Gomphrena celosioides Mart. (Amaranthaceae) is a medicinal plant with documented pharmacological activities; however, sustainable strategies for metabolite production remain limited. This study presents the first integrated comparison between wild plants and callus-derived extracts from purple-(PFV) and white-(WFV) flower varieties through phytochemical and biological evaluations. Callogenesis was successful in both varieties, PFV exhibited superior induction frequencies (41.67% in AMT11 and 19.44% in AMT43). Phytochemical analysis revealed that PFV yielded a 45% higher relative abundance of gomphrenol compared to WFV, while callus cultures showed up to a 49% increase in relative gomphrenol abundance. Four compounds are reported for the first time in G. celosioides: 3-O-α-L-rhamnosyl-(1→6)-β-D-galactopyranoside, spinasterol, stigmast-7-en-3β-ol, and malic acid. Notably, extracts restored IMQ-induced keratinocyte proliferation to baseline, with efficacy comparable to dexamethasone. Cytotoxicity was generally low; however, hexane extracts from WFV-callus exhibited higher toxicity (. These findings highlight callogenesis as a promising and sustainable biotechnological strategy for metabolite enhancement and bioactivity modulation.

This study evaluated the effects of globe amaranth leaf meal (GALM) - based diets on the growth performance, blood characteristics, hormonal profile and reproductive performance of rabbits. Forty growing rabbits (mean body weight: 1500±0.02 g/rabbit) were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments after equalizing for body weight and sex using a completely randomized design (CRD), with eight rabbits per treatment. Experimental diets were formulated such that dietary treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 had 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% GALM inclusion levels, respectively. The rabbits were subjected to 60 days initial feeding trial after initial 14 days adjustment period for the determination of growth performance traits, during which blood was collected at the commencement and at the end of the feeding trial for haematopoietic assays. Thereafter, rabbits were allowed to attain sexual maturity and kept further for another 60 days for evaluation of reproductive performance. All results were subjected to one- way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant mean values were separated. Results showed that growth performance traits showed no significant (p>0.05) effect of dietary treatments, GALM did not depress feed intake (66.23 – 69.23 g/rabbit/day) and weight gain (8.59 – 10.49 g/rabbit/day) and no mortality was recorded. The haematological parameters showed significant (p<0.05) effect of diets, except for white blood cell counts (7.74-8.64 ×109/L), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (21.20-26.00 pg) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (37 – 38 g/dl) at the end of the feeding trial. All haematological parameters were within normal clinical ranges for healthy rabbits. Serum biochemical indices showed significant (p<0.05) effect of diets on most parameters, except aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (21.00 – 28.33 IU), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (17.00- 19.67 IU) and triglycerides (1.60 – 1.90 mmol/L) at the end of the feeding trial compared to the baseline values. The hormonal profile showed significant (p<0.05) differences between dietary treatments, except estradiol (46.50 – 49.50 pg/L). Reproductive performance traits of rabbits were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by diets in terms of litter size at birth (1.00 - 3.50) and average birth weight of kittens (151.60 - 295.00 g/kitten). Reproductive performance was not depressed. The study concluded that globe amaranth leaf meal (GALM) up to 20 % inclusion levels in diets could enhance feed intake and weight gain, blood characteristics, hormonal profile and reproductive performance of rabbits. Agricultural extension agents should educate rabbit farmers on the feeding potentials of globe amaranth leaf meal and the recommended level of inclusion. Key words: Globe amaranth, blood, environment, extension, growth, hormone, rabbit, reproduction

