Melegueta Seeds Research Articles

Evaluation of the preventive effects of alligator pepper aframomum melegueta aqueous extract against titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced oxidative stress in adult wistar rats

This study evaluated the potential protective effects of Alligator pepper Aframomum melegueta (AM) seeds' aqueous extract in adult Wistar rats treated with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (Tio2NP). The study included the preparation of an A. melegueta aqueous extract of AP. Thirty-six healthy adult male Wistar rats were used, randomly distributed into six groups containing six rats, each dosed orally for 60 consecutive days; group 1: control group (5ml b.w. distilled water only: Group 2:100 mg/kg TIO2 NP suspension). Group 3:100mg/kg AM Aqueous extract). Group 4: 200 mg/kg AM Aqueous extract). Group 5:100 mg/kg b.w. AM before 4 hours receive TIO2 NP 100 mg/kg b.w.). Group 6:200 mg/kg b.w AM Aqueous extract before four h receive TIO2 NP 100 mg/kg b.w.The study results revealed that Restoring normal levels of blood lipid profile in G5andG6 is represented by a significant p < 0.05 decrease in the level of cholesterol, LDL accompanied by a significant p < 0.05 increase in the level of HDL compared to the Tio2NP group. A. melegueta aqueous extract 100 and 200 mg/kg was highly protected from the toxicity of TIO2 NP in Wistar rats by a significant p < 0.05 increase of SOD and Catalase level and p < 0.05 decreased MDA. The study suggested that when taken orally, the aqueous extract of AM seeds improves the defense against adverse effects of Tio2NP that cause oxidative stress and change the lipid profile, depending on the dose.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF CURCUMIN IN COMBINATION WITH EXTRACTS OF PIPER CAPENSE AND SOME AFRAMOMUM SPECIES

Apart from its broad pharmacological potential, curcumin has low bioavailability, which affects its efficient activity in the body. To improve its bioavailability or optimize its pharmacological properties, its combination with extracts of certain plants is considered to be one of the avenues to be explored. The present study aimed to boost the anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin by combining it with extracts of Piper capens and Aframomum species namely Aframomum melegueta, Aframomum angustifolium and Aframomum alboviolaceum). To achieve this, an anti-inflammatory screening was carried out using the rat paw oedema inhibition test. This screening involved aqueous and hydro-ethanolic plant extracts alone and then in combination with natural curcumin. The phytochemical screening was performed following standard protocols. The findings of the anti-inflammatory screening showed that the aqueous extracts of A. alboviolaceum and the hydro-ethanolic extracts of A. melegueta seeds had interesting anti-inflammatory activity (p-value = 0.0000 and p-value = i0.0085 respectively). As for the formulated recipes, the findings revealed that recipes based on curcumin with the aqueous extracts of P. capens, or with the hydro-ethanolic extracts of A. angustifolium leaves and A. melegueta seeds had an optimized anti-inflammatory activity compared with curcumin. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, quinones, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids and coumarins. The hydro-ethanolic extracts of A. melegueta seeds and A. angustifolium leaves had high levels of total polyphenols. In conclusion, the extracts of P. capense, A. angustifolium and A. melegueta, can be used as adjuvants to boost the anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin.

Interference in drug assay by phytochemicals: An experience with colorimetric assay of amlodipine in physiological fluids

Purpose: To investigate the potential interactions between methanol extract of Aframomum melegueta seeds (AMSE) and amlodipine (AML).
 Methods: Amlodipine concentrations 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 µg/mL were assayed in vitro with or without AMSE using potassium ferricyanide/FeCl3 (FeCl3/K4(Fe(CN)6)) method. The resulting solution was wavelength-scanned in the range 380 – 950 nm and absorbance read at 393.1, 455.6 and 774.8 nm.
 Results: Aframomum melegueta seeds (AMSE), when present in biological fluids and solutions of AML, interfered significantly with FeCl3/K4(Fe(CN))6. The highest interference occurred at 774.8 nm, and 50 µg/mL AMSE gave as much as 1.5 absolute unit increase in absorbance of 2.5 µg/mL when compared to its absence. Spectral scan of the sample revealed two additional peaks at 393.1 and 455.6 nm with only 0.07 and 0.16 nm unit increases in the presence of AMSE. Concentration–absorbance relationship at these two wavelengths satisfied Beer-Lambert’s law. Beyond 15 µg/mL AML at 774.8 nm, Beer-Lambert’s law was not followed.
 Conclusion: This study highlights the potential interactions between components of the methanol extract of Aframomum melegueta seeds on assay methods of AML. Furthermore, reliable concentration measurements have been made at 393.1 or 455.6 nm. This should be kept in mind when carrying out drug measurements in populations where concurrent use of herbal remedies is highly probable.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity of selected methanolic plant extracts and their detoxification capabilities against AFB1 toxicity

