Indigenous Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Assessment of Indigenous Medicinal Plants Used to Cure Common Illnesses in the Community: Basis for Conservation and Domestication

There is a lack of necessary medications during emergencies. In a post-disaster scenario, readily available remedies like herbs function as an alternative medicine to react swiftly. To meet these demands and the needs of rural residents who utilize wild-crafted herbs as a staple therapy for a range of ailments in their community, a thorough investigation was carried out. Because people are unaware of their use, the presence and quantity of these plants swiftly decline. This study aims to evaluate the locally grown medicinal plants in Pilar, Capiz. Primary data came from seventy-two key informants. Secondary data were acquired by means of a field survey employing the transect walk approach and the visual encountered method. Plants were gathered from backyard and roadside gardens. The primary informants made the identification on the spot, and it was confirmed by documents that had been released. Sambong, lagundi, yerba Buena, malunggay, tawa-tawa, luya, alusiman, atis, bayabas, bunga, kataka-taka, bunga, kugon, makabuhay, oregano, taglad, and tuba are the sixteen species of herbal plants that have been identified. It was customary to use leaves to treat cuts and wounds. There was the most tawa-tawa. Oregano, kataka, and bayabas were the most often used herbs, with a Use-Value Index of 0.99 and the greatest fidelity level of 99%.

A Review of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Microbial Infections in Angola.

The use of medicinal plants in the management of microbial infections is significant to the health of the indigenous people in many Angolan communities. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants used for the management of microbial infections in Angola. Relevant information was extracted from research articles published and associated with the use of medicinal plants in the management of microbial infections in Angola (from January 1976 to November 2023). Data or information were gathered from the literature sourced from Wiley Online, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, BMC, Elsevier, SpringerLink, PubMed, books, journals and published M.Sc. and Ph.D. thesis. A total of 27 plant species, representing 19 families, were recorded in this study. Hypericaceae (11%), Lamiaceae (11%), Malvaceae (11%), Phyllanthaceae (11%), Fabaceae (16%) and Rubiaceae (16%) were the most predominant families. The leaves are the most used parts (96%), followed by bark (74%) and root (70%). The data revealed that medicinal plants continue to play significant roles in the management of microbial infections in Angola. In order to explore the benefits of the therapeutic potential of indigenous medicinal plants for diseases related to infections; further scientific research studies are important to produce data on their effectiveness using appropriate test models. This approach might assist with the continuing drive regarding the integration of Angolan traditional medicine within mainstream healthcare systems.

A Review of the Indigenous Medicinal Plants Used by Scheduled Tribe Communities of North-East India

Background: North-eastern India is renowned for its rich bio-diversity of indigenous medicinal plants and its therapeutic properties. The tribal communities and ethnic groups residing in this region genuinely depend on the indigenous systems of medicine. They have extensive knowledge and comprehension of plants, both conventional and non-conventional, for their food and medicine, and they practice their own traditional healthcare system. Objectives:This study aims to give a systematic overview of traditional medicinal plants along with their properties used by the Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities of north-eastern region and their potential for upliftment of the socio economic status of the community. Methods: The data were collected from published paper through electronic databases viz, Google scholar, PubMed, Science Direct based on traditional medicinal plants used by the ethnic groups. Results: In this study, 236 medicinal plants were summarized with their medicinal properties used by the Scheduled Tribe people of northeastern region. Conclusion: This study provides the information on therapeutic plants which will be a valuable resource for creating an action plan and development for the herbal drug sector, with the goal of enhancing and boosting the state's economy and quality of life.

Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Study of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in Yunnan Province, China

The traditional medicinal knowledge in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China have been poorly studied. Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPvY) is widely cultivated and used as indigenous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat cancer in northwest Yunnan. This study aims to reveal the traditional medicinal knowledge of PPvY and folk formulas related to PPvY through literature research and ethnobotanical investigation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 highly regarded folk doctors in the northwest of Yunnan, China, based on relevant data collected in the initial phase of the research. We identified twenty-three traditional treatments, thirty pairing herbs used with PPvY in therapy, and eight processing methods of PPvY. The results indicated that PPvY and its associated formulas containing PPvY were primarily used for treating cancer and inflammation and for clearing heat and detoxifying. The TCM herbs most frequently used alongside PPvY included Engleromyces sinensis and Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis. The commonly employed processing methods primarily involved using PPvY in both its dry and fresh forms, while special processing methods, such as processing in wine and honey, steaming, and foil-packet boiling, were worth further research. Our results highlight the diversity of medicinal plants and the richness of traditional medical knowledge in northwest Yunnan, China. This study may offer clues for the development and research of indigenous medicinal plants. Additionally, a collective effort is needed to create a plan for the sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, enhancing local economic development while safeguarding biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge.

In vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Ajuga integrifolia leaf extracts obtained with different solvents

BackgroundMany diseases are increasingly recognized as public health concerns worldwide because of the increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Recently, interest in the use of indigenous medicinal plants to treat infectious illnesses has increased, highlighting the need to find new bioactive phytochemicals. Ajuga integrifolia is a plant commonly utilized in traditional drugs to treat a wide range of diseases, although its effectiveness has not been scientifically validated. The present study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and assess the biological activities of A. integrifolia leaf extracts produced via different solvent systems.MethodsSoxhlet extraction was employed to obtain crude extracts from different solvents (methanol, ethanol and water). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing power assays were used to measure the antioxidant activity, and the antibacterial activity of the extract was evaluated on the basis of its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against two gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli (ATCC-25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC-43495)) and two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-25923) and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC-19615)) via the agar disk-diffusion technique.ResultsA significant amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) were present in all the extracts. The extracts presented powerful antioxidant activity in all the assays. The disc diffusion and MIC results revealed the ability of the methanol and ethanol extracts of A. integrifolia leaves to inhibit S. aureus growth at a concentration of 3.125 mg/mL. However, the water extracts were ineffective against E. coli and P. aeruginosa.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that A. integrifolia leaf extracts have reasonable biological activities. These findings underscore the importance of A. integrifolia leaves as a source of health benefits.

EVALUATION OF ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM THE FRUIT PEEL OF ATALANTIA MONOPHYLLA (LINN.) IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC MICE

Objective: Atlantia monophylla is an indigenous medicinal plant, with a folk reputation as hypoglycemic agent throughout India. Considerable research has shown that plants rich in flavonoids content with anti-oxidant potential are known to be bioactive for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). In the present investigation, hypoglycemic activity of aqueous fruit peel extract of A. monophylla was evaluated using alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice. Methods: Aqueous extract of the fruit peel of A. monophylla (AEAM) was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity study as per Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines 425. AEAM was evaluated for hypoglycemic activity, Alloxan induced DM in mice, oral glucose tolerance test in fasted mice. In vitro α- amylase inhibitory in albino mice method was employed for evaluation of hypoglycemic activity. Results: All of the mice in each group had their blood glucose levels measured both before and after the treatments on fasting animals. The extract was given at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, or 100 mg/kg body weight of the conventional antidiabetic medication Metformin. A glucometer was used to measure the blood glucose level. After 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h, the extract-treated diabetic mice had a substantial (p≤0.05) drop in blood glucose levels. The hypoglycemic action was similar to that of the medication Metformin used as a benchmark. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that AEAM has strong hypoglycemic properties. One such method might include the activation of insulin receptors and subsequent release of insulin once β cells are stimulated. The hypoglycemic effect of the plant could be achieved through increasing insulin release from the pancreas.

Comparative genome analysis of endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MR4: a potential biocontrol agent isolated from wild medicinal plant root tissue.

