Pericopsis Laxiflora Research Articles

Pericopsis laxiflora (Baker) Stem bark extract ameliorates acute Lead-induced hepatotoxicity: Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Pathways

Background: Heavy metals such as lead are considered a toxicant that can cause multiple organ complications including cancer, liver disease, renal diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and reproductive diseases. In pursuit of a low-cost and easily accessible antidote, this research examined the role of Pericopsis laxiflora extract in acute lead poisoning in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: Liver damage was caused in animal studies by inducing lead acetate (50 mg/kg daily, intraperitoneally (i.p.), 7 days following treatment of rats with hydroethanolic stem bark extract (HSE) and methanolic stem bark extract (MSE) and Silymarin orally for one week. The study assessed the liver protective effects of extracts containing alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins by evaluating changes in body and organ weights, serum biochemical markers, antioxidative and oxidative stress biomarkers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological findings. Results: Rats exposed to Pb(Ac)2 exhibited significant alterations in various parameters, and co-treatment with HSE or MSE effectively normalized these biomarkers. Histopathological analysis confirmed the protective impact of HSE and MSE against Pb(Ac)2-induced liver damage, with HSE demonstrating the highest level of liver protection. Conclusion: These findings indicate that hydroethanolic and methanolic extracts of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties against Pb(Ac)2-induced toxicity and may be explored as potential agents for drug-induced liver diseases. Keywords: Antioxidant; Hepatotoxicity; Histopathology; Inflammation; Pericopsis laxiflora

Pericopsis laxiflora (Baker) stem bark extract is protective against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage by modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation

The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the hydroethanolic (HSE) and methanolic extracts (MSE) of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The stem bark of P. laxiflora was extracted with 50% ethanol and methanol. Hepatoprotective activities were assessed using the CCl4 model and tested against extracts at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg bwt. Biochemical, antioxidant enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines in liver homogenate were assayed. Treatment with HSE and MSE resulted in a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels and a significant decrease in MDA and MPO levels in livers of CCl4 treated rats. There was also restoration of liver biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines to near-normal levels. The present investigation suggests P. laxiflora extracts possess good hepatoprotective properties. This could be attributed in part to the inhibitory effect of the extracts on oxidative stress and the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines.

Hydroethanolic extract and fractions of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark protect against liver injury in Rat

Pericopsis laxiflora is a medicinal plant that is ubiquitous, especially in the tropical and savannah regions. It can be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, rheumatism, abdominal pain treatment, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, skin diseases, and jaundice. The present study investigated the protective effect of 50% hydroethanolic extract and fractions of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark in lead-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The development of liver injury has become a global issue and their treatment and management mostly result in more economic problems, especially in the African population.The stem bark of P. laxiflora was processed and 50 % hydroethanolic extract (HSE) was prepared. HSE was subjected to sequential fractionation with organic solvents: chloroform (CFHSE), ethyl acetate (EFHSE), and methanol (MFHSE), to obtain respective fractions. The residue was designated as aqueous fraction (AFHSE). Hepatoprotective activities of HSE and fractions (at 250 mg/kg) and Silymarin were assessed using the lead (as lead acetate; 50 mg/kg, i.p.). Body and organ weight changes, biochemical, hematological profile, oxidative stress parameters, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, NF кβ, and COX-2) in liver homogenate were measured. A histopathological examination of the liver was performed. Treatment with HSE and fractions resulted in a significant increase in relative organ weights, GSH, CAT, SOD, and levels and a significant decrease in MDA and MPO levels against Pb, as well as the restoration of liver biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, NF кβ, and COX-2) to near-normal levels. Biochemical data were corroborated by histological observations, with MFHSE recording the highest percentage of liver protection. The present investigation suggests that HSE possesses remarkable hepatoprotective properties and this can be attributed to the inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Diversity and Importance of Benin’s Forests and Agroforestry Systems Woody Species in Mortars and Pestles Manufacture

