Ferdinandiana Fruit Research Articles

Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell. extracts reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine and PGE2 secretion, decrease COX-2 expression and down-regulate cytosolic NF-κB levels

Based on their high antioxidant capacity and noteworthy phytochemistry, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaves have attracted considerable recent interest for their therapeutic potential. Whilst those studies have reported a variety of therapeutic properties for the fruit, the anti-inflammatory potential of T. ferdinandiana has been largely neglected and the leaves have been almost completely ignored. This study investigated the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts by evaluating their inhibition of multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secretion in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated and unstimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using multiplex bead immunoassays and ELISA assays. The methanolic extracts were particularly good immune-modulators, significantly inhibiting the secretion of all the cytokines and chemokines tested. Indeed, the methanolic extracts completely inhibited IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, and MIP-2a secretion, and almost completely inhibited the secretion of TNF-α. In addition, the methanolic T. ferdinandiana extracts also significantly inhibited cytosolic COX-2 levels (by 87–95%) and the synthesis of the PGE2 (by ~ 98%). In contrast, the methanolic extracts stimulated LTB4 secretion by ~ 60–90%, whilst the aqueous extracts significantly inhibited LTB4 secretion (by ~ 27% each). Exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to the methanolic T. ferdinandiana extracts also significantly down-regulated the cytosolic levels of NF-κB by 33–44%, indicating that the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts may be regulated via a decrease in NF-κB transcription pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory properties for the extracts and provide insights into their anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Selected Australian Terminalia Species Extracts Inhibit β-Lactam Drug-Resistant Bacteria Growth and Potentiate the Activity of Conventional Antibiotics: Bioactivities and Phytochemistry.

Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell, Terminalia grandiflora Benth., Terminalia microcarpa Decne., and Terminalia muelleri Benth. (family: Combretaceae) belong to the genus Terminalia. Plants of this genus have been extensively used as traditional medicines to treat a variety of illnesses, including pathogen infections. However, we were unable to find any studies that have investigated the antibacterial activity of T. microcarpa. Similarly, whilst some preliminary studies have examined the antimicrobial properties of T. muelleri and T. grandiflora, they did not test the extracts against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study screens the antimicrobial activity of T. grandiflora, T. microcarpa, and T. muelleri and compares it to that of T. ferdinandiana extracts prepared from both the fruit and leaves against a range of pathogens, including multi-antibiotic-resistant strains. Solvents with varying polarities were used to extract different phytochemical constituents from the leaves of T. grandiflora, T. microcarpa, and T. muelleri and from the fruit and leaves of T. ferdinandiana. The aqueous and methanolic extracts each displayed significant antimicrobial activity when tested against the bacterial pathogens, including against the multidrug-resistant strains. When these extracts were tested in combination with selected antibiotics, some extracts potentiated the antimicrobial activity. This study identifies twelve synergistic, fifty-eight additive, and sixty non-interactive combinations, as well as thirty antagonistic effects. The extracts were evaluated for toxicity using the Artemia franciscana nauplii lethality assay (ALA) and were each classified as non-toxic, with the exception of the methanolic and aqueous T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts and the aqueous and ethyl acetate T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts. Metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) highlighted several flavonoids and tannins that may contribute to the antimicrobial activities reported herein. The potential antibacterial mechanism(s) of the T. ferdinandiana extracts are discussed in this study.

