Distemonanthus Benthamianus Research Articles

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Five Plants against Four Dermatophytes Responsible for Superficial Infections

This study is of great interest due to the rise in superficial infections caused by dermatophytes and the need to find natural alternatives to synthetic antifungals. The objective of this research was to determine the phytochemical composition and antifungal activity of total extracts from five plants: Zanthoxylum gilletii, Distemonanthus benthamianus, Gmelina arborea, Justicia secunda, and Anacardium occidentale against four dermatophytes, namely Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton soudanense. To achieve this, aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts were prepared and subjected to phytochemical analysis, followed by evaluations of antifungal activity using the slant double-tube method. Antifungal parameters (IC50 and MFC) were determined. The results revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, in most of the extracts. Z. gilletii and D. benthamianus showed strong efficacy, with IC50 values of 0.004 to 0.00609 mg/mL and 0.018 to 0.155 mg/mL, and MFC values of 0.0975 to 0.39 mg/mL and 0.39 to 12.5 mg/mL respectively, particularly against M. canis and T. soudanense. In contrast, A. occidentale showed no significant antifungal activity. This study thus highlights the potential of plant extracts in the treatment of skin infections and justifies further research to explore their clinical application.

Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Five Medicinal Plants on the In vitro Growth of a Multi-resistant Strain of Candida albicans

This paper focuses on determining the antifungal potential of plants traditionally used to treat infections. Five (5) plants were collected. The anti-Candida albicans activity was evaluated by the double dilution method in tilted tubes with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the different plants. The results showed that 70% ethanolic extracts were more active than the aqueous extracts for all the plants. The 70% ethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis (MFC = 1.56 mg/mL) was the most active on the tested strain. This was followed by Terminalia Superba (MFC = 3.125 mg/mL), Distemonanthus benthamianus (MFC = 50 mg/mL), Gmelina arborea (MFC= 50 mg/mL), and Justicia secunda (MFC ˃ 50 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of seven (7) major groups of compounds. Saponosides are present only in the aqueous extracts of plants. Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Polyterpenes, and Sterols as well as Tanins are present in both alcoholic and aqueous extracts. These compounds could justify its activity and its traditional use. The interesting results obtained with the hydroethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis incite further research with this extract. A bio-guided study on the fractions from this extract could lead to the discovery of one or more molecules of interest in the fight against pathogenic fungi.

Anti-arthritic effect of Distemonanthus benthamianus extracts against rheumatoid arthritis in rats

Objective: To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus. Methods: Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of 0.3 mL zymosan A (0.9% NaCl, v/v) in the right posterior knee joints of rats. Then, joint diameter and pain threshold were determined. Polyarthritis was induced by an intracaudal injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant and rats were treated from day 14 post 1st complete Freund’s adjuvant injection until 28 day. The clinical, hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. In addition, histological analysis of the knee joint was perfomed in both tests. Results: The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus at a dose of 500 mg/kg ameliorated zymosan A-induced monoarthritis, as evidenced by reduced joint diameter, increased pain threshold, as well as improved joint architecture. In addition, both extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus markedly increased body weight and pain threshold, while reducing paw edema in polyarthritic rats. They also led to a marked decrease in platelets and white blood cells (P<0.05), as well as a significant increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit (P<0.05). The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase activities, while increasing serum protein levels (P<0.05) with no significant variation in creatinine level. Moreover, both extracts increased catalase and glutathione activities (P<0.05), and inhibited malondialdehyde and nitric oxide production (P<0.01 and P<0.001) in the liver and kidneys. Histological analysis of the joints showed that both extracts triggered tissue reparation. Conclusions: Distemonanthus benthamianus could be used as a potential candidate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Phytochemicals, Acute Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Chewing Sticks from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Root and Distemonanthus benthamianus Stem

