Teclea Nobilis Research Articles

The acute toxicity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory profile of the ethanolic and acetone extract of the leaves Teclea Nobilis

The acute toxicity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory profile of the ethanolic and acetone extract of the leaves Teclea Nobilis

Furoquinoline and bisindole alkaloids from the roots of Teclea nobilis and their in-silico molecular docking analysis.

Teclea nobilis is a medicinal plant widely used to treat oral pathogens, gonorrhea, fever, analgesics, asthma, joint pains, pneumonia, and intestinal worms in Ethiopia. Anticipated by these claims, column chromatographic separation of the roots extract of T. nobilis led to the isolation of eight alkaloids (1-8). The structures of the isolated compounds were identified based on their NMR (1D and 2D) spectral data analysis and comparison with reported literature data. In-silico molecular docking analysis of the isolated compounds were performed against Staphylococcus aureus DNA Gyrase (PDB ID: 2XCT) and human topoisomerase IIβ DNA (PDB ID: 3QX3) by using AutoDock Vina. ADMET analysis were performed by SwissADME, PreADMET, and OSIRIS Property predictions. The study revealed that the isolated compounds exhibited promising binding affinity toDNA gyrase, especially with compound 5 forms a stable drug-protein complex. Whereas the ADME and drug-likeness analysis revealed that compound 5 is less absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, crossblood brain barrier and a P-glycoprotein substrate. This indicated that compound 5 could be a good candidate as anticancer agent provided that in vivo analysis done for more confirmation.

Phytochemical Investigation on The Root Extract of Teclea Nobilis

Teclea nobilis is one of an endemic species to Ethiopia. It is used as a traditional medicine to treat analgesics and other disorders. Although many species of the genus Teclea have been investigated for their chemical constituents, there is no much prior report on the investigation of chemical constituents of root of Teclea nobilis. Phytochemical screening of the C6 H14, CH2 Cl2 ,CH2 Cl2 /CH3 OH (1:1) and CH3 OH root extracts of the plant revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, tannins and glycosides.Chromatographic separation using column chromatography of CH2 Cl2 /CH3 OH (1:1) result in isolation of three compounds namely compound TN1(0.06%), TN2(0.04%)and TN3(0.05%).Structure are proposed for Compound TN1 and compound TN2 .Compound TN3 was not fully characterized due to lack of adequate spectral data.

Floristic composition, structure and regeneration status of woody plant species in Northwest Ethiopia

Most of the natural forests in Awi Zone of Northwest Ethiopia exist as patches due to increasing human disturbance. The Bradi forest in this zone was assessed for its floristic composition, structure and regeneration status of woody plant species to better understand the natural dynamics and suggest appropriate conservation strategies. A total of 60 quadrats (20mx20m) were established along transect lines running parallel to each other using systematic sampling for vegetation sampling. Height and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured for those woody plant species >2 m in height and >2 cm in DBH. Seventy-one woody plant species that belong to 64 genera and 40 families were identified, of which 36 (50.7%), 13 (18.3%), 13 (18.3%) and 9 (12.7%) were trees, lianas, shrubs and trees/shrubs, respectively. A total of 1838 stems ha−1 with DBH >2 cm and height >2 m were recorded. Albizia shimperiana, Paveta abyssinica, Croton macrostachyus, Discopodium penninervium, Teclea nobilis were the most abundant and frequently-occurrring species in the forest. The forest had a Shannon species diversity index score of 3.84 and an evenness of 0.89. Furthermore, the forest had an average basal area of 90.03m2/ha. Woody species with high basal area value such as Ekebergia capensis, A. shimperiana, Prunus africana, and C. macrostachyus were found to have greater importance value index (IVI). According to the DBH and height class distribution, the forest had an inverted J-shaped distribution pattern. However, analysis of regeneration status at species level revealed that 27.5%, 10%, 40% and 22.5% of the woody plants had good, fair, poor regeneration and not regenerating, respectively. This calls for enrichment planting and area exclosures of the study forest.