Adaptogen Technology for Skin Resilience Benefits

(1) Background: Skin undergoes constant changes, providing capabilities to repair and renovate its constituents once damaged and a fundamental shield to contrast environmental stress. Nevertheless, environmental stressors may overcome the skin’s protective potential inducing premature aging and accelerating the appearance of anaesthetic age-related skin aspects. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and pollutants (particulate matters, PAHs) contribute to skin aging and functional decline inducing harmful oxidative modifications of macromolecules and stress-related skin disorders. Innovative approaches to preserve skin are needed. (2) Methods: Skin keratinocytes were treated (or not) with a combination of ingredients (Lactobacillus plantarum extract, Withania somnifera root extract and Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract; “MIX”) in the presence or absence of stress (oxidative stress or pollution). The effects of the MIX adaptogen technology on (a) cellular resilience, (b) the regulation of cellular functions and (c) regeneration of skin were disclosed through expression proteomics and bioinformatics analyses first, and then through focused evaluations of protein carbonylation as a hallmark of oxidative stress’ deleterious impact and mitochondrial activity. (3) Results: The deleterious impact of stressors was evidenced, as well as the beneficial effects of the MIX through (a) mitochondrial activity preservation, (b) the “vigilance” of the NRF2 pathway activation, (c) NADPH production and protein homeostasis improvements, (d) preserving skin regeneration function and I the contrasting stress-induced oxidation (carbonylation) of mitochondrial and nuclear proteins. (4) Conclusions: The effects of the MIX on increasing cell adaptability and resilience under stress suggested a beneficial contribution in precision cosmetics and healthy human skin by acting as an adaptogen, an innovative approach that may be employed to improve resistance to harmful stress with a potential favourable impact on skin homeostasis.

Interactions Between Phytochemicals and Minerals in Terminalia ferdinandiana and Implications for Mineral Bioavailability.

Oxalic and phytic acid are phytochemicals considered to be anti-nutritional factors as they are predominantly found as oxalates and phytates bound to minerals like calcium and potassium. Studies have associated excessive oxalate consumption with increased urinary excretion of oxalate (hyperoxaluria) and calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, and excessive phytate consumption with decreased bioaccessibility and bioavailability of certain minerals and reduced utilization of dietary protein. However, other studies suggest that dietary consumption of phytate may be beneficial and inhibit formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. In light of these conflicting reports, dietary intake of oxalate and phytate enriched plants should be considered in relation to potential health outcomes following consumption. Terminalia ferdinandiana is one such plant and is investigated here with respect to oxalate, phytate, and mineral contents. Assessment of oxalate and phytate contents in T. ferdinandiana fruit, leaf, and seedcoat tissues through hydrolysis into acid forms revealed oxalic acid contents ranging from 327 to 1,420 mg/100 g on a dry weight (DW) basis whilst phytic acid contents ranged from 8.44 to 121.72 mg/100 g DW. Calcium content in the different tissues ranged from 131 to 1,343 mg/100 g. There was no correlation between oxalic acid and calcium, however a significant, positive correlation was observed between phytic acid and calcium (r = 0.9917; p < 0.001), indicating that tissues rich in phytic acid also contain higher levels of calcium. The high content of phytic acid in comparison to oxalic acid in T. ferdinandiana fruit found in this study and the dietary significance of this in terms of calcium bioavailability, needs to be investigated further.

Ascorbic acid potentiates the Giardia duodenalis growth inhibitory activity of pure Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell compounds.

Giardiasis, one of the most common causes of diarrhoeal disease, is caused by gastrointestinal protozoal parasites of the genus Giardia. Metronidazole is the most commonly used drug to treat giardiasis. However, metronidazole resistance is increasingly common, making the development of new anti-giardial drugs a high priority. A panel of 11 compounds previously identified in T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were investigated for the ability to inhibit G. duodenalis proliferation. Eight of the 11 compounds inhibited the growth of all three G. duodenalis strains. 2,3-Dihydroxyphenyl B-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (DPGA) was the most potent anti-giardial compound, with IC50 values as low as 126μM (38μg/mL). Notably, DPGA inhibited a metronidazole-resistant G. duodenalis strain with similar activity as determined for the metronidazole-sensitive strains. Furthermore, the activity of DPGA was greatly potentiated when it was tested in combination with ascorbic acid, to approximately 17μM (5μg/mL) for the metronidazole-sensitive G. duodenalis strains and 40μM (12mg/mL) for the resistant strain. The T. ferdinandiana tannins (gallic acid and chebulic acid) were moderate inhibitors of G. duodenalis growth when tested in combination with ascorbic acid, although they had only low levels of activity when tested alone. All of the tested compounds (and their combinations with ascorbic acid) displayed low toxic effects and all compounds are conformed to Lipinski's rules of 5 with few violations, indicating their potential as drug leads and chemotherapies for the treatment and prevention of giardiasis.

Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) as a Sustainable Indigenous Agribusiness

Kakadu Plum(Terminalia ferdinandiana) as a Sustainable Indigenous Agribusiness. In northern Australia, commercial use of plant products can provide Aboriginal people with important livelihood opportunities. Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell.) is a species endemic to northern Australia with exceptional phytochemical properties and industry applications. Aboriginal people have a long history of customary use of many parts of this plant, and as scientific research provides evidence for commercial applications, it is under increasing demand. It has the highest level of ascorbic acid of any fruit in the world and also commercially important antioxidants. This paper reviews the unique characteristics of T. ferdinandiana fruit as a commercial plant product, the people and landscapes in which it grows, and the current state of knowledge for building a successful agribusiness based on these factors. It demonstrates the great potential T. ferdinandiana has as a sustainable Indigenous business and identifies the important research and development gaps that need to be addressed. These include improved understanding of taxonomy, floral biology, and drivers of variability in the properties in T. ferdinandiana leaves and fruit; better understanding of aspirations of Aboriginal suppliers for participation in the agribusiness supply chain; and specific supply chain models that suit Aboriginal suppliers of T. ferdinandiana to service a range of potential national and international markets.

Terminalia ferdinandiana Fruit and Leaf Extracts Inhibit Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Growth.

The development of multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria has vastly depleted our repertoire of effective antibiotic chemotherapies. The development of multi-β-lactam-resistant strains are particularly concerning due to our previous reliance on this class of antibiotics because of their initial efficacy and broad-spectrum activity. With increases in extended-spectrum β-lactam-resistance and an expanded resistance to other classes of antibiotics, there is an urgent need for the development of effective new antibiotic therapies. Terminalia ferdinandiana is an endemic Australian plant known for its high antioxidant and tannin contents. T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts have strong antibacterial activity against a wide variety of bacterial pathogens. However, T. ferdinandiana extracts have not been tested against ESBL and MRSA antibiotic-resistant pathogens. An objective of this study was to screen T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts for bacterial growth inhibitory activity by disc diffusion assay against β-lactam-sensitive and -resistant E. coli strains and against methicillin-sensitive and -resistant S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was quantified by liquid dilution techniques. The fruit methanolic extract, as well as the methanolic, aqueous, and ethyl acetate leaf extracts strongly inhibited the growth of the MRSA, with MICs as low as 223 µg/mL. In contrast, the extracts were ineffective inhibitors of ESBL growth. Metabolomic fingerprint analysis identified a diversity and relative abundance of tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids, several of which have been reported to inhibit MRSA growth in isolation. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia nauplii and HDF toxicity assays, further indicating their potential for medicinal use.

Antioxidant Rich Extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana Inhibit the Growth of Foodborne Bacteria.

Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) is a native Australian plant containing phytochemicals with antioxidant capacity. In the search for alternatives to synthetic preservatives, antioxidants from plants and herbs are increasingly being investigated for the preservation of food. In this study, extracts were prepared from Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit, leaves, seedcoats, and bark using different solvents. Hydrolysable and condensed tannin contents in the extracts were determined, as well as antioxidant capacity, by measuring the total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging activity using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Total phenolic content was higher in the fruits and barks with methanol extracts, containing the highest TPC, hydrolysable tannins, and DPPH-free radical scavenging capacity (12.2 ± 2.8 g/100 g dry weight (DW), 55 ± 2 mg/100 g DW, and 93% respectively). Saponins and condensed tannins were highest in bark extracts (7.0 ± 0.2 and 6.5 ± 0.7 g/100 g DW). The antimicrobial activity of extracts from fruit and leaves showed larger zones of inhibition, compared to seedcoats and barks, against the foodborne bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration in response to the different extracts ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy images of the treated bacteria showed morphological changes, leading to cell death. These results suggest that antioxidant rich extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruits and leaves have potential applications as natural antimicrobials in food preservation.

Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell. Extracts inhibit the growth of body odour-forming bacteria.

Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts are potent growth inhibitors of many bacterial pathogens. They may also inhibit the growth of malodour-producing bacteria and thus be useful deodorant components, although this is yet to be tested. Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaf solvent extracts were investigated by disc diffusion and liquid dilution MIC assays against the most significant bacterial contributors to axillary and plantar malodour formation. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Non-targeted HPLC separation of the methanolic leaf extract coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectroscopy was used for the identification and characterization of individual components in the extract. The T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts were the most potent bacterial growth inhibitors. The leaf methanolic extract was particularly potent, with low MIC values against C. jeikeium (233 μg mL-1 ), S. epidermidis (220 μg mL-1 ), P. acnes (625 μg mL-1 ) and B. linens (523 μg mL-1 ). The aqueous and ethyl acetate leaf extracts were also potent growth inhibitors of C. jeikeium and S. epidermidis (MICs < 1000 μg mL-1 ). In comparison, the fruit extracts were substantially less potent antibacterial agents, although still with MIC values indicative of moderate growth inhibitory activity. All T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts were non-toxic in the Artemia franciscana bioassay. Non-biased phytochemical analysis of the methanolic leaf extract revealed the presence of high levels of and high diversity of tannins and high levels of the flavone luteolin. The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts and their potent growth inhibition of axillary and plantar malodour-producing bacteria indicate their potential as deodorant components.

GC-MS headspace analysis of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts which inhibit Bacillus anthracis growth

Background: Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) is an endemic Australian plant with an extremely high antioxidant capacity. The fruit has long been used by the first Australians as a nutritional food and as a medicine and recent studies have reported its potent growth inhibitory activity against a broad panel of bacteria. Despite this, T. ferdinandiana extracts are yet to be tested for the ability to inhibit the growth of Bacillus anthracis. Materials and Methods: Solvent extracts were prepared using both the fruit and leaf of Kakadu plum. The ability to inhibit the growth of B. anthracis was investigated using a disc diffusion assay. Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. The most potent extracts were investigated using non-targeted GC-MS head space analysis (with screening against a compound database) for the identification and characterisation of individual components in the crude plant extracts. Results: Solvent extractions of T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf displayed good growth inhibitory activity in the disc diffusion assay against B. anthracis. Fruit ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf extracts were particularly potent growth inhibitors, with MIC values of 451 and 377μg/mL respectively. The fruit methanolic and chloroform extracts, as well as the aqueous leaf extracts also were good inhibitors of B. anthracis growth, albeit with lower efficacy (MIC values of 1800 and 1414 μg/mL respectively).The aqueous fruit extract and leaf chloroform extracts had only low inhibitory activity. All other extracts were completely devoid of growth inhibitory activity. Furthermore, all of the extracts with growth inhibitory activity were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay, with LC50 values >1000 μg/mL. Non-biased GC-MS phytochemical analysis of the most active extracts (fruit ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf) putatively identified and highlighted several compounds that may contribute to the ability of these extracts to inhibit the growth of B. anthracis. Conclusions: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana fruit ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf extracts, as well as their potent growth inhibitory bioactivity against B. anthracis, indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of anthrax.

Growth Inhibitory Activity of Kakadu Plum Extracts Against the Opportunistic Pathogenclostridium Perfringens: New Leads in the Prevention and Treatment of Clostridial Myonecrosis.

