Honey Extracts Research Articles

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Curing Some Diseases in Infants in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in curing some diseases in infants in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was carried out between February and June, 2012. Ethnobotanical data were collected by oral interview with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire administered to fifty (50) respondents made up of traditional medical practitioners (TMPs), herbalists and herb sellers. From the survey, a total of 63 plant species belonging to 33 families were found to be useful in the treatment of cold, malaria, fontanel, diarrhoea, typhoid, chicken pox, measles and small pox. Recipes used in the treatment of these ailments were documented. Herbal remedies were either prepared from dry or freshly collected plants while the traditional solvents of choice includes water, pure honey, lime and aqueous extracts from fermented maize. The methods of preparation were decoction and infusion while method of administration ranges from 1 drop to 1 teaspoonful daily. Survey revealed that leaves form the major part of plant for herbal preparations. Residents in the study area find the traditional medicine cheaper as compared to orthodox medicines. It is therefore implicated that efforts should be made on how to improve on documentation, conservation and standardization of the medicinal plants in Nigeria. Also, attention of the scientists and health officials should be drawn to the importance and various uses of the medicinal plants and they should intensify on the research to reveal other concealed values.

Efficacy of Herbal Drugs in Human Diseases and Disorders

According to a ballpark figure by World Health Organization, more than three-quarters of population of the developing nations exploit herbal medicine for their primary health care. Herbal drugs and their constituents have advantageous effects on long-term fitness and can be used to efficiently treat human diseases or disorders. In veracity, herbs frequently include various active ingredients that imaginably have drug allying commotion in the body. Bringing into play, herbs are often more affordable than procuring expensive contemporary pharmaceuticals to take care of ailments. A large number of herbs have proved their usefulness in managing various illnesses. Latest advances in biology and medicine have introduced new technologies to study the biological significance of herbal drugs in various human diseases and disorders. Hence it is important to understand the mechanism(s) of herbal drug action for the knowledge and development of successful therapies. The current special issue brings together several exciting papers defining the efficacy of herbal drugs in an assortment of human diseases and disorders. J. Li et al. have tested the effects and mechanism of Bufei Yishen formula (BYF) in a rat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model and provided the basis for mechanisms of BYF on COPD and new therapeutic drug targets. X. Yu et al. have reported the treatment of Si-Jun-Zi decoction, a famous Chinese medicine that promotes the restoration of intestinal function after obstruction by regulating intestinal homeostasis. Tong xinluo (TXL), a Chinese herbal compound, has been used in China with traditional therapeutic efficacy in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). N. Zhang et al. demonstrated that TXL successfully inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in DN, which may account for the therapeutic efficacy in TXL-mediated renal protection. W. Zhang et al. explored the effects of Jian-Pi-Zhi-Dong decoction (JPZDD) on Tourette syndrome (TS) by investigating the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its type A receptor (GABAAR) in the striatum of a TS mice model induced by 3,3′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) treatment. It was revealed that JPZDD alleviates TS symptoms which may be associated with GABAAR expression downregulation in striatum thereby controlling GABA metabolism. TZQ-F has been traditionally used as a traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of diabetes. H. Yuhong et al. compared the pharmacologic effects and gastrointestinal adverse events between TZQ-F and acarbose in Chinese healthy volunteers. T. Numata et al. reported the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the traditional Japanese herbal medicine Saikokeishikankyoto in survivors of the great east Japan earthquake and tsunami. The traditional medicine may be a valid choice for the treatment of psychological and physical symptoms in PTSD patients. Y. Ewnetu et al. evaluated the synergetic antimicrobial effect of Ethiopian honey and ginger powder extract mixtures on standard and resistant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The combination has the potential to serve as cheap source of antibacterial agents especially for the drug resistant strains. Herbs are now gaining much attention as the main source of effective drugs for lowering serum lipids and lipid peroxidation. M. Rafieian-kopaei et al. assessed the impact of Ferulago angulata on serum lipid profiles and on levels of lipid peroxidation in male Wistar rats. Administration of a hydroalcoholic extract reduces the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL comparable to atorvastatin (a standard lipid lowering drug). A-J. Lee et al. investigated the absolute counts and percentages of peripheral blood (PB) lymphocyte subtypes in end-stage cancer patients before and after localized radiotherapy (RT) and after oral administration of Bojungikki-tang water extract (BJITE) and to evaluate the changes mediated by RT and BJITE. It was observed that immune deterioration occurs after RT and administration of BJITE was found effective in its restoration. T. Shimizu provides a good overview of efficacy of Kampo medicine (KM) in treating atopic dermatitis (AD). KM is a traditional herbal medicine in Japan and has a long history and plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases including AD. Y. Ma et al. explored the efficacy of herb-partitioned moxibustion in patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (DPIBS) and suggest it as a promising, efficacious, and well-tolerated treatment for patients. Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed extract containing transresveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) and other derivatives exerts diverse beneficial effects. H. Konno et al. reported melinjo seed extract decreases serum uric acid levels in nonobese Japanese males regardless of insulin resistance and may improve lipid metabolism by increasing HDL cholesterol. We anticipate that readers and scientific fraternity working in the area of herbal drugs will find not only the updated review on the subject but also a compilation of precise data on the efficacy of herbal drugs in some lifestyle diseases and disorders with their suggested mechanism of action. Suaib Luqman Syed Ibrahim Rizvi Andre-Michael Beer Sunil Kumar Khare Pinar Atukeren