Floristic Composition, Structural Analysis and Regeneration Status of Woody Species of Natural Forest in Gemechis District of West Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted on Gemechis natural forest, West Hararghe, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia with the objective of determining the floristic composition, structural analysis and regeneration of wood plant species. Systematic sampling was used to collect vegetation data. Accordingly,50 sampling quadrats of 20 m x 20 m were laid along six line transects at every 50 m interval within which five 5 m x 5 m small quadrats were laied to sample woody species with 2cm. Fifty one (51) woody species belonging to 50 genera and 34 families were recorded in the forest. The collected specimens were composed of 64.7% of tree, 31.3% shrubs and 3.9% of lianas. The most species rich families were Rosaceae, Lamiaceae and Myrsinaceae. Shannon diversity index and evenness of woody species of the Gemechis natural forest were 3.04 and 0.77, respectively. The total density of woody species recorded in Gemechis forest was 3430 individuals ha -1 . . Total basal area of woody species in the study area was 31.12 m 2 h -1 . The dominant and ecologically most important tree species in Gemechis Forest on the basis of their importance value index( IVI) values were Maesa lanceolata (19.2), Rytigna neglecta (16.9), Maytenus sp. (15.9), Bersama abyssinica (14.2), Argomuellera macrophyllab (11.7), Dovyalis caffra (10.9), Teclea nobilis (9.24) and Vernonia amygdalina (7.3). Cummulative DBH class distribution showed that large number of individuals fall in lower DBH class, which shows that this vegetations is in a good regeneration status. However, as some species are of irregular population structure and low IVI further study should be conducted to identify factors that negatively affect them. In general, the data from this study showed that the forest had high species diversity. From the cummulative DBH class distribution of the study area, the number of individuals that fall in lower DBH classes were higher than their number at higher DBH classes which indicate that seedlings and sapling were more in number than the mature/older woody species which suggesting that vegetation of Gemechis forest was generally in a good regeneration status. Keywords : Basal area, Diameter at breast highest, Gemechis forest, Important value index, Woody species DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-1-07

Essential Oils from Ugandan Aromatic Medicinal Plants: Chemical Composition and Growth Inhibitory Effects on Oral Pathogens.

The study assessed the growth inhibitory effects of essential oils extracted from ten Ugandan medicinal plants (Bidens pilosa, Helichrysum odoratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina, Hoslundia opposita, Ocimum gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, Teclea nobilis, Zanthoxylum chalybeum, and Lantana trifolia) used traditionally in the management of oral diseases against oral pathogens. Chemical compositions of the oils were explored by GC-MS. Inhibitory effects of the oils were assessed on periodontopathic Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and cariogenic Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus using broth dilution methods at concentrations of 1%, 0.1%, and 0.01%. The most sensitive organism was A. actinomycetemcomitans. Its growth was markedly inhibited by six of the oils at all the concentrations tested. Essential oil from C. nardus exhibited the highest activity with complete growth inhibition of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis at all the three concentrations tested, the major constituents in the oil being mainly oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Most of the oils exhibited limited effects on L. acidophilus. We conclude that essential oils from the studied plants show marked growth inhibitory effects on periodontopathic A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis, moderate effects on cariogenic S. mutans, and the least effect on L. acidophilus. The present study constitutes a basis for further investigations and development of certain oils into alternative antiplaque agents.

Forest edge effects for the three glade types in Mount Meru Game Reserve

Forest edges have conservation value due to differences in plant species composition, richness and diversity based on the habitat characteristics. This study characterized and compared the forest edge effects of five man-made, five upper and 15 lower natural glades in the Mount Meru Game Reserve. The plant species composition differed significantly between the three glade types. The edge effect was observed between 12.5 - 22.5 and 42.5 - 52.5 meters from the forest edge into the forest interiors of lower and upper natural glades respectively. Eight plant species (Selaginella kraussiana, Plectranthus elegans, Cynoglossum coeruleum, Bersama abyssinica, Asplenium bugoiense, Nuxia congesta, Carrisa edulis and Clutia abyssinica) were found to be indicator species along the forest edge of upper natural glades, one species (Diospyros abyssinica) were indicator of lower natural glades and three species (Solanum incanum, Croton macrostachyus and Teclea nobilis) were indicators of man-made glades. In summary, natural glades and their edges have high plant conservation value as compared to man-made glades due to high plant species abundance, richness and diversity and this rate the conservation value of man-made glades to be low. Therefore, clearing of plants from the forest edges of man-made glades does not in itself contribute to plant biodiversity, although forest-edge plant composition, diversity and richness contributes to ecosystem heterogeneity which supports wildlife conservation.

