Leonotis Leonurus Research Articles

The use and potential abuse of psychoactive plants in southern Africa: an overview of evidence and future potential

BackgroundMost Bantu ethnic groups in southern Africa utilize indigenous herbal medicines, some of which have psychoactive properties. Traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) commonly use them not only for divinatory purposes but to treat and manage mental and other illnesses. Unfortunately, the research on their results, risks, and benefits do not align. Little is known about their potential abuse among TMPs and community members in southern Africa. Herbal medicines are complex because whole plants are sometimes used, unlike in other treatments which use only one active ingredient. However, if the key mechanisms of action of these ethnomedicinal plants can be identified through socio-pharmacological research, useful botanical agents can be developed. A review of socio-pharmacological studies to evaluate the consequences of exposure to ethnomedicinal plants with psychoactive properties was conducted with the aim of identifying harm reduction strategies and investigating how the plants could be developed into useful botanicals.MethodThe search methods involved retrieval of records from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Dissertations and Theses Global, and OpenGrey. The English language and human subjects were used as filters. In addition, some information was obtained from TMPs and community members.ResultsThe following psychoactive plants were found to be commonly used or abused: Boophone disticha, Cannabis sativa, Datura stramonium, Leonotis leonurus, Psilocybe cubensis, and Sceletium tortuosum. The commercialization of Cannabis, L. leonurus, S. tortuosum, and Aspalathus is growing fast. The abuse liability of B. disticha, D. stramonium, and P. cubensis appears not to be appreciated. Five countries were found to have TMP policies and three with TMP Councils.ConclusionTMPs in the region are aware of the CNS effects of the identified psychoactive plants which can be explored further to develop therapeutic agents. There is a need to work closely with TMPs to reduce harm from the abuse of these plants.

An updated inventory of medicinal and ritual plants of southern Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFor the first time in two decades, a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the medicinal and ritual plants of southern Africa is presented. This data is analysed and compared with a previous survey done in 2002. Study aimThe main aim is to update the checklist of medicinal and ritual plants of southern Africa and to determine the number of new records since 2002. We also provide a high-level perspective on the selection of medicinal and ritual plant species in southern Africa, a taxonomic analysis of the new checklist as well as a chronological perspective on the citation of medicinal and ritual species before and after 2002. Materials and methodsThe most recently published medicinal and ritual plants checklist for southern Africa was reviewed and updated. A wide range of ethnobotanical literature, including books, field guides and electronic journals, was used. All calculations were done by using formulas and functions in Microsoft Excel and R Studio. Results4120 medicinal and ritual taxa and 3784 medicinal and ritual species have been recorded. Compared with the 2002 checklist, there are 1239 new taxa (1228 new species). A strong correlation between available taxa and selected medicinal taxa exists on order level, which corresponds with the results of an analysis done in 2008. The top 10 species-rich medicinal plant families of southern Africa are Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asphodelaceae, Malvaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Rutaceae and Rubiaceae. Different patterns of plant family representation can be seen across certain cultural healing systems of southern Africa. The species popularity (number of citations) of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. & C.A.Mey. Has increased substantially after 2002. Other medicinal and ritual plant species have been consistently researched, such as Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd., Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L.Bolus, Aloe ferox Mill., Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. and Gunnera perpensa L. ConclusionsThe numerous new medicinal and ritual plant records that have been reported in the last two decades provide evidence of an incompletely documented ethnobotanical heritage that urgently requires documentation. Patterns of taxonomic diversity on family level indicate distinctive differences between cultural healing systems. Signs of the adaptability and dynamics of traditional healing systems in southern Africa can be seen in the changes in the citation of species over time.