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a secondary metabolite produced principally by Aspergillus parasiticus and A. flavus. It is one of the most potent and commonly occurring dietary carcinogen with its carcinogenic potential being linked to the formation of DNA adducts and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Plant extracts contain a plethora of biologically active phytochemicals that act against ROS. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of some medicinal plants and investigate their detoxification potentials against AFB1. Phytochemical screening together with total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS+)) assays) were performed on nine methanolic plant extracts. Extracts were incubated with AFB1 for 24 and 48 h and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis done to assess their AFB1 detoxification activities. The TPC of the extracts ranged from 88.92 ± 6.54 to 210.19 ± 7.90 mg GAE/g, while TFC ranged between 4.01 ± 0.94 and 32.48 ± 1.02 mg QE/g. Radical scavenging activities of extracts varied from 4.18 ± 1.37 to 251.53 ± 9.30 μg/mL and 8.36 ± 1.65 to 279.22 ± 8.33 μg/mL based on DPPH and ABTS+ assays, respectively. Six of the plant extracts showed a time-dependent detoxification activity against AFB1 after 48 h ranging from 20.17 to 38.13 %. C. dentata bark extract showed the highest percentage of AFB1 reduction, with mean percentages of 43.57 and 70.96 % at 24 and 48 h, respectively. This was followed by C. asiatica leaves and A. melegueta seeds with a maximum of 40.81 and 38.13 %, respectively after 48 h. These extracts also possessed high TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities compared to all the other extracts. Findings from this study demonstrate the abundance of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity playing a role in potent AFB1 detoxification activity.

Assessment of Haematology, Performance, and Yolk Lipid in Laying Birds Supplemented Aframomum Melegueta Seed Meal

Assessment of Haematology, Performance, and Yolk Lipid in Laying Birds Supplemented Aframomum Melegueta Seed Meal

Antimicrobial and anti-virulence activities of 4-shogaol from grains of paradise against gram-negative bacteria: Integration of experimental and computational methods

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing global concern, highlighting the urgent need for new antimicrobial candidates. Aframomum melegueta was traditionally used for combating urinary tract and soft tissue infections, which implies its potential as an antimicrobial agent. Aim of studyThis study was designed to explore the antibacterial and anti-virulence capabilities of 4-shogaol isolated from A. melegueta seeds versus gram-negative bacteria: Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and the clinically important pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Materials and methods4-Shogeol was isolated from A. melegueta seeds and its MICs were determined for Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC-17978), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC-27853), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC-700603), and Serratia marcescens clinical isolate. The anti-efflux activity and effect on the bacterial cell membrane for the compound were evaluated. Furthermore, the anti-virulence activities of the compound were evaluated. The effects of 4-shogeol at sub-MIC on bacterial motility, biofilm formation, and production of virulent enzymes and pigments were assessed. The anti-quorum sensing activities of 4-shogeol were evaluated virtually and by quantification its effect on the expression of quorum sensing encoding genes. The in vivo protection assay was conducted to evaluate the effect of 4-shogaol on the P. aeruginosa capacity to induce pathogenesis in mice. Finally, the effect of shogaol-antibiotics combination was assessed. ResultsThe research revealed that 4-shogaol's antibacterial action primarily involves disrupting the bacterial cell membrane and efflux pumps. It also exhibited significant anti-virulence effects by reducing biofilm development and repressing virulence factors production, effectively protecting mice against P. aeruginosa infection. Furthermore, when combined with antibiotics, 4-shogaol demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to reduced minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against P. aeruginosa. Its anti-virulence properties were linked to its ability to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms, as evidenced by its interaction with QS receptors and downregulation of QS-related genes. Notably, in silico analysis indicated that 4-shogaol exhibited strong binding affinity to different P. aeruginosa QS targets. ConclusionThese findings suggest that 4-shogaol holds promise as an effective anti-virulence agent that can be utilized in combination with antibiotics for treating severe infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

