Ethnomedicinal Applications Research Articles

Comparative phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of three parts of <i>Dracaena arborea</i> (Willd.) link

Dracaena arborea is a known boundary plant which grows in arid semi-desert areas and used by the indigenous people of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, for the management of edematous diseases that come with pain. The ethanol extracts of D. arborea were analyzed to study their secondary metabolites. Antioxidant effect was studied using 2,2–diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ferric reducingantioxidant power (FRAP) assay and their total phenolic and flavonoid contents also determined. Result of phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins and tannins in the studied parts of D. arborea except that, stem was devoid of flavonoids. Also, the result of DPPH assay revealed the percentage inhibition of 58% for the leaf extract, 33% for the stem extract and 17% for the root extract at 100 µg/mL when compared with the blank and the result was comparable to ascorbic acid with a percentage inhibition of 62%. For the FRAP assay, the leaf extract (0.445 nm) showed a better activity than the stem extract (0.399 nm) and root extract (0.427nm) when compared to ascorbic acid (0.913nm), a standard antioxidant agent at 100 µg/mL. Extracts revealed total flavonoid contents of 52 mgRTE/g for leaf extract while the stem and root had 5 mgRTE/g and 50mgRTE/g, respectively. This study supports the use of these parts of D. arborea for its folkloric applications in ethnomedicine.

Review of Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Milkwood): Distribution, Utilisation, Ecology and Population Genetics.

Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Milkwood) is an indigenous fruit tree species with considerable ecological, cultural, and nutritional significance that remains underexploited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its distribution, taxonomy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal applications, ecological functions, genetic diversity, and biotechnological potential. A systematic literature search, spanning 1949 to April 2024, yielded 87 relevant publications from an initial 155. Mimusops zeyheri plays a crucial role in supporting the cultural traditions and economic activities of Indigenous Southern African Communities. Its distribution encompasses South, East, and Southern Tropical Africa, with substantial populations across South African provinces. Ethnomedicinally, various plant parts treat conditions including wounds, gastrointestinal issues, and diabetes. The leaves (34%) and roots (32%) are used, with infusion (33%) and decoction (31%) as primary preparation methods. Oral administration (70%) is the most common, primarily addressing skin conditions (18%). Despite its nutritional richness, a standardized nutrient profile is lacking. Limited genetic diversity studies underscore the need for further research. This study highlights Mimusops zeyheri's multifaceted importance and research gaps, particularly in other Southern African countries. Future investigations should focus on comprehensive phytochemical analysis, ethnomedicinal validation, ecological conservation, genetic diversity assessment, and biotechnological applications. Multidisciplinary collaborations are recommended to promote sustainable utilization while preserving traditional practices.

Neuroprotective effect against amyloidogenic transthyretin aggregates - Induced cytotoxicity on human neuroblastoma cell by phenolic-rich Centella asiatica extract

Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a progressive and life-threatening neurodegenerative disease caused by aggregation of the plasma transport protein, transthyretin, for which treatment is rare and cure unavailable. Centella asiatica is a small edible herb with a long history of neurological application in ethnomedicine. This work investigated whether hydrophilic extract of C. asiatica (CAB) could suppress the toxic effects of transthyretin amyloid aggregate (TTRa) in cell model derived from the same in vivo target. TTRa was prepared via thermal-induced aggregation. Chemical cross-linking and Tricine-SDS-PAGE, Thioflavin-T fluorescence, and TEM analyses confirmed that TTRa matched the profile of TTRL55P nonfibrillar amyloid aggregates. PrestoBlue cell viability assay revealed that exposure of IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cells to TTRa (2–8 μM) resulted in significant cytotoxicity. Conversely, exposure of IMR-32 cells to CAB did not adversely affect their viability. In addition, when IMR-32 cells were co-treated with TTRa and varied concentrations of CAB, the toxic effect of TTRa was significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited dose-dependently. The extract was found to possess potent radical scavenging effects, and quantitative RP-HPLC analysis showed that asiaticoside and phenolics were its main components. The cytoprotective effect against TTRa, antioxidant property, and good safety profile collectively suggest that CAB could be applied in the development of nutraceuticals or therapeutics against transthyretin amyloidosis.

