Schumanniophyton Magnificum Research Articles

UHPLC-MS/MS profiling and in vivo aphrodisiac and androgenic effects of the aqueous extract of the roots of Schumanniophyton magnificum (K. Schum.) Harms

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSchumanniophyton magnificum is a medicinal plant used to manage many ailments including malaria, skin diseases, parasitic infections, male sexual dysfunctions, female infertility and typhoid fever. However, no scientific investigation has been made for its folkloric use by the “Baka” Pygmies of Cameroon as an aphrodisiac. Aim of the studyTo investigate the aphrodisiac and androgenic activities of the aqueous extract of the roots of Schumanniophyton magnificum in male rats and analyze the phytoconstituents by UHPLC/MS. Materials and methodsTwenty-five male rats of 16-weeks old were divided into 5 groups and orally treated for 30 days with distilled water (10 ml/kg), or sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg), or the aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (43 mg/kg, 86 mg/kg and 172 mg/kg). The sexual behaviour parameters were monitored on day 1 and 30 by pairing male rats to receptive females. At the end of the experiment, rats were killed and the blood and reproductive organs were collected for histological sectioning, sperm analysis and biochemical analysis. The presence of phytoconstituents and their structures were revealed by UHPLC/MS. ResultsThe plant extract significantly increased the mount, ejaculation and intromission frequencies in comparison to those in the normal control group; and significantly doubled the serum testosterone levels (2.15 ± 0.70 ng/ml) compared to the normal control group. UHPLC/MS of the aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum identified 7 major compounds such as Schumanniofioside A, Noreugenin and Rohitukine, with antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The plant extracts significantly increased the penile nitric oxide levels (P <0.05). These results were similar to those obtained after administration of sildenafil citrate. ConclusionsThe aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum could be an alternative for erectile dysfunction management.

Comparative Study of the Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity of Leaves, Trunk and Roots of Schumanniophyton Magnificum

Aims: Schumanniophyton magnificum is a plant reputed traditionally to treat numerous urogenital infections linked to several germs, notably: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonhorhea, Treponema palidum, Candida albican. This study aims to evaluate and compare the in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the leaves, trunk and roots of S. magnificum in order to determine the parts displaying the best activity.&#x0D; Study Design: This is an experimental study.&#x0D; Location and Duration of the Study: The work was conducted at the Pharmacochemistry and Natural Substances Laboratories of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala for the extraction and at the Medical Analysis Laboratory of the Douala General Hospital for antibacterial test as well as Biomedical Chemistry Research Center of Rhodes University in South Africa for cytotoxic essay. All the experiments were carried out from the 15th November 2020 to the 31th May 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: The in vitro Antibacterial activity essay was conducted on two strains, one Gram+ bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and one Gram- bacteria: Escherichia coli, while cytotoxicity was evaluated on HeLa cell line.&#x0D; Results: The root wood extract and the root bark extract presented a good antibacterial activity (MIC = 195.31 µg/mL) and average activity (MIC = 390.63 µg/mL) respectively with E. coli. The different extracts were found to be bactericidal against the tested micro-organisms. At the concentration of 20 µg/mL, all extracts tested did not significantly reduce HeLa cells, with an inhibition rate ranging from 13.5 to 37.6%, suggesting a low cytotoxicity of S. magnificum extracts towards these human cells line.&#x0D; Conclusion: This is the first comparative report on the antibacterial and cytotoxic study conducted on the different parts of S. magnificum. It appears from this study that these results could justify the use of the stem bark of S. magnificum in the traditional pharmacopeia for the treatment of urogenital infections. However, the roots wood having presented the best antibacterial activity (MIC = 195.31 µg/mL), it would be beneficial to suggest this plant part to the local populations for the treatment of bacterial diseases specific to E. coli and S. aureus, after the preclinical and clinical tests are carried out.

Comparative Assessment of the Antiplasmodial Activity and Acute Toxicity of Schumanniophyton magnificum Good &amp; Halle (Rubiaceae) Leaves, Trunk and Roots Methanolic Extracts

