Powdered Stem Bark Research Articles

Formulation and Antimicrobial studies of Microencapsulated Musanga cecropioides Stem Bark Extract

Microencapsulation is the process of coating small droplets of liquid or solid materials with a continuous film of polymeric substances. The aim of the research was to formulate microparticles of Musanga cecropioides stem bark extract. The dried, powdered stem bark of Musanga cecropioides was extracted by maceration. The aqueous extract was microencapsulated using polymers such as alginate, pectin and hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) by counter-ion coacervation method using an electrostatic droplet generator. The formulated microcapsules were evaluated for flow properties, particle size, drug content, antimicrobial activity and in vitro release kinetics in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. The microparticles were subjected to stability tests under different temperature (45°C, 25°C and 8°C) and relative humidity (100% RH, 78% RH and 0% RH) conditions for a period of three (3) months. The mean particle size of the microcapsules decreased with increasing applied voltage of the electrostatic generator. Particle size range for the batches of formulated microparticles was 68.20-223.84µm. The percentage entrapment efficiency of the batches of microparticles ranged from 80.26-86.58%. The microparticles lost a significant percent of its drug content after storage at different temperature and relative humidity conditions. The formulated microparticles and crude extract possess significant antibacterial action against both gram positive and negative bacteria as well as antifungal effect against C. albicans. Microparticles of M. cecropioides extract were formulated by counter-ion coacervation method using an electrostatic droplet generator which conferred advantages of sustained drug release, reduced frequency of dosing, masked unpalatable taste, improved stability and enhanced patient acceptance on the crude extract.

Pharmacognostic characterization, wound healing and toxicity assessment of the stem bark of Xylia evansii Hutch (Leguminosae)

Xylia evansii is widely used in traditional medicine to stop bleeding gums and treat wounds. This study was undertaken to assess the wound healing activity and toxicity profile of the stem bark methanol extract of X. evansii (XES). Wound healing activity was determined by the dermal excision model in rats. The free radical scavenging capacity, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated by the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin Ciocalteu methods respectively. Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity assessment was performed following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. Significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent wound healing effect, similar to that of 1 % silver sulphadiazine was elicit by the 10, 15 and 20 %w/w XES ointments. The highest effect was demonstrated by XES 20 %w/w which resulted in 98.3 % wound surface closure by day 9 of treatment (p < 0.0001). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined to be 381.2 ± 12.57 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 460 ± 29.07 mg/g quercetin equivalent respectively. XES exhibited remarkable free radical scavenging effect (IC50 = 68.13 ± 1.87 μg/mL) and had a total antioxidant capacity of 279.2 ± 32.08 mg/g GAE. The LD50 of XES was estimated to be > 5000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity, 28 days treatment with XES (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg body weight) did not result in any significant (p > 0.05) change in the body weight or weight of the heart, lung, spleen, liver and kidneys. The haematological and biochemical profiles of XES-treated rats were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected after 4-weeks treatment with XES, except for platelet count which increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in a non-dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination did not reveal any toxic effect to liver cells, however at 1000 mg/kg XES, slight abnormalities were identified in the glomeruli. Microscopy of the powdered stem bark displayed calcium oxalate crystals, pitted vessels and lignified fibres. Tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, triterpenes and alkaloids were identified in the bark. This is the first report on the wound healing potential and safety profile of X. evansii, giving scientific credence to its use in traditional medicine.