In this investigation, 396 endophytic bacterial strains from six indigenous medicinal plant species within the Xinjiang Tumor Peak National Nature Reserve were subjected to screening. The strain MR4 emerged as a noteworthy contender, demonstrating pronounced biocontrol capabilities coupled with exceptional cold tolerance. Through morphological scrutiny and comprehensive genomic sequencing, MR4 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Antagonistic assays revealed MR4's efficacy in suppressing the causative agents of cotton wilt and verticillium wilt, achieving inhibition rates surpassing 50%. Analyses, underpinned by PCR methodologies, indicated MR4's capacity to biosynthesize a minimum of eight distinct antimicrobial agents. The whole-genome sequencing data indicated that B. amyloliquefaciens MR4 had the genome size and GC content of 4,017,872bp and 47.14%, respectively, and 4191 coding genes were identified. The genome consists of a single chromosome and one plasmid. Moreover, it was augmented by annotations from various databases, including GO, KEGG, and COG. The pathogenicity of MR4 undergoes evaluation, while predictions concerning MR4's secondary metabolites have disclosed gene clusters for 13 varieties of these compounds, with particular emphasis on surfactins and fengycin. Comparative analyses with four paradigmatic strains shed light on MR4's genomic composition and its phylogenetic lineage within the Bacillus genus. The genomic data pertaining to MR4 have been duly submitted to the NCBI GenBank, bearing the accession numbers CP146236 (Chr1) and CP146237 (plas1). This study endeavors to furnish potent microbial resources for the biocontrol and enhancement of plant growth, thereby providing a theoretical groundwork for MR4's agronomic utilization.

Variability and pharmacological potential of bajakah (Spatholobus sp.) as an indigenous medicinal plant: a review

Bajakah (Spatholobus sp.) is an indigenous Indonesian plant that has been traditionally used as medicine, especially in Kalimantan Island, Indonesia. The variability and potential of bajakah as a traditional Indonesian medicinal plant have attracted research attention. This review article describes the traditional use, distribution, and pharmacological activity of bajakah. An integrative review method was employed, following procedures such as literature search, data analysis, and result presentation. Understanding the variations is important to understand the therapeutic potential and differences in active compound content among different types of bajakah. Furthermore, the chemical composition of bajakah has been identified, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and triterpenoids, which can potentially exhibit pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action associated with its traditional use. This review provided additional insights into the potential of bajakah as an herbal medicinal in the future. Therefore, this review article provides an overview of the traditional use distribution, and pharmacological activity of bajakah as a promising traditional medicine. Further research, including clinical studies, is needed to scientifically validate the therapeutic potential of bajakah and further understand the mechanisms of action and potential side effects associated with it.

Advancements and Challenges in Chemoinformatics: From Drug Discovery to Natural Products Research

Chemoinformatics, an interdisciplinary field combining chemistry, computer science, and information technology, is revolutionising scientific research by using computational methods to analyse, interpret, and predict chemical and biological data. This review explores its pivotal role across drug discovery and natural product research, highlighting key methodologies and challenges. It is critical in drug discovery because it expedites the identification and optimization of drug candidates through techniques such as virtual screening, molecular docking, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies. It also facilitates the integration of computational chemistry with experimental validation, improving predictions iteratively. Chemoinformatics helps with managing databases, virtually screening bioactive compounds, and figuring out structures through molecular dynamics simulations and metabolomics in the field of natural products research. These tools enable researchers to explore the therapeutic potential of indigenous medicinal plants and other natural sources, facilitating the discovery of novel bioactive molecules with potential pharmaceutical applications. However, challenges such as data quality, computational resources, and ethical considerations persist, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure and expertise. The integration of machine learning and big data analytics promises to further enhance predictive modelling and accelerate discoveries in chemoinformatics. Keywords: Chemoinformatics, Drug Discovery, Natural Products, Research

Controlled drought stress affects rosemary essential oil composition with minimal impact on biomass yield

