Parinari Curatellifolia Research Articles

Parinari curatellifolia: A treasure trove of phytochemicals, nutritional benefits, and biological activities.

The increasing impact of climate change and growing consumer interest in healthful foods have forced a reconsideration of indigenous plants as sustainable food resources. Parinari curatellifolia, popularly known as Mobola plum, is a prominent African underutilized plant whose natural habitat stretches from West to Southern Africa. It is an important source of food and ethnomedicines across Africa, a status boosted by the rich content of nutrients and phytochemicals in its different plant parts. Extracts from the different parts of the P. curatellifolia plant, which include leaves, pulp, seed, and whole fruit, have exhibited a broad range of health benefits, promoting its valorization into value-added products that are being marketed globally. This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on P. curatellifolia, critically discussing its nutritional composition, bioactive phytochemicals, biological activities, safety and allergenicity, application in ethnomedicine, and value-added food and cosmetic products. To incite further research on this plant and its consideration as a vital resource that can be sustainably utilized to improve food and nutrition security and human health, the knowledge gaps and prospects of P. curatellifolia are highlighted.

Tropical mobola plum (Parinari Curatellifolia): a full characterization of wood and bark within the scope of biorefineries

Parinari curatellifolia is the main species used to produce charcoal in Angola. Its chemical, anatomical, and thermal properties were analyzed. The bark is dark grey, rough, and corky, and the wood is brown to yellow-red. Compared to wood, bark fibers presented lower length, lumen, and wall thickness. There is not much difference between height and cell numbers of rays. Sieve tube elements appear solitary or in small groups (2–3 cells), and vessels were of two diameter classes but diffuse-porous. Bark basic density was lower than wood (505 kg.m− 3vs. 580 kg.m− 3). The mean chemical composition from bark vs. wood of P. curatellifolia was ash (3.2% vs. 1.6%), total extractives (12.2% vs. 10.0%), total lignin (42.4% vs. 28.4%), and suberin 5.4%. Families identified by GC-MS from DCM extracts were predominated by fatty acids in wood and triterpenoid contents in bark. Bark and wood had higher antioxidant activity in FRAP and DPPH methods. The bark had a monomeric lignin composition richer in guaiacyl-units (25.9% vs. 22.5%) and lower syringyl-units (5.7% vs. 8.5%). Potassium was the most abundant mineral, while the least was cadmium found in wood and bark. Regarding thermal properties, bark presented higher moisture content (9.0% vs. 8.0%), ash (3.33% vs. 1.61%), total volatiles (27.5% vs. 20.7%), lower fixed carbon (69.1% vs. 77.7%) and higher heating value (20.9 MJ/kg vs. 19.1 MJ/kg). According to these characteristics, both biomasses are interesting for developing more value-added products (e.g., charcoal, bio-chemicals with phytochemistry and pharmacology activities) besides burning under the context of biorefineries.

Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant, Activities of Parinari Curatellifolia Planch. Ex Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) Methanol Stem Bark Extract

It is used as human food and beverage, and in traditional medicine it is used to treat pneumonia and fever. The aim of this was to investigate its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Parinari curatellifolia methanol stem bark extract. A 2kg of the dried and powdered plant material was extracted with 80% methanol through cold maceration to obtain the crude methanol extract. The crude methanol extract was sequentially fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol to yield n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions respectively. Acute toxicity study was conducted following the OECD guidelines. The anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions was evaluated was evaluated using inhibition of albumin denaturation, inhibition of egg albumin-induced paw edema in rats and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibition assay models. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH de-colourizing, Nitric oxide scavenging activity and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Oral acute administration of the extract revealed an LD50 dose > 5000 mg/kg in rats. The extract caused a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of rat paw edema, and a concentration-dependent inhibition of Phospholipase A2 activity. IC50 of the extract for Albumin Denaturation inhibition was 37.22 ug/ml. In the antioxidant assays the IC50 of the extract against DPPH was 25.91 ug/ml, while the Nitric oxide Equivalence (mM)/mg was 42.38.