Hypolipidemic action of chrysin on Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in female C57BL/6 mice

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid, natural component of traditional medicinal herbs, present in honey, propolis and many plant extracts. The objective of this study was to investigate the hypolipidemic properties of chrysin on Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia in female C57BL/6 mice. Triton WR-1339 was administered intraperitoneally (400 mg/kg) to overnight-fasted mice to develop acute hyperlipidemia. Chrysin was administered orally (10 mg/kg) 30 min before Triton WR-1339. At 24 h after Triton WR-1339 injection, blood samples were collected to measure plasma lipid levels. The hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl content, non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) levels, as well as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were recorded. Chrysin administration significantly decreased total cholesterol levels. In addition, it partially decreased non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides levels in plasma of hyperlipidaemic mice. In addition chrysin administration prevented the increase on TBARS levels and prevented the decrease in SOD activity induced by Triton WR-1339. These findings indicated that chrysin was able to decrease plasma lipids concentration and that its antioxidant properties was, at least in part, involved in the hypolipidaemic action of chrysin.

PHENOLIC COMPOSITION AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF BRAZILIAN HONEYS

The antioxidant activities and polyphenolic levels of assa peixe, cambara, and morrao de candeia Brazilian honeys were investigated. Phenolic extracts of 11 honeys were evaluated spectrophotometrically to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and their antioxidant activities were measured using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection was applied to determine the phenolic composition of the honey extracts. The presence of fourteen phenolic compounds was established (eleven phenolic acids and three flavonoids), as well as HMF and abscisic acid. Principal component analysis was applied to classify the honey samples according to their floral origins.

Preliminary studies on different extracts of some honey bee products

The aim of present study was to compare the phytochemical composition of different extracts of bee pollen, propolis and honey and to analyse the best solvent for maximum phytochemicals extraction. These preliminary studies are significant in locating the pharmacological bioactive compounds in different extracts of bee products. The tests showed greater number of constituents present in bee pollen and propolis as compared to honey. The concentration of these bioactive constituents was greater in ethanolic extract of propolis and water extract of bee pollen and honey. Ethanolic extract of propolis showed higher concentration of tannins and glycosides. Bee pollen had more concentration of saponins, flavonoids and proteins in water extract. Reducing sugars and carbohydrates were present in larger amount in water extract of honey. These studies will be useful to select the best solvent for honey, pollen and propolis for various research purposes.

Biological activity of propolis-honey balm in the treatment of experimentally-evoked burn wounds.

