Geigeria Alata Research Articles

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants in Melit area (North Darfur), Western Sudan

BackgroundThe documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State.MethodEthnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level.ResultsA total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus.ConclusionThis is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties.

Geigeria alata- a potential source for anti-Alzheimer’s constituents: In vitro and computational investigations

Antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors play a key role in the prevention and management of degenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease in particular. Identifying new anticholinesterases from natural sources may contribute to combating this class of diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-Alzheimer’s activity of Geigeria alata (DC), a plant used in Sudanese folkloric medicine. Accordingly, the whole DC plant extract including twenty phytoconstituents of phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin types was evaluated in vitro as antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. As well, their pharmacokinetics, drug likeliness, and toxicity profiles were assessed. Additionally, the virtual binding of the plant’s phytoconstituents with the cholinesterase target was investigated by docking against two AChE X-ray crystallographic structures. The best effective DPPH radical scavenging activity was demonstrated by both ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions with percentages of inhibition of 91 ± 0.02% and 90 ± 0.02% (IC50 22 ± 0.01 and 66 ± 0.02 µg/mL), respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction showed statistically significant, and the highest AChE inhibitory activity (78% inhibition, IC50 0.246 ± 0.02 mg/mL). Furthermore, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin values. Among identified compounds, quercetin and hispidulin showed promising in silico anti-AChE activity and hence merit further studies for the isolation and characterization of these active constituents.

Antimalarial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of 14 medicinal plants from Sudan

Fourteen plants endogenous to Sudan were selected to evaluate their total phenolic content, antioxidant, antimalarial and cytotoxicity potential in the present work. Extracts were prepared by maceration of each plant material in chloroform: methanol (C: M; 1:1 v/v) mixture. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the radical scavenging effects against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric-reducing (FRAP) capacity. The antiplasmodial activity was determined using the NF54 strain of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>. Cytotoxicity was evaluated towards human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116), human hormone-sensitive and invasive breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), and human hormone-resistant breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), in addition to endothelial normal EAhy-296 cell line. Results showed that the plants' total phenolic and flavonoid contents were variable. Of the 14 plant species, only <i>Burnatia enneandra</i> showed high <i>in vitro</i> antiplasmodial activity (IC<sub>50</sub> 5758 ɳg/mL). Some plants possessed considerable free radical scavenging ability and reducing power. <i>Coccinia grandis</i> fruit extract (IC<sub>50</sub> 13.23 ± 0.51 μg/mL) and <i>Geigeria alata</i> root extract (IC<sub>50</sub> 35.54 ± 0.27 μg/mL) displayed the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity, respectively. <i>Striga hermonthica</i> whole plant extract exhibited the highest FRAP reducing power (107.15 ± 0.11 nmol Fe+2 eq./mg). At a 100 μg/mL concentration, <i>Dioscorea hirtiflora</i> bulb extract displayed the highest cytotoxicity (74.23 ± 03.72%), followed by <i>Mitragyna inermis</i> fruit extract (65.28 ± 04.60%) against HCT-116 cell line. <i>Aerva javanica</i> leaf extract showed toxicity to the MDA-MB-231 cell line (50.82 ± 07.46%) at 100 μg/mL. The current study results showed that endogenous medicinal plants might represent a rich source of natural antioxidant, antimalarial and antitumor agents.

Trans-3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid from Geigeria alata Benth. & Hook.f. ex Oliv. & Hiern with beneficial effects on experimental diabetes in animal model of essential hypertension

Geigeria alata Benth. & Hook.f. ex Oliv. & Hiern (Asteraceae) is used in Sudanese folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. The study aimed to estimate the acute oral toxicity of trans-3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) from G. alata roots and to assess its antihypeglycemic, antioxidant and antihypertensive effects on chemically-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The structure of 3,5-diCQA was established by NMR and HRMS spectra. Type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. 3,5-diCQA was slightly toxic with LD50 = 2154 mg/kg. At 5 mg/kg 3,5-diCQA reduced significantly (p < 0.05) the blood glucose levels by 42%, decreased the blood pressure by 22% and ameliorated the oxidative stress biomarkers reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, and serum biochemical parameters. The beneficial effect on antioxidant enzymes was evidenced by the elevated glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase activitiy in the livers of diabetic animals. 3,5-diCQA prevents the histopathological changes related to diabetes and hypertension. 3,5-diCQA was more potent α-glucosidase inhibitor (IC50 27.24 μg/mL) than acarbose (IC50 99.77 μg/mL). The antihyperglycemic action of the compound was attributed to the α-glucosidase inhibition. The beneficial effects of 3,5-diCQA on streptozotocin-induced diabetic hypertensive rats support the traditional use of G.alata for the management of diabetes.