The disappearance of resources with high genetic potential and great utility for people and the challenge of the conservation and sustainable management of these resources are two opposing facts of which the world is now concerned. In Benin, forests and agroforestry systems complement each other in wood supply for mortar and pestle manufacture. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the diversity of woody species used for mortar and pestle manufacture and to analyze the preferences of manufacturers through an ethnobotanical approach. Based on the snowball sampling method, and interviews with 112 manufacturers from different ethnic groups, we identified 31 tree species. These species belong to 30 genera and 13 plant families. The Fabaceae are more represented with 14 species (i.e. 45% of the total). Ten are frequently used. But there are four species, such as Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn., Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub., Terminalia glaucescens Planch. ex Benth. and Pericopsis laxiflora (Benth.) Meeuwen, which are highly preferred by manufacturers respectively. The calculation of the Indexes of Possession of Global Knowledge (IPSG) revealed that the ethnic group Nagot (0.204) possessed more knowledge and is followed by Mahi (0.201) and Fon (0.18) respectively. Forests and agroforestry systems are both supply sites for manufacturers. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test proved that there are no significant differences between the species’ preference for mortars or pestles manufacture (v = 181, p-value = 0.38). Since the trees cutting in agroforestry systems can be destructive to them, provisions such as the promotion of agroforestry in rural areas and the integration of the used species in the reforestations programs must be taken to curb the pressure and contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity.

Woody Species Composition and Diversity of Wawa-Zange Forest, Gombe State, Nigeria

According to recent research, severe human-induced deforestation is causing 65 percent of the thirty Forest Reserves spread over Gombe State to progressively transform into the desert. The research was done in the Wawa-Zange Forest Reserve in Gombe State, Nigeria, to assess the richness of woody species and biodiversity preservation. The vegetation was sampled with the Point Centered Quarter technique. A complete enumeration of Woody (Trees and Shrubs) with (Diameter at Breast Height or DBH) ≥10 and ≥5cm was carried out. Using Simpson's Diversity and the Shannon-Wiener index, alpha diversity was evaluated. A total of 51 woody species from 16 families and 41 genera were discovered. 34 were trees while 17 were shrubs. Most species were found in the Fabaceae family. Ceasalpinoidae (10), Mimosoideae (4), Papilionoideae (3), Combretaceae (7), Rubiaceae (5), Anacardiaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae , Moraceae, Tiliaceae had two species each. The other families are namely Apocynaceae, Ebanaceae, Loganiaceae, Meliaceae, Rhamnaceae, Sapotaceae, Zygophyllaceae with one species each. Simpson index of Diversity was (0.55) and the Shannon-Wiener index was (2.07). This study concluded that plants with low Importance Value Index or IVI such as Pterocarpus erinaceous, Capparis mitchelli, and Pericopsis laxiflora need urgent conservation measures. Therefore, it is important to properly adopt conservation and sustainable management measures.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of volatile oils of Periscopsis laxiflora leaf and stem

ABSTRACT. Pericopsis laxiflora (Fabaceae) is a savannah shrub used traditionally to treat headache, stomach ulcers, heart pain and abdominal pain. Air-dried leaves and stem of the plant were extracted by hydrodistillation and the oils obtained were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial assay was carried out by agar well diffusion method against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiellae pneumonia, (gram negative bacteria), Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, (gram positive bacteria); Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Penicillum notatum and Rhizopus stolonifer (fungi) while antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method. Oxygenated monoterpenes (32.92%), monoterpenes (22.58%) and sesquiterpenes (21.63%) hydrocarbons dominated the leaves’ oil and monoterpenes (33.63%), sesquiterpenes (18.42%) and diterpenes (21.48%) hydrocarbons dominated the stem’ oil. The leaf oil showed better scavenging activity at 1.0 mL (60.56%) than the stem oil (46.58%) comparing activity with ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA) in the antioxidant assay. P. laxiflora stem oil showed highest activity against K. pneumonia and E. coli at 100 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL with comparable activity to gentamicin and tioconazole which are antibacterial and antifungal standards respectively. This study therefore showed that the colourless volatile oils exhibited comparable bioactivity with standards thus, justifying the plant’s ethno medicinal application.
 
 KEY WORDS: Pericopsis laxiflora, Fabaceae, Monoterpenes hydrocarbons, Antimicrobial, antioxidant 
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 717-725. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.20

Anti-HCV Tannins From Plants Traditionally Used in West Africa and Extracted With Green Solvents.