Medicines of biogenic origin with micro-organic, regenerative and analgesic properties are becoming more and more significant in the treatment of burn wounds. These properties are found in apitherapeutics such as propolis and honey—products collected and processed by a honey bee. Their effect on the course of the healing processes is multidirectional. The aim of the study was a histopathological and biochemical analysis of the processes of scar formation in experimentally evoked burn wounds in white pigs treated with the 1% and 3% Sepropol balms containing standardized extracts of propolis and honey. The results were compared with the therapeutic effects obtained with dermazin cream (1% silver sulfadiazine). The level of collagen was determined in the wounds treated with 1% and 3% Sepropol and compared with the collagen level in healthy skin and wounds treated with dermazin. Granulation and regenerated epithelium formation times were compared, with the 3% Sepropol being by far the most effective. The 3% Sepropol also increased the collagen level to 116% with the control sub-groups scoring between 80% and 98%. The results show the healing process of burn wounds in pigs treated with the Sepropol balm starts earlier and has a faster course than the standard dermazin therapy.

Combined antibacterial activity of stingless bee (Apis mellipodae) honey and garlic (Allium sativum) extracts against standard and clinical pathogenic bacteria

ObjectiveTo investigate the synergic antibacterial activity of garlic and tazma honey against standard and clinical pathogenic bacteria. MethodsAntimicrobial activity of tazma honey, garlic and mixture of them against pathogenic bacteria were determined. Chloramphenicol and water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of antimicrobial samples were determined using standard methods. ResultsInhibition zone of mixture of garlic and tazma honey against all tested pathogens was significantly (P≤0.05) greater than garlic and tazma honey alone. The diameter zone of inhibition ranged from (18±1) to (35±1) mm for mixture of garlic and tazma honey, (12±1) to (20±1) mm for tazma honey and (14±1) to (22±1) mm for garlic as compared with (10±1) to (30±1) mm for chloramphenicol. The combination of garlic and tazma honey (30–35 mm) was more significantly (P≤0.05) effective against Salmonella (NCTC 8385), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Lyesria moncytogenes (ATCC 19116) and Streptococcus pneumonia (ATCC 63). Results also showed considerable antimicrobial activity of garlic and tazma honey. MIC of mixture of garlic and tazma honey at 6.25% against total test bacteria was 88.9%. MIC of mixture of garlic and tazma honey at 6.25% against Gram positive and negative were 100% and 83.33%, respectively. The bactericidal activities of garlic, tazma honey, and mixture of garlic and tazma honey against all pathogenic bacteria at 6.25% concentration were 66.6%, 55.6% and 55.6%, respectively. ConclusionsThis finding strongly supports the claim of the local community to use the combination of tazma honey and garlic for the treatment of different pathogenic bacterial infections. Therefore, garlic in combination with tazma honey can serve as an alternative natural antimicrobial drug for the treatment of pathogenic bacterial infections. Further in vivo study is recommended to come up with a comprehensive conclusion.

Domestication of Trigona iridipennis Smith in a Newly Designed Hive

Hive of Trigona iridipennis is evolved for its hiving, domestication and conservation, it was found successful and observed that honey and pollen storage cells were separately adjacent to brood nest. This hive consists of longitudinal two parts and named as Acharya Narendra Deva long cylindrical stingless bees hive. Size of the hive comprised of 29 cm length, 11 cm breadth, 12 cm height and 2 cm thickness with removable cover as longitudinal upper part of hive and provided the dark, closed and covered hollow space. Hive consists of comb nest with funnel shaped entrance made of resinous substance situated at entrance. Brood nest was approximately spherical and contained the queen and worker cells. Each cell jointed with fine wax column and maintained the bee space 1.5–2 mm. Storage cells (honey and pollen) were largest and look like a bunch of grape. Queen and worker cells observed separately and latter was smaller in size. Observation of the nest in long cylindrical hive such as inspection of colony, extraction of honey with syringe and multiplication was easier than others hive, due to its longitudinal two parts. It is separable in two parts without mutilation and least damage of comb nest. Its natural foraging on sunflower tempted us to evolve this hive for rearing and conservation of stingless bees, which can be applied for transference of pollen to produce hybrid seeds.