An ethnobotanical study of wild edible fruits in miombo woodlands of Tabora region in Western Tanzania

BackgroundWild edible fruits found in Tanzania's miombo woods are an indispensable source of food and medicine. Unfortunately, with the rapid expansion of human activities and urbanisation in the Tabora rural, Uyui and Sikonge districts of Western Tanzania, some wild fruits are disappearing due to the loss of plant diversity. The objectives of this study wereL: to document the knowledge related to wild edible fruits; to quantify the use and cultural significance, and to determine their threats.MethodsThe ethnobotanical study was conducted from June 2022 to February 2023 involving 244 local informants. The study used field visits, the collection of plant parts, and semi-structured interviews with locals for its data collection. Descriptive statistics and correlation test were used to analyse the knowledge related to wild fruits. Frequency citation (f) and use reports (UR) were computed to understand the diversity and cultural significance (CI).ResultsThe study documented 27 wild edible fruit species used for food and medicine. The life form constituted deciduous shrubs or trees (64%), shrub trees (21%) and evergreen or deciduous trees (15%). About (56%) of wild edible fruits were collected from June to August after the rainy season, (33%) were harvested between December and May during the rainy season, and (11%) were gathered from September and November before the rainy season. Household size and sex of the respondents were significantly correlated to the knowledge of wild edible fruits. Higher utilisation frequency (f) was recorded for Vitex mombassae Vatke (f = 0.84), Strychnos spinosa Lam. (f = 0.82), Vitex payos (Lour.) Merr. (f = 0.56), Phyllogeiton discolor (Klotzsch) Herzog. (f = 0.45), Vangueria infausta Burchell (f = 0.45), Tamarindus indica L. (f = 0.38), Parinari curatellifolia (f = 0.25), Landolphia parvifolia K.Schum. (f = 0.22) and Microcos conocarpa Burret (f = 0.22) fruits species. Additionally, Phyllogeiton discolor (Klotzsch) Herzog. (UR = 56), Vitex mombassae Vatke (UR = 56), Tamarindus indica L. (UR = 37), Strychnos spinosa Lam. (UR = 14) and Friesodielsia obovata (Benth.) Verdc. (UR = 11), have higher use reports (UR) and considered culturally important. Wild fruits were used to cure diabetes, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and respiratory infections ailments.Discussion and conclusionMultiple uses as well as the related knowledge of wild fruits have been documented. Friesodielsia obovata, Grewia flavescens Juss and Thespesia garckeana F.Hoffm. are the medicinal fruit species reported for the first time. Harvesting of wood plants, charcoal activities, crop cultivation, grazing expansion, and environmental change, have had an impact on the diversity of wild edible fruit plants. Over the past three decades, the use of wild fruits has been impacted by the loss of plant diversity due to decline of cultural norms on the forests management. Given the variety of uses for wild fruits, promoting markets for native fruits, sensitising the locals about the cultural importance and innovation on processing techniques are necessary to spur conservation efforts.

Physicochemical and functional properties of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour supplemented with Parinari curatellifolia flour

The effect of partial substitution of finger millet (FM) with Parinari curatellifolia flour on the physicochemical and functional properties of FM flour was investigated. FM and P. curatellifolia (PC) flour and blends were coded as FM, FMPC1, FMPC2, FMPC3 and FMPC4 and represented in the ratios 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 (FM: PC), respectively. The chemical, thermal, functional, colour and texture properties of FMPC flour blends were determined. The pH ranged from 5.72 to 5.90 for all samples, respectively. Results showed a significant decrease in pH value as PC flour increased in the blends. The cold paste viscosity significantly increased as PC flour increased in the blends. The addition of PC delayed the onset temperature of the flour blends and other thermal parameters. There was a decrease in the lightness and an increase in yellowness, redness, oil absorption capacity, bulk density, and dispersibility of flour with an increase in PC flour. The flour blends contained more protein, minerals, and carbohydrates than FM flour. The results of this study show that the FMPC flour blends may be beneficial as functional ingredients in formulating a variety of ready-to-eat baked products and infant formula.

