Medicinal Plants In Africa Research Articles

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Combretum micranthum Leaves and Decoctions: Implications for Human Health

Combretum micranthum is a well-known medicinal plant in Africa and the decoction of its leaves is used as a drink or to treat various diseases such as malaria, high blood pressure and liver disorders, among others. Due to its high consumption by all sections of the Senegalese population, we felt that its heavy metal intake should be examined to see its impact on health. Leaves of two species of Combretum micranthum produced in the central (I) and southern (II) regions of Senegal and their decoctions in ultrapure water (Ii) and (IIi) were analyzed for 12 elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Cd, Pb, Bi) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The concentrations of heavy metals (μg/g) are in the ranges 2.55 – 84.19 for Cr, 5.21 – 379.72 for Mn, 0.00 – 317.80 for Fe, 0.08 – 1.08 for Co, 1.54 – 8.88 for Ni, 1.75 – 8.08 for Cu, 0.91 – 9.70 for Zn, 0.00 – 0.16 for Cd, 0.46 – 0.84 for Pb. As, Ag and Bi are below detectable limits in any of the samples by ICP-OES analysis. Among all samples, manganese content was highest and represented 46.85% for I , 64.18% for II , 86.88% for Ii and 46.27% for IIi , of the total heavy metal concentrations. The results showed that the leaves of both varieties of Combretum micranthum and decoctions made from these leaves contain heavy metal levels lower than the values recommended by the WHO for consumed medicinal plants. Overall, Variety I harvested from peri-urban areas contains more metals than Variety II harvested from forest.

Antispasmodic Effect of Alstonia boonei De Wild. and Its Constituents: Ex Vivo and In Silico Approaches.

Alstonia boonei, belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is one of the best-known medicinal plants in Africa and Asia. Stem back preparations are traditionally used as muscle relaxants. This study investigated the antispasmodic properties of Alstonia boonei Stem back and its constituents. The freeze-dried aqueous Stem back extract of A. boonei, as well as dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions, were evaluated for their antispasmodic effect via the ex vivo method. Two compounds were isolated from the DCM fraction using chromatographic techniques, and their antispasmodic activity was evaluated. An in silico study was conducted by evaluating the interaction of isolated compounds with human PPARgamma-LBD and human carbonic anhydrase isozyme. The Stem back crude extract, DCM, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions showed antispasmodic activity on high-potassium-induced (K+ 80 mM) contractions on isolated rat ileum with IC50 values of 0.03 ± 0.20, 0.02 ± 0.05, 0.03 ± 0.14, and 0.90 ± 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. The isolated compounds from the DCM fraction were β-amyrin and boonein, with only boonein exhibiting antispasmodic activity on both high-potassium-induced (IC50 = 0.09 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and spontaneous (0.29 ± 0.05 µg/mL) contractions. However, β-amyrin had a stronger interaction with the two proteins during the simulation. The isolated compounds boonein and β-amyrin could serve as starting materials for the development of antispasmodic drugs.

Acutisation of Chronic Renal Failure: About A Case after taking A Plant (Cassia Italica), at the Peace Hospital of Ziguinchor in Southern Senegal (West Africa)

Acute renal failure induced by medicinal plants in Africa is uncertain because the majority of cases are unreported. We present a case of an acutisation of chronic renal failure following the consumption of Cassia Italica leaves. Mrs K.G, 68 years old followed in the nephrology department for stable severe chronic renal failure. The basic renal function (creatinine at 85 mg/l and blood urea at 1.22 g/l (GFR: 28.23 ml/min/1.73m2). She consults for uncontrollable vomiting, epigastralgia, obnubilation. The clinical examination had objectified a calm coma without signs of neurological localization, anuria, edema of the lower limbs and grade III arterial hypertension (BP: 180/100mmHg). The biological assessment showed impaired renal function with serum creatinine at 228.5 mg/l and blood urea at 2.65 g/l. The family admits taking the poison 48 hours before hospitalization by excessive consumption of Cassia italica leaves in the form of a decoction. The use of plants by patients followed in nephrology can aggravate pre-existing kidney disease.

