Schinus Molle Research Articles

Comparison of Essential Oils of Schinus molle L. Leaves Growing in Different Regions of Algeria in Terms of Their Chemical Compositions and Various Biological Activities

ABSTRACTThis preliminary study investigated the chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils derived from Schinus molle L. leaves obtained from three specific regions in Algeria: Algiers (SMA), Djelfa (SMD), and Mascara (SMM). Gas chromatography (GC) and Gas chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses confirmed the presence of 52 compounds (100.0%) in SMA essential oil, 50 compounds (100.0%) in SMD, and 72 compounds (100.0%) in SMM essential oils. The main components of SMA oil were camphene (31.82%), limonene (14.71%), and p‐cymene (9.25%). In SMD and SMM oils, α‐phellandrene (14.25% and 12.70%), limonene (13.02% and 11.90%), and germacrene D (10.62% and 10.15%) were the major components, respectively. The antioxidant characteristics were evaluated using five methods: β‐carotene‐linoleic acid, DPPH, ABTS+, CUPRAC, and Metal chelating assays. The results revealed a moderate to low anti‐oxidant effect, with SMA essential oils exhibiting the highest activity. A moderate inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, urease, and tyrosinase was observed, indicating anti‐enzymatic activity. Nevertheless, all samples had higher IC50 values for both antioxidant and anti‐enzymatic activities than 200 μg/mL. It was determined that regional differences in the locations where S. molle grows showed both qualitative and quantitative differences in essential oil components. This difference was also detected in the biological activities of the essential oils. The anti‐inflammatory capacities of the three samples were assessed using Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilisation and egg albumin denaturation techniques. The results showed effective anti‐inflammatory activity in all three samples. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using a range of tests, such as anti‐quorum sensing, violacein inhibition, anti‐swimming, and anti‐swarming assays, demonstrating moderate activity. No toxic effects were observed at the tested dosages when assessing cytotoxicity against a healthy cell line (CCD18‐Co). This thorough examination provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and bioactive properties of essential oils derived from S. molle. These findings indicate the possible use of these essential oils in the food, medicinal, and cosmetic industries.

Geographic based phenolic compound variations in South African Schinus molle L. peppercorns

Environmental conditions affect polyphenolic compounds in plants, and yet little is known about the response of Schinus molle peppercorns to geographical location. S molle is a folkloric pseudospice of Andean origin possessing multiple culinary and medicinal functions. This globally invasive species presents an immense multidimensional potential. Polyphenolic compounds were therefore profiled and quantified from pink peppercorns growing in 12 distinct locations in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa using UPLC-QTOF-MS techniques. Eleven flavonoids were reported, including epigallocatechin gallate, +)-tephrorin B, astilbin, procyanidin B5, 4-benzyl-7-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2H-chromen-2-one, and isochamaejasmin which were reported for the first time in this species. Five phenolic acids, three glycosides, and tannins (theogallin (3-galloylquinic acid), digalloyl quinic acid, digalloylshikimic acid, β-glucogallin A and β-glucogallin B) were also revealed among others. PCA revealed a high composition of polyphenolic compounds in the Eastern in comparison to the Western Cape regions. Flavonoids were glaringly higher in winter rainfall receiving coastal regions. Consequently, the highest catechin content was 229% higher in the Eastern (1269.9 mg/kg) than the Western Cape (553.4 mg/kg). Furthermore, isochamaejasmin, the compound with possibly the highest concentration is reported in George (1741 mg/kg) and Gqeberha (2601.2 mg/kg) representing 149% differences between the two regions. Soil type alone did not conclusively appear to influence polyphenolic compound accumulation in this study. Elucidating the distribution of polyphenolic compounds in this species could open new insights for potential therapeutic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications including possibilities for new and improved organic drugs, and food product development.