Chemical profiling, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects of the smoke constituents isolated from Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe use of medicinal plants for central nervous system (CNS)-related ailments, such as epilepsy and anxiety, is prevalent in South Africa. Plants from the Lamiaceae family are commonly used for their therapeutic benefits. Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. has been reported in ethnobotanical literature to have anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects through the inhalation of pyrolysis products obtained by combustion of the aerial parts. Aim and objectivesTo explore the chemical profiles and CNS activity of the smoke extract and isolated constituents of L. leonurus in zebrafish larvae, through anticonvulsive and anxiolytic activity assays. Materials and methodsThe smoke extract of L. leonurus was obtained through the combustion of the aerial parts of the plant using a custom-built smoke recovery apparatus. The chemical profile of the smoke constituents was determined using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Targeted compounds were subjected to preparative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for separation before structure elucidation using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The maximum tolerated concentrations, as well as the anxiolytic activity of the smoke extract were determined in five days post fertilisation zebrafish larvae. Reverse-thigmotaxis and locomotor activity of larvae in the light/dark transition assay were used to determine anxiolytic activity. Zebrafish larvae at six days post fertilisation (dpf) were subjected to several concentrations of the smoke constituents of L. leonurus. The baseline locomotor activity of the larvae was tracked for 30 min, prior to addition of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to induce seizure-like behaviour in the larvae, after which the locomotor activity of the larvae was once again tracked for an additional 30 min. ResultsThe UPLC-MS profiles of the smoke extract revealed the presence of two main compounds, leoleorin A and leoleorin B, which were targeted and isolated. Upon subjection to NMR spectroscopy for structure elucidation, the compounds were confirmed to be labdane diterpenoids. Both leoleorin A and leoleorin B, and the smoke extract displayed suppression of the PTZ induced seizure-like behaviour in zebrafish larvae. Under light and dark conditions, the smoke extract and compounds displayed potential anxiolytic activity at different concentrations. ConclusionOur results suggest that the smoke constituents of L. leonurus may exert anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects which align with the traditional indications and the mode of administration.

Chemical profiling and inhibitory effects of selected South African plants against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi of tomato

Soilborne pathogens are economically important, causing great losses in agricultural production globally. The high cost and toxicity of antibiotics, coupled with the development of drug-resistant bacteria, has awakened interest in finding alternative methods of plant-pathogen control. This study aimed to screen extracts of selected plants against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi that infect tomatoes, and to profile their chemical constituents. The antimicrobial activity of acetone, water and dichloromethane: methanol (DCM/MeOH = 1:1) extracts from leaves of ten plants was examined against five phytopathogenic bacterial strains and one fungal strain using a serial microplate dilution method to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for profiling constituents in the acetone and DCM/MeOH extracts. The MIC values indicated weak antibacterial activity of all the water extracts against tested bacterial strains. Acetone and DCM/MeOH extracts of Leucosidea sericea and Searsia lancea had very good to outstanding antibacterial activity against most of the tested bacteria with MIC values ranging between 19.5 and 78 µg/mL. All extracts were not active against Fusarium spp. except for the acetone extract of Cotyledon orbiculata and the water extract of Leonotis leonurus which inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum with MIC = 39 and 97.5 µg/mL after 24 h, with further incubation resulting in MICs of 156 and 469 µg/mL respectively. The GC–MS analysis of the acetone and DCM/MeOH extracts indicated the major peaks of 9-octadecenamide, (Z)-, octadecanoic acid and dodecanamide which were present in almost all the extracts. The 9-octadecenamide was found to be the most highly concentrated compound in most extracts. Leucosidea sericea and S. lancea, therefore, contain bioactive compounds that may be used as broad-spectrum antimicrobials against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Uncovering a miltiradiene biosynthetic gene cluster in the Lamiaceae reveals a dynamic evolutionary trajectory

The spatial organization of genes within plant genomes can drive evolution of specialized metabolic pathways. Terpenoids are important specialized metabolites in plants with diverse adaptive functions that enable environmental interactions. Here, we report the genome assemblies of Prunella vulgaris, Plectranthus barbatus, and Leonotis leonurus. We investigate the origin and subsequent evolution of a diterpenoid biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) together with other seven species within the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Based on core genes found in the BGCs of all species examined across the Lamiaceae, we predict a simplified version of this cluster evolved in an early Lamiaceae ancestor. The current composition of the extant BGCs highlights the dynamic nature of its evolution. We elucidate the terpene backbones generated by the Callicarpa americana BGC enzymes, including miltiradiene and the terpene (+)-kaurene, and show oxidization activities of BGC cytochrome P450s. Our work reveals the fluid nature of BGC assembly and the importance of genome structure in contributing to the origin of metabolites.