The Calabar bean and physostigmine: from African ethno-jurisprudence to medicinal discovery and modern pharmacotherapeutics

Physostigmine, or eserine, is an alkaloid found in the Calabar bean (eséré), Physostigma venenosum (Balfour). The scientific discovery of physostigmine played a pivotal role in our understanding of chemical neurotransmission and the emergence of pharmacology as a science. The Efik people of Old Calabar, in present day Cross River State of Nigeria, used the bean as an ordeal poison to determine if persons accused of certain allegations such as witchcraft were guilty or innocent. Scottish missionaries working in Old Calabar witnessed eséré ordeal trials and attended to patients inadvertently poisoned by the plant. Perplexed by the ordeal trials and concerned for their patients, the missionaries sent reports of their observations and samples of the beans to scientists back in Britain for study. Evaluations of the plant material for its chemical constituents and biological activity led to the discovery of its active principle, physostigmine. Further explorations with physostigmine led to the discovery of acetylcholine and chemical neurotransmission, and the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1936. From a classic practice of ethno-jurisprudence, the world came to understand the chemical basis of synaptic transmission, and the nature of substrate-enzyme and ligand-receptor interactions as underlying principles in biochemistry and pharmacology. Numerous medicines including physostigmine have been developed based on these principles and are being used in current pharmacotherapy. The rich history of eséré plant and its physostigmine alkaloid anchors a compelling story of the role natural products have played in the discovery of modern therapeutic agents. Moreover, the story highlights the reality that probably many more medicinal plants in Africa remain to be explored for their chemical constituents as potential leads in breakthrough drug discovery.

Characterization of potential hypoglycaemic agents from Tapinanthus sessilifolius parasitic on Psidium guajava

Tapinanthus sessilifolius (Loranthaceae) (P. Beauv) Blume. commonly known as African mistletoe is a well-known medicinal plant in Africa and Europe. A bioassay-guided isolation of the plant constituents was carried out to identify potential anti-hyperglycemic agents. The hexane extract was discovered to be active which yielded two triterpenoids; betulinic acid and lupeol, responsible for the activity and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Other compounds from this plant identified by GC-MS technique were palmitic acid, hexadecanoic acid and stearic acid.

Effect of extraction technique, solvent polarity, and plant matrix on the antioxidant properties of Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don (African Star Apple)

BackgroundChrysophyllum albidum is a well-known medicinal plant in Africa and has many medicinal properties. This study investigated the effect of sonication, solvent polarity (acetone and ethanol), and plant matrix (bark and seeds) on the antioxidant property of C. albidum. The bark of C. albidum was subjected to sonication and soaking with acetone to evaluate the effect of sonication on the antioxidant property, and C. albidum bark and seeds were subjected to ultrasonic-assisted extraction of acetone and ethanol to evaluate the effect of solvents and plant matrix on the antioxidant property of C. albidum. The phytochemical composition, total flavonoid content, total antioxidant activity, total phenol content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) inhibition activity, nitric oxide, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals scavenging activities were evaluated in all extracts.ResultsSonication increased the percentage yield of extracts compared to maceration. Flavonoids and terpenoids were present, while saponins were absent in all extracts evaluated. Ultrasound-assisted extraction increased C. albidum antioxidant property compared to maceration. Ethanol was the most suitable solvent for C. albidum bark, while acetone was the most suitable solvent for C. albidum seeds. C. albidum bark extracts were most active as free radical scavengers, while the seed extracts were most active as inhibitors of lipid peroxidation.ConclusionsExtraction technique, extraction solvent, and plant matrix significantly affect the antioxidant properties of C. albidum. This study indicates that the selection of an effective extraction process for medicinal plants depends on the phytochemical compound responsible for the biological activity of interest.

