Myrianthus Arboreus Research Articles

Antioxidant and antifungal activities of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Moraceae), Allanblackia gabonensis Pellegr. (Clusiaceae) and three other Cameroonian medicinal plants

Background: Biological activities of medicinal plants make them attractive alternative complementary medicines. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antioxidant and antifungal activities of the methanol extract of Myrianthus arboreus, Allanblackia gabonensis, Gladiolus quartinianus, Peperomia fernandopoiana and Vepris soyauxii. Methods: Total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoid contents (FC) were evaluated using standard methods. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. Antifungal activity was evaluated by the broth micro-dilution method. Results: TPC of extracts ranging from 67.89 to 196.01 mgGAE/g TPC were very higher in P. fernandopoiana whole plant (PFW) extract (196.01±10.25 mgGAE/g) and MAL (165.71±10.68 mgGAE/g) whereas the A. gabonensis fruit extract (AGF) and M. arboreus bark extract (MAB) had the highest flavonoid content (66.54 ± 2.12 and 48.13 ± 1.65 mgEC/g of extract, respectively). Apart from M. arboreus leave extract (MAL), all extracts showed important DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 < 20 μg/mL). AGFl and PFW exhibited significant ferric reducing power compared to ascorbic acid and other extracts (P<0.05). Each of the tested extracts showed antifungal activity against atleast one of the five pathogenic fungi, with MICs ranging from 128 to 1024 µg/mL. MAL was active on all the tested fungi whereas MAB showed the highest antifungal activity (MIC=128 µg/mL). Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the evidence that the methanol extracts of the leave and bark of Myrianthus arboreus could be an alternative to fight against oxidative stresses and infections due to opportunistic yeast pathogens. Keywords: Oxidative stress; fungal infection; medicinal plant; antioxidant activity; antifungal activity.

Nutritional and medicinal values of common green leafy vegetables consumed in Delta State, Nigeria: a review

Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) play an important role in human nutrition. In sub-Saharan African countries, GLVs are a vital source of essential micronutrients, and their consumption has long been a part of the cultural heritage of African households. In Nigeria, GLVs are either cooked as a stew or consumed raw and used as a main or a supporting dish. These GLVs have great nutritional and medicinal value. It is hypothesized that providing knowledge about the botanical description, nutritional and medicinal benefits to consumers could improve consumption, but much of existing knowledge is poorly documented and inaccessible. This paper aims to address this gap by collating information on some consumed in Delta State, Nigeria: African jointfir (Gnetum africanum, locally known as Ukazi), jute mallow, (Corchorus olitorius, locally known as Malafiya), and cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz), giant yellow mulberry (Myrianthus arboreus), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and bush buck, (Gongronema latifolium, locally known as Utazi) leaves.

Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants from a Sub-Saharan African Country against Bacterial Pathogens from Post-Operative Wound Infections.

Background: Globally, the application of medicinal plants in the management of acute and chronic wounds can be considered a common occurrence in most traditional medicine practices. In view of this, many plants in the tropical and subtropical regions have been screened for their wound-healing activities. Consequently, plants having antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MD-R) pathogens can be considered great assets. Therefore, this study evaluated ethanolic and aqueous extracts of five medicinal plants (Psidium guajava, Myrianthus arboreus, Alchornea cordifolia, Momordica charantia, and Justicia flava) for their antimicrobial activities against MD-R bacterial pathogens isolated from post-operative wounds; Methods: This involved the aqueous and ethanolic extraction of the selected medicinal plants. Preliminary phytochemical constituents of the plants were examined. The agar well diffusion method was then used to determine the antibacterial activity of the leaves against reference strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain) as well as the MDR clinical isolates (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and CoNS) from the wounds; Results: The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the leaves showed the presence of saponins, phenolics, and reducing sugars in almost all the plants tested. All plant extracts were observed to have some antimicrobial activity against at least one reference strain. For the clinical MDR isolates, A. cordifolia from this study showed highest inhibition to growth of all bacteria used. Activity of J. flava against S. aureus was highest as compared to that of E.coli and P. aeruginosa. Similar observation was made for M. arboreus, P. guajava and M. charantia where the highest activity was observed against S. aureus; Conclusion: This study has mainly shown that P. guajava, M. arboreus, A. cordifolia, M. charantia, and J. flava exhibits antimicrobial activities against MD-R bacterial pathogens isolated from post-operative wounds. Also, these plants has bioactive phytochemical compounds with potential medicinal values for the treatment of numerous infections. Therefore, these plants may be helpful in the management of acute and chronic wounds, especially in traditional medicine practices.