An in-depth exploration of ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical profiles, and pharmacological potentials: unveiling Withania somnifera

Researchers have extensively studied Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, a woody shrub renowned for its multifaceted medicinal attributes such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, and tonifying properties, because of its medicinal and traditional values. However, comprehensive information about its medicinal uses and pharmacological implications is scattered across various sources. Thus, this study aims to provide a comprehensive review of its ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological attributes, consolidating information from diverse data sources. Systematic investigations have revealed the presence of diverse phytochemicals in W. somnifera, including major alkaloids, withanolides, flavonoids, tannins, oils, phytosterols, and amino acids. Extracts, fractions, and bioactive compounds derived from W. somnifera exhibited potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-analgesic, anti-cancer, antivenom, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activities. W. somnifera serves as a valuable source of phytochemicals with diverse biological activities, offering significant therapeutic benefits globally. However, further studies are needed to assess potential side effects. Additionally, while several isolated compounds have demonstrated notable bioactivities, future research should focus on elucidating their mechanistic features to facilitate their integration into drug discovery endeavors.

Phytochemical profiling and HPTLC studies on leaf of Chrozophora rottleri (Geiseler) Spreng

For centuries, plants have been integral to traditional medicine, food preservation, and disease prevention. Chrozophora rottleri (Geiseler) A. Juss. ex Spreng., an annual herb of the Euphorbiaceae family, is widely used across India, Myanmar, Thailand, the Andaman Islands, and Malesia in various ethnomedicinal applications. This study aims to provide a comprehensive phytochemical profile and HPTLC analysis of Chrozophora rottleri leaves to highlight its medicinal potential. The leaves were subjected to hot continuous extraction using a Soxhlet apparatus with solvents of increasing polarity to maximize the yield of bioactive compounds. Phytochemical screening identified the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, triterpenoids, phenols, steroids, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, and phytosterols in different extracts. Quantitative analysis revealed that alkaloids were most abundant in chloroform and ethanol extracts (500 mg/g), while flavonoids were prominent in ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts (200 mg/g). Phenols and tannins were concentrated in ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts (200 mg/g). The HPTLC analysis displayed distinct separation of phytochemical bands at varying retention factor (Rf) values, using toluene: ethyl acetate (9:1 v/v) at 254 nm and a combination of ethyl acetate: water: formic acid: glacial acetic acid (100:26:11:11 v/v/v/v) at 366 nm and 540 nm. Chromatograms revealed multiple peaks, signifying a rich diversity of bioactive compounds. These findings support the traditional uses of Chrozophora rottleri and underscore its potential for further pharmacological research. The research concluded that the leaf extract of Chrozophora rottleri is abundant in various phytochemicals, potentially contributing to its therapeutic properties. Further investigation into its individual phytochemical profile is recommended for isolating novel compounds. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint analysis of Chrozophora rottleri leaf extract could serve as a reliable method for precise plant identification, acting as both a phytochemical marker and a valuable indicator of genetic variability within plant populations.

Abutilon indicum: Bioactive Compounds and Diverse Therapeutic Applications

: A large variety of secondary metabolites are found in medicinal plants, and the majority are significant in medicine. One of the well-known plant species used to cure a wide range of human illnesses is Abutilon indicum. The plant Abutilon indicum has a wide range of therapeutic uses, and its varied parts have been employed to cure a wide range of ailments. Numerous bioactive substances, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides are present in the plant. Potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, analgesic, sedative, and diuretic activities have been demonstrated in these compounds. Additionally, the plant has been shown to have cytoprotective properties and to guard against DNA damage brought on by oxidative stress. Future research is required to pinpoint the specific bioactive chemicals responsible for the pharmacological effects of Abutilon indicum and the molecular mechanisms underlying the plant's therapeutic uses. Overall, Abutilon indicum has demonstrated great therapeutic potential and deserves further study as a possible source of homeopathic treatments for various illnesses. The present study covers a summary of the phytochemical and ethnomedicinal applications of Abutilon Indicum that would further help in exploring the research in natural medicine.

Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench: A Review on Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Toxicological Profile.

Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench is a popular medicinal plant with a long history of use in several traditional remedies to cure a variety of diseases including; its effect on the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, kidneys, gynecology, skin diseases, and general health. The present review aims to provide the latest, organized information on toxicological, pharmacological, phytochemical, and ethnomedicinal applications of Baccharoides anthelmintica. For this; several well-known searchable websites (search engines) like; Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus-Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Springer, and DOAJ, were used to empirically investigate the knowledge of this useful medicinal plant. Based on previous studies, the pharmacological action of B. anthelmintica is due to various secondary metabolites including alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans, steroids, and other phytoconstituents. Hence, the present study recorded 225 phytochemicals obtained from different parts of the plant, where the steroids and derivatives (48), terpenes and sesquiterpenes (46), flavonoids and derivatives (41), fatty acids and derivatives (40), phenolic acids (12), triterpenes (11), chalcones (06), diterpenes (01) and miscellaneous (20) were reported. The present review also covered the pharmacological importance, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic action, liver disease, anticancer potential, anti-HIV, antiosteoporotic action, antitoxic action, skin disorder, wound healing and immunomodulatory activity, systemic infection, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases etc. The review concluded that B. anthelmintica has several pharmacological activities, which were due to the presence of secondary metabolites present in it, and thus indicates the importance of medicinal value of this plant. Hence, B. anthelmintica may be a good source for developing a lead molecule in the process of new drug discovery and development. More study is required to determine the pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, long-term toxicology testing, safe dosage, and possible interactions with other herbs/drugs.

Plant cultural indicators of forest resources from the Himalayan high mountains: implications for improving agricultural resilience, subsistence, and forest restoration

AimBiocultural legacy practices are intricately tied to forestry resources, ethnic identity, and social cohesiveness. This study aims to determine the plant cultural values of forest resources and identify plant cultural indicators in each ethnic group, which can aid in long-term natural resource management plans in the current debate on socio-environmental and ecological transitions.MethodsSemi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were employed to collect data for a comprehensive and systematic ethnobotanical survey from February 2018 to October 2022.ResultsA total of 330 informants reported 154 plant species from 65 families. Asteraceae was the most prominent botanical family, with herbaceous plant groups outnumbering trees and shrubs. The Gujjar and Pahari groups exhibited the highest level of overlap, followed by significant overlaps between the Gujjar and Kashmiri communities. The close affinity observed between the Gujjar and Pahari groups suggests the horizontal pattern of local plant knowledge between these communities, influenced by their sociocultural interactions and intermarriages. Notably, the Pahari community displayed a rich understanding of medicinal plants and shared unique uses for the reported taxa. This study affirms that both ecological factors and sociocultural influences have played significant roles in shaping local plant knowledge. A total of 31 plant species have been identified as plant cultural markers among all four ethnic groups. We observed a positive correlation between plant cultural values and plant use with the Gujjar and Kashmiri ethnic groups. Artemisia absinthium reported the highest use value of (0.57) with use reports of (189). Adonis aestivalis, Cynoglossum nervosum, Geum elatum, Geranium himalayense, Juncus inflexus, Oxalis acetosella, Polygonatum biflorum, and Salvia hians from the Himalayan region are among the plant taxa whose ethnomedicinal applications are described here for the first time.ConclusionOur data show that local and indigenous forest knowledge and practices could significantly contribute to forest conservation and ecological transition. This may happen if stakeholders generate clear frameworks and biocultural conservation strategies aimed at both dynamically preserve natural habitats and ways of traditional management of local natural resources.

