Folk Medicinal Plant Research Articles

Beverages of Coffee and Phytochemicals Present in Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora – A Review

Coffee plant which belongs to Rubiaceae family, generally grows along the equator in tropical and subtropical areas. The generic name, coffee, covers about 100 species of plants, but the two main species used for making beverages are called Coffea arabica (Arabica, accounting for 60-70% of the world’s production) and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Coffee plant contains phytochemicals such as sugars, proteins, organic acids, flavonoids and polyphenols, etc. Coffee is a reputed folk medicinal plant containing phytochemicals, which exhibit mainly antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-diabetes properties. Caffeine is one of the most controversial phytochemicals present in coffee. Caffeine amount per 100 mL of coffee brew from medium roasted coffee can vary from 50 mg to 380 mg. A typical cup (240 mL) of coffee can contain 70-140 mg of caffeine and if one drinks more than 4 cups of coffee per day, he or she is considered to be addicted to caffeine, which may cause caffeinism. Nowadays decaffeinated coffee beverages are popular among people as it consists of extremely low caffeine content; about 1 mg per 100 mL. Decaffeination can be achieved by using organic solvents, carbon dioxide, water, or using different absorbents. Lots of coffee beverages are categorized by the brewing method and most of them are prepared by mixing the brew in water, milk or ice-cream. The scope of this overview is to discuss the importance of the types of phytochemicals present and the types of coffee beverages.

Keeping their own and integrating the other: medicinal plant use among Ormurs and Pathans in South Waziristan, Pakistan

BackgroundIn multicultural societies, traditional knowledge among minorities faces several challenges. Minority groups often face difficult situations living in specific peripheral geographies and striving to retain their biocultural heritage, including medicinal plant knowledge and practices. Folk medicinal plant knowledge is a dynamic eco-cultural complex influenced by various environmental, socio-cultural, and political factors. Examining medicinal plant knowledge among minorities has been an increasingly popular topic in cross-cultural ethnobiology. It also helps understand the dynamics of local/traditional ecological knowledge (LEK/TEK) change within a given community. The current study was designed to investigate the status of medicinal plant knowledge among two linguistic groups, i.e. Ormurs and Pathans, living in a remote valley of West Pakistan.MethodsWe recruited 70 male study participants from the studied groups for semi-structured interviews to record the medicinal plant use of their communities. Data were compared among the two studied communities using the stacked charts employing the presence or absence of data with Past 4.03 and Venn diagrams. Use reports (URs) were counted for each recorded taxon.Results and DiscussionA total of seventy-four medicinal plants were quoted as used as ethnomedicines by the researched communities. Most of the reported plants were used to treat digestive and liver problems. The cross-cultural comparison revealed a considerable homogeneity of medicinal plant knowledge (the two groups commonly used more than seventy plants); however, comparing uses recorded for the widely utilised medicinal plants showed numerous idiosyncratic uses among Ormurs but very few among Pathans. Ormurs reported a higher number of cultivated, wild, and imported plant uses than did Pathans. These results indicate that, compared to Pathans, the Ormur linguistic minority retain more folk medicinal plant knowledge, which may be explained by the fact that they have incorporated different folk remedies: their “own knowledge” plus that of Pathans, with whom they have lived together for centuries. Moreover, the local plant nomenclature among Ormurs was highly affected by the plant nomenclature of Pathans.ConclusionThe current study revealed that living together for a few centuries has not implied sharing plant knowledge (as the Pathans do not seem to have learnt from the Ormurs) or, in other words, that plant knowledge exchanges have been unidirectional. The findings show that the Pashto dominant culture may have possibly put pressure on the minority groups and affected local plant-centred cultural practices, as we see in the case of local plant nomenclature hybridisation among Omuri speakers. Hence, it is imperative to employ diverse educational strategies to revitalise the decline of medicinal plant knowledge in the studied communities, especially among Ormurs, who need more attention as they face more challenges than the other group. Locally based strategies should be devised to restore the fading connection with nature, which will be advantageous for revitalising plant knowledge.