English

The study focused on the inhibition of the caseinolytic activity of Bitis arietans venom by aqueous methanol crude root extracts of Teclea nobilis and Vepris zambesiaca. Snake venom samples were collected from Snake World near Harare, and the medicinal plants were obtained from Mash Central Province, Zimbabwe. Data on the kinetics of the digestion of casein by the B. arietans venom and the inhibition of the caseinolytic activity of the venom were generated spectrophotometrically. Lineweaver-Burk plots to explore the kinetics of the digestion of casein by B. arietans venom gave Vmax and KM values of 8.33 × 103 mol dm-3 s-1and 7.35 × 106 mol dm-3, respectively. Maximum inhibition of caseinolytic activity of the B. arietans venom of 70 and 60% was observed when incubation was performed in the presence of 6.25 and 8.50 µg/ml of T. nobilis and V. Zambesiaca, respectively. The inhibitory effect of the extracts was correlated to the levels of flavonoids, flavonols and phenolics. The results demonstrate that T. nobilis and V. zambesiaca have great potential as medicinal plants and are possible candidates for new therapeutic agents in the treatment of snake bite envenomations.   Key words: Bitis arietans, inhibition, caseinolytic effect, Teclea nobilis, Vepris zambesiaca.

Estimation of Population of Ten Selected Forest Tree Species Used by Communities around Kalinzu Forest Reserve, South-Western Uganda

Local communities depend on Kalinzu Forest Reserve (KFR) for plant resources. This resource utilization affects the population of tree species in the forest. This study set out to estimate the population of ten tree species in the forest. Results of this study are hoped to provide a basis for studying future changes in population dynamics of the species. The ten species selected were: Newtonia buchananii, Cynometra alexandrei, Teclea nobilis, Prunus africana, Entandrophragma exelsum, Sapium ellipticum, Diospyros abyssinica, Zanthoxylum gilletii, Rytiginia kigeziensis and Spathodea nilotica. Their selection was based on the results of a study (Aine-Omucunguzi et al., 2010) about utilization of plant resources by the local people around KFR. Species with high demand from the local people were selected. Alternate nested quadrants along five line transects, were used to estimate the population. The plants were categorized into three classes as trees (>5 cm diameter at breast height), saplings (2 cm root collar diameter-5 cm diameter at breast height) and wildings (<2 cm root collar diameter). Population, population density, relative density, frequency, and relative frequency of each species were determined. Generally, the number of wildings, saplings and trees of each species increased away from the forest edge inwards. For all the species, wildings had the highest population density followed by saplings and then trees. Teclea nobilis had the highest number of individual per hectare, followed by Newtonia buchananii, while Rytiginia kigeziensis and Spathodea nilotica had the lowest number of individuals per hectare.

Absolute configuration of 2′(R)-acetylmontrifoline and 2′(R)-montrifoline, furoquinolines from the fruits of Teclea nobilis

A phytochemical study on the alkaloids from Teclea nobilis yielded five furoquinolines, including the new acetylmontrifoline. The structures were elucidated from extensive 2D-NMR and MS experiments. The absolute configuration of the chiral center of montrifoline and of acetylmontrifoline was established as R by analysing the Mosher's derivatives and chemical modifications, respectively. All the five furoquinolines showed weak in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, montrifoline being moderately active (56μg/ml) and not cytotoxic.

&lt;i&gt;In Vitro&lt;/i&gt; Antimicrobial Assay Of Plants Used In Traditional Medicine In Bukoba Rural District, Tanzania

Plants used in traditional medicine in Bukoba Rural district in Tanzania were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activities. Plant materials from eight plant species (Harungana madagascariensis (Lam) Poir., Jatropha curcas L., Lantana trifolia L., Plectranthus barbatus Andr., Pseudospondias microcarpa Engl., Psorospermum febrifugum Spach, Teclea nobilis Del. and Vernonia adoensis [Warp.] SL) were collected based on ethnomedical information provided by traditional herbal practitioners. Results of the study indicate that extracts from the eight plant species were active against at least one or more of the test organisms (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus [gram positive], Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa [gram negative] and Candida albicans [Yeast]). A profile of secondary metabolites (alkaloids, terpenoids, triterpenes, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, flavonols/flavones and /or chalcones, sterols and saponins) was obtained for three plant species (Jatropha curcas L., Plectranthus barbatus Andr., and Pseudospondias microcarpa Engl.). The paper discusses the probable therapeutic basis of these traditional plants based on their secondary metabolite profiles and for the first time draws research attention to Bukoba Rural district as a source for plants with potential pharmaceutical applications.