Bioassay-guided identification of potential Alzheimer’s disease therapeutic agents from Kaempferol-Enriched fraction of Aframomum melegueta seeds using in vitro and chemoinformatics approaches

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a major public health concern and the fifth major cause of death among the aging population globally. In this study, the total phenols and flavonoids contents (TPC and TFC) and in vitro antioxidant actions of the methanol extract and the various fractions of Aframomum melegueta were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NO), lipid peroxidation (TBARS) activity and ferric reducing power assay (FRAP). Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activities of the two most potent fractions were investigated, and the phytochemicals identified in the ethyl acetate fraction, which had the best antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory effects were subjected to chemoinformatics studies. The extract and its fraction had high amounts of TPC and TFC. The ethyl acetate fraction exerted the best DPPH, NO, TBARS, and FRAP inhibition with IC50 values of 5.06, 6.58, 2.12, and 88.73 µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions inhibited AChE (IC5016.83 and 11.67 µg/mL) and BuChE (IC50 7.54 and 5.21 µg/mL) enzymatic activities more than the standard inhibitor, rivastigmine which had 11.99 and 11.40 µg/mL IC50 values, respectively. A total of 18 compounds were identified in ethyl acetate fraction, and kaempferol was the major component, with 40.01 µg/g (30%). More strikingly, the top-scoring compounds (catechin, and kaempferol) exhibited good binding affinity, and interacted favorably with amino acids residues around and within the active sites of AChE and BuChE and also obeyed drug-likeness rules, and did not show a tendency towards toxicity when placed side by side with rivastigmine which is immunogenic. Thus, A. melegueta seeds contain safe bioactive chemicals, which could be a veritable remedy for managing Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Antiviral activity of aframomum melegueta against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses type 1 and 2

Plant-based compounds with antiviral properties against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been identified in Aframomum melegueta through computational models. The seed extract have been traditionally used to treat different illnesses. In this study, ethanolic extracts were prepared for six commercial samples of A. melegueta seeds. Antiviral activity was tested using the XTT cytotoxicity assay and cell-based SARS-CoV-1 and 2 pseudoviral models. The presence of gingerols and other non-volatile components in the seed extracts was determined using an Agilent 1290 UPLC/DAD in tandem with an Agilent 6546 QTOF-MS. Our results showed selective antiviral activity with TI values as high as 13.1. Fifteen gingerols were identified by chromatographic analysis, with 6-gingerol being the dominant component in each seed extract. A combination of 6-gingerol with techtochrysin, previously identified in computational models as a potential active ingredient against SARS-CoV-2, demonstrated additive antiviral activity with CI values between 0.8715 and 0.9426. We confirmed the antiviral activity of A. melegueta predicted through computational models and identified a different compound, 6-gingerol, as a potential active ingredient.

Optimization for Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Aframomum melegueta Phenolics Using Response Surface Methodology

Aframomum melegueta seeds (AMS) is an African spice with well known traditional and therapeutic values. Its pharmacological activities are attributable mainly to phenolics. This study aimed to investigate and optimize the parameters affecting the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of AMS major constituents and total phenolic content (TPC) using response surface methodology. 6-gingerol, 6-shogoal and 6-paradol were isolated from AMS and a Box-Behnken design (3 factors /3 levels) was used to determine the effect of three extraction parameters (extraction time, methanol concentration and liquid/solid ratio) on their extraction yield. The results showed that methanol concentration and liquid/solid ratio have positive and significant impact on the UAE of TPC and the three investigated compounds, while extraction time has no significant effect. Under optimal conditions, each 1 g dry sample provides 9.32±0.02 mg, 3.72±0.01 mg, 12.32±0.04 mg and 10.71±0.19 mg/GAE of 6-gingerol, 6-shogoal, 6-paradol and TPC, respectively. The optimized UAE conditions were validated and are recommended for the recovery of 6-gingerol, 6-shogoal, 6-paradol and TPC from AMS for further applications as alternative to conventional extraction method.

