Tapinanthus Bangwensis Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF INFESTATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF LORANTHACEAE ON WOODY PLANTS OF THE MANDARA MOUNTAINS OF THE FAR NORTH REGION, CAMEROON

Loranthaceae are a permanent danger to many woody plant species. The present study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the degree of parasitism of Loranthaceae on woody species of the Mandara Mountains in the Far North Region of Cameroon. A methodological approach based on surface surveys was adopted. On the hills, the species of Loranthaceae encountered and the host plants have been identified. The botanical inventory revealed a floristic composition of 73 species of phorophytes distributed in 43 genera and 24 families. These phorophytes are parasitized by 7 species of Loranthaceae (Agelanthus dodoneifolius, Globimetula braunii, Phragmanthera capitata, Tapinanthus bangwensis, T. belvisii, T. globiferus and T. ophiodes), distributed in 4 genera (Agelanthus, Globimetula, Agmanthera and Tapinanthus). T. globiferus and A. dodoneifolius are the most abundant ubiquitous Loranthaceae species of the 7 parasitic species inventoried and identified on the Mandara Mountains. The average parasite rate of the inventoried phorophytes is 27.35% andthe average infestation intensity is 4.07 tufts / plant. This rate and the intensity of infestation vary among plant families. The distribution of Loranthaceae tufts follows an ascending curve. Parasitism of woody plants by Loranthaceae species therefore represents a considerable threat to phorophytes. It would therefore be wise to explore the means of combating Loranthaceae, for the conservation of plant biodiversity which integrates sustainable development in the Far North Region, Cameroon.

Effect of aqueous extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis on serum electrolytes in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar Rats

This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis on some serum electrolytes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The effect of this plant extract was monitored on the serum concentration of potassium iron (k+), sodium ion (Na+), uric acid, bicarbonate (HCO3_), and urea. Sixty-six albino rats were used for the study arranged into eleven groups of 6 rats each. Two groups (12 rats) were used for the pilot study. Nine other groups (54 rats) were used for the experiment labelled groups 1-9. Group 1 constitute the normal control which received only feed and water, group 2 received 50mg/kg citrate buffer. Group 3 was administered alloxan solution and allowed free access to feed and water. Group 4-6 received 50mg/kg of citrate buffer and were also administered with the aqueous extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis at a dose of 250mg/kg and referred to as normal treated, concentration 1(NT conc-1), concentration 2 (NT con-2) and concentration 3 (NT conc-3) respectively. Groups 7-9 were administered 50mg/kg alloxan and different grades (5%, 7%, 10%) respectively of the aqueous extract. Blood liver and pancreatic tissues were collected into appropriately labelled sample bottles and analyzed. The result of the blood analysis showed electrolyte levels were only slightly altered with potassium ions having the least change. Bicarbonate rose from 22.67±1.15 to 24.50±1.52, potassium ions decreased from 4.45±0.14 to 4.43±0.22 and sodium ions rose from 139.33±1.63 to 143.00±2.90. The metabolite uric acid was elevated from 2.75±0.12 to 3.35±0.33. Oral administration of 250mg/kg aqueous Tapinanthus bangwensis extract to groups 7,8 and 9 of 50mg/kg, 70mg/kg, and 100mg/kg respectively, significantly decreased many of these biochemical alterations in a dose-dependent manner. 100mg/kg extract showed the highest effect in lowering the elevated parameters followed by 70mg/kg administration. The 50mg/kg dose had the least lowering effect. Histopathological results also confirmed these chemical pathological results. The extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis is insulinogenic and thus can be a good antibiotic agent as it can improve most of the altered biochemical and physiological parameters observed during diabetes mellitus.

