Ethnomedicinal Use Research Articles

Role of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) in Neurological and Metabolic Disorders: Evidence from Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Study.

Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn. (Acoraceae)) is a traditional Indian medicinal herb, which is practiced to treat a wide range of health ailments, including neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, metabolic, kidney, and liver disorders. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive up-to-date report on its ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, and pharmacotherapeutic potential, while identifying potential areas for further research. To date, 145 constituents have been isolated from this herb and identified, including phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenoids, and monoterpenes. Compelling evidence is suggestive of the biopotential of its various extracts and active constituents in several metabolic and neurological disorders, such as anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-obesity effects. The present extensive literature survey is expected to provide insights into the involvement of several signaling pathways and oxidative mechanisms that can mitigate oxidative stress, and other indirect mechanisms modulated by active biomolecules of A. calamus to improve neurological and metabolic disorders.

Acute Toxicity and Sedative-hypnotic Effects of Ethanol Stem Bark Extract and Fractions of Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) in Mice

Aim: Milicia excelsa stem bark is used as sedative and for treating mental illnesses among the Hausa tribe of Northern Nigeria, but there is no scientific rationale for its use. Hence, this study investigated the oral acute toxicity and sedative potential of ethanol stem bark extract, n-hexane, ethylacetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions of the stem bark extract in mice. The phytoconstituents in the extract and fractions were quantified. Methodology: The acute toxicity of the extract and fractions were investigated using OECD guidelines 425 of 2008. The sedative effects of the extract and fractions were investigated using pentobarbital-, and ketamine-induced sleep tests. Results and discussion: The results obtained showed that the acute toxicity of the extract and fractions were > 5000 mg/kg, suggesting that the extract and fractions may be safe. The extract, n-hexane, ethylacetate and aqueous fractions significantly (p<0.05) reduced sleep latencies, indicative of sedative effects, effective for sleep induction, while the extract and all the fractions significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the sleep durations, suggesting sedative effects, effective for sleep maintenance. Conclusion: This study therefore, concluded that the extract and fractions may be safe. The study further concluded that the sedative effect of the extract and fractions may be due to the abundance of flavonoids in the extract and fractions. Thus, providing scientific rationale for its ethnomedicinal use. However, further study may be warranted to isolate and characterize the sleep promoting bioactive principles as well as carry out GABA binding assay of the isolated compound(s) in ESB and its various fractions.

Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Dissotis rotundifolia Whole Plant Protects against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage.

Dissotis rotundifolia is a plant in the family Melastomataceae. The methanolic extract of the whole plant is reported to be rich in C-glycosylflavones such as vitexin and orientin. Though there are several reports on the ethnomedicinal use of this plant extract in stomach ulcers, experimental-based data is unavailable. The drive for carrying out this research was to obtain data on the possible ameliorative effect of the whole plant extract of Dissotis rotundifolia (DRE) in gastric ulcerations induced by ethanol in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. SD rats were pretreated with 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of DRE for 14 days after which an ulcerogen-ethanol was administered. Gross examinations of the stomach lining and histological analysis of gastric lesions were carried out coupled with an assessment of the antioxidant activity of gastric mucosa using MDA, GSH, CAT, and SOD as indicators. The data suggested a significant attenuation in gastric mucosal damage in DRE-pretreated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer reflected in the antioxidant status. There was also a reduction or absence of hemorrhage, edema, and leucocytes infiltration in DRE-treated groups compared to the negative control group. DRE conserved glutathione (GSH) levels, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and enhanced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme levels. The present study shows that DRE possess protective effects against ethanol-induced ulcer damage in the stomach of rats, which could be attributed to its antioxidant activity.

Inhibition of Proinflammatory Enzymes and Attenuation of IL-6 in LPS-Challenged RAW 264.7 Macrophages Substantiates the Ethnomedicinal Use of the Herbal Drug Homalium bhamoense Cubitt & W.W.Sm.

Commonly used to treat skin injuries in Asia, several Homalium spp. have been found to promote skin regeneration and wound healing. While ethnobotanical surveys report the use of H. bhamoense trunk bark as a wound salve, there are no studies covering bioactive properties. As impaired cutaneous healing is characterized by excessive inflammation, a series of inflammatory mediators involved in wound healing were targeted with a methanol extract obtained from H. bhamoense trunk bark. Results showed concentration-dependent inhibition of hyaluronidase and 5-lipoxygenase upon exposure to the extract, with IC50 values of 396.9 ± 25.7 and 29.0 ± 2.3 µg mL−1, respectively. H. bhamoense trunk bark extract also exerted anti-inflammatory activity by significantly suppressing the overproduction of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages at concentrations ranging from 125 to 1000 µg mL−1, while leading to a biphasic effect on nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. The phenolic profile was elucidated by HPLC-DAD, being characterized by the occurrence of ellagic acid as the main constituent, in addition to a series of methylated derivatives, which might underlie the observed anti-inflammatory effects. Our findings provide in vitro data on anti-inflammatory ability of H. bhamoense trunk bark, disclosing also potential cutaneous toxicity as assessed in HaCaT keratinocytes.

