Sudanese Folk Medicine Research Articles

Hydrolyzable tannins (ellagitannins), flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenes and their glycosides in antimycobacterial extracts of the ethnopharmacologically selected Sudanese medicinal plant Combretum hartmannianum Schweinf

In Sudanese traditional medicine, decoctions, macerations, and tonics of the stem and root of Combretum hartmannianum are used for the treatment of persistent cough, a symptom that could be related to tuberculosis (TB). To verify these traditional uses, extracts from the stem wood, stem bark, and roots of C. hartmannianum were screened for their growth inhibitory effects against Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 14468. Methanol Soxhlet and ethyl acetate extracts of the root gave the strongest effects (MIC 312.5 and 625 µg/ml, respectively). HPLC-UV/DAD and UHPLC/QTOF-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of the root led to the detection of 54 compounds, of which most were polyphenols and many characterized for the first time in C. hartmannianum. Among the major compounds were terflavin B and its two isomers, castalagin, corilagin, tellimagrandin I and its derivative, (S)-flavogallonic acid dilactone, punicalagin, and methyl-ellagic acid xylopyranoside. In addition, di-, tri- and tetra-galloyl glucose, combregenin, terminolic acid, cordifoliside D, luteolin, and quercetin-3-O-galactoside-7-O-rhamnoside-(2→1)-O-β-D-arabinopyranoside were characterized. Luteolin gave better growth inhibition against M. smegmatis (MIC 250 µg/ml) than corilagin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid (MIC 500–1000 µg/ml). Our study justifies the use of C. hartmannianum in Sudanese folk medicine against prolonged cough that could be related to TB infection. This study demonstrates that C. hartmannianum should be explored further for new anti-TB drug scaffolds and antibiotic adjuvants.

Antimicrobial Activity of Acacia Nilotica Pods Against Carbapenem Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Different Hospitals in Khartoum State

This study was aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Acacia nilotica against carbapenem resistant bacteria during the period from February 2018 to December 2018. Agar disc diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of Acacia nilotica and the ethanolic extract was examined against carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Citrobacter freundii isolated from different hospital in Khartoum state and the sample include (urine, wound swab, sputum, blood and body fluid) for 91 clinical isolates. The extract show activity against all tested microorganism and the inhibition zone were17±3 mm for E. coli, 18.3±4mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae, 16.9±4mm for Proteus mirabilis, 17±3 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 18.3±0.5mm for Enterobacter cloacae and 16±5mm for Citrobacter freundii and the activity of the extract at 100 mg/ml concentration show sensitive (82.4%), (72.6%) for 50mg/ml and (51.6%) for 25 mg/ml for all tested bacteria. Ethanol extract of Acacia nilotica was found to be effective as antibacterial against different bacterial pathogens, providing the scientific basis for its traditional application in Sudanese folk medicine against many bacterial diseases, extract had an in vitro antibacterial activity against carbapenem resistant bacteria, further studies are required to confirm this result to identify active ingredient and toxicity

Potential Anti-Tuberculosis Activity of the Extracts and Their Active Components of Anogeissus Leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. and Perr. with Special Emphasis on Polyphenols.

In Sudanese traditional medicine, decoctions of the stem bark of Anogeissus leiocarpa are used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). However, this plant has not been investigated before for its antimycobacterial effects. Our screening results show, for the first time, that many extracts of various parts of A. leiocarpa exhibit growth inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged between 625 and 5000 µg/mL, with an ethyl acetate extract of the root showing the lowest MIC value. The good antimycobacterial effects of the root part could be due to its high concentration of ellagic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, and flavonoids. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) fractionation resulted in some fractions with better activity than the starting point crude methanol extract (MIC 2500 µg/mL). Those fractions with the lowest MIC values contained a high number of antioxidant compounds. Fractions 3 and 4 (MIC 1500 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively) contained high concentrations of di-methyl ellagic acid ([M-H]− 329.0318). Fraction 6 (MIC 2000 µg/mL) contained a lower concentration of di-methyl ellagic acid and was not as growth inhibitory as fractions 3 and 4. Moreover, in fraction 3, an acetylated ellagic acid derivative ([M-H]− 343.0477) and di-methyl-ellagic acid xyloside ([M-H]− 461.0739) were tentatively characterized. Di-methyl ellagic acid xyloside was also present in fraction 4 and could strongly contribute to the antimycobacterial effect of this fraction. Additionally, protocatechuic acid ([M-H]− at m/z 153.0196) was present in fraction 4. Our antimycobacterial results obtained from this research justify the use of A. leiocarpa in Sudanese folk medicine against cough related to TB. Roots, stem bark, and leaves of A. leiocarpa are sources for new potent anti-TB drug lead compounds.

Invitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Investigation of Crude Extract from Selected Sudanese Medicinal Plants

In this study antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis, Ekebergia capensis and Echium rauwolfii used in Sudanese folk medicine was detected against five standards bacterial strain viz Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC 53657), using well-diffusion agar diffusion method. The drude extract of C. collosynthis showed good activity against most organisms (25-12) in different concentrations. ethanolic extract of E. capensis showed high activity in most microbial (28-11) in different concentrations but no activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae in concentration (6.2). The crude extract of E. rauwolfii showed good activity against all microorganisms (26-12) in all concentrations used, except in concentration (6.2) there was no activity against E. coli. Phytochemical investigation of secondary metabolic compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, turbines, flavonoids, is found in these plants.

Trans-3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid from Geigeria alata Benth. & Hook.f. ex Oliv. & Hiern with beneficial effects on experimental diabetes in animal model of essential hypertension

Geigeria alata Benth. & Hook.f. ex Oliv. & Hiern (Asteraceae) is used in Sudanese folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. The study aimed to estimate the acute oral toxicity of trans-3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) from G. alata roots and to assess its antihypeglycemic, antioxidant and antihypertensive effects on chemically-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The structure of 3,5-diCQA was established by NMR and HRMS spectra. Type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. 3,5-diCQA was slightly toxic with LD50 = 2154 mg/kg. At 5 mg/kg 3,5-diCQA reduced significantly (p < 0.05) the blood glucose levels by 42%, decreased the blood pressure by 22% and ameliorated the oxidative stress biomarkers reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, and serum biochemical parameters. The beneficial effect on antioxidant enzymes was evidenced by the elevated glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase activitiy in the livers of diabetic animals. 3,5-diCQA prevents the histopathological changes related to diabetes and hypertension. 3,5-diCQA was more potent α-glucosidase inhibitor (IC50 27.24 μg/mL) than acarbose (IC50 99.77 μg/mL). The antihyperglycemic action of the compound was attributed to the α-glucosidase inhibition. The beneficial effects of 3,5-diCQA on streptozotocin-induced diabetic hypertensive rats support the traditional use of G.alata for the management of diabetes.

HPLC-UV and LC-MS Analyses of Acylquinic Acids in Geigeria alata (DC) Oliv. & Hiern. and their Contribution to Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Capacity.

Geigeria alata is a traditional plant used in Sudanese folk medicine for treatment of diabetes, cough, epilepsy and intestinal complaints. To analyze phenolic acids in Geigeria alata roots and leaves and to evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Phenolic acids in the aqueous-methanol extracts were identified by LC-MS. Major compounds were isolated using low-pressure liquid chromatography. The quantitative analysis of phenolic acids was performed by a validated HPLC-UV method with limits of detection ranging from 0.04 to 0.57μg/mL. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazine-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were used for antioxidant activity evaluation. In addition, the minimal inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi were determined by the broth microdilution test. For the first time protocatechuic, caffeic, p-coumaroylquinic, caffeoylsinapoylquinic, caffeoylferuloylquinic, three feruloylquinic, six caffeoylquinic acids, and a caffeic acid hexoside were detected in Geigeria alata roots by LC-MS. HPLC-UV analyses showed that 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (25.96±2.08mg/g dry weight (DW)) was the most abundant phenolic acid in roots, while 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (8.99±0.56mg/g DW) was the main compound present in leaves. 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid demonstrated stronger radical scavenging activity and reducing power compared with the crude extracts and the positive control 5-caffeoylquinic acid. 3,4,5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid revealed the highest antibacterial potential against the penicillin sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, as well as methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The caffeoylquinic acids content of up to 6.22% in Geigeria alata roots establishes this species as a new source rich in these bioactive molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Antibacterial activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces against hospital isolates of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antibacterial activity of methanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) calyces employed in Sudanese folk medicine against five hospital isolates of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR A. baumannii). MethodsThe antibacterial activity of 80% methanol extract (v/v) of H. sabdariffa calyces was evaluated by agar disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration methods. Antibiotic susceptibility of selected A. baumannii strains was tested. ResultsIn the present investigation, the methanol extract from the calyces of H. sabdariffa exhibited significant antibacterial properties against the non-MDR A. baumannii as well as the MDR A. baumannii strains with a zone of inhibition ranging from (11.3 ± 0.3) to (13.6 ± 0.3) mm. The relative percentage inhibition of H. sabdariffa extract (10 mg/disc) with respect to gentamicin (10 μg/disc) had potent antibacterial properties and was much more effective than gentamicin. Values of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration ranged from 25 to 50 and 50 to 100 mg/mL, respectively, revealing the potential bactericidal properties of the extract. ConclusionsAccording to the present study, the calyces of H. sabdariffa can be used as a substitute source of the current ineffective synthetic antibiotics used against MDR A. baumannii.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Acacia nilotica (L.) Pods Growing in Sudan against Some Bacterial Pathogens