Millions of people are still infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) nowadays. Although recent antivirals targeting HCV proteins are very efficient, they are not affordable for many people infected with this virus. Therefore, new and more accessible treatments are needed. Several Ivorian medicinal plants are traditionally used to treat “yellow malaria”, a nosological category including illness characterized by symptomatic jaundice such as hepatitis. Therefore, some of these plants might be active against HCV. An ethnobotanical survey in Côte d’Ivoire allowed us to select such medicinal plants. Those were first extracted with methanol and tested for their anti-HCV activity. The most active ones were further studied to specify their IC50 and to evaluate their toxicity in vitro. Greener solvents were tested to obtain extracts with similar activities. Following a phytochemical screening, tannins of the most active plants were removed before re-testing on HCV. Some of these tannins were identified by UPLC-MS and pure molecules were tested against HCV. Out of the fifteen Ivorian medicinal plants selected for their putative antiviral activities, Carapa procera DC. and Pericopsis laxiflora (Benth. ex Baker) Meeuwen were the most active against HCV (IC50: 0.71 and 0.23 μg/ml respectively) and not toxic for hepatic cells. Their crude extracts were rich in polyphenols, including tannins such as procyanidins A2 which is active against HCV. The same extracts without tannin lost their anti-HCV activity. Replacing methanol by hydro-ethanolic solvent led to tannins-rich extracts with similar antiviral activities, and higher than that of aqueous extracts.

Phytochemical screening, mineral analysis and evaluation of the diuretic effect of aqueous extract of Pericopsis laxiflora from male Sprague Dawley rats

Pericopsis laxiflora is among the medicinal plants used by the traditional practitioner in the treatment of many diseases. However, data on its diuretic power are lacking. Moreover, the effect of the preparation of traditional galenic formulations on the composition of phytocompounds and essential minerals and metals is unknown. The aim of this study was to show the effect of treatment on the phytocompounds and minerals composition and to evaluate diuretic effect of Pericopsis laxiflora aqueous axtracts. The tube characterization reactions revealed flavonoids, sterols, terpenes, catechin tannins polyphenols and saponins in aqueous extracts. Gallic tannins and quinones are absent, All compounds were generally present in same proportions in two aqueous extracts. Chemical analysis of all aqueous extracts by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) showed effect of model extraction on minerals. Copper (0.3116 mg / 100g), magnesium (260.7 mg /100 g), selenium (0.00904 mg /100 g), zinc (4.52 mg /100 g), manganese (75.029 mg /100g) are more concentrated in maceration than a decoction. For decoction of same plant, the situation is reversed with sodium (58.6mg /100g), calcium (12670 mg/100g), iron (18.51mg/100g) and potassium (2781 mg /100g). For pharmacological investigation, 32 rats Sprague Dawley male weighing 385-433g are isolated each in metabolic cages from 6 pm to 8am and treated with 100mg/kg of Pericopsis laxiflora aqueous extracts. From 8am to 2pm the animals received only tap water in metabolic cages. The volumes of water intake and urine were not significantly different in the two groups (treated and untreated).The diuretic effect was not observed with 100mg/kg (b/w) . In addition polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and selenium are indicators of the vasodilatory and cardioprotective functions of Pericopis laxiflora aqueous extracts. The prescription of these extracts in traditional medicine must take into account the toxicity of the plant associated with a calcium and manganese content.
 Keywords: Pericopsis laxiflora, dueresis, decocted extract, macerated extract, minerals, Rats Sprague Daweley

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Pericopsis laxiflora (Baker) Meeuwen (Leguminosae) – A Review

Pericopsis laxiflora (Family Leguminosae) is a medicinal plant that is ubiquitous especially in the tropical and savannah regions. There are many reports on folkloric and traditional medicinal uses that include haemorrhoids, rheumatism, abdominal pain treatment, diarrhoea, and dysentery, fever, skin diseases and jaundice. Peer-reviewed articles were gathered by consulting the databases of Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Phytochemical investigations have revealed many bioactive compounds such as β-carboline derivative and tryptamine derivative. The plant has been examined on the basis of the in vitro, in vivo or clinical evaluations and shown to possess major pharmacological activities. These include anti-trypanosomal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-malarial activities. In the present review, an attempt has been made to congregate the traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological studies performed on Pericopsis laxiflora. Comprehensive safety and efficacy studies must be conducted on the plant. Generally, there are knowledge gaps that must be filled. Thus this review is intended for practitioners and researchers in the fields of ethnopharmacology, natural product chemistry and drug discovery related research.