Sleeping tree choice by Bwindi chimpanzees

Unlike nearly all other nonhuman primates, great apes build sleeping nests. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, chimpanzees build nests nightly and also build day nests. We investigated patterns of nest tree use by Bwindi chimpanzees to understand ecological influences on nest tree selection. We analyzed data on 3,414 chimpanzee nests located from 2000 to 2004. Chimpanzees at Bwindi were selective in their use of nest trees. Of at least 163 tree species known to occur in Bwindi [Butynski, Ecological survey of the Impenetrable (Bwindi) Forest, Uganda, and recommendations for its conservation and management. Report to the Government of Uganda, 1984], chimpanzees utilized only 38 species for nesting. Of these, four tree species (Cassipourea sp., Chrysophyllum gorungosanum, Drypetes gerrardii, and Teclea nobilis) accounted for 72.1% of all nest trees. There was considerable variation in nesting frequencies among the top four species between and within years. However, these species were used significantly more often for nesting than other species in 70.9% (39 of 55) of the months of this study. A Spearman rank correlation found no significant relationship between tree abundance and tree species preference. Ninety-three percent of all nests were constructed in food tree species, although not necessarily at the same time the trees bore food items used by chimpanzees. The results indicate that nesting tree species preferences exist. Bwindi chimpanzees' choice of nesting tree species does not appear to be dependent on tree species density or use of the tree for food. We discuss possible reasons for the selectivity in nest trees by the Bwindi population.

The undifferentiated afromontane forest of Denkoro in the central highland of Ethiopia: a floristic and structural analysis

The floristic composition and vegetation structure of Denkoro forest, South Wello Zone of Amhara Region, N. Ethiopia, were described during November–December, 2002. A total of 95 sample plots were analysed, and 174 species of vascular plants representing 66 families were recorded. Out of these, 41 species were new records reported for the first time from Wello. Eleven endemic species, which are included in the IUCN Red List categories, have been recorded. Based on the results of vegetation classification, six clusters were recognized and designated as local plant community types: 1) Erica arborea - Hypericum revolutum, 2) Myrsine melanophloeos - Dombeya torrida, 3) Myrsine africana – Maesa lanceolata – Prunus africana, 4) Olinia rochetiana – Olea europaea, 5) Olinia rochetiana – Allophylus abyssinicus – Apodytes dimidiata , and 6) Maytenus gracilipes – Teclea nobilis. Structural analysis of the forest showed the density of individuals > 10 cm DBH to be almost twice as that of individuals with DBH >20 cm. A higher proportion of woody individuals (ca. 65%) fell in the low height classes (i.e., SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol. 29(1) 2006: 45–56

Furoquinoline Alkaloids from Teclea nobilis.

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

Furoquinoline alkaloids from Teclea nobilis

Five new furoquinoline alkaloids, namely tecleabine ( 1), tecleoxine ( 2), isotecleoxine ( 3), methylnkolbisine ( 4) and chlorodesnkolbisine ( 5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Teclea nobilis, together with seven known furoquinoline derivatives; one acridone alkaloid, and one known flavanone. The structures of the alkaloids 1– 5 were established by 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, including COSY, HMQC and HMBC experiments, as well as HRMS.

New axane and oppositane sesquiterpenes from Teclea nobilis.

Two new isomeric axane and oppositane sesquiterpene derivatives, named teclenone A (1) and teclenone B (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Teclea nobilis. Their structures have been established on the basis of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectral data, notably 2D NMR (1)H-(1)H COSY, (1)H-(13)C HMQC, (1)H-(13)C HMBC, and (1)H-(1)H NOESY experiments. This appears to be the first report of the rare axane and oppositane sesquiterpenes from the plant family Rutaceae.