Characterization of drupe essential oil of Schinus molle L. from Córdoba: Potential uses

The main components of the essential oil (EO) of Schihus molleL were characterized by Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The following components found were: α-pinene (22%), limonene (19%), caryophyllene (11%), β-pinene (8%), γ-gurjunene (6%), 7-Tetracyclo [6.2.1.0(3.8)0(3.9)] undecanol, 4,4,11,11-tetramethyl (5%), β-cadinene (4.11%), ledene oxide (4%), isoledene and β -elemene (3%), and finally δ-cadinene with 2% and others. They are terpene-type compounds in different concentrations. Their potential use in medicine stands out for being anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant, memory loss recovery, kidney and liver problem preventions, antioxidant, immunoprotective and it is also used as anticancer, antimetastatic, among other uses. It also has a potential use as an antifungal, antimicrobial and insecticidal effect. They made it suitable for medical therapies as well as controlling of pests and microorganisms and other applications.

Fractionation of Schinus molle essential oil: chemical composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal and anti-inflammatory potentials

Fractionation of Schinus molle essential oil: chemical composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal and anti-inflammatory potentials

Factors Affecting Seedling Growth Performance and Quality of Two A<i>cacia Species and Shinus Molle </i>on Nursery Stage, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was carried out within the Nursery of the Department of Forestry, at Sinana Agricultural Research Center, on the effects of different soils media and varying pot sizes on the early growth of <i>Acacia abyssinica, Acacia saligna and Shinus molle </i>were investigated. Four different soils media used were forest soil (FS), compost (Co), sand soil (SS) and local soil (LS) in different pots size (PS1=8 cm=control, PS2=10 cm and PS3=12 cm lay flats) 15 cm in length and five growing media (GM) or soil mix proportion based on volume GM1= (2 part local/Top soil:2 part forest soil:1 part sand; GM2=2 part local soil:2 compost: 1 part sand; GM3=1 part local soil:2 part forest soil:2 part sand; GM4=3 part local soil:2 part compost:1 sand soil and GM5=3 local soil:2 forest soil:1 sand=control) were filled up of different types of soil named above, and quantified using weighing balance. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) at the Forestry nursery in the study area. The study involved the use of five (5) planting media and three different plastic pots in three (3) replicates. The parameters measured are plant height (cm), seedling root collar diameter (mm) and dry matter (shoot, root and root to shoot ratio). The data collected at the end of twenty weeks were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan test showed that <i>Schinus molle, A.abyssinica </i>and<i> A.saligina</i> tree species plant and grown in large pot size (PS2) and growing media (GM3) had the highest performance with mean value of plant height 19.83cm, 7.833cm and 13.167cm and seedling root collar diameter in GM5PS3 (4.09mm), GM4PS3 (3.35mm) and GM4PS1 (3.97mm) respectively were high significantly (P< 0.05). It is therefore recommended that large pot size (PS3) and GM2 and GM3growing media be used for optimal production of all <i>Schinus molle, A.abyssinica </i>and<i> A.saligina </i>tree species seedling production at nursery stage and their plantation success. This study revealed that optimum ratio of compost and forest soil in growing media and relatively big container/pot size have favorable good quality of seedling growth for all studied tree species for all growth parameters. This is may be due to nutrient variation in the growing media which is farther needs investigation on growing media nutrients contents.

Antileishmanial and Antifungal Activities of Volatile Oils from Cinnamomum Cassia Bark and Schinus Molle Leaves.

This study reports on the chemical composition and antileishmanial and anticandidal activities of volatile oils (VOs) of Schinus molle dried leaves (SM), Cinnamomum cassia branch bark (CC) and their blends. Major constituents of SM were spathulenol (26.93 %), β-caryophyllene (19.90 %), and caryophyllene oxide (12.69 %), whereas (E)-cinnamaldehyde (60.11 %), cinnamyl acetate (20.90 %) and cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid (10.37 %) were predominant in CC. SM (IC50=21.45 μg/mL) and CC (IC50=23.27 μg/mL) displayed good activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes, besides having good or moderate activity against nine Candida strains, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 31.25 to 250 μg/mL. While the three SM and CC blends were not more active than the VOs tested individually, they exhibited remarkably high antileishmanial activity, with IC50 values ranging between 3.12 and 7.04 μg/mL, which is very similar to the IC50 of amphotericin B (positive control).