Medicinal plants used by ‘root doctors’, local traditional healers in Bié province, Angola

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThis study is one of the first post-civil war efforts to document traditional botanical knowledge in Bié province, central Angola, in a first step to bring more studies on the use of medicinal plant resources in this area so as to bring new insights into Angolan bio-cultural diversity. Aim of the studyExamine the variety of plant species used for medical purposes, as well as characterize their social and cultural values. Also, it is aimed to compare their uses in the studied region with those in Sub-Saharan Africa and report new ethnomedicinal uses. Materials and methodsWe documented traditional medicinal plant knowledge among professional herbalists in two areas in Bié province through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews and transect walks. Ethnobotanical information was quantified based on Use Reports to (1) rate traditional knowledge; and (2) determine most useful taxa. ResultsIn total, 10 traditional healers shared information on their knowledge. A total of 87 plant species distributed among 57 genera and 36 botanical families were documented with Fabaceae being the best-represented family with 18 species, followed by Phyllanthaceae (6), Apocynaceae (5), Asteraceae (5), Rubiaceae (5), Lamiaceae (4), and Ochnaceae (3). Most medicinal plants are usually gathered at a distance from human settlements because of the belief in the higher efficacy of ‘wild’ plants shared by all herbalists. Roots are the most common plant part used (79%), explaining why the consulted herbalists call themselves ‘root doctors’. ConclusionsThe culturally most important medicinal species identified in this study, i.e. Securidaca longepedunculata, Garcinia huillensis, Annona stenophylla, Afzelia quanzensis and Strychnos cocculoides, were previously reported for the same use in neighbouring countries and elsewhere in Africa. Our study also indicates that there are several locally valuable species that have not yet been studied for their medical potential, to name a few: Alvesia rosmarinifolia, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, Eriosema affine, Paropsia brazzaeana, Rhus squalida, Sclerocroton cornutus or Xylopia tomentosa. Moreover, the ethnomedicinal use of 26 species was reported for the first time to sub-Saharan Africa. ClassificationEthnopharmacological field studies.

Promising therapeutic use of Baccharis trimera (less.) DC. as a natural hepatoprotective agent against hepatic lesions that are caused by multiple risk factors

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBaccharis trimera (Less.) DC is a perennial subshrub, popularly known as “carqueja,” that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Ethnobotanical studies indicate that this species is used for the treatment of diabetes and digestive and liver diseases. However, studies that sought to validate its popular use were conducted using ethanolic extracts of the plant, which does not reflect the ethnomedicinal use of this species in humans. Aim of the studyNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by triglyceride accumulation in the liver that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of the severity of this disease, less toxic and more effective therapeutic agents need to be developed. B. trimera may be a promising therapeutic alternative, but its activity against multiple risk factors for liver disease (e.g., smoking, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus) has not been studied. The present study investigated the effects of an ethnomedicinal form of a B. trimera preparation in a rat model of NAFLD that is associated with multiple risk factors. Material and methodsPhytochemical analysis of the ethanolic soluble fraction of B. trimera extract was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in male Wistar rats. The rats received a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet and were exposed to cigarette smoke (9 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks). In the last 2 weeks, the animals were orally treated with vehicle (negative control group), B. trimera extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or insulin + simvastatin. One group of rats that was not exposed to these risk factors was also evaluated. Blood was collected for glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) analysis. The liver and feces were collected for lipid quantification. The liver was additionally processed for histopathological analysis. ResultsThe model successfully induced NAFLD and increased levels of glucose, AST, and ALT in the negative control group. Treatment with the B. trimera extract (30 and 100 mg/kg) and insulin + simvastatin decreased hepatic and fecal lipids. In contrast to insulin + simvastatin treatment, all three doses of B. trimera effectively reduced AST and ALT levels. ConclusionB. trimera may be promising as a hepatoprotective agent against hepatic lesions that are caused by multiple risk factors.

