Loranthus Micranthus Research Articles

Nephroprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Loranthus micranthus Linn Leaf Against Cadmium-Induced Kidney Toxicity in Male Rats

Cadmium is a heavy metal widely distributed in the environment due to anthropogenic activities, such as industrial processes, mining, and agricultural practices. Exposure to cadmium has been associated with various adverse health effects, particularly on the kidneys. The kidneys are major target organs for cadmium toxicity, as the metal tends to accumulate in renal tissues, leading to nephrotoxicity and impaired renal function.This study aims to evaluate the potential nephroprotective effects of the aqueous extract of Loranthus micranthus Linn leaf against cadmium-induced kidney toxicity in a rat model. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 served as the normal control and received no treatment. Group 2 was exposed to cadmium toxicity, receiving 2 mg/kg body weight of cadmium intraperitoneally daily. Group 3 received 150 mg/kg body weight of the extract daily. Group 4 received 2 mg/kg body weight of cadmium intraperitoneally, followed by a daily administration of 150mg/kg body weight of the extract. This experiment was carried out for a period of 28 days. Biochemical alterations in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed as markers of kidney function and oxidative stress. Additionally, ultrastructural changes in the kidneys of the experimental animals were evaluated using electron microscopy. The study revealed significant biochemical alterations in markers of kidney function and oxidative stress in rats exposed to cadmium-induced kidney toxicity. Treatment with the extract attenuated these biochemical changes, indicating potential nephroprotective effects. Furthermore, ultrastructural changes observed in the kidneys of cadmium-exposed rats were ameliorated by treatment with the extract. The findings of this study suggest that the extract possesses potential nephroprotective effects against cadmium-induced kidney toxicity. Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action and explore the therapeutic potential of these natural compounds in managing kidney-related disorders.

Immunomodulatory effects of epiphytic Loranthus micranthus leaf extracts collected from two host plants: Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa

BackgroundImmunological abnormalities are implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Due to the drug-related adverse effects of currently available orthodox immunomodulators, natural immunomodulators are being looked upon as potential agents to replace them in therapeutic regimens. This research aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of L. micranthus extracts epiphytic on Psidium guajava (LMPGE) and Parkia biglobosa (LMPBE).MethodsPhytochemical screening and acute toxicity testing were carried out to identify the phytoconstituents and safety profiles of the extracts. The extracts’ innate and adaptive immunomodulatory potentials were determined in experimental animals using in vivo leucocyte mobilization, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hemagglutination antibody titre, and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression models. Levamisole was used as the standard drug throughout the study.ResultsCompared to LMPBE, LMPGE contained significantly (p < 0.05) more tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, saponins, reducing sugars, glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, the groups treated with the extracts had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the total number of leucocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and antibody titers relative to the untreated control. In the same way, the treatment raised TLC in cyclophosphamide-intoxicated rats, with 250 mg/kg b. w. of LMPGE and LMPBE recording 9712.50 ± 178.00 and 8000.00 ± 105.00 × 109 /L, respectively, compared to 3425.00 ± 2 5.00 × 109 /L in the untreated group. Overall, LMPGE was more effective.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest that L. micranthus epiphytic in Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa has possible immune stimulating potential.

Evaluation of Processing Methods for Formulated Tablets of &lt;i&gt;Loranthus micranthus&lt;/i&gt;

Background: Loranthus micranthus is one of the many plants that has documented evidence of safety and efficacy in the management of many ailments and widespread use in almost every part of Nigeria. It is desirable to formulate it into a suitable dosage form for use by the populace.&#x0D; Objectives: The research was aimed at formulating the aqueous leaf extract of L. micranthus into a tablet dosage form by wet granulation and direct compression methods.&#x0D; Methods: For wet granulation method, maize starch, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and acacia were used as binders for the formulations each was used at 2, 3, 4 and 5 % w/w concentration in the tablet. The direct compression method involved the preparation of an extract containing material (ECM). Microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatnised starch, starlac and spray dried lactose were used as filler binders for the direct compression. All the formulated tablets were assessed by comparing the crushing strength-friability ratio (CSFR) and the disintegration time (DT) to select an optimum formulation that meets both mechanical and release properties.&#x0D; Results: Using wet granulation method, maize starch and gelatin (at 3 %w/w) binder concentration as well as gelatin at 2 %w/w binder concentration produced the optimal formulations. The tablets formulated by direct compression all disintegrated within 10 min and below with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) tablets disintegrating at 7 min. In dissolution studies, all the optimized formulations released more than 70 % of the extract within 40 min with MCC releasing up to 98 % in 30 min.&#x0D; Conclusion: Direct compression of the extract containing material produced improved tablet formulations than the wet granulation method.