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), an indigenous medicinal and aromatic plant within the Mediterranean region, yields essential oils renowned for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. When subjected to various stress conditions, rosemary intensifies the production of essential oils as a defensive mechanism, as occurs when it is subjected to drought stress, making it a potentially interesting crop for marginal dryland areas of Sicily and other Mediterranean areas. Managing rosemary cultivation through controlled drought stress close to the balsamic period may increase the concentration and quality of essential oils and optimize the use of limited resources like water. We conducted two on-farm field experiments in Sicily, southern Italy, to assess the effect of controlled drought stress on rosemary biomass, essential oil yield, and composition. The hypothesis was that drought could improve the concentration of essential oils and modify their chemical composition by increasing valuable aromatic components without negatively impacting crop biomass production, increasing interest in cultivating this species. The experiments were co-designed with farmers selecting dedicated field experiments, cultivars, and crop management. Drought stress was applied during autumn and spring in correspondence with medium-high temperatures and rainwater scarcity. The irrigation input was reduced for three weeks during the balsamic period for each trail. Under stressed conditions, morphometric traits were measured. At harvest time, essential oils were extracted using microwave-assisted extraction. Under the same farm conditions, the canopy height was significantly higher in ‘Barbeque’ than ‘Tuscan Blue cv. (67.3 cm vs. 43.8 cm) This indicates a genotype influence on stress response. Essential oil yield increased by 30 % in plants of Tuscan blue cv. subjected to stress conditions in one of two farms. Additionally, drought stress altered the aromatic profile of the essential oil, resulting in differing percentages of key compounds between stressed and unstressed plants. Generally, there was a higher α-pinene percentage in unstressed plants and higher bornyl-acetate and β-caryophyllene concentrations in drought-stressed plants. In the Scicli farm, α-pinene decreased in response to water stress, while camphene and myrcene increased. Our results summarized that controlled drought stress had a minimal impact on rosemary growth, increasing the percentages of some terpenes in its essential oils. No severe decrease was observed in the synthesis of essential oils, suggesting that rosemary is suitable for marginal soils in many Mediterranean countries to protect soils and diversify crops in farms.

Indigenous Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Diabetes in Africa: 5 Years (2019-2024) in Perspective.

(1) Background: The utilization of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes is of great importance to the health of the indigenous population on the African continent. The high cost of orthodox conventional medicines coupled with the perceived side effects encourages the high patronage of indigenous medicinal plants in the management of this metabolic disorder. We conducted a review on the indigenous African medicinal plants that could be useful in preclinical and clinical trials in the field of diabetes mellitus research. (2) Methods: Data were mined from research articles published and associated with the use of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes on the African continent (from January 2019 to March 2024). Literature from ethnobotanical studies on the African continent was searched from the Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Medline, Web of Science and PubMed databases. We employed the following keywords: "indigenous plants", "diabetes in Africa" and "antidiabetic effect of medicinal plants". (3) Results: A total of 52 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families were recorded in this study. Amaryllidaceae (14.28%), Fabaceae (9.52%) and Asteraceae (9.52%) were the most cited plant families. The frequently used indigenous medicinal plants on the African continent were Allium sativum L. (n = 6), Olea europaea L. (n = 6), Azadirachta indica A. Juss (n = 5), Allium cepa L. (n = 5) and Moringa oleifera Lam. (n = 5). The highly cited parts of the plant used in the management of diabetes were the leaves (45.55%), bark (14.44%) and bulbs (12.22%). The preferred methods of the preparation of herbal medicines were decoction (45.23%) and infusion (25%). Oral (52.32%) was the preferred route of the administration of herbal medicine on the African continent. (4) Conclusions: The data revealed some similarities in the way countries on the African continent manage diabetes. This interesting observation will assist in our quest towards obtaining a standardized protocol using indigenous medicinal plants to combat diseases on the African continent.