Anti-glycating and anti-oxidant compounds from traditionally used anti-diabetic plant Geigeria alata(DC) Oliv. & Hiern.

A new sesquiterpene lactone geigerianoloide (1) and four known flavonoids axillarin (2), quercetin (3), 3-methoxy-5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-flavone (4) and hispidulin (5) were isolated from Geigeria alata (DC) Oliv. & Hiern. (Asteraceae). Structures were deduced using 1H- and 13C- NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, while the structure of compound 1 was also deduced using X-ray crystallography technique.Geigeria alata is traditionally used for diabetes, therefore compounds were tested for anti-glycation activity, in which compounds 2 and 3 showed potent activities (IC50 values of 246.97 ± 0.83 and 262.37 ± 0.22 µM, respectively) compared to IC50 value 294.50 ± 1.5 µM of rutin. Moreover, compound 4 exhibited a comparable activity to rutin (IC50 = 293.28 ± 1.34 µM). Compound 5 showed a weak activity.Compounds 2, 3, and 4 exhibited potent DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.1 ± 0.00, 0.13 ± 0.00 and 0.15 ± 0.01 µM, respectively). Compounds 2, 3, and 4 demonstrated significant superoxide anion scavenging activity with IC50 values of 0.14 ± 0.001, 0.17 ± 0.00, and 0.11 ± 0.006 µM, respectively.

Free radical scavenging, \u03b1-glucosidase inhibitory and lipase inhibitory activities of eighteen Sudanese medicinal plants

BackgroundLifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes are steadily increasing worldwide. In Sudan, there are a variety of plant species used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and other symptoms which need to be validated through scientific studies for their claimed traditional uses. Therefore, in the current study, the free radical scavenging activity, α-glucosidase inhibitory and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of 70% ethanol and water extracts of eighteen Sudanese medicinal plants were investigated using various in vitro assays. Moreover, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were assessed for the bioactive plant extracts.MethodsEighteen plants were selected on the basis of their traditional uses and extracted with 70% ethanol and water to obtain thirty-six extracts. The obtained extracts were screened using different in vitro bioassays namely, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibitory and pancreatic lipase inhibitory assays. Furthermore, the active plant extracts were investigated for their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on HeLa cell line using HCS DNA Damage Assay.ResultsBoth 70% ethanol and water extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Abrus precatorius, and Geigeria alata along with the 70% ethanol extract of Martynia annua showed potent free radical scavenging activity. Regarding the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, both extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Geigeria alata, and Cyperus rotundus showed potent activity. In general, 70% ethanol extracts were more potent compared to water extracts with exception of Cordia sinensis and Cymbopogon proximus, for which water extracts also showed potent enzyme inhibitory activity. Similarly, water extracts of Acacia nilotica and Ziziphus spina-christi showed potent inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase enzyme. Some of the extracts also showed significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity at the concentration range used for bioactivities.ConclusionThe extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Geigeria alata, Martynia annua and Abrus precatorius exhibited an appreciable range of activity on antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory assays.

In Vitro Antileishmanial Activity of Helianthus annuus and Pulicaria crispa (Asteraceae)

Leishmaniasis which is a neglected tropical disease is a global health problem. The treatment options are limited. They are either toxic or expensive. This study was conducted to test some medicinal plants belonging to Asteraceae family against Leishmania donovani promastigotes. Five plants have been selected: Helianthus annuus leaves, Pulicaria crispa aerial parts, Geigeria alata aerial parts, Acanthospermum hispidum aerial parts and Sonchus oleraceus leaves. H. annuus and P. crispa petroleum ether and chloroform extracts showed significant antileishmanial activity at 50 μg/mL in the general screening test, whereas the other three plant extracts showed significant antileishmanial activity in only one solvent system. H. annuus and P. crispa were further tested at doses range of 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 μg/mL. The IC50 for petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of H. annuus were 4.5 and 3 μg/mL respectively. While the IC50 for petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of P. crispa were 4.9 and 3.75 μg/mL respectively. Thin layer chromatography for the active extracts of H. annuus and P. crispa has revealed the high similarity in their chemical composition which explains the similarity of their antiparasitic activity.

HPLC-UV and LC-MS Analyses of Acylquinic Acids in Geigeria alata (DC) Oliv. & Hiern. and their Contribution to Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Capacity.

