Tephrosia Vogelii Research Articles

Tephrosin and obovatachalcone with antibacterial activity from Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f

In the search for new antibacterial agents from plants, two known compounds (rotenoid and chalcone) were isolated from Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f. (seeds), namely tephrosin (1), and obovatachalcone (2). The compounds were isolated using vacuum liquid chromatography and radial chromatography. The structures of isolates were determined by 1D and 2D NMR. Both compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial properties against the four pathogenic bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus S33 R4, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis str. 168, Escherichia coli TISTR 780, and Salmonella typhi Ty 21a, using the microdilution method to determine MIC and MBC. The results showed that tephrosin (1) had moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli with MIC values of 25 μg/mL and MBC values of 100 μg/mL. However, obovatachalcone (2) showed a weak antibacterial activity.

Factors influencing adoption and use of Tephrosia vogelii in Malawi: Role of by-laws and other drivers

Soil nutrient deficiency poses great challenge to efforts aimed at improving agricultural productivity in Southern Africa. Agroforestry fertilizer tree technologies have potential to improve soil productivity in cropping systems. As such understanding the socio-economic and biophysical drivers in promoting adoption, and use of Tephrosia vogelii (T. vogelii) would provide requisite knowledge to stakeholders who promote integration of fertilizer tree technologies. This study conducted an analysis of effectiveness of by-laws, other socio-economic drivers, and biophysical factors in promoting the adoption and use of T. vogelii in Kasungu district in the central region of Malawi. The study used multistage sampling technique and data from 432 farmers. A Double Hurdle model was used where Probit regression and Truncated regression models were incorporated in the first and second hurdle, respectively. The study found that by-laws, seed availability, frequency of extension officer's visits before planting, technology provider and field characteristics influenced adoption and utilization intensity of T. vogelii in Kasungu district, Malawi. Awareness creation on developed by-laws and enforcement, promoted the adoption of intercropping of T. vogelii in the maize-based cropping system.

Integrated developmental and green social work field education to control fall armyworm Infestation in maize crops in Malawi

In Malawi, fall armyworm (FAW) infestation in maize crops is a problem of public importance as it reduces maize yields and exacerbates household food insecurity. In addition to pest resistance, the use of synthetic pesticides to control FAW negatively affects the health of farmers and the environment. Biochemical pesticides from plants contain naturally non-toxic chemotypes and are effective in controlling pests. Tephrosia vogelii plants contain these bioactive phytocompounds that have pesticidal properties. Geographical location and plant species influence the occurrence of phytocompounds in Tephrosia vogelii. Farmers in Sub Sahara-Africa are using Tephrosia vogelii as a pesticide but there are mixed research findings regarding its effectiveness in controlling FAW pests. This study was informed by developmental and Green Social Work frameworks to compare the effectiveness of Tephrosia vogelii leaves extracts, Belt 480 SC, and soap solution in controlling FAW in maize gardens. The study employed a randomized complete block design with four replication gardens and was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023. A social work field education student was assigned to coordinate the project. The study affirmed that the sampled Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts contained pesticidal chemotypes. The results of field gardens suggest that Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts have similar potency to Belt SC 480 chemical pesticide. It has been identified that Boom detergent soap is not as effective as Tephrosia vogelii leaf extracts. The study has social work field education implications for empowering practicum students to gain community mobilization skillsets, to participate in environmental justice advocacy, and to uphold social work values.

Plants suspected to contain bio insecticidal agents against mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Indonesia

Mealybugs (Insecta; Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are the important pest of agricultural crops and ornamental plants worldwide, including in Indonesia. Beside their high invasive nature and high economic impact, mealybugs are difficult to control so that the presence of this insect is of serious concern. That is why research to find effective ways to control and eradicate mealybugs is continuously being carried out in many countries including Indonesia. This paper presents the results of research on the search for natural ingredients from plants that can be developed into bioinsecticides against mealybugs conducted in Indonesia in the last 20 years. The data were compiled by searching relevance papers containing researches done in Indonesia, by Indonesian researchers that have been published both in national and international journals that can be accessed using Google search engine. The result is as follows. There are three genera of mealybugs that are of the greatest concern because of the high losses they cause, namely: Planococcus, Pseudoccus, and Paracoccus. There are 19 plant species that have been reported as a potential source of insecticides against mealybugs including Allium sativum, Anonna squamosa, Areca catechu, Azadirachta indica, Barringtonia asiatica, Carica papaya, Cassia spectabilis, Cinnamomum burmannii, Cymbopogon nardus, Eucalypus sp., Gliricidia sepium, Lantana camara, Moringa oleifera, Nicotiana tabacum, Piper betel, Piper retrofractum, Reutealis trisperma, and Tephrosia vogelii.

In vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activity of flavonoids from the roots of Tephrosia vogelii: a combined experimental and computational study.

Tephrosia vogelii is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat hypertension, diarrhea and urinary disorders. Silica gel chromatographic separation of CH2Cl2/MeOH (1:1) roots extract of T.vogelii afforded seven compounds namely; β-sitosterol (1a), stigmasterol (1b), 6a, 12a-dehydro-deguelin (2), tephrosin (3), maackiain (4), obovatin (5) and 6-oxo, 6a, 12a-dehydro-deguelin (6). GC-MS analysis of essential oils from the root of T.vogelii displayed a total of 17 compounds of which cis-nerolidol (41.7 %) and cadinol (19.7 %) were themajor constituents. CH2Cl2/MeOH (1:1) extract, MeOH extract, maackiain (4) and obovatin (5) showed moderate inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC value of 0.5, 0.66, 0.83 and 0.83 mg/mL, respectively, compared to ciprofloxacin (MIC of 0.078 μg/mL). 6a, 12a-dihydro-deguelin (2), and 6-oxo, 6a, 12a-dehydro-deguelin (6) displayed significant activity against S.epidermis with MIC values of 0.66 mg/mL. Tephrosin (3) and maackiain (4) also showed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis with MIC values of 0.83 and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively, compared to ciprofloxacin (0.312 μg/mL). The radical scavenging activity results indicated that tephrosin (3), obovatin (5) and 6-oxo, 6a, 12a-dehydro-deguelin (6) showed potent DPPH scavenging activity with IC50 values of 10.97, 10.43 and 10.73 μg/mL, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 of 5.83 μg/mL). The docking prediction results revealed that 6a, 12a-dehydro-deguelin (2) displayed the best binding energy of-8.1 kcal/mol towards pyruvate kinase of S.aureus (PDB ID: 3T07) and-7.9 kcal/mol towards P.mirabilis urease (PDB ID: 1E9Y) and DNA gyrase B of Escherichia coli (PDB: 4F86) receptors compared to ciprofloxacin (-7.2 to-8.0 kcal/mol). Maackiain (4) and obovatin (5) displayed the minimum binding energy of-7.9 and-8.2 kcal/mol towards the LasR protein of P.aeruginosa (PDB: ID 2UV) and S.epidermidis FtsZ (PDB: ID 4M8I), respectively. The SwissADME drug-likeness and Pro Tox II toxicity prediction results indicated that compounds (2-6) obeyed Lipinski's rule of five with 0 violations and none of them were found to be hepatotoxic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic, respectively. The invitro assessment results supported by the insilico analysis revealed that crude extracts and isolated compounds showed promising antibacterial and antioxidant activity, which proves the therapeutic potential of the roots of T.vogelii.

Effectiveness of Packaging Integrated with Plant Extracts in Controlling Maize Weevil <i>Sitophilus zeamais</i>

Maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais is one of the storage pests that compromise both quality and quantity of stored maize grains. In Malawi, most smallholder farmers use botanicals like Tephrosia vogelii Hook and Lantana camara to manage S. zeamais. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of packaging integrated with plant extracts in controlling this pest. Ziploc bags, paper cartons, grass jars, paper envelopes and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles are the common packaging and storage materials for these botanical pesticides used by small holder farmers. This study involved preliminary experiments in which plant extracts within packaging materials were tested, for their efficacy against S. zeamais for five months. PET water bottle provided significant (p<0.01) control over other treatments to store the maize seeds against S. zeamais. Thereafter, the effect of botanicals packaged and stored for one month in PET water bottle was studied on grain damage caused by the weevils. The inhibition effect of the botanicals on grain damage was significant (p<0.01). This study obtained vital information that can be utilized by farmers as a sustainable way to manage storage pests.