Folk medicinal plants in forest fringe villages of tribal’s hill districts of Nagaland, India

In forest fringe villages, folk medicines play a pivotal role in human health care management. The aim of present study was to document the plants employed in the folk medicines by ethnic groups inhabiting forest fringe villages of Nagaland. Field survey was conducted for over two years in 32 forest fringe villages of Nagaland. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and quantitatively analyzed by statistical tools i.e., Use-value, Relative frequency of citation and Informant consensus factor to identify promising plants for future studies. This research documented 96 medicinal plants employed in the treatment of 59 ailments of human being. The quantitative analysis of the data indicates that some species have relatively high ―use value (UV)‖ and ―relative frequency of citation (Rfc)‖, these are: Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Phyllanthus emblica L. with 0.67 as UV and 3.6 as Rfc. Maximum consensus among informants was observed for the treatment of tooth and gum ailment and under this category Solanum aculeatissimum Moench was frequently cited by informants. Those plants which receive high relative frequency of citation values may serve as potential source for pharmacological studies, especially Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (used as insect repellent), Phyllanthus emblica L. (used in abdominal pain and indigestion), Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. (in flatulence), Aloe vera Mill. (in constipation), Canna indica L. (in genital infection), Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm. (prevent miscarriage), Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. (in bleeding piles), Carica papaya (DC.) Merr. (cure ringworm), Solanum aculeatissimum Moench (in foot and toe infection), Thalictrum foliolosum DC. (for vomiting and indigestion), Mentha spicata L. (in stomach ache), Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton (incough and cold), Zingiber officinale Roscoe (in cough and cold) and Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarbre (in skin infection).

Ethnobotanical Analysis of Medicinal Plants Used by Kani Tribals of Tirunelveli District (Tamil Nadu, India) in Treating Respiratory Diseases

IntroductionRespiratory diseases have gained the attention of the scientific community due to their prevalence among people, and the search for new therapeutic drugs from natural sources for treating such diseases is increasing. So, there is a need for documenting the folk medicinal practices used in treating various respiratory-related diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to document the folk medicinal plant knowledge of the Kani tribes of Tirunelveli district with respect to respiratory diseases. MethodsA semistructured questionnaire and field data sheet were employed to collect the ethnobotanical data from 13 informants. The recorded data were quantitatively analysed using use value (UV), frequency of citation, percentage of use frequency, and family UV. ResultsA total of 70 plants distributed in 62 genera belonging to 40 families were recorded in the ethnobotanical survey. Lamiaceae was found as a dominant family with eight species, followed by Fabaceae (six species) and Rutaceae (five species). Ranunculaceae was recorded as the most important family with family UV of 1.0. The study has recorded herbs as the dominant life form and decoction as the most preferred formulation in treating respiratory diseases. Nine plant species were frequently used in treating respiratory diseases with UVs ranging from 0.92 to 1.0. ConclusionsThe recorded data analysed with quantitative indices indicate a high level of medicinal knowledge on the plants available in the study area. The provided ethnobotanical information might serve as a basis for pharmacological studies aimed at finding effective medications to treat respiratory and related diseases.

Geographical Study of Medicinal Plants Using GIS and GPS Tools in Some Villages, Barzan Sub-District, Mergasor Districts Iraqi Kurdistan Region

A geographical study and mapping for the distribution of medicinal plants within some villages around the Mergasor district which have long used the plant for medicine are Esomara, Alka, Shanadar, and Hassani cheaye sherene Villages have been done. These villages are located in Iraqi Kurdistan Region Barzan Sub-District, Mergasor District at Erbil Province, Iraqi Kurdistan Region. This study aimed to identify the medicinal plants (herbs) in agroforestry in four Villages. The survey method was used by making four plots in the field. The coordinate positions of medicinal plants were recorded using a global positioning system (GPS), and their distribution was examined using a geographic information system (GIS). The results showed that there were twenty-one families, species with a total of forty -four individuals plant found. Liliaceae family was the dominant found with seven species of plants followed by Lamiaceae (species of plants) and Asteraceae (four species of plants). The information about medicinal plant species is essential. Therefore, it is necessary to develop information about the medicinal plant so as to preserve the existing species of plants and to enrich the species of medicinal plants which are not found in these Villages due to the importance of these plants in Kurdish folk medicine.