Tapinanthus bangwensis (Mistletoe) reduces some increased lipid profile parameters caused by alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar Rats

Tapinanthus bangwensis (Mistletoe) reduces some increased lipid profile parameters caused by alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar Rats

Natural Compounds Isolated from African Mistletoes (Loranthaceae) Exert Anti-Inflammatory and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Potentials: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Despite the medicinal uses of Phragmanthera capitata, Globimetula dinklagei and Tapinanthus bangwensis against memory loss, convulsions and pain, their efficacy against brain-dysfunction diseases and inflammation models has not yet been studied. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potentials of their crude extracts and isolated natural compounds by combining in vitro and in silico experiments. Crude extracts and isolated compounds were tested in vitro for their AChE inhibitory activity by using Ellman’s method. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory activity was determined by evaluating the nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory activity by using the ferrous oxidation xylenol orange assay. Furthermore, the in silico efficacy of natural compounds was investigated against ten putative target enzymes relevant in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis and inflammation. It was found that the crude extracts had weak to moderate inhibitory potential against AChE, with the extract of T. bangwensis being the most active (50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 48.97 µg/mL). Six natural compounds, namely, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-28-hydroxy-α-amyrin (2), apigenin- 8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), globimetulin B (5), globimetulin C (6), bangwaursene B (8) and 3β-acetoxy-11,12-epoxytaraxerol (9), were identified for the first time as having anti-AChE potential, among which (9) had the highest efficacy with an IC50 of 13.89 µM. Among the anti-AChE compounds, (5) was also efficient against NO production and 15-LOX, and the data are in agreement with the docking score. In summary, compounds (5) and (9) are the most prominent lead compounds that should be further tested experimentally against molecular targets of AD and inflammation.

Assessment of the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves hosted by the branches of Persea americana

BackgroundMedicinal plants represent a valuable source for new effective and safe antimicrobial drugs making them an alternative therapy. Existing antimicrobial agents are costly and mostly associated with possible side effects. The aim of the present study therefore, was to assess the antimicrobial property and phytochemical composition of hydroethanolic extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves and its fractions.MethodT. bangwensis leaves (harvested from its host plant, Persea americana) was extracted by cold maceration with 70% ethanol and further fractionated with different organic solvents using the solvent partitioning method to obtain the crude extract, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and the resulting aqueous fractions. The phytochemical constituents of the extracts were screened and quantified. Also, the TLC of the extracts were analyzed to serve as a fingerprint. Using the agar diffusion and broth dilution methods, the antimicrobial properties of the extracts were assessed.ResultsThe study showed that the hydroethanolic (70%) crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves and its fractions contain phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols and reducing sugars. The phytoconstituents were well extracted into the ethyl acetate fraction than the other fractions evidenced in the high levels (p < 0.0001) of saponins (66.47 ± 1.72% w/w), phenolic compounds (77.75 ± 1.06 mg/100 mg GAE) and flavonoids (44.34 ± 0.06 mg/100 mg QE) contents. From the antimicrobial studies, all the microorganisms tested exhibited varying degrees of susceptibility to the extracts with MIC values between 0.78 to 12.5 mg/mL. The crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves, its ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions also exhibited lethal antimicrobial activity with MLC between 6.25 to 50 mg/mL.ConclusionThe crude extract of T. bangwensis leaves and its fractions demonstrated antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Candida albicans, thereby representing a potential source of natural antimicrobial agent. Further study is required to identify and isolate antimicrobial compounds from the plant for the development of the natural bioactive antimicrobial agents.

Nutritional and Phytochemical Properties of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Mistletoe (Tapinanthus Bangwensis) Grown on Orange Tree

Background: African mistletoe (Tapinanthus bagwensis) is a parasitic plant commonly used in folk medicine. The bioconstituents and thus its nutritional and ethnomedicinal uses may be greatly affected by ecological interactions between the plant and host. Objectives: This study investigated the proximate and phytochemical compositions of aqueous leaf extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis grown on orange tree. Methods: Standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) was used to evaluate the proximate and mineral elements compositions of Tapinanthus bangwensis aqueous leaf extract. Vitamins content and presence of lectin was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography and via hemagglutinating activity respectively. Phytochemicals were determined using spot test and spectrophotometrically. Results: The proximate analysis revealed that T. bangwensis aqueous leaf extract contained total carbohydrate (12.72 ± 0.1 %), crude fat (9.65±0.3%), protein (6.8 ± 0.4%), ash (3.5 ± 0.1%), moisture (0.13 ± 0.2%) and crude fibre (67.2 ± 0.1%). The minerals (mg/ 100 g dry weight) present were K (147.3 ± 0.01) &gt; Ca (90.70 ± 0.025) &gt; P (62.9 ± 0.025) &gt; Na (54.6 ± 0.03) &gt; Mg (43.05 ± 0.02) &gt; Mn (34.00 ± 0.01) &gt; Zn (24.90 ± 0.015) &gt; Iodine (2.05 ± 0.01). Vitamins A, D, B2, E, K, B12 and Folic acid were relatively abundant compared to other vitamins. The extract possessed lectin depicted by hemagglutination activity on different animal species’ blood samples. The phytochemicals (mg/100 g) concentration was tannin (108.65 ± 0.04), phenol (66.7 ± 0.01), flavonoid (44.58 ± 0.03), cyanogenic glycoside (24.53 ± 0.02) and saponin (2.40 ± 0.02). Conclusion: Given these nutritional, phytochemical constituents and their concentrations, T. bangwensis aqueous leaf extract could be a good nutrient source for consumers and might be beneficial in maintaining good health.