Abstract. Gomphrena celosioides Mart. has been widely used for the treatment of gout in Vietnam. A bio-guided isolation of xanthine oxidase inhibitors revealed that sesuvioside A, the main constituent in the butanol fraction of the aerial parts of G. celosioides, is a potential anti-gout compound. The anti-gout activity of sesuvioside A, a main constituent isolated from the butanol fraction for the first time was further extensively investigated using in vitro biological assays, including inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, nitric oxide (NO), intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines productions. The obtained results indicated that sesuvioside A exhibited inhibitory activity against XO and NO production with the IC50 values of 31.6 µM and 18.3 µM, respectively. At concentration of 40.0 µM, the compound significantly reduced iROS level and the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in the lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages. A molecular docking study revealed that sesuvioside A strongly binds to the targets XO and p-38 MAPK with the estimated energy of -10.55 kcal/mol and -9.78 kcal/mol, respectively. In conclusion, sesuvioside A from the aerial parts of G. celosioides is a new dual anti-gout agent by expressing its inhibitory effects on XO activity and inflammatory targets. The traditional use of G. celosioides as a remedy for gout was supported by the findings in this study. Resumen. La Gomphrena celosioides Mart. Es muy usada en Vietnam para el tratamiento de la gota (hiperurisemia). A través de un proceso de aislamiento bio-dirigido de inhibidores de la xantina oxidasa (XO), se identificó que el sesuviósido A, el constituyente principal de la fracción butanólica de las partes aéreas de G. celosioides, es un compuesto que mostró actividad farmacológica y es candidato para el desarrollo de medicamentos contra la hiperurisemia. La actividad del sesuviósido A —aislado por primera vez como principal componente de dicha fracción— fue investigada extensamente mediante ensayos biológicos in vitro, incluyendo la inhibición de la actividad de la XO, la producción de óxido nítrico (NO), especies reactivas de oxígeno intracelulares (iROS) y citoquinas proinflamatorias. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que el sesuviósido A presentó actividad inhibitoria sobre la XO y la producción de NO, con valores de IC₅₀ de 31,6 µM y 18,3 µM, respectivamente. A una concentración de 40,0 µM, el compuesto redujo significativamente los niveles de iROS y la producción de las citoquinas proinflamatorias TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-8 en macrófagos inducidos por lipopolisacáridos. Un estudio de acoplamiento molecular reveló que el sesuviósido A se une fuertemente a los blancos moleculares XO y p38 MAPK, con energías estimadas de -10,55 kcal/mol y -9,78 kcal/mol, respectivamente. En conclusión, el sesuviósido A, aislado de las partes aéreas de G. celosioides, representa un nuevo agente anti-gota dual, al ejercer efectos inhibitorios tanto sobre la actividad de la XO como sobre blancos inflamatorios. Los hallazgos de este estudio respaldan el uso tradicional de G. celosioides como remedio para la gota.

We studied the short-term dynamics of the occurrence of alien plant species in a South African savanna. Within the MOSAIK (Monitoring Savanna Biodiversity in the Kruger National Park) project, plant species were recorded in a representative set of 60 plots, 50 m × 50 m in size, across the entire KNP in 2019–2020, distributed to cover a range of savanna habitats, i.e. perennial rivers, seasonal rivers and dry crests. The sampling focusing on alien plants was carried out in the same plots in 2024 and the changes in distribution patterns that occurred over the 4–5 years since the first sampling were assessed. In the first sampling period, 23 alien species were recorded and, in the second sampling, 20 were recorded; this gives a total of 25 alien species over the whole period of 2019–2024. In the recent survey, Alternanthera pungens, Conyza bonariensis, Gomphrena celosioides, Bidens biternata and Achyranthes aspera were most widespread, present in at least 10 plots. Using log-linear models, we showed that the total number of alien species records in plots did not significantly differ between the two sampling periods, indicating the absence of trends in species richness for the alien flora of KNP. There was a highly significant effect of habitat, with sites at perennial rivers harbouring more alien species than those at seasonal rivers and on crests. We also found a marginally significant interaction of habitat and sampling period, reflecting that the dry crests currently harbour fewer aliens than in 2019–2020. The frequency of some of the most invasive KNP species, such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Xanthium strumarium and Opuntia stricta, remained basically the same. However, Conyza bonariensis is an alien species that was quite rare in studied plots in 2019–2024, but its presence dramatically increased and it became widespread and locally abundant beyond the surveyed plots in some parts of KNP. Although not too successful until a few years ago, this species represents a future plant invasion threat in KNP.

Abstract In this study, the investigation of xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide formation inhibitory activities of three compounds isolated from aerial part of Gomphrena celosioides, a folk medicinal plant for treatment of gout disease, is reported. The isolated compounds were determined based on NMR and ESI‐MS spectra, they are umbellatosides B, 20‐hydroxyecdysone, and 20‐hydroxyecdysone‐20,22‐monoacetonide. Biological activity results indicated that three compounds showed great activities, in which, umbellatosides B has good activity with IC50 value of 33.78 ± 0.49 and 19.55 ± 0.61 µm for xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide inhibitory activities, respectively. This is the report on the xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide inhibitory activities of three compounds that were first time isolated from the G. celosioides.