In Vitro Antiprotozoal Activity of Schinus molle Extract, Partitions, and Fractions against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, represents an important and worldwide public health issue, particularly in Latin America. Limitations of conventional treatment with benznidazole and nifurtimox underscore the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies for this disease. Schinus molle, a tree used in traditional medicine for various ailments, has demonstrated promising antiparasitic activity. The in vitro anti-T. cruzi activity of Schinus molle crude methanol extract, partitions, and fractions, as well as their cytotoxicity in Vero cells and Artemia salina, and hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes were assessed. Most of the extracts possessed anti-T. cruzi effects, with Sm-CF3 being the fraction with the highest activity (IC50 = 19 µg/mL; SI = 6.8). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 20 compounds, with fatty acyls comprising the predominant chemical class (55%). We also identified the antiparasitic compounds cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid and trans-Z-α-bisabolene epoxide, suggesting their potential contribution to the observed anti-T. cruzi activity. In conclusion, our findings support the therapeutic potential of S. molle as a source of novel antiparasitic agents against T. cruzi.

Potential Herbal Remedies for Treatment of Depression: A Mini Review

Background:: Depression is a psychiatric and mood disorder that impacts a person's mental health and behavior and is frequently linked to suicide. As per the World Health Organization's estimate, depressive disorder will be the main cause of mental disorders by the year 2030, and it has a huge impact on the burden of disease in the world. To treat depression, there are pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy alternatives. With little to no consideration of other neurochemicals altered in depression, most antidepressant preparations are based on the monoamines, neuroendocrine, and neuro-inflammation concepts. Objective:: The present study aims to provide comprehensive data related to depression, the factors associated, the mechanism involved, herbal plants effective for managing depression, and novel formulations along with patents and clinical trials. Methods:: A thorough assessment of herbs and novel formulations that have been proven effective in treating depression was conducted. After extensive review, the present study includes a mechanism of action of herbal plants showing antidepressant effects, novel formulations, patents, and clinical trials related to depression. Results:: Numerous studies reported that diverse herbal plants have been found to have a positive effect on depression management, such as Panax ginseng, Melissa officinalis, Piper methysticum, Schinus molle L, Kielmeyera coriacea Mart, Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula angustifolia Mill, Crocus Sativus L. Conclusion:: Herbal plant research could help establish the potential of isolated compounds from plants with medicinal properties for managing depressive illnesses.

Spontaneous vegetation recovery in recently abandoned avocado (Persea americana Mill.) orchards in semi‐arid Central Chile

AbstractAvocado (Persea americana Mill.) is an important commodity with substantial global growth in semi‐arid regions under irrigation, such as Central Chile. This region of Chile has faced severe drought that has resulted in the abandonment of avocado orchards, previously established in a global biodiversity hotspot. This study investigates the early effects of abandonment of avocado farms on vegetation recovery and soil after severe droughts. We measured and characterized early plant successional processes by identifying the flora, vegetation coverage, similarity, and soil characterization through 42 transects distributed in four recently abandoned sites, a productive farm, and a natural site. Multivariate analysis was used to identify significant relationships between soil and habitat properties and vegetation abundance and coverage variations for the dominant species. The Jaccard similarity coefficient was used to compare sites. The establishment of native or endemic species was extremely limited and variable between sites. In total, we recorded 55 vascular plants (49.1% were native). The results indicated that Schinus molle L. has become a dominant colonizer, particularly in highly disturbed planting rows in abandoned farms. Factors such as the sources of S. molle propagules, soil salinity, and organic matter accumulation were identified as key predictors of its coverage and presence in abandoned farms. The study concludes that the abandonment of avocado farms, coupled with severe drought, has created favorable conditions for the recruitment of this species, adversely impacting other native species. This research underscores the importance of considering the remaining features of soil and habitat in new successional processes in highly disturbed areas.