Identification and characterization of major bioactive compounds from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) extracts showed multi-biomedical applications

The Andrographis paniculata recognized as most valuable medicinal plant in folk medicine. Hence, this research was designed to evaluate antibacterial potential of petroleum ether (PE) and methanol (ME) extracts of A. paniculata against skin infection causing bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, and Propionibacterium acnes. Also assessed the antidiabetic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assay), antioxidant, and photoprotective potential of PE and ME extract analyses. The major bioactive compounds were identified and characterized through UV, FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra analyses. The ME extract contain more number of phytochemicals (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, glycoside, protein, and phytosterol) than PE extract. The antibacterial activity result also revealed that the ME (as dose dependent) extract showed better activity at 250 mg mL−1 as in the following order: P. acnes (6–29 mm) > K. pneumoniae (3–28 mm) > S. aureus (3–27 mm) > P. vulgaris (3–26 mm) > S. pyogenes (2–25 mm) > E. aerogenes (1–23 mm). PE: E. aerogenes (3–20 mm) > P. vulgaris (2–19 mm) > P. acnes (3–18 mm) > K. pneumoniae (3–17 mm) > S. aureus (2–16 mm) > S. pyogenes (0–11 mm). The MIC value of ME extract was found as 100–150 mg mL−1 and it was better than PE extract. Similarly, the ME also possesses dose based α-glucosidase inhibition activity as up to 85% at 250 mg mL−1 concentration. The fluorescence spectra analysis method also stated that the ME extract possess photoprotective bioactive agent. The ME fractions (F01 and F02) obtained from TLC and column chromatogram were identified as 3-O-β-d-glucosyl-14- deoxyandrographiside and 14-deoxyandrographolide respectively through UV, FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra analyses. Such compounds may be responsible for significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria causing skin infections, excellent antidiabetic activity, as well as photoprotective potential.

Cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory constituents from roots of Hypericum beanii and the antitumor potential under the view of cancer-related inflammation

Hypericum beanii, a traditional folk medicine plant, has been employed in the treatment of various inflammation-related diseases and has demonstrated promising potential as an herbal remedy for cancer. In this study, we isolated 29 compounds from the roots of H. beanii. We evaluated their cytotoxic effects on five human cancer cell lines, which revealed that the ethanol extract, along with compounds 4 and 14, exhibited significant cytotoxic activity. Additionally, we assessed their anti-inflammatory properties by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Our findings showed that the ethanol extract (IC50 = 7.41 ± 0.38 μg/mL), compound 4 (IC50 = 7.82 ± 0.42 μM), and compound 14 (IC50 = 3.05 ± 0.06 μM) displayed substantial anti-inflammatory activity. ELISA assays and qPCR analysis revealed that compounds 4 and 14 may exert their anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects by inhibiting the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA, shedding light on their role in cancer-related inflammation.

Structural elucidation of novel pro-inflammatory polysaccharides from Daphne mezereum L.

Daphne mezereum L., an important medicinal plant in Scandinavian folk medicine, was used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, swelling and stomach pain. A range of natural compounds have been isolated, but little attention has been given to the polysaccharides in this plant. Previous work in our group have shown that a polysaccharide enriched fraction from the bark of D. mezereum exhibited pro-inflammatory effects. To pursue this further, the aim of the present work was to isolate and characterize these polysaccharides. From the ethanol-precipitate of a water extract, one neutral (DMP-NF) and one acidic (DMP-AF) fraction was isolated by anion-exchange chromatography. GC, GC–MS and 1D- and 2D-NMR were used to characterize the polysaccharide structures. DMP-NF appeared to be a mixture of arabinan, arabinogalactan and hemicelluloses such as xyloglucan, mannan and xylan. DMP-AF contained a pectic polysaccharide mainly consisting of an unusually long homogalacturonan backbone. Enzymatic treatment by pectinase of DMP-AF yielded DMP-ED, which contained a rhamnogalacturonan-I backbone with arabinan, galactan and arabinogalactan side chains. Both DMP-NF and DMP-ED induced IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), DMP-ED being the most potent fraction. DMP-AF was less active, which might be due to a less sterically available rhamnogalacturonan-I domain.