Gomphrena celosioides, popularly known as perpétua, perpétua brava, bachelor´s button and prostate globe amarahth, is used for the treatment of urinary tract disorders, kidney stones, for skin diseases, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, this plant has therefore a potential for use in cancer prevention. Given the above, the present research aimed to evaluate the carcinogenic effect of the ethanolic extract of G. celosioides (EEGc) in an alternative model of Drosophila melanogaster and the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects in Swiss mice. The larval survival test and the detection of epithelial tumor clones were performed in D. melanogaster. The tested EEGc concentrations were 0.96, 1.92, 3.85 and 7.70 mg/mL. In Swiss mice, the genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of doses of 100, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/Kg were evaluated. The results showed that EEGc at a concentration of 7.70 mg/mL reduced (p<0.05) larval survival. However, EEGc was not carcinogenic, and the lowest concentration (0.96 mg/mL) prevented (p<0.05) the basal occurrence of epithelial tumors. In mice, EEGc at the highest dose (2,000mg/Kg) increased the frequency of genomic lesions (p<0.05). Yet, none of the doses caused chromosomal lesions (p>0.05). When associated with cyclophosphamide, EEGc was antigenotoxic (p<0.05). The percentages of reduction of genomic damage ranged from 33.39 to 63.23% and of chromosomal damage from 20.00 to 77.19%. In view of the above, it is suggested that EEGc is not carcinogenic, has an antigenotoxic effect and chemopreventive properties.

Evaluation of botanicals for the management of Meloidogyne incognita infecting carrot and volatile nematicidal metabolite profiling

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate in vitro hypoglycemic and free radical scavenging activities of some medicinal plants including Ficus glomerata (FG), Pandanus amaryllifolia (PaA), Artocarpus altilis (AA), Gomphrena celosioides (GC) and Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP). Alpha-amylase inhibitory assay was examined by dinitrosalicylic acid reaction. Glucose uptake assay was investigated by LO-2 cell model. DPPH and ABTS+ scavenging assays were performed by spectrophotometry. Cell viability was determined by MTT method. It was found that the extracts including FG, PaA, AA, GC and GP were able to inhibit alphaamylase activity up to 38.4 ± 4.2%, 47.8 ± 4.3%, 49.3 ± 3.5%, 40.1 ± 4.4% and 38.5 ± 3.8%, respectively. Moreover, glucose adsorption and glucose uptake capacity of these extracts were evidenced. In addition, free radical scavenging activity of these extracts was indicated in a range of 30.6-54.5% for DPPH radical and 31.8-51.1% for ABTS+ radical. Especially, these extracts exhibited no cytotoxicity effect on human hepatic LO-2 cells and human gastric BGC-823 cells at the concentration of 100 μg/ml. The results indicated that A. altilis leaves were effective in inhibiting alpha-amylase activity, increasing glucose adsorption and glucose uptake and scavenging free radicals. Therefore, it could be suggested to be a promising hypoglycemic agent for managing type 2 diabetes.

Gomphrena celosioides is a native Brazilian plant found in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. It is used in folk medicine to treat kidney diseases, skin diseases, infections, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, and respiratory diseases. It is also used as an abortifacient. To evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of Gomphrena celosioides (EEGc) on reproductive performance, embryo development, and chromosome stability, Swiss mice were randomly divided into experimental groups (n = 10). The animals in the control group received the vehicle Tween 80-1% in the proportion of 0.1 mL/10 g of body weight orally, from the first to the 18th gestational day. The animals in the treatment groups received the EEGc (100, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) from the first to the 18th gestational day. The animals underwent evaluations of their reproductive performance and embryofetal development. The results showed that the EEGc did not change the animals' final weight, weight gain, uterine weight, or net weight gain. The evaluation showed that the absolute and relative organs' weights did not vary between the different experimental groups. In addition, the EEGc did not change the numbers of implants, live fetuses, dead fetuses, or fetal resorptions. There were no differences in post-operative loss rates, implantations, or resorptions, nor were there differences in fetal viability or sex ratio. The use of the EEGc did not result in different frequencies of malformations. In addition, the EEGc did not alter the frequency of chromosomal damage or frequency of micronuclei. Based on our findings, we considered the extract of Gomphrena celosioides to be safe for use during pregnancy, although some parameters indicated caution in its use.

