Erythrina Abyssinica Research Articles

The effect of agro-ecological zone on the chemical composition of feed resources in the Gera district, southwest Ethiopia

The poor quality of available feed resources is the major limiting factor for livestock production in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the chemical composition of major feed resources in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of the Gera District, southwest Ethiopia. Three representative samples of natural pasture (Cynodon dactylon, Pavonia schimperiana Hochst and Rhynchosia ferruginea), three indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs) (Erythrina abyssinica, Vernonia amygdalina and Maytenus undat), two cultivated forages (Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum pedicellatum) and five crop residues (Hordeum vulgare (barley), Zea mays (maize), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum), Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Eragrostis tef (Teff)) were randomly and separately collected from the Highland (HL), midland (ML) and lowland (LL) AEZs. The samples were analyzed for ash, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content using standard analytical methods. The results showed that AEZ significant (P < 0.05) affected the chemical composition parameters of most of the feed samples. Regardless of the feed sample and AEZs, the mean DM, CP, ash, EE, NDF, ADF, ADL and CF content varied from 89.17% in Pennisetum purpureum to 92.22 ± 0.51 in Erythrina abyssinica, 2.90 ± 0.22% in Triticum aestivum to 10.70 ± 0.52 in Vernonia amygdalina, 7.24 ± 0.19% in Sorghum bicolor to 13.25 ± 0.51% in Pavonia Schimperiana Hochst, 1.33 ± 0.04% in Triticum aestivum to 2.39 ± 0.15% in Maytenus undata, 57.65 ± 1.19% in Erythrina Abyssinica to 79.16 ± 1.04% in Triticum aestivum, 34.57% in Pennisetum purpureum to 59.41 ± 0.98% in Sorghum bicolor, 8.15 ± 0.62% in Rhynchosia ferruginea to 12.65 ± 0.57% in Triticum aestivum and 37.51% in Pennisetum pedicelatum to 69.93 ± 0.65% DM in Triticum aestivum, respectively. It was observed that IFTSs had the highest CP and the lowest NDF, implying their potential for protein supplement, whereas crop residues had the lowest CP and the highest NDF, indicating the need for their treatment using urea or supplementing animals with protein source feeds, especially during the dry season. In conclusion, AEZ has an influence on the chemical composition traits of feed resources attributed to its effects on the microclimate conditions that affect plant growth and maturation in the study sites.

Acidic soil-tolerant tree species identification

Previously, surface soil acidity was amended by the application of lime, gypsum, and acidic soil-tolerant crop species. However, their effectiveness in subsurface soil acidity reduction is limited. Thus, this review paper aimed to screen the tree species that easily overcome such problems. Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, African journals online, and Google search engine databases were used. A total of 60 acidic soil-tolerant tree species were identified. Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia crassicarpa, Arbutus unedo L., Casuarina junghuhniana, and Erythrina abyssinica were among the extremely acidic soil-tolerant tree species. Whereas Acacia cincinnata, Acacia mangium, Pinus patula, Albizia saman, Citrus x paradisi, and Cassia reticulata were belongs to some of the strong acidic soil tolerant tree species. Generally, the species' acidic tolerance capacity and planting site compatibility should be considered for the success of amendment works. Scaling out these species and large-scale plantations should be done in addition to estimating their relative percent of acidic soil amendment roles. Producing stable food in line with reclaiming acidic soil is achieved through the integration of stress tolerant fruit trees. Research on large-scale plantations, domestication, skilling up and comparative evaluation of their levels of acidic soil amendment capacity should be performed in the future.

