Leonotis Nepetifolia Research Articles

Morphological, anatomical and antibacterial characteristics of Leonotis nepetifolia plants growing in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Lion's ear [Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br.] is a Vietnamese medicinal plant that has been described in basic morphology and isolated for a number of chemical compounds. This study aims to supplement a database of morphology, micro-anatomy and antibacterial abilities of this species. Micro-anatomical analysis was based on a double staining method microscopic dimensional measurement of plant. The antibacterial capacity was based on the diameter of the inhibitory zone. The results showed that the plant had the characteristics of adapting to the dry and light conditions of the region. Leaf extract at the content of 4.8 to 8.0 mg had the best inhibitory ability on 5 strains of bacteria B. cereus, S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The inhibition zone diameters were 0.27, 10.33, 5.00, 3.80 and 2.23 mm, respectively.

Morphological, anatomical and antibacterial characteristics of Leonotis nepetifolia plants growing in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Morphological, anatomical and antibacterial characteristics of Leonotis nepetifolia plants growing in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Plant nutrient quality impacts survival and reproductive fitness of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti

BackgroundIn a recent study using DNA barcoding, we identified the plants fed upon by four Afro-tropical mosquito species that vector dengue, malaria, and Rift Valley fever. Herein, we have expanded on this study by investigating the role of three of the plants, Pithecellobium dulce (Fabaceae), Leonotis nepetifolia (Lamiaceae), and Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae), on the survival, fecundity, and egg viability of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti.MethodsWe tested these effects using females that received (i) an initial three rations of blood meals and (ii) no blood meal at all. Two controls were included: age-matched females fed on glucose solution with or without an initial blood meal and those fed exclusively on blood meals. Data were collected daily over a 30-day period. The amino acid contents of Ae. aegypti guts and their respective diets were detected by coupled liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFemales fed on P. dulce and an exclusively blood meal diet had a shorter survival than those fed on glucose. On the other hand, females fed on L. nepetifolia survived longer than those fed exclusively on blood meals, whereas those fed on O. ficus-indica had the shortest survival time. With an initial blood meal, females fed on L. nepetifolia laid 1.6-fold more eggs while those fed on the other diets laid fewer eggs compared to those fed exclusively on blood meals. Hatching rates of the eggs laid varied with the diet. Mass spectroscopic analysis of gut contents of mosquitoes exposed to the different diets showed qualitative and quantitative differences in their amino acid levels.ConclusionOur findings highlight the central role of plant nutrients in the reproductive fitness of dengue vectors, which may impact their disease transmission potential.Graphical

Chemical constituents of the n‐hexane extract of Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br (Lamiaceae)

AbstractFriedelin (1), 5α‐stigmast‐22‐ene‐3‐one (2), chrysophanol (3), physcion (4), 4'‐O‐methylalpinumisoflavone (5), and tetracosanoic acid (6) were isolated from the n‐hexane extract of Leonotias nepetifolia (L.) R. Br collected at Ba Ria ‐ Vung Tau province, Vietnam. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis as well as compared with data in the literature. These compounds were known in Leonotis nepetifolia for the first time. Further studies on this plant are in progress.

Medicinal plants used to treat "African" diseases by the local communities of Bwambara sub-county in Rukungiri District, Western Uganda