Preclinical safety evaluation of the ethanolic extract from the aerial parts of Gomphrena celosioides Mart. in rodents

The protective activities of Gomphrena celosioides on Aspirin-induced alterations in biochemical markers were investigated in the kidney and liver of Wistar rats. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were assessed to determine biochemical alteration in the kidney, while total bilirubin and direct bilirubin concentrations were assessed to determine biochemical alteration in the liver. Four groups of rats were used. In group 1, the control rats were treated with 1% Gum Acacia solution. Group 2 was treated with Aspirin at 200 mg/kg b.w alone. Group 3 was treated with Aspirin at 200 mg/kg b.w and G. celosioides at 500 mg/kg b.w while Group 4 received G. celosioides at 500 mg/kg b.w. All the administration and treatment lasted for 7 days. A significant increase (P &lt; 0.05) in the concentrations of serum creatinine (69.60 ± 4.16 mg/dl), total bilirubin (38.36 ± 5.33 mg/dl), direct bilirubin (15.17 ± 2.22 mg/dl) and blood urea nitrogen (27.05 ± 4.85 mg/dl) was observed in the rats treated with 200 mg/kg b.w aspirin. There was significant decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in the concentrations of creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and blood urea nitrogen in the rats in group 3 (59.58 ± 2.972 mg/dl, 31.41 ± 6.22 mg/dl, 11.09 ± 1.40 mg/dl, 13.12 ± 0.67 mg/dl) and in rats in group 4 (53.2 ± 1.16 mg/dl, 32.19 ± 3.36 mg/dl, 13.49 ± 4.06 mg/dl, 10.63 ± 3.16 mg/dl) when compared with rats in group 2. While there was no significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference when compared with group 1 (control) (52.20 ± 3.25 mg/dl, 30.75 ± 1.23 mg/dl, 12.46 ± 1.12 mg/dl, 7.29 ± 2.07 mg/dl). The results reveal that G. celosioides can provide significant protection against biochemical alterations in aspirin-treated rats.

BackgroundPlants with an ethnobotanical history are known to harbor diverse group of endophytic fungi, which constitute major natural sources of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi from eight Nigerian ethnomedicinal plants. Endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of Acalypha ornata, Albizia zygia, Alchornea cordifolia, Chrysophyllum albidum, Ficus exasperata, Gomphrena celosioides, Millettia thonningii, and Newbouldia laevis.MethodsEndophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of selected plants via surface sterilization. Isolated fungi were identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) sequence analysis. Pure fungal strains were subjected to fermentation process on solid rice medium and metabolites extracted using ethyl-acetate. Fungal crude extracts were screened for antioxidant activity using 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reduction of ferric ion assays. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was used to identify the major chemical constituents in active fungal extracts.ResultsA total of eighteen fungal endophytes with fungal codes CU (061 and 062); ZA (161, 162, 163, and 164); LO (261); CA (041, 042, and 043); FE (081, 082, and 084); GE (091); MO (211 and 212); and NA (021 and 022) were isolated from the eight ethnomedicinal plants A. ornata, A. zygia, A. cordifolia, C. albidum, F. exasperata, G. celosioides, M. thonningii, and N. laevis respectively. ZA 163 and MO 211 fungal extracts showed significant (p < 0.05) radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 50.53 ± 0.01 and 86.69 ± 0.02 μg/ml respectively. Fungal extract CA 041 demonstrated significantly (p < 0.01) higher iron chelating activity than standard gallic acid with absorbance values of 0.803 and 1.107 at 250 and 500 μg/ml concentrations respectively. Pyrogallol, phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy-, phytol, dl-alpha-tocopherol, alpha-tocospiro, oleamide, methyl stearate, oleic acid, palmitic acid, campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, urs-12-en-24-oic acid, 3-oxo-, methyl ester, lup-20(29)-en-3-one, and lupeol were detected in the selected active extracts.ConclusionThese results showed that leaves of the selected Nigerian plants harbor diverse group of endophytic fungi, which can be potential antioxidant resource.Graphical abstract

The stoichiometric characteristics of Alternanthera philoxeroides with different invasive degrees and their comparison with the coexisting species Gomphrena celosioides