Phytochemical Profiling, and Antioxidant Potentials of South African and Nigerian Loranthus micranthus Linn.: The African Mistletoe Exposé.

Loranthus micranthus Linn. (Loranthaceae) is a botanically significant hemiparasite that grows on tree branches or trunks and is used in traditional medicine. This study compares the antioxidant activity and qualitative phytochemical screening of Nigerian and South Africa Loranthus micranthus Linn. Standard techniques for phytochemical screening were deployed while thin layer chromatography (TLC) bio-autography was utilized to analyze antioxidants qualitatively. Quantitative antioxidant analysis was performed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free-radical scavenging; and ferric chloride reducing power. The results of qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids; glycosides; saponins; phenolic compounds; phlobatannins; tannins; and terpenoids. As for the antioxidant potentials of the four extracts-i.e., Nigerian dichloromethane (NGDCM); South African dichloromethane (SADCM); Nigerian methanol (NGMeOH); and South African methanol (SAMeOH)-the SADCM extract had more creamy bands compared to the Nigerian, thus indicating potentially more antioxidant compounds. A better complementary antioxidant potential was observed for the Nigerian methanol extracts over their South African counterparts. The DPPH quantitative analyses underpin that the SADCM exhibited greater scavenging activity compared to the NGDCM, but this was less than the gallic acid control, with the highest activity at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively. However, as the concentration increased from 0.6 to 1.0 mg/mL, the SADCM again dominated in its antioxidant potential over all the analytes. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values obtained were [SADCM = 0.31 mg/mL, NGDCM = 0.51 mg/mL, SAMeOH = 0.51 mg/mL, NGMeO = 0.17, gallic acid = 1.17 mg/mL, and BHT = 1.47 Mg/mL)]. Both the H2O2 scavenging and the Fe3+ to Fe2+ reduction assays mirrored a similar trend in the antioxidant potentials of all the analytes except for the BHT, which performed better in the ferric chloride reduction assay at a concentration of 0.2-06 mg/mL. Based on the facts gathered, it can be inferred that the South African and Nigerian Loranthus micranthus Linn. are chemically equivalent. This is in support of their similar morphology and taxonomical classification, notwithstanding the environmental, biological, and edaphic impacts experienced by each plant.

An endophytic fungus, Penicillium simplicissimum conjugated with C60 fullerene for its potential antimitotic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and photodegradation activities

ABSTRACT In the present study, endophytic fungus, Penicillium simplicissimum isolated from Loranthus micranthus was used to analyze phytochemical studies by qualitative and GC-MS methods. The endophytic fungus P. simplicissimum yielded novel compound penisimplicissin identified through GC-MS studies. Further, P. simplicissimum was conjugated with C60 fullerene nanoparticles (Ps-FNPs) were verified using UV-vis spectra, XRD, FTIR, DLS, EDX and SEM. Ps-FNPs was confirmed using UV-visible spectra with a peak at 260 nm. The IR bands were recorded at 2085, 1428, 1181, 661, 652, 644, 628, and 604 cm-1. The Ps-FNPs treated cells showed a nucleolar shrinkage and cell arrest atprophase, binuclear and multinucleolar cells, a chromosomal bridge and diversion at anaphase was observed, whereas, chromosomal fragment and abnormal distribution at metaphase stage. The Ps-FNPs exhibited a noteworthy anticancer activity on lung cancer cell line H1975 through cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity was induced by increasing caspase-3, 7, and 9 activities and also showed highest inhibition in xanthine oxidase and COX-II assay proved good anti-inflammatory activity. Ps-FNPs have been extensively studied for photocatalytic activity test against Rhodamine B, Methylene blue and nigrosine showed potential dye degradation in the presence of sunlight proved to be novel photocatalysts. With all the results recorded, Ps-FNPs also have a synergetic effect having on anti-mitotic, anticancer, anti-inflammation potential and photocatalytic degradation of dyes. Hence, the conjugated Ps-FNPs could be one of the potent nano-drug formulations in future. Thus, the present study gives a clear idea of the multifaceted therapeutic and photocatalytic applications.