Background: Despite the various medicinal applications of Schumanniophyton magnificum, no comparative data are available to determine the part with best antiplasmodial activity and to guarantee its safety. This work deals with the evaluation of the antiplasmodial activity of methanolic extracts of S. magnificum organs as well as the study of acute toxicity of the most active part.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The methanolic extracts of the leaves, stem bark, trunk wood, root wood and root bark, were obtained by maceration with 96% methanol. Phytochemical screening, based on precipitation and coloring reactions, to highlight the chemical groups present in the plant. The antiplasmodial test was ran against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strains while the study of the in vivo acute toxicity was conducted according to guideline 423 of the OECD protocol at a fixed dose on Wistar rats.&#x0D; Results: Phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts of these plants organs revealed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenoids, saponins, anthraquinones, polyphenols, coumarins anthocyanins and flavonoids. The antiplasmodial activity showed that only the leaves exhibited a moderate antiplasmodial effect with IC50 of 30.77 µg/ml. An oral administration of the methanolic extract of the leaves did not induce an abnormal variation of the physiological parameters in female Wistar laboratory rats, at non-toxic doses of 50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days.&#x0D; Conclusion: The leaves of S. magnificum exhibited the best antimalarial activity and were non toxic, thus justifying the use of the plant in the treatment of malaria in traditional pharmacopoeia.&#x0D; Keywords: Phytochemical screening, Antiplasmodial activity, Acute toxicity, Schumanniophyton magnificum, Medicinal plant.

In vitro screening of the potential of six Cameroonian medicinal plants on male reproductive biomarkers

Background: Male infertility and erectile dysfunction are the main conditions associated with male reproductive function disorders. Testosterone is the main hormone that regulates male reproductive function, while nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator involved in the erectile process. Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate in vitro the potential of the aqueous extract of six Cameroonian medicinal plants traditionally used for male reproductive function: Palisota ambigua, Terminalia superba, Rauvolfia macrophylla, Pycnanthus angolensis, Pausynistalia yohimbe, and Shumanniophyton magnificum. Results: Their effect on testosterone and nitric oxide production was evaluated using rat interstitial and macrophage cells, respectively. Then, the antioxidant properties, flavonoids, and total phenolic content were assessed. The phytochemical screening was also performed. Conclusion: Each plant extract significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) testosterone production. At 100 µg/mL, the extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum showed the highest level (3.730 ng/mL). Each plant extract significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) the production of nitric oxide. The aqueous extract of Rauvolfia macrophylla showed the highest level of nitric oxide with an EC50 = 8.554 µg/mL. For antioxidant activities, Terminalia superba showed the highest antiradical activity (SC50 = 4.796 µg/mL), the highest reducing power (OD = 2.235 at 700 nm), and the highest total antioxidant capacity (276.035 mgEAA/g of plant extract) and while Pausynistalia yohimbe, showed the highest inhibition on lipid peroxidation (15.170 µg/mL). Terminalia superba also showed the highest flavonoid (13.419 mgEQ/g) and total phenolic (300.813 mgEGA/g) content. The phytochemical screening of the plant extracts showed many active secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides. All the extracts showed androgenic effects and antioxidant activities without significant cytotoxicity, thus supporting the use of these medicinal plants by traditional healers for managing male infertility.

Exogenously Applied Rohitukine Inhibits Photosynthetic Processes, Growth and Induces Antioxidant Defense System in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The secondary metabolite rohitukine has been reported in only a few plant species, including Schumanniophyton magnificum, S. problematicum, Amoora rohituka, Dysoxylum acutangulum and D. gotadhora. It has several biological activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiadipogenic, immunomodulatory, gastroprotective, anti-implantation, antidyslipidemic, anti-arthritic and anti-fertility properties. However, the ecological and physiological roles of rohitukine in parent plants have yet to be explored. Here for the first time, we tried to decipher the physiological effect of rohitukine isolated from D. gotadhora on the model system Arabidopsis thaliana. Application of 0.25 mM and 0.5 mM rohitukine concentrations moderately affected the growth of A. thaliana, whereas a remarkable decrease in growth and the alteration of various morphological, physiological and biochemical mechanisms were observed in plants that received 1.0 mM of rohitukine as compared to the untreated control. A. thaliana showed considerable dose-dependent decreases in leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight when sprayed with 0.25 mM, 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM of rohitukine. Rohitukine exposure resulted in the disruption of photosynthesis, photosystem II (PSII) activity and degradation of chlorophyll content in A. thaliana. It also triggered oxidative stress in visualized tissues through antioxidant enzyme activity and the expression levels of key genes involved in the antioxidant system, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Rohitukine-induced changes in levels of metabolites (amino acids, sugars, organic acids, etc.) were also assessed. In light of these results, we discuss (i) the likely ecological importance of rohitukine in parent plants as well as (ii) the comparison of responses to rohitukine treatment in plants and mammals.