Nephroprotective activity of Aframomum melegueta seeds extract against diclofenac-induced acute kidney injury: A mechanistic study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Africa, Aframomum species have been traditionally used to treat illnesses such as inflammation, hypertension, diarrhea, stomachache and fever. Moreover, Aframomum melegueta seed extracts (AMSE) are used in traditional medicine to relieve stomachaches and inflammatory diseases. AimChronic administration of diclofenac (DIC) has been reported to cause acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a serious health condition. The nephroprotective effect of AMSE is yet to be elucidated. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the phytoconstituents of standardized AMSE, evaluate its nephroprotective effects against DIC-induced AKI in rats, and elaborate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe quantitative estimation of major AMSE constituents and profiling of its secondary metabolites were conducted via RP-HPLC and LC-ESI/Triple TOF/MS, respectively. Next, DIC (50 mg/kg)-induced AKI was achieved in Sprague-Dawley rats and DIC-challenged rats were administered AMSE (100 and 200 mg/kg) orally. All treatments were administered for five consecutive days. Blood samples were collected and the sera were used for estimating creatinine, urea and, kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1 levels. Kidney specimens were histopathologically assessed and immunohistochemically examined for c-Myc expression. A portion of the kidney tissue was homogenized and examined for levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSH). Heme oxygenase (HO)-1, TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, Bcl2 and caspase-3 renal levels were quantified by ELISA. Moreover, the protein expression levels of NF-ҡB p65 was quantified using Western blot analysis, whereas mRNA expression levels of AMPK, SIRT-1, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) and STAT3 were detected using qRT-PCR in the remaining kidney tissues. ResultsStandardized AMSE was shown to primarily contain 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol and 6-paradol among the 73 compounds that were detected via LC-ESI/Triple TOF/MS including phenolic acids, hydroxyphenylalkanes, diarylheptanoids and fatty acids. Relative to DIC-intoxicated rats, AMSE modulated serum creatinine, urea, KIM-1, renal MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, and caspase-3 levels. AMSE has also improved renal tissue architecture, enhanced GSH and HO-1 levels, and upregulated renal Nrf2, AMPK, and SIRT-1 mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, AMSE suppressed NF–ҡB p65 protein and STAT3 mRNA expression, and further reduced c-Myc immunohistochemical expression in renal tissues. Overall, our findings revealed that AMSE counteracted DIC-induced AKI via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. Moreover, AMSE activated Nrf2/HO1 and AMPK/SIRT1, and inhibited NF-ҡB/STAT3 signaling pathways. Therefore, AMSE is a promising agent for inhibiting DIC-induced nephrotoxicity.

Re-thinking Metronidazole: Anti-microbial Synergism of Hexane Extracts of Garcinia kola and Aframomum melegueta

Aims: This research evaluates knowledge, attitudes, and practice with regard to food poisoning treatment. It compares the antimicrobial effects of Garcinia kola (Gk) and Aframomum melegueta (Am) seeds with Metronidazole and Gentamicin as standards.
 Study Design: A survey with questionnaires was carried out among community Pharmacists in Lagos, Nigeria on drug of choice for suspected food poisoning and the responses analyzed. Hexane extracts of Gk and Am seeds were used on selected microbials that cause food poisoning.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy; Phytochemistry Laboratory and Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology; Pharmaceutical Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy. University of Lagos.
 Methodology: Agar diffusion assays were carried out using and using Gk and Am with Metronidazole and Gentamicin as controls. Gas chromatography and Mass spectroscopy of the extracts was also carried out to ascertain the possible active phytocomponents.
 Results: Our discovery on knowledge showed that 98.6% of the interviewed Pharmacists use Metronidazole for food poisoning treatment. 41.7% of the respondents prescribe Ciprofloxacin while 66.7% prescribed Tetracycline as adjunct medications. Gk and Am exerted powerful anti-microbial effects in a dose dependent manner. Gk on S. typhi showed 1.4-1.7 cm zone of inhibition (zi) at 200mg/ml and with E. coli, 1.2 cm at same concentration. Am with S. typhi showed1.2-1.8 cm and E. coli 1.5 cm zi at same concentration too, much better than Gk. Their mixture for the synergistic experiments had 2.0-2.2 cm and E. coli, 2.4 cm zi at 200 mg/ml, the best performance of the extracts as anti-infective agents against food poisoning. 19 compounds were discovered through GC/MS in Gk and 31 in Am. They each exerted more antimicrobial effects than Metronidazole and their mixture used for synergistic experiments compared favorably with Gentamicin.
 Conclusion: Hexane extracts of Gk and Am are good alternatives for the treatment of food poisoning. The study encourages further drug discovery research in order to ascertain the particular bioactive compounds in the extracts responsible for their powerful antimicrobial actions. Metronidazole is not the drug of choice for food poisoning management.

