Root Decoction Research Articles

Effect of Maturity Indices on Quality, Storability and Seedling Performance of Prinsepia utilis Royle (Bhekal) Seed

Background: Prinsepia utilis Royle is a wild woody oil yielding shrub of Rosaceae, commonly known as bhekal. Plant whole parts are all precious; their root, stem, leaf, fruit, and seed oil are used as medicine. Its tender stems, leaf and fibrous root decoction, are used in toothache and throat inflammation. Besides all this, the plant is also commonly used as bio-fence, apple grafting, a substitute for soap and cosmetics, and performing different ritualistic/holistic practices. Material and methods: The fruits were collected from Chakrata forest Division (Uttarakhand), India, in mid-May 2017. Fruits are collected directly from branches and separated according to their color into three sub-lots, i.e., green, purple-green and violet. Seeds were tested under controlled conditions for their viability and vigour at different storage intervals viz 0 days (fresh), 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days. In the nursery, seeds were sown as fresh 0 and 30 days after collection to see the storage effect on seedling performance. Seeds were sown in four replications of 100 seeds of each lot in a nursery bed prepared with compost, sand, and soil (1:1:1). Results: Fresh seeds obtained from violet fruit showed 94.50% germination, followed by purple-green and green fruit with 90.25 and 77.75%, respectively. The germination declined during storage in all types of fruit colors. It is evident from the survival curve that violet fruit retained a maximum period of mean viability (P50) (71 days) as compared to purple-green fruits (59 days) and green fruit (42 days). The violet exhibited a higher mean germination percentage (50.88) after 150 days of storage period as compared to purple-green fruit (44.17) and green fruit (26.75). The seedling performance was significantly affected by fruit colors. The violet seeds significantly exhibited good values of as compared to green and purple, green seeds. Conclusion: Seeds obtained from violet fruits may be preferred for longer storage of seeds and remaining fruit seed color should be avoided for storage purposes.

Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Activities of Crude and Diluted Leaves and Roots Extracts of Uvaria chamae on Selected Bacteria

Plant metabolites are antibacterial. Antibacterial properties of aqueous, methanolic and n-hexane extracts of crude and diluted leaves and roots extracts of Uvaria chamae were studied to demonstrate its potential as achemotherapeutic agent. Test organisms include: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Proteus vulgaris. Fresh tender leaves and roots of Uvaria charmae were collected, air- dried, grounded and soaked in methanol, n-hexane and aqueous solvents. Phytochemistry was done using standard procedures, antimicrobial activity was determined using agar-well diffusion method (punch hole) and MIC determined. Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpernoids, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids. Antimicrobial analysis of the plant parts using disc-diffusion method showed ten (10mg/ml) MIC concentration for aqueous extract of the leaves showed no activity, while root decoction inhibited only Salmonella typhi (14.00+0.47mm). Methanolic crude extracts of the leaves (UMLc) (400µg) exhibited antibacterial effects on all tested organisms, higher for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.67+ 0.27mm) than gentamycin(10µg) control (21.33+ 0.72) mm, while its 10-1 (40mg) dilution was active against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Only crude n-hexane leaf extract (UNLc) was active for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.00 + 0.47mm). Crude methanolic extract of the roots UMRc(400µg) was active against all tested bacteria and clearance for Proteus vulgaris (23.33±0.54mm) was greater than that in both controls (ciprofloxacin (5 µg) (22.33±0.72 mm) and (gentamycin 10µg) (16.67±0.72mm).UNRchad activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa(25.00 0.47 mm, 22.00 mm, and 12.67 0.27mm), while its 10-¹ dilution (40mg) had effects on Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (11.00 0.82mm, 13 0.47mm) only. The 10-2 (4µg) dilutions of (UMR and UNR) had no activity. Comparison of inhibition size between UML (20.33+ 0.27mm) and UMR (23.33+ 0.54mm)against Proteus vulgaris was significantly greater than inhibition size of gentamycin(10µg) (16.67+ 0.72) p<0.05.Activity of UML against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(23.67+ 0.27mm) was comparable to both ciprofloxacin (25.33+ 1.15mm) and gentamycin (21.33+ 0.72mm) p>0.05.Aqueous extracts of Uvaria chamae roots could be modified and harnessed for eradicating Salmonella typhi, UMLc and UMR for Proteus vulgaris and UML for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Uvaria chamae crude and diluted extracts of both parts are potential future antibiotics.