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Africa, traditional medicine encompasses a diverse range of practices, including herbalism and spiritualism, where some diseases are believed to be “African” since they can only be traditionally treated. Indigenous knowledge on the management of “African” diseases using medicinal plants is still handed down orally from generation to generation by tribal societies of tropical Africa, and with the rapid westernization of these societies there is a pressing need to record local knowledge before it is lost forever. AimThis study documented medicinal plant species associated with the management of “African” diseases by the local communities of Bwambara sub-county in Rukungiri district, Western Uganda. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. The data collected included names of plant species, plant parts used, diseases treated, methods of preparation, and mode of administration of the herbal remedies. A total of 196 informants participated in the study. Data were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics and the Informant consensus factor. ResultsWe documented 67 medicinal plant species distributed over 27 families and 62 genera. The most commonly reported species belong to Asteraceae family. The most frequently used medicinal species were Chenopodium opulifolium (27), Sesbania sesban (26), Thevetia peruviana (25), Leonotis nepetifolia (23), Momordica foetida (23), Euphorbia hirta (21) and Cassia mimosoides (20). Leaves were the most commonly used plants parts and decoctions were the main method of preparation. Water was the main medium used for the preparation of the remedies which were administered orally while petroleum jelly was the main medium for those which were used as ointments. The medicinal plant species reported are used to treat 39 conditions which were clustered into 10 International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC) disease categories. There is a high degree of consensus among the informants on which medicinal plant species they use for different diseases especially disorders in the following categories: neurological (FIC = 0.90), general and unspecified (FIC = 0.87), digestive (FIC = 0.86) and female genital (FIC = 0.82). ConclusionLocal communities of Bwambara sub-county in Rukungiri district, Western Uganda use a rich diversity of medicinal plant species in the management of various “African” diseases. Therefore, collaboration between users of medicinal plants and scientists is paramount, to help in the discovery of new drugs based on indigenous knowledge.

Liquid fuel synthesis from Leonotis nepetifolia seeds through in-situ transesterification method

ABSTRACT In the present research work, biodiesel is produced by in-situ technique using directly the dried seeds of Leonotis nepetifolia. Herein, methanol plays a dual role, as solvent for extraction of oil from the seeds of Leonotis nepetifolia and as a reactant in the process of alcoholysis in presence of KOH catalyst. The influence of seed to methanol molar ratio, reaction time, temperature and catalyst loading is investigated. The result showed that the maximum yield of about 96% is obtained with 1: 393 molar ratios of seed oil to methanol at 60°C, using 3.0% (w/w) KOH catalyst for 100 min. Biodiesel parameters are experimentally evaluated and calculated by using various mathematical models. The experimentally determined and empirically calculated fuel properties of Leonotis nepetifolia methyl esters are found comparable with the existing biodiesels and petro-diesel and satisfy the ASTM and EN limits. This study reveals that the FAMEs produced by the nonedible seeds of Leonotis nepetifolia using in-situ method of transesterification can be used as an alternative to diesel fuel.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle using Leonotis nepetifolia and their toxicity against vector mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus and agricultural pests of Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera.

Pest insects causing damage to cultivable crops and food products by feeding, fecundity, and parasitizing livestock, also being a nuisance to human health. In consideration with human health, the World Health Organization reports that more than 50% of the world's population is presently at risk from mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes are primary vectors for major dreadful diseases such as yellow fever, malaria, and dengue fever, which infect millions of human beings all over the world and kill millions of peoples every year. The present research work was carried out to evaluate the antifeedant, larvicidal, pupicidal, larval, and pupal duration activity of Leonotis nepetifolia-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Spodoptera litura, Helicoverpa armigera, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized through various techniques such as UV-Vis spectrometer, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. The AgNPs showed potential antifeedant activity of 78.77% and 82.16% against the larvae of S. litura and H. armigera, respectively. The maximum larval mortality rate (78.49% and 72.70%) and maximum pupal mortality rate (84.66% and 77.44%) were observed against S. litura and H. armigera. Mosquito larvae were tested with biosynthesized AgNPs, and recorded LC50 values were 47.44ppm and 35.48ppm on A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively. The histological examinations showed that the acceleration of the nanomaterial caused severe tissue damage in the epithelial and goblet cells in the larval midgut region of S. litura, H. armigera, A. aegypti, and C. quinquefasciatus. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using L. nepetifolia is an ideal eco-friendly approach for the management of insect pests. Graphical abstract.