In this study, separation of chemical compounds using Thin layer chromatography technique revealed close relationship between the studied members of the newly constructed family Amaranthaceae Juss. (s.l.). 68% of the calculated affinities between the studied species are above 50% which is an indication for close relationships. 90% is the chemical affinities reported between Chenopodium murale and three species of the genus Amaranthus despite of their great morphological diversity. Among the selected members of the chenopodiaceae, Chenopodium murale and Suaeda monoica are the most closely related species to all of the studied Amaranthaceae . 60%-88% and 54%-88% chemical affinities were reported for the two species with the Amaranthaceae members respectively. GC-Mass analysis of methanolic extracts of the studied species identified 20 compounds common between different species. 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-,2-hydroxy-1 and 7-Hexadecenal,(Z)- are the major components common between Amaranthus graecizans, Digera muricata Aerva javanica Gomphrena celosioides of the historical family Amaranthaceae and Suaeda monoica Salsola vermiculata Chenopodium murale Cornulaca monocantha of the historical family Chenopodiaceae, Most of the identified compounds are of pharmaceutical importance such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory , and Anti-cancerous. KEYWORDS: Chemical affinity; TLC; GC- Mass analysis; Amarancaceae; Chenopodiaceae

Traditional plant used for treatment of diabetes has shown a surging interest in the last few decades. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of 70% (v/v) ethanolic extracts of several untested herbal sources, such as papaya leaves, papaya seeds, fig fruits, fruits of Xanthium strumarium, and leaves of Gomphrena celosioides on blood glucose levels of streptozocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice. The results proved that diabetic mice treated with the extracts of papaya seeds, papaya leaves and fig fruits showed significant reduction of the blood glucose levels at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight when compared to control. Antihyperglycemic activity of the papaya leaves (52.38%) and papaya seeds extracts (53.16%) were significantly higher than the extract of fig fruits (27.90%). Furthermore, the α-amylase inhibition assay showed that the extracts of papaya seeds (58,63 ± 0,06 μg/ml), papaya leaves (34,28 ± 0,06 μg/mL) and fig fruits (79,24 ± 0,83 μg/mL) exhibited 50% α-amylase inhibition activity at the mentioned concentrations. The α-glucosidase IC50 of the extracts of the papaya seeds, papaya leaves and fig fruits were found to be 24.36 ± 0,29, 27,60 ± 0,43 and 106,44 ± 1,54 respectively. The results of the study indicate the potential of these extracts to manage hyperglycemia. The histopathological study of the papaya seeds extract has shown to ameliorate the streptozocin-induced histological damage of islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.

In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract bioactive compounds from Gomphrena celosioides Mart. Central composite face design (CCF) was used to optimize the influences of extraction factors on total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH-RSC). The results obtained showed that all factors (solvent to solid ratio, extraction time and extraction temperature) strongly affected TPC, TFC, and DPPH-RSC. The optimal extraction conditions for TPC (3.123 mg GAE/g DW), TFC (1.736 mg QE/g DW), and DPPH-RSC (64.118%) were solvent to solid ratio of 27.3/1 (mL/g), extraction time of 40.2 min, and extraction temperature of 69 oC. In addition, under the optimal conditions, the results pointed out that the experimental values agreed with those predicted. Hence, this model has successfully optimized the extraction conditions for TPC, TFC and DPPH-RSC of Gomphrena celosioides extract.&#x0D; &#x0D; KEY WORDS: Antioxidant activity, CCF, Flavonoids, Model, Phenolic compounds, Regression equation&#x0D; &#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 237-248&#x0D; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.3

Five compounds (1 -– 5) were isolated from the leaves of Gomphrena celosioides Mart species harvested in Nam Dinh province and studied by chromatographic method. These compounds were identified as cleomiscosin A(1), dictyoceratin- C (2), ilimaquinone (3), bruceolline F (4), and neodactyloquinone (5). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These compounds were isolated from the leaves of G. celosioides for the first time. All compounds were evaluated for their hypoglycemic activity in PTP1B inhibition and glucose uptake into 3T3-L1 adipocytes enhancement models. Results showed that compound 5 produced maximum effect with PTP1B inhibitory activity of 80.39 ± 6.88%, IC50 = 42.78 ± 2.86 μM, as well as the strongest ability to enhance glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Weed infestation is a major factor attributed for the poor yield of soybean. Field experiments were therefore conducted to evaluate the influence of row spacing and weed control methods on weed dynamics, seed yield and profitability of soybean. The use of 50 cm row spacing reduced the density and biomass of grass weed species including Digitaria horizontalis, Panicum maximum, Cynodon dactylon and Paspalum scrobiculatum with subsequently higher soybean dry matter, seed yield, revenue and marginal returns compared to 75 and 100 cm row spacing. However, some broad-leaved weed species like Commelina benghalensis, Gomphrena celosioides and Amaranthus spinosus were not controlled at 50 compared to 75 and 100 cm row spacing. Regardless of row spacing, herbicide (butachlor) application plus hoe weeding reduced total weed density and biomass with subsequently higher soybean dry matter, seed yield, revenue and marginal returns than two hoe weedings or sole herbicide application. The result suggests that narrow row spacing of 50 cm and integrated weed control by butachlor plus hoe weeding will improve weed control efficiency, productivity and profitability of soybean.