Performance of West African dwarf goats fed supplemented with Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal concentrates

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of West African Dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum supplemented with Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal for 49 days. Four diets were formulated such that diet A contained 0.00% Myrianthus arboreus, diet B contained 10.00% Myrianthus arboreus, diet C contained 11.00% Myrianthus arboreus and diet D contained 12.00% Myrianthus arboreus respectively. A total of twelve (12) West African Dwarf goats were randomly allocated to the four diets with three animals per diet, each serving as a replicate. Parameters assessed were the chemical composition of the experimental diets, growth rate and digestibility coefficient of the animals. The results showed that diet D had the highest dry matter (92.55%) and crude protein (20.55%) contents. The average daily weight gain (g/day) of animals was significantly (P<0.05) nfluenced across the treatments. Animals fed diet D recorded the highest weight gain (19.39g/day) while the least weight gain (7.55g/day) was recorded for animals on diet B. The highest total dry matter intake (340.34g/day) was recorded for animals on diet D while the least (313.18g/day) was observed in animals fed diet C. The best feed conversion ratio(17.55) was recorded in animals fed diet D. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the nutrient digestibility of the experimental animals. The highest dry matter (82.70%), crude protein (86.18%) digestibilities were observed in diet D while the least dry matter digestibility (72.73%) was observed in diet B. However, the least fibre fractions digestibilities were observed in diet D. It can therefore be concluded that supplementation of Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal concentrate at 12% inclusion with Panicum maximum as basal diet for goats can enhance nutrient digestibility and improve growth without any deleterious effects on the animals.

Potential of some autochthonous wild plants of Burundi for vegetable oil and valuable compounds production.

Twelve species of indigenous plants have been studied in order to valorize some natural resources of Burundi (Eastern Africa) to investigate possibilities of vegetable oil production. Physicochemical properties and oil contents were determined from seeds harvested through five ecogeographic zones. From oilcake extracts, total sugars contents, proteins (TPrC), polyphenolic (TPhC), and flavonoids were quantified using spectrophotometry. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of oilcake extracts was assessed by 2, 2-diphenyl-b-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. All oil contents obtained were found to be quite similar to those of common oleaginous seeds. The two highest were found in Parinari curatellifolia (61.44 ± 4.81% Dry Matter) and Myrianthus arboreus (48.26 ± 5.96% DM). More than half of the species have shown TPrC ranging from 10 to 24% dry matter of oilcake (DM). Brachystegia longifolia was revealed exceptionally stronger antioxidant potential: effectiveness antiradical of 163.06 ± 26.29 mL/μg.min (DPPH assay) and reducing power of 2618.21 ± 161.22 GAE/100 g DM (FRAP assay). TPhC were positively correlated (p < 0.05) to the antioxidant activity. This pioneering work on these wild species highlight the potential for producing vegetable oil and valuable biomolecule sources likely for food, cosmetics, pharmacy and industry.

Effect of Seed Pre- Germination Treatment and Light Regimes on The Germination and Growth of Myrianthus Arboreus (P. Beauv) Seedlings