Phenological Study of a Medicinally Important Plant Leonotis nepetifolia in Jharia Coal Field

Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br. is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae and grows across India by the roadsides or on the barren land field. This plant is medicinally very important. Various parts of the plant are used as depurative, febrifuge, antihelminthic, in relieving cough, in skin problems etc. But the ecology of this plant is also quite interesting. It can even survive the harsh conditions of Jharia coal field where the atmospheric conditions and edaphic factors are not favourable for the growth of various plants. But the plant, Leonotis nepetifolia grows luxuriantly in those stressful conditions as well. Keeping in view this ecological adaptability of this plant the present study was conducted with an objective to study the phenology of this particular plant in various conditions of Jharia coal field of Dhanbad district of Jharkhand so as to know how germination and flowering time of Leonotis nepetifolia changes with adversity so as to understand the ecological aspects quite better. For this, three stressful conditions were chosen where this plant was growing and their phenology was compared with that of the plant growing in controlled conditions. The phenology of this annual plant was found to be quite distinct in different places especially their germination time and death/dormancy.

Reproductive characteristics that favor invasiveness inLeonotis nepetifolia(L.) R. Br.

AbstractReproductive systems are life attributes important in defining the demography and genetic constitution of invasive alien species populations. We describe the phenology, floral behavior and floral visitors in Mexican populations ofLeonotis nepetifoliaconsidered invasive in America, Asia and Oceania. The mating system was determined through pollination experiments and, with a morphological analysis of flowers (outcrossing index, OCI) and pollen/ovule ratio, the breeding system was evaluated. Germination of 1 and 2‐year‐old seeds was tested to assess the potential characteristics of germination.Leonotis nepetifoliawas reproductive for 7 months (June to December) and tended towards a specific season during autumn. Anthesis lasted 36 hr with protogyny and no hercogamy, with floral visitors of Apodiformes, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Thysanoptera. Pollination experiments indicated a mixed mating system, whereas the OCI and the pollen/ovule ratio pointed towards a facultative xenogamous breeding system. Seed production was high (1,445 ± 132 seeds/plant); the seeds had potential longevity and were neutral photoblastic. One‐year‐old seeds germinated slightly later (= 2.6 ± 0.11 days) than 2‐year‐old seeds (= 1.9 ± 0.02 days), both synchronously (IS1yr= 0.88 ± 0.03 and IS2yr= 0.82 ± 0.02). Germination percentage for 1‐year‐old seeds was lower (55.33 ± 4.40%) than that of 2‐year‐old seeds (94.18 ± 0.59%), suggesting a potential longevity of the seeds in an optimal environment. Reproductive characteristics, such as wide reproductive period, mixed breeding system, copious seed production, seeds with potential longevity, and quick and synchronic germination in different light conditions, favor the invasive capacity ofLeonotis nepetifolia.

Fatty Acids, Tocopherols, Tocotrienols, Phytosterols, Carotenoids, and Squalene in Seed Oils of Hyptis suaveolens, Leonotis nepetifolia, and Ocimum sanctum

AbstractThe oil yield and composition of fatty acids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, sterols, carotenoids, and squalene in the seeds of three species—Hyptis suaveolens, Leonotis nepetifolia, Ocimum sanctum—belonging to the Lamiaceae family, are studied. The oil yields are 12.1%, 16.1%, and 29.0% in O. sanctum, H. suaveolens, and L. nepetifolia, respectively. The unsaturated fatty acids are a predominant group (86.8–92.1%) in all three investigated plants; however, the profile for each species is unique. The main fatty acid differs as follows: H. suaveolens—linoleic acid (85.8%), L. nepetifolia—oleic acid (58.3%), and O. sanctum—α‐linolenic (48.6%). γ‐Tocopherol accounts for over 97%, 90%, and 93% of the total tocochromanol content (sum of tocopherols and tocotrienols) in H. suaveolens, L. nepetifolia, and O. sanctum, respectively. Two tocotrienol homologues, α and γ, are detected only in L. nepetifolia. β‐Sitosterol is the main detected sterol (38–59%) in all three species. High levels of campesterol (18–20%), Δ5‐stigmasterol (9–21%), and Δ5‐avenasterol (7–12%) are also detected. Squalene is detected only in O. sanctum (45.8 mg/100 g oil). The content of sterols, tocochromanols, and carotenoids in the investigated Lamiaceae plant seed oils ranges between 279.5–576.3, 54.5–66.7, and 0.3–3.1 mg/100 g oil, respectively.Practical Applications: Lamiaceae plants are of medicinal interest due to the presence of a broad spectrum of bioactive molecules. The present study demonstrates that seeds of the species H. suaveolens, L. nepetifolia, and O. sanctum are rich sources of bioactive compounds of lipophilic nature. There is limited knowledge associated with the composition of tocopherols, tocotrienols, sterols, carotenoids, and squalene. The results of the studied medicinal plants may enhance future targeted applications in various sectors.