Forest Resources Depletion: An Ecological Model for Biodiversity Preservation and Conservation in Cote D’Ivoire

The biodiversity-rich primary forest of Cote d’Ivoire has been substantially converted into a mosaic of secondary forests, cash and lumber plantations, food crops, and timber plantations, food crops, and wasteland. Deforestation started even before independence but has increased dramatically in the last three decades, resulting in the loss of most of the country’s biodiversity. It is essential to have information about the condition of the country’s natural resources following many human pressures. This research aimed to examine the Cote d’Ivoire Phytogeographical zones to understand the state of the wood’s ad wildlife in 2020 about the anthropic pressure on the whole Ivorian land. The Land-Use Planner approach has been used as a tool for creating a model for preserving biodiversity. There are 15 endangered tree species recognized, five each phytogeographical zone. Buffaloes are seen and distributed in the West and north of Cote d’Ivoire, duikers are observed in nearly all phytogeographical zones, elephants are observed in the West and North. At the same time, harnessed guibs are observed and dispersed across the nation, according to the findings. In terms of endangered tree species, the most frequent endangered trees species in the country’s south are Strombosia pustulata (6.2%), Diospyros mannii (5.1%), Protomegabaria stapfiana (3.7%), Musanga cecropiodes (3.6%), and Xylopia quintasii (3.2%). In the Middle Tectona grandis accounts for (11.8%), Nesogordonia papaverifera accounts for (4.2%), Cedrela odorata accounts for (3.7%), and Gmelia Arborea accounts for (2.8%). In the North, Isoberlinia doka accounts for (10.3%), Upaca togoenisis accounts for 8.9%, Anogeisssus leicarpa accounts for (5.1%), Pterocarpus erinaceus accounts for (4.6%), and Pericopsis laxiflora accounts for (3.9%). In reforested woods, the volume of merchantable wood timber of the P1, P2, and P3 categories per hectare is more significant than in wild forests. We find that biodiversity is severely endangered. Endemic species have decreased due to human activities like agriculture and logging, which are the root causes of deforestation and animal and plant biodiversity loss.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of aqueous extract of Pericopsis (Afrormosia) laxiflora (Benth.) on white albino rats

Many plants investigated elsewhere were found to contain toxic substances. The objective of this study is to evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous extract of Pericopsis laxiflora, plant traditionally used to treat different diseases in Côte d’Ivoire. Acute toxicity of aqueous extract was assessed at a dose of 5000 mg/kg bw. For sub-chronic toxicity testing, Wistar rats were orally administered with different dose of the plant extract for 28 days. There was no mortality reported or any toxicity signs including autonomic effects in animals administered orally. The weights of the rats of the different batches increased over the 28 days after oral administration of the aqueous extract. Aqueous extract of Pericopsis laxiflora is not likely to produce any severe toxic effects. However, prolonged oral administration at high dose may cause observable changes in biochemical parameters, in particular Red blood cell and Platelets.

Antifungal Activity of Pericopsis (Afrormosia) laxiflora (Benth.) Bark on Ringworm Germs

Dermatophytes are responsible for ringworms that are very often found on the heads of children in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, ringworms have been the subject of several studies revealing fairly high frequencies.
 Aims: The present work consisted essentially in studying the antifungal activity of the barks of Pericopsis laxiflora, a plant from the Ivorian pharmacopoeia on germs responsible for ringworm.
 Methodology: The 70% hydroethanolic extract of the bark of Pericopsis laxiflora was prepared and tested on Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. In addition, by staining and precipitation tests, phytochemical sorting was carried out on this extract.
 Results: Faced with the hydroethanolic extract, Trichophyton mentagrophytes recorded a Minimun Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) which is equal to the Minimun Fungicidal Concentration(MFC) (MIC = MFC = 6.25 mg/mL). For the fungal strain of T. rubrum, the MFC obtained (100 mg/mL) was twice the MIC (50 mg/mL). The phytochemical study of this extract revealed the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, flavonoids and catechic tannins.
 Conclusion: The results suggest that P. laxiflora extract could therefore be useful in the fight against dermatophytes.