Dental caries has been reported to touch almost half of the world’s population, making it one of the most prevalent disease conditions in the world. Studies have shown that chewing sticks could be useful in cleaning of teeth and could offer protection against dental conditions, including caries. Given the increasing usage of chewing sticks and their unstandardized nature, in this study we investigated the acute toxicity, genotoxic effects on liver and kidney, and phytochemical constituents of chewing sticks from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides root and Distemonanthus benthamianus stem, widely used in West Africa. Chemical tests showed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, and reducing sugars in ethanol extract of Z. zanthoxyloides root, while saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, and reducing sugars were detected in ethanol extract of D. benthamianus stem. The presence of these bioactive phytochemicals is indicative of the antimicrobial potentials of these plants and could support their usefulness as chewing sticks. Acute toxicity study revealed that the LD50 values of ethanol extracts of D. benthamianus stem and Z. zanthoxyloides root are greater than 2300 and 5000 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Genotoxicity assessment further revealed that D. benthamianus stem and Z. zanthoxyloides root ethanol extracts could induce genotoxic effect on liver and kidney at doses up to 2300 and 5000 mg/kg body weight, respectively. These findings indicate that despite the biochemical properties and medicinal importance of Z. zanthoxyloides root and D. benthamianus stem, their usage should be done with caution.

A dinorcassane-type diterpene and a steroidal saponin from Distemonanthus benthamianus Baill. (Caesalpiniaceae)

As part of our search for new bioactive compounds from medicinal plants growing in Cameroon, a previously unreported dinorcassane-type diterpenoid trivially named distemonanthin ( 1 ) and a new steroidal saponin, stigmasta-5,22-dien-3- O-β - D -glucopyranosyl-(1→3)- O-β - D -glucopyranoside ( 2 ) together with ten known compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate and n -butanol soluble fractions of the methanol extract from the stem barks of Distemonanthus benthamianus . Their structures were established using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and by comparison with spectroscopic data reported in the literature. The extract, fractions and some isolated compounds were screened for their antimicrobial properties and a significant inhibition was observed only for the n -butanol fraction against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata with MICs values of 32 and 64 µg/mL, respectively. • The phytochemical investigation of Distemonanthus benthamianus was achieved. • Twelve compounds including to new secondary metabolites were isolated. • Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. • The extracts and some compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity. • A weak activity was observed for epirobinetinidol against two microbial strains.

An Investigation on the Visible Characteristics of Four Caesalpiniaceae Wood Species in Gabon

Color, whiteness and glossiness of four caesalpiniaceae wood species were characterized by quantitative measurements and image analysis, i.e., which were respectively Berlinia bracteosa Benth., Monopetalanthus heitzii Pellegr., Distemonanthus benthamianus and Erythrophleum ivorense A. Chev. The color of four wood species was evaluated to be consistent by the CIELab and CIE1931 color system. The boards of B. bracteosa, M. heitzii and E. ivorense was divided into dark color. The wood color of B. bracteosa had the highest red to green hue, while the wood appearance of D. benthamianus had the brightest and yellowest color within the four wood species. The whiteness of D. benthamianus was significantly higher than the other three wood species, namely tangential section 21.9% and radial section 22.2%. Hence, the color of the four species varied significantly, which was closely related to internal constituents of wood materials. M. heitzii wood had the highest surface glossiness on both tangential and radial section surfaces. The surface glossiness was highly related to the wood microstructure, especially with the pore and groove structure. This study of the visible characteristics provided the indicated knowledge for the application of the four wood species in wood industry.

Impact of Timber Logging on Neighbouring Stands in a Forest of the South Western Cameroon

During conventional logging operations, there is always some damage to nearby stands. This study therefore assessed the damage caused after logging operations to surrounding stands in a Forest Management Unit (FMU) in south western Cameroon after logging operations. The damages assessed were snapped branches/trunks and uprooted trees. A total of 304 trees with a diameter ≥ 30 cm were cut and a total of 770 neighbouring harvestable and future trees were affected. It was observed that 375 of the neighbouring stand had their trunks snapped, 312 had their branches snapped, and 15 were uprooted. It was noted that 80% of the trees affected were those with diameters between 30 - 50 cm, which were called future trees for the next harvest, while the least damage was on protected/seed trees. Lophira alata caused the highest stand damage due to its abundance and large size, while Distemonanthus benthamianus caused the least domino damage. Damage to future trees negatively affects future concession holders as these trees are supposed to mature before the next harvest, hence the yield will be greatly reduced. Sustainable timber exploitation will greatly reduce residual damage as care will be taken to ensure falling timber causes less damage to the surrounding stand.