Antimicrobial, cytotoxicity and preliminary phytochemical determination of commonly used medicinal plants to treat oral cavity, urinary tract and gut infections by inhabitants of Borabu sub-county, Nyamira County, Kenya

Aims: The study aimed at determining the antimicrobial activities and cytotoxicity properties of medicinal plants collected from southwestern Kenya. Methods and results: A total of 23 ethanol extracts of selected medicinal plants were bio-assayed against Gram-negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli NU14, Helicobacter pylori ATCC 700824, and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277). Cytotoxicity tests were also carried out on mammalian cell lines (AGS, KB, and TR146). Preliminary type of phytochemical compounds present in the extracts was determined by thin-layer chromatography. Cassia didymobotrya plant extract (1 mg/mL) had strong antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis (average zone of inhibition of 21.70 ± 0.88 mm, MIC 0.13 ± 0.00 mg/mL and MBC 0.50 ± 0.00 mg/mL). E. coli was resistant to all the extracts bioassayed. Leonotis nepetifolia (15.80 ± 0.20 mm) and Clerodendrum myriacoides (14.20 ± 0.44 mm) showed only moderate activity against H. pylori. Cell cytotoxicity results indicated a dose-dependent response against KB, TR146 and AGS cell lines with C. didymobotrya having IC50 values of 47.64 and 704.00 µg/mL on KB and TR146 cell lines, respectively. L. nepetifolia and C. myriacoides did produce IC50 of 0.1883 mg/mL and 0.1061 mg/mL against the AGS cell line respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of the study: Most of the extracts had no or weak activity against test isolates, but C. didymobotrya leaves extracts showed strong activity against P. gingivalis. C. didymobotrya can offer alternative medicare to P. gingivalis conditions.

Exploring the bioactivity potential of Leonotis nepetifolia: phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and antileishmanial activities of extracts from different anatomical parts

Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) Br. (Lamiaceae) is an African shrub popularly known as ‘cordão-de-frade’ in Brazil, traditionally used to treat infectious diseases, among other uses. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of hydroethanolic extracts from L. nepetifolia prepared from stems, leaves, roots and glomerulus, as well as their cytotoxicity, antileishmanial and antimicrobial activities. The chemical composition of the extracts was assessed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, whereas the antileishmanial activity was evaluated against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Cytotoxicity was tested on murine macrophages and the antimicrobial activity was investigated by a microdilution assay against several strains of fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The flavonoids apigenin, cirsiliol apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin, luteolin-4′-O-glucoside, luteolin-4′-O- glucuronide and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were identified in all tested extracts. Extracts from leaves and roots showed more potent antileishmanial activity (IC50 32.90 µg mL−1 and 57.70 µg mL−1, respectively) against amastigotes forms in comparison to the other extracts. The leaf extract inhibited Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus growth (125 µg mL−1 and 100 µg mL−1, respectively), and also showed anti-Candida activity (10–125 µg mL−1). The biological effect can be related to the identified flavonoids. Our findings disclose the potential of L. nepetifolia as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of new therapeutic options for treating infectious diseases, especially flavonoids.