The 11th Dimensional super power man from the short story Lion's Tail

Dr. C.S. Lakshmi uses the pen name Ambai for publishing Tamil fiction. Ambai, a Sahitya Akademi Award winner in 2021, has written works with feminist themes. A skilled short story writer. It is only possible for a few writers to mix science and novel short stories. Embedding modern scientific theories in the short story, Ambay has created a short story called "Lion's Tail" without compromising his literary taste. This short story gives an understanding of the eleventh dimension related to physics theories such as the Theory of Everything, M Theory, and String Theory. Are we still alive after the death of Mr. Haror, a Germany-based Sri Lankan writer named Rajshiva, on Facebook in 2014? Ambai's narration has helped with the article posted under the title. This article was reposted the same year by Saravana Dev in the Ekara Tamil Repository. The earth we live on has three dimensions. Scientists like Einstein confirmed the fourth dimension of spacetime. His Theory of Everything was followed by String Theory and M Theory. Physicists believe that eleven dimensions are the final result of all these theories. They suggest that life may exist in this first dimension and that they may have different energies than humans living on Earth. A cyborg is a combination of man, animal, and machine. It can also be considered a ghost. The aim of the article is to show that the story of "Lion's Tail" is written with the hypothesis that a creature in the eleventh dimension might be like a cyborg. In this short story, concepts and details about the eleventh dimension, the nature of the creatures living there, and the morphology, character, and power of the character Achyuth, who is a cyborg, are explained. M theory and string theory rank as nominal theories. In this short story, concepts and details about the eleventh dimension, the nature of the creatures living there, and the characters are explored. The power of the character Achyut, who is a cyborg, is explained. M theory and string theory rank as nominal theories. Mythical characters inherit concepts of birth and death, and concepts of female space are also seen. The short story is an analogy that takes science and combines it with traditional ideas.

Antidepressant Effects of South African Plants: An Appraisal of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Ethnopharmacological and Phytochemical Studies.

Globally, the search for safe and potent natural-based treatment for depression is receiving renewed interest given the numerous side-effects associated with many existing drugs. In South Africa, the use of plants to manage depression and related symptoms is fairly documented among different ethnic groups. In the current study, we reviewed existing ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies on South African medicinal plants used to manage depression. Electronic databases were accessed for scientific literature that meets the inclusion criteria. Plants with ethnobotanical evidence were subjected to a further pharmacological review to establish the extent (if any) of their effectiveness as antidepressants. Critical assessment resulted in 20 eligible ethnobotanical records, which generated an inventory of 186 plants from 63 plant families. Due to the cultural differences observed in the definition of depression, or lack of definition in some cultures, most plants are reported to treat a wide range of atypical symptoms related to depression. Boophone disticha, Leonotis leonurus and Mentha longifolia were identified as the three most popular plants, with over eight mentions each from the ethnobotanical records. The dominant families were Asteraceae (24), Fabaceae (16), Amaryllidaceae (10), and Apocynaceae (10) which accounted for about 32% of the 186 plants. Only 27 (≈14.5%) of the plants have been screened for antidepressant activity using in vitro and in vivo models. Agapanthus campanulatus, Boophone disticha, Hypericum perforatum, Mondia whitei and Xysmalobium undulatum, represent the most studied plants. Phytochemical investigation on nine out of the 27 plants revealed 24 compounds with antidepressant-like effects. Some of these included buphanidrine and buphanamine which were isolated from the leaves of Boophone disticha, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and cannabichromene obtained from the buds of Cannabis sativa and carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid and salvigenin from Rosmarinus officinalis, A significant portion (≈85%) of 186 plants with ethnobotanical records still require pharmacological studies to assess their potential antidepressant-like effects. This review remains a valuable reference material that may guide future ethnobotanical surveys to ensure their robustness and validity as well as database to identify promising plants to screen for pharmacology efficacy.

Antimycobacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of nine plants against Mycobacterium bacteria


 
 
 
 Purpose: The present study was done to evaluate the antimycobacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of nine plants viz., Buddleja saligna, Carpobrotus dimidiatus, Capparis tomentosa, Dichrostachys cinerea, Ekebergia capensis, Ficus sur, Gunnera perpensa, Leonotis leonurus and Tetradenia riparia in South Africa.
 Methods: Aqueous and methanol extracts of the leaves the plants were tested in vitro for their activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC 25177) and three well-characterized clinical isolates of MDR and XDR-TB isolates using the agar incorporation method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each of the active plant extract was determined using the broth microdilution method. Cytotoxic effect was evaluated against the mouse BALB/C monocyte macrophage (J774.2) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) whole the toxicity screening was done using the brine shrimp lethality assay. Composition of each of the plants was determined using thin layer chromatography while qualitative analysis of antimycobacterial compounds was done using TLC-Bioautography
 Results: The methanol extracts of B. saligna, C. tormentosa and C. dimidiatus; and aqueous extracts of G. perpensa and T. riparia possessed significant activity against M. smegmatis, M. tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC 25177) and the three well-characterized clinical isolates of MDR and XDR-TB. Except for a high concentration of G. perpensa none of the other plants which possessed antimycobacterial activity showed any toxic or cytotoxic activity.
 Conclusion: Our findings show that B. saligna, C. tormentosa, C. dimidiatus, G. perpensa, and T. riparia have antimycobacterial activity. Further studies would aim at isolation and identification of the active compounds from the plants extracts which had positive antimycobacterial activity.
 