Harmonizing Traditional Knowledge with Environmental Preservation: Sustainable Strategies for the Conservation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants (IMPs) and Their Implications for Economic Well-Being

The coexistence of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation presents a critical nexus in advancing sustainable development efforts, particularly concerning the conservation of indigenous medicinal plants. These plants play a dual role: they are essential components of traditional healing practices and are integral to economic stability, food security, and nutrition in communities worldwide. However, the rapid depletion of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation threaten the availability and sustainability of these vital resources. Despite their cultural and economic importance, there is a noticeable gap in the research addressing the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, particularly focusing on the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. The existing literature often lacks comprehensive studies that document traditional knowledge practices related to medicinal plant conservation. Additionally, there is limited understanding of how the mismanagement of medicinal plant resources impacts the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers who heavily rely on these plants for economic gains and food security. Hence, this study sought to explore and investigate the harmonious strategies that integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern conservation practices to safeguard indigenous medicinal plants on economic well-being in the Amatole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The study was conducted in 2023, and a structured questionnaire was used to capture the realities and experiences of prominent stakeholders (smallholder medicinal plant farmers). A multi-stratified sampling technique was used to draw up an appropriate sample of 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and propensity-score matching were used for analysis. The study results indicated that the women farmers who are 44 years of average age and have 10 years of average schooling duration participate more in the production of indigenous medicinal plants. The average farm size per household is 1 ha, and it is reliant on an average of five members per household. The participation of women with indigenous medicinal plants underscores the significant role of women in traditional knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to household income and community resilience. Additionally, the findings indicated that smallholder farmers are only aware of keeping indigenous medicinal plants by producing them in protected areas and on-farm conservation; other measures appear challenging to them. The study results reveal that knowledge of seed propagation, lack of knowledge of the implications of endangerment, the removal of forests with the motive of building houses, and, lastly, financial support were the constraints faced by smallholder farmers. Empirical results on the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants revealed that farmers are generating income to sustain the household as well as enhancing food and nutrition security. Based on the study results, it is recommended that government entities and policymakers are urged to prioritize supporting traditional knowledge, implement on-farm conservation, and foster sustainable agricultural practices to ensure biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Enhancing targeted support for smallholder farmers, including access to land, agricultural services, and financial aid, alongside market development, ensures equitable benefits and sustainable livelihoods. Educational campaigns should raise awareness about indigenous medicinal plants’ ecological and economic importance, integrating traditional knowledge into formal education.

Ethnicity of tribal’s on Indigenous medicinal plants: A review

Ethnicity of tribal’s on Indigenous medicinal plants: A review

Phytochemical and Mineral contents of Croton Sparsiflorus in Bahawalpur

Although a huge quantity of plants has been studied for their medicinal importance, there is still a large number of plant species that have never been subjected to systematic phytochemical studies, proximate or mineral contents analysis. In this study, a phytochemical analysis, proximate, and mineral contents investigations have been carried out on indigenous medicinal plant of Pakistan namely Croton sparsiflorus Morong (syn. Croton bonplandianum Baill.) The proximate and phytochemical compositions of Croton sparsiflorus were investigated following standard procedures. The mineral composition was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and a flame photometer. The result indicated the healthy mineral level of Croton sparsiflorus. It showed a considerable amount of Zinc (49.2 ppm), Iron (333.6 ppm), Manganese (7.6 ppm), and Copper (23.14 ppm). Phytochemical studies of Croton sparsiflorus confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, proline, and carbohydrates in varying concentrations. The proximate analysis showed that the dry contents of Croton sparsiflorus were 98.95%. The moisture content in the dry sample was found to be 0.73%. The crude protein (crude protein included both true protein and nonprotein nitrogen) content was 10.63%. This study is another confirmation of the earlier stated facts that this plant is a good source for bio-prospecting. The study further revealed that the plant, Croton sparsiflorus used has substantiated to be very essential in medical research and development, because of the phytochemicals that are contemporaneous and can be utilized in the medical field. Twigs, leaves, roots, stem, and inflorescence of Croton sparsiflorus seem to have good nutritious, and suitable mineral elements worth crucial to preserve good well-being.