Clinical and pharmacological aspects of vervain (Verbena officinalis L.) using in the treatment of respiratory system diseases (literature review)

In the pharmacotherapy of the respiratory system diseases, phytotherapy attracts attention due to the high preventive and therapeutic potential of biologically active substances of medicinal plants. At the same time, verification of the effectiveness and safety of herbal drugs is necessary. That is why scientific research of folk medicine plants including common verbena (Verbena officinalis L.) of the Verbenaceae family has been carried out.
 The aim of the work is the analysis of verified data on the chemical composition of the herb verbena, the results of pharmacological and toxicological studies directed at determining the effectiveness and safety in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.
 The search for verified data using Internet resources, comparative analysis, systematization and generalization of data were carried out.
 The main secondary metabolites that determine the profile of verbena herb biological activity are iridoid glycosides (verbenalin, aucubine and gastatoside), as well as phenylpropanoid glycosides (verbascoside, isoverbascoside and eukovoside). Thus, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of certain verbena extracts against clinically significant strains of bacteria and fungi has been proven. The anti-inflammatory effect of various extracts of the Verbena herb was established on carrageenan-induced and formalin-induced edema models. The antioxidant effect of certain verbena herb fractions has been proven by in vitro methods. It is important at presence of diseases for which oxidative stress is an important pathogenetic factor. The results of clinical studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity of the vervaine herb decoction applied topically in the case of chronic gingivitis. The expediency of verbascoside use for increasing the barrier functions of the oral mucosa, promoting epithelization, reducing pain and other signs of inflammation in oral mucositis against the background of tumour chemotherapy has been substantiated. Toxicological studies have shown that different verbena herb extracts belong to the class of low-toxic or practically non-toxic substances when taken orally.
 Thus, the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of verbena, as well as its high level of safety, substantiate the prospects for the use of this medicinal plant in the treatment of the respiratory system diseases.

Optimisation of the process of acquiring tannin compounds with anti - Vibrio parahaemolyticusfrom the leaves of sea almond tree (Terminalia catappa L.)

Terminalia catappa L. (so-called Bang in Vietnamese) is considered an important medicinal plant in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders and other inflammatory conditions. This plant contains several medicinally essential components, especially the tannin group. This study evaluated a number of factors affecting tannin extraction from the leaves of sea almond tree with the help of response surface methodology (RSM). The factors used to evaluate are solvent concentration, solvent:material ratio (v/w) and soaking time (hours). Research results show that the highest total tannin content (TTC) is 1.54 mg GAE/g raw material, the optimal conditions are determined as follows: ethanol 54%, solvent:material ratio (S:MR) is 41:1 (v/w) and soaking time 2 hours. The experimental values (TTC=1.54±0.02 mg TAE/g raw material) show good agreement with the predicted value (TTC=1.54 mg TAE/g raw material). Experiments evaluating antibacterial activity show that the optimal extract of sea almond tree leaves has the ability to resist Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria. The results of this study could pave the way for the mass production of medicinal compounds containing tannins from sea almond tree leaves and improve the usage value of this popular plant.