Effect of the Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Schumanniophyton magnificum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; on Reproductive Functions on Wistar Strain Mature Female Rats

In recent years, the rate of infertility has not stopped increasing in the world. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (Rubiaceae) on cyclicity, ovulation and gestation in mature rats. Methods: After a qualitative phytochemical analysis of these aqueous extracts, the experimental studies carried out were based on the evaluation of the pro-fertility effects of this extract in mature rats. For this purpose, 35 rats were used for the estrous cyclicity test and treated for 21 days at the end of which vaginal smears were taken and the duration, as well as the frequency of the appearance of the phases of the cycle, were evaluated. The ovulation test was performed on 80 female rats, which were divided into two groups of 40 animals and treated respectively in the morning and evening with distilled water, β-oestradiol or plant extract at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. At the end of estrus, the rats were sacrificed, the ovaries were removed and weighed, the hemorrhagic points counted and the blood samples were taken for hormonal studies. The last phase of the study consisted in evaluating the effects of these plant extracts on the evolution of gestation. Thus, 42 mature rats were treated during the periods from the 1st to the 10th day (1st stage), and from the 11th to the 17th day (2nd stage). At the end of these two phases, a laparotomy was performed and the number of implantation sites and corpus luteum was counted. And finally, at parturition, from the 18th to the 22nd day (3rd stage), the number of living pups was performed and the gestational parameters were calculated. Results: Administration at the beginning of prœstrus allowed a significant increase (p S. magnificum extract. On the other hand, a significant decrease in progesterone levels (p S. magnificum at doses of 200, 800 mg/kg (p S. magnificum when compared to the control (23 ± 0.16 d). Conclusion: It appears from all these investigations that the aqueous extract of S. magnificum promotes fertility in the rat but represents a danger for the good development of gestation. All these results obtained would be closely related to the presence of certain chemical compounds contained in these various extracts; which would justify their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of certain cases of female infertility in Cameroon.

Antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and organ protective effects of Schumanniophyton magnificum stem bark aqueous extract in dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Schumanniophyton magnificum stem bark aqueous extract in dexamethasone-induced insulin-resistant male rats. Firstly, a phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract was carried out. Thereafter, using acute and subacute studies (11 days), the effect of the extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated on dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemic rats. Glycemia was measured before and after treatment in both studies. Histological examinations for isolated liver, kidneys, and pancreas were performed, body and the weight of some internal organs was determined. The biochemical assay in the blood samples was performed only for the subacute study. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the extract contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, saponins, gallic tannins, coumarins, and anthraquinones. In both studies, Schumanniophyton magnificum stem bark aqueous extract reduced the glucose blood Area under the Curve produced by dexamethasone injection. The extract, as well as glibenclamide significantly lowered the dexamethasone-induced increase in transaminases activities and uric acid concentration. Superoxide dismutase activity increased in all extract and glibenclamide groups compared to the dexamethasone group. The extract effect on the glutathione concentration was dose-dependent (p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.001 respectively). The histology of organs from rats treated with dexamethasone revealed hepatic cytolysis, leukocyte infiltration, and islet hypotrophy. The extract nd glibenclamide-treated groups had fewer or no anomalies observed with dexamethasone administration. Aqueous extract of S. magnificum stem bark protects against dexamethasone-induced pancreatic and hepatorenal abnormalities, probably due to the antioxidant properties of the chemical groups present in this extract.

Bioassay-guided fractionation, phospholipase A2-inhibitory activity and structure elucidation of compounds from leaves of Schumanniophyton magnificum

Context Schumanniophyton magnificum Harms (Rubiaceae) is used traditionally in Nigeria for the treatment of snake bites. Snake venom contains phospholipase A2 (PLA2) which plays a key role in causing inflammation and pain. Objective To assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the methanol extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (MESM) leaves through the inhibition of PLA2 and investigate the compounds responsible for the effect. Materials and methods PLA2-inhibitory activity of MESM was assessed at concentrations of 0.1–0.8 mg/mL using human red blood cells as substrate. Prednisolone was used as the standard control. MESM was subsequently partitioned using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and aqueous-methanol (90:10 v/v), after which PLA2-inhibitory activity of the partitions was determined. The best partition was subjected to chromatographic techniques and the fractions obtained were assessed for PLA2 inhibition at 0.4 mg/mL. Compounds in the most active fraction were determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results MESM significantly inhibited PLA2 activity at 0.8 mg/mL (44.253%) compared to prednisolone (35.207%). n-Hexane partition (SMP1) proved more active with inhibition of 55.870% observed at 0.1 mg/mL. Fraction 1 (SMF1) showed the highest PLA2-inhibitory activity of 58.117%. FTIR studies revealed the presence of some functional groups in SMF1, and GC-MS confirmed the presence of 9 compounds which are first reported in this plant. Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester was identified as the major compound (24.906%). Discussion and conclusions The PLA2-inhibitory activity of MESM suggests that its compounds may be explored further in monitoring anti-inflammatory genes affected by the venoms.