Acacia nilotica is a plant native to the Nile basin region, widely spread in central and northern parts of Sudan. It has been mentioned in Sudanese folk medicine to be effective against a variety of diseases. The methanol extract of the pods of Acacia nilotica was tested against four human bacterial pathogens using disc diffusion method, MIC and MBC tests. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity and revealed potent bactericidal effect at high concentrations (up to 100 mg/ml) and bacteriostatic at lower concentrations (as low as 12.5 mg/ml). In general, all tested bacteria were susceptible, however the tested gram positives (Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 and Staphylococcus aureus) were much more susceptible than the gram negatives (Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii), supporting the traditional medical application and suggest it as a source for new antibacterial drugs.

Antibacterial efficiency of the Sudanese Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), a famous beverage from Sudanese folk medicine.

Background:Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a plant native to tropical Africa and intensively cultivated in Sudan. Its calyces are widely consumed with many uses in Sudanese folk medicine.Materials and Methods:The dried calyces of H. sabdariffa were subjected to soak in 80% v/v methanol to get the methanolic extract, which was tested against five Gram-negative and three Gram-positive referenced bacterial strains using disc diffusion method. Selected bioactive phytochemical compounds were also investigated using qualitative methods.Results:The results of the antibacterial test indicate that the methanol extract of H. sabdariffa calyces contained effective antibacterial agent(s), revealed a considerable zone of inhibition against all tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and it was a competitor to gentamicin and greatly higher than penicillin which showed weak or no effect.Conclusion:The results of current investigation support the folk medicine application of this plant against different microbial ailments and suggest it as a promising source for new antibacterial agents.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Sudanese Folk Medicine for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tract Infections

Punica granatum, Citrullus colocynthes, Curcuma long, Albizia lebbeckandAzardirachta indicaare used in traditional medical practice in Sudan for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections. The methanol and aqueous extracts from different plant parts (Peel of fruits, rhizome, fruits, leaves, and Gum) respectively at a concentration of 100 mg/ml, were evaluated against 20 clinical isolates (2 were Salmonella typhi,5 Proteus mirabilis,4 Escherichia coli,5 Pseudomonas aeruginosa,3 Staphylococcus aureus, one was Salmonella para typhi B) and 5 standard bacterial strains (Staphylococcusaureus ATCC 25923), Bacillus subtilis (NCTC 8236), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella typhi (ATCC1319106) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 35657) were tested for their antibacterial properties using the Agar Diffusion Technique in vitro. Of all plants methanolic and aqueous extracts of Punica granatum were the most active with clinical isolates and standard bacterial strains showed relatively high antibacterial activity against most of the tested microorganisms with the diameter of inhibition zones ranging between 14 and 24 mm, whereas the methanolic extract of Curcuma long showed high antibacterial activity againstProteus mirabilis clinical isolate (1Z = 20 mm). Most susceptible Gram-negative clinical Isolates bacteria were Escherichia coli and Proteusmirabilis. Most susceptible Gram negative standard bacteria were Bacillus subtilis (NCTC 8236) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and least susceptible Gram negative bacterium was Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 35657).In Gram positive standard bacteria, most susceptible was S.aureus (ATCC 25923).Antibiotics was used as standards drug for antibacterial assay. The results obtained appeared to confirm the antibacterial potential of the plants investigated, and their usefulness in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and phytochemical investigation of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. edible fruit from Sudan