Nutritional, Spectral and Thermal Characteristic of Lamiaceae Seeds

Aims: Species of the family Lamiaceae possess a rich tradition of use for flavoring and medicinal purposes. This paper focusses on the nutritional and thermal characteristics of the seeds from eight species belonging to this family: Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm., Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit., Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br., Ocimum americanum L., Ocimum sanctum L. (Rama Tulsi), Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Krishna Tulsi), Origanum vulgare L. and Tectona grandis L.f.
 Methodology: The oil, starch, total polyphenol, flavonoid and mineral contents for aforementioned seeds were determined. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to assess the phytoconstituents. Thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric analyses (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses were performed to analyze the decomposition patterns.
 Results: The concentrations of oil, starch, total polyphenol, flavonoids and minerals for the seeds from the eight plants under study ranged from 11.8 to 50.4%, from 0.22 to 1.84%, from 295 to 5842 mg/kg, from 1660 to 12680 mg/kg and from 11756 to 33927 mg/kg, respectively. Unsaturated oils, polyphenols and lignin were recognized by vibrational spectroscopy. The sequence of thermal effects in the seed pyrolysis process above 100°C have been put in relation to seed protein crystallization (endotherm at 200°C), oxidation reactions and degradation of hemicellulose and other fiber components (at around 300°C), and decomposition of polyunsaturated (at 357°C) and mono-unsaturated (at 391°C) triglycerides. 
 Conclusion: Lamiaceae seeds are potential food alternatives to cereals.

Cytotoxic Activity of Chemical Constituents and Essential Oil from the Leaves of Leonotis nepetifolia (Lamiaceae)

Cancer is a health problem affecting a large part of the world population. In this context, several research groups have investigated molecules with higher efficiency and lower side effects. The species Leonotis nepetifolia is a shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family with cytotoxicity activity reported in literature. This paper describes the isolation of compounds hentriacontane, phytyl palmitate, stigmasteryl glucoside, 6,7-dimethoxy-5,3’,4’trihidroxyflavone, apigenin-7-O-glucoside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside from extracts and the chemical composition of essential oil from the leaves of Brazilian L. nepetifolia species in addition to its in vitro cytotoxic activities. All compounds were identified by a series of spectrometric and spectroscopic methods, mainly NMR (1D and 2D) and GC-MS, as well as by comparison with literature data. The cytotoxic activity of isolated compounds and essential oil was performed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, against tumor cell lines HCT-116 (human colon) and SF-295 (glioblastoma). The alcohol 1-octen-3-ol was the majoritary compound of the essential oil and the compounds hentriacontane, phytyl palmitate, stigmasteryl glucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were describes for the first time in this species. All compounds tested and essential oil showed low cytotoxic activity for the cell lines tested, suggesting that other phytochemical studies should be conducted for the discovery of compounds responsible by cytotoxic activity of the species.

The Effect of Lion’s Ear (<i>Leonotis nepetifolia</i>) and African Basil (<i>Ocimum gratissimum</i>) Plant Extracts on Two-Spotted Spider Mites (<i>Tetranychus urticae</i>) for Improved Yield and Quality of French Beans