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The parasitism of parasitic vascular plants of the Loranthaceae family is an ecological problem due to the high number of woody host and fruit species that they parasitize. The aim of this study is to contribute to knowledge of the woody plants which host epiphytoid parasites (Loranthaceae) in agrosystems based on cocoa trees. The inventories by surface survey and itinerant methods, completed with direct observations were carried out. In total, 73 host species of Loranthaceae were inventoried in cocoa trees in the department of Daloa. This taxonomic diversity of hosts, distributed in 55 genera and 22 families is infested by 4 parasitics (Globimetula dinklagei subsp. assiana, Phragmanthera capitata, Tapinanthus bangwensis and T. globiferus) Among these parasites, T. bangwensis is the most frequent and abundant on the hosts. The infestation rate of the inventoried host trees and shrubs is of the order of 29.46% and the infestation intensity is 2.98 tufts/tree. Among the host cohort, 21.92% of fruit species economically important to farmers are heavily parasitized.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal values of Loranthaceae used to treat human diseases by local ethnic Agni Sanwi from Aboisso and Maferé in Côte d'Ivoire

Loranthaceae are hemiparasitic vascular plants that develop on other woody species. They are used in traditional medicine to treat various pathologies. The present study is a contribution to the knowledge of the medicinal potential of Loranthaceae used in care by Agni Sanwi of Aboisso and Maferé, in the South-East of Côte d'Ivoire. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with 50 herbalists and 17 traditional healers using semi-structured interviews. Three (3) species (Globimetula braunii, Phragmanthera capitata and Tapinanthus bangwensis) divided into 3 genera used to treat 35 diseases were identified. They have been cited in the formulation of several remedies. Malaria, typhoid fever, diarrhea and fontanelle were the most commonly reported conditions. Leaves and leafy twigs are the main organs used. The decoction has been predominant in the acquisition of remedies. The drink was the most cited as a method of administering treatments. The Frequency of Citations (FC) of the Loranthaceae employed in the care and medicinal Informant Agreement Ratio (med.IARs) of the respondents were determined. T. bangwensis had the highest FC (95.52%) and med.IARs (0.73). The therapeutic potentials of Loranthaceae have been highlighted and deserve to be popularized through complementary phytochemical investigations.

Parasitism of Loranthaceae on crops: case of plantations in rural area on the periphery of Jean Lorougnon Guédé University of Daloa, Central-West Côte d'Ivoire

In Côte d'Ivoire, tree crops are an important source of agricultural income. Unfortunately, the disquieting expansion of Loranthaceae is observed on many annuity crops like cocoa trees, coffee trees and rubber trees. This situation can harm the economy generated by the activity out coming from these speculations. The aim of this study is therefore, to know the diversity of Loranthaceae and to determine the extent of their infestation on crops, in rural area on the periphery of the University Jean Lorougnon Guédé. The inventories were carried out by surface and roving survey methods coupled with direct observations on individuals of cocoa trees, coffee trees and rubber trees. In total, 3 species of Loranthaceae: Globimetula danglagei, Phragmanthera capitata var. capitata and Tapinanthus bangwensis (T. bangwensis) were inventoried in the plantations. T. bangwensis is the most abundant parasite on crops. Forty-one host species divided into 34 genera and 21 families have been identified within the plantations. The Fabaceae (19.51%) and the Malvaceae (9.75%) are the most infested families. On cocoa trees, coffee trees and rubber trees, the parasitism of Loranthaceae respectively indicated the following pairs of values (incidence and severity index): (42.86±7.02% and 33.99±7.10%), (25.93±11.65% and 21.92±3.11%) and (6.38±0.97% and 6.72±1.55%). The results indicated a significant difference between the incidences of infestation, the crop severity index as a function of Diameter Breast Height (DBH). The incidence of Loranthaceae infestation on all the annuity crops is around 24.93±17.20% and the severity index is 20.88±12.47%.