Computational investigation into Parinari curatellifolia flavonoids as lead hepatoprotective therapeutics

Computational investigation into Parinari curatellifolia flavonoids as lead hepatoprotective therapeutics

Cork cellular and chemical features underlying bark environmental protection in the miombo species Parinari curatellifolia

Parinari curatellifolia is an important evergreen tree from the Miombo woodland of south-central and eastern Africa. The bark is corky, suggesting an increased protection against the ecosystem high temperatures and drought conditions as well as against wild fires. The cork in the bark rhytidome of P. curatellifolia was analyzed here for the first time with a focus on chemical and cellular features. P. curatellifolia cork has the cellular characteristics of cork tissues, with typical honeycomb structure in the tangential section and a brick-wall layer in the transverse and radial sections, without intercellular voids. Chemically P. curatellifolia cork has 8.4 % extractives, 33.9 % suberin, 31.9 % lignin and 25.2 % polysaccharides of the cork. The hemicelluloses are mostly xylans, with a substantial proportion of arabinose and galactose. Suberin showed a proportion of long chain lipids to glycerol (LCLip:Gly, mass ratio) of 8.5, and the long chain monomeric composition included a similar proportion of α,ω-diacids and ω-hydroxy acids (35.4 % and 31.5 % of long chain monomers) with a substantial proportion of monoacids (19.4 % of long chain monomers). Lignin is a guaiacyl-syringyl lignin with S/G of 0.32 and H:G:S of 1:14.1:4.5. The rhytidome composition and the cellular and chemical features of its cork are in line with environment-targeted protective features namely as a transpiration and insulation barrier, and as an increased fire protection.

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Potentials of African Medicinal Fruits: A Comprehensive Review.

Africa is home to diverse medicinal plants that have been used for generations for the treatment of several different cancers and, presently, they are gaining interest from researchers as promising approaches to cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of dietary and medicinal African fruits including their traditional uses, botanical description, ethnobotanical uses, bioactive phytochemical compositions, and anticancer properties investigated to date in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical studies. Data on recent updates concerning the traditional uses and anticancer properties of these fruits were collected from a myriad of available publications in electronic databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. The results suggest that approximately 12 native or commercially grown African fruits belonging to different plant species, including Tribulus terrestris, Xanthium strumarium, Withania somnifera, Xylopia aethiopica, Abelmoschus esculentus, Carissa macrocarpa, Carpobrotus edulis, Syzygium cumini, Kigelia Africana, Annona muricata, Persea americana, and Punica granatum, have been reported for their potential as treatment options for the management of cancer. We further found that approximately eight different fruits from native plant species from Africa, namely, Sclerocarya birrea, Dovyalis caffra, Parinari curatellifolia, Mimusops caffra, Carpobrotus edulis, Vangueria infausta, Harpephyllum caffrum, and Carissa macrocarpa, have been widely used for the traditional treatment of different ailments but somehow failed to gain the interest of researchers for their use in anticancer research. In this review, we show the potential use of various fruits as anticancer agents, such as Tribulus terrestris, Xanthium strumarium, Withania somnifera, Xylopia aethiopica, Abelmoschus esculentus, Carissa macrocarpa, Carpobrotus edulis, Syzygium cumini, Kigelia Africana, Annona muricata, Persea americana, and Punica granatum; unfortunately, not enough reported research data have been published to gain thorough mechanistic insights and clinical applications. Additionally, we discuss the possibility of the utilization of potential phytochemicals from fruits like Persea americana and Punica granatum in anticancer research, as well as future directions.

Inhibitory effects of herbal medicines with claimed anticancer indications on cytochrome P450—An evaluation of drug-herb interactions risk

Herbs have the potential to interact with conventional medicines or each other upon concurrent administration. This can be at the level of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). With an estimation that 80% of the population in poor regions of the world utilise herbal medicines for primary healthcare, there is a likelihood that some people will take both herbal and conventional medicines. This could present a risk for herb-drug interactions (HDI) at the various levels of the ADME process. Most common HDI have been observed at metabolism level involving inhibition or induction of the major drug metabolising liver enzymes called cytochrome P450s. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Parinari curatellifolia (MC), Fluggea virosa (ST), Garcinia livingstonei (MT), Pterocarpus angolensis (M), Tapinanthus quequensis (MF) and Cussonia arborea (GM) on recombinant CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. Plate based fluorescent assays were used to follow enzyme activity. Inhibition was determined at 5 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml of herbal extract, with IC50 determined for herbs that showed potent inhibition. A total of 10 out of 13 extracts showed significant inhibitory effects. Pterocarpus angolensis(bark), Fluggea virossa (leaf), Cussonia arborea(bark), Parinari curatellifollia (root) had very potent effects on CYP1A2 as indicated by an IC50 of <9.9 µg/ml. Based on the worst-case-scenario of complete absorption and exposure, these herbs are predicted to result in HDI if co-administered with medicines which depend on the affected CYPs for metabolism and elimination. Significance of the main findingsThere is a potential threat of drug toxicities due to drug-herb interactions for patients undergoing chemotherapy or taking other medications where co-morbidities exist during chemotherapy. Drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 should be administered with caution for patients who are taking the herbs which have been studied in this research as risk for drug toxicities may be high. The findings act as a guide to medical doctors and patients in evaluating potential for herb-drug interactions during prescribing medications which are substrates for the studied CYPs.