Antibacterial Activity and Proposed Mode of Action of Extracts from Selected Zimbabwean Medicinal Plants against Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii was identified by the WHO as a priority pathogen in which the research and development of new antibiotics is urgently needed. Plant phytochemicals have potential as sources of new antimicrobials. The objective of the study was to determine the antibacterial activity of extracts of selected Zimbabwean medicinal plants against A. baumannii and determine their possible mode of action. Extracts were prepared from the leaves of the eight plants including the bark of Erythrina abyssinica using solvents of different polarities. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the microbroth dilution method coupled with the in vitro iodonitrotetrazolium colorimetric assay. The effect of the extracts on membrane integrity was determined by quantifying the amount of protein and nucleic acid leaked from the cells after exposure to the extracts. The effects of the extracts on biofilms were investigated. Toxicity studies were carried out using sheep erythrocytes and murine peritoneal cells. Seven out of eight evaluated plant extracts were found to have antibacterial activity. The Combretum apiculatum acetonie (CAA) extract showed the highest inhibitory activity against A. baumannii with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 125 µg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the CAA extract caused a protein leakage of 32 µg/mL from A. baumannii. The Combretum apiculatum acetonie (CAA), C. apiculatum methanolic (CAM), Combretum zeyheri methanolic (CZM), and Erythrina abyssinica methanolic (EAM) extracts inhibited A. baumannii biofilm formation. The EAM extract was shown to disrupt mature biofilms. The potent extracts were nontoxic to sheep erythrocytes and mouse peritoneal cells. The activities shown by the extracts indicate that the plants have potential as sources of effective antibacterial and antibiofilm formation agents against A. baumannii.

Determination of Total Antioxidant Activity &amp; Target Micronutrient Contents of the Selected Nutri-Medicinal Plants

Nutri-medicinal plants may have a big role to play in the intervention to improve the nutritional status and manage immunosuppressive disorders in HIV/AIDS patients as well as the opportunistic ailments that arise from the same. These plants are readily available and affordable in our ecosystems and also contain micronutrients which in themselves may have antioxidant properties that are needed in the management of ailments in HIV/AIDS patients. The use of such plants rich in phytochemicals, as supplements and herbal remedies may slow down oxidative stress and the progression of HIV/AIDS. In this study, fifty randomly selected plants collected from four parishes of Namayumba sub-county, Wakiso district, Central Uganda were evaluated for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using two assays 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), and for micronutrients namely Zinc, Iron and Selenium. The results from TAC-DPPH ranged from 30.63±0.21% to 1.59±0.06% for Annona muricata and Spathodea campanulata respectively, and TAC-FRAP recorded a range of 5.16±1.39 mM/l to 0.08±mM/l for Amaranthus lividus and Spathodea campanulata respectively. Amaranthus lividus registered the highest Zinc content as 6567.65±20.81 mg/kg with Erythrina abyssinica exhibiting the lowest at 0.39±0.03 mg/kg. The leaves of a commonly consumed tuber Manihot esculenta had the highest Iron content at 1289.54±0.14 mg/kg and Kigelia africana with the lowest at 3.23±0.37 mg/kg. The study indicated that selenium is present in small amounts compared to Zinc and Iron; however, Amaranthus lividus and Spathodea campanulata registered the highest of 8.18±2.46 mg/kg and lowest of 0.20±0.004 mg/kg respectively. The study showed a wide range of antioxidant and micronutrient content in the plants studied indicating that a wide choice of nutri-medicinal plants is available with a large potential to provide nutritional and medicinal interventions to manage nutritional disorders and manage opportunistic ailments in HIV/AIDS patients

Ethnobotanical study of plants used in management of diabetes mellitus in Eastern Uganda