Insecticidal, physiological, and biochemical effects of Schinus molle essential oil on the adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) is considered as a major stored product pest. Conventional insecticides induce adverse effects on the environment. Plant derivative products constitute a promising alternative for pest control. The purpose of our research was to identify the chemical profile of essential oil (EO) extracted from Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) and to evaluate the fumigant and the contact toxicity, and the repellent activity of this oil on adults of Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera), a major pest in products that are stored around the world. The effects of this oil were examined on biochemical profile (energy reserves and Proteins), selective biomarkers like acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and glutathione (GSH), and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Digestive enzymes were also investigated. The major chemical compounds identified by the GC-MS were α-phellandrene (16.613%), ß-phellandrene (12.104%), elemol (9.028%) and β-eudesmol (5.872%). Then, we evaluated the repellent activity, and also the effects in nutritional reserves and some biomarkers. This EO exhibited an insecticidal and repellent activity as a function of the exposure time and concentrations. Contact (LC50 at 24 h: 19.99 μL/mL) is the most effective mode of application compared to fumigation (LC50 at 24h: 174.30 μL/L air). S. molle EO was also investigated in digestive enzymes’ activities (α-amylase, lipase, chitinase and protease). Our results revealed a decrease in both α-amylase, lipase, protease and chitinase activities in treated adults compared to controls. In addition, we noticed a neurotoxic activity of S. molle EO traduced by a decrease of AChE. An induction of the detoxification system was observed via a decrease in GSH rate and an increase in GST activity. Moreover, the treatment induces an alteration of biochemical profile of R. dominica adults. Lastly, essential oil was examined on nucleic acids. Results showed an increase in DNA and RNA amount in treated adults when compared with control. Due to their effective source of bioactive compounds, the EO from the studied plant could be used as an alternative strategy for the management of stored product pests.

Phytochemical characterization and nutritional value of vegetable oils from ripe berries of Schinus terebinthifolia raddi and Schinus molle L., through extraction methods

The aims of this study are the phytochemical exploration and food valorization of Schinus molle L. (S. molle) and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (S. terebinthifolia) from the Rabat, Morocco. Gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to analyze the chemical composition of the oils extracted from both species by soxhlet and maceration. Moreover, physicochemical characteristics such as lipid quality indexes such as thrombogenic index (TI), atherogenic index (AI), oxidation susceptibility (OS), and calculated oxidability (Cox) were determined. These characteristics included percentage acidity, peroxide, saponification, iodine, specific extinction values, chlorophyll, and carotenoid pigments. As results, the oil yields varied from 7% (S. molle) to 13% (S. terebinthifolia). In addition, unsaturated fatty acids represented the major fraction for S. terebinthifolia (79%) and S. molle (81%). However, S. terebinthifolia contains more saturated fatty acids (20%) than S. molle (16%) with a predominance of linoleic acid (59.53% and 55%, C18,2), oleic acid (19.29% and 21.69%, C18,1), and palmitic acid (12.56% and 15.48%, C16,0) in S. molle and S. terebinthifolia, respectively. Moreover, the main sterols are β-sitosterol followed by campesterol and then Δ-5-avenasterol, while β-sitosterol varies according to the species and the extraction method. Results revealed also that campesterol is influenced by the extraction results in a content of 179.66 mg/kg (soxhlet) and 63.48 mg/kg (maceration) for S. molle, while S. terebinthifolia yeilds concentrations of 170 mg/kg and 138 mg/kg, then Δ-5-avenasterol, which present with (117 mg/kg and 136 mg/kg), (34 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) of the total amount of sterols for the oils extracted by soxhlet and maceration, respectively. In addition, there are favorable physicochemical properties for all oils, such as chlorophylls (0.4 to 0.8 mg/kg) and carotenoids (0.7 to 2 mg/kg). However, further investigations are needed to determine other chemical compounds of both extracts as well as to evaluate their biological and health benefits.

