Erigeron Floribundus Research Articles

Antifungal Activity of Erigeron floribundus (Asteraceae) and Ripe Banana Peel-NaHCO3 Extracts on Tomato in South-Kivu/DRC-Albertan Rift in the Great Lakes Region, Central-Africa

Tomato production faces significant challenges from fungal and bacterial diseases, often requiring chemical treatments. This study explores the potential of biopesticides derived from Erigeron floribundus and ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 as sustainable alternatives to conventional fungicides. A completely randomized design was employed to test the efficacy of the biopesticides. Local methods were used to prepare the extracts. Tomato plants were treated with ripe banana peel-NaHCO3, Erigeron floribundus, and a control (Dithane M45). Plant vigor, branch number, and disease incidence were monitored and recorded. Tomato plants treated with ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 showed increased vigor and similar branch numbers compared to those treated with Erigeron floribundus and the control. There was no significant difference in disease incidence between the biopesticides and Dithane M45. Both biopesticides were effective in disease protection and promoting yield, demonstrating their potential as sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments. The study concludes that ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 and Erigeron floribundus extracts are effective in protecting tomato plants from fungal and bacterial diseases while promoting growth and yield. Their non-toxic and environmentally friendly nature makes them suitable for sustainable tomato production.

Antidiabetic activity of the aqueous extract of Erigeron floribundus leaves in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes model in Wistar rats

BackgroudErigeron floribundus is a herbaceous plant used in traditional Cameroonian medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of the aqueous extract of E. floribundus leaves (AEEF) in diabetic rats. MethodsDiabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in normal rats fasted for 16 h. Subsequently, 30 diabetic male rats were divided into groups and treated orally for 21 days with distilled water (10 mL/kg), glibenclamide (3 mg/kg) and AEEF (300, 400, and 500 mg/kg). Body weight, food and water intake, blood glucose, insulin levels, lipid and oxidative profiles, as well as some markers of liver and kidney function were assessed. Histological sections of the rats' pancreas were taken. ResultsAEEF and glibenclamide significantly increased (p < 0.001) body weight and decreased food and water intake in rats. A decrease in blood glucose (p < 0.001) and an increase in insulin levels (p < 0.001) were observed in the AEEF and glibenclamide groups. AEEF caused a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycérides and coronary risk index (CRI), accompanied by a significant (p < 0.001) increase in HDL levels and HOMA-β in rats. AEEF showed an improvement (p < 0.001) in CAT and SOD activity and GSH levels accompanied by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in malondialdehyde levels. In addition, ALAT and ASAT activity, urea and creatinine levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) after treatment with AEEF and glibenclamide. The extract also improved the size of Langerhans Islets in the pancreas of diabetic rats. ConclusionAEEF contains several bioactive compounds conferring antidiabetic, anti-dyslipidemic and antioxidant properties, thus justifying its therapeutic use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip.: A Review

: Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip. is a reputed medicinal plant widespread all over the world and used traditionally in the treatment of several diseases and infections such as skin disorders, malaria, and gastrointestinal infections. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and toxicological profile of E. floribundus, and to direct further studies on aspects that have not yet been investigated in order to bring more scientific data for this plant and then give an opportunity for future exploitation in pharmaceutical industries. A meticulous and methodical analysis of the literature was conducted using various online scientific databases and all relevant abstracts and full text articles analyzed and included in the review. A wide range of traditional uses are cited in the literature with the plant mostly being used in African folk medicine for the treatment of malaria and skin diseases. Phytochemical investigations of E. floribundus have resulted in the isolation of several metabolites from different classes including acetylene-derivatives, phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, and steroids. Extracts and isolates from this species were reported to exhibit promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. However, the plant has also demonstrated some toxicological activities and should be used with caution. Reported chemical and pharmacological investigations of E. floribundus support the traditional uses of this plant which deserves further attention for antimicrobial drug discovery. The in-depth study should be emphasized the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial assessment of its extracts and isolated compounds.