Efficacy of a Mexican folk remedy containing cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl) for the treatment of burn wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens) stem bark has been used to heal wounds and counteract microbial infections since pre-Hispanic times. However, its effect in treating infected burns remains unclear. Study objectivesTo determine the antipathogenic capacity of a folk remedy (FR) containing cuachalalate stem bark to treat lesions caused by thermal damage and bacterial infection. Materials and methodsThe antipathogenic capacity of the hexanic extract (HE) and FR was evaluated in a burned mouse model infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Second to third-degree burns were induced with 95 °C water in CD1 mice in similar ratios of males to females. The mice were randomly grouped into non-inoculated (Group 1) and P. aeruginosa inoculated. The latter were divided into untreated infection (Group 2) and infection topically treated with HE (Group 3), silver sulfadiazine (Group 4), and tween 80 (Group 5). In the case of FR, the lesions were washed with an aqueous extract (AE) and applied powdered stem bark (Group 6). Animal survival, establishment of the bacteria in the lesions, and systemic dispersion were determined. In addition, histopathological analysis was performed. The chemical composition of the AE was analyzed through molecular networking analysis, and the antivirulence capacity was determined through the inhibition of pyocyanin production and caseinolytic activity. ResultsOnly the FR showed antipathogenic activity and increased animal survival by 50% by reducing the systemic dispersion of P. aeruginosa. In addition, it stimulated the formation of granulation tissue and the generation of new blood vessels. The AE did not show bactericidal activity but reduced bacterial virulence, and glycosylated flavonoids and catechins were identified as its main constituents. ConclusionsThe results of this study contribute to validating the effectiveness of a popular remedy containing cuachalalate stem bark for treating burns infected with P. aeruginosa.

Extraction and Characterisation of Steroidal Compounds from Gmelina arborea Stem Bark for Pharmaceutical Applications

Medicinal plants have remained a source of therapeutic agents in nature till date. There has been increasing concern in the use of some existing drugs due to their side effects, resistance and other shortcomings, hence the need for new drugs with better therapeutic properties. In order to contribute to the quest for novel medicines, this research sought to isolate, characterise, and identify putative therapeutic mediators from the stem bark of Gmelina arborea. Using a Soxhlet device, the powdered stem bark was extracted with hexane and ethyl acetate. On a silica gel column, the extracts were separated, and increasing concentrations of hexane in ethyl acetate were used to elute them. 40 fractions were produced after TLC analysis, and five combined fractions were created based on their characteristics (8 fractions to one) and coded PHE 001,002,003,004 and 005 respectively. The five fractions were analyzed by NMR (1D and 2D) to confirm the structures of their constituents. The result showed that PHE-004 was confirmed as mixtures steroidal compounds (stigmasterol and sitosterol)). The spectroscopic characterization of fraction PHE-004 reveals a chemical shift of the 1H-NMR ranging from 0-80-5.36 ppm and 13C-NMR ranging from 12.02-146.93 ppm. Melting point of 131-1330C and Rf value of 0.53. The results shows that the plant has some pharmaceutical potentials and the stem bark extract could serve as an entrepreneurial tool for trado-medical practitioners to justify its traditional medical claims.

Inhibitory Effects of Stem Bark Extract of &lt;i&gt;Chrysophyllum albidum&lt;/i&gt; (G. Don) against Selected Gastrointestinal Tract Pathogens

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of stem bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidum against selected gastrointestinal tract pathogens. Powdered stem bark was cold extracted using methanol and sterile distilled water in ratio 3:2 (v/v). The mixture obtained was concentrated in vacuo using a rotary evaporator and lyophilized. The stem bark extract was screened for antibacterial, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties using standard method. The antibacterial activities were determined using agar well diffusion method while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using agar dilution method. Results obtained indicate that the zones of inhibition shown by the stem bark extract at 10 mg/mL against the bacterial isolates ranged between 10±0.82 mm and 25±0.00 mm. The MICs ranged between 0.31 mg/mL and 5mg/mL while the lowest MIC was 0.31 mg/mL. The MBCs ranged between 0.63 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL while we recorded 0.63 mg/mL as the lowest MBC. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, reducing sugar and cardiac glycosides. The antioxidant analysis of stem bark extract showed appreciable antioxidant properties when compared with vitamin C used as control. The stem bark extract exhibited percentage inhibition of 62.80% at a concentration of 15.63 µg/mL while vitamin C exhibited percentage inhibition of 63.53% at the same concentration. This study showed that stem bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidum possessed bioactive compounds that exhibited appreciable antibacterial and antioxidant activities against the gastrointestinal tract pathogens.