Antiplasmodial, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Extracts from Selected Medicinal Plants Growing in Tanzania

This paper reports on the evaluation of antiplasmodial, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of extracts from eleven plant species traditionally used by some Tanzanian coastal communities for treatment of malaria, microbial infections and related ailments. Crude extracts from selected plant species namely Acacia zanzibarica, Danais xanthorrhoea, Diospyros loureiriana ssp. rufescens, Erythrina sacleuxii, Newtonia paucijuga, Pentas lanceolata, Scorodophloeus fischeri, Stuhlmannia moavi, Tarenna pavettoides, Tessmannia burttii and Toussaintia orientalis growing in Tanzania were investigated using an imaging-based assay (antiplasmodial), well diffusion and microplate dilution methods (antimicrobial) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) and brine shrimp larvae assays (toxicity). The extracts exhibited activities of varying potencies and cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 0.45 ± 0.09 to 75.70 ± 24.19 μg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 strain), MIC ranging from 0.25 to 2.0 mg/mL (against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans), LC50 ranging from 0.75 to 1000 μg/mL against brine shrimp larvae (Artemia salina) and IC50 ranging from 4.02 ± 1.05 to more than 289 μg/mL against HEK 293 cells. The observed bioactivities of some of the investigated plant extracts validate their ethnomedicinal use and are indicative of the presence of bioactive ingredients for further phytochemical investigations.

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Pittosporum floribundum Wight. &amp; Arn. – A Review

Objectives: Pittosporum floribundum Wight &amp; Arn. (Pittosporaceae) has been associated with many therapeutic claims, especially for its ethnomedicinal and economical uses. In this review, an extensive literature survey was carried out to compile information available about its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Ethnobotanical uses of P. floribundum reported in available books on ethnobotany and ethnomedicinal research articles have been compiled. The obtained data are arranged in a tabular form, enlisting its local names, their area of presence and parts used. Therapeutic indications, external or internal dosage form and usage of the drug are also noted.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: It was found that stem bark, leaves, and root of P. floribundum are used to combat itching, rheumatism, leprosy, sprain, eczema, arthritis, diabetes, chest pain and antidote for snake bite. Bark has maximum applications in leprosy, and sprain. The extracts of the different parts were subjected to phytochemical screening for the presence of phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, lignins, anthroquinones, steroids, tannins, saponins, fixed oils and glycosides. Studies have shown that the methanolic extract of bark having promising antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuropharmacological and behaviour activities.&#x0D; Conclusion: P. floribundum has multifaceted uses in varied aspects thus underlining its significance. Reported claimed anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activities can be further strengthened through pharmacological and clinical studies to establish the ethnic claims like leprosy, sprain, bruises, sciatica, pulmonary affection and phthisis.

The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissium (Linn) on 1, 2 - Dimethyl Hydrazine induced Colon Cancer in Male Wistar Rats

Background Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death world-wide. There is a steady increase in incidence over the past four decades in developing countries. This has been partly attributed to increasingly low intake of vegetables among other causes. Aims Therefore this study aims to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Ocimumgratissimum (OG) leaves (a staple vegetable) on experimental model of colon carcinogenesis induced with 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine (DMH). This is compared with celecoxib (a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) which is used in the chemoprevention of colon cancer. Methods Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: A to F, n=10. Group A was the normal control, Group B was given only DMH weekly for 16 weeks,Groups C, D and E were given graded doses of OG for two weeks prior to cancer induction by DMH. After which both OG and DMH were given for 16weeks. Group F received celecoxib daily for two weeks prior to cancer induction. Colonic wall was analysed grossly, histologically and biochemically. The induced lesions were staged investigated and staged using Duke’s Staging method. Results The result showed tumour incidence in groups B and C while no evidence of primary colonic tumour was observed in groups A, D, E and F. There was a dose dependent increase in the goblet cell count in the groups treated with OG with group E being statistically higher than group F. There was a significant reduction in collagen staining intensity (F = 129.74, p &lt; 0.0001) for the colonic wall in group B when compared to other groups. There was a decreased nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio in groups C, D, E and F when compared to group B. There was a significant increase in the concentration of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2in group B when compared to other groups D, E and F. Conclusion In conclusion, this research showed a protective effect of Ocimumgratissimum leaves on 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer which further corroborated its ethno-medicinal use.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials of Solidago virgaurea extract in alloxan-induced diabetes type 1

Objectives The aim of the current study is to investigate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials of Solidago virgaurea extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were orally administered a dose of Solidago virgaurea extract (250 mg/kg body weight) daily for 15 days. Then blood glucose, insulin, serum lipid profile, amylase, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), and liver glycogen were determined. Besides, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in pancreatic tissue were assessed. Results Solidago virgaurea extract significantly reduced blood glucose level, serum amylase activity, TNF-α level, and pancreatic MDA level as well as increasing the serum insulin, liver glycogen level, pancreatic SOD, and catalase activities in comparison with their corresponding diabetic rats, p < .05. Conclusion The findings of this study support the ethnomedicinal use of Solidago virgaurea extract as an antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Medicinal Plants as Potential Hemostatic Agents.