An experiment to evaluate the bio-control potential of Leonotis nepetifolia and Ocimum gratissimum plant extracts against two-spotted spider mites on French beans was conducted in the field. Five plant extract concentrations (1.5%, 3.0%, 6.0% and 12.0% w/v) were applied with water and Abamectin 0.6 ml/L as controls. Mite counts were done before and after treatment application and expressed as corrected percent efficacy. The impact of the mites on the French beans was evaluated by recording percent leaf reduction and quality and quantity by number of pods, pod length, diameter and yield. There was a dose dependent response in percent mite and leaf reduction, number of pods and yield. Treatments applied at 12% w/v indicated higher mite reduction (82.75%) for L. nepetifolia and 69.06% for O. gratissimum compared to abamectin (65.76%). The lowest percent leaf reduction of 1.71% for L. nepetifolia 0.39% for O. gratissimum and abamectin (20.46%) was also at 12% w/v. Similarly, the highest number of pod (61.00) for L. nepetifolia, 48.67 for O. gratissimum compared to 28.33 abamectin and yield (0.88 kg) for L. nepetifolia and 0.90 kg for O. gratissimum was also recorded at 12% w/v compared to 0.36 kg for abamectin. There were no significant differences in pod diameter and pod length between the extracts concentrations and abamectin. The study demonstrated the efficacy of L. nepetifolia and O. gratissimum in managing two-spotted spider mite and subsequent increase in French bean yield under field conditions.

Phytosociology of Weeds in Off-Season Maize Crops in the Middle Paranapanema

ABSTRACT: This work is the first one after the consolidation of the introduction of the RR technology in maize and soybean crops, following weed surveys previously carried out in the region of the Middle Paranapanema, São Paulo state. The objective was to carry out a phytosociological survey of weeds in off-season maize crops no-tillage, in the same properties where the studies had been previously carried out, in the described region, taking into account the management of the weed community adopted by farmers, and the percentage of plant coveron the soil. The surveys were carried out in 19 farms conducted under no-tillage systems, with off-season maize cultivated in soybean succession, both RR crops, in nine municipalities of the São Paulo region of the Middle Paranapanema, in 2016. The main weeds were Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus Echinatus, Commelina benghalensis, Digitaria horizontalis, Gnaphalium spicatum, Leonotis nepetifolia, Raphanus sativus and Sonchus oleraceus. The predominant management of weeds was the chemical method, and in the vast majority of properties, control was based on the use of glyphosate and atrazine. The other used herbicides are nicosulfuron, chlorimuron-ethyl, clethodim, haloxyfop, tembotrione and 2,4-D, almost always associated with the EPSPs inhibitor. The soil cover with straw, found at the time of the evaluation, had no correlation with the presence or absence of the weeds.

Evaluation of anti-arthritic potential of Leonotis nepetifolia (L.)R.Br. against Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis

Background: Leonotis nepetifolia (L.)R.Br. (LN) belonging to Lamiaceae family is a tall erect annual weed native to Southern India and tropical Africa used by tribals and folklore traditions in India for cough, fever, stomach ache, skin ailments, kidney diseases, rheumatism and dysmenorrhoea. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of the traditional dosage form( decoction) as used by the tribals in comparison to a modified dosage form(dry aqueous extract ) of whole plant of LN in experimental animal models. Materials and Methods: Thirty wistar strain albino rats were selected and randomly divided into five groups. Arthritis was induced by Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) and then treated with either the decoction of whole plant of LN or the dry aqueous extract for 30 days.The various parameters like paw volume, ponderal changes, serum biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were assessed. The data was analyzed by employing one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s multiple‘t’ test for unpaired data to determine significant difference between groups at P>0.05. Results: In the present study it was observed that dry aqueous extract form of the test drug is having weak activity against primary oedema whereas decoction form did not show any effect on primary oedema. Both forms of test drug have comparable values as standard drug on 25th day in secondary oedema. Conclusion: The findings suggest the beneficial effect of the drug against chronic inflammation and inhibition of periarthritis and osteogenic activity.

The most used medicinal plants by communities in Mahaboboka, Amboronabo, Mikoboka, Southwestern Madagascar