Chemical Constituents from Macaranga lowii King ex Hook.f. (Euphorbiaceae) and Their Effects on Antioxidant Activity

The genus Macaranga comprises about 300 species worldwide and is commonly distributed in the tropical region of Africa, Southeast Asia, China and India. The plant of this genus was reported to possess various medicinal properties which have been traditionally used to treat various illnesses such as fungal infection, malaria, stomachache, and diarrhoea. This genus also contains many phenolic compounds, particularly prenylated flavonoids and stilbenoids, followed by terpenoids and tannins. The phytochemical study on the crude acetone extract from the stem bark of Macaranga lowii was carried out to isolate chemical constituents using several chromatographic techniques and characterise the structure of the isolated compounds using various spectroscopic methods. The powdered stem bark of M. lowii (2.05 kg) was macerated in acetone for 24 hours at room temperature and repeated three times. The crude extract (38.8 g) was dissolved in methanol (200 mL) and fractionated with diethyl ether to reduce tannin and yield a crude extract with less tannin (10.9 g). The crude extract was subjected to vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) to give nine semi-purified fractions (ML1-9). Fractionation and purification of fraction ML2 (448 mg) yielded compound 1 (6.2 mg) and 3 (0.3 mg). Fraction ML7 (220 mg) was subjected to radial chromatography (RC) to give a pure compound 2 (2.1 mg). The compounds were elucidated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), Infrared (IR) and Mass spectrometry (MS), as well as comparison with the previous literature. Two phenolic compounds namely pentadecyl ferulate (1) and scopoletin (2) together with a sterol known as stigmasterol (3) were purified successfully from the stem bark of M. lowii. Scopoletin (2) exhibited moderate activity against DPPH radical scavenging with the IC50 value of 34.82 mM.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant studies on Stem Bark of Aubrevillea kerstingii

Antioxidants are believed to play a role in preventing the development of some chronic diseases. Medicinal plants with antioxidant activity have continuously been utilized both in traditional and contemporary medicine for management of free radical related diseases. There is need to search for medicinal plants with antioxidant potentials and to isolate compounds responsible for the activity. The aim of this research was to carry out the phytochemical and antioxidant studies on stem bark extract of Aubrevillea kerstingii. The powdered stem bark of Aubrevillea kerstingii (1.5kg) was extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol using sequential maceration. Qualitative screening for antioxidant activity was carried out using thin layer chromatographic TLC autographic screening on pre-coated silica plate. The determination of 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the 3 stem bark extracts was carried out according to a standard method. The ethyl acetate extract (5g) was pre-adsorbed on silica gel and loaded into a column pre-packed with 100g silica gel (60-120 Merck). The extract was eluted with n-hexane: ethyl acetate in a gradient elution starting from n-hexane (100%) to ethyl acetate methanol (90:10). The DPPH scavenging activity of the extracts revealed a concentration dependent increase in free radical scavenging activity. The n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed IC50 values of 98.58μg/ml, 36.79μg/ml and 49.27μg/ml respectively compared with ascorbic acid which had IC50 of 17.89μg/ml. The isolated compound was identified as oleanolic acid using NMR. The 1H-NMR and13C-NMR spectra obtained in CDCl3 with NMR spectrometer showed chemical shifts characteristic of oleanolic acid. The methanol extract and ethyl acetate extracts showed significant antioxidant activity. Oleanolic acid isolated from the ethyl acetate extract may be responsible for the antioxidant activity.

Chemical Constituents from the Stem Bark of Ficus thonningii and their Chemotaxonomic Significance