Triaxial variation of the modulus of elasticity in the thermo-elastic range of six tropical wood species

ABSTRACT This work highlights the effect of temperature on the modulus of elasticity following the orthotropic axis of six species of tropical woods: assamela, bibolo, doussié, iroko, movingui, and sapelli of scientific names Afzelia, Pericopsiselata, Distemonanthus benthamianus, Entandrophragma cylindricum, Miliciaexcelsa, and Lovoatrichilioides, respectively. The four-point bending and compression tests were conducted to determine the failure loads, which can help further tests performed in the elastic domain. In order to determine the Young's modulus in the thermoselastic field, the above tests were carried out at different levels of loads and temperature; the samples of 20 × 20 × 340 mm dimensions for bending tests and 20 × 20 × 60 mm dimensions for compression tests according to current standards. The strains were read by means of two strain gauges, connected to the strain gauge bridge. Test results under the different constant thermo-hydric conditions showed an increase in the longitudinal, radial and tangential MOE of all six species as the temperature increased from 22°C to 40°C, and a regression above 40°C. In terms of lost in elastic modulus, due to the temperature, the tests showed the following classification: . Those results may be crucial while selecting the wood species for a typical use in a range of temperature.

Antiplasmodial potential and safety evaluation of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus Baill. (Leguminosae)

Plants are recognized as possible sources of anti-plasmodial therapeutic agents. As such, the usage and development of herbal preparations for treating malaria and other diseases has garnered a lot of interest. In this work, the antiplasmodial and potential toxic effects of Distemonanthus benthamianus in the treatment of suspected malaria was evaluated. The important roles of inflammation and oxidative imbalance in malaria infection also led to a study of the inflammation inhibitory and antioxidant properties of the plant extract. Standard techniques were used to carry out phytochemical evaluations. Antiplasmodial action was assessed in suppressive and curative in vivo antiplasmodial models whereas the edema model of inflammation in chicks was utilized in the anti-inflammatory investigations. Phosphomolybdenum and DPPH radical scavenging assays were employed in assessing the antioxidant action of the extract. Toxicity was evaluated in murine models. Phytochemical investigations of the plant extract indicated positive results for alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoids, tannins and saponins. Distemonanthus benthamianus stem back extract exhibited significant antiplasmodial activities with maximum chemosuppression rates of 77% and 56% in the curative and suppressive tests respectively, and considerable improvement in survival rate. A 55% inhibition in the anti-inflammatory evaluations indicated moderate activity in the reduction of inflammation. In the PM assay, a total antioxidant capacity of 18.75 gAAE/100 g was obtained while in the DPPH assay, the IC50 was 24.83 µg/mL. Clinical biochemistry of blood samples after 14 days of treatment with extract showed no significant differences between control and extract-treatment groups for liver and kidney biomarkers. The extract's approximate median lethal dose (LD50) was >2000 mg/kg. The findings of this study show that Distemonanthus benthamianus stem back extract possess very good antimalarial capabilities and is relatively safe at low concentrations.

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Distemonanthus benthamianus chewing stick extract mouthwash

Background and Aims: Mouthwashes are oral home care product used to treat mouth infections and to maintain satisfactory oral hygiene. The use of effective mouthwash is a reasonable means to prevent dental caries and oro-dental infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Distemonanthus benthamianus chewing stick extract formulated as a mouthwash against some microorganisms associated with oro-dental infections in comparison with two commercial brand mouthwashes. Methods: The chewing stick was extracted with methanol and used to formulate mouthwash. Phytochemical screening was done to test for the presence of secondary metabolites. Antimicrobial activity of the crude extract and the formulated mouthwash on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans was evaluated. The physical characteristics, pH and the stability of the mouthwashes were determined. Results: The extract contains alkaloids, saponins flavonoids, steroids and tannins. The crude extract and the formulated mouthwashes showed significant difference in activity against the test microorganisms in the following order Candida albicans > Staphylococcus aureus > Streptococcus mutans. At high concentrations of the extract (0.3%W/V and 0.5%W/V) in formulations, antibacterial activities were significantly higher against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus when compared with the commercial brands. The pH of the mouthwashes ranged from 5.2 - 7.4. The stability of formulation F5 was maintained for 12 weeks. Conclusion: The use of Distemonanthus benthamianus chewing stick extract mouthwash is safer, cheaper, and more effective in preventing dental caries and oro-dental infections compared to the commercial brand mouthwashes.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-arthritic Activity of the Aqueous Extract of the Bark of <i>Distemonanthus benthamianus</i> (Caesalpiniaceae) on Wistars Rats