Ethnopharmacological uses of fauna among the people of central Punjab, Pakistan.

The utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area. Data collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP). The study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls' maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high "frequency of citation" (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC = 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC = 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC = 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99. The findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements.

A comprehensive review on Lepidagathias crisata Wild.

The herb Lepidagathis cristata Willd. (Acanthaceae) is abundant in desert wastelands. The leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, and entire plant are all medicinally beneficial. The plant possesses a large number of phytochemicals that contributes to its different pharmacological activities. Fever, eczema, psoriasis, epilepsy, skin abscess, burns, mouth ulcer, snake bites, wounds, skin itching, and other skin problems are treated with this plant. As a result, the current study aims to shed light on the ethnomedicinal applications, phytoconstituents, pharmacological activity, and pharmaceutical preparations of the medicinal herb Lepidagathis cristata Willd, which belongs to the Acanthaceae family.

The ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the genus Bersama: current review and future perspectives.

Bersama (Melianthaceae) has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments, including blood purifier, immune booster, psychotropic medication, and treatment for malaria, hepatitis, infertility, diabetes, impotency, meningitis, and stroke. This review gathers fragmented information from the literature on ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of the Bersama genus. It also explores the therapeutic potential of the Bersama genus in ethnophytopharmacology, allowing for further investigation. All the available information published in the English language on Bersama genus was compiled from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Ethnobotany, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search using the following keywords: "Bersama genus," "traditional use," "phytochemistry," "pharmacological effects," and "toxicology". The ethnomedical applications of the Bersama genus have been recorded, and it has been used traditionally for more than 30 different types of ailments. Thus far, more than 50 compounds have been isolated from the genus. Cardiac glycosides and terpenoids are the main compounds isolated from the Bersama genus. Different plant parts of Bersama genus extracts demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimalarial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activity. Exemplary drug leads from the genus include mangiferin and quercetin-3-O-arabinopyranoside, both of which have antioxidant activities. Bersama genus has long been used to cure a wide range of ailments. Bersama genus extracts and phytochemicals have been found to have promising pharmacological activities. Further study on promising crude extracts and compounds is required to develop innovative therapeutic candidates.

Revisiting the ethnomedicinal, ethnopharmacological, phytoconstituents and phytoremediation of the plant Solanum viarum Dunal.

Solanum viarum, a perennial shrub, belongs to the family Solanaceae known for its therapeutic value worldwide. As a beneficial remedial plant, it is used for treating several disorders like dysentery, diabetes, inflammation, and respiratory disorders. Phytochemistry studies of this plant have shown the presence of steroidal glycoside alkaloids, including solasonine, solasodine, and solamargine. It also has flavonoids, saponins, minerals, and other substances. S. viarum extracts and compounds possess a variety of pharmacological effects, including antipyretic, antioxidant, antibacterial, insecticidal, analgesic, and anticancer activity. Most of the heavy metals accumulate in the aerial sections of the plant which is considered a potential phytoremediation, a highly effective method for the treatment of metal-polluted soils. We emphasize the forgoing outline of S. viarum, as well as its ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological applications, the chemistry of its secondary metabolites, and heavy metal toxicity. In addition to describing the antitumor activity of compounds and their mechanisms of action isolated from S. viarum, liabilities are also explained and illustrated, including any significant chemical or metabolic stability and toxicity risks. A comprehensive list of information was compiled from Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using different key phrases (traditional use, ethnomedicinal plants, western Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh, S viarum, and biological activity). According to the findings of this study, we hope that this review will inspire further studies along the drug discovery pathway of the chemicals extracted from the plant of S. viarum. Further, this review shows that ethnopharmacological information from ethnomedicinal plants can be a promising approach to drug discovery for cancer and diabetes.