Two undescribed paradol-related specialized metabolites from Aframomum melegueta

Aframomum melegueta seeds are widely used as a spice in Africa. Two undescribed paradol-related compounds, (S)−9-hydroxy-[6]-paradol (1) and (9S)−3,9-dihydroxydihydro-[6]-paradol (2) together with eight reported constituents (3-10) were isolated and characterised from the methanol extract of A. melegueta seeds. Structure elucidation of these metabolites was achieved by means of NMR and mass spectroscopic data analyses. The absolute configuration of undescribed compounds (1 and 2) was determined using the modified Mosher’s method.

Preliminary in vitro antimicrobial potential and phytochemicals study of some medical plants

Background: Plants in traditional healthcare services in West Africa were selected based on ethnobotanical data for this study. Aqueous and ethanol extracts from these plants’ parts were comparatively screened for phytochemicals and in vitro antimicrobial activity. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of five medicinal plants’ extracts (aqueous and ethanol) were evaluated against Proteus mirabilis (LHC201), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (LHC181) and Aspergillus fumigates (LUML56) using the agar-well diffusion protocol. Retailed chloramphenicol and griseofulvin were used as positive controls respectively. Phytochemicals and percentage yield were determined by modified standard methods. Results: The target bacteria showed varied degrees of susceptibility to both aqueous and ethanol extracts. A. fumigates was insensitive to the treatments. The ethanol extracts of the sampled plants’ parts showed better inhibitory performance against the target bacteria compared to aqueous extracts. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aframomum melegueta, Moringa oleifera and Cola nitida showed marginal difference in inhibitory activity with higher inhibition zones observed for the ethanol extracts of A. melegueta seed and M. oleifera pod against the target bacteria. Phytochemicals composition and density observed in extractants and plants’ parts also varied. Phenols were detected in both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. nitida and C. acuminata, but appeared relatively richer in extracts of A. melegueta seeds and C. albidium fruits. C. nitida, C. acuminate and A. melegueta extracts were positive for flavonoids which were undetected in C. albidium fruits, M. oleifera seeds and pod extracts. No single extract had all the phytochemicals assayed. Conclusions: Screened extracts of medicinal plants’ parts used for this study showed promise antibacterial and resource for developing safer pharmaceutics. Optimization of the antibacterial potential of the extracts for commercial exploitation requires further studies. This study has provided information on the antibacterial property of C. albidum fruits which was hitherto underutilized for traditional medicine purpose.

Comparative study of in vitro antimicrobial potential and phytochemicals of some medical plants

Background: Plants in traditional healthcare services in West Africa were selected based on ethnobotanical data for this study. Aqueous and ethanol extracts from these plants’ parts were comparatively screened for phytochemicals and in vitro antimicrobial activity. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of five medicinal plants’ extracts (aqueous and ethanol) were evaluated against Proteus mirabilis (LHC201), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (LHC181) and Aspergillus fumigates (LUML56) using the agar-well diffusion protocol. Retailed chloramphenicol and griseofulvin were used as positive controls respectively. Phytochemicals and percentage yield were determined by modified standard methods. Results: The target bacteria showed varied degrees of susceptibility to both aqueous and ethanol extracts. A. fumigates was insensitive to the treatments. The ethanol extracts of the sampled plants’ parts showed better inhibitory performance against the target bacteria compared to aqueous extracts. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aframomum melegueta, Moringa oleifera and Cola nitida showed marginal difference in inhibitory activity with higher inhibition zones observed for the ethanol extracts of A. melegueta seed and M. oleifera pod against the target bacteria. Phytochemicals composition and density observed in extractants and plants’ parts also varied. Phenols were detected in both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. nitida and C. acuminata, but appeared relatively richer in extracts of A. melegueta seeds and C. albidium fruits. C. nitida, C. acuminate and A. melegueta extracts were positive for flavonoids which were undetected in C. albidium fruits, M. oleifera seeds and pod extracts. No single extract had all the phytochemicals assayed. Conclusions: Screened extracts of medicinal plants’ parts used for this study showed promise antibacterial and resource for developing safer pharmaceutics. Optimization of the antibacterial potential of the extracts for commercial exploitation requires further studies. This study has provided information on the antibacterial property of C. albidum fruits which was hitherto underutilized for traditional medicine purpose.