<i>Distemonanthus benthamianus </i>is a plant of the Caesalpiniaceae family, used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory problems such as rheumatism, bronchitis, epilepsy, and boils. The objective of the present work is to develop the pharmacological properties of this plant by evaluating the antioxidant (in vitro) and anti-arthritic properties of the bark of the plant on wistar rat. The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by determining the antiradical activity through the DPPH radical scavenging test and the reducing activity of the extract. The anti-arthritic activity of the extract was evaluated on Wistars rats. Arthritis was induced in rats by injection of Freud's complete adjuvant in the plantar fascia of the left leg of the rats. The reducing power and the IC50 of the extract were 426.0±17.31 µmol Eq/Trolox/g EXS and 26.67±1.12 µg/mL, respectively. The plant extract and reference molecules administered to arthritic rats significantly reduced edema and arthritic signs. The weight of the rats was quickly stabilized at the level of the treated rats. At the end of the experiment, the percentages of inhibition of the extract at the doses of 200, 400, 800 mg/kg/bw were respectively 38.2%, 44.33% and 48%. As for the molecules of diclofenac sodium and Prednisone (5 mg/kg/bw), the percentages of inhibition were 47.33% and 37.84% respectively. A part from the reduction of edema, the hematological (leukocytes, platelets) and biochemical (fibrinogen, total protein, albumin, total and conjugated bilirubin, AST, ALT) parameters evaluated in treated rats showed no significant difference compared to healthy rats. These results confirm the traditional use of <i>Distemonanthus benthamianus </i>bark in cases of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Study of the Acute Toxicity and Antipyretic Activity of the Aqueous Extract of the Bark Distemonanthus benthamianus Baill (Caesalpiniaceae: Leguminosae -Caesalpinioideae)

Aims: Distemonanthus benthamianus is a widespread plant in West Africa. The bark of its stem is used popularly to treat a variety of illnesses, including fever, bronchitis, rheumatism and malaria. The objective of this work is to evaluate the antipyretic activity of the aqueous extract of the bark of Distemonanthus benthamianus.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract of the bark of D. benthamianus was tested for their acute oral toxicity in rats. Antipyretic activity was studied in rats of the Wistar strain made feverish after subcutaneous injection of an aqueous suspension of brewer's yeast (Saccharomycete cerevisiae) 20% compared to aspirin.&#x0D; Results: This study showed that administration of the extract at doses of 300, 2000 and 5000 mg / kg / kg dry extract in rats showed no acute toxicity or adverse effects. The results showed that the best antipyretic activity of the extract was recorded at a dose of 800 mg / kg, at the third hour, with a decrease in fever from 39.29 ± 0.14°C to 37.75 ± 0.25°C, i.e. a percentage inhibition of 57% against 62% for the standard molecule (p&gt; 0.05). At this dose, CRP was 3.85 ± 0.1 mg / L compared to that of the healthy control which was 2.78 ± 0.35 mg / L. The results of the albumin assay did not show a significant difference between the treated and untreated fever groups and the healthy control group. In addition, the results showed that the leukocyte level in the feverish control rats is very high (18.84 103 / mm3 of leukocytes) compared to the healthy and treated control rats.&#x0D; Conclusion: The aqueous extract of the bark of Distemonanthus benthamianus is not oral toxic and has interesting antipyretic activities similar to aspirin. The results obtained confirm the validity of the traditional indication of this plant in the management of fever by African populations.

Methanolic Extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus (Caesalpiniaceae) Stem Bark Suppresses Ethanol/Indomethacin-Induced Chronic Gastric Injury in Rats.