Geigeria alata is a traditional plant used in Sudanese folk medicine for treatment of diabetes, cough, epilepsy and intestinal complaints. To analyze phenolic acids in Geigeria alata roots and leaves and to evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Phenolic acids in the aqueous-methanol extracts were identified by LC-MS. Major compounds were isolated using low-pressure liquid chromatography. The quantitative analysis of phenolic acids was performed by a validated HPLC-UV method with limits of detection ranging from 0.04 to 0.57μg/mL. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazine-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were used for antioxidant activity evaluation. In addition, the minimal inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi were determined by the broth microdilution test. For the first time protocatechuic, caffeic, p-coumaroylquinic, caffeoylsinapoylquinic, caffeoylferuloylquinic, three feruloylquinic, six caffeoylquinic acids, and a caffeic acid hexoside were detected in Geigeria alata roots by LC-MS. HPLC-UV analyses showed that 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (25.96±2.08mg/g dry weight (DW)) was the most abundant phenolic acid in roots, while 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (8.99±0.56mg/g DW) was the main compound present in leaves. 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid demonstrated stronger radical scavenging activity and reducing power compared with the crude extracts and the positive control 5-caffeoylquinic acid. 3,4,5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid revealed the highest antibacterial potential against the penicillin sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, as well as methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The caffeoylquinic acids content of up to 6.22% in Geigeria alata roots establishes this species as a new source rich in these bioactive molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of plant maturity stage on digestibility and distance walked for diet selection by goat at north Kordofan State, Sudan

The main objective was to study grazing behavior of goats; diet selection, nutritive value, digestibility of range plant and body gained at flowering and seed setting stage at September and November 2010 respectively in El-khuwei locality (El Rosa). A completely randomized design was used (CRD). Sampling was done by two stage flowering and seed sating stage were selected diets and feed intake locating a 2000 x 2000 m plots. The average weights gains during the flowering and seed setting stage were 17 and 18.28kg respectively. Goats during the flowering stage was preference on bite counts of the different species, however highly (P < 0.0001) at the flowering and least during the seed setting stage. Goat preference ranked Bano (Eragrostis tremula) , Huskneet ( Cenchrus biflorus) , Difra ( Echinocloa colonum) , leflef ( Luffa aegyptiaca) , Gaw ( Aristida spp. ) , Fisiya ( Fimbristyls hispidula) , Himeira (Hymenocardia acida) , Nuida ( Sida cordofolia) , Tmrfar ( Oldenlandia senegalensis) and Aboelrakhus ( Andropogon gayanus ) , while Gadgad ( Geigeria alata) , Buid ( Commelinia subulata) , Simeima ( Sesamum alatum) , Abodaib ( Ceraotheca sesamoid) and Rabaa ( Zalea spp) least than that. A significant higher (P < 0.001) goats selective feed intake, in vitro dry matter digestibility, dry matter, organic matter and crude protein higher at flowering stage and lowers during the seed setting stage. However; ash contents and crude fiber of plants were significantly higher at the seed setting stage. Body weight gain was significantly highest during the flowering stage, while the distance walked by goats for diet search was significantly longest during the seed setting stage. It was concluded that flowering stage beneficially goats highly preference and selectivity different species, feed intake and inviter dry matter digestibility and body weight gained. The seed setting stage was highly ash contents, crude fiber distant walked Availability, palatability, selectivity, digestibility, distant walked and body weight gains.

Effects of protection system and grazing seasons on goats’ nutrition in El Rosa, North Kordofan State, Sudan

The range grazing and distance walked for diet selection and nutritive value were studied in close and open range systems at the flowering and seed setting stages during the September and November 2009 respectively in El-khuwei locality (El Rosa). A completely randomized design was used (CRD). Sampling was done by two stage flowering and seed sating stage under protected and open range systems were selected diets and feed intake locating a 2000 x 2000 m plots. The average weights gains during the flowering and seed setting stage were 23.25 and 26.82kg respectively. Goat preference on bite counts of the different species significantly higher (P < 0.001) at flowering stage ranked leflef Luffa aegyptiaca , Aborakhus Andropogon gayanus, Bano Ergrostis tremula, Difra Echinocloa colonum , Huskneet Cenchrus biflorus and Himeira Hymerocardia. Whil Gadgad Geigeria alata, Gaw Aristida sp , Umfraredo Schoenofeldia gracilis , Fisiya Fimbristyls hispidula and browses Usher Calotropis procera least than that. A significant higher (P < 0.001) goats selective feed intake, in vitro dry matter digestibility dry matter, organic matter and crude protein higher in the protecte range at flowering stage and lowers in the open range at seed setting stage. However; highly ash contents and crude fiber in the open range system during the seed satting stage and least than that. The distance walked by goats for diet search was significantly longest in the open range system during the seed setting stage. Body weight gain was significantly highest during the flowering stage. It was concluded that at flowering stage higher goats preference on bite counts of the different species and body weight gain. However; feed intake, in vitro dry matter digestibility dry matter, organic matter and crude protein in the protecte range. During the seed satting stage were higher ash contents, crude fiber and distance walked by goats for diet search in the open range system.