Antiproliferative, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib aqueous extracts in gut and liver perspective

BackgroundBauhinia strychnifolia Craib is an herb in Thai traditional medicine. Its decoction is traditionally used as an anticancer, antidiarrheal, and hangover remedy for centuries. Several studies described bioactivities of its organic solvent extracts, however, only few demonstrated the usefulness of the decoction. Here, we aimed to determine the bioactivities of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib root and stem aqueous extracts in gut and liver perspective.MethodsTo achieve the goal, we performed MTT test, microscopic analyses, disc diffusion assay, broth microdilution assay, free radicals scavenging assays, and LC-MS analysis.ResultsWe found that the extracts inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Moreover, they also inhibited the growth of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus but not inhibited the growth of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited moderate antioxidant activity and increased GSH production in HepG2 cell line when compared with untreated. Our LC-MS analysis confirmed the existence of anticancer and antioxidant; 3,5,7,3′,5′-pentahydroxyflavanonol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and β-sitosterol, in the extracts.ConclusionThe results from our study supported that the administration of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib root and stem decoction would really aid colon or liver cancer patients and detoxify the alcoholic drunkard as it is claimed in Thai traditional medicine.

Acute oral toxicity, analgesic effect and healing activity of the root’s extracts of Strophanthus gratus (Wall. & Hook.) Baill

The plant is native to west and central Africa. It is cultivated for its medical and toxic applications in Ivory Coast. The seeds are rich in strophantine and its aqueous extract is a strong poison. The plant is used for the treatment of heart disease. The root decoction is used to heal wounds and appears to be a powerful aphrodisiac. A phytochemical screening achieved on this aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Strophantus gratus simply unveiled the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, free quinones, tannins, alkaloids, anthocyanins and saponins. Acute toxicity test provides evidence that AESG and EESG are safe up to dose level of 3000mg/kg bw. AESG and EESG have shown analgesic activity similar to Naproxen which suppresses pain sensitivity (acetic acid-induced writhing test). Both AESG_50% and EESG_50% ointment formulations revealed wound healing activity by optimizing healing conditions after a cut and stitches.

A Preliminary Survey on Edibles and Medicinal Plants Used By Dusun of Kampung Pinolobu, Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia

This paper provides a brief enumeration of 22 species of plants and four species of fungi as wild edibles, and 13 species of plants that have been used for medicinal purposes by Dusun people of Kampung Pinolobu, Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah. Seven informants were selected using snowball sampling technique, and data on edibles and medicinal plants were collected using semi structured interviews. This study reveals how Dusun people of Kampung Pinolobu used 13 species of medicinal plants to treat ailments and diseases like fever, high blood pressure, flatulence, rheumatism, cold, cough, and gastric pain. The flower of Carica papaya and fruit of Passiflora foetida are used for high blood pressure treatment, leaves of Manihot esculenta serve two purposes, as traditional vegetables and also consumed to avoid flatulence. Decoction made from the root of Ficus septica was given to women during postpartum recovery as they believed that it would help to keep the body warm, treat headache, and stomach pain. Paste made from leaves of Melastoma malabathricum is used to treat wounds. Meanwhile crushed leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, root decoction of Imperata cylindrica, sap from Calamus sp. are used to treat high fever, crushed leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is also used to subside carbuncle. Decoction of young leaves of Psidium gujava and Leucosyke capitella are used to treat stomach pain. Meanwhile decoction of crushed tuber of Curcuma longa is used to treat gastric pain.

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON NIRUHA BASTI SAMMELANA VIDHI

Niruha Basti (therapeutic decoction enema) is one of the important Panchakarma procedures (five internal bio-cleansing procedures) which is the best treatment modality in the diseases caused due to not only Vata, but also when associated with other Doshas as well. The preparation of Niruha Basti comprises of step wise mixing of ingredients as described in the Ayurveda classics. In the present study, simple Erandamoola Niruha Basti was prepared by adding Madhu (honey), Saindhava (rock salt), Moorchita Tila Taila (medicated sesame oil), Shatapushpa Kalka (paste of Athenum sowa) and Erandamoola Kwatha (decoction of root of Ricinus communis) in classical method to assess the changes in particle size distribution in each step of preparation at specific intervals. The changes taken place during the Bhavana of the ingredients was observed under microscope. The Erandamoola Niruha Basti was prepared in classical method as well as contemporary methods like churner, mixer, etc., to assess the emulsion stability. Another Erandamoola Niruha Basti was also prepared replacing Madhu (honey) with egg yolk to check for emulsion stability and particle size & distribution.