Isolation and characterization of compounds in ethanolic extract of Albizia coriaria (Welw ex. Oliver) leaves: a further evidence of its ethnomedicinal diversity

BackgroundAlbizia coriaria Welw ex. Oliver (A. coriaria) is one of the treasured medicinal plants in Africa. In continuity of our study verifying the claim of using its leaves for managing bacterial diseases and oxidative stress-mediated complications in Ugandan traditional phytomedicine, we characterized its most active (ethanolic) extract using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, column chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsUV–Vis absorption peaks occurred between 338 and 664 nm, which indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids. FTIR spectrum of the extract indicated the presence of O–H, C=O and aromatic–C=C which confirmed the presence of alcohols, carboxylic acids and aromatics in the extract. Four known bioactive triterpenoids: lupeol (1), lupenone (2), betulinic acid (3), betulin (4) along with an aromatic alcohol: benzyl alcohol (5) were tentatively identified in different fractions of A. coriaria ethanolic leaf extract. Compound 4 was identified for the first time in this species.ConclusionsAll the compounds identified in the fractions of the A. coriaria ethanolic leaf extract have reported pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This supports the traditional use of A. coriaria leaves in the management of oxidative stress-mediated conditions and bacterial diseases in Uganda.

Potential Benefits of Antiviral African Medicinal Plants in the Management of Viral Infections: Systematic Review.

Background: Viruses cause various human diseases, some of which become pandemic outbreaks. This study synthesized evidence on antiviral medicinal plants in Africa which could potentially be further studied for viral infections including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. Methods: PUBMED, CINAHIL, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google databases were searched through keywords; antiviral, plant, herb, and Africa were combined using “AND” and “OR”. In-vitro studies, in-vivo studies, or clinical trials on botanical medicine used for the treatment of viruses in Africa were included. Results: Thirty-six studies were included in the evidence synthesis. Three hundred and twenty-eight plants were screened for antiviral activities of which 127 showed noteworthy activities against 25 viral species. These, were Poliovirus (42 plants), HSV (34 plants), Coxsackievirus (16 plants), Rhinovirus (14plants), Influenza (12 plants), Astrovirus (11 plants), SARS-CoV-2 (10 plants), HIV (10 plants), Echovirus (8 plants), Parvovirus (6 plants), Semiliki forest virus (5 plants), Measles virus (5 plants), Hepatitis virus (3 plants), Canine distemper virus (3 plants), Zika virus (2 plants), Vesicular stomatitis virus T2 (2 plants). Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), Enterovirus, Dengue virus, Ebola virus, Chikungunya virus, Yellow fever virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Rift Valley fever virus, Human cytomegalovirus each showed sensitivities to one plant. Conclusion: The current study provided a list of African medicinal plants which demonstrated antiviral activities and could potentially be candidates for COVID-19 treatment. However, all studies were preliminary and in vitro screening. Further in vivo studies are required for plant-based management of viral diseases.

Development of a Quantitative Method for Analysis of Compounds Found in Mondia whitei Using HPLC-DAD

Mondia whitei is one of the popular medicinal plants in Africa, which has been used extensively across the continent to cure various ailments. Products prepared from this plant are distributed commercially. In this study, an HPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for seven compounds to enable quality control of these products. The method was validated using the external standard-calibration and the standard-addition methods which were found not significantly different. The method was found to be linear in the ranges 1–14 mg/L and 3–14 mg/kg with correlation coefficients from 0.9942–0.9995 and 0.9907–0.9993 in the solvent and the different matrices, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) values of the method were found to range between 0.1–1.2 mg/L in the solvent and syrup, and between 0.4–1.2 mg/kg in the teabag and root powder. The limit of quantification (LOQ) values were found to range between 0.5–3.9 mg/L in the solvent and syrup, and between 1.4–3.8 mg/kg in the teabag and root powder. The method was also found to be precise with percentage relative standard deviations below 5% and 10% in the solvent and matrices, respectively. The method was applied to Mondia whitei products for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Therapeutic potentials and pharmacological properties of Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus and other conditions

There is a growing interest in the use of medicinal plants. Previously, the assumption was that the use of medicinal plants is peculiar to developing and poor nations. However, due to advances in technology, innovative and scientific research on medicinal plants, the trend has changed. The number of people using medicinal plants for various reasons has increased significantly in developed countries. Research studies have shown that several plants display antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer and antiulcer activities and that these plants and their bioactive molecules play important role in retarding the progression of acute and chronic disease conditions such as bacterial infections, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. These and other factors have stimulated interest in documenting and investigating medicinal plants for their nutritional and therapeutic benefits. In addition, vegetables such as Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. are cheap and affordable sources of protein, vital amino acids, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Used as supplements, vegetables provide tangible and correct proportions of nutrients and therapeutic ingredients. As part of the documentation of medicinal plants in Africa and contributing to the pool of knowledge in the field, this review examines the various potentials of T. triangulare. It is envisaged that it would stimulate further interest and research in the plant and medicinal plants in general.