TECHNOLOGY OF OBTAINING DRY EXTRACTS FROM HERBAL MIXTURES

In modern medical practice, a special place is occupied by herbal mixtures, the range of which is constantly increasing, and the list of indications for use is expanding. However, there are a number of inconveniences for patients when using them: the presence of an additional technological stage for obtaining an aqueous extract; lack of accuracy when dosing this form and a short shelf life at home. All this makes the search for new, more rational dosage forms based on fees relevant. Such dosage forms include dry extracts, which are obtained on an industrial scale. This type of total preparations can be used as an intermediate in the preparation of finished dosage forms (tablets, capsules, etc.), which are easy to use, well dosed and have a long shelf life. Purpose: development of technology for obtaining dry extracts from herbal mixtures - urological, nephrolytic and hypoglycemic. Materials and methods. Based on the use of medicinal plants in folk and scientific medicine, various compositions of herbal mixtures have been developed. On the basis of pharmacological screening, the most effective formulations were selected, which were chosen as objects of study: "Urological collection"; "Nephrolytic collection"; "Hypoglycemic collection". When obtaining dry extracts, the methods of maceration and repercolation were used. The quality of the obtained extracts was assessed according to the following indicators: appearance, authenticity, moisture content, heavy metals, microbiological purity, quantitative content of biologically active substances (polyphenolic compounds and polysaccharides). The technological parameters of the studied phytocompositions have been established. The optimal extraction conditions were determined: raw material fineness – 2–3 mm, extractants: 50% ethyl alcohol (“Urological”) and purified water (“Hypoglycemic” and “Nephrolytic”), the optimal ratio of raw materials and extractant is 1 : 30, temperature – 70–80 °С ("Urological" and "Nephrolytic") and 90–100 °С ("Hypoglycemic"). The optimal method for obtaining dry extracts from herbal mixtures, maceration, was experimentally selected. A technology for obtaining dry extracts from herbal mixtures has been developed, in particular, the influence of extraction conditions depending on temperature, the degree of grinding of raw materials, the type of extractant, the ratio of raw materials and extractant has been studied.

Ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of medicinal plants against enterocyte bacteria-linked infections and diarrhoea in some African countries: a systematic review

Abstract Background There is a dearth of relevant bioactive translational progress and post-scientific evidence on the ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of plants with anti-diarrheal potential in Africa. This study synthesized scientific evidence on commonly used African folkloric medicinal plants in the management/control of diarrhoea and antibiotic-resistant enterocyte-infecting bacteria in some African countries. Main body Published articles from different databases on folk medicinal plants used in the treatment/management of bacteria-linked enterocyte infections and diarrhoea were reviewed systematically. The ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of 75 folkloric plant species belonging to 67 families and 58 genera, including Asteraceae (10.45%), Myrtaceae (7.46%), (Anacardiaceae, Celastraceae, Fabaceae and Hydnoraceae) (5.97%) are the most used anti-diarrheal folkloric plants in the region. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.018 mg/ml–8.45 mg/ml) or (39 μg/ml–2000 μg/ml) and 14.35 g/kg–8317.64 mg/kg LD50 on enterocyte bacteria strains. A solo author reported MIC of the pure component 6.25 μg/ml. Tree (38%) and tuber (3%) were the highest and least life forms of the folkloric plants used. Leaves (41%) were the most frequently used for folk preparations, while aerial, fruits, seeds and combination of shoots + leaves (1.45%) were the least used. Fourteen authors’ studies revealed the phytochemical profile, while six further elucidated the bioactive components of the folkloric plants used to manage diarrhoea. Conclusion Our findings revealed the antibacterial potency of folkloric plants against diarrhoea and multiple antibiotic-resistant organisms. It suggests a gap in the appropriate documentation, application of such medicinal/folkloric plants, and low post-research advancement of effectively tested plant types or bioactive agents, calling for well-organized future research engagements.

Documentation of indigenous uses and traditional practices of ethnomedicinal plants used by the Siraji community of Kullu District for gynaecological complaints in Himachal Pradesh, North-Western Himalaya, India

The study was conducted from January 2019 to January 2020 in 6 villages inhabited by Siraji community of Siraj valley of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. Among the biodiversity components, the economically important plants are commonly used by the Siraji community in their daily lives for various purposes. Among the various health related issues of women, gynaecological problems are mostly seen in the region which greatly affects the female health. The aim of this study was to collect information and document the folk medicinal plant knowledge used by the Siraji community. Women of the region still have faith in local herbs for the treatment of their health-related issues. Data were collected from 30 informants, including local elderly people and traditional practitioners of the area, through interviews and questionnaire. In total, 35 plant species (22 wild and 13 cultivated) used to treat gynaecological problems. The present paper gave an overview of the uses of ethnomedicinal plants and also suggests the measures for promoting awareness among the native community.