The antioxidant effect of the Malaysian Gelam honey on pancreatic hamster cells cultured under hyperglycemic conditions

Type 2 diabetes consists of progressive hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and pancreatic β-cell failure which could result from glucose toxicity, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. In the present study, we investigate the effect of pretreatment with Gelam honey (Melaleuca spp.) and the individual flavonoid components chrysin, luteolin, and quercetin, on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell viability, lipid peroxidation, and insulin content in hamster pancreatic cells (HIT-T15 cells), cultured under normal and hyperglycemic conditions. Phenolic extracts from a local Malaysian species of Gelam honey (Melaleuca spp.) were prepared using the standard extraction methods. HIT-T15 cells were cultured in 5% CO2 and then preincubated with Gelam honey extracts (20, 40, 60, and 80μg/ml) as well as some of its flavonoid components chrysin, luteolin, and quercetin (20, 40, 60, and 80μM), prior to stimulation by 20 and 50mM of glucose. The antioxidative effects were measured in these cultured cells at different concentrations and time point by DCFH-DA assay. Pretreatment of cells with Gelam honey extract or the flavonoid components prior to culturing in 20 or 50mM glucose showed a significant decrease in the production of ROS, glucose-induced lipid peroxidation, and a significant increase in insulin content and the viability of cells cultured under hyperglycemic condition. Our results show the in vitro antioxidative property of the Gelam honey and the flavonoids on the β-cells from hamsters and its cytoprotective effect against hyperglycemia.

Evaluation of the antibacterial properties and synergistic effect of Garcinia kola Heckel (Family: Guttiferae) seed extract and honey on some bacteria

The antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola, honey and mixture of aqueous G. kola extract and honey was investigated against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using agar well diffusion method. Sensitivity pattern of these bacteria was varied and extract concentration-dependent. It was observed that the synergistic use of aqueous G. kola extract and honey mixture was more effective in inhibiting bacterial growth than the separate use of aqueous G. kola extract and honey. The susceptibility of the test bacteria to the aqueous G. kola extract and honey mixture was in descending order as follows: P. aeruginosa > E. coli > S. aureus > Salmonella > K. pneumonia > B subtilis (> = more susceptible). Aqueous G. kola extract was most active against P. aeruginosa with zones of inhibition ranging from 16.7 ± 0.21 to 18.00 ± 1.00 mm and least active against B. subtilis with zone of inhibition of 0.00 - 6.00 ± 1.00 mm. Honey at 100% concentration inhibited growth of all the test organisms except B. subtilis. Statistical analysis showed that E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa at P < 0.05, exhibited significant difference in their susceptibility to the synergistic mixture and separate use of aqueous G. kola extract and honey. Synergistic use of aqueous G. kola extract and honey is therefore recommended as a better option than their separate use in the treatment of infections caused by the test bacteria. Key words: Garcinia kola, honey, bacteria, antimicrobial activity, synergy

Analysis of volatile compounds of Malaysian Tualang (&lt;i&gt;Koompassia excelsa&lt;/i&gt;) honey using gas chromatography mass spectrometry

The constituents of honey's volatile compounds depend on the nectar source and differ depending on the place of origin. To date, the volatile constituents of Tualang honey have never been investigated. The objective of this study was to analyze the volatile compounds in local Malaysian Tualang honey. A continuous extraction of Tualang honey using five organic solvents was carried out starting from non-polar to polar solvents and the extracted samples were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, 35 volatile compounds were detected. Hydrocarbons constitute 58.5% of the composition of Tualang honey. Other classes of chemical compounds detected included acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, terpenes, furans and a miscellaneous group. Methanol yielded the highest number of extracted compounds such as acids and 5-(Hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF). This is the first study to describe the volatile compounds in Tualang honey. The use of a simple one tube, stepwise, non-thermal liquid-liquid extraction of honey is a advantageous as it prevents sample loss. Further research to test the clinical benefits of these volatile compounds is recommended.