Hepatocurative potentials of methanol extracts/fractions of Tapinanthus bangwensis and Moringa oleifera on carbon tetrachlorideinduced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Bioaccumulation of toxic substances in liver poses a serious threat to its functionality and consequently leads to damage/injury. Medicinal plants have been reported to be effective in the treatment and management of various diseases. The present study is aimed at evaluating the hepatocurative potentials of Tapinanthus bangwensis and Moringa oleifera on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry were respectively used to assay for mineral elements and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts/fractions of T. bangwensis and M. oleifera. Concentrations of potassium in methanol extract of M. oleifera (MeCE 2) and magnesium in T. bangwensis (MeCE 1) were found to be significantly high (p &lt; 0.05). Concentrations of trace elements were low in the range of 0.07 mg/kg to 0.60 mg/kg. The in vitro lipid peroxidation assay showed that ethylacetate fraction and acetone fraction of T. bangwensis (ETF 1 and ACF 1) respectively exhibited the strongest and lowest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts/fractions. Oral administration of methanol extracts/fractions of T. bangwensis and M. oleifera significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, increased glutathione (GSH) level and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The liver function indices (or liver biomarkers) such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, total protein, total and conjugated bilirubin and lipid parameters (low density lipoprotein (LDL-c), cholesterol and triglyceride) were also significantly reduced. However high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) increased in the groups induced and treated with methanol extracts/fractions of T. bangwensis and M. oleifera compared to the group induced but untreated. It can be concluded that the plants possessed hepatocurative potential against CCl - 4 induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats&#x0D; Keywords: Bioaccumulation, Hepatotoxicity, Liver biomarkers, Moringa oleifera Tapinanthus bangwensis

BIOLOGICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF EXTRACTS OF Tapinanthus bangwensis (ENGL. AND K. KRAUSE) DANSER [LORANTHACEAE] GROWN IN NIGERIA

Tapinanthus bangwensis is a parasitic woody shrub traditionally employed to cure various ailments in Nigeria including leprosy, rickets, rheumatism, cough, skin and respiratory diseases. The crude organic extracts of T. bangwensis were subjected to bioassays - cytotoxicity antibacterial and antidiabetic. The cytotoxicity assay was carried out using brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT), the antibacterial activity was performed against five micro-organisms - Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiellia rhinoscheromatis, Staphyloccocus aureus and Bacillus subtilis using agar diffusion procedure while anti-diabetic potential was determined using alloxan-induced Swiss male albino rat with automated glucometer. The preliminary phytochemical investigation of the plant was done using standard procedure. LC values for BSLT ranged from 12.38to 189.84 µg/mL with ethyl 50 acetate extract of leaves having the lowest value12.38 µg/mL. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of both stem and leaves showed moderate to strong antibacterial activities. There was reduction of 71.8 % in the blood glucoses level of alloxan-induced rats on day 3 while glibenclimade gave 53.0 %. All the extracts exhibited significant reduction (P˂0.05)in the blood glucose level of hyperglyceamic alloxan-induced rats. Phytochemical investigation of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, steroids, anthraquinones and glycosides while alkaloids and flavonoids were absent.

Modulatory effects of moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) leaves infested with African mistletoe (Tapinanthus bangwensis L.) on the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neurochemical indices in high sucrose diet-induced diabetic-like phenotype in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster M.).