Study of chlorophylls and carotenoids in Sansevieria hyacinthoides leaves

Topicality. Sansevieria hyacinthoides (L.) Druce belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The plant is native to African countries. It has been introduced and naturalized in some countries of America, Asia, Australia and Europe. This species is grown as an ornamental plant in many countries, and as a medicinal plant in Africa. Aim. To determine the quantitative content of chlorophylls a and b and the amount of carotenoids in Sansevieria hyacinthoides leaves freshly collected and dried. Materials and methods. The quantitative content was determined by the spectrophotometric method. This method allows determining the amount of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids by the characteristics of the absorption spectra without their prior separation. Results and discussion. The amount of chlorophyll a and b in the dried leaves was almost 7 times higher than in the freshly collected ones (1.82 ± 0.036 mg/g vs. 0.25 ± 0.005 mg/g, and 2.08 ± 0.038 mg/g vs. 0.29 ± 0.006 mg/g, respectively). The quantitative content of the amount of carotenoids differed by 3.6 times (0.05 ± 0.001 mg/g in freshly collected leaves, and 0.18 ± 0.004 mg/g in the dried raw material). Conclusions. The quantitative content of the amount of carotenoids, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in freshly collected and dried leaves of Sansevieria hyacinthoides has been determined by the spectrophotometric method. The dried plant raw material of Sansevieria leaves has a higher content of biologically active substances: chlorophyll a – 1.82 ± 0.036 mg/g, chlorophyll b – 2.08 ± 0.038 mg/g, and the amount of carotenoids – 0.18 ± 0.004 mg/g.

Identification of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Proliferative Neolignanamides from Warburgia ugandensis Employing Multi-Target Affinity Ultrafiltration and LC-MS.

Previous reports have illustrated that the incidence and mortality of cancer are increasing year by year worldwide. In addition, the occurrence, development, recurrence and metastasis of cancer are closely related to inflammation, which is a kind of defensive response of human body to various stimuli. As an important medicinal plant in Africa, Warburgia ugandensis has been reported to have certain anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities, but its specific components and mechanisms of action remain elusive. To tackle this challenge, affinity ultrafiltration with drug targets of interest coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (AUF-HPLC-MS/MS) could be utilized to quickly screen out bioactive constituents as ligands against target enzymes from complex extracts of this plant. AUF-HPLC-MS/MS with four drug targets, i.e., cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), topoisomerase I (Top I) and topoisomerase II (Top II) were used to rapidly screen and characterize the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative natural ligands from W. ugandensis, and the resulting potential active compounds as ligands with specific binding affinity to COX-2, 5-LOX, Top I and Top II, were isolated with modern separation and purification techniques and identified with spectroscopic method like NMR, and then their antiinflammatory and anti-proliferative activities were tested to verify the screening results from AUF-HPLC-MS/MS. Compounds 1 and 2, which screened out and identified from W. ugandensis showed remarkable binding affinity to COX-2, 5-LOX, Top I and Top II with AUF-HPLC-MS/MS. In addition, 1 new compound (compound 3), together with 5 known compounds were also isolated and identified from W. ugandensis. The structure of compound 3 was elucidated by extensive 1D, 2D NMR data and UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 were further proved to possess both anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities which are in good agreement with the screening results using AUF-HPLC-MS/MS. This work showcased an efficient method for quickly screening out bioactive components with anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity from complex medicinal plant extracts using AUF-HPLC-MS/MS with target enzymes of interest, and also demonstrated that neolignanamides (compounds 1 and 2) from W. ugandensis would be the active components responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity with the potential to treat cancer and inflammation.