An Investigation into The Seasonal Variation of The Phytochemical and Anti-Diabetic Properties of The Eastern Nigerian Specie of African Mistletoe (Loranthus Micranthus) Sourced from Kola Acuminata

Diabetes mellitus is the 7th killer disease worldwide and is a progressing disease with lethal consequences on the global front. Lately there have been very few new anti-diabetic agents entering the market, prompting research into medicinal plant which has been a potent source of drugs. Mistletoe; a plant synonymous with the Christmas celebration in Europe, has shown promise as an anti-diabetic plant from ethno pharmacological uses and has been validated in some researches. The eastern Nigeria species parasitic on some host trees has been researched on. However, loranthus micranthus parasitic on kola acuminata merits further investigation given its potentials as an anti-diabetic therapy. This present study was aimed at determining the anti-diabetic activities of the Crude methanol extracts of loranthus micranthus parasitic on kola acuminata sourced in the four seasons of the year; namely January (dry season), April (onset of rainy season), July (rainy season) and October (onset of dry season). The extracts were evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The phytochemical analysis of the kola mistletoe of the four seasons was found to contain flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, glycosides, reducing sugar, fats and oils. The anti-diabetic activities were determined after administration of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg doses of the extracts at these time intervals: 1h 2h, 4h, 6h, 12h, 24h and 72h using a one touch glucometer. The April extract exhibited optimum anti-diabetic activity at both 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg dose levels. This was followed by the extracts sourced in October, July and January respectively. The phytochemical results showed that the April extract had an abundance of flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids, while the January extract which gave the least activity had lesser amounts of these photochemical constituents. This study showed that there is seasonal variation in the phytochemical constituents and anti-diabetic activities of kola mistletoes.

Chemical Characterization and Anti-Microbial Evaluation of the Eastern Nigerian Specie of African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) Sourced From Citrus sinensis

Chemical Characterization and Anti-Microbial Evaluation of the Eastern Nigerian Specie of African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) Sourced From Citrus sinensis

Nanosizing Nigella: A Cool Alternative to Liberate Biological Activity

Background: Seeds of Nigella sativa, commonly referred to as “black cumin”, are rich in a spectrum of biologically active substances and thus associated with a range of potential health benefits. Unlocking the activity of these phytochemicals traditionally requires solvent extraction. Previously, we have explored nanosizing as an alternative to liberate the biological activity of natural products, such as Solanum incanum, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Loranthus micranthus and Cynomorium coccineum. Objectives: Nanosizing natural products may increase their activity for a number of reasons ranging from an improved bioavailability to physical nano-toxicity. Because Nigella sativa is amenable to being “milled down”, this spice has been employed to explore the underlying causes of increased activity upon mechanical particle size reduction. Methods: Nigella sativa seeds were pre-milled employing a household flour mill followed by extensive grinding exploiting a planetary ball mill. The particles were characterized employing Laser Diffraction, Photon Correlation Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy connected with Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction. Finally, the samples were evaluated for sterility profile, and nematicidal and antioxidant activities. Results: Suspensions containing fairly uniform particles of Nigella sativa showing diameters in the range of 100-1000 nm have been obtained. These nanosuspensions are characterized by considerably reduced microbial contamination when compared to the bulk material and reasonable antioxidant and nematicidal activities when employed at higher concentrations. This activity is comparable to the one of the ethanolic extract of the seeds and is significantly higher when compared to the one of aqueous extracts. A combination of “sterilization and extraction by milling”, improved liberation of soluble substances from small particles, surface activity and physical nano-activity of the particles itself is likely responsible for the activities observed. Conclusion: Nanosizing of the entire natural products provides an interesting alternative to solvent extraction as it results in the liberation of active ingredients and certain additional activities. The resulting nanosuspensions can be investigated further and optimized for applications in Nutrition, Agriculture, Medicine, and Cosmetics.

Assessment of The Effects Of Crude Metabolic Extracts (Leaf And Twig) of Loranthus Micranthus On Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

The antidiabetic effects of crude methanolic extracts of the leaf and twig of Loranthus micranthus was evaluated in Wister rats. To assess this, data were obtained for the determinant parameters of diabetic complications. Streptozotocin was administered for induction of diabetes; diabetic state was confirmed by persistent hyperglycemia (FBG ≥ 300mg/dl) at 72 hours post induction. Invitro inhibitory activity on α- amylase and α-glucosidase was assayed. Serum insulin, TNF-α, Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG, atherogenic index, liver glycogen and glycated haemoglobin were evaluated. Histology of the pancreas was assessed. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of unique compounds in both extracts. In-vitro assay showed inhibitory effects of both extracts on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Hyperglycemia was controlled in both extract-treated groups comparable to glibenclamide. Weight loss after diabetic induction was ameliorated in extracts treated groups; serum insulin level of the extracts-treated and glibenclamide treated-group were higher than the diabetic control group. Serum TNF-α level of extracts-treated and glibenclamide-treated groups were significantly lower than the diabetic control group. Glycated haemoglobin levels of diabetic control group were higher than the extracts treated and glibenclamide group. Dyslipidemia observed in the diabetic control group were ameliorated in all extract-treated groups; atherogenic index of diabetic control group was higher than extracts-and-glibenclamide treated groups. Histopathological assessment showed that the leaf and twig extracts of Loranthus micranthus may possess β cell regenerating activity. Findings from this study suggest that the leaf and twig extracts of Loranthus micranthus ameliorate symptoms and complications of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Loranthus micranthus nanoparticles abates streptozotocin-instigated testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats: Involvement of glucose metabolism enzymes, oxido-inflammatory stress, steroidogenic enzymes/protein and Nrf2 pathway.

Loranthus micranthus (African mistletoe)-Loranthaceae family, is used in Nigerian traditional medicine for treating male infertility and lowering diabetic blood sugar levels. We investigated possible mechanism(s) involved in mitigation of L.micranthus leaves nanoparticles (LMLNPs) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced testicular alterations. Type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced in male rats following 2weeks feeding with fructose and single intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Control (nondiabetic) and (diabetic) rats received buffer only. Diabetic rats were treated with metformin or LMLNPs (two different doses) for 28days. Hormonal profile, oxido-inflammatory stress parameters, glucose metabolism and steroidogenic enzymes/regulatory protein (StAR) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein in testes and sperm parameters were evaluated. Metformin and LMLNPs treatment significantly reduced blood glucose level in diabetic rats. Furthermore, LMLNPs enhanced glucose metabolism and testicular steroidogenic enzymes/protein, increased reproductive hormone levels and sperm functional parameters in diabetic rats. Additionally, LMLNPs suppressed testicular oxido-inflammatory stress biomarkers and inhibited lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats while augmenting Nrf2 pathway. Conclusively, LMLNPs potently reversed adverse effects of T2DM testicular dysfunction of rats. Use of LMLNPs in abating diabetic consequences proves an acceptable alternative to traditional crude extract preparations, as a result of better packaging and preservation.

Effect of Aqueous Stem Extract of Loranthus micranthus linn on Anti-microbial Sensitivity, Cytotoxicity, and In-vitro Anti-inflammatory Indices on Human Red Blood Cells

Aim: The present study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous stem extract of Loranthus micranthus (African mistletoe) plant.&#x0D; Methods: The Disc agar diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility test of test organisms to determine the minimum zone of inhibition. The brine shrimp lethality test method was used in determining cytotoxicity, and the heat-induced membrane diffusion method was used for anti-inflammatory indices.&#x0D; Results: In this study, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated using Escherichia Coli., Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus as test organisms which showed significant zones of inhibition at increasing concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg/ml) of the plant extract. The result of the cytotoxic investigation after the use of brine shrimps as test organisms revealed that the plant was not toxic as the LC50 did not fall within the concentrations used in this study. Also, the aqueous stem extract of L. micranthus showed significantly lower optical densities of hemoglobin compared to the corresponding standard (Aspirin) concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 µg/ml. This result was in agreement with the % protection of the experimental plant, which showed a significant increase with an increase in concentration, which implies that the aqueous stem extract of L.micranthus has anti-inflammatory effects.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can, therefore, be concluded that the usage of the aqueous stem extract of Loranthusmicranthus as a therapeutic drug would exert health benefits by virtue of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and less toxicity, proved in this study.

Toxicological Study of Leaf Extracts of Loranthus micranthus Linn Using Albino Wistar Rats

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of high sub-chronic doses of the aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus on biochemical parameters of albino rats. Acute toxicity studies were performed according to standard methods. The animals were divided into 5 groups (n = 5). Aqueous and methanol extracts of L. micranthus leaves were administered in doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight to four groups of rats respectively for 30 days through the intraperitoneal route. The fifth group served as control and received saline (5 ml/kg b.w, i.p). Blood samples were collected by retrorbital puncture and analyzed for biochemical and haematological parameters using assay kits. Acute toxicity studies indicated that both extracts had an LD50 &gt; 5000 mg/kg. The results indicated significant (p&lt;0.001) increases in alkaline phosphatase serum levels in both extract treated groups. The extracts also produced significant elevation in serum bilirubin levels when compared with normal control (p&lt;0.05). Both extracts did not affect the levels of alanine and aspartate transaminases significantly (p&gt;0.05). There were significant increase in the serum levels of urea in the extracts treated rats (p&lt;0.05; p&lt;0.01). The 2000 mg/kg aqueous extract produced significant increases in mean serum chloride and bicarbonate levels of treated rats when compared with control (p&lt;0.01). The extracts produced significant decrease in the serum creatine kinase levels of treated rats in a non-dose related manner when compared with control (p&lt;0.05). There were no significant changes in sodium and potassium levels of treated rats. The methanol extract had no significant effect on the haematological indices studied. The aqueous extract produced significant reductions in the haemoglobin and PCV of treated rats (p&lt; 0.01). The total and differential leucocyte counts were not affected by extract treatment (p&gt;0.05). From these results, the extracts caused significant biochemical changes but were not cytotoxic to leucocyte cell lines. Therefore, there should be caution in the long term use of these extracts.

Host specificity and phytochemical constituents of mistletoe and twigs of parasitized plants: Implications for blanket application of mistletoe as cure-all medicine

A study on host specificity and phytochemical constituents of leaves of mistletoe and parasitized twigs of seven host trees/shrubs was conducted in University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Plant height and location were measured with Nikon Laser Rangefinder (Forestry 550) and GPS respectively while occurrence and count of mistletoe on host plants was largely anecdotal/visual. Phytochemical analyses were conducted at Faculty of Agriculture Science/Soil Laboratory, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria while data were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance and means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (p=0.05). Results revealed mistletoe were largely generalists, and contained more phytochemicals than host plants. Tapinanthus ogowensis from Moringa oleifera was richest in alkaloid; Phragmanthera nigritana on Citrus sinensis, Tapinanthus ogowensis on Moringa oleifera and Phragmanthera capitata on Calliandra portoricensis recorded highest phenol content and differences among them were not significant (p&lt;0.05). Phragmanthera capitata on Spondias mombin had significantly higher tannins than other mistletoe and host plants (p&lt;0.05). P. capitata on S. mombin recorded best for saponin and flavonoid while P. capitata on Psidium guajava, Loranthus micranthus on Persia americana and P. capitata on C. portoricensis recorded more anthraquinone and were not significantly different from each other p&lt;0.05. While the marked variation in phytochemicals in leaves of mistletoe and twigs of host plants is noteworthy; the study sufficiently established that ecological idiosyncrasies, time/season and varied environmental phenomena strongly influence incidence and/or buildup of secondary metabolites. The foregoing should serve as benchmark in selection and/or use of mistletoe for resolving infirmities.

Influence of Loranthus micranthus against STZ-Induced Neurobehavioral Deficits in Diabetic Rats

Loranthus micranthus (LM) is used in the treatment of diabetes and mental disorders in Nigerian folklore medicine. We studied the short-term memory behavior as well as the activity of acetylcholinesterase, antioxidant status and glycolytic flux in cerebrum and cerebellum of diabetic rats treated with LM extract. Histopathological evaluation was used to assess the level of damage on brain tissue due to diabetes complications. Treatment with LM improved short-term memory behavior, significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), increased glutathione (GSH) levels and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Activities of glucose metabolism enzymes were augmented while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was reduced by LM treatment compared with the untreated diabetic group. Histopathology evaluation revealed the possible influence of LM in reversing diabetes-induced damage in brain tissue. Further studies are required to accentuate the potentials of LM extract in assuaging diabetes-induced neurological deficits.

Effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus Linn. on hematological profile of albino rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei

African trypanosomiasis has continued to threaten human health and economical development (Kuzoe Acta Trop 54:153–162, 1993; WHO J Tsetse Tryp Info Quart 3:4–9, 2000). It is caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma (Adeiza et al. J Med Plant Res 4(17):1770–1777, 2010), and the distribution corresponds with that of tsetse flies. Effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthus on hematological parameters of albino rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei were investigated for 28 days using standard methods. The HB, PCV, RBC, and its indices (MCH, MCV, and MCHC) of the infected rats significantly decreased (P 0.05) from the positive control in week 3. Furthermore, minimal increases in the WBC differentials were observed in the group administered 800 mg/kg of the plant extract. The present study showed that all test rats and the negative control group died from the resultant overwhelming parasitemia at week 4 unlike the case of those administered the standard drug, which is an indication that the extract lacks anti-trypanocidal activity. Thus, the aqueous leaf extract of Loranthus micranthus is an inadequate anti-trypanosomal agent.

Nanosized selenium and Loranthus micranthus leaves ameliorate streptozotocin-induced hepato-renal dysfunction in rats via enhancement of antioxidant system, regulation of caspase 3 and Nrf2 protein expression

The investigation of potential health benefits of nano-sized nutriceuticals is recently a major scientific interest. The present study investigated the effect of Selenium and Loranthus micranthus leaves nanoparticles (SeNPs and LMLNPs), on streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetes induced hepato-renal dysfunction in rats. Adult rats were rendered diabetic by a single i.p exposure to 40 mg/kg STZ. Thereafter, rats were treated with 0.1 mg/kg SeNPs or 200 mg/kg LMLNPs, or a combination of both, while 50 mg/kg metformin was used as a standard therapeutic drug. Results indicated that STZ-diabetic rats experienced liver and kidney damage evidenced by a significant elevation in serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and 5′ nucleotidase (5′NT) when compared to non-diabetic control rats. Furthermore, a decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) levels was observed, whereas myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels increased significantly in the negative control group compared to the test groups. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses showed a corresponding elevation in the expression of apoptotic biomarker-caspase 3 and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein in STZ-diabetes group relative to the test groups. SeNPs and/or LMLNPs significantly ameliorated the various alterations imposed by STZ-diabetes relative to the control group. The chemotherapeutic influence in STZ-diabetic rats could be elicited via augmentation of antioxidant defence systems, regulation of Nfr2 expression, decrease in lipid peroxidation and regulation of apoptosis in the studied tissues.

Genetic Diversity of African Mistletoe (&lt;i&gt;Loranthus micranthus&lt;/i&gt; Linn.) Accessions from Selected Plant Hosts Using Internal Transcribed Spacer (&lt;i&gt;ITS&lt;/i&gt;) Gene

African mistletoe ( Loranthus micranthus&nbsp; Linn.) is a parasitic plant which has shown to contain biologically active agents that have disease curing effects on humans. The present study aimed at evaluating the genetic diversity of&nbsp; L. micranthus &nbsp;accessions established on selected plant host based on&nbsp; ITS &nbsp;gene. 9 samples were selected for PCR amplification and sequencing of the&nbsp; its 1 and&nbsp; its 4 regions. The results revealed 104 and 89 polymorphic sites for&nbsp; its1 &nbsp;and&nbsp; its4 &nbsp;respectively. Haplotype diversity of 0.971+0.064 and nucleotide diversity 0.174+0.071 were recorded in&nbsp; its1 &nbsp;while haplotype diversity of 0.917+0.092 and nucleotide diversity of 0.231+0.027 were recorded in&nbsp; its4 . Phylogenetic analysis grouped the samples into 2 clusters based on the&nbsp; its&nbsp; regions. A high genetic distance (0.597) for&nbsp; its1&nbsp; was obtained between samples from Pepper fruit and samples obtained from other host trees (African apple, Avocado and Monkey kola) while a low genetic distance (0.000) was obtained between&nbsp; C. apiculatum&nbsp; (LMV9) and African apple host (LMV4). The highest genetic distance (0.827) for&nbsp; its4&nbsp; was obtained between&nbsp; C. apiculatum&nbsp; (LMV9) and African apple host (LMV4) while the lowest genetic distance (0.000) was obtained between Rubber hosts (LMV1, LMV2) and Pepper fruit host (LMV8). The results revealed some genetic diversity amongst the mistletoe grown on different hosts suggesting that host trees and geographical location might contribute to genetic diversity. It also showed that&nbsp; its1 &nbsp;and&nbsp; 4 &nbsp;regions differ in their variation discernment pattern in mistletoe and similar studies can be conducted in larger populations to accurately link genetic similarity/variation to host specificity and geographical origins.