The effects of seed pre-treatment methods on the germination and growth of Myrianthus arboreus under two light regimes was conducted in the nursery of the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, University of Benin, Benin City. The seed pre-treatment methods were 24 hours soaking in water (T1), 12 hours soaking in water (T2), seeds tied in black nylon (T3), control no treatment (T4) and repeated under two light regimes which were open light regime and medium light regime. Experiment was set up in Completely Randomized Design manner (CRD.) Analysis of variance was used to analyze the results of germination and growth parameters measured.&#x0D; Germination percentages in the open light regime were 52, 56, 52 and 56% for T1, T2,T3, and T4 respectively while germination percentage in the medium light regime were 100, 64, 0 and 32% for T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. The mean shoot heights (cm) were 10.22 and 5.36 in the open light regime and medium light regime respectively. Collar girths (mm) were 1.99 and 1.11 number of leaves were 3.39 and 2.23 while the mean shoot to root ratio was 1.01 and 0.99 for the open light regime and the medium light regime respectively.&#x0D; Therefore, it is recommended that the seeds of Myrianthus arboreus be soaked in water for 24 hours, sown under medium transferred at the 2-leaf stage to the open light regime (or shading removed) where they will grow until planting out time.

Flavanols and triterpenoids from Myrianthus arboreus ameliorate hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats possibly via glucose uptake enhancement and α-amylase inhibition

Myrianthus arboreus is use traditionally as an antidiabetic agent in Ghana. We reported the in vivo antidiabetic activity of its 70 % ethanol stem bark extract (MAB) which we found to be strongly concentrated in its EtOAc fraction using glucose uptake and enzyme inhibitory assays. The present study sought to investigate the in vivo hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of this ethyl acetate fraction of MAB (MAB-EtOAc, 50 and 100 mg/kg) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for 21 days, isolate and evaluate the bioactive constituents responsible for the antidiabetic activity. In silico pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties of the most active compound was also determined. MAB-EtOAc significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the blood glucose levels while normalizing considerably the altered serum lipid parameters of the diabetic rats which was comparable to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). Chemical investigation of MAB-EtOAc led to the isolation of seven known compounds including three flavanols which are reported for the first time in the plant: epicatechin (1), epigallocatechin (2), dulcisflavan (3), euscaphic acid (4), tormentic acid (5), sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6) and arjunolic acid (7). The compounds markedly inhibited the action of α-amylase and, except for 4 and 6, which stimulated considerably glucose uptake in C2C12 cells. Compounds 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 which were further evaluated in STZ-induced diabetic rats demonstrated hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic activities which, however, were not comparable with MAB-EtOAc. Compound 3, the most active compound was predicted to be non-toxic, non-mutagenic, has reasonable oral bioavailability and a decent substrate for further drug development. The findings of this study show that the isolated compounds may contribute to the antidiabetic activity of M. arboreus and could serve as marker compounds for the quality control of herbal medicines that would be made from the plant.

The leaf aqueous extract of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) improved letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome associated conditions and infertility in female Wistar rats

BackgroundMyrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) is a medicinal plant used to treat female infertility. The aqueous extract of M. arboreus leaves was found to improve the fertility of healthy female Wistar rats. In the present study, we proposed evaluating the effects of such an extract on an animal model of infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in order to bring scientific evidence to the curative action of this plant against female infertility.MethodsFollowing a 21-day administration (gavage) of letrozole (1 mg/kg), animals with PCOS, indicated by overweight and an estrous cycle blocked in the diestrus phase, were co-treated with letrozole (1 mg/kg) and the aqueous extract of M. arboreus leaves at doses of 20, 110 and 200 mg/kg. The positive control received clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg) and metformin (200 mg/kg). The negative control received distilled water. Each group of animals was made up of 10 female rats. Vaginal smear was examined 7 days before and during co-treatments. Co-treatments were orally administered for 30 consecutive days and 5 animals per group were sacrificed thereafter for biochemical and histological analyses. The 5 remaining animals in each group were crossbred with males of proven fertility for 5 consecutive days. The daily examination of vaginal smears allowed evaluating fertility index. Following parturition, gestation rate was calculated.ResultsThe aqueous extract of M. arboreus leaves reversed letrozole effects by decreasing body weight, abdominal fat accumulation, and serum levels of LH and testosterone (p < 0.001). Ovarian dynamic was improved and the number of tertiary, Graafian follicles (p < 0.001) and corpus luteum increased while that of cystic (p < 0.001) and atretic follicles (p < 0.01) decreased. These effects were associated with increased serum levels of estradiol, decreased ovarian oxidative stress, the resumption of the estrous cycle, the hypertrophy of uterine epithelial cells and increased fertility index and gestation rate.ConclusionsThese results justify at least in part, the traditional use of M. arboreus against female infertility and suggest that this plant could be a promising alternative treatment to improve symptoms associated with different PCOS phenotypes.