Bioautography, synergistic effect and HPTLC-MS and SEM analysis of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds of inflorescence extract of Sphaeranthus indicus

BackgroundSphaeranthus indicus L. is a well-known medicinal plant in folk medicine. A variety of biological activities and chemical substances in this plant have been reported. The phytochemical content and activity may vary according to geographic location. This study aims to determine the geographical significance, the analysis of the synergistic effect of phytochemicals, the identification of active compounds, and the determination of the action mechanism of S. indicus inflorescence methanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia.ResultsThe bands with Rf values of 0.92 and 1.0 showed antimicrobial activity, while all bands showed antioxidant activity. The first fraction showed the highest antimicrobial activity, and the pool of the second fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity. The kinetics of the antioxidants differed among the fractions. Analysis of synergistic effects showed that several compounds were involved in the activities. The bands with Rf 0.45, 0.55, 0.68, 0.79, and 0.85 were active components of the extract. Leakage of cell contents was detected at 260 and 280 nm wavelengths. Six different proteins and one nucleic acid band were detected after electrophoresis. The SEM analysis showed that the phytochemicals caused severe membrane damage.Conclusion The study revealed that the photochemical present in methanol extract of the inflorescence of S. indicus has a synergistic effect and acts on bacterial cell envelope. The five compounds were identified as active molecules belonging to the class of terpenoids. The result also signified the geographical area since thymol was identified for the first time in this plant at this location.Graphical abstract

Phytochemical analysis and biological activity of Corchorus olitorius L.: Quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds by LC–MS/MS, antibacterial, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic activities

IntroductionCorchorus olitorius L. is a significant plant in folk medicine, therefore, research on phytochemistry with biological activity may reveal its potential use in drug development. Medicinal plants are valuable sources of drug materials as they include bioactive compounds known as secondary metabolites. Determination of bioactive compounds and biological activity of plants lead to understanding their potential in drug development. MethodsA quantitative analysis of the bioactive compounds in leaf, stem, and root extracts of C. olitorius L. was carried out with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) enzyme inhibition and antibacterial effects were investigated using Mueller Hinton broth microdilution assay. The anticancer activity of C. olitorius leaves was evaluated by MTT assay using HDF, U87, Skov-3, and Caco-2 cell lines. ResultsIn the quantitative study, leaf extract exhibited the largest concentration of bioactive compounds, and cynarin (6.680 mg/g extract) and chlorogenic acid (5.605 mg/g extract) were the major products. The leaf, stem, and root extracts showed significant AChE and GST inhibition activity. The leaf extract displayed antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa with the value of 2.2±0.1 (IC50, μg/ mL) in comparison to the standard (4.00±0.1 IC50, μg/ mL). The leaf extract displayed good antiproliferative activity against sk-ov-3 cell lines with values of 37.1% and 42.1% at 250 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL concentrations, respectively. ConclusionC. olitorius has the potential to be a drug agent against cancer and microbial-induced diseases due to its effective bioactive compound contents.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity and toxicological profile of extracts, fractions and chemical constituents of leaves and stem bark from Dacryodes edulis (Burseraceae)