 
 

Pharmaceutical Importance of Some Promising Plant Species with Special Reference to the Isolation and Extraction of Bioactive Compounds: A Review.

Active principles from natural sources, in the form of extracts and natural compounds, provide an infinite number of bioactive compounds with consummate disposal of chemical diversity. These compounds and active principles are of utmost importance in the discovery of drugs of biological origin particularly, from plants. Development of resourceful technology for the isolation and extraction of bioactive compounds of medicinal importance is considered as an important task for researchers. There are a number of extraction, isolation, and characterization techniques currently utilized; however, most are laborious and use toxic chemicals and huge quantities of raw materials with a very low output. There are a number of abiotic and biotic factors that affects the quality and the quantity of plants bioactive compounds. Considering this, the objectives of the current review are to discuss the various extraction and characterization techniques used to isolate the essential bioactive compounds from three plant species and the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the quantity and quality of the plants secondary metabolites. Many advanced technologies have been developed and tested for extraction, characterization, and their capacity for high yield products, and those requiring less application of toxic solvents are investigated continuously. In this context, the present review summarizes the different types of extraction and characterization techniques utilized commercially by the food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries for better output and environmentally- and health-benefiting products with special reference to three industrially important plants: Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. (Lamiaceae) and Santalum album L. (Santalaceae) and Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Aloaceae or Asphodelaceae).

Pharmacokinetic interactions: The effects of selected herbal extracts on permeation of P-glycoprotein substrate drugs across excised pig intestinal tissue

Introduction: There is growing concern that co-administered herbal medicines may alter the pharmacokinetics and, therefore, the efficacy and toxicity of Western drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential membrane permeation modulating effects of four herbal extracts, i.e., Harpagophytum procumbens, Hoodia gordonii, Leonotis leonurus, and Vitis vinifera on a model compound, Rhodamine 123 (RH-123). Methods: An in vitro permeation model, i.e., excised pig intestinal tissue, mounted to test chambers in a Sweetana-Grass diffusion apparatus, was used to measure the bi-directional transport of RH-123 in the presence and in the absence of four herbal extracts. The concentration of transported RH-123 in each sample was determined by means of fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. The integrity of the mounted jejunum tissue during experimentation was confirmed by measuring the permeation of Lucifer Yellow through these membranes. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the mounted membranes was also measured at the onset and termination of each experiment to monitor whether tight junction modulation occurred. Results: H. procumbens extract increased the secretory transport of RH-123, indicative of the induction of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated efflux. H. gordonii extract also increased RH-123’s absorptive transport, coupled with a subsequent decrease in its secretory transport, indicating the P-gp related efflux inhibition. Contrary, L. leonurus extract reduced RH-123’s absorptive transport, accompanied by an increase in its secretory transport. V. vinifera seed extract, however, increased both the absorptive and secretory transport of RH-123. A reduction in TEER was observed in the presence of V. vinifera extract, indicating the modulation of tight junction integrity. Conclusion: The ex vivo pharmacokinetics interactions recorded in the current study suggest that the co-administration of herbal medicines could alter the extent of membrane permeation of Western drugs.

Isolation and characterisation of nematicidal compound, leolorin C, from Leonotis leonurus acetone leaf extract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLeonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial shrub native to South Africa used to treat various diseases including digestive tract problems, intestinal worms and constipation. Aim of the studyThe aim was to isolate and characterise nematicidal compounds from leaves of L. leonurus. Materials and methodsBioassay-guided fractionation was carried out using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Structural elucidation of the purified compound was carried out using NMR spectroscopic analyses and UPLC-QTOF-MS. The fractions and the isolated compound were tested for nematicidal activity on motility of plant-parasitic Meloidogyne incognita juveniles (J2s) and J2 hatch inhibition. Further screening was done to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the fractions against bacterial phytopathogens and cytotoxicity against Vero kidney cells. ResultsLeoleorin C isolated from L. leonurus had moderate activity against C. elegans juveniles (34%) but was not active against J2 motility and J2 hatch of M. incognita. Thus, activity against the free-living C. elegans did not correspond with efficacy against plant-parasitic nematodes. Leoleorin C was not active against the tested bacterial phytopathogens, but some activity was observed in the bioautography assay against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, the organism causing bacterial canker in tomatoes. The plant extract, fractions and leolorin C were relatively non-toxic to Vero cells with LC50 values greater than 0.01 mg/mL. ConclusionThe crude extract of L. leonurus and fractions may be useful in developing complementary treatments for controlling nematodes and phytopathogens. This study does not support the use of free-living nematodes as a model to isolate anti-parasitic compounds from plants.