Regeneration of fourteen tree species in Harenna forest, southeastern Ethiopia

Summary Regeneration of fourteen tree species was investigated at Harenna forest, on the southern slopes of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia. Tree seedling densities and their spatial distribution along gradients of altitude and light were investigated using quadrats of 10 m × 5 m along line transects. Seedling mortality and herbivore damage were examined in eight permanent plots of 10 m × 5 m laid systematically at different places. Population structures of the species were investigated using quadrats of 20 m × 20 m along line transects. Species showed variation in densities of their seedlings ranging from 1065 to only 58 seedlings per hectare.Frequency of distribution of species along altitudinal gradients varied between 15 and 69 percent, indicating differences in habitat preferences among the species. In their spatial distribution to the canopy light gradient, eight tree species were found growing under canopy shade (1–5% light level) while six grew exclusively in the open (100%). More than 42% of the populations of seedlings investigated during the dry season of the year were damaged by herbivores and 27% were lost as uprooted, died and standing or were missing. Examination of the population structure of the species showed that only few species had good representation of individuals at all size classes implying healthy or normal regeneration. Many of the species showed strong peak at lower size classes followed by missing of individuals at one or more of the medium and upper height classes, which indicated that regeneration was hampered. Tree species with healthy regeneration or reverse “J” distribution included Teclea nobilis , Ocotea kenyensis and Syzygium guineense subsp guineense , whereas Podocarpus falcatus , Aningeria adolfi-friederici , Olea capensis , Croton macrostachyus and Prunus africana showed hampered regeneration. Management alternatives to enhance regeneration status of the species are discussed.

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Essential Oil of Teclea nobilis Leaf

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Essential Oil of Teclea nobilis Leaf

Influence of Forest Type and Tree Species on Canopy‐Dwelling Beetles in Budongo Forest, Uganda1

ABSTRACTBeetles were collected on 64 trees of four species (Cynometra alexandri C. H. Wright, Rinorea beniemis (Welwitsch ex Olivier) Kuntze, Teclea nobilis Delile, and Trichilia rubescens Olivier) in Budongo Forest, Uganda, using an insecticidal fogging technique. Selected tree species were abundant, taxonomically not closely related, and different in the shape of leaves, growth form, and size, with heights between 7 and 35 m. Trees were fogged in an old primary forest stand, in an area of secondary forest where selective logging was performed, and in a swamp forest. Eight conspecific trees per forest type were fogged. A total of 29,736 beetles were collected from all trees that could be assigned to 1433 (morpho)‐species; 41.6 percent were singletons and 89.6 percent of species were found with less than ten individuals. Abundant beetle taxa included Latridiidae (N= 4093), Chrysomelidae (3952), Staphylinidae (2931), Apioninae (2621), and Curculionidae (2457). Most species‐rich groups were Staphylinidae (N= 196 spp.), Curculionidae (189), and Chrysomelidae (148). Abundance increased in the order: primary &lt; secondary &lt; swamp forest. Due to the relatively high dominance of some species in the secondary forest, species richness increased in the order: secondary &lt; primary &lt; swamp forest. Beta diversity measures and factor analysis showed distinct differences among forest types but higher similarity of beetle communities on different tree species within one forest type. The taxonomic distribution of beetles in the secondary forest was more heterogeneous than in the primary forest. Analyses of the data revealed low host specificity even for phytophagous beetles, underlining the importance of habitat structure and chance effects on the spatial distribution of beetles in the canopy of Budongo Forest.

Influence of Forest Type and Tree Species on Canopy-Dwelling Beetles in Budongo Forest, Uganda1

Beetles were collected on 64 trees of four species (Cynometra alexandri C. H. Wright, Rinorea beniensis (Welwitsch ex Olivier) Kuntze, Teclea nobilis Delile, and Trichilia rubescens Olivier) in Budongo Forest, Uganda, using an insecticidal fogging technique. Selected tree species were abundant, taxonomically not closely related, and different in the shape of leaves, growth form, and size, with heights between 7 and 35 m. Trees were fogged in an old primary forest stand, in an area of secondary forest where selective logging was performed, and in a swamp forest. Eight conspecific trees per forest type were fogged. A total of 29,736 beetles were collected from all trees that could be assigned to 1433 (morpho)-species; 41.6 percent were singletons and 89.6 percent of species were found with less than ten individuals. Abundant beetle taxa included Latridiidae (N = 4093), Chrysomelidae (3952), Staphylinidae (2931), Apioninae (2621), and Curculionidae (2457). Most species-rich groups were Staphylinidae (N = 196 spp.), Curculionidae (189), and Chrysomelidae (148). Abundance increased in the order: primary < secondary < swamp forest. Due to the relatively high dominance of some species in the secondary forest, species richness increased in the order: secondary < primary < swamp forest. Beta diversity measures and factor analysis showed distinct differences among forest types but higher similarity of beetle communities on different tree species within one forest type. The taxonomic distribution of beetles in the secondary forest was more heterogeneous than in the primary forest. Analyses of the data revealed low host specificity even for phytophagous beetles, underlining the importance of habitat structure and chance effects on the spatial distribution of beetles in the canopy of Budongo Forest.