Distemonanthus benthamianus (Caesalpiniaceae) is a plant from the Cameroon pharmacopoeia very widely used in the treatment of many pathologies among which are gastrointestinal disorders. The main purpose of this study was to assess the healing properties of gastric ulcer from the methanolic extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus and its mechanisms of action. The healing properties of gastric ulcers (chronic ulcer model induced by ethanol and indomethacin) were evaluated in vivo in adult male rats, while the mechanisms of action were evaluated in vitro by anti-inflammatory assay (protein denaturation, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase assays) and immunomodulatory assay (ROS production (using technical chemiluminescence), cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) production (using ELISA), proliferation of T cells (using liquid scintillation counter), and cytotoxicity (using MTT assay)). The methanolic extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus inhibited protein denaturation (75.63%) and the activities of cyclooxygenase (78.92%) and 5-lipoxygenase (81.54%). The extract also significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited intracellular and extracellular ROS production and T cell proliferation and reduced significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 production. At all doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg), the extract significantly reduces the ulceration index and the area of ulceration and significantly increases the mass of gastric mucus. In addition, the extract significantly decreases the level of MDA, significantly increases the activities of catalase and glutathione, and then improves the hematological parameters in sick animals. Histological micrographs show that in the presence of the extract, there is advanced reepithelialization with recovery of the ulcerated epithelium. Thus, the extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus has healing properties against gastric ulcers which are associated with its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects.

Single-species allometric equations for above-ground biomass of most abundant long-lived pioneer species in semi-deciduous rain forests of the central region of Cameroon

The implementation of REDD+ and AFR100 mechanisms require the availability of reliable allometric models, which are mathematical functions for estimating forest biomass from independent variables such as diameter at breast height (dbh), crown diameter, wood density and tree height. Although many equations have been developed to estimate tree biomass in undegraded forests, very few models have been developed for secondary forest species. The aim of this study was to establish single-species allometric models for estimating biomass of pioneer species in semi-deciduous forests in the central region of Cameroon and to evaluate their accuracy. Data of above-ground biomass were obtained from destructive sampling of 103 pioneer trees belonging to three species: Distemonanthus benthamianus, Musanga cecropioides and Trema orientalis. Model comparison were based on Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), average deviation and the coefficient R2adj. The different tests with combinations of dendrometric variables shows that whatever the species considered, the diameter at breast height appears as a good single predictor of biomass (Adjuted R²adj ˃ 0.97 in all three species). The use of the crown diameter in the model in Musanga cecropioides has considerably improved the quality of the fit. However, the consideration of these three variables in the model gave even better results (Adj.R² = 0.978-0.988). The comparison of these present models with the equations previously developed shows that the models in this article provide a better estimate of biomass. However, several important data from semi-deciduous forest remain essential for the adjustment of multi-specie models.

Cytoprotective and antisecretory properties of methanolic extract of Distemonanthus benthamianus (Caesalpiniaceae) stem bark on acute gastric ulcer in rats.

In African traditional medicine, Distemonanthus benthamianus (Caesalpiniaceae) is used to treat many diseases including gastric ulcers. We evaluated in this study, the cytoprotective and antisecretory properties of the methanolic extract of the stem bark of this plant using different technics of gastric lesion induction. Cytoprotective and antisecretory activity of the methanolic extract of D. benthamianus stem bark was evolved through six methods of gastric lesion induction in experimental Wistar male rats (150-200g): (1) gastric lesions induced by HCl/ethanol, (2) gastric lesions induced by Indomethacin- HCl/ethanol, (3) gastric lesion induced by Indomethacin, (4) gastric lesions induced by Pylorus ligation, (5) gastric lesions induced by histamine-Pylorus ligation, (6) gastric lesions induced by carbachol-Pylorus ligation. Mucus and gastric mucosal ulceration were evaluated. pH, gastric volume, and acidity were quantified in all pylorus ligation induction technics. Nitric oxide (NO) level was determined in indomethacin induced gastric ulcers. At different doses (125, 250 and 500mg/kg), extract reduced significantly the ulcer index. In all models used, that is 100.00% with HCl/ethanol; 100.00% with HCl/ethanol/indomethacin; 95.70% with Indomethacin; 74.79% with pylorus ligation, 95.94% histamine-Pylorus ligation, 99.54% carbachol-Pylorus ligation at the highest dose of 500mg/kg. The lesion formation reduces in all the methods used followed by a significant increase of mucus production. The pylorus ligation technic revealed that the extract has an antisecretory activity. The methanolic extract of D. benthamianus stem bark has both cytoprotective and antisecretory effects. This extract exerts its antisecretory effect trough cholinergic and histaminergic pathways.