Moringa is a common medicinal plant tree with mistletoe infestation and its leaf is widely used as food and traditional medication in alleviating several metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, this study investigated the influence of African mistletoe on the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities of infested moringa leaf in sucrose induced diabetes in Drosophila melanogaster model. Glucose and triglycerides were evaluated in the flies' hemolymph and all other parameters were evaluated in the tissues. A significant (p<.05) decrease in survival rate and increase in the level of glucose and triglycerides in flies fed with 30% of sucrose when compared with control was obtained. Treated flies had significant (p<.05) positive alteration in the level of glucose, triglycerides, antioxidants (both enzymatic and nonenzymatic), and enzyme activities when compared with normal and sucrose control flies. This study suggests that mistletoe infestation did not alter the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects of the moringa leaf. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This present study has shown that mistletoe infestation did not alter the protective activities of moringa leaf, hence, moringa with or without mistletoe infestation could be taken as functional food to mitigate several metabolic diseases.

Antioxidant Activity of some Secondary metabolites from Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl., and K. Krause) [Loranthaceae] Grown in Nigeria

The search for new natural antioxidants has grown tremendously over the years because reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress have been linked to a large number of human degenerative diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Tapinanthus bangwensis, a parasitic plant commonly known as mistletoe is employed traditionally to treat cancer, diabetes and hypertension. In this study, air-dried pulverized leaves and stem of Tapinanthus bangwensis were successively extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol to give the corresponding crude extracts. The extracts were purified by column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Structural elucidation was done using mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infra-red, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Friedelin, eudesmic acid and methyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate were isolated and characterized. Friedelin was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the stem while the two other compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to evaluate their antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid as standard. The percentage free radical scavenging activities of the compounds are as follows: Friedelin, 73.69, methyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate, 79.33 and eudesmic acid, 87.68 which were quite comparable to 93.96 given by ascorbic acid. To the best of our knowledge, the occurrence of friedelin and eudesmic acid in Tapinanthus bangwensis is being reported for the first time. The high antioxidant activity of these compounds supports the use of this plant in the management of diabetes and hypertension among other ailments.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Studies of Some Hemi-parasitic West African Plants

The study investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of some West African hemi-parasitic plants, which comprised Tapinanthus bangwensis (TB), Tapinanthus globiferus (TG) and Globimetula braunii (GB), used in Nigerian ethnomedicine for the management of skin and other microbial infections. This was with a view to determining the most active plant extract and fraction. The leaf and stem of each plant was separately air-dried, powdered and macerated in ethanol-H20 (8:2). The extracts were subjected to in vitro antioxidant tests such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Fe2+ chelating ability (FIC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays, with L-ascorbic acid, quercetin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as positive controls. The antimicrobial test was carried out using micro-broth dilution method against reference strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, where ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole were the positive controls. An activity-guided fractionation approach was adopted in the study. The most active GB leaf extract was fractionated to obtain n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions, and were subsequently tested. The results showed that the extract of GB leaf demonstrated the highest bioactivities with inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DPPH at 31.21±1.11 µg/mL, FRAP value of 109.30±0.76 mg AAE/g, TAC value of 178.15±3.54 mg AAE/g and MIC of 5.0 – 10.0 mg/mL. The Ethylacetate fraction of GB leaf demonstrated the highest bioactivities, which were four-times, thrice and twice better than its GB leaf extract in the DPPH, TAC and antimicrobial studies respectively. The EtOAc fraction (IC50 = 8.58±1.39 µg/mL) was comparable (P &gt; 0.05) in antioxidant activity with quercetin (IC50 = 7.72±0.88 µg/mL). The EtOAc fraction also exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with inhibitory concentration of 1.25 mg/mL against MRSA and C. albicans. In conclusion, the extract of G. braunii leaf demonstrated considerable bioactivities and the moderately polar EtOAc fraction was the most active fraction; hence, validates the folkloric use G. braunii leaf as a remedy for microbial infections.