Medicinal plants with a variety of phytochemical ingredients remain a potential source for new drug discovery. The use of medicinal herbs in a wide range of diseases and symptoms, such as bleeding, is prevalent in traditional and ethno medicine worldwide. Thus, this work provides a comprehensive review of medicinal plants or their isolated compounds, with respect to their ethno-medicinal use, which have demonstrated the stimulating effect on the hemostasis process. The relevant studies were withdrawn from electronic databases including Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science with a structured search methodology. The total of 17 medicinal plants with hemostatic activity were extracted. The most frequently studied plant families were Compositae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae. Bioactive compounds exerting hemostatic activity included tannins, iridoid glycosides, glycoconjugate, lignan, saponins and phenolic compounds. The most attributed mechanisms include coagulation stimulation via increasing the factor XII activity and plasma fibrinogen levels, the fibrinolysis inhibition, vascular or smooth muscle constriction and platelet aggregation. The most important adverse effects of high dose extract or isolated compounds administration were hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This review provides a list of medicinal plants with hemostatic activity that could be used as valuable sources of new plant-based hemostatic agents. Furthermore, this could be practical in detecting possible interactions of plants with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, fibrinolytic and antifibrinolytic medications.

Molecular confirmation, constituents and cytotoxicity evaluation of two medicinal Piper species used by the Manobo tribe of Agusan del Sur, Philippines

The Manobo tribe in the Philippines is culturally rich in ethnomedicinal practices and known to use popular plants locally named as “Lunas” (meaning “cure”). One of these is “Lunas-bagon tapol” which was previously identified as Lunasia sp. (Rutaceae) based on vegetative morphology. The other species is “Lunas-buyo” which is similar in ethnomedicinal use and morphology. This broadly-based study verifies these two “Lunas”-named specimens and evaluates the phytochemicals present and cytotoxic properties. The sequences of nuclear ITS, and plastid rbcL, and matK were investigated for species identification. Molecular confirmation using BLASTn nucleotide database query revealed that the two confused “Lunas”-named specimens were members of Piperaceae and not Rutaceae. Phylogeny of Asian Piper using ITS sequences revealed “Lunas-bagon tapol” as Piper decumanum L. and “Lunas-buyo” as Piper aduncum L. with strong support (BS = 100 %). Both Piper species similarly showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins and fatty acids but the absence of cyanogenic glycosides. Also, P. decumanum has moderate amount of saponins while P. aduncum contains moderate amount of anthraquinones. A cytotoxic activity test using trypan blue exclusion method against normal lymphocytes from human blood showed low toxicity (91.9 % viable cells) for P. decumanum and mild toxicity (88.3 % viable cells) for P. aduncum when subjected to 1000 μg/ml of the stem ethanolic extracts. These results support the practical approach of molecular-based taxon identification and provide the biochemical and biological basis as to the constituents present and cytotoxic properties of these medicinal Piper species for future pharmacological research, conservation priorities and ecological management.

Comparative antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of four medicinal plants

Pathogenic microorganisms and oxidative stress have continuously threatened the wellbeing of humans. In this study, we determined the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bacteriocidal Concentration (MBC)/ Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of extracts of Eugenia uniflora, Cassia sieberiana, Laportea aestuans and Dysoxylum lenticellare against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were also evaluated. The 50% methanol extracts were obtained by maceration at room temperature (26-33 oC). The antimicrobial test was carried out by broth dilution assay using Streptomycin and Ketoconazole as positive controls while 50% methanol was used as the negative control. The antioxidant activities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) assays with ascorbic acid used as positive control. In antibacterial studies, E. uniflora was active against all test organisms. C. sieberiana had the lowest MIC against B. subtilis and MRSA. Dysoxylum lenticellare was only active against B. subtilis. In antifungal studies, E. uniflora and C. sieberiana were the only extracts active against C. albicans. In antioxidant studies, E. uinflora was the most active for DPPH and FRAP assays while C. sieberiana was the most active for TAC. In all antioxidant evaluations, E. uniflora was the most active followed by C. siebariana while L. aestuans was the least active. Eugenia uniflora had the best antimicrobial and antioxidant activities justifying its ethnomedicinal use in the treatment of microbial infections and free radical- induced conditions such as influenza, digestive disorders, and inflammations.Key words: Antimicrobial, Antioxidants, Medicinal plants, Minimum inhibitory concentration.