The Potential of Underutilized Plant Resources and Agricultural Wastes for Enhancing Biodiesel Stability: The Role of Phenolic-Rich Natural Antioxidants

Growing concerns about energy security and environmental sustainability have fueled demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources in recent years. Biodiesel, a renewable alternative to conventional fuels, has gained significant attention as a potential source of energy. However, the stability of biodiesel during storage and its susceptibility to oxidation remain major challenges. To address these issues, researchers have turned their focus to the utilization of natural antioxidants. Studies on sources of natural antioxidants, particularly those made from waste, such as food, have been extensively conducted. However, there are still some restrictions, such as inconsistency in quality, the development of microbes, and difficulties with regulations, all of which have an impact on sustainability and the phenolic contents. Phenolic compounds are known for their excellent antioxidant properties and ability to inhibit the oxidation process. The review provides an overview of various underutilized plant resources and agricultural wastes that are rich in phenolic contents and demonstrate higher antioxidant activities, such as Vitex doniana, Uapaca kirkiana, Parinari curatellifolia, Tamarindus indica L, fruit peels, and crop residues. It discusses the extraction methods employed to obtain phenolic antioxidants from these sources and highlights their antioxidant activities. Additionally, the review examines the effects of phenolic antioxidants on key parameters, including induction period, peroxide value, acid value, and viscosity. The review concluded by highlighting the potential of underutilized plant resources and agricultural wastes as sustainable sources of phenolic-rich natural antioxidants for enhancing biodiesel stability. According to the literatures, phenolic antioxidants present in underutilized plant resources and agricultural wastes can chelate metal ions, scavenge free radicals, and break oxidation chain reactions, thereby preventing the degradation of biodiesel. Moreover, the limitation of the use of natural antioxidants in the stabilization of biodiesel like instability at high temperatures has been highlighted.

Characterization of crude saponins from stem bark extract of Parinari curatellifolia and evaluation of its antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Abstract Saponins are surface active glycosides which occur in plants as one of the secondary products of primary metabolism. Saponins have been reported to demonstrate antimicrobial, antioxidant and other biological activities. This study was designed to characterize the crude saponins extracted from stem bark of Parinari curatellifolia and to study the antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The saponin was extracted using standard protocol and was subjected to physicochemical characterization. Foaming and haemolysis tests as wells as determination of foaming index were conducted to confirm the presence of saponins. The solubility of the crude saponins was tested in various organic solvents at room temperature. The nature of the aglycone moiety was identified using Salkowski’s and Liebermann–Burchard’s tests. The glycone moiety was identified using Fehling’s test. Fluorescence test was conducted using UV light at 254 and 366 nm. The TLC separation profile was determined in suitable solvent system. The saponin was subjected to UV and FTIR finger printings using standard methods. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using standard method. The saponins were evaluated for antioxidant and antibacterial activities using standard procedures. The foaming index was found to be 1666.6. The crude saponin showed different degrees of solubility in the solvents tested and was found to be highly soluble in methanol, ethanol and DMSO. Generally, the saponins were found to be insoluble in non-polar solvents. The aglycone moiety was found to be triterpenoidal in nature and the glycone was found to be a reducing sugar. The crude saponin produced fluorescence at 254 nm which indicated the presence of some chromophores. The TLC showed the presence of some metabolites with varying Rf values. The UV analysis revealed two absorption peaks at 480 nm and 580 nm. The FTIR finger printing showed absorptions characteristic of some functional groups at different frequencies. The crude saponin and silver nanoparticles demonstrated free radical activity against DPPH free radical with IC50 of 5.878 mg/mL and IC50 0.2477 mg/mL, respectively while the H2O2 radical had IC50 of 5.750 mg/mL. The saponin inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus with zone diameter of inhibition between 2 and 3 mm. The saponins are triterpenoidal in nature and demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial activity.