Effect of the Aqueous Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Schumanniophyton magnificum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Harms on Sexual Maturation and Fertility of Immature (K. schum) Female Rat

The aim of the study was to bring scientific evidence of the curative action of the stem bark aqueous extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (ASMa) on the sexual maturation and fertility of the immature female Wistar rat. Forty immature female rats were randomized and divided into 4 groups of ten animals each and orally treated with the ASMa at doses of 0 (distilled water), 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg /BW/day for 30 consecutive days. Body weight and food intake were recorded throughout the experimental period. The precocity of the puberty onset in treated animals was evaluated through the determination of their age at vaginal opening. At the end of the experimental period, 5 animals in each group were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. Their ovaries and uteri were removed, blotted, weighted and prepared for biochemical analysis. The remaining rats (5 per group) were crossed with males of proven fertility. After laparotomy (ten days after mating) and delivery, fertility and gestational parameters were recorded. It was noticed that, body weight gain increased significantly at all doses although there was no significant difference in food intake. The sexual maturation of treated animal was reduced to 5 days when compared to control. This was associated with the simultaneous elevation of FSH and LH (p mg/kg. However, the ovarian cholesterol significantly decreased (p mg/kg and 800 mg/kg. The animal treated at doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg exhibited an early fertilization (2 - 3 days) when compared to the control one (9 - 14 days). The number of implantation site significantly increased (p mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) after laparotomy as well as the number of alive fetuses after delivery and gestational rate (80% and 100%) respectively. These results provide the strong evidence on the induction of the onset puberty and gonadotropin synthesis, the improvement of the ovarian folliculogenesis and the fertility effect of ASMa in immature rats.

Rohitukine, a chromone alkaloid and a precursor of flavopiridol, is produced by endophytic fungi isolated from Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook.f and Amoora rohituka (Roxb).Wight & Arn

Rohitukine, a chromone alkaloid, has gained considerable international attention in recent years because of its novel semi-synthetic derivative, flavopiridol and P-276-00. Both these molecules are in advanced stages of clinical development and trial for cancer treatment. Recently, flavopiridol was approved as an orphan drug for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cancer. The natural occurrence of rohitukine is restricted to only four plant species, Amoora rohituka and Dysoxylum binectariferum (both from the Meliaceae family) and from Schumanniophyton magnificum and Schumanniophyton problematicum (both from the Rubiaceae family). Recently, an endophytic fungi isolated from D. binectariferum was reported to produce rohitukine in culture. In this study, we report the production of rohitukine and its subsequent attenuation by endophytic fungi, Fusarium oxysporum (MTCC-11383), Fusarium oxysporum (MTCC-11384) and Fusarium solani (MTCC-11385), all isolated from D. binectariferum and Gibberella fujikuroi (MTCC-11382) isolated from Amoora rohituka. The fungal rohitukine which was analyzed by HPLC, LC–MS and LC–MS/MS was identical to reference rohitukine and that produced by the plant. The rohitukine content in the mycelial samples ranged from 192.78μg to 359.55μg100g−1 of dry weight of and in broth it ranged from 14.10 to 71.90μg100ml−1. In all the fungal cultures, the production declined from first to fourth sub-culture. Studies are underway to unravel the mechanism by which the fungi produce the host metabolite in culture.

Antimalarial activity in crude extracts of some Cameroonian medicinal plants

Fifteen crude extracts from the stem bark and seeds of four medicinal plants, viz: Entandrophragma angolense, Picralima nitida, Schumanniophyton magnificum and Thomandersia hensii were tested in vitro for their antimalarial activity against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum W2 strain. The results showed that the extracts of these plants possessed some antimalarial activity, the methanol extract of Picralima nitida demonstrating the highest activity in vitro. Further isolation and identification of some active compounds from these plants will justify their common use in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria or fever in Cameroon.

Heteronuclear NMR studies of the chromone alkaloids and revision of the structure of some piperidino-chromone alkaloids.

The 13C-NMR spectra of seven chromone alkaloids isolated from Schumanniophyton magnificum have been obtained. Assignment of signals was carried out with the help of heteronuclear coupling experiments and other correlation techniques on the alkaloids and their acyl derivatives. On the basis of the signals observed the structures of the piperidino-alkaloid schumannificine and its N-methyl and anhydro analogues have been revised to that of a piperidone ring linked to the noreugenin via a carbon-carbon bond and a lactol bridge.