Sustainable strategy for rehabilitating phosphate mining sites and valorisation of phosphate industry by-products and sludge using pistachio tree (Pistacia atlantica), false pepper (Schinus molle), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) trees

The development of anthroposols has been proposed as a new environmentally friendly approach to ensuring the successful revegetation of phosphate mining sites. The phosphate industry's by-products, including phosphogypsum (PG), phosphate sludge (PS), and sewage sludge (SS), can be valuable resources in restoring the ecological balance of mined soil areas. The aim of this study was to safely and sustainably restore the ecological integrity of the phosphate mining site through the evaluation of nutrients and heavy metals dynamics in soil and plant tissues of three tree species and treated by-products containing 65 % PG, 30 % PS, and 5 % SS. The tree species used were Pistacia atlantica, Schinus molle, and Eucalyptus globulus. The experimental layout was a randomised complete block design with six replicates and three treatments. Growth diameter, height, nutrient uptakes and heavy metal dynamic were evaluated from the rhizosphere soils and plant tissues over two years. Hierarchical head maps of correlations between the measured growth parameters, soil and nutrient uptakes of the tree species were analysed using a phylogenetic generalised linear mixed model. S. molle and E. globulus had higher average diameter and height than P. atlantica plants. P. atlantica and S. molle showed greater nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations than E. globulus trees. Tree growth parameters were closely linked to soil nutrient bioavailability. The heavy metal accumulation ratio was higher in the E. globulus and S. molle leaves than in stems. Using by-products could be valorised for rehabilitating mine sites together with E. globulus and S. molle species.

Schinus molle extract mediated green synthesis of iron niobate photocatalyst for the degradation of methyl orange dye under visible light

FeNbO4 monoclinic nanocomposite semiconductors were synthesised using hydrothermal and sol gel methods; photocatalysts were then calcined at 800 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV/Vis) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technologies were used to investigate crystallinity, morphology and optical properties of the photocatalysts. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine the functional groups of both treated and untreated FeNbO4. It was found that the S. molle extract-treated FeNbO4 prepared using the hydrothermal method (FeNbO4-HT + S. molle) has the smallest nanoparticles (22.8 nm) with the smallest band gap energy (2.78 eV). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy verified the presence of the elements of FeNbO4 as well as their oxidation states. The photodegradation reactions of 10-ppm methyl orange dye solutions using FeNbO4-sol gel, FeNbO4-HT and FeNbO4-HT + S. molle were carried out under visible light (>420 nm) for 50 min. The reactions resulted in degradation percent of 74 %, 78 % and 96 % by using FeNbO4-sol gel, FeNbO4-HT and FeNbO4-HT + S. molle respectively. The photocatalytic activity of FeNbO4 treated with S. molle extract demonstrated superior light absorption and photostability, which is attributed to the consistency in the photocatalysts’ morphology, optical band gap, particle size distribution, and porosity. The photocatalysts remained stable and effective for five degradation cycles.

The first peoples of the Atacama Desert lived among the trees: A 11,600- to 11,200-year-old grove and congregation site

In deserts, water has been singled out as the most important factor for choosing where to settle, but trees were likely an important part of the landscape for hunter-gatherers beyond merely constituting an economic resource. Yet, this critical aspect has not been considered archaeologically. Here, we present the results of mapping and radiocarbon dating of a truly unique archaeological record. Over 150 preserved stumps around five Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene archaeological campsites (12,800 to 11,200 cal BP) show that trees were key features in the creation of everyday habitats for the first inhabitants of the Atacama Desert. At two of these sites, QM12 and QM35, the spatial and chronological correlation between trees and hearths reveals that people located their homes under the tree canopy. At residential site QM35, artifact distribution coincides with a grove dated to ~11,600 to 11,200 cal BP. A third residential area (QM32) occurred along the grove margins ~12,000 to 11,200 cal BP. Based on the distinct cultural material of these two camps, we propose that two different groups intermittently shared this rich wetland-grove environment. The tree taxa suggest a preference for the native Schinus molle, a tree scarcely present on the landscape today, over the endemic, nitrogen-fixing Strombocarpa tamarugo, both for toolmaking and firewood and even though the S. tamarugo was locally more abundant. Together with the spatial and chronological coincidence of campsites, hearths, and trees, we propose that people spared the most abundant and resilient species to create their homes, in turn promoting fertility oases amid the Atacama's hyperaridity.