Anti-adhesive activity of Aframomum melegueta major phenolics on lower respiratory tract pathogens

Recent studies have raised interest in the potential health effect of Aframomum melegueta, which is related to the phenolic content of its seeds. The methanolic extract of A. melegueta seeds showed a significant anti-adhesive effect against Staphylococcus aureus to lung carcinoma cell line in a concentration-dependent manner. The n-butanol and the chloroform fractions exhibited a significant antiadhesive activity against S. aureus. The chloroform fraction exhibited an antiadhesive effect of 49.53%, 40.15% and 70.34% at concentrations 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. Through a biologically guided isolation, the chloroform fraction yielded a new diarylheptanoid identified using 1D, 2D NMR and HREIMS and named 3-(S)-acetyl-1-(4′,5′-dihydroxy-3′- methoxyphenyl)-7-(3″,4″-dihydroxyphenyl)heptane(1), in addition to eight known compounds (2–9). Compounds (1), 6-paradol (5), [6]-shogaol (7), [8]-gingerol(8) and dihydro[6]paradol (9) exhibited a significant anti-adhesive activity against S. aureus with a % of inhibition of adhesion of 60.58, 50, 70.07, 85.4, 59.85% at 50 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the extract’s capacity to reduce adhesion without reducing bacterial growth reduces the likeliness of resistance development.

Effects of combined crude alkaloid-rich extracts from alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta) and bastered melegueta (Aframomum danielli) on the enzymes crucial to erectile dysfunction-in vitro

The effects of combined crude alkaloid‐rich extracts of alligator pepper (AP) and bastered melegueta (BM) on the enzymes [acetylcholinesterase (AChE), angiotensin‐1‐converting enzyme (ACE), phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5), and arginase] crucial to erectile dysfunction were investigated—in vitro. Mixtures of the alkaloid‐rich extracts (100% AP, 75% AP + 25% BM, 50% AP + 50% BM, 25% AP + 75% BM, and 100% BM) prepared and their effects on AChE, ACE, PDE‐5, and arginase activities were determined. The highest inhibitory effect on AChE and ACE activities was observed in 100% AP while 100% BM had similar effect against PDE‐5 and arginase activities. All the extracts had strong antioxidant properties. Gas chromatography (GC) characterization of extracts revealed the presence of theophylline, sparteine, among others. Biological effects of the combined extracts from AP and BM could be part of the possible mechanism of actions in ED management as reported in folkloric medicine. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Spices have been widely used in Nigeria for food seasoning with numerous health benefits. However, the benefits of spices are under‐utilized in the management/treatment of erectile dysfunction. The results of this study suggest that the combination of alligator pepper and bastered melegueta seeds could be applied as functional foods and nutraceuticals for erectogenic purposes.

Phenolics Isolated from Aframomum meleguta Enhance Proliferation and Ossification Markers in Bone Cells.