Background of the Study: Tropical plants of the Ficus genus (Moraceae) are among the earliest fruit trees that humans have cultivated. Since ancient times, many folk medicines have used species of this genus to treat a variety of ailments. Evidence from earlier investigations has shown these plants contain abundant secondary metabolites with a variety of structural properties and biological functions.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the University of Nairobi (Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry) from January to June 2022.&#x0D; Aim: The study focuses on isolating and identifying secondary metabolites from the stem bark of Ficus thonningii Blume found in Kenya and their chemotaxonomic significance.&#x0D; Methodology: Dried powdered stem bark of Ficus thonningii was extracted by maceration at room temperature using CH2Cl2/CH3OH (1:1) to yield a crude extract which was fractionated in a chromatographic column (CC) using silica gel (60 – 120 mesh) as an adsorbent eluting with EtOAc/n-hexane followed by CH3OH/EtOAc. The fractions were purified using silica gel (70 – 230, 230 – 400 mesh) CC and chromatotron eluting with solvents of different polarity, as well as a crystallization technique. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated and identified using the spectroscopic method (NMR (1D and 2D)) and by comparison with reported literature data.&#x0D; Results: Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Ficus thonningii afforded seven compounds, including yukovanol (1), 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl)isoflavone (2), cajanin (3), taxifolin (4), protocatechuic acid (5), saccharose (6), and stigmasterol (7). Compounds 1 - 3, 5 and 7 were not reported from F. thonningii until now. Further, compound 6 is being isolated from the genus Ficus for the first time.&#x0D; Conclusion: The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated phytochemicals demonstrates the taxonomic position of F. thonningii in the genus Ficus and explains its multiple ethnomedicinal applications.

A case study on effectiveness of bhavita churna of Asoka twak in Premenstrual Syndrome

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disease characterised by manifestation of physical and psychological symptoms in females. It is a disorder of unknown etiology that recurs in the luteal phase of an ovulatory menstrual cycle. In Ayurvedic perspective, vitiation of tridoshas particularly vata can be observed in the pathogenesis of PMS. The Asoka - Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde has got vedanasthapana, pittakaphahara and sokanasana karma which implies that it can cure both somatic and affective symptoms. Bhavana includes processing of churna with liquid extracts to increase the potency. A clinical case of premenstrual syndrome has been selected to study the effectiveness of bhavita churna (processed powder) of stem bark of the drug. The treatment was conducted in the luteal phase (14 days prior to menstruation) for three menstrual cycles and a follow up was also carried out for another three consecutive menstrual cycles. There was significant reduction in symptoms as assessed through Premenstrual Syndrome Scale after 3 cycles of treatment when compared to before treatment. The effect sustained even after follow up. The Asoka - Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde stood as an effective drug for relieving physical and psychological symptoms observed in PMS.&#x0D; Key words: Asoka, Premenstrual Syndrome, bhavita churna, vedanasthapana, sokanasana

Microscopic, Physicochemical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Stem bark of Aubrevillea kerstingii (Harms) Pellegr. (Mimosaceae)

Microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation gives detailed valuable information that is useful in determination of the identity, quality and purity of medicinal plants, crude drugs and herbal products. The research was carried out in order to determine the microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of stem bark extract of Aubrevillea kerstingii. The macroscopic, microscopic, chemo-microscopic and physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical screening parameters were determined according to standard methods.The microscopic features revealed the presence of thin walled, radially arranged cork cells, well developed cortex, bundles of sclerenchymatous cells and numerous prismatic calcium oxalate crystals The chemo-microscopy of the powdered stem bark revealed the presence of some cell wall materials and cell inclusions. Physicochemical parameters determined in this study showed moisture content to be 8.2 ± 0.07, total ash value 9.23 ± 0.56, acid insoluble ash 1.49 ± 0.12, water soluble ash 5.52 ± 0.10, alcohol extractive value 26.50 ± 0.61 and water extractive value 33.4 ± 0.36. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and carbohydrate. The parameters of stem bark of Aubrevillea kerstingii determined in this study will help in establishing the quality and purity of the plant.&#x0D; Keywords: Aubrevillea kerstingii, Fabaceae, Physicochemical, Phytochemical