Newbouldia laevis improved glucose and fat homeostasis in a TYPE-2 diabesity mice model

Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv) has a long-standing ethnomedicinal use in the management of diabetes mellitus. However, no scientific evidence has established its potentials in the management of obesity dependent diabetes. This study aimed at filling the gap in knowledge about the antidiabetic activity of the leaf extract of N. laevis in a type-2 diabesity mice model. The ethanol leaf extract was subjected to liquid-liquid partitioning successively with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol to obtain respective fractions soluble in these solvents. The butanol (most active) fraction at 302 and 604mg/kg was further tested on high-fat diet STZ-NAD induced type-2 diabetic mice for 10 weeks with glibenclamide (10mg/kg) and pioglitazone (30mg/kg) as standards. The effect on food intake, body weight, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), oral fat tolerance test (OFTT), insulin secretion, insulin resistance and lipid profile were determined prior to treatment, mid-way and at the end of 10 weeks treatment. Higher food consumption was recorded in diabetic (D) animals on high-fat diet (HFD) compared to the normal diet (ND)-fed groups. Treatment of these diabetic mice on HFD with 604mg/kg of butanol fraction produced significant (p<0.05) reduction in body weights of these animals from the 2nd week to the 9th week. Ten weeks treatment with butanol fraction achieved a marked decrease in blood glucose and also an increase in fat clearance. Just like pioglitazone, treatment with butanol fraction at both 302 and 604mg/kg doses produced significant (p<0.05) decrease in HFD mediated elevation of serum insulin and a non-significant (p>0.05) increase in STZ-NAD mediated depletion of serum insulin. Butanol fraction at 604mg/kg also produced reduction in insulin resistance as indicated by significant (p<0.05) decrease in HOMA-IR value on the 5th and 10th week just like pioglitazone (30mg/kg). N. laevis exhibited wide actions in the regulation of glucose and fat homeostasis making it a potential novel agent for the management of diabetes, obesity and their likely associated complications.

Chemical Composition and Anti-proliferative Activity of Essential Oil from Rhizomes of Micropropagated Curcuma aromatica in Eastern India

The family Zingiberaceae have been used from centuries as spice ingredient and as traditional medicine in the Asian regions. Mostly gingers are important natural resources which provide many useful food products, spices, medicines, dyes and perfumes. In the present scenario aromatic medicinal plants are used for their vast compound activities and thereby their essential oil which is beneficial to anticancer activity. Therefore a large number of medicinal plants are well-known for their use in ethnomedicine and play a major role in Indian system of ayurvedic medicine. The present study aims for extraction of rhizome essential oil in micropropagated Curcuma aromatica followed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometery and its cytotoxicity activity study. In result a total of 7 compounds were identified where ar-tumerone as 36.86 % was found to be the major compound. This was followed by MTT assay method where the essential oil was assessed against human breast cancer cell line (MCF7). To validate the cytotoxicity activity, MCF7 cell line was treated against different concentrations of rhizome essential oils ranging from 6.25-100 μl respectively. The medicinally beneficial compounds present in the oil of micropropagated C. aromatica rhizomes alongwith its cytotoxicity activity confirms it to be used by pharmaceuticals for treatment of various diseases as well as for commercial purposes.

Comparative Investigation of PhysicoChemical Properties of Two Varieties of Palm Kernel Oil in Use in Ethno Medicine

Comparative Investigation of PhysicoChemical Properties of Two Varieties of Palm Kernel Oil in Use in Ethno Medicine

Tetrapleura tetraptera of Ghanaian Origin: Phytochemistry, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Plant Parts