Antidiarrhoea Activities of Aqueous Extract of Myrianthus arboreus Leaves in Albino Rats

Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of 5 years. Due to this problem, the World Health Organization has encouraged studies that will bring about the desired treatment and prevention of diarrhoea. Myrianthus arboreus leaves (MA) is used in some tribes of Nigeria for food. In this study, the antidiarrhoea activities of the aqueous extract of Myrianthus arboreus leaves were investigated with experimental animals via feacal count, measurement gastrointestinal charcoal meal distance and electrolyte composition. The extract (500, 1000 and 2000) mg/kg in comparison with loperamide hydrochloride, decreased the degree of gastrointestinal motility, production of diarrhoea stool, reduced the frequency of defecation and delayed the onset of diarrhoea in castor oil induced in albino rats. Also the extract inhibited the concentration of intestinal fluid electrolytes.

Further isolation and identification of anti-diabetic principles from root bark of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv.: The ethyl acetate fraction contains bioactive phenolic compounds that improve liver cell glucose homeostasis.

We recently reported that ethanol extract of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. root bark demonstrated antidiabetic activity by modulating hepatocyte glucose homeostasis. This activity was associated significantly to the ethyl acetate (EAc) fraction. The current study sought to identify the active compounds responsible of the antidiabetic effect of M. arboreus in the EAc fraction using bioassay-directed sub-fractionation. EAc fraction was sub-fractionated using Flash chromatography. Preparative HPLC was used to isolate the pure compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed by analysis of NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. Hepatic (H4IIE, HepG2) cells were treated with maximum non-toxic concentrations of ethanol extract, its EAc fraction and isolated compounds thereof. Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity was measured using the glucose oxidase method. To measure glycogen synthase (GS) activity, radioactive assays were used. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3) were probed by Western blot. Six sub-fractions were obtained, and the antidiabetic activity was found in two sub-fractions (SFE1 and SFE2). For the first time, two known C-glycosylflavone regio-isomers, isoorientin (1) and orientin (2) were detected and isolated from M. arboreus plant, especially from SFE2 as well as protocatechuic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (4), and chlorogenic acid isolated from SFE1. The compounds 1, 2, 4 were determined to decrease the activity of G6Pase by increasing AMPK phosphorylation and to stimulate GS through GSK-3 phosphorylation. Isoorientin which is one of the main compounds of EAc fraction, expressed the strongest effect in all bioassays, similar to that of the EAc fraction. A significant and linear correlation was found between the phosphorylation of AMPK and the activity of G6Pase modulated by all samples (R2 = 0.54; p < 0.05). Similar to G6Pase assay, a correlation was determined between the capacity of M. arboreus extracts/fractions/compounds to stimulate GS activity and to phosphorylate GSK-3 (R2 = 0.57, p < 0.01). Results demonstrate that 1, 2, 4 are responsible, at least in part, for the antidiabetic activity of M. arboreus. These compounds can be used to ensure the quality and efficacy of M. arboreus antidiabetic preparations and standardize such preparations.

Agro-Morphological Characterization of Myrianthus Arboreus (P. Beauv) in Cote dIvoire

The objective of this study is to evaluate the agro-morphologicals parameters of Myrianthus arboreus in five localities of the Cote d’Ivoire.Seventy-five individuals of Myrianthus arboreus collected in five localities of Cote d’Ivoire (Abengourou, Adzope, Daloa, Diabo and Zouan Hounien), have been evaluated agro-morphologically. Twelve characters selected from the descriptors of this plant were used in this study. Statistical analysis revealed a high variability between the individuals collected. But a higher value of parameters tested was recorded in Abengourou than Diabo. Positive correlations were observed between leaf, production parameters and between foliage and production parameters. Hierarchical Classification Analysis associated with Discriminant Factor Analysis showed that individuals tested were split in three groups with complementary characteristics. Among parameters tested leaves width and fruits full quarter’s number were revealed as discriminating factors.