Identification of polyphenols by UPLC-MS/MS and their potential in silico antiviral activity from medicinal plants in Trujillo, Peru

Context: Given the growing public health crisis caused by viral diseases, traditional medicine stands as one of the fundamental pillars for the study and discovery of phytometabolites with antiviral properties. It is necessary to investigate and evaluate these compounds, mostly phenolic, that could be used as drugs. Aims: To identify the polyphenols by UPLC-MS/MS and the potential in silico antiviral activity of medicinal plants in Trujillo, Peru. Methods: The ethnobotany of the eight most widely used medicinal plants in the city of Trujillo was described (Azadirachta indica A. Juss. “paradise”, Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze “tara”, Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck “lemon”, Clinopodium pulchellum (Kunth) Govaerts "panizara", Cordia lutea Lam. "overo", Ocimum basilicum L. "basil", Schinus molle L. "molle", and Taraxacum campylodes G.E. Haglund "dandelion"). The phytometabolites responsible for the antiviral activity were identified by LC-MS and evaluated in silico against the viral proteins NS2B/NS3 (DENV-2), NS5B (HCV), and ICP27 (HSV-1) by molecular docking using Chimera 1.16 software and molecular interaction by Maestro 13.1 software to identify the position and type of interaction. Results: Five polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and rutin) were found, and in the in-silico test, the antiviral activity of chlorogenic acid stood out against DENV-2 and HCV, rutin against HCV and HSV-1, rosmarinic acid against DENV-2 and HCV. Conclusions: It is demonstrated that the medicinal plants studied contain phytometabolites that make them possible antiviral candidates, which would support their use in the traditional medicine of the province of Trujillo, Peru.

Synthesis and toxicological study of chitosan-pirul (Schinus molle L.) essential oil nanoparticles on Aspergillus flavus.

In recent years, the study of essential oils as antifungal alternatives and their encapsulation to increase their properties for greater effects has been tested. In this work, nanoparticles of chitosan-Schinus molle L. essential oil (CS-PEO-Np) with a size of 260 ± 31.1nm were obtained by ionic gelation and evaluated in some growth phases of Aspergillus flavus, a toxigenic fungus. At a concentration of 250μg/mL of CS-PEO-Np, the A. flavus mycelial growth was inhibited at 97.1% with respect to control, at 96h of incubation; the germination and viability of spores were inhibited at 74.8 and 40%, respectively, after exposure to 500μg/mL of these nanomaterials, at 12h of incubation. The fluorescence images of stained sporeswith DAPI showed the affectations caused by nanoparticles in the cell membrane, vacuoles and vacuolar content, cell wall, and nucleic acids. For both nanoparticles, CS-Np and CS-PEO-Np, no mutagenic effect was observed in Salmonella Typhimurium; also, the phytotoxic assay showed low-to-moderate toxicity toward seeds, which was dependent on the nanoparticle's concentration. The acute toxicity of CS-PEO-Np to A. salina nauplii was considered low in comparison to CS-Np (control), which indicates that the incorporation of Schinus molle essential oil into nanoparticles of chitosan is a strategy to reduce the toxicity commonly associated with nanostructured materials. The nanoparticulated systems of CS-PEO-Np represent an effective and non-toxic alternative for the control of toxigenic fungi such as A. flavus by delaying the initial growth stage.