Identification of bioactive compounds in ethylacetate fraction of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves that ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

The pharmacological effects of medicinal plants are due to the presence of certain chemical compounds present in them. Previous studies have shown that crude extracts of Tapinanthus bangwensis ( T. bangwensis) possess hepatocurative potential. However, the present study aims on evaluating the antioxidant activity as well as identifying the chemical compounds in ethylacetate fraction of T. bangwensis that ameliorate carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Six subfractions of ethylacetate fraction were obtained by column chromatography. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH), biochemical assay determined by spectrophotometry, and compound elucidation by liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) analysis. The DPPH result shows that subfraction F0 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity followed by F4 while F1 exhibited the lowest. Oral administration of 100 mg/kg body weight of the subfractions of ethylacetate fraction of T. bangwensis increases superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and also glutathione level and decreases malondialdehyde level compared to the positive control group. Subsequently, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin were reduced while albumin and total protein levels increased compared to the positive control group. However, there were no significant differences between the positive control group and the group induced and treated with the subfractions at p &lt; 0.05. The histopathology study shows normal hepatocyte distribution with no fat deposit in the induced and treated groups while fatty liver was observed in the positive group. The anti-hepatotoxic effect was higher in F4 than in other subfraction treated groups. Hence, the LC-MS analysis of F4 reveals the presence of 8-hydroxyluteolin-8-glucoside, Avicularin, Fisetin-7-glucoside, Isoscutellarein-7-xyloside, and Isovitexin, respectively, and has been reported to exhibit antioxidant and hepatocurative activities. It can be concluded that the hepatocurative effect could be due to the chemical compounds identified above.

Screening for toxicological and anti-diabetic potential of n-hexane extract ofTapinanthus bangwensisleaves

Health forecasters predict that cases of diabetes will double in 2030; hence proactive action is required to salvage this problem. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicological and anti-diabetic potential of n-hexane extract of T. bangwensis leaves on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. The phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity as well as the inhibitory effect of the plant extract was determined by UV-spectrophotometry method while brine shrimp and Allium cepa methods were used for the toxicity study. Preliminary phytochemical screening detected the presence of flavonoid, phenol, tannin, alkaloid and cardiac glycoside whereas phlobatanin, steroid, terpenoid and saponin were absent. The result also showed that flavonoid concentration was the highest compared to others. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) results showed that the plant extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity particularly at the highest concentration (100 µg/ml). Brine shrimp lethality result showed that the highest mortality rate of nauplii and median inhibition concentration (IC50) are 97% and 7.46 ± 0.33 µg/ml respectively. Furthermore, the results also revealed that mitotic index, root growth length and mitotic division (cytotoxicity indicators) decreased as concentration increases. Finally, the results showed that the plant extract exhibited significant inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities at 100 µg/ml; nevertheless, the effect was higher on α-amylase than α-glucosidase activity. In summary, the significant antioxidant and inhibitory effects may be attributed to the presence of the phytochemicals mentioned above. It can therefore be concluded that T. bangwensis leaves may demonstrate potent anti-diabetic effect.

Occurrence of mistletoes on shea trees in Northern Ghana

In an attempt to establish the cause of reported death of shea trees at Maluwe and Gindabo in the Northern Region of Ghana, a survey of mistletoes on shea trees was conducted. In August 2018, 50 shea trees were randomly sampled at each study site and inspected for the presence of mistletoes. Two species of mistletoes, Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl. & K Krause) Danser and Agelanthus dodoneifolius (DC) Danser were identified on shea trees. Agelanthus dodoneifolius was the dominant mistletoe species at both Maluwe (50% infestation) and Gindabo (84% infestation). None of the mistletoe infested trees were found dead at both study sites. An epiphytic plant, Ficus popenoei Standl. was identified on a shea tree at Gindabo. Further studies need to be conducted to determine the distribution, severity and impact of mistletoes on the productivity of the shea trees. Key words: Agelanthus dodoneifolius, Ficus popenoei, Tapinanthus bangwensis

Ants Associated to Loranthaceae in an Agroecosystem Based on Cocoa Trees in Nkolbisson (Yaounde: Cameroon)