Ethnobotanical study of nutraceutical plants used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS in Acholi sub-region, Northern Uganda

BackgroundNutraceutical plants play a potential role as supportive treatment with antiretroviral drugs in the management of opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. There is limited documentation of nutraceutical plants in Northern Uganda and limited literature addressing processes to be adopted for quality assurance of herbal formulations in Uganda. This study aimed to document plant species with nutritional and medicinal properties used for managing opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS by traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs), who included professional herbalists, herbal farmers and herbal sellers in Acholi sub region, Northern Uganda.MethodsAn ethnobotanical study was carried out in Amuru, Gulu and Pader districts, Northern Uganda. Cross-sectional data were collected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A total of four hundred (378 women and 22 men) informants were selected. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, familiarity index (FI), fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (ICF).ResultsThis study recorded a total of 84 nutraceutical plant species, which are used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. Most abundant families were Leguminoceae, Asteraceae and Solanaceae. Six nutraceutical plants that had higher fidelity level and familiarity index values included Momordica foetida Schumach, Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip, Mangifera indica L, Cajanus cajan L. Millsp, Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Cucurbita pepo L. Respondents’ knowledge on nutraceutical plants had a positive significant correlation with age (R2 = 0.0524, p ≤ 0.01). The popular mode of preparation are decoctions/boiling in water (70%), while the most used route of administration is oral (76%). TMPs tried to ensure that during collection and processing, plant materials were free from contamination. TMPs reported limited knowledge on preservation techniques.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the availability and diversity of nutraceutical plants in Uganda and reports methods of processing and administration used by TMPs. Both men and women used nutraceutical plants to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS and showed great extent of their traditional knowledge. Most of the nutraceutical plants in study area are wild and abundant; however, high percentage use of plant roots and bark threatens the sustainable use from the wild.

Antibacterial and Wound Healing Properties of Selected Cameroonian Medicinal Plants

Emilia coccinea (Sims.) G. Don. (Asteraceae), Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) and Hibiscus asper Hook.f. (Malvaceae) are used ethnomedicinally in tropical region of Africa to treat various diseases including infectious diseases, abscesses, skin diseases and wounds. The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of E. coccinea, H. asper and E. floribundus extracts and the healing efficiency of the most active extract in a rat excision wound model infected by Staphylococcus aureus. The plant extracts were prepared by maceration in ethanol. Secondary metabolites were detected in the extracts by using standard methods. Antibacterial activities of extracts alone and the combinations of extracts with amoxicillin as well as the effect of osmotic stress on their activities were determined against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by using broth micro dilution method. The therapeutic effect of the E. coccinea extract was evaluated in a rat excision wound model infected by S. aureus. E. coccinea extract (MIC = 256 - 512 µg/ml) displayed the largest antibacterial activities followed in decreasing order by the extracts of E. floribundus flowers and leaves (MIC = 256 - 1024 µg/ml), E. floribundus roots (MIC = 512 - 1024 µg/ml) and H. asper (MIC = 1024 µg/ml). The antibacterial activities of plant extracts and amoxicillin increased under osmotic stress conditions. E. coccinea extract showed additive effect with amoxicillin against pathogenic bacteria among which multidrug resistant strains. E. coccinea extract ointment yielded the shortest epithelization times, highest wound contraction rates and lowest numbers of colony forming units of S. aureus at the infection site as compared with the standard drug (Baneocin). Interestingly, this extract ointment is non-irritating to the skin and eyes. The observed biological activities may be attributed to the presence of groups of phytochemical compounds found in the test plants. The results of the present study demonstrate the antibacterial activity of the test plants as well as the healing efficiency of the E. coccinea extract ointment. E. coccinea can be used for the development of phytomedicines to treat wounds and infectious diseases particularly those caused by the tested bacteria. So, further studies are warranted.

Antimicrobial Capacity, Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Extract from the Leaf of Erigeron floribundus

Fresh leaves of Erigeron floribundus were obtained, and its ethanolic extract was assessed for antimicrobial, antioxidant-free radical scavenging activity as well as phytochemical constituents. Hemolytic activities were also screened to know whether the extract will lyse the blood agar. Six pathogenic bacteria; the gram-positive, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium species, Staphylococcus aureus, and the gram-negative: Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, were screened for susceptibilities to the antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract. Five fungi, Yeast, Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, were also screened for antifungal properties of the extract. The result indicated that the plant extract showed antimicrobial action but to a varying degree. The extract was screened for its antioxidant property and free radical scavenging capacity. The result indicated that it has high activity in reducing iron chloride solution and high activity in (DPPH) radicals scavenging test. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed some bioactive ingredient of pharmacological importance like Tannin, Cardiaglycosides, and Saponin. Hemolytic assay of the extract showed that it could lyse blood cells.