Plastome phylogeography in two African rain forest legume trees reveals that Dahomey Gap populations originate from the Cameroon volcanic line

Paleo-environmental data show that the distribution of African rain forests was affected by Quaternary climate changes. In particular, the Dahomey Gap (DG) – a 200 km wide savanna corridor currently separating the West African and Central African rain forest blocks and containing relict rain forest fragments – was forested during the mid-Holocene and possibly during previous interglacial periods, whereas it was dominated by open vegetation (savanna) during glacial periods. Genetic signatures of past population fragmentation and demographic changes have been found in some African forest plant species using nuclear markers, but such events appear not to have been synchronous or shared across species. To better understand the colonization history of the DG by rain forest trees through seed dispersal, the plastid genomes of two widespread African forest legume trees, Anthonotha macrophylla and Distemonanthus benthamianus, were sequenced in 47 individuals for each species, providing unprecedented phylogenetic resolution of their maternal lineages (857 and 115 SNPs, respectively). Both species exhibit distinct lineages separating three regions: 1. Upper Guinea (UG, i.e. the West African forest block), 2. the area ranging from the DG to the Cameroon volcanic line (CVL), and 3. Lower Guinea (LG, the western part of the Central African forest block) where three lineages co-occur. In both species, the DG populations (including southern Nigeria west of Cross River) exhibit much lower genetic diversity than UG and LG populations, and their plastid lineages originate from the CVL, confirming the role of the CVL as an ancient forest refuge. Despite the similar phylogeographic structures displayed by A. macrophylla and D. benthamianus, molecular dating indicates very contrasting ages of lineage divergence (UG diverged from LG since c. 7 Ma and 0.7 Ma, respectively) and DG colonization (probably following the Mid Pleistocene Transition and the Last Glacial Maximum, respectively). The stability of forest refuge areas and repeated similar forest shrinking/expanding events during successive glacial periods might explain why similar phylogeographic patterns can be generated over contrasting timescales.

Whole-Genome Sequencing of Pantoea sp. Strain RIT388, a Potential Oral Opportunistic Pathogen Isolated from a Chewing Stick (Distemonanthus benthamianus).

In this study, we report the isolation, identification, characterization, and whole-genome sequence of the endophyte Pantoea sp. strain RIT388, isolated from Distemonanthus benthamianus, a plant known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties that is commonly used for chewing sticks.

Potential Antibacterial Activity of Two Important Local Chewing Sticks “Fagara zanthoxyloides and Distemonanthus benthamianus” along with Antioxidant Capacities

In order to authenticate and ascertain the various claim by the rural dwellers that depend on chewing sticks for their oral hygiene and protection against innumerable diseases, the antibacterial activity of the roots of Fagara zanthoxyloides and Distemonanthus benthamianus were evaluated. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods. In-vitro antibacterial activity of the methanol extracts of both plants was also carried out using the agar well diffusion method against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhii ATCC 14028, Citrobacter freundii ATCC 8090 and also some clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis at different concentrations and ratios. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the extracts contained alkaloids, saponin, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides and phenol. All the test microorganisms were susceptible to the inhibitory effect of the extracts at concentrations of 200 mg/ml and 500 mg/ml. F. zanthoxyloides had better antimicrobial activity with zones of inhibition ranging from 21.0 to 26.0 mm at 200 mg/ml and 24.3 to 29.3 mm at 500 mg/ml while D. benthamianus had zones of inhibition ranging from 17.7 to 26.7 mm at 200 mg/mL and 19.0 to 26.7 mm at 500 mg/mL. Some of the test microorganisms were resistant to the standard antibiotics (cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and gentamicin). Combinations of the extracts in ratios 50:50 and 75:25 yielded no increase in activity. The MIC and MBC for D. benthamianus ranged from 6.25 mg/ml to 100 mg/mL and 25 to 200 mg/ml, respectively while that of F. zanthoxyloides ranged from 1.56 mg/ml to 12.5 mg/mL and 50 to 200 mg/ml, respectively. The antimicrobial activity demonstrated by F. zanthoxyloides and D. benthamianus indicates that they would be valuable in the management of urinary, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts infections while at the same time helping to mitigate the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Phenolic compounds of plants, among them flavonoids are the chief constituents, which have potent antioxidant activities&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 18(2): 223-232, 2019 (December)