The present study was carried out in order to identify the ant fauna and her potential role as auxiliary of an agricultural system based on cocoa trees leeched by Loranthaceae, in Nkolbisson neighborhood in Yaound&amp;eacute; (Cameroon). The work was conducted from May to September 2015. An inventory of all woody species and the associated ant fauna was carried out beforehand, followed by an inventory of the ant fauna associated couples Theobroma cacao/Loranthaceae during periods of non-flowering, flowering and fruiting Loranthaceae. We inventoried a total of 187 plants of which 44 (23.53%) were parasitized by flowering-shrub epiphytes (Loranthaceae). Theobroma cacao (cocoa) appeared to be the most abundant species (122 plants) followed by Dacryodes edulis (16 safou trees) and Mangifera indica (15 mango trees). Three species of Loranthaceae were identified: Tapinanthus preussii (Engler) Van Tieghem and Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle which both attack Theobroma cacao (cocoa tree) and Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl.et. Krause) Denser which attacks mainly forest type trees. Five sub-families of ants (Pseudomyrmicinae, Dolychoderinae, Ponerinae, Formicinae and Myrmicinae) divided into 16 genera and 35 species were recorded throughout the agrosystem. Tetramorium acculeatum has emerged as the most dominant ant species on both T. preussii and P. capitata. Monitoring of the ant foraging activity during flowering and fruiting Loranthaceae shows they participate in the flowers fall.

Cytotoxic and Hepatocurative Effect of Aqueous Fraction of Tapinanthus bangwensis Against Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Medicinal plants over time have proven to have potential to manage a huge number of diseases and disorders and thus have become a great source of pharmaceutical drugs. One of such plants is Tapinanthus bangwensis (African mistletoe). It is a semiparasitic and epiphytic plant growing on citrus tree, obtaining its food photosynthetically while its nutrient and water is got from the host plant. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxicological and hepatocurative effect of aqueous fraction of T bangwensis in acetaminophen (paracetamol)-induced Wistar rats. The antioxidant potential of the plant was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. The cytotoxic effect was determined using Allium cepa test while the liver biochemical indices were determined by standard protocols. Data obtained were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance at 95% confidence level and reported as mean ± standard deviation. The concentrated aqueous fraction of T bangwensis was found to be 23.3 g (58.25%). Quantitative determination of some vital phytochemicals revealed the following: flavonoid (84.6 ± 0.41 mg/100 g), phenol (147.5 ± 1.07 mg/100 g), tannin (31 ± 0.85 mg/ 100 g), alkaloid (23.45 ± 0.09 mg/100 g), and saponin (0.146 ± 0.0 mg/100 g). Treatment of rats with the aqueous extract of T bangwensis significantly decreased paracetamol-induced elevation of activities of liver function indices, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, total cholesterol level and increased the albumin, total protein, and high-density lipoprotein levels. The plant extract also attenuated the paracetamol elevated lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde. The research findings suggest that aqueous extract of T bangwensis is slightly cytotoxic, possesses appreciable antioxidant property and exhibited hepatocurative effect against paracetamol-induced hepatoxicity.

Comparison of the Insecticidal Activities of Three Plants against Two Devastating Insects: Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus zeamais

To find the alternate ones with insecticides of synthesis, the extracts of plants are more and more used by the peasants to protect stocks from harvest against the devastating insects. Small fireclay cups phytochimic and insecticidal are made on three plants (Crataeva religiosa, Ficus thonningii and Tapinanthus bangwensis). The identification of the active ingredients present in the three plants show that they contain polyphenols, flavonoides, alkaloids, tannins, saponosides, etc. The insecticidal tests showed that the extract with the chloroform (HEY) of Crataeva religiosa is effective on Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus zeamais while extracts with cyclohexan (EC) and methanolic (EM) are effective only on Callosobruchus maculatus. It sucked shown that the extract with chloroform gives a better mortality rate and that Callosobruchus maculatus is more sensitive to the treatments the strong amount (50 mg/mL). For the study of emergences, the methanolic extract of the sheets of Crataeva religiosa ensures a better protection of the medium on Sitophilus zeamais. It was also shown that the extracts with the cyclohexane and methanolic of Ficus thonnigii are more effective on Callosobruchus maculatus. Thus, the methanolic extract (EM) of Ficus thonningii reduces considerably the number of insects emerged in the short run on Callosobruchus maculatus. The tests relating to Tapinanthus bangwensis showed that the extracts cyclohexanic, chloroformic and methanolic are effective on Sitophilus zeamais. The extracts with the cyclohexan and the methanol of Tapinanthus bangwensis reduce considerably the number of insects emerged on Sitophilus zeamais and long-term. Broadly Tapinanthus bangwensis is more effective on the two studied insects and Callosobruchus maculatus is the species most sensitive to the treatments. It is thus the most promising plant.