Pharmacological Activities of Six Species of Hedychium J. Koenig from Nepal

Species of Hedychium Koenig are perennial herbs. Some of the species like H. ellipticum, H. spicatum, H. coronarium are traditionally used as medicinal plants. In the present study, methanolic rhizome extracts of six different species of Hedychium namely H. spicatum, H. ellipticum, H. thyrsiforme, H. coccineum, H. gardnerianum and H. coronarium were analysed for their antioxidant, antidiabetic and antibacterial activities. The antioxidant activity analysed by DPPH assay showed the highest potential (lowest IC50 value) in H. coccineum (148.82±2.83 µg/ml) and lowest potential (maximum IC50 value) in H. thyrsiforme (996.55±9.42 µg/ml). The rhizome extracts of different species showed moderate α-amylase inhibition activity in vitro. The highest α-amylase inhibition (79.67%) was observed for H. coronarium while the lowest inhibition (64.0%) was observed in H. thyrsiforme. However, these values were found lower than the value (92.37%) obtained for positive control, i.e., Acarbose. The antibacterial activity was determined against two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains by agar well diffusion method. Except for H. ellipticum the extracts of all other species showed antibacterial activity against all the bacterial strains tested. The extracts of H. ellipticum showed antibacterial activity only against B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae. The extract of H. coronarium showed the highest zone of inhibition (16.67±1.15 mm) against B. subtilis. However, the antibacterial activity was weak compared to standard antibiotics for all the extracts and at all concentration tested. These results show that rhizomes of other species can also be used in the same manner as that of H. coronarium and H. spicatum, two species most used in various ethnomedicinal applications.

Ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Uvaria chamae P. Beauv.: A comprehensive review.

The use of medicinal plants as food and medicine has been a common practice in the world, especially in tropical African countries. One such plant in West Africa is Uvaria chamae, also known as Bush banana, renowned for its diverse ethnomedicinal applications and, more recently, for its pharmacological activities attributed to a rich array of phytochemical constituents. Various parts of the plant have been traditionally employed for the treatment of diverse health issues such as digestive disorders, fever, dysmenorrhea, cancer, wound healing, and many more. To unravel the bioactive compounds responsible for these medicinal properties, a comprehensive phytochemical analysis has been undertaken. Notable isolates include chamanetin, dichamanetin, uvaretin, and uvarinol from different parts of the plant. The pharmacological evaluation of these compounds has revealed significant anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, this review provides a thorough examination of the phytochemicals derived from Uvaria chamae, detailing their associated pharmacological activities both in vitro and in vivo. The review emphasizes the potential of Uvaria chamae as a valuable source of lead compounds for cancer chemotherapy and antimicrobial drug discovery.

A Comprehensive Review on the Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Compositions and Pharmacological Properties of an Ethnomedicinal Herb, Paederia foetida

Background:: Paederia foetida L. (Family – Rubiaceae) is a common herb found available in the temperate and tropical Asia. The ethnomedicinal applications of this plant are widely elaborated In Chinese Traditional Medicine, Ayurveda, and other ancient scriptures throughout the world. Different ethnic groups use this plant in the treatment of alimentary and digestive disorders, bone related diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, bone fractures as well as in the ailments of diabetes, coughs, asthma, itches, wounds, body ache, toothache, cancer etc. Objectives:: This comprehensive review aims to provide an insightful understanding of traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties of P. foetida (from 1976 up to 2023), which may provide a foundation for further study and for the proper utilization of P. foetida resources. Methods:: Literature survey was conducted using known databases and the relevant keywords. Results:: P. foetida has been widely used in Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) for the treatment of dyspepsia, jaundice, pains, diarrhea and others. Several ethnic groups throughout the world used this plant to cure common health complaints namely, abdominal pain, gastritis, dysentery, diarrhoea, constipation, joint pain, etc. A total of 24 bioactive phytocompounds, such as asperuloside, paederosidic acid, sitosterols, stigmasterol, campesterol, ellagic acid, iridoids, ursolic acid, epifriedelinol, and others are reported to possess antiulcer, antidiarrheal, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, antitussive, anthelmintic, and hepatoprotective activities. Conclusion:: The present review not only summarizes the alternative approaches using this herb by ethnic people for treating various disorders, but also focuses on the latest scientific investigations to elucidate different bioactivities of this plant, thereby facilitating the understanding of its correlation with contemporary pharmacology. However, till date, very few studies elucidated the biological properties of these phytochemicals that were isolated exclusively from this particular plant. Moreover, the correlation between phytocompounds from P. foetida and its pharmacological activities aiming towards clinical drug development is still lacking. Finally, further research should be oriented towards determining the optimal dosage and toxicological limits, and thereby providing guidance for clinical applications.