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDiabetes mellitus (DM) is the fourth leading cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases affecting about 422 million people worldwide and an estimated 1.5 million deaths directly attributed to diabetes each year with a prevalence of approximately 4.1% in Uganda. The disease is on an unprecedented rise in developing countries yet access to conventional diabetes medication is a huge challenge due to limited resources. Moreover, the current management and treatment options are life-long, expensive and associated with undesirable side effects. Consequently, there is widespread use of complementary and alternative medicines, mostly herbal medicines in the management of DM in Uganda. Aim of the studyTo conduct an ethnobotanical study about medicinal plants for the management of DM in Eastern Uganda, a resource-limited area with rich plant biodiversity. Materials and methodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted in eight districts of Eastern Uganda. Eighty-six TMPs were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Data on screening of DM, medicinal plant harvesting, herbal medicine preparation, packaging, posology and toxicities were generated. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 26. ResultsSixty-one plant species belonging to 38 families and 59 genera were used by the TMPs in the preparation of herbal remedies for the management of symptoms of DM. The most commonly used plant species were Kigelia africana, Tamarindus indica, Aloe vera, Erythrina abyssinica, Entada abyssinica, Carica papaya, and Maytenus senegalensis. The most frequently used life forms were trees (63.2%) and herbs (20%) belonging to families Fabaceae (11.4%) and Asteraceae (10%). Roots and leaves were the most used plant parts harvested predominantly from the wild. Most herbal remedies were prepared as decoctions and administered orally with no reported toxicities. ConclusionA wide range of medicinal plants are used by TMPs for management of diabetes in Eastern Uganda. Scientific evaluation of the antidiabetic potential, phytochemistry and toxicology of these remedies is needed to validate their use and inform the production of improved herbal medicines or discover novel molecules for effective management of DM.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Breast Cancer Treatment by Traditional Health Practitioners in Central Uganda.

The study aimed to document the existing knowledge and practices related to breast cancer recognition and treatment using medicinal plants by traditional health practitioners in Central Uganda. This cross-sectional exploratory survey, conducted between February and August 2020, applied a mixed methods research approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 119 traditional health practitioners (THPs) in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono. Content analysis of qualitative data was done. Quantitative ethnobotanical survey indices, namely user reports (Nur), percentage of respondents with knowledge (PRK), informant consensus factor (Fic), fidelity level (FL), preference ranks (PR) and direct matrix ranking (DMR) were determined. Most THPs recognized breast cancer by breast swelling (n=74, 62.2%) and breast pain (n=29, 24.4%). They cited 30 plants from 30 genera in 23 families (Fic 0.75 on breast cancer). Asteraceae, Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Rutaceae were the predominant families. The ten most cited plants were Annona muricata L. (Nur=24), Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm (Nur =19), Erythrococca bongensis Pax (Nur=11), Ficus sp. (Nur=10), Cannabis sativa L. (Nur=8), Ipomoea wightii (Wall.) Choisy (Nur=7), Erythrina abyssinica DC. (Nur=5), Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R.Br. (Nur=4), Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Nur=4) and Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. (Nur=3). Annona muricata L. was highly preferred by THPs (PR 1), Ficus sp. had highest fidelity level (FL=77%) and Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. ranked as the highest multipurpose plant (DMR 1). Herbs (n=14, 47%) were the most commonly used life forms besides trees (n=11, 37%) and shrubs (n=5, 16%). THPs mostly used leaves (46%), prepared decoctions (82%) and applied residues on the breast. THPs in Central Uganda recognized breast cancer by symptoms. Medicinal plants applied in its folk treatment have been documented and the claims of cure by THPs merit further investigation.

Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Sexual Dysfunction, Infertility and Improving Virility in the East African Community: A Systematic Review.

Sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED), sterility, and sexual inappetence represent some of the complex reproductive challenges that require addressing the underlying causes. The aim of this paper was to systematically synthesize literature on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and safety of plants used as remedies for managing sexual dysfunction and infertility, and improving fertility and virility in the EAC. Through an extensive review conducted in multidisciplinary electronic databases, 171 plant species were identified to have been reported for the management of sexual inappetence (i.e., used as aphrodisiacs, 39.4%), ED (35.9%), infertility (18.7%), and increasing fertility (6.0%). The most used plants are Mondia whitei, Acalypha villicaulis, Combretum illairii, Erythrina abyssinica, Pappea capensis, Rhus vulgaris, and Warburgia ugandensis while roots (44.9%), leaves (21.8%), stem and root barks (16.7%) of shrubs (35%), trees (31%), herbs (26%), and climbers (8%) are the preferred organs for making decoctions (69%). The research strides to date indicate that Citropsis articulata, Cola acuminata, Ekebergia capensis, Plumbago zeylanica, Tarenna graveolens, Urtica massaica, and Zingiber officinale have been assessed for their bioactivity. The majority (71.4%) of the plants either increased testosterone levels and mounting frequency or elicited prosexual stimulatory effects in male rats. More studies investigating the relevant pharmacological activities (aphrodisiac, fertility, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitory activities), safety aspects, responsible compounds, and clinical studies are warranted to establish the pharmacological potential of the unstudied species and elucidate the mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds.