This article explains that the Lion's Tail plant (Leonurus turkestanisus V. Krecz. Et Kuprian.) is an important medicinal and melliferous plant

The lion's tail is a perennial herb, erect stems, 100-180 cm, branched, covered with feathers. It has important medicinal and honey properties. Each of its flowers blooms for 2-3 days and releases from 0.31 to 0.63 mg of rose hips. The nectar concentration ranges from 34% to 68%, with an average of 51%. The branch of rosemary (nectar) lasts from morning to evening. Lion's tail is an important and valuable medicinal plant, as well as a good and reliable honey plant, it is advisable to grow it on purpose. The natural resources of this species are an important medicinal agent, as well as an acceptable tool for the further development of beekeeping and medicine when growing in regions.

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.

Leonotis Leonurus improves the crosstalk between peripheral tissues both in vivo and in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevanceUnravelling the anti-diabetic mechanism of action of L. leonurus at adipose, liver, muscle and pancreatic level. AimsTo investigate the mechanism of action of an organic extract of L. leonurus and marrubiin at the gene level in adipose, liver and muscle tissues of an obese rat model and in a co-culture model. Materials and methodsObese Wistar rats were fed a cafeteria diet for eight weeks, treated with an extract of L. Leonurus, marrubiin, sulfonylurea and aspirin for two weeks and the level of gene expression of selected markers were investigated across different tissues. The effects mediated by the different treatments were investigated in co-culture cell models involving 3T3-L1 (fat), Chang (liver), C2C12 (muscle) and INS-1 (pancreatic) cells under both normal and hyperglycemic conditions. ResultsL. leonurus extract mediated a significant increase in PPAR gamma, glucokinase, FAS and UCP2 gene expression in adipose tissue, whilst the opposite was observed in the liver. At the muscle level, a significant increase in FAS gene expression was observed relative to the obese control rats. Furthermore, the extract as well as marrubiin, modulated improvements in the adipokine profile. The co-culture models showed that the effect mediated by the extract was dependent on, the tissue type as well as the glycemic conditions. ConclusionsL. Leonurus extract as well as marrubiin exhibit anti-diabetic properties where the mechanism of action is mainly at the adipose tissue level. The increase in expression of the genes of interest mentioned above potentially play a protective role towards the liver and possibly towards the muscle tissues as well.

Awareness and current knowledge of epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a severe neural disorder that affects approximately fifty million individuals globally. Despite the fact that for most of the people with epilepsy, convulsions are better controlled by current accessible antiepileptic medicines, yet there are more than 30% of individuals affected with medically intractable epilepsy and around 30-40% of all patients with epilepsy affected by many adverse reactions and convulsion resistance to the present antiepileptic drugs. Consequently, various scientists attempt to develop new strategies to treat epilepsy, for instance, to find out novel antiepileptic ingredients from traditional medicines. This work aims to present a complete summary of natural medicines prescribed as antiepileptic agents all over the world by ethnic groups and different tribes. We undertook an extensive bibliographic analysis by searching peer reviewed papers and classical textbooks and further consulting well accepted worldwide scientific databases. We carried out PubMed, EMbase and CENTRAL searches by means of terms such as "antiepileptic" and "anti-convulsant" activity of plants. Medicinal plants have been prescribed to treat epilepsy and have been recognized as antiepileptic medicines. In this review, a variety of herbs have been reviewed for thorough studies such as Cuminum cyminum, Butea monosperma, Solanum americanum, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Leonotis leonurus, Elaeocarpus ganitrus and Angelica archangelica. This paper shows that it was high time experimental studies are increased to obtain novel potential active principles from medicinal plants. Plant extracts and their chemical constituents should be further evaluated to clarify their mechanisms of action. This paper provides a solid base upon which to further investigate the clinical efficacy of medicinal plants that are both currently prescribed by physicians as traditional antiepileptic agents, but also could be effective as an antiepileptic drug with further research and study.