Effect of Gelam Honey on the Oxidative Stress-Induced Signaling Pathways in Pancreatic Hamster Cells

Background. Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is critically involved in the impairment of β-cell function during the development of diabetes. Methods. HIT-T15 cells were cultured in 5% CO2 and then preincubated with Gelam honey extracts (20, 40, 60, and 80 µg/mL) as well as quercetin (20, 40, 60, and 80 µM), prior to stimulation by 20 and 50 mM of glucose. Cell lysate was collected to determine the effect of honey extracts and quercetin on the stress activated NF-κB, MAPK pathways, and the Akt (ser473) activated insulin signaling pathway. Results. HIT-T15 cells cultured under hyperglycemic conditions demonstrated insulin resistance with a significant increase in the levels of MAPK, NF-κB, and IRS-1 serine phosphorylation (ser307); however, Akt expression and insulin contents are significantly decreased. Pretreatment with quercetin and Gelam honey extract improved insulin resistance and insulin content by reducing the expression of MAPK, NF-κB, and IRS-1 serine phosphorylation (ser307) and increasing the expression of Akt significantly. Conclusion. Gelam honey-induced differential expression of MAPK, NF-κB, IRS-1 (ser307), and Akt in HIT-T15 cells shows that Gelam honey exerts protective effects against diabetes- and hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress by improving insulin content and insulin resistance.

Effect of Honey and Aqueous Ginger Extract against Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Extracted Carious Deciduous Teeth

Effect of Honey and Aqueous Ginger Extract against Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Extracted Carious Deciduous Teeth

The determination of phenolic profiles of Serbian unifloral honeys using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high resolution accurate mass spectrometry

Polyphenolic profiles of 44 unifloral Serbian honeys were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with hybrid mass spectrometer which combines the Linear Trap Quadrupole (LTQ) and OrbiTrap mass analyzer. Rapid UHPLC method was developed in combination with a high sensitivity accurate mass scan and a simultaneous data dependent scan. The honey samples were of different botanical origin: acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), linden (Tilia cordata), basil (Ocimum basilicum), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), oilseed rape (Brassica napus), and goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea). The presence of 43 compounds, mainly flavonoids, was proven in all honey samples by their characteristic mass spectra and fragmentation pattern. Relatively high amounts of chrysin, pinocembrin and galangin were identified in all honey extracts. p-Coumaric acid was not detected in basil, buckwheat and goldenrod honey extracts. A larger amount of gallic acid (max value 1.45mg/kg) was found in the sunflower honey, while a larger amount of apigenin (0.97mg/kg) was determined in the buckwheat honey in comparison with other honeys. The samples were classified according to the botanical origin using pattern recognition technique, Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The LTQ OrbiTrap technique was proven to be reliable for the unambiguous detection of phenolic acids, their derivatives, and flavonoid aglycones based on their molecular masses and fragmentation pattern.

Antifungal Activities of a Pasture Honey and Ginger (&lt;em&gt;Ziginber Officinale&lt;/em&gt;) Extracts on Some Pathogenic Fungi

Methanol, ethanol, ginger extracts and a pasture honey were tested on Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma viride and Candida albicans using the well-in-agar method. The antifungal sensitivity assay indicated that the chemical solvent extracts of ginger, pasture honey and mixtures of honey and ginger extracts exerted inhibitory zones on the test fungi species except A. Fumigatus. However, the pasture honey displayed higher inhibitory values of 45 mm than the mixtures of honey and ethanol extract of ginger and honey and methanol extract of ginger with 40 mm and 30 mm inhibitory zones respectively. The phytochemicals present in honey were saponin and cardiac glycoside, while in the ginger sample, saponin, phlobatannin, alkaloids, flavonoids and cardiac glycoside were present. Summarily, honey and ginger extracts displayed the highest inhibitory activity on all the tested fungal isolates compared to the employed positive control antifungal (Griseofulvin and Ketoconazole).

Antioxidant and &lt;I&gt;α&lt;/I&gt;-amylase inhibition activities of phenolic compounds in the extracts of Indian honey

Antioxidant and &lt;I&gt;α&lt;/I&gt;-amylase inhibition activities of phenolic compounds in the extracts of Indian honey

Antimicrobial Activity of Aloevera barbedensis, Daucus carota, Emblica officinalis, Honey and Punica granatum and Formulation of a Health Drink and Salad