Gomphrena celosioides Mart is used traditionally for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and related diseases in Asia and Africa. The study evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm potentials of G. celosioides against β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The leaves, twigs, flowers and a combination of all plant parts of G. celosioides were extracted with hot water and acetone. Antibacterial activity was investigated through spectrophotometric and p-iodonitrotetrazolium chloride colorimetric methods. The crystal violet staining method was employed to determine the biofilm inhibition ability of the extracts. Safety levels of the extracts was evaluated against Vero monkey kidney cells through the MTT colorimetric assay. No antibacterial activity was displayed by any of the water extracts against tested organisms. However, all acetone extracts showed good antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) from 0.04 to 0.31 mg/mL. This corresponded to minimum percentage bacteriostatic activity ranging from 50.5 to 90%, showing a dose dependent pattern. All extracts including the water extracts, which did not show any sign of antibacterial activity at the highest concentration tested, showed promising anti-biofilm activity above 50% against all strains at the planktonic and biofilm formation stages. However, activity exhibited by the acetone extracts against E. coli at 0 and 24 h was weak. The tested MICs of acetone extracts including ciprofloxacin in the proliferation assay were more active against the organisms at 24 h except for S. aureus where all samples were more active at 18 h. A selectivity index between 0.61 and 4.75 showed that the extracts are relatively safe. Following the promising biological activity observed in this study, future studies such as identification of active constituents, mechanisms of action and in vivo evaluations are required.

Native plants growing on heavy-metal-contaminated sites are the potential candidates for phytoremediation of contaminated sites due to their tolerance and adaptation to toxic environment. For better application of the technology, in-depth knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of these plant species are essential. In this study, anatomical changes in roots and leaves of various plant species growing on Pb-contaminated sites as well as osmolytes (proline, PR; glycine betaine, GB; and phenolics, PH) production and distribution in different plant parts were investigated. The soil and plant samples were collected in triplicates from two different Pb-contaminated sites, while control plants were collected from the University of Ibadan. The plants were washed and partitioned into different parts for anatomical and biochemical studies, and soil adhering to the roots of different plant species was collected for the determination of Pb contents. Sporobolus pyramidalis, Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindrica, Eleusine indica, Gomphrena celosioides, Rhinconspora corymbosa and Echinochloa colona are the plant species common to these contaminated sites. Though with variations based on the site, thick epidermis and sclerenchyma, pronounced and numerous vascular bundles as well as trichomes were some of the anatomical characteristics of these metallophytes from contaminated sites compared to their counterparts from uncontaminated site. These plants also produced PR, GB and PH, with PH being the highest followed by PR and GB. Accumulation in different parts of the plants also varied depending on the plant species and the osmolyte. They were more in the leaf than other plant parts. Among the plant species, Sporobolus pyramidalis had the highest value of proline (3.26 and 2.63µg/g FW) and glycine betaine (3.44 and 2.23µg/FW) in the leaf and stem, respectively, followed by Cynodon dactylon having 2.20 and 0.89µg/g FW proline and 2.02 and 0.94µg/g FW glycine betaine. On the Pb accumulation in plant, more lead (Pb) was found in the roots than other plant parts. Gomphrena celosioides accumulated the highest Pb (4537.50 and 1081.50mg/kg) in the root and shoot, respectively, followed by Eleusine indica (3988 and 699.00mg/kg), while the lowest values were recorded for Echinochloa colona (36.87 and 5.97mg/kg). In rhizospheric soils, G. celosioides had the highest Pb content (34,405.00mg/kg) which was higher than other rhizospheric soils. In conclusion, phenolics were produced more in these metallophytes and all the osmolytes were more in leaf than root. Anatomical modifications in response to heavy metal exposure differed between plant species and level of contamination. Lead accumulation in plant also varied depending on plant species.