Evaluation of antiplasmodial activity of extracts from endemic medicinal plants used to treat malaria in Côte d'Ivoire.

Introduction: Plasmodium falciparum strains had been increasingly resistant to commonly used molecules including artemisinin. It is therefore urges to find new therapeutic alternatives. Methods: In this study, the antiplasmodial activity of 21 extracts obtained from seven plants of the Anthocleista djalonensis, Cochlospermum planchonii, Harungana madagascariensis, Hoslundia opposita, Mangifera indica, Margaritaria discoidea and Pericopsis laxiflora of the Ivorian pharmacopoeia was evaluated on the chloroquine sensitive (NF54) and multi-resistant (K1) reference strains and on clinical isolates as well. The technique used was the microtiter method based on fluorescence reading with SYBR Green. Results: The aqueous extract of the bark of H. madagascariensis and methanolic extracts of P. laxiflora showed the best antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values of 6.16 µg/mL and 7.44 µg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, extracts of M. indica showed a very moderate activity with IC50 values between 15 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL (5<IC50<50 µg/mL) on the same strains of P. falciparum. Only the aqueous extract of A. djalonensis had IC50 values greater than 50 µg/mL. The phytochemical analysis showed a strong presence of polyphenols and alkaloids in extracts with a cumulative rate of 90.47% and 95.23%, respectively. Conclusion: The results obtained were also justified by the composition of these plants, which have several secondary metabolites involved in the treatment of malaria. The antiplasmodial properties of these plants could partially justify their use in malaria treatment. Further studies on these extracts are needed to manufacture a stable galenic formulation for the development of an improved traditional medicine.

In vivo digestibility of six selected fodder species by goats in northern Ghana

An in vivo digestibility trial was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of six forages. These were selected indigenous browse species and groundnut haulms in Lawra and Jirapa Districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Groundnut haulms served as a control due to its known good digestibility in small ruminants. Thirty West African Dwarf (WAD) young castrated billy goats with a mean age of 8 months were used. The average live body weight was 8.9 ± 0.1 kg. The animals were randomly assigned to the six treatments and replicated five times in a completely randomized design. They were confined in metabolism cages. The adaptation period was 3 weeks after which data was taken for 10 days. The treatments were the leaves and tiny twigs of T1 Annona senegalensis, T2 Ficus gnaphalocarpa, T3 Pericopsis laxiflora, T4 Pterocarpus erinaceus, T5 Afzelia africana, and T6 (control) Arachis hypogaea. Feed intake, faecal matter and urine output were measured. The results indicated that dry matter (DM) contents of the feedstuffs were less than 50% but crude protein (CP) contents were higher than the minimum required for sustaining ruminants. Neutral and acid detergent fibre contents were high, and F. gnaphalocarpa, in particular, contained a higher level of phosphorus (P). The amounts of feed intakes were typical of most fodder species with the exception of P. laxiflora and P. erinaceus, which were lower (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility values were also typical of most fodder species but the digestibility of A. africana fibre appeared to be lower. Nitrogen retention was positive for all test species with the exception of P. laxiflora, which was negative. Mortality was recorded in animals on P. laxiflora, and the rate was high. Pericopsis laxiflora leaves, even though morphologically similar to the leaves of P. erinaceus, were not a suitable fodder. Ficus gnaphalocarpa appeared to be the overall best fodder species in terms of nutrient uptake.

Ethnopharmacological survey of plants used in the traditional treatment of pain conditions in Mali