Introduction: The role of medicinal plants in meeting the healthcare needs of the populace, particularly in developing countries cannot be overemphasized. They provide holistic treatment and wellbeing due to a plethora of phytochemicals found in them. Among such is Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. & Thonn.) Taub., a multipurpose tree plant with varied biological activities. The current study was aimed at assessing the basic phytochemical constituents, free radical scavenging activity as well as the antimicrobial effect on various solvent extracts of leaves, fruit and stem bark of T. tetraptera of Ghanaian origin. Materials and Methods: Aqueous, 50% hydroethanolic and methanolic extracts were made from the leaves, fruits, and stem bark of T. tetraptera. They were assessed for the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, antimicrobial activity as well as the spectroscopic properties (Ultraviolet – visible and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy). Compounds in the methanolic extracts were evaluated using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Tannins, reducing sugars, coumarins and flavonoids were present in all extracts while hydroethanolic and methanolic extracts were rich in phenols, tannins and flavonoids, especially for the stem bark. Leaf extracts had better antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Proteus mirabilis. Conclusion: Generally, leaves and stem bark extracts of T. tetraptera are rich in biologically active phytochemicals, supporting their use in ethnomedicine and could be exploited further for other biological activities.

Assessment of the antidiabetic potential of Pterocarpus santalinoides extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Purpose: To establish the pharmacological basis for the antidiabetic use of Pterocarpus santalinoides.Methods: Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were given graded doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of P. santalinoides extract (PSE) for 21 days. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, in vivo antioxidant assay, and lipid profile were determined.Results: Pterocarpus santalinoides extract at all doses tested caused significant (p < 0.05) reduction in FBG and significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight of treated rats when compared with the control. There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and high-density lipoprotein, while the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in PSE-treated rats.Conclusion: These results demonstrate the significant antidiabetic activity of P. santalinoides extract in albino Wistar rats, thus suggesting its potential application for the management of diabetes in humans, Furthermore, the findings may explain its use in ethnomedicine as an antidiabetic regimen.

Effect of ethanol extract of Telfairia occidentalis leaf on some biochemical parameters of 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine induced oxidative stress in albino rats

Abstract In this study, we attempt to verify the claim that the leaf-extract of Telfairia occidentalis can remedy oxidative damage condition as well as assess its phytochemical content. Fifteen male albino rats weighing 180 g to 240 g were randomly divided into three groups of five rats each. Group A was designated the control group while group B and C were both induced with 40 mg/kg body weight 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine. Group C was subsequently treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of T. occidentalis leaf for 21 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and serum of the samples were subjected to relevant tests. Result shows that the plant leaf contained saponin, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols whereas, terpenes, steroids and anthraquinones were not detected. The serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly elevated from 17.43 u/L and 28.40 u/L to 21.60 u/L and 34.27 u/L respectively. These were significantly lowered in the group C to 18.37 u/L and 29.23 u/L respectively for ALT and ALP. Also, a significant lowering of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was observed in the treated group (54.33 u/mg) from 79.40 u/mg recorded in the intoxicated group. Similarly, a significant decrease in malondialdehyde was observed in the treated group (25.80 u/mg) relative to the intoxicated group (35.87 u/mg). Moreover, catalase activity in the treated group (7.43 u/mg) was significantly lower compared with the intoxicated group. Our observation confirmed that ethanolic leaf extract of T. occidentalis reversed the oxidative damage condition in albino rats. The result confirms the ethnomedicinal use of the plant in the management of oxidative stress related diseases.

In Vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Different Solvent Extracts of Myrianthus libericus Stem Bark and Its Constituents in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice.

The emergence and resurgence of P. falciparum resistance to generations of antimalarial drugs have prompted the search for new, effective, and safe antimalarial agents. This study aimed at investigating the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of the 70% hydroethanolic extract and constituents of the stem bark of Myrianthus libericus based on its ethnomedicinal use as an antimalarial agent. The antiplasmodial activity was assessed in Swiss albino mice employing the 4-day suppressive and Rane's tests. MLB significantly (p < 0.0001) suppressed parasitaemia by 52.26%, 65.40%, and 77.11% at 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg−1 doses, respectively, in the 4-day suppressive test. In Rane's test, the highest parasitaemia suppression of 72.50% was recorded at a dose of 200 mg·kg−1 of the extract. Fractionation of the bioactive ethyl acetate fraction by solvent-solvent partitioning and column chromatography led to the isolation of friedelan-3-one and stigmasterol being reported for the first time from this species. The compounds demonstrated remarkable antiplasmodial activity by suppressing parasitaemia by 65–72% in the suppressive test and 61–70% in the curative test at doses of 10–30 mg·kg−1. Both the extract and the isolated compounds significantly prolonged the survival time of infected mice and averted the cardinal signs associated with P. berghei-induced malaria including weight loss, hypothermia, and haemolysis. The results obtained confirm the prospect of M. libericus as an important source of new antimalarial compounds and justifies its folkloric use as an antimalarial agent.