The methanol extract of the fruit (edible mesocarp) of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., a popular plant from Sudan, widely employed in Sudanese folk medicine was screened for antimicrobial, antioxidant and some active phytochemical compounds. The extract showed the presence of saponin, terpenoids, phenolic compounds and alkaloids. The methanolic extract of the fruits extracted from B. aegyptiaca exhibited a strong antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay and a potent capacity in preventing linoleic acid oxidation. Methanol extracts (50 and 100 mg/ml) were tested on several microbial strains using agar-well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) and minimum fungal concentration (MFC) methods. These experiments were performed on ten bacterial strains (five Gram-positives and five Gram-negatives) and four fungal strains. Methanol extracts, particularly at concentration of 100 mg/ml was found to be active against all bacterial and fungal strains and it was comparable to standard antibiotics Gentamicin and Amphotericin B. These findings support some of the traditional applications of the fruit of B. aegyptiaca against microbial aliments. It is therefore recommended that further studies regarding fractionation, separation and purification of these active antimicrobial compounds are required, in addition to toxicological evaluation in vivo.

The antidiabetic effect of Geigeria alata is mediated by enhanced insulin secretion, modulation of β-cell function, and improvement of antioxidant activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In Sudanese folk medicine, Geigeria alata roots have been used for the management of diabetes for a long time. However, its antidiabetic activity is unreported. In this study, G. alata methanolic extract was tested for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, and β-cell modulatory effects in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. In this model of diabetic rats, the oral glucose tolerance test with G. alata extract at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg doses revealed the efficacy of the 250 mg/kg dose in improving glucose tolerance comparable to the standard drug glibenclamide. Diabetic rats were treated with a 250 mg/kg dose of G. alata extract orally for 2 h (acute) or 14 days (chronic). In the case of acute treatment, the extract lowered blood glucose levels significantly at 120 min both in nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Chronic treatment of diabetic rats with 250 mg/kg of G. alata extract resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose level closer to that of nondiabetic rats. Interestingly, increased serum insulin, improved β-cell function, and antioxidant status were observed in G. alata-treated diabetic rats. G. alata also showed strong antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities in in vitro assays. These data show direct evidence that G. alata has antidiabetic activity and suggest that the antidiabetic activity is due to enhanced insulin secretion, modulation of β-cell function, and improvement of antioxidant status.

Gems from traditional north-African medicine: medicinal and aromatic plants from Sudan

Sudanese folk medicine represents a unique blend of indigenous cultures with Islamic, Arabic and African traditions. In addition, Sudan encompasses different terrains and climatic zones, ranging from desert and semi-desert in the north to equatorial with a short rainy season (semi-aridand semi-humid) in the centre to equatorial with a long rainy season (arid-humid and equatorialhumid) in the south. This variation contributes to the immense diversity of vegetation in the region. The flora of Sudan consists of 3137 species of flowering plants belonging to 170 families and 1280 genera. It is estimated that 15% of these plants are endemic to Sudan. The intersection of diverse cultures and the unique geography holds great potential for Sudanese herbal medicine. Medicinal and aromatic plants and their derivatives represent an integral part of life in Sudan. Indigenous remedies are the only form of therapy available to the majority of poor people. It has been estimated that only 11% of the population has access to formal health care. Therefore, research on the desired pharmacological effects and possible unwanted side effects or toxicity is required to improve efficacy and safety of Sudanese herbal medicine. In the future, it would be preferable to promote the use of traditional herbal remedies by conversion of raw plant material into more sophisticated products instead of completely replacing the traditional remedies with synthetic products from industrialized countries. The present review gives an overview of traditional Sudanese medicinal and aromatic herbs and their habitats, traditional uses, and phytochemical constituents.Electronic Supplementary MaterialSupplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/s13659-012-0015-2 and is accessible for authorized users.

Antiplasmodial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Sudanese Folk-medicine.