Medicinal plants used against poultry diseases in Zimbabwe: A systematic review

The current study was aimed at documenting ethnoveterinary medicines (EVMs) used against poultry diseases in Zimbabwe and local ecological knowledge (LEK) associated with the docu¬mented plant species. Information related to EVMs used against poultry diseases in Zimbabwe was systematically collected using relevant keywords from online databases such as BioMed Central, Web of Science, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus and JSTOR, books, dissertations, theses, and scientific reports. This study showed that 69 species are traditionally used to manage poultry diseases in Zimbabwe. Most of the plant species (79.01%) that are used in poultry treatment and management are wild and 29.0% are exotic, cultivated, or naturalized. These species are used against 22 medical conditions, mainly in the treatment and management of coccidiosis, Newcastle, cough, diarrhea, wounds, and ectopar¬asites. Adenia gummifera, Aloe arborescens, Aloe chabaudii, Aloe greatheadii, Actaea spicata, Bobgunnia madagascariensis, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens, Cynanchum viminale, and Erythrina abyssinica have the highest number of EVM uses. This review highlights the importance of EVMs for the healthcare of poultry in Zimbabwe. Therefore, detailed ethnopharmacological evaluations of the species focusing on their phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, toxico¬logical evaluations, in vivo and clinical research investigations are recommended.

Review of Deforestation in Ugandan Tropical Rainforest Reserves: A Threat to Natural Medicine

Deforestation in Ugandan Tropical Rainforest Reserves as threat to natural medicine is still undocumented. In this study, we reviewed literature on deforestation most especially from 1990-2020 in the Tropical Rainforest Reserves. We examine the trend of deforestation, impact of deforestation on medicinal plant species’ and threatened medicinal plant species in the Tropical Rainforest Reserves in Uganda. Secondary data from National Forestry Authority on deforestation (1990-2020) was analysed to determine the trend of forest deforestation while PubMed®, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS databases were also used to provide information on the threatened medicinal plants. Our results show that there has been an annual incredible decline of 17% in the trend of deforestation both in Tropical Rainforest Reserves (low-stocked and well-stocked). The results of the review also noticed a 0.86 strong positive correlation in the decline of both Tropical Rainforest Reserves. This review also documented 13 medicinal plants as the most threatened in the Ugandan Tropical Rainforest Reserves. The medicinal plants in Uganda include Dioscorea bulbifera, Cytropsis articulata, Prunus africana, Warburgia ugandensis, Entandrophragma utile, Irvingia gabonensis, Spathodea campanulate, Aloe ferox, Vernonia amygdalina, Erythrina abyssinica, Moringa oleifera, Hoslundia opposita Vahl and Milicia excelsa. Our study articulates human activities that are affecting medicinal plants include agricultural expansion, timber harvesting, charcoal burning, firewood harvesting, weak forest policies and laws, un clear forest boundaries infrastructure development e.g., roads.

Anti-obesity effects of Erythrina abyssinica stem bark extract in flies exposed to a high fat diet