sBackgroundThis paper reports a study undertaken in three remote communities (Mahaboboka, Amboronabo, Mikoboka), located in Sakaraha, Southwestern Madagascar. Not only villages are far away from sanitary infrastructures and doctors but drugs and consulting fees are unaffordable to villagers. They rely essentially on natural resources for health care as for most of rural areas in Madagascar. This paper aims to document medicinal plants used by communities in Sakaraha and to present the most important plant species used in traditional medicine.MethodsSemi – structured interview was conducted within 214 informants in 34 villages of the study area. Different ailments encountered in the site study were classified in various categories. For data analysis, frequency of citation (Fq), Informant Consensus Factor (Fic), Fidelity Level (FL) and Use Value (UV) were assessed to find agreement among informants about the use of plants as remedies. Mann-Whitney, Kruskall-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests were performed to determine use of medicinal plants following social status of informants.ResultsA total of 235 medicinal plant species belonging to 198 genera and 75 families were inventoried. The richest families in species used for medicinal purposes were: Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. Plant species cited by informants were used to treat 76 various ailments classified in 13 categories. Leaves and leafy twigs were the most used plant parts and decoction was the mostly cited way of preparation of these medicinal plants species. In average, local people cited 6.7 ± 6.03 medicinal taxa among them, Cedrelopsis grevei is the most cited medicinal plants (Fq. 0.28). With Cedrelopsis grevei (UV = 0.48), Henonia scoparia (UV = 0.43) are mostly used species. Leonotis nepetifolia (FL = 96%) and Strychnos henningsii (FL = 92%) are plant species claimed by high percentage of informants to treat the Digestive System Disorder.ConclusionsThis study highlighted that medicinal plants used by people from three communities in the Southwestern Madagascar are diverse. These plants species ensure care to all family members including babies, children, mothers and adult people. Through this study, newly reported medicinal plants were identified for further work.

Phytochemical screening and anti-emetic activity of Leonotis nepetifolia leaves extract

Objectives: Leonotis Nepetifolia (Family: Lamiaceae) is a herb distributed in central and eastern peninsular India which is used as bitter tonic in fevers and also used in pneumonia, flu, mouth and lip infections. The present study focuses on the investigation of antiemetic activity of Leonotis Nepetifolia leaf extract. Method: The study includes preliminary investigation of phytochemical constituents followed by the antiemetic activity of Leonotis Nepetifolia leaf extract on 2-4 days male chicks (32-52gms). Results: The results reveal the presence of bioactive constituents comprising alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, glycosides, steroids and saponins in different solvents and also have antiemetic potential comparable with that of the reference drug Metoclopramide. Ethanol extract of 200 mg/kg inhibited the retches up to 73.761%, which inhibited emesis to an extent equal to Metoclopramide at 50mg/kg. Conclusion: The antiemetic potential of Leonotis Nepetifolia leaf extract may be due to the presence of phytoconstituents like alkaloids and terpenoids.

PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOURAL EFFECTS OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF LEONOTIS NEPETIFOLIA LINN STEM IN MICE.

Background:Leonotis nepetifolia Linn (Lamiaceae) is used in traditional medicine for its calming (tranquilizing) effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any scientific justification for this use. To achieve this purpose, we investigated the behavioural effects of the methanol extract of Leonotis nepetifolia stem (37.5, 75 and 150 mg/kg) in mice.Methods:Acute toxicity studies were carried out on the methanol stem extract of Leonotis nepetifolia to determine the LD50. The behavioural tests employed were diazepam-induced sleep onset and duration, hole board assay for exploratory activity, mouse beam walk assay for motor coordination, and the staircase test for the detection of anxiolytic compounds. Preliminary phytochemical screening was also carried out on the extract.Results:The intraperitoneal LD50 value was found to be 3.8 g/kg. The results showed that the extract significantly prolonged the duration of diazepam-induced sleep at the highest dose (150 mg/kg). There was no observable effect on exploratory activity and motor coordination at the doses tested (37.5, 75 and 150 mg/kg). The extract, however, at 150 mg/kg elicited a significant decrease in the number of rearings in the staircase test, an effect also observed in the group of mice injected with an anxiolytic dose of diazepam. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids.Conclusion:The results obtained suggest that the crude methanol extract of Leonotis nepetifolia stem possesses some biologically active constituents with potential anxiolytic activity and thus may justify its traditional use as a tranquilizer.