Extracts from the trunk bark of Distemonanthus benthamianus Baillon. (Caesalpiniaceae) developed antidiarrhoeal activities in rats and mice

Distemonanthus benthamianus is used in Cameroon to treat diarrhoeal episodes. The study aimed to evaluate its antidiarrhoeal potential in Wistar rats and BALB/c mice. Extracts were preliminary investigated for phytochemical components, total phenols quantification and DPPH scavenging activity. Their effects were also evaluated against castor oil-induced diarrhoea, prostaglandin-E1-induced fluid accumulation, charcoal meal motility test, as well as against magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea and electrolytes regulation. The methanolic extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, sterols, tannins and triterpenes while aqueous extract was devoid of sterols and triterpenes. Phenolic compounds were more concentrated in methanolic extract, which also developed significant DPPH scavenging effects. In castor oil-induced diarrhoea, significant (p < 0.001) reduction in diarrhoeal stools frequency was observed with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of aqueous extract, while 400 mg/kg of methanolic extract exhibited maximum effect. Total stools frequency was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced with doses of 300 and 400 mg/kg of extracts. Maximum protection was obtained with 400 mg/kg of both extracts in magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea. That dose significantly (p < 0.001) reduced Na+ excretion, while Ca2+ excretion was significantly (p < 0.001) increased with 100 mg/kg of aqueous extract. Both extracts significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) reduced the intestinal fluids mass and volume similarly compared to the negative control groups. The gut motility was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced with 100 and 200 mg/kg of methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. Extracts are therefore antidiarrhoeal remedies candidates, since they provoked a decrease in intestinal motility, associated with fluid and electrolytes regulation across the gut.

Seed and pollen dispersal distances in two African legume timber trees and their reproductive potential under selective logging.

The natural regeneration of tree species depends on seed and pollen dispersal. To assess whether limited dispersal could be critical for the sustainability of selective logging practices, we performed parentage analyses in two Central African legume canopy species displaying contrasted floral and fruit traits: Distemonanthus benthamianus and Erythrophleum suaveolens. We also developed new tools linking forward dispersal kernels with backward migration rates to better characterize long-distance dispersal. Much longer pollen dispersal in D.benthamianus (mean distance dp =700m, mp =52% immigration rate in 6km2 plot, s=7% selfing rate) than in E.suaveolens (dp =294m, mp =22% in 2km2 plot, s=20%) might reflect different insect pollinators. At a local scale, secondary seed dispersal by vertebrates led to larger seed dispersal distances in the barochorous E.suaveolens (ds =175m) than in the wind-dispersed D.benthamianus (ds =71m). Yet, seed dispersal appeared much more fat-tailed in the latter species (15%-25% seeds dispersing >500m), putatively due to storm winds (papery pods). The reproductive success was correlated to trunk diameter in E.suaveolens and crown dominance in D.benthamianus. Contrary to D.benthamianus, E.suaveolens underwent significant assortative mating, increasing further the already high inbreeding of its juveniles due to selfing, which seems offset by strong inbreeding depression. To achieve sustainable exploitation, seed and pollen dispersal distances did not appear limiting, but the natural regeneration of E.suaveolens might become insufficient if all trees above the minimum legal cutting diameter were exploited. This highlights the importance of assessing the diameter structure of reproductive trees for logged species.