TOTAL PHENOLIC, FLAVONOID AND MINERAL CONTENTS OF THE METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF PARINARI CURATELLIFOLIA PLANCH. EX BENTH

Objective: Parinari curatellifolia is a medicinal plant that possesses multifunctional properties. The aim of this research was to evaluate the mineral, total phenolic and flavonoids contents and some biological parameters of the methanolic leaf extract. Methods: The leaves were extracted with methanol to obtain the crude extract. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the method described by Harborne, 1999. The extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis, Aluminum colorimetric assay was used to determine the total flavonoid content while Folin-Ciocalteau reagent was used to evaluate the total phenolic content. The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The mineral content was determined via atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Disc diffusion method was used for the antibacterial assay. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides, while steroids, anthraquinones and cyano glycosides were absent. The GC-MS profile showed catechol as the most abundant phytochemical and the identified phytocomponents were mainly polyphenolics, carbonyls, fatty acids and fatty acid esters. The extract possesses total flavonoid and phenolic contents of 13.46±0.02 mg/g quercetin equivalent and 58.43±0.15 mg/g Gallic acid equivalent, respectively. The extract exhibited a significant antioxidant of 84%. Concentration of the macro and micro elements were quite high in some cases. Na had the highest concentration of 42522.70±2146.50 µg/g, while Cu has the lowest value of 4.18±0.03µg/g. The antibacterial activity of the extract was comparable to that of the standard antibiotic. Bacillus subtilis exhibited the highest zone of inhibition of 29±0.10 mm while Salmonella typii and Kliebsiella pneumoniae gave the lowest value of 14±0.12 mm. Conclusion: Parinari curatellifolia leaves possess tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. It has high antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Parinari curatellifolia Methanol Stem Bark Extract and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

Parinari curatellifolia Planch ex. Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) has been used traditionally for the treatment of cancer, pneumonia, fever, dressing of wounds and fractures. The green synthesized nanoparticles from phytochemicals have been utilized as effective antimicrobial and anticancer agents. The research was designed to synthesize nanoparticles from methanol stem bark extract of P. curatellifolia and to investigate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The stem bark was powdered and then extracted by maceration. Silver nanoparticles were synthesised using 5 mM AgNO3 solution. DPPH free radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays were employed to determine the antioxidant activity. The antibacterial activity was determined using agar disk diffusion method on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids and tannins. XRD analysis of the synthesized silver nanoparticles revealed a crystalline structure with face cantered cubic orientation. The SEM revealed particle size of 1 nm and consisted of highly agglomerated particles which formed large aggregates. The IC50 of DPPH free scavenging activity of the extract, silver nanoparticles and ascorbic acid (standard) were 2.804 mg/mL, 2.367 mg/mL and 2.065 mg/mL respectively. Also, that of H2O2 against the extract, silver nanoparticles and ascorbic acid (standard) were 4.986 mg/mL, 36.56 mg/mL and 6.414 mg/mL respectively. The nanoparticles inhibited the growth of the organisms with zone of inhibition between 8-12 mm whereas that of standard antibiotic (gentamicin) ranged from18-26 mm. This therefore implies that PC extract can be used in the synthesis of nanoparticles for its use against bacteria strains and as antioxidants.

Species richness and phytoremediation potential of mine wastelands-native trees across the Zambian Copperbelt Region

Mining activities are among the key sources of soil metal contamination in the Zambian Copperbelt, resulting in drastic landscape transformation. Plant species growing naturally on mine wastelands represent an asset for remediation on the disturbed ecosystems in the region. However, little is known about the suitability of Zambian native tree and shrub species for phytoremediation. The current study was carried to determine tree species richness and abundance on seven mine wastelands across the Zambian Copperbelt and evaluate their phytoremediation potential. Field inventory and post-hoc ecological analyses allowed identification of 32 native tree species, belonging to 13 different families, of which Fabaceae (34%) and Combretaceae (19%) predominated. Most of the identified tree species were found to be Cu, Co, Cr, Ni and Mo excluders. Among them, Rhus longipes (Anacardiaceae), Syzygium guineense (Myrtaceae), Senegalia polyacantha (Fabaceae) and Ficus craterostoma (Moraceae) were revealed as the most dominant tree species across the studied tailing dams (TDs) making them ideal candidates for metal phytostabilization. And coincidentally, their richness was positively correlated with high soil Cu concentration, a sought-after trait for phytoremediation of heavily polluted environment. Intriguingly, most identified tree species proved not suited for phytostabilization of Mn, Zn, B and Ba. On the other hand, species such as Annona senegalensis, Parinari curatellifolia, Dombeya rotundilifolia actively translocated these metals to leaves (TF > 1), indicating their potential for phytoextraction of Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, and Mo notably. Species richness and abundance significantly varied across the seven studied TDs. This was however barely influenced by soil metal contents, suggesting additional drivers dictating tree species-environment relationship in the context of studied TDs. The findings of this study provide crucial information in prospect of tree-based ecological restoration of mine wastelands, having revealed a diversified floristic composition of wastelands-native trees in the region, and clarified their respective phytoremediation attributes.