BackgroundAn in vitro assay on Sigmoidin A from Erythrina abyssinica stem bark revealed its potency to inhibit pancreatic lipase. However, studies indicate activity of extract bioactive compounds in combination far exceed the favorable effects of each individual compound due to synergy and additive effects. In this study, we provide information on the effect of E. abyssinica stem bark extract in Drosophila melanogaster. The objective of the study was to determine the safety and effects of E. abyssinica stem bark extract on fly survival, body weight, triglycerides, sterol, total protein, and catalase activity of obese male D. melanogaster. MethodsObesity was induced by exposing D. melanogaster white mutant w1118 to coconut food for two weeks. Groups 1–3 were fed on coconut food + fenofibrate at 25 mM, 50 mM, and 75 mM. Groups 4–6 were fed on coconut food + E. abyssinica stem bark extract at concentrations of 2.5 g/ml, 5.0 g/ml, and 7.5 g/ml. The positive control was exposed to only coconut food while the negative control was on regular food. Fly survival observations were done for 15 days, while acute and chronic effects were done at 30 min and after 48 h respectively following treatment. Body mass, negative geotaxis, reducing power of the extract, triglycerides (TG/TP), sterol, total protein levels, and catalase activity were measured after 10 days of exposure to the experimental diets. ResultsFly survival changes were observed after 10 days and E. abyssinica stem bark extract had the strongest reducing power at 7.5 g/ml extract concentration. E. abyssinica stem bark extract reduced body mass, triglyceride levels (TG/TP), sterol levels, and modulated catalase activity at 7.5 g/ml extract concentration. Though the standard drug fenofibrate had the highest fat accumulation reduction potential, the extract at 7.5 g/ml was much safer in reducing fat accumulation in obese male D. melanogaster than other concentration used. ConclusionAntioxidants in E. abyssinica stem bark extract are responsible for the observed anti-obesity activity.

Cytotoxicity of Medicinal Plant Species Used by Traditional Healers in Treating People Suffering From HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

Introduction: Many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda widely use herbal medicines. However, their toxicity and safety have not been investigated. The use of these plants can potentially cause harmful effects to the health of patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity of some commonly used medicinal plant species used by PLHIV. Methods: The cytotoxicity of the plant extracts was determined with the AlamarBlue cell viability assay using the human glioblastoma cell line U87.CD4.CXCR4. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of extracts of Warburgia ugandensis, Erythrina abyssinica, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Albizia coriaria, Psorospermum febrifugium, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Securidaca longipendunculata, Vachellia hockii, Gardenia ternifolia, and Bridelia micrantha reconstituted with ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Using regression analysis, the half maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the plant extracts were calculated from exponential curve fits, since they provided the highest coefficient of determination, R2. Results: The ethanol extracts of W. ugandensis (CC50 = 7.6 μg/ml) and A. coriaria (CC50 = 1.5 μg/ml) as well as the DMSO-reconstituted extracts of W. ugandensis (CC50 = 6.4 μg/ml) and A. coriria (CC50 = < 4 μg/ml) were highly cytotoxic. The cytotoxicity of W. ugandensis and A. coriaria compared well with the indigenous traditional knowledge of the toxic effects experienced when the plants were not used correctly. However, the cytotoxicity of most of the plant extracts (15/22) was low to moderate (CC50 = 21–200 μg/ml). Conclusion: Most of the plant species tested in this study had low to moderate cytotoxicity against U87.CD4.CXCR4 cells, except W. ugandensis and A. coriria which were highly cytotoxic.

Effect of dominant shade tree species on selected soil physicochemical properties and coffee production in Sayyo district, western Ethiopia

The current study aimed to assess the preference of farmers and their perception of shade tree species on coffee production and to evaluate selected soil physicochemical properties under the canopies of Acacia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera shade tree species and the influence of these trees on coffee production in comparison with unshaded fields. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for this study. Four circular plots having 3, 5, and 7 m radius and 17 m were laid out to sample soil and coffee parameters. The top six ranked tree species preferred by farmers were, Acacia abyssinica Albizia gummifera, Croton macrostachyus, Cordia Africana, Millettia ferruginea, and Erythrina abyssinica. The soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, exchangeable potassium, and soil pH were higher underneath shade trees than in open areas. Soils tested under shade trees and in open areas were texturally similar, (sandy clay loam). This pattern of textural similarity indicated that they have been derived from the same parent material. There was greater coffee yield, coffee weight, and coffee shrub density under the tree canopy than in open fields. Generally, Coffee production parameters and coffee yield under the canopies of both shade tree species and selected soil physicochemical properties showed relatively higher than those of unshaded zones. Therefore, integrating Acacia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera shade trees in coffee production systems is very important in maintaining soil fertility and thereby increasing the yield of organic coffee.