Antibacterial and antibiotic-potentiating activities of Desmodium uncinatum, Neoboutonia glabrescens, Ternstroemia cameroonensis and eight other Cameroonian medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant bacteria expressing active efflux pumps

Background: Infectious diseases remain a major public health problem in the world with a considerable impact in developing countries. Bacterial infections are of increasing concern due to the emergence and spread of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Thus, it is necessary to develop methods and means to tackle drug resistance. The present study aimed at evaluating the antibacterial and antibiotic-potentiating activities of eleven Cameroonian medicinal plants: Sambucus nigra, Erigeron floribundus, Desmodium uncinatum, Neoboutonia glabrescens, Ficus exasperata, Sida rhombifolia, Echinaceae augustifolia, Centella asiatica, Tradescantia zebrina, Desmodium intortum and Ternstroemia cameroonensis against bacteria with multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes. Methods: The microdilution method was used to assess the antibacterial activities of the extracts as well as the effect of their combination with antibiotics. The phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out according to qualitative described methods. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, triterpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids in almost all the extracts, with the other classes of secondary metabolites being selectively distributed. The tested extracts exhibited variable antibacterial activities, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging between 512 and 1024 μg/mL. The Ficus exasperata leaves extract, Ternstroemia cameroonensis back extract, Erigeron floribundus whole plant extract, and Neoboutonia glabrescens leave extracts, presented the best spectra of inhibitions evaluated respectively at 60%, 60%, 70%, and 70% vis-à-vis all the bacterial strains tested. The whole plant extracts of Desmodium uncinatum and Centella asiatica, and of Ternstroemia cameroonensis have shown synergistic effects with more than 50% of the antibiotics (chloramphenicol, tetracycline, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, azithromycin and erythromycin) against more than 70% of the MDR bacteria tested. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that extracts from the bark of Ternstroemia cameroonensis, Neoboutonia glabrescens and Ficus exasperata leaves, Desmodium uncinatum, and Erigeron floribundus whole plants can be used alone or in combination with antibiotics against bacterial infections involving MDR bacteria. Keywords: Antibacterial; antibiotics; medicinal plants; multidrug resistance.

Chemical and Biological Characterization of Erigeron Floribundus (Kunth) Sch.Bip Extracts Obtained by Four Isolation Procedures

In the present investigation, extracts of Erigeron floribundus leaves obtained by four isolation procedures, including homogenizer-assisted extraction, maceration, sonication and Soxhlet extraction, were compared for their qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition as well as for their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. The total phenolic, phenolic acid and flavanol contents were highest in homogenizer-assisted extraction, while maceration contained slightly higher total flavanol content. High-performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MSn) analysis revealed that the hydroxycinnamic esters of quinic acids were the most abundant constituents in the isolates. The results showed that the extracts are promising sources of antioxidants with the homogenizer-assisted approach the most suitable. The extracts displayed notable enzyme inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterases (7.98 ± 0.12 to 8.40 ± 0.09 mg galatamine equivalents (GALAE)/g extract) and tyrosinase (122.73 ± 0.43 to 111.36 ± 1.65 mg kojic acid equivalents (KAE)/g extract). In conclusion, the results demonstrate promising biological activities of E. floribundus isolates obtained via innovative extraction techniques, thereby offering preliminary information for the validation of the traditional medicinal uses of this plant.

Hydroethanolic Extracts of Erigeron floribundus and Azadirachta indica Reduced Plasmodium berghei Parasitemia in Balb/c Mice.

Malaria is one of the most important infectious diseases in Africa especially in Cameroon. The nonaccessibility to current treatments for poor people and the appearance of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites stimulate the search for alternative treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimalarial activity and the safety of hydroethanolic extracts from Erigeron floribundus and Azadirachta indica. The crude hydroethanolic extracts of E. floribundus (HEEF) and A. indica (HEAI) were prepared via maceration of the whole plant powder of E. floribundus and the leaves of A. indica in 70% ethanol. The antimalarial activity was determined according to Peter's 4-day suppressive test using the murine model Plasmodium berghei/Balb C mice, while the acute and subacute toxicity tests were assessed according to the OECD 425 and 407 guidelines, respectively. The results indicate a reduction of parasitemia ranging from 49.75 ± 3.64 to 69.28 ± 1.36% for HEAI and from 30.46 ± 4.30 to 62.36 ± 2.32% for HEEI. Overall, HEEF and HEAI at doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg b.w. and 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg b.w., respectively, showed a significant (p≤0.001) parasitemia reduction on P. berghei infecting BALB/c mice. HEEF and HEAI caused a significant (p<0.001) attenuation of body temperature drop in mice compared to negative control, except for the 150 mg/kg b.w. dose in the female group. Moreover, there was no mice mortality observed with these extracts even at 5000 mg/kg, while the aspartate amino transferase (ASAT) level of mice treated with 300 mg/kg b.w. of HEAI extract increased when compared with the control. The results of this study support the traditional use of these plants species extracts against malaria infection in rural zones of Northern Cameroon, therefore confirming their potential as sources for the development of efficient phytomedicines for malaria-poverty disease alleviation.

Biological Activities of the Essential Oil from Erigeron floribundus.

Erigeron floribundus (Asteraceae) is an herbaceous plant widely used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat various diseases of microbial and non-microbial origin. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro biological activities displayed by the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of E. floribundus, namely the antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. Moreover, we investigated the inhibitory effects of E. floribundus essential oil on nicotinate mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NadD), a promising new target for developing novel antibiotics, and Trypanosoma brucei, the protozoan parasite responsible for Human African trypanosomiasis. The essential oil composition was dominated by spathulenol (12.2%), caryophyllene oxide (12.4%) and limonene (8.8%). The E. floribundus oil showed a good activity against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zone diameter, IZD of 14 mm, minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC of 512 µg/mL). Interestingly, it inhibited the NadD enzyme from S. aureus (IC50 of 98 µg/mL), with no effects on mammalian orthologue enzymes. In addition, T. brucei proliferation was inhibited with IC50 values of 33.5 µg/mL with the essential oil and 5.6 µg/mL with the active component limonene. The essential oil exhibited strong cytotoxicity on HCT 116 colon carcinoma cells with an IC50 value of 14.89 µg/mL, and remarkable ferric reducing antioxidant power (tocopherol-equivalent antioxidant capacity, TEAC = 411.9 μmol·TE/g).

Antibacterial and antibiotic-modulation activity of six Cameroonian medicinal plants against Gram-negative multi-drug resistant phenotypes.

BackgroundBacterial Infections involving multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes constitute a worldwide health concern. The present work was designed to assess the antibacterial properties of the methanol extracts of six medicinal plants (Anthocleista schweinfurthii, Nauclea latifolia, Boehmeria platyphylla, Caucalis melanantha, Erigeron floribundus and Zehneria scobra) and the effects of their associations with antibiotics on MDR Gram-negative bacteria over-expressing active efflux pumps.MethodsThe antibacterial activities and the ability to potentiate antibiotic effects of the methanol extracts the tested plants were evaluated in vitro against twenty eight Gram-negative bacteria expressing MDR phenotypes, using broth microdilution method. The phytochemical screening of these extracts was also performed using standard methods.ResultsAll tested extracts displayed moderate to low antibacterial activity on at least 14.3 % of the 28 tested bacteria, with MIC values ranged from 128 to 1024 μg/mL. The best antibacterial spectrum was observed with Naulcea latifolia bark extract. Extracts from A. schweinfurthii fruits, N. latifolia stem bark, Z. scobra and N. latifolia leaves showed synergistic effects with many antibiotics against MDR bacteria.ConclusionThe overall results of the present study provide information for the possible use of the studied plants, especially Nauclea latifolia in the control of Gram-negative bacterial infections including MDR species as antibacterials as well as resistance modulators.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1105-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Antifungal Medicinal Plants Used by Communities Adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South-Western Uganda

Communities adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) in South-western Uganda largely depend on traditional herbal treatment for basic health care. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of fungal infections by these communities. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and through direct observation. A total of 415 respondents were interviewed including 71 traditional healers, herbal Original Research Article Kakudidi et al.; EJMP, 7(4): 184-192, 2015; Article no.EJMP.2015.081 185 medicine traders and health workers. Twenty six medicinal plants belonging to 16 families were documented. Fabaceae with four species, Asteraceae Lamiaceae and Solanaceae each with three species. Eight different fungal infections were identified. The commonest fungal infection was Tinea corporis (44.3%), while the least common fungal infection was Tinea unguium (1.2%). Eighty-six percent of the respondents reported that they had ever suffered from at least one fungal infection. Out of these, 72% had exclusively used herbal medicine for treatment, while 28% had used both herbal and western medicine for treatment. Pentas longiflora, Tetradenia riparia, Erucastrum arabicum, Erigeron floribundus and Coleus latifolius were ranked as highly effective plants by the traditional healers. Leaves (78.6%) were the most commonly used parts. Female herbalists were more involved in conservation by cultivating the medicinal plant species than men. The use of several plant species provides alternatives when others are not available. Fungal infections are common and most of the respondents exclusively use herbal medicine to treat fungal infections.

Phenolic Constituents of Erigeron floribundus (Asteraceae), a Cameroonian Medicinal Plant

HPLC-MS analysis of extracts of the Cameroonian medicinal plant Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) led to the identification of 40 different phenolic constituents. Four triterpene derivatives were isolated using semi-preparative HPLC and structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR measurements. Compound 1, olean-3-oleil-12,18 diene, was a new natural product. Quali-quantitative measurements on the infusion obtained from dried aerial parts were also performed by HPLC-MSn and HPLC-DAD analysis showing that a cup of E. floribundus tea contains about 2.7 mg/mL of phenolics, with the caffeoyl quinic derivatives being the most abundant constituents.

Immunomodulatory Effect of the Aqueous Extract of &lt;i&gt;Erigeron floribundus&lt;/i&gt; (Kunth) Sch Beep (Asteraceae) Leaf in Rabbits

Purpose: The leaves of Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Beep. or (syn: Conyza sumatrensis (Retz) E.K. Walker) (Asteraceae) are used by some traditional healers in West Africa in HIV/AIDS therapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the immune-boosting properties of the aqueous leaf extract of Erigeron floribundus (Ef) by monitoring blood markers of cellular immunity in rabbit.Methods: Two sets each of five groups (six rabbits per group) were used in this study. The groups in the first set each received intraperitoneally a single dose of Ef (25, 50, 75 or 100 mg/kg) or 0.9 % NaCl (control). The groups in the second set received methylprednisolone (15 mg/kg, MP15) and mixtures of MP15 with Ef (50, 75 or 100 mg/kg), MP15 or isoprinosine 50 mg/kg (Ip50, reference standard). Whole blood was collected in EDTA tubes from the marginal vein of the rabbit ear on Days 0, 3, 9, 15 and 21after administration for the determination of CD4+ count by flow cytometry, and also of neutrophils and total lymphocytes in the blood.Results: Each plant extract dose tested (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg) induced a significant increase in neutrophils (p < 0.001), total lymphocytes and TCD4+ (p < 0.0001) from the 3rd to 15th day after administration, compared to control (0.9 % NaCl). Furthermore, the same test extract doses significantly reversed the immunosuppressive effect of methylprednisolone (p < 0.001) to the same extent as isoprinosine.Conclusion: The aqueous extract of the leaves of Erigeron floribundus stimulated the increase of neutrophils, total lymphocytes and TCD4+ in rabbit blood and thus provides some justification for its use in the traditional treatment of AIDS.

Antifungal activity of &lt;i&gt;Erigeron floribundus&lt;/i&gt; (Asteraceae) from Côte d\'Ivoire, West Africa

Purpose: Erigeron floribundus is a reputed medicinal plant used in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa for the treatment of skin disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of this plant against fungi from human origin. Method: Dichloromethane, methanol 80% and aqueous extracts from the leaves with stem were tested for their antifungal activity against 7 strains of dermatophytes (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, M. langeronii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. soudanense) and one strain of the filamentous fungus, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The assays were performed using the agar dilution method at serial concentrations ranging from 2 to 0.06 mg/ml. Result: Only the dichloromethane extract exhibited an activity against Microsporum canis and a broad spectrum of good antifungal activity against all the remaining fungi tested. Conclusion: To the best our knowledge, this is the first report of the antifungal activity of Erigeron floribundus against a wide range of dermatophytes, including Microsporum langeronii and Trichophyton soudanense, the most frequent dermatophytes in Côte d'Ivoire. E. floribundus might be potential sources for improved traditional medicines or new antidermatophyte agents for the treatment of dermatomycoses. Keywords: Erigeron floribundus, dermatophytes, antifungal activity, Côte d'Ivoire. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 975-979

Antidermatophytic activities of nine (9) essential oils

The antidermatophytic activity of nine essential oils from 7 plants against 6 fungi was investigated. Fungistatic effect was observed for the oil of Coreopsis bonariensis (2 mg/ml), Laggera alata var alata (1 mg/ml) against Microsporum audouinii and for Cupressus lusitanica oil against Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2 mg/ml). Fungicidal effect was observed for the C. lusitanica (leaves) oil (2 mg/ml) against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Erigeron floribundus (leaves) oil (1 mg/ml) against Candida albicans and for oil of the flowering ends of C. lusitanica against Trichophyton mentagrophytes at 1 mg/ml. Finally, the essential oils of C. lusitanica were found to be the most active while M. audouinii was the least resistant fungus. Keywords : antidermatophytic, essential oils East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7 2004: 6-9

Chemical Composition and in vitro Antifungal Properties of Essential Oils from Leaves and Flowers of Erigeron floribundus (H.B. et K.) Sch. Bip. From Cameroon

The chemical composition of the essential oils from leaves and flowers of Erigeron floribundus (H.B. et K.) Sch. Bip. from Cameroon was investigated by GC and GC/MS and their antifungal activities evaluated by the agar dilution method. The leaf oil was rich in (E)-2-lachnophyllum ester (23.7–26.2%), β-caryophyllene (14.7–16.6%), (E)-β-farnesene (14.6–16.4%) and limonene (8.5–11.4%). The flower oil contained mainly (E)-β-farnesene (22.3–21.1%), β-caryophyllene (17.3–20.1%) and germacrene D (10.1–11.0%). These oils exhibited broad antifungal activities againstTrichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The flower oil was found to be more active than the leaf oil. Candida albicans was the most sensitive fungus with a MIC of 2.25 μL/mL.

Analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of Erigeron floribundus

This study was intended to evaluate the analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of an aqueous extract of Erigeron floribundus (H.B. & K) or (syn”: Conyza sumatrensis (Retz) E.K. Walker) (Asteraceae). Phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methodologies. The analgesic investigations were carried out against two types of noxious stimuli, chemical (formalin-induced pain and acetic acid-induced writhing) and thermal (hotplate and tail immersion tests). The effects following aspirin and naloxone pretreatments were also studied. For the antiinflammatory activities, the carrageenan-induced oedema of the hindpaw of rats was used and the paw volume measured plethysmometrically from 0 to 24 h after injection. This was compared to a standard drug indomethacin (10 mg/kg). The results were subjected to statistical analysis. The plant had saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, oils, phenols and tannins and significantly increased the reaction time of hotplate and immersion tests. It decreased the writhings of acetic acid-induced abdominal contractions and lickings of formalin-induced pain. Aspirin had no effect on hotplate and tail immersion tests but showed an effect on writhing test. These results showed that the plant had both central and peripheral acting effects and this was confirmed by its effect on both phases of formalin-induced pain. The extract also significantly decreased the rat paw oedema volume at 50 mg/kg and above. In conclusion, Erigeron floribundus has central and peripheral analgesic properties as well as antiinflammatory activities.