Indigenous Knowledge on Utilization Aspects of Selected Edible Wild Fruits from Zambia

In recent years, the potential role of edible wild fruits has been recognized in the reduction of poverty and improving human health and nutrition. Edible wild fruits are an important source of household food security for the poor in both rural and urban communities. Edible wild fruits tend to be overlooked by policy-makers despite their significant contribution to food security, nutrition and health. The aim of this study was to establish indigenous knowledge on utilization aspects of selected edible wild fruits Masuku (Uapaca kirkiana), Impundu (Parinari curatellifolia), Intungulu (Afromomum africanum) and Imfungo (Anisophyllea Boehimii). A survey was used to establish indigenous knowledge based on utilization, nutritional and food safety aspects of the selected fruits. Detailed questionnaires and focused group discussions were used to collect data on these aspects. Data from the survey were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22). The findings from this study revealed that Masuku, Impundu, Intungulu and Imfungo are mainly consumed unprocessed. The reasons for consuming these fruits include satisfying hunger, snacking, sweetness, and sour taste. Processing of products such as jams, juices and fermented beverages was reported in isolated cases. The wild fruits under investigation were reported to have medicinal uses that included blocking diarrhoea, boosting the immune system, increasing blood levels and boosting appetite of the sick. Food safety concerns were reported for Intungulu and Masuku when consumed in excess. The Intungulu fruit was reported to cause stomach pain due to its high acidic nature while its seeds cause intestinal obstruction when consumed in excess. Excessive consumption of Masuku fruit was reported to cause stomach bloating and sores on the upper pallet of the mouth. Indigenous knowledge revealed valuable data on utilization, nutritional, medicinal and food safety aspects of the fruits.

Antidermatophyte activity of ethanolic extracts of Daniellia oliveri (Fabaceae) and Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae) in Chad

Introduction: Skin health disease is still a public health problem. Concerning this situation, the study was conducted with the objective of enhancing the Chadian pharmacopoeia medicinal plants of Daniellia oliveri, Parinari curatellifolia who traditionally used in the treatment of fungal diseases particular dermatophytosis. Methods: The agar incorporation method was used to determine the antidermatophyte activity of the ethanolic extracts of the barks of Daniellia oliveri and Parinari curatellifolia. In addition, a phytochemical study was carried out to link the structure to the activity. Results: The phytochemical results revealed that the ethanolic extracts of the barks of Daniellia oliveri and Parinari curatellifolia are richer in secondary metabolites (flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, alkaloids, saponosides, glycosides, anthraquinones and free quinones). These ethanolic extracts of the barks of Daniellia oliveri and Parinari curatellifolia rich in secondary metabolites inhibited the growth of dermatophytes isolated from patients, for Trichophyton Schoenleinii, at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.75 mg/ml and Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis at the same MIC of 1.5 mg/ml. Conclusion: From this study, the bioactivity compounds highlighted that these plants could be a possible source for phytomedicinal developing against fungal infections (Dermatophytoses).