Anti-respiratory syncytial virus and anti-herpes simplex virus activity of six Tanzanian medicinal plants with extended studies of Erythrina abyssinica stem bark

Ethnopharmacological relevanceExcept for few highly pathogenic viruses, no antiviral drug has been approved for treatment of viral infections in humans. Plant extracts, selected based on their ethno-medical use, represent an important source of compounds for the development of novel candidate antiviral drugs. This especially concerns plants with ethnomedical records on their use in treatment of viral infections. Aim of the studyTo identify and document medicinal plants used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) for treatment of respiratory infections and muco-cutaneous lesions in order to study their antiviral activity including identification of active components and elucidation of mode of antiviral activity. Materials and methodsThe ethno-medical survey was performed in the Kagera region of Tanzania. The THPs were asked for plants used for treatment of signs and symptoms of respiratory infections and watery muco-cutaneous blisters in oral and genital regions. The plants identified were successively extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and water, and the extracts assayed for anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), anti-herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), and anti-human parainfluenza virus 2 (HPIV-2) activity in cultured cells. Antiviral components were separated by ethanol precipitation and CL-6B chromatography, and the mode of antiviral activity elucidated by the time-of-addition assay and selection for the virus variants resistant to antiviral plant extract. ResultsTHPs identified fifteen plants used for treatment of respiratory infections and muco-cutaneous blisters. The water extract, but not n-hexane or ethyl acetate extracts, of six of these plants including Erythrina abyssinica stem bark, inhibited infectivity of two glycosaminoglycan-binding viruses i.e., RSV and HSV-2 but not the sialic acid binding HPIV-2. An activity-guided separation revealed that antiviral component(s) of water extract of E. abyssinica could be precipitated with ethanol. This sample potently and selectively inhibited RSV and HSV-2 infectivity in cultured cells with IC50 values of 2.1 μg/ml (selectivity index >476) and 0.14 μg/ml (selectivity index >7143) respectively. The sample exhibited inhibitory effect on the virus attachment to and entry into the cells by directly targeting the viral particles. Indeed, 10 consecutive virus passages in HEp-2 cells in the presence of this extract selected for a resistant RSV variant lacking the attachment, viral membrane-associated, G protein due to a stop codon at amino acid residue 33 (Leu33stop). Fractionation of the E. abyssinica extract on a CL-6B column revealed that anti-RSV and HSV-2 activity correlated with carbohydrate content. The most pronounced antiviral activity was associated with a carbohydrate containing ingredient of molecular mass of <5 kDa, which may polymerize to antiviral composites of up to 410 kDa. ConclusionsAltogether, the water extract of six medicinal plants showed anti-RSV and anti-HSV-2 activities. Extended studies of the stem bark of E. abyssinica identified antiviral components that potently and selectively inhibited infectivity of free RSV and HSV-2 particles, a feature of importance in topical treatment of these infections. This observation confirms ethno-medical information concerning the use of E. abyssinica extract for treatment of respiratory infections and herpetic lesions.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts from Erythrina abyssinica aerial parts and assessment of their anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activities

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Erythrina abyssinica aerial parts as both reducing and capping agents. Three extracts were obtained from the plant using methanol, acetone and water. Successful biosynthesisof the silver nanoparticles was confirmed using Ultraviolet–Visible Spectrophotometry that recorded the Surface Plasmonic Resonance peak at around 420 nm. Phenyl, hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups in Erythrina abyssinica were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry. Morphology of nanoparticles was studied using Scanning electron microscopy technique. The optimum conditions for nanoparticles synthesis were found to be; a pH of 13, 80 °C and 5 mM silver nitrate. The silver nanoparticles antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were comparable to ascorbic acid. A 73.4% scavenging activity at 400 μg/mL silver nanoparticle was obtained. At 100 μg/mL nanoparticle concentration, zones of inhibition for E. coli and Salmonella were found to be 17.8 ± 0.11 mm and 16.9 ± 0.10 mm, respectively.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts from Erythrina Abyssinica Aerial Parts and Assessment of Their Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant Activities

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts from Erythrina Abyssinica Aerial Parts and Assessment of Their Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant Activities

Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology, and Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Human Diarrheal Cases in Rwanda: A Review.