Phyto-Pharmacognostical Standardization with HPTLC Fingerprinting of Root of Citraka (Plumbago Zeylanica L.)

Background: Citraka or Sveta Citraka (Plumbago zeylanica L.) is an important medicinal plant mentioned in Ayurvedic classics, belongs to the family Plumbaginaceae. The root of the plant exhibits medicinal properties. It has a broad range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, wound healing and cytotoxic.
 Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate phyto-pharmacognostical standardization with HPTLC fingerprinting of root of P. zeylanica, one of the most accepted and beneficial medicinal plant in Ayurveda.
 Materials and Methods: P. zeylanica was collected from Konni, Kerala, India during the month of May 2018 and its root was studied for macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical, preliminary phytochemical screening and HPTLC fingerprinting following the standard protocol recommended by The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Quality Standards of Indian Medicinal Plants.
 Results: The root is long, stout, cylindrical and reddish to dark brown in colour. The transverse section of root showed 5-7 rows of small cubical or rectangular celled cork with light yellow walls, polygonal or slightly tangentially elongated cortex cells containing starch grains and coloured contents, phloem containing small groups of fibres, radially arranged xylem vessels and narrow, 1-4 seriate medullary rays. Physico-chemical analysis showed water soluble extractive value as 26.11±0.01 w/w and alcohol soluble extractive value as 15.85±0.00 w/w. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of root decoction showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, resin and quinones.
 Conclusion: The information obtained from this research work may be useful to establish the botanical as well as analytical standards for the root of P. zeylanica.

Comparative hepatoprotective activity of detoxified roots of Plumbago zeylanica L. and Plumbago rosea L. in Wistar rats

BackgroundParacetamol (acetaminophen) toxicity is considered to be one of the major causes of drug-induced hepatic failure. Citraka (Plumbago rosea L. and Plumbago zeylanica L.) was mentioned in Ayurveda classics as a remedy in liver disorders. Objective(s)The aim of the study was to experimentally evaluate the comparative effect of hepatoprotective activity of detoxified root decoction of the two species of Citraka against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats. Materials and methodsThe hepatoprotective effect of Citraka decoction of two species was evaluated by the assessment of biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and serum creatinine. The study was also supported by histopathological assessment of liver sections. ResultsThe results showed the elevated concentration of biochemical markers and histopathological degenerative changes in animals treated with paracetamol indicating severe hepatic damage; whereas, the treatment with decoction of both the species of Citraka showed significant reduction in the serum markers and regenerative changes in the histopathological specimens pointing towards its effectiveness as a hepatoprotective drug. ConclusionThe present study showed Citraka’s effectiveness as a hepatoprotective drug and proved that the detoxified root decoction of P. rosea L. has a significant protective activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity than P. zeylanica L.

Denudatine-type diterpenoid alkaloids from an aqueous extract of the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii

Five new denudatine-type diterpenoid alkaloids (1–5), along with the known analogue aconicarmine (6), were isolated from an aqueous decoction of the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii (fu-zi). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 5 is the first denudatine-type diterpenoid alcohol iminium alkaloid, which could be partially transformed into the aza acetal form in pyridine-d 5. Compound 5 inhibited mice writhing in an acetic acid-induced writhing assay.

Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Ehretia obtusifolia Hochst. ex DC. (Ehretiaceae)

Ehretia obtusifolia Hochst. ex DC. is a shrub or small tree which occurs naturally in tropical Africa and Asia. This study aims to provide some information about the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of E. obtusifolia. This review examines the existing literature on the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of E. obtusifolia. This study revealed that the bark, branch, fruit, leaf, root, stem, stem bark and twig decoction or infusion of E. obtusifolia are mainly used to treat and manage sore throat, retained placenta in both humans and animals, teething pain, toothache, abdominal pains, menstrual problems and pain. Phytochemical research revealed that the species is characterized by alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, phlobatannin, saponin, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. Ethnopharmacological research revealed that the extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species showed antibacterial, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity activities. Ehretia obtusifolia should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, biological and toxicological studies.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant properties of Petiveria alliacea

The leaf, stem and root decoctions of Petiveria alliacea (referred to as Anamu or Apacin (Guatemala), Guinea–Hen weed (English), Awogba or Ojusaju (Yoruba), kanunfari (Hausa) and Akwa-ose (Igbo) have been used as a diuretic, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents in traditional medicine. Cold maceration and Soxhlet extraction techniques were used to obtain oils from the leaf, stem and root of P. alliacea. The oils were analysed for their antimicrobial properties using brothmicrodilution technique while their antioxidant properties were determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) tests. The antimicrobial tests on the following micro-organisms Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli,as well as the anti-fungi test on Rhizopus sp., and Aspergillus niger, showed that the hexane and ethanol cold leaf extracts were most effective in limiting the growth of Salmonella typhi with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)value of 3.125 µg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)value of 6.25 µg/mL. The ethanol leaf extracts using Soxhlet extraction technique were most effective at MIC value of 3.125 µg/mL on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli. Likewise, the hexane and ethanolcold leaf extracts were most effective in limiting the growth of Rhizopus sp. and Aspergillus niger with MIC value of 3.125 µg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) value of 6.25 µg/mL.

Efficacy of Huanglian root decoction on kidney injury in rat's model of metabolic syndrome.

To evaluate the efficacy of Huanglian root decoction (, HLD) on kidney injury in rat's model of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and investigate the possible mechanism. A fructose-induced MetS rat model and human renal tubular epithelial cell-line model were used to compare the efficacy of HLD with that of berberine and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Blood pressure, biochemical parameters, histopathological changes and the expression levels of oxidative stress markers were evaluated in the animal model at the end of an 8-week treatment regimen. Oxidative stress markers and molecules of the signal pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were evaluated in the human cell-line model. Levels of fasting insulin, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly decreased in rats in the Huanglian group compared to those in the MetS group (P < 0.05). Rats treated with HLD and TUDCA exhibited a significant reduction in blood levels of malondialdehyde compared to those in rats in the MetS group (P < 0.05). Significant increases in glutathione peroxidase in human tubular epithelial cells was found in the Huanglian group compared to that in the MetS group (14.02 vs 18.31, P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α decreased significantly in Huanglian groups compared with that in the MetS group. HLD has therapeutic efficacy on kidney injury in the MetS rat's model, and is non-inferior to berberine and TUDCA.

An ethnobotanical survey of traditional medicinal plants used against elephantiasis in the or Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Introduction: Elephantiasis is a medical condition associated with skin thickening and excessive swelling of the lower limbs. It is caused by parasitic nematodes which are filarial in nature; hence, it is also known as lymphatic filariasis. The condition is classified into filarial and nonfilarial elephantiasis. Filarial elephantiasis is caused by infection with nematode worms which are transmitted by several genera of mosquitoes. Nonfilarial elephantiasis is a result of cases such as tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, leprosy, and repeated streptococcal infections, leading to elephantiasis. South African population is at risk of the disease and treating it is still a problem. This study documents medicinal plants that are used for the treatment of elephantiasis and related infections in the OR Tambo District municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Materials and Methods: An ethno botanical survey of medicinal plants used against elephantiasis in King Sabata Dalindyebo, Ingquza-Hill and Nyandeni municipal areas in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape Province was conducted using structured questionnaires. The information was gathered from 30 traditional healers, 4 herbalists, and 3 young people with indigenous knowledge. Results and Discussion: A total of 29 plant species belonging to 23 families that are used to treat elephantiasis were recorded. Convolvulaceae (Ipomoea oblongata), Dioscoreaceae (Dioscorea sylvatica), Gunneraceae (Gunnera perpensa), Hypoxidaceae (Hypoxis hemerocallidea), and Ranunculaceae (Clematis brachiata) were the most frequently mentioned in all three municipal areas. The H. hemerocallidea had the highest use-value (0.31), followed by Elephantorrhiza elephantina (0.27) and G. perpensa (0.24). Bark, root, rhizome and leaf decoction and infusion, as well as cooked bark or leaves are commonly used to treat elephantiasis. Some plant parts are ground into powder, mixed with water and applied on affected skin as poultice.

