepis salicifolia, Jatropha zeyheri and Cotyledon orbiculata to treat gonorrhoea by people of any culture.