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem characterized by decreased bone mineral density and deterioration of bone microarchitecture. Current antiosteoporotic agents exhibit a wide range of adverse effects; meanwhile, phytochemicals are effective and safer alternatives. In the current work, nine compounds belonging to hydroxyphenylalkane and diarylheptanoid groups were isolated from Aframomum meleguea seeds and identified as 6-gingerol (1), 6-paradol (2), 8-dehydrogingerdione (3), 8-gingerol (4), dihydro-6-paradol (5), dihydrogingerenone A (6), dihydrogingerenone C (7), 1,7-bis(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)heptane-3,5-diyl diacetate (8), and 1-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)heptane-3,5-diyl diacetate (9). The structures of isolated compounds were established by NMR and mass spectral data, in addition to referring to literature data. Exposure of MCF-7, MG-63, and SAOS-2 cells to subcytotoxic concentrations of the compounds under investigation resulted in accelerated proliferation. Among them, paradol was selected for further detailed biochemical analysis in SAOS-2 cells. DNA flowcytometric analysis of cell cycle distribution revealed that paradol did not induce any significant change in the proliferation index of SAOS-2 cells. Assessment of osteogenic gene expression revealed that paradol enhanced the expression of osteocyte and osteoblast-related genes and inhibited osteoclast and RUNX suppressor genes. Biochemically, paradol enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and vitamin D content and decreased the osteoporotic marker acid phosphatase. In conclusion, paradol, which is a major constituents of A. melegueta seeds, exhibited potent proliferative and ossification characteristics in bone cells.

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity Screening of Ether Extract of Afromomum melegueta Seed

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity Screening of Ether Extract of Afromomum melegueta Seed

Antimycotic and Antibacterial Activity of <i>Aframomum melegueta</i> Seed Extracts Against Bacteria and Fungi Species from Food Sources

The antibacterial and antimycotic activity of Aframomum melegueta seeds were investigated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas earuginosa, Salmonella species, Klebsiella species, Bacillus species, Fusarium species, Rhizopus species, Aspergillus species, Penicillium species and Mucor species isolated from spoiled bread and tomatoes using agar well diffusion method. The result showed that the ethanol extract exhibited higher antibacterial activity more than the aqueous extract with Bacillus sp. having the highest zone of inhibition (28mm, 23mm), followed by Salmonella sp. (26mm, 22mm), S. aureus (24mm, 19mm), Klesiella sp. (22mm, 17mm) and E. coli (20mm, 16mm) while P. earuginosa was the least (18mm, 15mm). The antifungal activity showed that Rhizopus sp. was the most inhibited by both ethanol and aqueous extracts respectively (20mm and 16mm), followed Penicillium sp. (17mm and 12mm), Aspergillus sp. (14mm and 11mm) and Fusarium sp. (14mm and 10mm) while Mucor sp. was the least (15mm and 9mm). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the aqueous seed extracts showed that MIC of E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella sp. and Bacillus sp. was 20mg/mL. MIC for P. earuginosa, Klesiella sp. and Rhizopus sp. was 30mg/mL while Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Mucor sp. have MICs of 50mg/mL. The MICs of the ethanolic extract showed that E. coli and S. aureus have MICs of 10mg/mL, P. earuginosa, Klesiella sp., Penicillium sp. and Rhizopus sp. have 20mg/mL, Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp. and Mucor sp. have 30mg/mL while Bacillus sp. was the most susceptible with MIC of 5mg/mL. The low MICs are indication of strong antibacterial and antimycotic effects of the extracts. Hence, the extracts could be used in treating infections associated with the test organisms and as well as serve as potential food preservative.

Efficacy of two plant powders as cowpea grain protectants against <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> Fabricius (Coleoptera, Chrysomelideae: Bruchinae)

Objective : This study was carried out to study insecticidal effect of powders from Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves and Aframomum melegueta seeds on cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus . Methodology and Results : 5g of both powders of A. melegueta and C. ambrosioides were used in the proportions of C. ambrosioides 100%: A. melegueta 0%, C. ambrosioides 0%: A. melegueta 100%, C. ambrosioides 30%: A. melegueta 70%, C. ambrosioides 70%: A. melegueta 30% and C. ambrosioides 50%: A. melegueta 50%. Plant powders were added to 20g of cowpea grains. Bioassays were conducted at 26.64±0.74°C and 72.55±4.38% relative humidity. Insect mortality was evaluated from 24 to 144 hours after treatment. Results obtained indicated that plant powders had significant effect on C. maculatus mortality. The highest mortality rate (70.00±26.45%) was recorded in jar treated with C. ambrosioides. Conclusion and application of findings : Either plant powders, alone or mixed had high insecticidal effect on C. maculatus . Because of their effectiveness, these plant powders could be recommended as grain protectants against C. maculatus. Key words: Chenopodium ambrosioides, Aframomum melegueta, Callosobruchus maculatus , Insecticidal activity