Analgesic Activity of Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog)

Pain has always been a cause of concern to humans. People often searched for remedy from plants because of the many documented side effects of commercial medicines. This study was conducted to determine the analgesic efficacy of the root decoction of Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog) found in Mondragon Northern Samar. Acetic acid-induced writhing method was used to test the analgesic activity of polipog. Writhing test is a chemical method used to induce pain of peripheral origin by injection of irritant (ex. acetic acid). The manifestations of abdominal writhing in mice were described as an arching of back, extension of hind limbs and contraction of abdominal musculature. Analgesic activity of the test compound is inferred from decrease in the frequency of writhing. From the results obtained, polipog is comparable to the commercially available drugs in terms of analgesic efficacy.

Chemical properties, biological activities and ethnomedicinal uses of Maerua pseudopetalosa: A famine food species of tropical Africa

Maerua pseudopetalosa (Gilg &amp; Gilg-Ben.) DeWolf is a perennial herb or subshrub collected from the wild as a food plant or traditional medicine. Maerua pseudopetalosa occurs naturally from Senegal, east to Eritrea and Ethiopia, through South Sudan, Sudan, East Africa, south to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study is aimed at evaluating the chemical properties, biological activities and ethnomedicinal uses of M. pseudopetalosa. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. This study revealed that the fruit, leaf and root infusion and/or decoction of M. pseudopetalosa are mainly used as a stimulant and to restore physical strength and vitality, and traditional medicine for chest pains, breast cancer and cough. Phytochemical compounds identified from aerial parts, fruits, roots, seeds and tubers of M. pseudopetalosa include quaternary ammonium compounds, alkaloids, amino acids, betaines, cardiac glycosides, fatty acids, essential oils, flavonoids, phenolics, sterols and tannins. Preliminary ethnopharmacological research revealed that aerial parts, roots and tubers of M. pseudopetalosa have antibacterial, antifungal, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory, pancreatic lipase inhibitory and cytotoxicity activities. Maerua pseudopetalosa should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.

Anticonvulsant effect of Asparagus africanus Lam. root decoction on pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe epilepsy in white mice (Mus musculus Swiss)

Asparagus africanus Lam. (Asparagaceae) is a widely used plant in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, for the treatment of nervous disorders and epilepsy. The objective of this work was to study the anticonvulsant effects of A. africanus root decoction in white mice (Mus musculus Swiss) induced by pilocarpine. The experimental induction of "status epilepticus" and the evaluation of the anticonvulsant effects of A. africanus root decoction on pilocarpine-induced clonic and tonic convulsions were carried out. Seizure severity, latency, duration and number of clonics and tonics convulsions were evaluated. Concentrations of GABA, GABA-T, TNF-α and stress markers in the brains of mice were also estimated. A. africanus decreased the duration and number of clonic and tonic convulsions which increased the latency time of onset of clonic and tonic convulsions significantly and in a dose-dependent manner. GABA increased significantly in the brains of animals treated with A. africanus and a significant decrease of GABA-T and TNF-α. A. africanus also showed antioxidant effects. These results show that A. africanus has anticonvulsant effects. A. africanus would thus contain beneficial antiradical constituents in the treatment of epilepsy. These constituents would thus oppose free radicals. These results would justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine in the treatment of epilepsy.