Protective Effect of Myrianthus Arboreus Leaves Aqueous Extract in AcetaminophenInduced Liver Toxicity in Rats

Owning to changes in living pattern of humans and constant environmental changes, different life challenging diseases now exist. Traditional system has clam that some of these diseases could be cured with plant. Plants and their components are source of large amount of drugs. This study was design to examine the protective effect of Myrianthus arboreus leaves extract against acetaminophen induced liver toxicity in rats. A suspension of 750 mg/kg acetaminophen was administered once every 72 hours to induce toxicity in the rats. Oral administration of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight of the extract and 100 mg/kg of silymarine (reference drug) were administered for 10 days. The result of effect of pretreatment with Myrianthus aboreus leaves on the enzyme makers of tissue damage in acetaminophen induced toxicity showed significant different when compared with the result of group induced without pretreatment. The values of AST, ALT and ALP in the untreated group significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased. Elevated serum level in these enzymes revealed the integrity and functionality of the liver. Thus the increased value of these enzymes indicates damage to the liver by the induced acetaminophen. Also the values of non-enzyme markers (T.B., ALB and TG) for the treated groups decreased when compared with the untreated group. The significant different in the values between the groups pretreated with Myrianthus aboreus leaves and the untreated group showed that MA extract could protect the liver.

Bioactive Pentacyclic Triterpenes from the Root Bark Extract of Myrianthus arboreus, a Species Used Traditionally to Treat Type-2 Diabetes.

Four new Δ12 ursene-type pentacyclic triterpenes containing the trans-feruloyl moiety (1-4), along with ursolic acid (5), were isolated from a Myrianthus arboreus root bark ethanol extract, after bioassay-guided subfractionation of its hexane fraction. The structures of 1-4 were established on the basis of the results of standard spectroscopic analytical methods (IR, HRESIMS, GC-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). The compounds 3β- O- trans-feruloyl-2α,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (1), 2α-acetoxy-3β- O- trans-feruloyl-19α-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (3), and 5 were determined to decrease the activity of hepatocellular glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and to activate glycogen synthase (GS). Their action on G6Pase activity implicated both Akt and AMPK activation. In addition, these compounds were determined to stimulate GS via the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3. Compound 3 showed the most potent effect in modulating glucose homeostasis in liver cells. This is the first comprehensive report on novel phytochemical components of the root bark extract of M. arboreus based on the isolation of the principles responsible for its antidiabetic effects.

Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv (Cecropiaceae) Extracts Accelerates Sexual Maturation, and Increases Fertility Index and Gestational Rate in Female Wistar Rats.

Background: Despite the wide use of leaves of Myrianthus arboreus (Cecropiaceae) in several African countries including Cameroon as food and against amenorrhea and female infertility, it has never been tested for this purpose. Methods: Using immature female Wistar rats, the impact of M. arboreus on the sexual maturation parameters (vaginal opening, ovarian relative weight and follicle maturation, gonadotropins and ovarian hormones serum levels) and fertility index has been evaluated through a 30-day oral administration of aqueous and methanol extracts of leaves at the doses of 20, 110 and 200 g/kg/day. Results: Aqueous extract increased the ovarian relative weight (p < 0.001), progesterone (p < 0.001) and gonadotropins (p < 0.001) serum levels, and induced the maturation of ovarian follicles. The methanol extract additionally induced an early vaginal opening (p < 0.001), uterine growth (p < 0.01) and increased estradiol (p < 0.001) serum levels. The fertility index generally increased following treatments, while the gestation rate remained almost unaffected except at the highest tested dose of M. arboreus extracts where lowest values were observed. Conclusion: Globally, M. arboreus induced an early puberty onset and an increased fertility rate validating at least in part its traditional use for female infertility.