Diarrhea, often caused by microorganisms, has been associated with high morbidity and mortality in Africa. Increased rates of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have reignited the quest for alternative therapies. This review aimed at identifying medicinal plants used in the treatment of human diarrheal cases in Rwanda and analyzing their ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry. We searched PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Web of Science for published articles on medicinal plants used to treat diarrhea in Rwanda. Additionally, specialized herbarium documents of different institutes were reviewed. Articles were assessed for relevance, quality, and taxonomical accuracy before being included in this review. Overall, 63 species of medicinal plants belonging to 35 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the predominant family with six species, followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae, with five species each. The most reported species with anti-diarrheal properties were Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd, Clerodendrum myricoides R. Br. and Chenopodium ugandae (Aellen) Aellen. Leaves (66.7%) and roots (17.5%) were the commonly used plant parts in the preparation of medicine. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants with antidiarrheic activities were sesquiterpene lactones (V. amygdalina); terpene, sterols, saponosides, and flavonoids (C. ugandae); saponins and tannins (T. riparia); and tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids (C. myricoides). Six studies tested the antimicrobial activities of the plants against bacteria and viruses known to cause diarrhea. Erythrina abyssinica, Euphorbia tirucalli, Dracaena afromontana, and Ficus thonningii are socio-culturally important. Further research on toxicity and posology is needed to ensure the safety of medicinal plants.

Assessment of Coffea Shade Value through Comparison of Mountainous Area with Farm Land Coverage, in Arsi Gololcha District, Oromia, Ethiopia

Coffea cultivation with shade tree is used for improving soil health, increasing coffea production, sustaining agro ecology. The study was attended in two kebele, on 36 farmers’ fields, at Gololcha district of East Arsi zone. The study was intended to assess the influence of coffea shade trees on farm lands versus mountainous area. Household interviews were used to get imperative separately, i.e. from old farmers, middle age farmers and young farmers. Significant difference value was observed between farm land and mountainous area coverage. Based on this respondents’ idea, before 25-30 years; the ‘condition of tree coverage at mountainous’ area in Arsi Gololcha district was ‘medium condition’ but not normal that means as deforestation of mountainous area have been starting before 30 years’ time; while the condition of tree coverage at farmland area also has been starting before 30 years’ time. The third respondents’ idea was interpreted with the real situation of the district, that it gave us a constructive inspiration on the role of coffea shade tree to enable the farm land to be taken as regular natural forest. The existing coffea shade trees are Cordia africana followed by Erythrina abyssinica and Acacia senegal. Farmers accounted 95% of coffea shade users and 4.6% without shade users. The respondents said that even if the rainfall intensity is increasing at farmland rather than mountainous area occasionally due to shade tree effect. On the contrary side, mountainous area exposed to deforestation since the farmers have been shifting to hilly side for their livelihood dependency.

Eco-Friendly Dyeing of Pretreated Cotton Fabric Using a Natural Dye Extract from Erythrina abyssinica

ABSTRACT The increasing awareness of toxicity of synthetic dyes has considerably raised the demand for natural dyes. Retaining color fastness and strength of natural dyes on fabric is the main limitation in textile dyeing with natural dyes. In this study cotton fabric was pre-treated with aqueous tannic acid in order to enhance the fabric’s color fastness and strength of the natural dye. The untreated, treated and dyed cotton were characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopic analysis to confirm the modification of the cellulosic fiber. Different solvents were used to extract dye from Erythrina abyssinica plant and subjected to phytochemical quantification then used to dye cotton. The new FTIR peaks at 2646 cm−1and 1578 cm−1, which correspond to carbonyl (C=O) stretching mode and C=C stretching mode for aromatic ring, respectively, confirmed the modification and dyeing due to the attachment of the aromatic dye molecules to the cellulose structure. It was noted that modification of cellulose structure enhanced color strength and fastness. Mordanting with alum and ferrous sulfate using different methods formed variety of shades that ranged between light yellow to greenish yellow. Therefore, Erythrina abyssinica plant can be used as a source of natural dye for dyeing cotton fabric.