Use of a porous graphitic carbon column to separate isomers of piperidino‐type chromone alkaloids

AbstractA liquid chromatography procedure which rapidly separates the two isomers of schumannificine and N‐methylschumannificine, chromone alkaloids isoilated from Schumanniophyton magnificum (Rubiaceae), is described. The procedure uses a porous graphitic carbon high performance liquid chromatographic column and is compared with other chromatographic and chemical methods which were tried unsuccessfully. The method was adapted in an attempt to prepare the individual isomers of schumannificine and N‐methylschumannificine in mg amounts but interconversion of the isomers in aqueous medium was shown to occur too rapidly for this to be feasible.

Antiviral activity of natural and semi-synthetic chromone alkaloids

The activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV), of the non-polar fraction of a methanolic extract of the rootbark of Schumanniophyton magnificum was found to be present in a fraction containing the chromone secondary amine schumannificine 1. Other chromone alkaloids present in the plant were isolated and tested for inhibition of HIV and HSV infections in C8166 and Vero cells, respectively. Acyl and methyl derivatives were prepared and tested. Of all the compounds tested, schumannificine 1 displayed the greatest activity against HIV, whereas potent anti-HSV activity was observed for a number of its derivatives. The presence of a piperidine ring and unsubstituted hydroxy groups on the molecules seems to favour the anti-HIV activity. The anti-HIV activity is considered to be due to irreversible binding to gp120 rather than inhibition of reverse transcriptase or protease.

The effect on blood clotting of some west African plants used against snakebite

Aqueous extracts of the bark of Schumanniophyton magnificum and the leaves of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, Strophanthus gratus and Strophanthus hispidus show a dose related ability to prolong the time taken to clot for blood treated with a standardised dose of the venom of Echis carinatus. Strophanthus hispidus was shown to be the most potent of the plants tested. The dose-response profiles obtained showed that the increased clotting time was due to different processes for the different plant extracts.

High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of chromone alkaloids from Schumanniophyton species

AbstractAn optimized high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure for the analysis and quantitation of piperidino‐chromone alkaloids has been developed, featuring short retention times, high and adequate resolution. The HPLC system uses a C‐18 reversed phase column eluted with methanol:20 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (50:50) with UV detection at λ=254 nm. Comparative studies on the content of chromone alkaloids in the root, stem‐ and root‐bark of Schumanniophyton magnificum and S. problematicum were carried out using this method.

A peptide from Schumanniophyton magnificum with anti-cobra venom activity.

Using the chick biventer cervicis preparation as a bioassay for antivenom activity, a peptide has been isolated from the aqueous extract of the bark of Schumanniophyton magnificum. The peptide was isolated and purified by a combination of reverse-phase and exclusion column chromatography, preparative TLC, and HPLC. The peptide has a relative molecular mass of about 6000 daltons and is similar in amino acid composition to the cardiotoxins present in snake venom. The isolated peptide showed dose-related inhibitions of the effects of cardiotoxin and total venom of cobra species using the chick biventer cervicis preparation.

Chromone glycosides from Schumanniophyton magnificum

Two new chromone glycosides, schumanniofiosides A and B have been isolated from the root bark of Schumanniophyton magnificum and their structures shown to be 2-methyl-5,7-dihydroxychromone 5- O-β- d-glucopyranoside and 2-methyl-5,7-dihydroxychromone 7- O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-apiofuranoside, respectively. The structures were elucidated by a combination of spectral data and chemical degradation.

Investigation of the Anti-Snake Venom Activity ofSchumanniophyton magnificum

Polar fractions of the methanolic extracts of the stem- and root-barks of SCHUMANNIOPHYTON MAGNIFICUM (Rubiaceae) reduced the effects of cobra venom cardiotoxin in the chick biventer cervicis nerve-muscle preparation IN VITRO. No activity was observed against a curaremimetic neurotoxin from cobra venom. Further fractionation of the extracts showed that the activity was not due to alkaloidal components, but the active substances could not be identified or isolated.

New Chromone Alkaloids from the Stem Bark ofSchumanniophyton magnificum

Fractionation of a methanolic extract of the stem bark of SCHUMANNIOPHYTON MAGNIFICUM yielded large quantities of mannitol. In addition, noreugenin and ten related chromone alkaloids were isolated. Seven of these alkaloids had been isolated previously from S. MAGNIFICUM and one other from S.PROBLEMATICUM but two of the alkaloids were novel, one was hydroxy- N-methylschumannificine and the other was the acetate of N-demethylrohitukine. The structures of the two alkaloids have been deduced from their spectral features.