Corrosion Inhibition and Adsorption Characteristics of Myrianthus arboreus Leaves Extract on Copper in Sulphuric Acid Solution

Corrosion Inhibition and Adsorption Characteristics of Myrianthus arboreus Leaves Extract on Copper in Sulphuric Acid Solution

Root bark extracts of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) exhibit anti-diabetic potential by modulating hepatocyte glucose homeostasis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMyrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. is a tropical tree used in African folk medicine, including for diabetes. However, little research has yet been conducted to support this ethnopharmacological use of this plant. The present study sought to determine the antidiabetic potential of root bark extracts through cell-based bioassays of liver and muscle glucose homeostasis. Materials and methodsFour extracts were obtained from crude root bark powder: 1 aqueous (AQ), 2 ethanol (EtOH), 3 alkaloid enriched (Alk) (obtained from methanol extract) and 4 dichloromethane (Dic) extracts. Moreover, extract 2 was further separated into two fractions: 2.1 ethyl acetate (EAc) and 2.2 hexane (Hex). To assess the antidiabetic activity of the plant extracts, inhibition of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), stimulation of glycogen synthase (GS) and modulation of glucose uptake were determined in cultured H4IIE and HepG2 hepatocytes as well as C2C12 myocytes, respectively. Phosphorylation of three kinases, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3) were probed by Western blot. ResultsM. arboreus extracts/fractions did not stimulate glucose uptake in C2C12 cells albeit 2.2 (Hex) fraction showed a mild positive tendency. In contrast, extract 2 and its fractions as well as extract 3 were able to decrease hepatocyte G6Pase activity. Their effect on G6Pase activity involved both Akt and AMPK phosphorylation. No significant correlation was observed between activation of Akt and inhibition of G6Pase (R2 = 0.50 p < 0.14), whereas that between stimulation of AMPK and inhibition of G6Pase was statistically significant (R2 = 0.75 p < 0.05). On the other hand, extract 2, its fraction 2.2 and extract 3 were able to stimulate GS through GSK-3 phosphorylation. A high correlation was observed between the ability of M. arboreus extracts and fractions to phosphorylate GSK-3 and modulate GS activity (R2=0.81 p < 0.01). Extract 2 and its fraction 2.2 together with extract 3 were the only plant products to simultaneously and potently regulate G6Pase and GS, the key players of hepatic glucose homeostasis. ConclusionOverall, these data support the traditional antidiabetic uses of the root bark of M. arboreus.

Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Properties of Aqueous Leaf Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Myrianthus arboreus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical compositions and in vitro antioxidant properties of aqueous leaf extract of <i>Myrianthus arboreus</i> plant. The phytochemical analysis was determined using standard laboratory methods and the in vitro antioxidant properties assessed by the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and Reducing Power assay. The leaf extract showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and total phenol. These phytochemicals are in varying concentrations: saponins (2.05±0.02mg/g), flavonoids (0.33 ± 0.02mg/g), alkaloids (0.02±0.00mg/g), tannins (5.32 ± 0.01mg/g), total phenol (11.02 ± 1.00mg/g) and glycosides (0.48 ± 0.00mg/g). Also, the result of the antioxidant studies revealed that the percentage inhibition of <i>Myrianthus arboreus</i> aqueous leaf extract against free radical at different concentrations of 125µg/ml, 100µg/ml, 75µg/ml, 50µg/ml and 25µg/ml for both assays gave 74.4% and 64.5% respectively as compared to the standard (Ascorbic acid) values of 101.0% and 94.1%. Thus, the antioxidant activity of the extract was significant (p<0.05) for both assays when compared with the standard. However, the Reducing Power assay revealed increased significance. This implies that the inhibitory concentration (IC⁵⁰) of <i>Myrianthus arboreus</i> leaf extract is lower than the standard ascorbic acid and therefore suggests that it is a potent antioxidant capable of scavenging excess free radicals. In conclusion, it can be deduced that the phytochemical compositions especially the total phenols which are higher in concentration when compared with other phytochemicals are responsible for the antioxidant properties of the plant and can invariably serve as natural supplements of antioxidant in foods and pharmaceutical products.