BackgroundDacryodes edulis is a plant that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is widely used traditionally alone or in association with other plants in Cameroonian folk medicine to cure wounds, fever, headaches, and malaria. The aim of this work was to investigate the leaves and stem bark of D. edulis with an emphasis on the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic effects of extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds.MethodsExtracts, fractions, and some isolated compounds were subjected to antiplasmodial activity screening in vitro against chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 and multidrug resistant Dd2 strains of Plasmodium falciparum using a SyBr Green fluorescence-based assay. The cytotoxicity of active extracts, fractions, and compounds was tested against mammalian Raw cell lines using an in vitro resazurin-based viability assay. The structures of the compounds were determined based on their NMR and MS data. The in vivo toxicity using female BALB/c mice was performed on the most active extract according to the protocol of OECD (2002), guideline 423.ResultsThe hydroethanolic extract from the leaves of D. edulis displayed good antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values of 3.10 and 3.56 μg/mL respectively on sensitive (3D7) and multiresistant (Dd2) strains of P. falciparum. Of the sixteen compounds isolated, 3,3′,4-tri-O-methylellagic acid (4) exhibited the highest antiplasmodial activity against PfDd2 strains with an IC50 value of 0.63 μg/mL. All extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds demonstrated no cytotoxicity against Raw cell lines with CC50 > 250 μg/mL. In addition, the most active extract on both strains of P. falciparum was nontoxic in vivo, with a LD50 greater than 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. A phytochemical investigation of the stem bark and leaves of D. edulis afforded sixteen compounds, including two xanthones (1–2), three ellagic acid derivatives (3–5), one phenolic compound (6), one depside (7), one triglyceride (8), one auranthiamide acetate (9), one gallic acid derivative (10), four triterpenoids (11–14), and two steroids (15–16). Compounds 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9 were herein reported for the first time from the Burseraceae family.ConclusionThis work highlights the good in vitro antiplasmodial potency of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of this plant and that of two isolated constituents (3,3′,4-tri-O-methylellagic acid and ethylgallate) from the plant. These biological results support the use of D. edulis in traditional medicine against malaria.

Medicinal Common Seed-Acorus Calamus

This article covers the structure, distribution, chemical composition, and use of the common sedum plant in folk medicine and traditional medicine. It highlights the relevance of using this plant in the field of medicine. Acorus calamus is a perennial plant belonging to the Aceraceae family and is found in many countries. It contains various substances, including vitamin C. The plant is highly regarded in Indian traditional medicine and is known for rejuvenating the brain and nervous system. The rhizomes of Acorus calamus are widely used in the treatment of many diseases such as epilepsy, mental disorders, fever, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, liver, and kidney diseases.

Three Undescribed Flavonoids and Amide from Abrus mollis Hance with Hepatoprotective Effects.

Through a phytochemical investigation of Abrus mollis Hance, a folk medicinal plant in China, we isolated and identified three undescribed compounds, including two flavonoids and one amides alkaloid, along with nine known from this plant. Their structures were elucidated by analyses of 1D, 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD, and DP4+ analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of all twelve compounds on D-GalN-induced Brl-3 A cells. According to the results, at a concentration of 25 μM, the cell survival rates were observed to be 71.92±0.34 %, 70.03±1.29 %, and 69.11±1.90 % for compound 2, 4, and 11, respectively. Further experimental studies showed that compound 2 (EC50 5.76±0.37 μM) showed more significant protective activity than the bicyclol.

Nutritional, phytochemical and content variation of essential trace element in selected folk medicinal plants around Lahore, Pakistan

Nutritional, phytochemical and content variation of essential trace element in selected folk medicinal plants around Lahore, Pakistan

One New Steroidal Saponin from the Leaves of Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev.

: The aim of this study is to isolate and identify new chemical constituents from Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. growing in Vietnam. Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. (Synonym: Cordyline terminalis L. Kunth), belongs to the Asparagaceae family, is one of the popular plants in folk medicine. This plant has been used to treat various diseases, such as sore throat, neck pain, bloody urine, kidney diseases, headache, infections of mammary glands, and inflammation in the digestive tract. Previous study on the leaves of C. fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. reported the presence of cholestane glycosides with cytotoxic activity. The leaves of Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. were provided by a flower shop in Thai Nguyen city, Vietnam in 2021 (21°35'53" N, 105°50'17" E). The extraction was performed by the ultrasound-assisted method using the solvent EtOH/H2O. The crude extract was chromatographed on silica gel to yield one compound. The structure elucidation of isolated compound was determined by spectroscopic analysis 1D and 2D NMR, and mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS in positive mode). A new steroidal saponin was isolated from the leaves of Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. The structure of compound was determined as 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-furosta-5,(25)27- diene-1β,3β,22α,26-tetrol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. Phytochemical study on the leaves of Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. lead to the isolation and elucidation of one new steroidal saponin. Previous investigation on species of Cordyline genus revealed the presence of steroidal saponins, so this study has a significant benefit to complete the chemotaxonomic data about saponins from genus Cordyline and thus Asparagaceae family. The biological test of this compound should be further carried out in the next study.