In vitro propagation of Securidaca longipedunculata (Fresen) from shoot tip: an endangered medicinal plant

BackgroundSecuridaca longipedunculata Fresen is an indigenous medicinal plant in Africa that has an important place in both traditional and modern medicine. This plant is endangered because of high seed dormancy, low germination rate, and over exploitation. Therefore, micropropagation method is important to address these problems. The objective of this study is to develop a micropropagation protocol for S. longipedunculata from shoot tip explants. ResultsAmong different Clorox concentrations, seeds sterilized with 10% Clorox for 10 min resulted in 85% decontamination and 80% germination. Among different media used to evaluate the rate of seed germination, seeds that were de-coated and transversally cut at the tip and cultured on basal MS medium resulted in 100% germination. The highest percentage of shoot initiation (87%) was obtained on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). The highest mean shoot number per explant (8.5 ± 0.69) was achieved on MS multiplication medium containing 1.5 mg/l BAP in combination with 0.1 mg/l Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The highest mean number of roots per explant (3.73 ± 0.69) was obtained on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l Indole-3-acetic-acid (IAA). Among plantlets transferred to greenhouse, 60% survived after acclimatization. ConclusionsThis micropropagation protocol can be used for mass propagation of S. longipedunculata that contributes to its conservation and genetic improvement.

Effects of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> Biochemical Constituents on Kidney, Liver and Brain of Wister Rats

Medicinal plant have evolved over the centuries as essential parts of African civilization and are widely recognized today as representing its rich cultural and scientific heritage. The increasing demand for Medicinal plant products has renewed interest in the pharmaceutical industry in the production of herbal health care formulations, herbal-based cosmetic products, and herbal nutritional supplements. Thus, in addition to serving medical and cultural functions, Medicinal plants in Africa have economic importance. Global and national markets have been growing for medicinal herbs, and significant economic gains are being realized through the sale of medicinal plant products. The aim of this particular investigation was to observe the effects of Moringa oleifera 80% methanol leaf extract on the histological architecture of kidney, liver and brain tissues. Fifteen (15) rats were randomLy divided into three (3) with five rats per group. Rats were exposed to 2000 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Moringa oleifera extract per os (p.o) along with the control group that was placed on commercial diet. There was no observed mortality in all experimental rats but there is deleterious effect in brain, liver and kidney in those that were exposed to higher doses especially the 2000 mg/kg. It’s therefore concluded that higher dose of Moringa oleifera is toxic while moderate doses is safe to most vital organs especially brain, liver and kidney. There is need for further investigation to identify the phytochemical constituents that are responsible for the toxic effects.

An efficient callus-based in vitro regeneration protocol for Warburgia Ugandensis Sprague, an important medicinal plant in Africa

Warburgia ugandensis Sprague is a woody species in the family Canellaceae and an important source of medicines in Africa. Natural propagation of W. ugandensis is problematic due to its recalcitrant seeds and lack of an efficient in vitro regeneration system for this species. This study describes an efficient regeneration protocol. Petiole bases and shoot tips were used as explants. Callus tissue developed when the explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 30 g L−1 sucrose and 7 g L−1 agar (MS30 medium), supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 1.6 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), and 0.1 mg L−1 thidiazuron (TDZ). Adventitious buds were efficiently induced from the callus when the MS30 medium was supplemented with 0.8 mg L−1 BA and 0.2 mg L−1 IBA. Root induction occurred within 7–10 d on half-strength MS30 medium supplemented with 0.8–1.0 mg L−1 1-napthalene acetic acid (NAA), 0.2 mg L−1 IBA, and 0.03% (w/v) activated charcoal (AC). Roots were followed by root elongation on the same medium but lacking NAA and IBA. Approximately 50% of the plantlets cultured produced roots, while more than 80% of the plantlets survived and successfully grew to maturity.

African Medicinal Plants that Can Control or Cure Tuberculosis

This review contains a compendium of medicinal plants in Africa that can control or cure tuberculosis. A good number of plant secondary metabolites are reported to have antitubercular activity comparable to the existing antitubercular drugs or sometimes even better. Information regarding the chemistry and pharmacology of plants leads to insight into their structure–activity relationship and potency. A welldefi ned strategy is required to exploit these phytomolecules as antitubercular drugs.