A Comprehensive Review of Abroma Augusta (Devil's Cotton): Phytochemical Constituents, Ethnomedicinal Applications, and Pharmacological Properties

Abstract: The nutritional and therapeutic potential of medicinal plants is constantly being investigated. This is especially relevant in today's world, where an increasing number of people are turning to complementary and alternative therapies to address their health-related concerns. Traditional knowledge, as a valuable resource, plays a crucial role in the development of new herbal medicines. Abroma augusta stands out as one such medicinal plant that has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. It has been employed to address a wide spectrum of health issues, including diabetes, menstrual irregularities, respiratory problems, musculoskeletal disorders, urinary ailments, and sexual dysfunctions, among others. While various parts of this plant species are believed to possess pharmacological properties, the active compounds and underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. To facilitate the development of innovative drugs for the benefit of individuals, this study places significant emphasis on delving into the phytochemical and ethnomedicinal attributes of A. augusta. Moreover, it seeks to bolster its findings with scientifically validated pharmacological investigations conducted through both in vivo and in vitro methodologies.

A Comprehensive Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicity of Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman from Africa.

Prunus africana, a widely utilized medicinal plant in various African ethnic communities, continues to hold significant importance in traditional healing practices. Research has identified phytochemical compounds in this plant, exhibiting diverse pharmacological activities that offer potential for pharmaceutical development. Notably, P. africana is employed in treating various ailments such as wounds, diabetes mellitus, malaria, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chest pain, and prostate cancer. Its pharmacological properties are attributed to a spectrum of bioactive compounds, including tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. Multiple studies have documented the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiandrogenic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, antidipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity, analgesic, and astringent properties of P. africana extracts. This review offers a comprehensive compilation of ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicity assessments of P. africana, serving as a foundation for future preclinical and clinical investigations. By understanding its traditional uses and chemical constituents, researchers can target specific medical conditions with greater precision, potentially expediting the development of safe and effective pharmaceuticals. Moreover, toxicity assessments provide crucial insights into the safety profile of P. africana extracts, ensuring the development of safe pharmaceuticals to treat various diseases.

Documentation of some endangered medicinal plants growing in Indravati National Park, Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, India

Indravati National Park, located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, India, is a biodiversity hotspot and a sanctuary for numerous plant species, including several recognized as endangered and possessing medicinal properties. This study aimed to document and provided valuable information on the endangered medicinal plants found within the Park. The research involved field surveys, interviews with local communities, and a comprehensive review of existing literature to compile data on these plants. The national park region is densely covered with green vegetation consisting of several important medicinal plants and some threatened and endangered plants of ethnomedicinal value. A total of 21 medicinal plants belonging to 16 families were reported during the study, categorized under rare, threatened and endangered categories with efficient ethno-medicinal applications. The maximum reported medicinal plant families were Bignoniaceae and Fabaceae (3 species report), Buseraceae (2 species report) followed by Apocynaceae, Araceae, Boranginaceae, Capparaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Longaniaceae, Meliaceae, Piperaceae, Putranjivaceae, Rutaceae, Sterculaceae, Zingiberaceae with one species reported. The plants' parts used for the preparation of herbal medication included leaves, roots, bark, flowers, fruits, seeds, corms, whole plant, gum and resin derived from the plants, which were further used for the preparation of fresh extracts, juice, decoction, infusion, grounded paste, and dried powder. The documentation presented in this study not only contributes to the preservation of traditional knowledge but also serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists working towards the protection of endangered medicinal plants in Indravati National Park, ensuring their availability for future generations and the advancement of herbal medicine and biodiversity conservation.