Introduction: Clostridium perfringens is the etiological agent of clostridial myonecrosis and enteritis necroticans. Infections result in exotoxin production, tissue necrosis and unless promptly treated, may result in death. Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit has documented therapeutic properties as a general antiseptic agent. Fruit extracts have been reported to inhibit the growth of an extensive panel of pathogenic bacteria. Leaf extracts have also been shown to block the growth of several bacterial species associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Methods: T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf solvent extracts were investigated for growth inhibitory activity by disc diffusion assay against a clinical strain of Clostridium perfringens. Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Active extracts were analysed by non-targeted HPLC-QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against 3 compound databases) for the identification and characterisation of individual components in the crude plant extracts. Results: Methanolic and aqueous T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts, as well as the leaf ethyl acetate extract, displayed growth inhibitory activity in the disc diffusion assay against C. perfringens. The leaf extracts were generally more potent growth inhibitors than the corresponding fruit extracts, although the aqueous fruit extract had substantially greater efficacy than the aqueous leaf extract. The methanolic and ethyl acetate leaf extracts were particularly potent growth inhibitors, with MIC values of 206 and 117 μg/ml respectively. The fruit methanolic extract also displayed good efficacy, with an MIC of 716 μg/ml. In contrast, the chloroform and hexane extracts of both fruit and leaf were completely devoid of growth inhibitory activity. All T. ferdinandiana extracts were either nontoxic or of low toxicity in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Non-biased phytochemical analysis of the methanolic and ethyl acetate leaf extracts revealed the presence of high relative levels of a diversity of galloand ellagi- tannins. Conclusion: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana extracts and the potent growth inhibitory bioactivity of the leaf methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts against C. perfringens indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of clostridial myonecrosis and enteritis necroticans. Metabolomic profiling studies indicate that these extracts contained a diversity of tannins.

Kakadu plum fruit extracts inhibit growth of the bacterial triggers of rheumatoid arthritis: Identification of stilbene and tannin components

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which can be triggered in genetically susceptible individuals by Proteus spp. infections. Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit extracts were investigated by disc diffusion assay against reference and clinical strains of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris and their MIC values were determined. Polar extracts displayed potent antibacterial activity against the bacterial triggers of rheumatoid arthritis, with MIC values as low as 32 µg/ml (methanolic extract against the P. mirabilis reference strain). The aqueous extract was also a potent inhibitor of Proteus growth (MIC values <300 µg/ml against all bacterial species). Whilst substantially less potent, the ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts also displayed moderate to good inhibition (as determined by MIC) against both P. mirabilis strains. All T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia franciscana bioassay. The most potent extract (methanolic extract) was analysed by HPLC-QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against 3 compound databases). Five stilbenes and 7 tannins were identified in the methanolic extract. The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts and their potent inhibitory bioactivity against some bacterial triggers of rheumatoid arthritis indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of this disease.

Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts as inhibitors of Giardia duodenalis proliferation: a new treatment for giardiasis.

Giardisis is a debilitating disease caused by gastrointestinal parasites of the genus Giardia. High-antioxidant T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were investigated for the ability to block Giardia duodenalis growth. Methanolic and aqueous extracts had the most potent growth inhibitory activity (IC50 values of approximately 700 and 140μg/ml, respectively). Ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts also inhibited G. duodenalis growth, albeit with lower potency. The hexane extract was completely devoid of G. duodenalis growth inhibitory activity. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Nontargeted HPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectroscopy (with screening against three compound databases) putatively identified 17 compounds in all of the inhibitory extracts but not in the inactive hexane extract. The low toxicity of the Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extracts and their potent G. duodenalis growth inhibitory bioactivity indicate their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of this disease.