Antidepressant activity of methanol root bark extract of <i>Securinega virosa</i> (Ex Willd.) Baill in albino mice

Securinega virosa ( S. virosa ) is a commonly used medicinal plant in Africa for the management of psychiatric illnesses. Thus, the current study aimed at evaluating the antidepressant activity of the methanol extract of S. virosa in mice. The acute toxicity and phytochemical profiles were also determined. The antidepressant activity of the extract (500, 250 and 125 mg/kg) was assessed using the tail suspension test(TST), forced swim test (FST) and open field test (OFT).The median lethal dose was estimated to be ≤2000 mg/kg. Phytoconstituents like tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides were found to be present in the crude extract. The methanol root bark extract of S. virosa significantly (p<0.05) decreased duration of immobility and also decreased comotion and exploratory behavior in mice. Results obtained from this study showed that the root bark extract of S. virosa might possess antidepressant activity. Keywords: Securinega virosa , depression, anxiety, phytochemical

Antimicrobial activity of &lt;i&gt;Phoenix dactylifera&lt;/i&gt; (date palm) on some selected members of enterobacteriaceae

The use of medicinal plants in Africa for therapeutic purpose has been quite a common practice. However, most of these plants are used indiscriminately without proper knowledge of their chemical constituents, spectrum of activity, inhibitory or bactericidal concentrations. Moreover, the widespread and often indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs has resulted in resistance of microbes to specific antibiotic treatments. In view of this, the antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera was determined using agar well diffusion method. A total of 2.43g and 2.12g of the methanolic extract from the original weight of 25g was recovered from the leaf and fruit of Phoenix dactylifera respectively. The leaf extracts showed greater antibacterial effects against Klebsiella pneumoniae with zones of inhibition measuring 34mm, 28mm, 26mm and 24mm at the concentrations of 40mg/ml, 30mg/ml, 20mg/ml and 10mg/ml while Salmonella typhi had zones of 20mm and 14 mm at 40mg/ml and 30mg/ml. However, the fruit extract inhibited the growth of all the test organisms at varying concentrations with the highest zone recorded against Salmonella typhi (38mm) at 40mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) analysis also confirmed the antibacterial effect of these extracts. Phytochemical analysis also showed the presence of Saponins, Tannins, Alkaloids, Steroids, Phenols and Flavonoids. The findings of this research suggest that infection by members of Enterobacteriaceae can be treated using Phoenix dactylifera fruit and leaves as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.Keywords: Date Palm, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, Phytochemical

Binding of anti-Trypanosoma natural products from African flora against selected drug targets: a docking study

Recent publications have suggested that African medicinal plants and their derived products could be viable source of new and better trypanocidal drugs. Nowadays, in silico methods are often used in drug discovery processes to identify new potential drug leads. In this study, we have developed a small library named Afrotryp, comprising three-dimensional chemical structures of potential trypanocidal compounds derived from medicinal plants in Africa (a total of 321 unique chemical structures). We have predicted the pharmacokinetic properties of the library using Qikprop software and employed the three docking/scoring methods implemented in Molecular Operating Environment Dock Tool to assess the affinity of the library dataset towards the binding site of six selected validated anti-Trypanosoma drug targets. It was observed that about 42% of the compounds contained in the Afrotryp dataset were predicted to show a good overall performance in terms of predicted parameters for absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity properties. Docking calculations identified 15 compounds with lowest theoretical binding energies toward the studied proteins, nine of which are suited for the treatment of stage 2 human African trypanosomiasis, due to their low polar surface area. Analysis of their binding modes gave basis for the observed unique molecular interactions which exist between the Afrotryp dataset and the six studied drug targets. The results lay the foundations for the rational development of novel trypanocidal drugs with improved potency.

A Review Of Phytochemicals Of The Genus Vitex

The genus Vitex belongs to the Verbenaceae family with approximately 750 species [1]. Several Vitex species are used as medicinal plants in Africa, Asia and South America [2]. Almost every part of the plant including the leaves, fruits, stembarks and roots have been used in traditional medicine for the management of an array of ailments while some species have nutritional uses [3]. This study presents an overview of ethnopharmacologically useful species of Vitex genus, and can be considered as the first detailed compilation. The overview endeavors to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date compilation of documented ethnopharmacological information in relation to the ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry and biological activities of medicinal plants in Vitex genus.