Pain is among the major concerns of healthcare authorities across the world. It is complicated to diagnose, manage and treat. Current western treatments are successful to some extent in relieving pain; they provide minimum improvements in terms of physical and emotional functioning and are often accompanied by side effects. Finding new solutions in pain management has thus become a priority. Natural products have always been a huge source of new active principles; traditional medicine is thus a key to innovation. In Mali, traditional remedies are more popular than pharmaceutical drugs but this knowledge, verbally transferred from generation to generation is at risk as younger generations are not taking over. Thus, this study was designed to identify plants that are used traditionally in the South of Mali for the treatment of painful conditions. Data was collected by means of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with traditional healers (N = 108) in the regions of Bamako, Sikasso and Dioïla. Two quantitative ethnopharmacological indexes were calculated: Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) when RFC > 0.10. A total of 66 plant species distributed across 29 families were recorded during this two-month survey. Stomach aches and external pains were the most cited pain conditions followed by body pains and pain due to diseases such as diabetes and sickle cell disease. Cassia sieberiana DC. (RFC = 0,22), Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepren. & Timler (0,13), Pericopsis laxiflora (Benth.) Meeuwen (0,11), Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd) Royle (0,08) and Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A.Bruce (0,08) were the most cited plants. This ethnopharmacological survey provides preliminary data for the discovery of new analgesic molecules.

Sustainability, Population and Structure of Woody Species Composition of Taraba State Forests

Sustainability, population and structure of woody species composition of Taraba state forests were studied for future management strategies that allow a more sustainable use of woody species and a better conservation of forest ecosystems. The objectives of the study were to study the woody species dominance, important value index and population structure in different ecological zones of Taraba State forests. Data were obtained through woody species survey and the study area was stratified into three ecological zones and two protected areas. Five plots each measuring 50×50 m were sampled in each protected area and two protected areas were also sampled from each ecological zone. A total of 30 plots and 6 protected areas were sampled and all the woody species that occurred in the plots were also sampled. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Tables, percentages, frequency, ANOVA and LSD. A total of 3760 individual woody stands from 60, 34 and 32 species in Montane Forest, Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna respectively were recorded. Strombosia postulate, Pleiocarpa pycnantha, Pericopsis laxiflora, Hymenocardia acida and Ziziphus mauritiana were the dominance species while their corresponding rarest species were Goria sp, Afzelia africana, Elaesis guneensis, Combretum tomentosum and Ficus sur. Strombosia postulate and Pleiocarpa pycnantha were the dominant woody species with high important value indices in Montane forest zone as opposed to Pericopsis laxiflora and Ziziphus mauritiana which dominated the Southern and Northern guinea savanna respectively. The rarest species of Goria sp, Afzelia africana, Elaesis guneensis, Combretum tomentosum and Ficus sur in the study area could be connected to its usefulness as fodder species. The population structure of woody species was found to be very low in the middle diameter classes.The diameter class distribution resembles interrupted “U” shape indicating the removal of merchantable trees. There were no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) among the protected areas and ecological zones due to the low dominance and important value indices. This needs appropriate management techniques to improve forest composition and structure in the study area for sustainability.

In vitro antitrypanosomal and antioxidant activities of methanol extracts of selected Nigerian plants

ABSTRACTThe methanol extracts of Acacia albida (stem bark), Pericopsis laxiflora (leaves and stem bark), Artemisia absinthium (leaf), Gongronema latifolium (leaf), and Leptadenia hastata (leaf) were tested in vitro for antitrypanosomal and antioxidant properties. Stem bark extract of P. laxiflora was the most effective against the motility of the protozoans. Preliminary phytochemical analyses indicated the presence of cardiac glycosides and saponins in all extracts and the absence of anthraquinones. All extracts had terpenes except that from P. laxiflora stem bark; all extracts had flavonoids except those from A. albida and P. laxiflora stem barks. The methanol leaf extracts of A. absinthium and G. latifolium had the greatest flavonoids while the stem bark extract of P. laxiflora had the highest total phenol. The extracts demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. P. laxiflora stem bark had the highest scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. A. albida, P. laxiflora, and A. absinthium had the greatest scavenging power against H2O2 with EC50 of 0.92, 1.2, and 1.10 mg mL−1, respectively.