GC-MS and LC-MS analysis of Kakadu plum fruit extracts displaying inhibitory activity against microbial triggers of multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease which can be triggered in genetic susceptible individuals by Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit has documented therapeutic properties as a general antiseptic agent. Extracts prepared from the leaves have also been shown to block several microbial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. This study examines the ability of Kakadu plum fruit extracts to inhibit some microbial triggers of multiple sclerosis. Methods: T. ferdinandiana fruit solvent extracts were investigated by disc diffusion assay against reference and clinical strains of A.baylyi and P. aeruginosa. Their MIC values were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Active extracts were analysed by non-targeted HPLC-QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against 3 compound databases) and by GC-MS (with screening against 1 compound databases) for the identification and characterisation of individual components in crude plant extracts. Results: Methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts displayed potent antibacterial activity in the disc diffusion assay against the bacterial triggers of multiple sclerosis (A.baylyi and P. aeruginosa). The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts had the most potent growth inhibitory activity, with MIC values less than 1000 µg/ ml against A. baylyi and P. aeruginosa (both reference and clinical strains). In comparison, the water extract was substantially less potent. Neither the chloroform nor hexane extracts inhibited the growth of any of the bacterial strains tested. All T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Non-biased phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extract revealed only low levels of the tannins gallic acid and chebulic acid and no other tannins. Conclusion: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts and their potent inhibitory bioactivity against the bacterial triggers of multiple sclerosis indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of this disease. Phytochemical studies indicate that this activity is likely to be due to phytochemicals other than tannins.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity and toxicity of Terminalia ferdinandia fruit extracts

Introduction:Terminalia ferdinandiana is an endemic Australian native plant with a history of use as a food and as a medicinal agent by indigenous Australians. Yet the medicinal bioactivities of this plant are poorly studied. In the current study, solvent extracts from T. ferdinandiana fruit pulp were tested for antimicrobial activity and toxicity in vitro. Results: All extracts displayed antibacterial activity in the disc diffusion assay. The methanol extract proved to have the broadest specificity, inhibiting the growth of 13 of the 14 bacteria tested (92.9%). The deionised water extract inhibited the growth of 11 of the 14 bacteria tested (78.6%). The ethyl acetate, chloroform and hexane extracts inhibited 21.4%, 28.6% and 14.3% respectively. T. ferdinandiana methanolic extracts were approximately equally effective against Grampositive (100%) and Gram-negative bacteria (90%). All other extracts were more effective at inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. The water, ethyl acetate, chloroform and hexane extracts inhibited the growth of 100, 50, 50 and 50% Gram-positive bacteria respectively. In contrast, they inhibited the growth of 70, 10, 20 and 0% Gram-negative respectively. All T. ferdinandiana extracts were either non-toxic (ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane) with no significant increase in mortality induction, or of low toxicity (LC50 >1000 μg/ml) (methanol, deionised water) in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Conclusions: The low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity against bacteria validate Australian Aboriginal usage of T. ferdinandiana and indicates its medicinal potential as well as its potential as a source of natural ascorbic acid.

Eco–Enterprises and Terminalia ferdinandiana: “Best Laid Plans” and Australian Policy Lessons

Eco–Enterprises and Terminalia ferdinandiana : “Best Laid Plans” and Australian Policy Lessons. This paper reviews practical policy lessons from trade in a dietary supplement (or nutraceutical) processed from Terminalia ferdinandiana (Combretaceae), which contains extremely high levels of natural ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Most production is from wild harvest by Aboriginal people, who get USD 14 per kilogram (kg) for picked, sorted fruit. However, the main Australian company involved is struggling to get the 12 tons/year it requires, and could market much more. Although Aboriginal people ideally should benefit economically from harvest of T. ferdinandiana, there are major challenges to this objective, including Australia’s high labor costs compared to Asia, Africa, and Latin America where T. ferdinandiana can be grown. In addition, although Australia is a signatory to and plays a leading role in the international Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), this has meant little in practice so far. “Cultural branding” and certification of organic, wild harvested T. ferdinandiana fruit collected by Aboriginal people working in partnership with commercial companies offers a possibility for Aboriginal people to continue to benefit from wild harvest or enrichment plantings. However, even the establishment of commercial horticultural production within Australia faces several challenges. For Australia to maintain and develop the international market, future development of this bush food must include: (a) implementation of existing international and national policies on protection of genetic resources; (b) formation of a producer association to increase production efficiencies; (c) functioning partnerships between Aboriginal producers and commercial partners that guarantee and expand reliable supply and develop cultural branding and certification as marketing tools; and (d) scientific research into improving T. ferdinandiana fruit yields and production methods, based on improved resource management and efficient processing methods.