Random Forest Processing of Direct Analysis in Real-Time Mass Spectrometric Data Enables Species Identification of Psychoactive Plants from Their Headspace Chemical Signatures

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has designated several “legal highs” as “plants of concern” because of the dangers associated with their increasing recreational abuse. Routine identification of these products is hampered by the difficulty in distinguishing them from innocuous plant materials such as foods, herbs, and spices. It is demonstrated here that several of these products have unique but consistent headspace chemical profiles and that multivariate statistical analysis processing of their chemical signatures can be used to accurately identify the species of plants from which the materials are derived. For this study, the headspace volatiles of several species were analyzed by direct analysis in real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS). These species include Althaea officinalis, Calea zacatechichi, Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, Echinopsis pachanoi, Lactuca virosa, Leonotis leonurus, Mimosa hositlis, Mitragyna speciosa, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum vulgare, Piper methysticum, Salvia divinorum, Turnera diffusa, and Voacanga africana. The results of the DART-HRMS analysis revealed intraspecies similarities and interspecies differences. Exploratory statistical analysis of the data using principal component analysis and global t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding showed clustering of like species and separation of different species. This led to the use of supervised random forest (RF), which resulted in a model with 99% accuracy. A conformal predictor based on the RF classifier was created and proved to be valid for a significance level of 8% with an efficiency of 0.1, an observed fuzziness of 0, and an error rate of 0. The variables used for the statistical analysis processing were ranked in terms of the ability to enable clustering and discrimination between species using principal component analysis–variable importance of projection scores and RF variable importance indices. The variables that ranked the highest were then identified as m/z values consistent with molecules previously identified in plant material. This technique therefore shows proof-of-concept for the creation of a database for the detection and identification of plant-based legal highs through headspace analysis.

Medicinal Plants Used by the Inhabitants of Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Plant species used as herbal medicines play an important in the provision of primary healthcare in several rural communities. The current study was aimed at documenting medicinal plants used by the inhabitants of Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Information on medicinal plants used for primary healthcare was collected through open-ended interviews with a sample of 124 participants selected via snowball-sampling technique between April 2017 and May 2018. A total of 34 plant species and one fungus species representing 20 families were used in the treatment of 13 different human diseases. The major diseases treated by the documented species included respiratory system, pain, sores and wounds, infections and infestations, digestive system, blood and cardiovascular system, fever and malaria, general ailments, reproductive system and sexual health and mental disorders. Popular herbal medicines with relative frequency citation (RFC) values exceeding 0.50 included Bulbine frutescens, Clivia miniata var. miniata, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Centella asiatica, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Leonotis leonurus, Agapanthus africanus and Datura stramonium. Such repository of medicinal plants and fungi reinforces the need for an evaluation of their biological activities as a basis for developing future medicines and pharmaceutical products.

Drinking water treatment using indigenous wood filters combined with granular activated carbon

Abstract A gravity-driven wood filtration system, incorporating granular activated carbon (GAC) as an appropriate point of-use technology for the rural poor, has been designed, tested and optimized. Four systems were assessed in respect of metal, bacteria and particle removal when exposed to polluted river water with and without GAC. These were evaluated using fresh, wet preserved and dry preserved Southern African indigenous wood species. Initially, all filter systems with the following indigenous wood species Combretum erythrophyllum in System 1, Tarchonanthus camphoratus in System 2, Leonotis leonurus in System 3 and Salix mucronata in System 4 did not incorporate GAC. The systems recorded 83.3, 85.4, 94.3 and 57.3% Escherichia coli removals, respectively, for fresh filters. Incorporation of GAC in Systems 1 and 4 showed high potential for significant E. coli removals (>99.9%) . Particulate removals were: 97% TSS (total suspended solids) and 96% turbidity removals by System 1; and 100% TSS and 100% turbidity removals by System 4. Metal removals by the combined systems were noteworthy and in the following order: Fe > Pb > Ni > Al > Zn > Cu > As > Cr > Cd > Mn (with average removals for the first five >90% and the last five >50%). Each combined system consistently met turbidity guidelines (≤5 NTU) and produced water with pleasant aesthetic aspects.

The protective effects of the acetone fractions and extract of Leonotis leonurus on angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in vitro on H9C2 cardiomycyte cells

The protective effects of the acetone fractions and extract of Leonotis leonurus on angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in vitro on H9C2 cardiomycyte cells

The aqueous leaf extract of Leonotis leonurus alleviates hypertension by mechanisms that involve nitric oxide pathways

The aqueous leaf extract of Leonotis leonurus alleviates hypertension by mechanisms that involve nitric oxide pathways