Diversité Floristique Et Usages Des Ligneux Le Long Des Couloirs De Transhumance Dans La Commune De Savè Au Centre Bénin

The vegetation cover of the District of Savè is subject to continuous pressure linked inter alia to the cutting of wood, agriculture and livestock through transhumance. Thus, forage seedlings are regularly used mainly during the dry season by transhumant herds. In this context, the characterization of woody pastures and the study of the uses of its timber by the local populations is a major imperative for their preservation and sustainable management. To this end, socio-economic surveys were carried out among the stakeholders involved in the use of these plant resources. The phytosociological surveys (29 plots of 30 m * 30 m) were carried out using the sigmatite method of Braum blanquet. Different indices have been calculated. The graph of the raw and weighted spectra was carried out. The characterization of the structure of the pasture shows a predominance of the individuals of circumference of between 30 and 50 cm. Mesophanerophytes are the most abundant and dominant forms of life, while chronologically Sudanese and Sudano-Zambeze species are the most represented. The most represented families are the combretaceae the leguminoseae. The Shannon diversity index varies from 3.21 to 3.95 bits and the Piélou equitability from 0.72 to 0.83 from one pasture to another. Three (3) types of pasture were identified along transhumance corridors. Namely: the pasture at Lannea velutina and Bridelia ferruginea; Pasture in Trichilia emetica and Annona senegalensis and grazing in Pteleopsis suberosa and Pericopsis laxiflora. This study shows that the environmental conditions favor the installation of several species along the transhumance corridors. The uses of forage resources, such as pruning for feeding livestock, charcoal making, fuelwood research, particularly in transhumance corridors, are not likely to Conservations

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities and Estimation of Zinc Content of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Three Medicinal Plants: Cochlospermum Planchonii, Pericopsis Laxiflora and Harungana Madagascariensis

Malaria disease is a pathology which occurs as a result of the oxidative stress. Three plants of the Ivorian pharmacopoeia are particularly used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria in Cote d'Ivoire. They are Cochlospermum planchonii (Placo), Pericopsis laxiflora (Laper) and Harungana madagascariensis (Madhar).The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of three medicinal plants of Cote d'Ivoire. The quantitative measurement of total flavonoids gave the following results: Laper (560.80 mg QE/g ± 7.40), Madhar (352.50 mg QE/g ± 9.46) and Placo (314.20 mg QE/g ± 4.41). The total polyphenols were more concentrated in Laper (262.50 mg GAE/g ± 9.47) and Placo (203.20 mg GAE/g ± 2.21). Noticeable zinc content was found in Laper (13.56 ppm) and Placo (11.40 ppm) against 3.43 ppm in Madhar. The radical scavenging activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and antiradical power measurement by ABTS (2,2' azino bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay have showed good activity for Laper (IC50 = 7.50 μg/mL) and placo (IC50 = 8.01 μg/mL). The standard antioxidant compound (quercetin) gave an IC50 = 4.00 μg/mL. This study suggested that the high content of total flavonoids, total phenols and minerals in these plants could partly justify the therapeutic use of at least two of the three plants.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activities of &lt;i&gt;Combretum molle&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Pericopsis laxiflora&lt;/i&gt;

In Burkina Faso as in several African countries, diabetes is becoming a very serious disease and public concern. Patients use both drugs and plants for treatment. Thus, Combretum molle and Pericopsis laxiflora have been identified as plants used in Burkina Faso for the treatment of that disease. The aim of the study was to assess phytochemical components and antioxidant activities of those plants in order to highlight why diabetes patients refer to them. The phytochemical analysis of water, ash quantification and screening were done using the standard methods; the antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract against 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyl radical were performed using colorimetric or spectrophotometric methods. The Inhibitory Concentration (IC) was determined using GraphPad Prism version 5. The results showed 6.76±0.076% and 7.52±0.015% of water contents in Combretum molle and Pericopsis laxiflora, respectively. The ash content was 3.41±0.35% for Combretum molle and 3.87±0.15% for Pericopsis laxiflora. The screening revealed the presence of tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and saponins in both plant materials. However, alkaloids were found in Pericopsis laxiflora and hydrolysables tannins and heterosides cardiotonics in Combretum molle. The IC50 for the extract plant of Combretum molle was 42 μg/mL and that of the Pericopsis laxiflora was 44.15 μg/mL for DPPH radical. The antioxidant effect of the extract plant of Combretum molle was 216 μg/mL and the extract plant of Pericopsis laxiflora was 225 μg/mL on the nitric oxide radical. It was concluded that the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponin, alkaloids and cardiotonic heterosides, explains why traditional medicine uses both plants together to treat certain diseases. However, further investigations of the pharmacological potential for diabetes treatment are needed.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Phytochemical, antioxidant activities, Combretum molle, Pericopsis laxiflora, Burkina Faso