Ten plants indigenous to Sudan and of common use in Sudanese folk-medicine, were examined in vitro for antimalarial activity against schizonts maturation of Plasmodium falciparum, the major human malaria parasite. All plant samples displayed various antiplasmodial activity. Three plant extracts caused 100% inhibition of the parasite growth at concentrations of plant material </= 500 ug/ml. The two most active extracts that produced 100% inhibition of the parasite growth at concentration of plant material </= 50 mug/ml were obtained from the seeds of Nigella sativa and the whole plant of Aristolochia bracteolata. The ten plants were phytochemically screened for their active constituents. The two most active plants showed the presence of sterols, alkaloids and tannins.

Bioactive constituents from Bergia suffruticosa

In vitro antibacterial investigation of the various extracts of Bergia suffruticosa leaf belonging to the family Elatinaceae: a plant used in Sudanese folk medicine to treat skin wounds [1] was evaluated against 72 strains of standard and clinical isolates of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Six known compounds were isolated from methanolic extract, which was the most active fraction. The isolated compounds were Gallic acid methyl ester; Daucosterol; 1,2,3,6-Tetra-O-galloyl -β-glucose; 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-glucose; Kaemferol-3-O-rhamnoside and Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside. Their identification were based on their spectroscopic data (UV, IR, 1H & 13CNMR and MS). Gallic acid methyl ester was found to have MIC 25µg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, whereas 1,2,3,6-Tetra-O-galloyl -β-glucose and 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-glucose were found to be 50µg/ml against S. aureus and 100µg/ml against E. coli, the results suggested that the antibacterial effect of these two compounds is due to the presence of galloyl group. The MIC of other three compounds displayed no antibacterial activity against both organisms at 200µg/ml. Ampicillin and Gentamicin were used as reference antibacterial activity. In an early study, conducted the antibacterial activity of B. suffruticosa whole plant reported that, its methanolic extract showed significant inhibition of the four tested micro-organisms [2]. There is no phytochemical report encountered on the plant species undertaken in this study. This result justifies the traditional therapeutic use of the plant.

Some pharmacological and toxicological studies on Balanites aegyptiaca bark.

The aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca bark, which is used in Sudanese folk medicine in the treatment of jaundice, was without effect when studied on rabbit intestine, rabbit aortic strip, rat stomach strip, rat uterus and rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm in a dose up to 10 mg/mL gut bath. In a larger dose (25 mg) the extract decreased significantly the contractility and the rate of the isolated perfused rabbit heart. Administration of the aqueous extract to biliary duct-ligated rats, showed a dose-dependent significant decrease in serum bilirubin level. The chronic and subchronic toxicity investigations indicate the safety of the aqueous extract at a dose level which showed a significant decrease in serum bilirubin level in experimental obstructive jaundice in rats.

Some pharmacological and toxicological studies on Balanites aegyptiaca bark

The aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca bark, which is used in Sudanese folk medicine in the treatment of jaundice, was without effect when studied on rabbit intestine, rabbit aortic strip, rat stomach strip, rat uterus and rat phrenic nerve–diaphragm in a dose up to 10 mg/mL gut bath. In a larger dose (25 mg) the extract decreased significantly the contractility and the rate of the isolated perfused rabbit heart. Administration of the aqueous extract to biliary duct-ligated rats, showed a dose-dependent significant decrease in serum bilirubin level. The chronic and subchronic toxicity investigations indicate the safety of the aqueous extract at a dose level which showed a significant decrease in serum bilirubin level in experimental obstructive jaundice in rats. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Investigations of Molluscicidal Activity of Certain Sudanese Plants Used in Folk-Medicine. Part IV*

50 plants indigenous to the Sudan and of common use in Sudanese folk-medicine, were screened for their molluscicidal activity, using two local snail vectors, BULINUS TRUNCATUS and BIOMPHALARIA PFEIFFERI. At different concentrations 31 (62%) of these plant samples were found to be lethal to either one or both of the snail species. 28 (56%) proved to be lethal to BIOMPHALARIA PFEIFFERI, 22 (44%) gave 100% mortality to BULINUS TRUNCATUS; while 19 (38%) killed both snail hosts (Table I). The seven most active molluscicidal plants were phytochemically screened for their active constituents; four of them showed the presence of saponins.