Efficacy of Parkia biglobosa Stem Bark in the Treatment of Burn Wounds

Burns are a major health challenge all over the world. Among the Hausa and Fulani people of Nigeria the bark of Pakia biglobosa is used as folk medicine for treating wounds by the application of the finely powdered bark to the open wounds. The aim of this study is to corroborate the folk claims of the wound healing ability of P. biglobosa and the benefits of formulating it into an emulgel. The powder and the extract of the stem bark of P. biglobosa formulated as an emulgel were investigated for burn wound healing activities and compared with I% silver sulfadiazine cream (Dermazin®) on Wister Albino rats. Also, the skin irritation and physicochemical properties of the emulgel were determined. Herbal emulgel showed good quality in relation to compendia and non-compendia tests. The emulgels were smooth, none gritty to touch and odourless as well as having varying colour shades of reddish brown consistent with the concentration of the extract. The formulations also showed no skin irritation and a concentration dependent wound healing activity. The emulgel containing 2.5% w/w of the herbal extract showed superior burn wound healing relative to the finely powdered stem bark, while the emulgel containing 5% w/w of the extract showed wound healing activity comparable to Dermazin®. The finely powdered stem bark of P. biglobosa showed effective wound healing activities and the emulgel formulation enhanced the wound healing activity. The results thus, corroborates the folk use of P. biglobosa stem bark for treating burn wounds.

Phytochemical and antioxidant activity of Cadaba farinosa Forssk stem bark extracts

Abstract Cadaba farinosa is used in traditional medicine for treatment of cancer, diabetes, and rheumatism. The research was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The powdered stem bark was extracted successively with the aid of Soxhlet extractor using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The resulting extracts were concentrated on rotary evaporator and the percentage yields were calculated. The phytochemical and TLC profiles of the extracts were studied. The antioxidant activity of the extracts and ascorbic acid (standard) were determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay. The total phenolic content of the extracts and tannic acid (standard) were evaluated using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The percentage yields of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts were found to be 1.19, 1.37, and 13.93%, respectively. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, and triterpenoids. The TLC profiles of the extracts revealed the presence of compounds as evidenced from their R f values. The total phenolic content of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were found to be 135 and 112 mg, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity demonstrated by the extracts was comparable to ascorbic acid. The ethyl acetate extract had higher phenolic content and demonstrated the highest free radical scavenging with IC50 31.07 mg/mL. The results of research have provided strong preliminary evidence of antioxidant activity which may be because of phenolic compounds in the extracts.

Crude drug analysis and elemental content of the leaves and stem bark of Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae), an indigenous Ghanaian medicinal plant

Adansonia digitata L. is a tree indigenous to Ghana and West Africa. It is traditionally used for medicinal, religious and nutritional purposes. Different parts of the plant are used traditionally for the treatment of diseases such as anaemia, malaria, asthma and diarrhoea among others. It is therefore necessary to provide standard parameters for identification and for the purpose of quality control. This study thus sought to investigate the pharmacognostic characteristics and elemental properties of the leaves and stem bark of A. digitata grown and used in Ghana. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, phytochemical, physicochemical, fluorescence and elemental properties of the leaf and stem bark were determined using standard protocols. The results of the study showed that the leaves of A. digitata were palmate compound and alternately arranged with stipules at each node. The outer bark was observed to be grey in color while the inner bark was pink to brown and laticiferous. Anomocytic stomata and stellate trichomes were also observed microscopically on the leaf surface. The powdered stem bark contained brachysclereids and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. Saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids were detected in both leaf and stem bark. They additionally exhibited different fluorescence characters in various solvents. The plant contained major and minor nutritional elements in varying quantities. The results of this study can serve as reliable parameters for accurate identification and authentication of A. digitata L. hence ensuring quality.

A PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY ON THE STEM BARK OF DEVADARU (Cedrus deodara Roxb. Loud.G.Don)

Ayurveda is the ancient knowledge of scientific system of Indian medicine. This medicinal system incorpo-rates the use of Dravyas –medicinal plants, which proved to be an effective means of human care in the pre and post Vedic periods. One among many such plants is Devadaru. Etymologically the word ‘Devada-ru’ itself personify the plant as ‘Devta’ or divine tree, because it provides environment with solitude and its medicinal values. To explore more about Devadaru pharmacognostical study of stem bark was conducted. To authenticate the sample of Devadaru, comparison of organoleptic characteristics of stem bark and its powder was done which reveals that stem bark has some aromatic compounds. Based on organoleptic characteristics obtained and microscopic observations, genuineness of the raw material was authenticated. The microscopic study of cut sections and powder of stem bark was done. The observations could be con-sidered to be the reference standards in future studies and will be of immense help in standardization of Ayurvedic medicines to meet the international parameters.

A PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY ON THE STEM BARK OF DEVADARU (Cedrus deodara Roxb. Loud.G.Don)

Ayurveda is the ancient knowledge of scientific system of Indian medicine. This medicinal system incorpo-rates the use of Dravyas –medicinal plants, which proved to be an effective means of human care in the pre and post Vedic periods. One among many such plants is Devadaru. Etymologically the word ‘Devada-ru’ itself personify the plant as ‘Devta’ or divine tree, because it provides environment with solitude and its medicinal values. To explore more about Devadaru pharmacognostical study of stem bark was conducted. To authenticate the sample of Devadaru, comparison of organoleptic characteristics of stem bark and its powder was done which reveals that stem bark has some aromatic compounds. Based on organoleptic characteristics obtained and microscopic observations, genuineness of the raw material was authenticated. The microscopic study of cut sections and powder of stem bark was done. The observations could be con-sidered to be the reference standards in future studies and will be of immense help in standardization of Ayurvedic medicines to meet the international parameters.

Antischistosomal evaluation of stem bark's extract and chemical constituents from anonidium mannii against schistosoma mansoni

Context: Anonidium mannii (Annonaceae) has been traditionally used in Africa to treat stomach aches, schistosomiasis, and many other illnesses. However, few phytochemical study and no investigation on schistosomiasis have been conducted on this species. This neglected tropical disease, caused by a worm, comes second after malaria as the most devastating parasitical infection. Aim: The goal of this study was to evaluate the anti-Schistosoma mansoni activity of fractions and constituents from A. mannii's stem bark and also to search efficient inhibitors of a recently discovered ectoenzyme of S. mansoni (S. mansoni nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide + catabolizing enzyme [SmNACE]). Materials and Methods: The powdered stem bark of A. mannii was extracted with ethanol/distilled water (80:20). The extract was then subjected to a partial bioguided separation by chromatography means. The structures of compounds were elucidated using modern spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, isolated and semisynthetic compounds were evaluated for their antischistosomal and cytotoxic activities. Results: Chemical investigation led to the isolation and identification of eight compounds, in the majority, obtained for the first time from this genus. In addition, acetylation reactions were carried out to afford a new semisynthetic derivative. Preliminary biological screening of the extracts and compounds showed very good activities from antiparasitic and enzymatic tests and also very good percentage of cell viability evaluation. Conclusion: Like praziquantel drug, gallic acid exhibited full anthelmintic activity at concentration of 100 μM. On the other hand, piperolactam D showed important inhibition on SmNACE (IC50 10 μM). Thus, standardization of bioactive fraction can help in improving traditional medicine. The optimization of those two compounds will enhance their selectivity/effectiveness and could be used as seed for the development of new remedies against schistosomiasis. Further, the study will be focus on other pathogens species of Schistosoma genus.

Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Stem Bark of Baobab Tree (Adonsonia digitata) on some clinical isolate

The use of plant and their secondary metabolite for the treatment of several illnesses is gaining attention across the globe. For this reason, baobab tree was procured in order to test its effect on some bacterial isolate. Powdered stem bark of Adansonia digitata was extracted with chloroform and methanol using percolation method of extraction. The extracts were dark brown and reddish brown in color respectively with a gummy texture. The chloroform and methanolic extracts were screened from the presence of secondary metabolites using standard technique. The result of photochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, reducing sugar and steroid in one or both the extracts. The extracts were further tested, on confirmed clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus using disc diffusion method and micro – broth dilution technique. The result of sensitivity test indicated that the tested clinical isolates were more sensitive to chloroform extract than the methanolic extract because larger zones of inhibitions were obtained with chloroform extract. In both methods used, the organisms were susceptible to all extracts even at the lowest concentration of 15 g with zones of inhibitions ranging from (8 – 10 mm).