FTIR analysis and evaluation of phytochemicals from various solvent extracts of Ocimum gratissimum L. and Ocimum sanctum L.

The therapeutic potentiality of medicinal plants is attributed by the presence of a wide range of secondary metabolites or phytochemicals which will have various pharmacological activities. It is well known that every plant species possess complex mixture of bioactive compounds in which each component contributes to its overall bioactivity. The genus Ocimum, has long been acclaimed for their diversity and economic, nutritional, industrial and medicinal importance. The enormous information revealed by the ethnomedicinal applications of Ocimum species demands a scientific investigation into its chemical constituents. In the present study comparison of two Ocimum species, Ocimum gratissimum L. and O. sanctum L. were done in terms of phytochemical constituents and FT IR spectral analysis. Both Ocimum species showed variation in the presence of phytochemicals in different non polar to polar solvents extracts. FT-IR spectral analysis was attempted to analyze the functional groups and characteristic absorption bands &amp; their corresponding functional groups revealed variations in fingerprint band features of Ocimum species. For O. gratissimum, the FTIR spectral peak starts at 3969.50 whereas in O. sanctum it was at 3967.57. The shared FT-IR regions between the species were 366.48, 489.92, 696.30, 1068.56, 1394.53, 2937.59 and 3728.40. Similarly, the unique bands for O. gratissimum were 1166.93 and 1512.19, while 1842.02 and 2397.52 represent that for O. sanctum. The FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of varied functional groups. Thus, the FT-IR spectra validated the presence of various phytochemicals in the plant.

Antidiabetic phytodrug from Maerua angolensis DC: Formulation, standardization, in vitro and in vivo evaluations

Maerua angolensis is a shrub or small tree widely distributed in tropical Africa. The plant materials are used for various ethnomedicinal applications across the region, including the prevention and treatment of diabetes. This study was aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of formulated freeze-dried aqueous extract of Maerua angolensis leaves using standard in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Infusion extract of the plant's powdered dried leaves was prepared, the resultant extract was freeze-dried and formulated (denoted FIEMa). The physicochemical, quantitative and qualitative phytochemical constituents of FIEMa were determined using analytical techniques (UV-visible and HPLC). The antidiabetic activity of the reconstituted formulation was investigated using in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro activity was assessed using Phosphomolybdenum assay and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity for antioxidant effect, and α-amylase inhibition and α- glycosidase inhibition assays. The assays of the normoglycemic, oral glucose load tolerance, and single-dose alloxan (150 mg/kg) induced diabetes in rats were used for in vivo antidiabetic activity. The results show that FIEMa contains valuable phytochemicals. It exhibited antioxidant effect, α-amylase and α- glucosidase inhibition activities. FIEMa did not significantly reduce blood glucose levels (BGL) in normoglycemic mice but produced a significant reduction of BGL in the oral glucose tolerance test. In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, significant reductions of BGL were observed in groups treated with high doses of FIEMa in the single-dose study and from the second week onwards in the repeated dose study. It also exhibited less reduction in body weight compared to the control group. The findings indicate that FIEMa has an antidiabetic activity, low risk of hypoglycemia, and body weight loss. The valuable phytochemicals plausibly mediate this effect, especially the dominant betulinic acid detected in FIEMa, most likely acting in synergy.