Comparative Study on the Antimicrobial Activity of Some Selected Medicinal Plants on Klebsiella Pneumonia &amp; Candida Albicans

Medicinal plants have been the basis of treatment of various diseases by man over the years and a large portion of the world population are depending on the use of traditional medicine. Medicinal plants are known to be source of bioactive compounds that have therapeutic values, the World Health Organization (WHO) encourages the inclusion of herbal medicine in health care because of the great potential they possess. In this research work five different medicinal plants were subjected to antimicrobial study against Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans at different concentrations. The plants were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The ethyl acetate extract of Parinari curatellifolia exhibited better antibacterial activity than the other extracts at all concentrations, having 26.00±0.00 mm zone of inhibition at 100.00 mg/ml concentration. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Hilleria latifolia exhibited the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans, having zone of inhibition value of 20.00±0.00 mm at 100.00 mg/ml concentration. None of the extracts exhibited higher zone of inhibition than the standard drugs used. The study has shown that Parinari curatellifolia is a better antimicrobial agent against infections caused by Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Comparative Study on the Antimicrobial Activity of Some Selected Medicinal Plants on Klebsiella pneumonia &amp; Candida albicans

Medicinal plants have been the basis of treatment of various diseases by man over the years and a large portion of the world population are depending on the use of traditional medicine. Medicinal plants are known to be source of bioactive compounds that have therapeutic values, the World Health Organization (WHO) encourages the inclusion of herbal medicine in health care because of the great potential they possess. In this research work five different medicinal plants were subjected to antimicrobial study against Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans at different concentrations. The plants were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The ethyl acetate extract of Parinari curatellifolia exhibited better antibacterial activity than the other extracts at all concentrations, having 26.00±0.00 mm zone of inhibition at 100.00 mg/ml concentration. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Hilleria latifolia exhibited the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans, having zone of inhibition value of 20.00±0.00 mm at 100.00 mg/ml concentration. None of the extracts exhibited higher zone of inhibition than the standard drugs used. The study has shown that Parinari curatellifolia is a better antimicrobial agent against infections caused by Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Metabolomic and chemometric profiles of ten southern African indigenous fruits

Using UPLC-QTOF/MS, metabolites were identified in 10 indigenous fruits from South Africa. Metabolomic-chemometric analysis showed chlorogenic acid scored highest for the discrimination of three different fruit clusters. Heat maps showed patterns and groupings based on the metabolite concentrations. The highest concentrations of quercetin 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (401.09 mg/kg), delphinidin 3-galactoside (57.80 mg/kg), procyanidin B-type dimer (527.07 mg/kg) and epicatechin (1349.46 mg/kg), was in Englerophytum magalismontanum (Transvaal milkplum). Syzygium cordatum (Water berry) had the highest concentrations of quercetin 3-galactoside and methyl gallate 3-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside, Ficus capensis (Cape fig) the most 3-CQA and 5-CQA, and Parinari curatellifolia (Mobola plum) had the highest FRAP (9.5 mmol TEAC/g) and DPPH (14.2 IC50 µg/mL) scavenging activities. When compared to eight other indigenous fruits, Ximenia caffra (Sour plum), and Landolphia kirkii (Sand apricot vine), showed the highest inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes. Correlation analysis identified candidates responsible for each biological activity in these fruits, proving their utility as functional ingredients.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Evaluation of Parinari curatellifolia Methanol Leaf Extract on Albino Rats

Aim: This research was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Parinari curatellifolia methanol leaf extract in albino rats.&#x0D; Methodology: Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods. Anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was done using egg albumin and formalin induced hind paw edema model. Analgesic effect was evaluated using hot plate induced pain and acetic acid induced writhing test. For each model twenty (20) rats were used, divided into five (5) groups of four (4) rats each.&#x0D; Results: Parinari curatellifolia revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and phenols while steroids, anthraquinone, terpenoids and glycoside were not detected. For the egg albumin induced inflammation, the group treated with the standard drug (indomethacin) and the group that received the highest dose of the extract were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) than all the other groups with percentage inhibitions at 25.56% and 24.44% respectively there was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05). For the formalin induced anti-inflammatory activity, at the 1st hour, the normal control group had its paw volume significantly different (P&lt;0.05) from the treated groups. This trend was observed at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour. The hot plate method results revealed significant increased (P&lt;0.05) in the analgesic activity of PCMLE at 400mg/kg body weight and the drug treated group when the control was compared with the treated groups with percentage inhibition of 34.32% and 52.94% respectively. The acetic acid induced writhing test revealed that the extract at the three doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) percentage inhibition of 32.31%, 36.92% and 47.69%, respectively compared to negative control.&#x0D; Conclusion: This justifies the use of Parinari curatellifolia locally in the management of pain and inflammation.