Targeting the Coronavirus SARS‑CoV‑2’s Envelope, Nucleocapsid, and Spike/ Spike RBD Protein: Computational Insight from Multiple Bioactive Compounds as Potential Anti-Viral Drug Candidates

Global health, social, and economic systems have been seriously threatened by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition to the increasing number of deaths, thousands of COVID-19 survivors continue to experience life-altering illness. This study aimed to evaluate multiple bioactive compounds from various indigenous medicinal plants against the structural proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including the envelope, nucleocapsid, and spike/spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins, in search of potential antiviral drug candidates. Computational analysis was used to screen for binding affinities and assess chemical interactions between ligands and target proteins. The findings revealed the top three potential compounds to bind to the envelope protein (cafestol, kahweol, and ledene), nucleocapsid protein (cafestol, kahweol, and thearubigin), spike protein (tannic acid, eugeniin, and kahweol), and spike RBD protein (kahweol, cafestol, and tannic acid). Moreover, the study identified four types of plants that contain potential bioactive compounds against SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins, including black tea (Camellia sinensis), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and star anise (Illicium verum). Interestingly, kahweol exhibited possible binding activity against all four target proteins. This result suggests that bioactive compounds from the listed medicinal plants could potentially be developed into antiviral drugs against COVID-19.

The effects of Artemisia Sieberi, Achillea Fragrantissima, and Olea Europaea leaves on the performance and physiological parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

High temperatures have detrimental effects on the performance and physiology of broiler chickens. Medicinal plants have various biological activities and may enhance the heat resistance of chickens during heat waves. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential roles of using specific local medicinal plants to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress (HS) in broilers. In this study, 180 day-old chicks were used to investigate the effects of HS and dietary indigenous medicinal plants on growth performance, antioxidant biomarkers, and intestinal health. The chicks were assigned to six groups (18 pens with 10 chicks per pen) with three replicates each. In the first group, the chicks were kept under thermoneutral conditions (CON) and fed a basal diet. The other five groups were exposed to recurrent heat stress and fed a basal diet (T1, HS group) or supplemented with Artemisia Sieberi (1.25 g/kg of feed; T2), Achillea Fragrantissima (15 g/kg of feed; T3), Olea europaea (10 g/kg of feed; T4), and all the previous additives (all-in-one) combined at the same dose levels mentioned above (T5). At 21 days of age, the chicks from each group were exposed to two phases of heat stress: phase 1 from days 21 to 34 (34 ± 1°C) followed by phase 2 from days 35 to 39 (37 ± 1°C). The results indicate that HS significantly increased rectal temperature and respiration rate in broiler chickens. Feed intake and body weight gain were improved in all supplemented groups, while the feed conversion ratio was decreased in response to the dietary inclusion of medicinal plants. Additionally, glutathione peroxidase and immunoglobulin G levels were increased in the T3, T4, and T5 groups compared to the other groups. HS induced significant upregulated in the mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 and interleukin-8, while the mRNA of occludin was decreased. The T3, T4, and T5 showed significantly decreased expression of hepatic HSP70 and ileum IL-8 genes and increased ileum mRNA occludin levels relative to the CON and T1 groups. In conclusion, supplementation with these plants enhances growth performance and maintains intestinal health sustaining the productivity of broiler chickens under HS conditions.

Indigenous Ethiopian traditional medicinal plant leaf extract, Croton macrostachyus, loaded PCL electrospun nanofibrous mat as potential wound dressing: In vitro analysis

The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential application of an indiginous Ethiopian medicinal plant, Croton macrostachyus, into PCL nanofibers through electrospinning for the first time. Croton macrostachyus (CM) leaf has antibacterial and wound healing properties. Croton macrostachyus of 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% (w/v) incorporated PCL nanofibrous mats were produced through electrospinning. The produced nanofibrous mats morphology observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was found to be continuous, bead-free, and interconnected. The average diameters of PCL, PCL-1%CM, PCL-3%CM, PCL-5%CM, and PCL-7%CM nanofibrous mat is 309 ± 114, 271 ± 66, 235 ± 56, 226 ± 65, and 216 ± 42 nm, respectively. According to the FTIR results, the CM leaf extract was successfully incorporated into the PCL nanofibers. The bacterial reduction percentage value of PCL-1%CM, PCL-3%CM, PCL-5%CM, and PCL-7%CM nanofiber mats against S. aureus is 77.00%, 99.88%, 99.91%, and 99.99%, and 35.00%, 78.00%, 90.00%, and 99.30% against E. coli. The in vitro release study showed that there was an immediate release of CM within 24 h and then a steady sustained release of 51.36, 53.92, 54.99, and 57.12% up to 72 h at 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% concentration, respectively. The presence of CM leaf extract in the PCL nanofiber increased the hydrophilicity of the pure PCL nanofiber (100% hydrophilic at 7% leaf extract concentration). In general, the results of the in vitro study confirmed that the PCL nanofibrous mats loaded with CM leaf extract are suitable for use as an effective wound dressing with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and hydrophilic properties.