Ethnoveterinary Remedies Used in Avian Complementary Medicine in Selected Communal Areas in Zimbabwe.

Plant remedies used in avian ethnomedicine are potential candidates for the development of phytogenic feed additives. An ethnoveterinary survey was carried out in 3 districts in Zimbabwe to document plants used in poultry ethnomedicine and identify plants that have the potential to be used for the development of poultry phytogenic feed additives. The survey employed questionnaire-guided oral interviews with 146smallholder farmers. Key areas of investigation and discussion were poultry production and traditional knowledge in bird health care (ethnotreatments and poultry disease control). The survey documented a total of 36 plant species cited as being useful interventions for the treatment and management of various poultry ailments/health constraints. These medicinal plants belonged to 22 families, with the Fabaceae family the dominant family. The plant species were used to treat 11 disease/health constraint categories, with the highest number of species being used for coccidiosis. Trees (44.44%) were the main reservoir of medicinal plants followed by herbs (36.11%), shrubs (8.33%), climbers (8.33%), and flowers (2.78%). Based on the results of the survey, Bobgunnia madagascariensis, Aloe chabaudii, Adenia gummifera, Erythrina abyssinica, Agave sisalana, Capsicum frutescens, Strychnos cocculoides, Aloe greatheadii, Tridactyle bicaudata, Senna singueana, Sarcostemma viminale, Morus alba, and Moringa oleifera are potential candidates for the development of phytogenic feed additives.

Pharmacological Assessment of the Antiprotozoal Activity, Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Malaria in the Greater Mpigi Region in Uganda.

We investigated the potential antimalarial and toxicological effects of 16 medicinal plants frequently used by traditional healers to treat malaria, fever, and related disorders in the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda. Species studied were Albizia coriaria, Cassine buchananii, Combretum molle, Erythrina abyssinica, Ficus saussureana, Harungana madagascariensis, Leucas calostachys, Microgramma lycopodioides, Morella kandtiana, Plectranthus hadiensis, Securidaca longipedunculata, Sesamum calycinum subsp. angustifolium, Solanum aculeastrum, Toddalia asiatica, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum chalybeum. In addition, the traditional healers indicated that P. hadiensis is used as a ritual plant to boost fertility and prepare young women and teenagers for motherhood in some Ugandan communities where a high incidence of rapidly growing large breast masses in young female patients was observed (not necessarily breast cancer). We present results from various in vitro experiments performed with 56 different plant extracts, namely, 1) an initial assessment of the 16 species regarding their traditional use in the treatment of malaria by identifying promising plant extract candidates using a heme biocrystallization inhibition library screen; 2) follow-up investigations of antiprotozoal effects of the most bioactive crude extracts against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum K1; 3) a cytotoxicity counterscreen against human MRC-5SV2 lung fibroblasts; 4) a genotoxicity evaluation of the extract library without and with metabolic bioactivation with human S9 liver fraction; and 5) an assessment of the mutagenicity of the ritual plant P. hadiensis. A total of seven extracts from five plant species were selected for antiplasmodial follow-up investigations based on their hemozoin formation inhibition activity in the heme biocrystallization assay. Among other extracts, an ethyl acetate extract of L. calostachys leaves exhibited antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum K1 (IC50 value: 5.7 µg/ml), which was further characterized with a selectivity index of 2.6 (CC50 value: 14.7 µg/ml). The experiments for assessment of potential procarcinogenic properties of plant extracts via evaluation of in vitro mutagenicity and genotoxicity indicated that few extracts cause mutations. The species T. asiatica showed the most significant genotoxic effects on both bacterial test strains (without metabolic bioactivation at a concentration of 500 µg/plate). However, none of the mutagenic extracts from the experiments without metabolic bioactivation retained their genotoxic activity after metabolic bioactivation of the plant extract library through pre-incubation with human S9 liver fraction. While this study did not show that P. hadiensis has genotoxic properties, it did provide early stage support for the therapeutic use of the medicinal plants from the Greater Mpigi region.