Antioxidant, Glucose Uptake Stimulatory, α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitory Effects of Myrianthus arboreus Stem Bark

Myrianthus arboreus is used traditionally in the management of diabetes in Ghana. The study seeks to evaluatethe antioxidant, glucose uptake, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the stem bark to support its folkloric use. The ethanol stem bark extract of M. arboreus was partitioned successively with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The extract and fractions were evaluated for their glucose uptake effects in C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Their inhibitory action on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were also investigated whereas their antioxidant activities were evaluated using the DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging assays. The crude extract was further evaluated for its phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and reducing power. The stem bark extract significantly (P<0.05) stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes when compared to control and also showed potent inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase with 11-fold and 5-fold better activity than acarbose respectively. The DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging effect of the extract were comparable with the ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol respectively. The extract had high phenol content with tannic acid equivalent of (114.70 ± 10.48) mg/g with an ascorbic acid equivalent of (98.34 ± 14.50) mg/g. The fractions demonstrated varying glucose uptake and enzyme inhibitory activities with the ethyl acetate fraction being the most potent. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the highest scavenging effect on the DPPH and nitric oxide radicals. M. arboreus stem bark extract showed significant antioxidant, glucose uptake and enzyme inhibitory activities justifying its use in traditional medicine.

Luteolin-7-O-Glycosides from the Leaves of Centropogon cornutus (Campanulaceae)

Myrianthus arboreus is used traditionally in the management of diabetes in Ghana. The study seeks to evaluatethe antioxidant, glucose uptake, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the stem bark to support its folkloric use. The ethanol stem bark extract of M. arboreus was partitioned successively with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The extract and fractions were evaluated for their glucose uptake effects in C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Their inhibitory action on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were also investigated whereas their antioxidant activities were evaluated using the DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging assays. The crude extract was further evaluated for its phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and reducing power. The stem bark extract significantly (P<0.05) stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes when compared to control and also showed potent inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase with 11-fold and 5-fold better activity than acarbose respectively. The DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging effect of the extract were comparable with the ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol respectively. The extract had high phenol content with tannic acid equivalent of (114.70 ± 10.48) mg/g with an ascorbic acid equivalent of (98.34 ± 14.50) mg/g. The fractions demonstrated varying glucose uptake and enzyme inhibitory activities with the ethyl acetate fraction being the most potent. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the highest scavenging effect on the DPPH and nitric oxide radicals. M. arboreus stem bark extract showed significant antioxidant, glucose uptake and enzyme inhibitory activities justifying its use in traditional medicine.

Growth Parameters, Protein Digestibility And Health Status Of Rabbit Oryctolagus Cuniculus Fed With Palatable Leafy Vegetables

This study focused on using vegetable leaves for rabbit feeding. Rabbit fed with leaves of Abelmoschus esculentus, Corchorus olitorius, Ipomea batatas, Vigna unguiculata, Solanum melongena showed positive growth and high feed intake, while rabbits fed with leaves of Amaranthus hybridus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Manihot esculenta, Celosia argentea, Myrianthus arboreus, Basella alba, Talinum triangulare, Colocasia esculenta showed low feed intake and weight loss. The digestibility of treatments supplemented with concentrate was better than that of the diet without fodder. Feed intake (157.62 g / day) and average weight (2081.87g) of rabbits fed with leaves of Ipomea batatas, were the highest while average daily gain (24.38 - 27.29 g/day) remained similar. The feed conversion ratio of the control treatment (3.51) was better than those obtained for treatments supplemented with concentrate (5.31 - 5.71). Urea and creatinine values were similar in all groups. Blood glucose (0.94 ± 0.04 g/L) and total protein (68.40 ± 0.14 g/L) of rabbit fed with leaves of Solanum melongena were the highest. Total cholesterol of rabbit fed with leaves of Ipomea batatas and control diet were the highest. The blood triglycerides of rabbit fed with control diet was the highest and differed to other treatments (p &lt; 0.05).