Sphenoptera sp. (Buprestidae: Coleoptera) threatening wild cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) population

Cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) is a medicinal plant indigenous to Southern Africa, important in the treatment of diverse human diseases and ailments. The rampant harvesting in the wild has threatened many indigenous medicinal plants. To safeguard this national treasure, cultivation has been recommended. Recently, substantial insect damage to the wild population of cancer bush in the Limpopo province has been observed. Currently, there are no reports of insect pests associated with cancer bush, hence the objective of this study was to use morphological and molecular tools in the identification of insect pest associated with extensive damage to wild cancer bush populations in Makgophong and Tubatse, Limpopo Province, South Africa from March to June 2023. Plants were cut longitudinally to expose insects inside the stem, and a microscope at 40X magnification, was used to examine the morphological characteristics of insects found. Insect species found were further confirmed using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI). All life stages of the beetle except the egg stage were observed in the plant, and the morphological and molecular examination of these specimens revealed that the adults and larvae corresponded with the descriptions of Sphenoptera species. This is the first positive confirmation of Sphenoptera species associated with cancer bush and urgent development of management strategies is needed if this plant population (species) is to be conserved.

Phytochemical property and antimicrobial activity of Ficifolius A. Rich root extract: Advancing Ethiopian indigenous wart curing medicinal plant

Although there may be a number of disadvantages, many patients prefer the traditional medication over surgical wart therapy since it may permanently remove the abscess from the body. The roots of the Ficifolius A. Rich plant are one of the native plants used in Ethiopia for traditional wart treatment. Therefore, the main goal of the research was to examine the phytochemical characteristics, identify the chemical compounds, and assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of the previously described plant root extract against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli pathogenic bacteria. Consequently, phytochemical characteristics such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and saponin were perceived, which inferred the therapeutic implications of root extracts. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry investigations identified a number of chemical components, including the particular antiviral substance Squalene. Moreover, antibacterial test results showed that the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was inhibited with the application of crude extract. Generally, Ficifolius A. rich root extract could be effectively utilized for the treatment of anal warts.

In vitro analysis of electrospun nanofibrous polycaprolactone loaded with Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract as potential wound dressing

AbstractRhamnus prinoides, an indigenous Ethiopian traditional medicinal plant, has been used for treating various ailments including skin conditions in traditional formulations. In this study, plant leaf extract has been incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers through electrospinning at concentrations of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% wt/vol for the first time. The presence of extract in the nanofiber was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared. The in vitro antibacterial activity, release, contact angle, thermal, and mechanical properties of the nano mats were characterized. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the produced mats are continuous, smooth, bead‐less, and inter connected. The examination of SEM images using ImageJ revealed that the fiber diameter ranged from 219 ± 47 nm to 284 ± 114 nm. The mats showed excellent anti‐bactericidal activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. During the 72‐h in vitro release investigation, an initial burst release was observed within the first 12 h, followed by sustained release of the extract over long period of time. The contact angle analysis showed, addition of leaf extract to the PCL nanofiber increased hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the nanofiber membranes had favorable mechanical properties. Overall, these findings suggested that R. prinoides leaf extract‐functionalized PCL nanofibers could be effective wound dressings with broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity.