Lucida Leaf Research Articles

Characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of biomimetically synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Morinda lucida Benth. (Rubiaceae)

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are silver atom masses that are attracting widespread interest due to their diverse applications, particularly their activity as antimicrobial agents. Physico-chemical methods of AgNP synthesis are associated with high costs, high temperatures and toxic byproducts. Thus, the plant mediated pathway represents a better option. The indigenous medicinal plant Morinda lucida was employed in the fabrication of AgNPs. The nanoparticles were characterized using different analytical techniques and also evaluated for their antimicrobial potential. Phytochemical screening of the plant was also carried out. For the synthesis, 10 ml of aqueous M. lucida leaf extract was added to 90 ml of freshly prepared 3 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution in a flask. The mixture was allowed to stand at ambient temperature, in a dark cupboard for 48 hours. Positive AgNP synthesis, indicated by a colour change from red to brown was further validated by UV-vis spectroscopy wherein an absorption peak at 460.51 nm was recorded. The utilitarian aspects of the particles were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The SEM images showed that particles were round to irregular in shape. Amide, amine, alkene and alkynes were the most occurring functional groups from the FTIR spectra. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, reducing sugars and alkaloids in varying amounts, which play a significant role in the synthesis and stabilization of the AgNPs. The XRD diffractogram of AgNPs showed two peaks at 45.53° and 77.17° that correspond to miller indices of (200) and (311) respectively and an average crystalline size of 62.60 nm obtained using the Debye-Scherrer’s formula. The DLS result indicated a Z–average size of 235.1 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.4. EDX analysis showed that elemental silver (Ag) had the highest atomic concentration of 64.50 %. Using the agar well diffusion assay, the nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa (bacteria) and A. flavus (fungi). It can be concluded that M. lucida is capable of synthesizing stable, small-sized AgNPs with antimicrobial potential.

Inflammatory response in Plasmodium falciparum-infected patients treated using raw liquid extract of Morinda lucida (Oowo) leaf in some traditional homes in Nigeria

Study Background: Morinda lucida is a medicinal plant used in Nigeria for Plasmodium falciparum infection treatment due to its phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities. Traditional medicine is accepted in Nigeria for its effectiveness. The plant’s various parts treat fever, malaria, diabetes, ulcers, and gonorrhea. It contains alkaloids, anthraquinones, anthraquinols, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the inflammatory response in P. falciparum-infected patients treated with the raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaves in traditional homes in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in ten traditional homes in Saki, Nigeria. Fifty P. falciparum-infected participants receiving treatment in traditional homes were recruited, along with 50 participants receiving conventional malaria treatment in hospitals and 50 noninfected participants as controls. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of parasite density by microscopy, plasma interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels by ELISA. The raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaves was prepared and administered to the patients. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results among the different groups. Results: The results showed a significant difference in plasma IL-10, TNF-α levels, and parasite density across the different groups. Treatment with the raw liquid extract led to a decrease in plasma IL-10 levels and an increase in plasma TNF-α levels and parasite density in the infected patients. No significant difference was observed between traditional home and hospital patients in terms of IL-10 levels and parasite density. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaves may modulate the inflammatory response in P. falciparum-infected patients. Further studies are needed to explore the therapeutic potential of this plant in the treatment of malaria.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Morinda lucida leaf extract and evaluation of its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

This study emphasizes the production of eco-friendly silver nanoparticles from a medicinal plant extract of Morinda lucida (M. lucida) and investigated its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical screening of M. lucida (ML) leave extract was carried out and observed to contain some fundamental phyto-reducing agents such as reducing sugar, proteins, and alkaloids. The green synthesized AgNPs (ML-AgNPs) were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission emission microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed on the synthesized ML-capped AgNPs to determine the thermal stability and the formation of the green synthesized AgNPs. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by the UV–vis absorption spectra, which showed an absorption band at 420 nm. The morphology of ML extract-mediated AgNPs was mostly spherical and rough-edged crystallite nanostructures, with an average particle size of 11 nm. The FTIR analyses revealed distinctive functional groups which were directly involved in the synthesis and stability of AgNPs. The crystallite size was 8.79 nm, with four intense peaks at 2θ angles of 38°, 44°, 64°, and 77°. At an energy level of 3.4 keV, a significant signal was observed indicating the production of thermally stable and pure crystallite AgNPs. The antioxidant property of green synthesized ML-AgNPs was determined to be 40% higher than that of crude M. lucida leaf extract. The ability of green synthesized ML-AgNPs to scavenge free radicals also increased in the order of OH− < NO < H2O2. The ML-AgNPs have strong activities with a maximum against P. vulgaris and a minimum with E. faecalis.

Serum Biochemical Changes in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats and Ameliorative Effects of Moringa oleifera and Morinda lucida Leaf Extracts

This study evaluated the antidiabetic properties and biochemical changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with Moringa oleifera and Morinda lucida leaf extracts. The acute toxicity values of the extracts were determined before evaluating their antidiabetic effects in 7 groups of 4 rats each. Rats in groups 1-6 were made diabetic via a single injection of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg i.p). Animals whose blood glucose levels rose to 200 mg/dl and above were considered diabetic and used for the study, but group 7 was the normal control. Groups 1 and 2 received 500 and 250 mg/kg of M. oleifera extract, respectively, while groups 3 and 4 received 500 and 250 mg/kg of M. lucida extract, respectively. Group 5 received 3 mg/kg of the standard drug (Daonil), while groups 6 and 7 were the diabetic and normal control groups, respectively. Treatment lasted for 21 days and was administered orally. The phytochemical screening results showed that each of the extracts was rich in phytochemical agents. Higher amounts of flavonoids and terpenoids were found in M. oleifera, while M. lucida had higher phenols and saponins. LD50 value obtained for each extract was above 5000 mg/kg. Results of the antidiabetic study indicated that the extracts significantly brought down glucose levels in the test rats (p&lt;0.05) when compared with the diabetic control. Treatment also restored elevated lipids values, liver function, and renal function parameters in the diabetic rats. The decreased glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and increased lipid peroxidations resulting from diabetes mellitus induction were also significantly corrected following extracts administration when compared with the diabetic control (p&lt;0.05). Our findings show that Moringa oleifera and Morinda lucida extracts may be safe for use in the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated biochemical complications.

Extract of Morinda lucida leaf rescues hypoglycaemic and dyslipidaemic conditions in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Increasing drug resistance is a great threat to malaria control. Therefore, a continuous investigation into alternative therapy to mitigate malaria-associated damages is important. In this study, we investigated the anti-hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic effects of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Twenty-five mice were randomly grouped into five: Uninfected, infected-untreated, chloroquine (20 mg/kg, per oral), and extract-treated (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, respectively, per oral) groups. Fasting blood glucose was measured before parasite inoculation and after the last treatment. Blood was collected for lipid profile assay at the end of the 4-day treatment. Our results revealed that both chloroquine and the extract lowered parasite growth (p &lt;0.05), while chloroquine and 400 mg/kg of the extract improved blood glucose in Plasmodium berghei-infection. More so, all the treated groups showed attenuated Plasmodium berghei-induced dyslipidaemia, with 400 mg/kg of the extract exhibiting better efficacy. Therefore, this study suggests that Morinda lucida leaf extract can be harnessed as a therapeutic regimen for improved malaria treatments and associated complications. Further study is recommended to elucidate the mechanism of anti-hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic activities of the extract and the possible bioactive compound(s) involved.

Proximate analysis of nutrients and in vitro radical scavenging efficacy in selected medicinal plant powders with potential for use as poultry feed additives

The use of antibiotic feed additives in poultry feed is currently discouraged owing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other drawbacks. The benefits and importance of phytogenic feed additives as potential alternatives in poultry nutrition include stimulation of digestion, higher feed conversion rate, reduced incidence of disease and profitability. Evaluation of the mineral content and other properties of plant material generates useful information towards rationalizing the use of plants as alternatives to antibiotic feed additives. Concentrations of macro-and micro-minerals in Morinda lucida, Acalypha wilkesiana, Ficus exasperata and standard broiler feed were determined using ICP-MS, and ICP-OES. Levels of degradation of C and N over specific periods of time were evaluated by dry oxidation (Dumas). Radical scavenging activities were investigated using DPPH and ABTS assays while levels of phytochemical constituents were assessed using standard methods. Macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the plant powders were generally higher than those of standard broiler feed. With few exceptions it was observed that the levels of total C and N as well as the C/N ratio in plant powders and standard feed were proportional to storage time. Macronutrients were higher in F. exasperata and A. wilkesiana while micronutrients were higher in A. wilkesiana and M. lucida. The highest total N and C levels were observed in M. lucida while A. wilkesiana showed the highest C/N ratio. Remarkable radical scavenging activities were displayed by A. wilkesiana while the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were exhibited by aqueous and acetone extracts of F. exasperata respectively. High antioxidant activity was correlated with high total C and C/N ratio of the plant powders. In M. lucida leaf powder, fructose was the dominant sugar at 8,450 mg/kg DW followed by glucose and sucrose with a good amount of Se at 0.32 mg/kg DW. The contents of malic acid were the highest (20,500 mg/kg DW). Organic acids decrease intestinal Escherichia coli and Salmonella species in broilers. Cl− was the most predominant anion. Minerals and organic acids are essential antimicrobial and antioxidant constituents of poultry diets for the maintenance of gut flora health, and their body metabolic, enzymatic and antioxidant defence. This study highlights the nutrients content of the selected plants, providing motivation for further investigation of these species as poultry feed additives.

Comparative effect of dietary Morinda lucida leaf and Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) on carcass traits, meat quality, and oxidative stability of broiler chickens

This study examined the impact of dietary supplementation of Morinda lucida leaf powder (MLLP) and Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) on carcass traits, physicochemical properties, and sensory attributes of different muscles in broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty 1-day old Arbor acre chicks were randomly allotted to either a negative control (NC), basal diet without additive; M-0.1, basal diet + 0.1%MLLP; M-0.2, basal diet + 0.2%MLLP; or Positive Control, (PC), basal diet + 0.02%BHA, fed for 42 d, and euthanized. The physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of thigh and breast muscles were assessed over a 5 d postmortem chill storage. Diet had no effect (p > 0.05) on carcass traits and chemical composition, cook loss, pH and sensory attributes of breast and thigh muscles in broiler chickens. Total phenolic content was higher (p = 0.032) in the supplemented meats than in the NC meat. Carbonyl content, TBARS value and drip loss were higher (p < 0.05), while redness was lower (p = 0.021) in the NC meat compared with the meat of the supplemented birds. Carbonyl content was lower (p < 0.0001) in the PC meat compared with the M-0.1 and M-0.2 meats. The M-0.1 and M-0.2 meats had lower (p < 0.0001) TBARS value than the PC meat. Chill storage and muscle type influenced (p < 0.05) the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of broiler meat. There were significant interactions between diet, muscle type, and chill storage on the oxidative stability of broiler meat. These results suggest that MLLP exhibited antioxidant potential that was comparable to that of BHA in the diets of broiler chickens.

Evaluation of cysteine-stabilised peptide fraction of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf for hepatotoxic effects in mice

Cysteine-stabilised peptide fraction of the aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf has been reported to exert diverse biological activities, but its effects on the liver have not been evaluated. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of cysteine-stabilised peptide fraction (CSPF) of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf on selected liver function indices in mice. Sixty mice were randomly divided into six groups of ten mice each. Mice in group A (control) were orally administered 5% DMSO while mice in groups B, C, D, E and F were orally administered 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of CSPF respectively. Half of the mice in the groups received the respective doses of CSPF for 7 days while the other half received them for 28 days, after which selected liver function indices in the serum and liver of the mice were determined. The results revealed that plasma alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities and plasma albumin, globulin, total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin concentrations were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) altered after 7 and 28 days of CSPF administration at all doses compared to controls. However, liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) at doses of CSPF higher than 125 mg/kg body weight, with no corresponding alteration in serum ALT activity after 28 days of administration compared to controls. Thus, prolonged administration of high doses of CSPF may adversely affect the glucose-alanine cycle in the liver which is very important for glucose homeostasis during fasting.

Evaluation of cytogenotoxic potential of Morinda lucida leaf extract on Swiss albino male mice using two bioassays.

Utilization of Morinda lucida for the treatment of ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, infertility in women, and dysentery in many countries including Nigeria is on increase due to its efficiency, availability, and affordability. However, its cytogenotoxicity has not been elucidated. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and possible genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of M. lucida leaf extract in Swiss albino male mice using bone marrow micronucleus and sperm morphology assays. Plant materials was collected, thoroughly washed, and air-dried at room temperature prior to maceration. The extract was assessed for the presence of the phytochemical compounds. Swiss albino male mice (Mus musculus) (n=4) were treated with different concentrations of this extract (400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg) while distilled water was used as negative control. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the extract contains saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins. We observed micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) and normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) of 3.20%, 1.10%, and 1.95% at different concentrations of 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg respectively in the treated animals. The result showed no significant increase in the frequency of abnormalities (p < 0.05) when compared to the negative control; however, in separate analysis of mono-micronucleated PCE and mono-micronucleated NCE per group, a significant increase at 400 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg concentrations was observed. The sperm anomalies decreased with increase in concentration. This study recommends 800 mg/kg concentration of the plant extract; however, it should be further and properly investigated as it contains some pharmaceutical components that can be used for pharmacological purposes.

Biosynthesis of size-controlled gold nanoparticles using M. lucida leaf extract and their penetration studies on human skin for plastic surgery applications

Recently, majority of the studies were focusing on the nanoparticles (NPs) and their abilities of penetrating Stratum Corneum (SC), as they can be prominently utilized in the plastic surgeries. In the current work, we demonstrated the penetrating abilities of gold NPs (AuNPs) through anthropological skin with diameters of 10 and 15 nm, varying in sizes, with the help of Multiphoton Microscopy. In addition, we also demonstrated a rapid facile environment friendly process of synthesizing AuNPs of adjustable sizes with the help of aqueous M. lucida leaf extract. Surface plasmon resonance was performed to confirm the synthesis of AuNPs at 530 nm with the help of UV–vis spectrophotometer. By differentiating the quantities of M. lucida leaf aqueous extracts, we studied the reduction time, morphological differences and size of the AuNPs. By performing Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), we characterized the fabricated AuNPs. The further aggregation and growth of AuNPs was protected by the polyphenols in the oxidised form by having a coordination with the surface of AuNPs. Moreover, the experiments of skin penetration showed an effort to deeply examine the factors leading to the penetration of particles into the human skin. These responses indicate that NPs at the determined size ranges penetrate the SC in the same pattern of the drug molecules, mostly by the intercellular paths. These responses attained were essential for developing a unique transdermal transporter as well as for understanding the basic interaction of skin–NPs for the application of plastic surgeries.

Effects of Cysteine-Stabilised Peptide Fraction of Aqueous Extract of Morinda lucida Leaf on Selected Cardiovascular Disease Indices in Mice.

This study evaluated the effects of cysteine-stabilised peptide fraction (CSPF) of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf on selected cardiovascular disease indices in mice. Sixty adult Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 10). Group A served as control and received 5% DMSO. Half of the mice in groups B, C, D, E and F received 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500mg/kg body weight of CSPF respectively for 7days while the other half received the various doses for 28days. After the experimental period, selected cardiovascular disease indices were determined in the mice. The results revealed that CSPF significantly reduced (p < 0.05) atherogenic index, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol but significantly increased (p < 0.05) plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration at higher doses after 28days of administration. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) at all doses of the CSPF after 7 and 28days of administration compared to controls. After 7days of CSPF administration, the activities of heart Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase and Na+-K+-ATPase were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) but heart Mg2+-ATPase activity was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 250mg/kg body weight compared to controls. Also, 28days of CSPF administration at all doses had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the activities of heart Mg2+-ATPase and Na+-K+-ATPase of mice compared to controls but heart Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at the highest dose with no significant alteration (p > 0.05) at other doses compared to controls. Generally, CSPF administration had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on haematological parameters after 7 and 28days. These results suggest that CSPF may not predispose subjects to cardiovascular diseases.

In vitro antiprotozoan activity and mechanisms of action of selected Ghanaian medicinal plants against Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Plasmodium parasites.

Trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and malaria are protozoan infections of public health importance with thousands of new cases recorded annually. Control of these infection(s) with existing chemotherapy is limited by drug toxicity, lengthy parenteral treatment, affordability, and/or the emergence of resistant strains. Medicinal plants on the other hand are used in the treatment of various infectious diseases although their chemical properties are not fully evaluated. In this study, we screened 112 crude extracts from 72 selected Ghanaian medicinal plants for anti-Trypanosoma, anti-Leishmania, and anti-Plasmodium activities in vitro and investigated their mechanisms of action. Twenty-three extracts from 20 plants showed significant antiprotozoan activity against at least 1 of 3 protozoan parasites screened with IC50 values less than 20μg/ml. Eleven extracts showed high anti-Trypanosoma activity with Bidens pilosa whole plant and Morinda lucida leaf extracts recording the highest activities. Their IC50 (selectivity index [SI]) values were 5.51μg/ml (35.00) and 5.96μg/ml (13.09), respectively. Nine extracts had high anti-Leishmania activity with Annona senegalensis and Cassia alata leaf extracts as the most active. Their IC50 (SI) values were 10.8μg/ml (1.50) and 10.1μg/ml (0.37), respectively. Six extracts had high anti-Plasmodium activity with the leaf and stem-bark extracts of Terminalia ivorensis recording the highest activity. Their IC50 (SI) values were 7.26μg/ml (129.36) and 17.45μg/ml (17.17), respectively. Only M.lucida at 25μg/ml induced significant apoptosis-like cell death in Trypanosoma parasites. Anti-Leishmania active extracts induced varying morphological changes in Leishmania parasites such as multiple nuclei and/or kinetoplast, incomplete flagella division, or nuclear fragmentation. Active extracts may be potential sources for developing new chemotherapy against these infections.

Haematological, biochemical and organ changes in broiler chickens fed varying levels of Morinda lucida (brimstone) leaf meal supplementation in the diets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Morinda lucida leaf meal (MLLM) on the haematology, biochemical and organ changes of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-eight day-old Marshall broiler chicks were completely randomised into 6 treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of three levels of M. lucida leaf meal supplementation (0, 0.1 and 0.2g/kg) with or without medication. The treatment consisted of both negative (without MLLM and routine medication) and positive (containing no MLLM but with routine medication) control groups while each treatment was replicated thrice. MLLM-supplemented diets and routine medication decreased (p < 0.05) the white blood cell count compared to the negative control. Dietary supplementation with MLLM in combination with normal routine medication increased (p < 0.05) total serum protein when compared with treatment group without MLLM and routine medication. Dietary supplementation with MLLM and routine medication reduced (p < 0.05) serum creatinine concentration of the broiler chickens. Birds fed with 0.2g/kg MLLM supplement coupled with medication and those on negative control had higher (p < 0.05) creatinine values. Serum enzyme activities reduced (p < 0.05) following supplementation. MLLM supplementation recorded no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the liver, kidney, heart and gizzard. M. lucida leaf meal can be compared to routine medication for improved health status of broiler chickens. Dietary inclusion with 0.1g/kg MLML combined with routine medication could be used in producing healthy and safe chickens.

Identification of Antioxidant Cysteine-stabilised Peptides of Morinda lucida Benth. Leaf

Pathogenesis of several diseases has been attributed to free radical modification of biomolecules within the body, which can be prevented or treated with antioxidants, especially those of natural origin. Some plant peptides have been reported to be effective antioxidants. Cysteine-stabilised peptide content of Morinda lucida leaf was extracted and purified using solvent extraction, column chromatography, reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and the type of cysteine-stabilised peptide present was determined using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry analysis and ninhydrin staining. Antioxidant activities of the partially purified peptide fraction were evaluated using in vitro models. The presence of linear cysteine-stabilised peptide with masses ranging from 3.601 to 3.678 kDa and having three disulphide bonds was confirmed. Partially purified peptide fraction exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power, which is statistically compared with that of butylated hydroxytoluene but displayed statistically lower total antioxidant capacity compared to glutathione. Nitric oxide scavenging activity of partially purified peptide fraction was statistically lower compared to ascorbic acid. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of partially purified peptide fraction was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared with that of glutathione at higher concentrations. Cysteine-stabilised peptide, identified for the first time in M. lucida leaf, possesses antioxidant properties and they may be effective in the management of reactive oxygen species-mediated pathological conditions but not reactive nitrogen species-mediated pathological conditions.

Antioxidant defense system induced by cysteine-stabilized peptide fraction of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf in selected tissues of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the responses of some antioxidant parameters in selected tissues of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice treated with cysteine-stabilized peptide fraction (CSPF) of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf. MethodsFifty-six mice were randomly divided into seven groups. Group A (normal control) was uninfected and received 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Mice in Groups B (negative control), C, D, E and F were inoculated with P. berghei NK65 and were administered with 5% DMSO and 15.63, 31.25, 61.5 and 125 mg/kg body weight of CSPF respectively. Group G animals, were also inoculated with P. berghei NK65, and received 20 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine. The administration lasted for three days, after which malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and various antioxidant parameters in selected tissues of mice were determined on days 4 and 8 post-inoculation. ResultsThe results revealed that MDA concentration was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the tissues of the negative control and chloroquine-treated groups. The increased MDA concentration was reduced by CSPF in a dose-dependent manner, which was significant (P < 0.05) at higher doses. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase and the concentration of reduced glutathione were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the tissues of the negative control animals compared to the normal controls. This observed reduction in the negative control animals was reverted in a dose-dependent manner in infected animals given CSPF, even to the range of the normal controls at highest dose, as did chloroquine. ConclusionThe results suggest that CSPF of M. lucida leaf extract may induce the antioxidant defense system in vivo against Plasmodium species infection.

Cysteine-stabilised peptide extract of Morinda lucida (Benth) leaf exhibits antimalarial activity and augments antioxidant defense system in P. berghei-infected mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCysteine-stabilised peptides (CSP) are majorly explored for their bioactivities with applications in medicine and agriculture. Morinda lucida leaf is used indigenously for the treatment of malaria; it also contains CSP but the role of CSP in the antimalarial activity of the leaf has not been evaluated. Aim of the studyThis study was therefore performed to evaluate the antimalarial activity of partially purified cysteine-stabilised peptide extract (PPCPE) of Morinda lucida leaf and its possible augmentation of the antioxidant systems of liver and erythrocytes in murine malaria. Materials and methodsPPCPE was prepared from Morinda lucida leaf. The activity of PPCPE was evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum W2 and its cytotoxicity against a BGM kidney cell line. PPCPE was also evaluated for its antimalarial activity and its effects on selected liver and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in P. berghei NK65-infected mice. ResultsPPCPE was not active against P. falciparum W2 (IC50: >50µg/ml) neither was it cytotoxic (MLD50: >1000µg/ml). However, PPCPE was active against P. berghei NK65 in vivo, causing 51.52% reduction in parasitaemia at 31.25mg/Kg body weight on day 4 post-inoculation. PPCPE significantly reduced (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentrations in the liver and erythrocyte at higher doses compared to untreated controls. PPCPE increased glutathione concentration and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in a dose-dependent manner, which was significant (P < 0.05) at higher doses compared to the untreated controls. ConclusionThe results suggest that PPCPE may require bioactivation in vivo in order to exert its antimalarial effect and that PPCPE may augment the antioxidant defense system to alleviate the reactive oxygen species-mediated complications of malaria.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Potency of Crude Ethyl Acetate and Ethanol Extracts of Morinda lucida Leaf, Stem and Bark on Mycobacterium Species, Isolated from the Chest Hospital, Obafemi Awolowo Teaching University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Evaluation of Antibacterial Potency of Crude Ethyl Acetate and Ethanol Extracts of Morinda lucida Leaf, Stem and Bark on Mycobacterium Species, Isolated from the Chest Hospital, Obafemi Awolowo Teaching University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Preventive (myoglobin, transferrin) and scavenging (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) anti-oxidative properties of raw liquid extract of Morinda lucida leaf in the traditional treatment of Plasmodium infection.

Background:Liquid extract of Morinda lucida leaf has been demonstrated to have antiplasmodial activities. Some phytochemicals act as preventive and or scavenging antioxidants. This study aimed to investigate the preventative and scavenging properties of the raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaf using plasma myoglobin, transferrin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) peroxidase.Materials and Methods:Forty-eight Plasmodium-infected patients aged 29-47 years that have not been treated with any antimalaria medication but have decided to be treated traditionally using M. lucida leaf extract were recruited from 15 traditional homes in ATISBO, Saki-East, and Saki-West local government areas of Oke-Ogun — the Northern part of Oyo State-Nigeria. Identification of Plasmodium in the blood of the test and normal control subjects were carried out by Giemsha thick film technique. Packed cell volume, total bile acids, blood glucose, blood pressure, plasma myoglobin, transferrin, SOD, and GSH peroxidase (GPx) were evaluated in the normal control subjects and in the Plasmodium-infected patients before and after the treatment with raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaf.Results:A significant (P < 0.05) biochemical alterations were observed in the plasma values of transferrin, SOD, and GPx in the Plasmodium-infected patients when compared with the normal control subjects and after treatment with the raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaf.Conclusion:Our study supports the possible preventative and scavenging antioxidative effect of the raw liquid extract of M. lucida leaf in the traditional treatment of Plasmodium infection.

Investigating the Corrosion Mechanism of Morinda lucida Leaf Extract Admixtures on Concrete Steel Rebar in Saline/Marine Simulating Environment

Investigating the Corrosion Mechanism of Morinda lucida Leaf Extract Admixtures on Concrete Steel Rebar in Saline/Marine Simulating Environment

Reassessment of Acute and Chronic Toxicity Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Morinda Lucida in Rattus Norvegicus

In view of preponderance of medicinal uses of Morinda lucida there is need to reassess its toxicity potential. Phytochemical analysis of Morinda Lucida leaf powder was carried out to determine the therapeutic and toxic principles of the plant. Acute and chronic effects of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf were studied in Rattus norvegicus. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, anthraquinones, tannins, and reducing sugar, whereas steroids were absent. Proximate analysis yielded moisture (8.88%), dry matter (91.12%), ash (18.71%), fat and oil (25.16%), nitrogen free extract (34.30%), crude fibre (12.45%) and crude protein (10.50%). Median lethal dose (LD50) was estimated to be &gt;16,265mg/kg body weight. Haematological analysis revealed significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased packed cell volume, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. However white blood cells decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) at dose level of 1,626.5mg/kg. But, alanine aminotrasferase, glucose, creatinine, total protein, bilirubin, sodium ion, bicarbonate ion and chloride ion decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05). Urea increased significantly (P&lt;0.05). Therefore, aqueous extract of Morinda lucida is safe at the test doses of 16.26 and 162.65mg/kg body weight when administered for 28 days with kidney degeneration and mild to moderate deleterious effects on lung, liver, heart and spleen at dose level of 1,626.5mg/kg bodyweight of the extract.