The antidiabetic effect of Geigeria alata is mediated by enhanced insulin secretion, modulation of β-cell function, and improvement of antioxidant activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In Sudanese folk medicine, Geigeria alata roots have been used for the management of diabetes for a long time. However, its antidiabetic activity is unreported. In this study, G. alata methanolic extract was tested for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, and β-cell modulatory effects in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. In this model of diabetic rats, the oral glucose tolerance test with G. alata extract at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg doses revealed the efficacy of the 250 mg/kg dose in improving glucose tolerance comparable to the standard drug glibenclamide. Diabetic rats were treated with a 250 mg/kg dose of G. alata extract orally for 2 h (acute) or 14 days (chronic). In the case of acute treatment, the extract lowered blood glucose levels significantly at 120 min both in nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Chronic treatment of diabetic rats with 250 mg/kg of G. alata extract resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose level closer to that of nondiabetic rats. Interestingly, increased serum insulin, improved β-cell function, and antioxidant status were observed in G. alata-treated diabetic rats. G. alata also showed strong antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities in in vitro assays. These data show direct evidence that G. alata has antidiabetic activity and suggest that the antidiabetic activity is due to enhanced insulin secretion, modulation of β-cell function, and improvement of antioxidant status.

Geigeria alata in the Namib desert: seed heteromorphism in an extremely arid environment

Abstract. Seed heteromorphism in annual Geigeria alata in the Namib Desert was investigated in relation to environmental conditions. Geigeria alata shows heteromorphism in seed dispersal distance depending on the position of the seeds on the parent plant. Seeds produced in capitula on branches (aerial) travel long distances, while seeds produced at the base of the plant remain in the vicinity of the parent plant. The ratio of aerial to basal seed production was investigated under different environmental conditions following an aridity gradient. Although there were significant differences in seed and capitula production between seasons and between different positions on the plant, no overall trend was found with increasing aridity.

Seed bank dynamics — longevity, viability and predation of seeds of serotinous plants in the central Namib Desert

Longevity, viability and predation of seeds were studied over 2 years in Aptosimum spinescens (Scrophulariaceae), Blepharis grossa (Acanthaceae), Geigeria alata, G. ornativa (Asteraceae), Petalidium setosum and P. variabile (Acanthaceae). The majority of seeds were stored on parent plants of the study species, apart from G. alata which showed a dimorphic seed dispersal mode. A decline in viability was found in two species ( G. alata and G. ornativa ) during the study period. Seed losses to Coleoptera and Diptera larvae ranged on average from 16% ( P. setosum ) to 25% ( B. grossa ). In this study the degree of serotiny was related to life form. Seed viability was related to seed characteristics rather than to the method of seed storage.

Variability in life history parameters of four serotinous plants in the Namib Desert

Plants growing in extreme habitats, such as deserts, are expected to show high plasticity (variability) in life history parameters to compensate for the unpredictability of their environment. In this study variability in life history parameters and possible sources of variability were investigated in four serotinous (= seed retaining) plant species from the Namib Desert.Blepharis grossa, Geigeria alata, Geigeria ornativa andPetalidium setosum were studied in a mosaic of spatio-temporal environmental conditions represented by three sites and three rain seasons. The coefficient of variation and whether or not significant differences occurred between environmental conditions were used to determine the most variable species and parameters. The most variable species was the strictly annualB. grossa, which might be related to its life form strategy and poor competitive ability as a pioneer species. Life history parameters which responded most frequently to varying environmental conditions were source pool, flowering time and seed production. Seedling density was influenced by the source pool and intensity of rainfall, seedling establishment by timing and intensity of rain events, as well as by seed mass. Although it was expected that high within population variability in life history parameters would also result in a response to differing environmental conditions, there was no direct correlation. Variable responses in life history parameters in most species were caused by differences in site condition as well as by differences in seasons, especially with regard to timing and intensity of rain events.

Microhabitat differentiation among serotinous plants in the Namib Desert

Abstract. Four coexisting serotinous desert plants in the central Namib were investigated with respect to microhabitat preferences. The annual Blepharis grossa preferred the microhabitat on the plains, while the perennial Petalidium setosum dominated in channels. The remaining two species, the common Geigeria alata and the rare Geigeria ornativa, were evenly distributed in all microhabitats. Interspecific competition, seed dispersal mode and ecophysiological niches might be responsible for this pattern.