Phytochemical and antioxidant evaluation of cassia sieberiana D.C. stem bark extracts

Cassia sieberiana D.C. belongs to the Fabaceae family and it is used ethnomedically in the management of cancer, diabetes and other diseases. There is a growing concern about the scourge of diseases caused by excessive free radicals in the body and lack of standardization of medicinal herbal products. Therefore, this research is aimed at evaluating the phytochemical and free radical scavenging activities of the plant extracts with the view to identify the chemical constituents and antioxidant properties of the extracts. The powdered stem bark was evaluated for its pharmacognostic profiles and then extracted successively with the aid of Soxhlet extractor using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The extracts obtained were concentrated using rotary evaporator and the percentage yields of the extracts were determined. The extracts were screened for their phytochemical constituents using standard protocols. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) profiles of the resulting extracts were determined using suitable solvent systems and the retention factor (Rf) values of separated spots of compounds were calculated. The total phenolic content of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid was used as standard. The antioxidant (free radical scavenging) activity of the extracts were measured using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1- picryl hydrazyl) and ascorbic acid was used as standard. The results were expressed in terms of percentage inhibition. The percentage yields of the extracts were: 0.52 %, 6.58 % and 10.52 % respectively for n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids and triterpenoid/steroids. Also, the total phenolic contents were found to 7.64 mg and 2.97 mg gallic acid equivalents for ethyl acetate and methanolic extract respectively. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts revealed higher activity in the ethyl acetate extract. The results indicated that the extracts contain phenolic compounds which may be responsible for the antioxidant activity.

Aktivitas Antioksidan dan Penghambatan Xantin Oksidase Kulit Batang Songi (Dillenia serrata Thunb.)

Songi (Dillenia serrata) is a tree endemic to Southeast Sulawesi and its stem bark been used in folk medicine. Nonetheless, only a handful scientific knowledge regarding chemistry and biological activities has been investigated on the plant. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity of the stem bark of the plant. Methanol extract and organic fractions (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol) of the dried powdered stem bark of songi were evaluated for phytochemical screening, total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), DPPH, FRAP, and XO in vitro assays. Flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, and saponins present in the extract. TPC and TFC in extract were 59.2 mg GAE/g and 23.4 mg QE/g. The contents in organic fractions were in solvent-dependent manner (methanol&gt;ethyl acetate&gt;petroleum ether). Extract and fractions scavenged DPPH radicals (48.2–59.7%) at 100 μg/mL compared to ascorbic acid, trolox, and gallic acid (90.3–93.8%). FRAP values varied from 0.8–3.4 μg/μg equivalent trolox amount (quercetin and gallic acid were 25.7 dan 32.4 μg/μg, respectively). They also inhibited xanthine oxidase (15.3–50.3%) at 100 μg/mL (allopurinol, 98.2%). The study concluded the potential of methanol extract and organic fraction of the stem bark of songi, thus highlighted the prospect of songi to be used in herbal and drugs development from nature.

Pharmacognostic Characteristics and Mutagenic Studies of Alstonia boonei De Wild

Background and objectives: The bark of Alstonia boonei, known as stool wood, is sold in large quantities on the Ghanaian market. It is used for the treatment of numerous ailments including snake bites, worm infestation, malaria and rheumatic pains. For safety reasons, it is necessary to control the raw materials by setting simple but relevant parameters to ensure identity, purity and quality which have been the aim of the present study to authenticate the plant materials. Methods: The macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical, phytochemical, UV-visible, fluorescence, HPLC and elemental characteristics were evaluated. Mutagenicity was also investigated with the Ames test. Results: The leaf characteristics can be employed to preliminary confirm the identity of the plant.The greyish-green outer bark and inner cream bark is rough, short and splintery with a bitter taste.The powdered stem bark showed microscopic prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, scalariform xylem vessels and lignified brachysclereids. Phytochemicals present were alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides and terpenes. The bark fluoresced reddish-brown in 50 %v/v H2SO4 under UV light of λ 254 nm and contained traces of Cd, Fe, Zn and As, which were within recommended limits. HPLC fingerprint showed peaks at 254 nm, and UV analysis in various solvents showed spectral shifts on ionization. A. boonei demonstrated mutagenicity in Ames test. Conclusion: The characteristic macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical and chemical parameters evaluated for the plant sample can be used in rapid identification, authentication and establishment of the quality of raw materials. This will improve the quality and hence efficacy. The mutagenicity suggests the need for further safety evaluation.