Milling the Mistletoe: Nanotechnological Conversion of African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) Intoantimicrobial Materials.

Nanosizing represents a straight forward technique to unlock the biological activity of complex plant materials. The aim of this study was to develop herbal nanoparticles with medicinal value from dried leaves and stems of Loranthus micranthus with the aid of ball-milling, high speed stirring, and high-pressure homogenization techniques. The milled nanoparticles were characterized using laser diffraction analysis, photon correlation spectroscopy analysis, and light microscopy. The average size of leaf nanoparticles was around 245 nm and that of stem nanoparticles was around 180 nm. The nanoparticles were tested for their antimicrobial and nematicidal properties against a Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, a Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus carnosus, fungi Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and a nematode Steinernemafeltiae. The results show significant activities for both leaf and (particularly) stem nanoparticles of Loranthus micranthus on all organisms tested, even at a particle concentration as low as 0.01% (w/w). The results observed indicate that nanoparticles (especially of the stem) of Loranthus micranthus could serve as novel antimicrobial agents with wide-ranging biomedical applications.

Influence of Loranthus micranthus on hepatic and renal antioxidant status and impaired glycolytic flux in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Abstract Background The use of Loranthus micranthus in folklore medicine for treatment of diabetes and its associated complications is a common practice around the world. The present study investigated this traditional affirmation by in vivo investigation into the effect of L. micranthus leaf extract on hepatic and renal, oxidative status and glucose metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods Diabetes mellitus was induced in adult male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). The diabetic rats were thereafter treated orally once per day with 5 mg/kg gilbenclamide or L. micranthus leaf extract (100 or 200 mg/kg) and monitored for 14 days. Clinical observations, plasma biochemistry, hormonal profile, oxidative stress parameters, glucose metabolism enzymes and histopathologic examination of the liver and kidney were evaluated to monitor treatment-related effects of L. micranthus leaf extract in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Results Loranthus micranthus leaf extract administration significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia-mediated damage by decreasing the blood glucose level (45.9% and 84.7% on days 7 and 14 posttreatment, respectively), enhancing the antioxidant status, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and improving the architecture of the liver and kidney in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, intervention of L. micranthus leaf extract restored the liver and kidney function biomarkers and increased the plasma levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine to normal control in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Conclusions The findings from this investigation provide credible scientific support for the traditional use of L. micranthus leaf extract in the treatment of diabetes and its associated complications.

Endophyte fungi, Cladosporium species-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles possessing in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-Alzheimer activity

This research study is to develop an easy and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of endophytic fungi, Cladosporium species (CsAgNPs) and investigated the effects of antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), anti-butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity. Cladosporium species-mediated silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The aqueous extract of Cladosporium species has shown the presence of carbohydrates, tannin, phenolic glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenol and anthraquinones. At 438 nm conformed the absorbance of AgNPs. The SEM result confirms that size, morphology and high density of the synthesized nanoparticles with huge disparity in the particle size distribution. The FTIR analysis confirmed the important biological compounds responsible for reduction of silver. Strong absorption property of AgNPs was studied by EDX. In antioxidant activity, CsAgNPs showed the involvement of NADPH-dependent reductase in the formation of AgNPs. The AgNPs has reduced the activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV in vitro antidiabetic activity. The CsAgNPs showed significant glucose uptake in 3T3L1 cell line. The AgNPs have shown excellent inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE. To our best knowledge, this is the first on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using endophytic fungi, Cladosporium species isolated from healthy leaf of Loranthus micranthus. Hence, to validate our results the in vivo animal studies at molecular level are needed to develop an antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-cholinesterase agent.