Analgesic Efficacy of Leaf and Root Decoction of Salacia korthalsiana Mig. (Polipog)

This study was conducted to determine the analgesic efficacy of the leaf and root decoction of Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog) found in Brgy. Imelda Mondragon Northern Samar, Philippines. Decocted Root of polipog has a boiling point of 91.1°C , reddish brown color, unpleasant odor, and a pH of 6.39 which is weakly acidic. It is miscible in both water and ethanol and immiscible in toluene which indicates that it is polar. Decocted Leaf of polipog has a boiling point of 90.9°C, yellowish in color, pleasant odor, and a pH of 6.42 which is weakly acidic. The decocted leaf is miscible in both water and ethanol and immiscible in toluene which indicates that it is also polar. The presence of functional groups was also determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Graphs of FTIR revealed spectra with peaks found to be amine, amide, alkene, carboxylic acid and aromatic functional groups. Following the Acetic-acid induced writhing procedure, the lowest average number of squirms was recorded using the paracetamol (positive control) and the highest average number of squirms was obtained using distilled water (negative control). The decocted leaf and root have almost the same results in terms of number of squirms and in percent reduction of squirms. Analysis of variance revealed that there is no significant difference between the analgesic effect of decocted leaf and root of polipog and paracetamol. This result means that the decocted leaf and root of polipog has analgesic efficacy and it is comparable to the commercial medicine.

Evaluation of Ethnomedicine and Ethnobotany of Maerua triphylla A. Rich. (Capparidaceae)

Maerua triphylla A. Rich. is a shrub or small tree collected from the wild for its edible leaves and also used as traditional medicine. This study is aimed at evaluating the ethnomedicinal and ethnobotanical uses of M. triphylla. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. This study revealed that the fruit, leaf, root, stem bark and twig infusion and/or decoction of M. triphylla are mainly used as ethnoveterinary medicine, aphrodisiac and antidote for poisoning, and traditional medicine for rheumatism, boils, cancer, respiratory problems, snakebite, headache, migraine and gastro-intestinal problems. Phytochemical compounds identified from dried aerial parts and branches of M. triphylla include betaines and quaternary ammonium compounds such as 3-hydroxyprolinebetaine, glycine betaine, proline betaine and 3-hydroxy-1,1-dimethyl pyridinium. Preliminary ethnopharmacological research revealed that M. triphylla leaf extracts have acaricidal and cytotoxicity activities. Documentation of the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of M. triphylla is important as this information provides baseline data required for future research focusing on ethnopharmacological properties of the species. Maerua triphylla should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties"

Cissampelos capensis L.f. (Menispermaceae): Review of its medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties

Cissampelos capensis L.f. is a perennial climber widely used as a traditional medicine in South Africa. This study was aimed at providing a critical review of medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. capensis. Documented information on the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry and medicinal uses of C. capensis was collected from several online sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as book chapters, books, journal articles and scientific publications obtained from the university library. This study revealed that leaf, rhizome and root infusions and decoctions of C. capensis are mainly used as a blood purifier, and traditional medicines for respiratory problems, ulcers, sores and wounds, skin and stomach cancers, snakebite, sexually transmitted infections, skin diseases, diabetes and gastrointestinal problems. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and tannins. Pharmacological research revealed that C. capensis extracts and compounds isolated from the species have anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antimalarial, hepatotoxicity, spermatozoa and cytotoxicity activities. Documentation of the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of C. capensis is vital as this information provides baseline data required for future research and development of health-promoting and pharmaceutical products. There is a need for extensive toxicological evaluations of crude extracts and compounds isolated from the species since C. capensis contains potentially toxic compounds.

A synthesis and review of ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Antidesma venosum E. Mey. ex Tul. (Phyllanthaceae)

Antidesma venosum is an evergreen to semi-deciduous tree used traditionally to treat various human and animal diseases. This review aims to provide an overview and critically analyze the ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of A. venosum. The results of the current study are based on literature survey conducted using various search engines such as Elsevier, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis, and pre-electronic sources such as books, book chapters, scientific journals and other grey literature. The bark, fruit, leaf, root and stem bark decoction or infusion of A. venosum are mainly used for magical rituals, as anthelmintic and ethnoveterinary medicine, and traditional cure for epilepsy, hernia, malaria, skin infections, oral candidiasis, snakebites, sexually transmitted infections, abdominal pains, menstrual problems, respiratory infections, infertility, and gastrointestinal infections. The chemical constituents identified from A. venosum include essential oils, isoquinoline alkaloids, triterpenoids, lactones, phytosterols, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins and flavonoids. The species possesses a wide range of biological activities which include antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antischistosomal, mutagenic and cytotoxicity activities. Antidesma venosum is a valuable medicinal plant species, and future research should focus on animal experiments aimed at assessing toxicity and clinical efficacy of species extracts.