Aims: Indian folk medicine has been in practice from time immemorial. Traditional medicine interconnects our body with nature for a healthy living. The naturally occurring antimicrobials in food vary in their efficacy and function, toxicology, safety and mechanism of action against microorganisms. Methodology and Results: The study revitalizes the traditional system of medicine in order to achieve self reliance in health care and health for all by analyzing the antimicrobial property of aqueous extracts of aloevera ( Aloevera barbedensis ), carrot ( Daucus carota ), Indian gooseberry ( Emblica officinalis ), honey and pomegranate ( Punica granatum ), and to assess the reason for inhibition of growth of pathogenic organisms by DNA and protein analysis. Various aqueous extracts showed inhibition to microrganisms like Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexineri and Staphylococcus aureus . Conclusion significance and impact of study : The study also formulated and standardized a nourishing health drink and salad using the tested foods and estimated their shelf life and nutritive value. The health drink and salad had a low protein, low fat and moderate carbohydrate content. Therapeutically this drink and salad can be used to treat obesity.

Chemical markers of Chilean monofloral honey bee identified by capillary electrophoresis (CE)

Chile produces several kinds of honey owing to the presence of a great endemic native flora. These bee products have important biological properties inherited from specific floral sources. In the last years, the detection of certain chemical compounds has allowed to certify the origin of honey and other beehive products. Among those chemicals is the family of phenolic compounds. These molecules are involved in honey natural capabilities and are useful as bio markers. Ethanolic extracts of unifloral honey and nectar of Quillaja saponaria and honey sac from bees were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis (CE), in order to identify any phenolic compound with potential use as chemical marker. The analyses showed that ferulic and p-coumaric acids may be used as markers due to their presence in all the extracts studied by CE. A third compound identified as caffeic acid, was detected only in two analyzed extracts (honey and honey sac bee). This result suggests that bee by itself is capable to modify the initial content of nectar and therefore the final composition of phenols in honey. In this work, the phenolic profiles obtained for each extract were discussed for establishing a “fingerprint” of those compounds in these beehive products.

Antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition activities of phenolic compounds in the extracts of Indian honey

AimTo evaluate the antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition potential of phenolic compounds in the extracts of Indian honey. MethodsPhenolic compounds were extracted from Indian honey through column chromatography. The antioxidant potential of extracted phenolic compounds was measured by two different biochemical assays: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and scavenging activity on 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Moreover, α-amylase inhibition assay of phenolic compounds of honey was also evaluated. ResultsThe scavenging inhibition rate varied from 86.8% to 78.6% from the highest (6 mg·mL−1) to the lowest (1.5 mg·mL−1) concentration, whereas, reducing power assay varied from 0.89 Abs to 0.19 Abs from the highest to the lowest concentration. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as reference compound for antioxidant assays. α-amylase inhibition assay is reported from the phenolic honey extracts for the first time. The inhibition rate for α-amylase varied from 88.8% to 30.5% from the highest (20 µg·mL−1) to the lowest concentration (4 µg·mL−1). ConclusionHoney phenolic extract possessed antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition activity, thus increasing its potential therapeutic property.

Ethnobotanical survey of some medicinal plants used in traditional health care in Abeokuta areas of Ogun State, Nigeria

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in traditional health care delivery system in some selected towns of Ogun State, Nigeria was carried out to obtain useful information on their uses and potentials. Ethnobotanical data were collected by oral interview with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 50 respondents made up of traditional medical practitioners (TMPs), herbalists and herb sellers. A total of 58 plant species belonging to 34 families were found to be useful in the treatment of various ailments such as asthma, cough, yellow fever, tuberculosis, measles, malaria, ringworm, boil, eczema, typhoid and diabetes. Recipes used in the treatment of these ailments were documented. Herbal remedies were either prepared from dry or freshly collected plants while the traditional solvent of choice included water, pure honey, lime, alcohol and aqueous extracts from fermented maize. The main methods of preparation are decoction and infusion while method of administration ranges from 3 to 5 cl of drinking cup, 2 to 3 times daily. The survey revealed that the leaves component accounted for the majority of the part used for herbal preparations. Residents in the study areas find the traditional medicine cheaper as compared to orthodox medicine. It is therefore implicated that conscientious efforts should be made to conserve medicinal plant genetic resources to ensure continued access to these plant materials while efforts should be made to reduce pressures on the remaining germplasm.