Influence of socio-demographic factors on medicinal plant knowledge among three selected ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia

BackgroundThe influence of socio-demographic variables was widely explored to evaluate their impact on indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge. However, the studies conducted in Ethiopia mainly focused on rural areas. They were limited to exploring and documenting ethnobotanical knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables in rural–urban interface areas among ethnic groups. Hence, this study aimed to document plant-based indigenous and local ethnomedicinal knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables among selected three ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 189 key informants, floristic species inventories, and field observations. Quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the use values (UV) of the most important medicinal plants, the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level (RPL), and rank-order priority (ROP). Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the influences of socio-demographic factors and associations between variables on local ethnobotanical knowledge across ethnic groups in different informant categories.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean number of medicinal plants reported among age categories. There was also a positive association between the respondent's age and plant knowledge acquisition. Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Albizia gummifera C.A.Sm., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Aloe macrocarpa Tod., Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip., Calpurnia aurea (Aiton) Benth, and Allium sativum L. had the highest use values among ethnic groups. The highest informant consensus factor values were recorded for circulatory system disorders (0.68) followed by febrile illness and reproductive organ complications (0.66 each) across the three studied ethnic groups. The highest FL, RPL, and ROP values were noted for Lactuca inermis Forssk., Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Allium sativum L., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Ricinus communis L., Schinus molle L., Antiaris toxicaria (J.F.Gmel.) Lesch., Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill., Echinops kebericho Mesfin, Ocimum jamesii Sebald, Afrocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) C.N.Page, Searsia natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) F.A.Barkley, and Ricinus communis L. across ethnic groups in the study areas, which showed the conformity of knowledge on species curing potential and their prevalent uses.ConclusionThe study revealed that the ethnic groups of Gedeo, Oromo, and Sidama have considerable indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge practices. Statistical analysis shown high variation in the acquisition of local ethnobotanical knowledge among age groups, which boosted our understanding of the effects of socio-demographic factors on the local ethnobotanical knowledge dynamics. Thus, this finding advocates for efforts to repair the observed generation gap via continued professional support and educating local communities to preserve traditional knowledge and practices through systematic documentation.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective and antidiarrheal activities of the hydromethanol crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) leaf and fruit in mice

BackgroundLiver disease is any disease that negatively affects the normal function of the liver, and it is a major health problem that challenges not only healthcare professionals, but also the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulatory agencies. Similarly, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among children under five globally next to pneumonia. The available synthetic drugs for the treatment of liver disorders and diarrhoea have limited safety and efficacy. ObjectiveTo evaluate the in vivo hepatoprotective and antidiarrheal activities of hydroalcoholic leaf and fruit extracts of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) in mice. MethodsHepatoprotective activity of the extracts was evaluated by using CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in mice model. In this model, mice were divided into groups and treated as follows. The normal control and toxicant control groups were treated with the vehicle used for reconstitution, the positive control was treated with the standard drug (silymarin), and the test groups were treated with different doses of plant extracts daily in the morning for seven days. Additionally, all groups except the normal control were treated with CCl4 (2 mg/kg, IP) on the 4th day of treatment, 30 min post-dose. On the 7th day, blood was collected from each mouse via a cardiac puncture. The collected blood was centrifuged, and serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP were determined using an automated chemistry analyser. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post-hoc test.The antidiarrheal activity of the extract was investigated using castor oil-induced diarrhoea, enteropooling, and small intestine transit. The test groups received various doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of the extract, whereas the positive control received loperamide (3 mg/kg), and the negative control received the vehicle (distilled water, 10 ml/kg). ResultHepatoprotective activity: The leaf and fruit crude extracts showed significant improvement in the body weight and liver weight of mice compared to the untreated toxicant control. Additionally, treatment with hydromethanol leaf and fruit extracts caused a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in liver biomarkers compared to the toxicant control. Similarly, the n-butanol and chloroform fractions of the fruit extract caused a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in serum AST, ALT, ALP and Bilirubin levels and a significant (P < 0.001) increase in total protein compared to the toxicant control. However, none of the three solvent fractions (n-butanol, chloroform, and aqueous) of the fruit extract significantly affected (P > 0.05) the level of albumin compared with the toxicant control.Antidiarrheal activity: In the castor oil-induced diarrheal model, the 80 % methanol extract delayed the onset of defaecation and significantly reduced the number and weight of faeces at all tested doses compared to the negative control. In the enteropooling test, 80 ME significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the weight and volume of intestinal fluid at all tested doses compared with the negative control. Results from the charcoal meal test revealed that the extracts produced a significant anti-motility effect at all tested doses compared with the negative control. ConclusionThis study confirmed the hepatoprotective and antidiarrheal activities of hydroalcoholic extracts. The highest test dose produced the maximum hepatoprotective and antidiarrheal activities in all models.

Phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity activities of Schinus molle (L.) extracts

AbstractSchinus molle seeds and leaves are frequently employed in traditional medicine to treat a range of diseases. This study aims to explore the potential of Schinus mole (L.) seed and leaf extracts in terms of their phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. The study utilized GC-MS spectroscopy, antimicrobials, antioxidants, and cytotoxicity techniques to evaluate the extracts. The result of phytochemical analysis revealed that Schinus molle seed extract contains seven peaks with a major compound, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (59.11%), followed by n-hexadecanoic acid (10.84), while Schinus molle leaf extract exhibits sixteen peaks with a main compound, squalene (16.87%), followed by azulene (14.88%) and lupeol (12.4%). The Schinus molle seeds and leaf exhibited the high antimicrobial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 15 ± 0.57 to 27.33 ± 0.88 mm against tested microorganisms. In addition, it was investigated that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of different extracts against microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, and Cryptococcus neoformans, were found to be 62.5 μg/ml, while Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has a MIC of 125 μg/ml with seed extract and 250 μg/ml with leaf extract. The other strains, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have a MIC of 500 μg/ml in both seed and leaf extracts. Schinus molle seeds and leaf exhibited considerable antioxidant action compared with ascorbic acid. Moreover, significant variation in the effects on Allium cepa root tips was observed upon treatment with Schinus molle seed and leaf extracts. The mitotic index in the group receiving Schinus molle seed and leaf extract showed a significant decrease when compared to the control cells. This decrease was based on the duration and dosage of exposure. On the other hand, there was a clear increase in the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities. Finally, the findings showed that Schinus molle seed and leaf extract exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticytotoxic activities and revealed that they are a significant source of bioactive compounds with the possibility of use in biomedical applications.

Investigation of Moisture Collection Structures and Introduction of Resistant Tree Species in the Semi-Arid Slopes of Tigray, Ethiopia

Vegetation cover degradation is a serious problem in low-rainfall areas of Ethiopia. A field experiment was carried out for three years on two degraded hillsides in Kilte Awlaelo district, Tigray, Ethiopia. The objective was to evaluate the effect of moisture harvesting structures on the survival and growth of tree seedlings. The treatments were micro basin, micro trench, eyebrow basin, and conventional pit as moisture harvesting structures combined with three multi-purpose tree seedlings, namely, Schinus molle, Grevillea robusta, and Olea europaea. The set-up was a split-plot design with three replications. Seedling survival, plant height, and collar diameter data were collected. The collected data were analyzed using GenStat 16 edition software by general liner model. Statistically significant differences between and among treatment means were assessed using the least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% level of significance. The results in the main effect showed eyebrow basin &gt; micro basin &gt; micro trench &gt; conventional pit in the upper site, and micro basin &gt; eyebrow basin &gt; micro trench &gt; conventional pit in the lower site in their order of level of significance in enhancing the seedlings survival and growth performance. The interaction effects also showed Schinus molle backed with an eyebrow and micro-basin in the above structure pit position had the highest survival rate and growth performance. Hence, the eyebrow basin and micro basin as moisture harvesting structures planted with Schinus molle tree species at the above pit position should be demonstrated and scaled up in moisture-stressed areas of Kilte Awlaelo district.