Efficacy of herbal extracts in the management of cactus pest, Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a drought-resistant plant and the source of food and income for many farmers during the rainy season, and the only option to feed livestock during the dry seasons, especially in the southern part of the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The region is currently suffering from a damaging parasitoid of cactus called Dactylopius opuntiae- ficus biotype. An experimental study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 to investigate the efficacy of herbal extracts against cochineal insects. The experiment was conducted on the insecticidal property of methanol extracts of Solanum linnaenum, Euphorbia tirucalli, Nerium oleander, Tephrosia vogelii, Calpurnia aurea, Argemone Mexicana, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis. Herbs were extracted, and their efficacy and LC50 were determined. Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites was performed. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean mortality of insects across the levels of the herbs (F (8, 71) = 57.812, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.867) and the experimental extract concentrations (F (1, 71) = 4198.3, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.983). The individual extracts of S. linnaenum and N. oleander caused average mortality rates of 99.3% and 97.4%, respectively, at 5% extract concentration. Tannins and saponins were the major metabolites found in the extracts. The present study demonstrated the promising insecticidal efficacy of herbal extracts against the damaging cacti pest D. opuntia-ficus biotype, providing insights into sustainable pest control strategies for protecting vital cactus resources in the Tigray region.

Diversity, Composition and Economic Importance of Herbaceous Plants within the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Campus, Zamfara State, Nigeria.

The diversity, composition and economic importance of herbaceous species within the federal polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State was studied. The study's objective was to identify, document and evaluate the diversity and abundance of herbaceous species in the study area. The point-centered quarter (PCQ) method was employed in each sampling point. All nearest living herb species encountered were listed. Data obtained were quantitatively analyzed for Relative density (RD) and relative frequency (RF). Species diversity was calculated using Simpson’s index and the Shannon-Weiner index. A total of 64 species of herb were identified belonging to 19 Families. Acanthaceae, Aizoaceae, Cleomaceae, Connaraceae, Laminaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Plantaginaceae had (1) species each. Convolvulaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Euphobiaceae had (2) species each. Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Pedaliaceae and Poaceae had (3) species each. Solonaceae is the only family with (4) species. Fabaceae is the only family with the highest number of species (32). A total of 494 individuals of herbaceous species were in the study area. Site A has the highest number of individuals (117), followed by Site D (103), Site C (95) and E (82). Tephrosia pedicellata has the highest species density of 3.2. Leptadenia hastata, Centaurea perrottetii, Gynandropsis gynandra, Euphorbia balsamifera, Senna obtusifolia, Abrus precatorius, Desmodium velutinum, Crotalaria goreensis, Crotalaria pallida var.obovata, Tephrosia pedicellata, Indigofera oblongifolia, Tephrosia vogelii, Tephrosia linearis, Biophytum petersianum, Sesamum radiatum, Solanum lycopersicum has the highest Frequency (100%). Senna tora has the highest relative abundance (5), and Euphorbia balsamifera has a Relative Density of 3.8. Euphorbia balsamifera has the highest relative density of 5, and Ipomea asarifolia has an IVI of 7. Shannon Weiner's diversity index for herbaceous species showed a total of 4.0097. Herbaceous plants are of economic importance; they serve as food, fooder, medicine, fuel, and other purposes. We recommended that there is a need for the conservation of herbaceous species within the Polytechnic to avoid harvesting the herbs for medicinal purposes and animals foraging on the grasses.

A comparison of the attractiveness of flowering plant blossoms versus attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs) in western Kenya.

Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSB) have been demonstrated to result in significant reductions in malaria vector numbers in areas of scarce vegetation cover such as in Mali and Israel, but it is not clear whether such an effect can be replicated in environments where mosquitoes have a wide range of options for sugar resources. The current study evaluated the attractiveness of the predominant flowering plants of Asembo Siaya County, western Kenya in comparison to an ATSB developed by Westham Co. Sixteen of the most common flowering plants in the study area were selected and evaluated for relative attractiveness to malaria vectors in semi-field structures. Six of the most attractive flowers were compared to determine the most attractive to local Anopheles mosquitoes. The most attractive plant was then compared to different versions of ATSB. In total, 56,600 Anopheles mosquitoes were released in the semi-field structures. From these, 5150 mosquitoes (2621 males and 2529 females) of An. arabiensis, An. funestus and An. gambiae were recaptured on the attractancy traps. Mangifera indica was the most attractive sugar source for all three species while Hyptis suaveolens and Tephrosia vogelii were the least attractive plants to the mosquitoes. Overall, ATSB version 1.2 was significantly more attractive compared to both ATSB version 1.1 and Mangifera indica. Mosquitoes were differentially attracted to various natural plants in western Kenya and ATSB. The observation that ATSB v1.2 was more attractive to local Anopheles mosquitoes than the most attractive natural sugar source indicates that this product may be able to compete with natural sugar sources in western Kenya and suggests this product may have the potential to impact mosquito populations in the field.

Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activities, enzymatic activities and insecticidal potential of aqueous extracts of four plants on the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the main pest of cotton plant in Ivory Coast.

In the context of climate change, the Ivorian cotton industry is facing with the loss of sensitivity of pests (Helicoverpa armigera) and the appearance of new so-called emerging insects. Faced with this situation, cotton producers tend to use insecticide products in high doses, in excess of the norm. However, the misuse of chemical products poses many health risks. Therefore, to limit the use of chemicals, aqueous extracts of local plants with insecticidal properties were examined in the laboratory and in the field. Four local plant species were selected [Anacardium occidentale (Anarcardier); Azadirachta indica (Neem); Hyptis suaveolens (Hyptis) and Tephrosia vogelii (Tephrosia)]. After determining the chemical profiles of the four extracts by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry, their inhibitory activities were assessed in cholinesterase and tyrosinase. The sensitivity of Helicoverpa armigera larvae was evaluated by ingesting the aqueous extracts at several concentrations ranging from 2% to 64% in an artificial nutrient substrate. Then, the mortality rates of the larvae during 72 h were evaluated and the lethal concentrations were determined. The results of chemical analyses (HPLC) showed that the richest aqueous extract in phytochemicals with 54 elements detected was that of cashew (A. occidentale). T. vogelii, A. indica and H. suaveolens presented 44, 45, and 39 chemical compounds, respectively. In addition, the total phenolic content was higher in A. occidentale (110.67 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) followed by A. indica (42.43 mg gallic acid equivalents/g). The highest antioxidant ability was observed with the aqueous extract of cashew (A. occidentale). Anti-enzymatic activities such as acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition were most pronounced in A. occidentale (2.35 ± 0.02 mg galanthamine equivalent/g, 3.77 ± 0.01 mg galanthamine equivalent/g and 71.28 ± 0.07 mg kojic acid equivalent/g, respectively). The most toxic aqueous extract for H. armigera larvae was that of cashew with a lethal concentration LC50 = 11.68%. Moreover, the principal component analysis performed showed that the insecticidal activity is strongly correlated with the antioxidant and enzymatic activities of the aqueous extracts. Then, the hierarchical ascending classification showed cashew as the best plant. For the sustainability of cotton production, it would be necessary to limit the use of chemical-synthetic insecticides through the use of plant extracts, especially from cashew leaves.

Bioactivity a mixture of spiked pepper fruit extract and fish-poison bean leaf extract against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The active compounds on spiked pepper (Piper aduncum) fruit extract and fish-poison bean (Tephrosia vogelii) leaf extract have a potency used as botanical insecticides as alternative pest control. This study was conducted to determine the activity of mixed extracts of Spiked pepper fruit and Fish-poison bean leaf extract against the new invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. This study was held from February 2021 to November 2021 at the Insect Bioecology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang. The experiment consists of a preliminary test and an advanced test. The advanced test was conducted using six concentrations and five replications of a mixture extract of Spiked pepper and Fish-poison bean. The parameters observed were larvae mortality, feeding inhibition activity (antifeedant), and larval development time. The result showed that the combination indexes of the mixed extract of Spiked pepper fruit and Fish-poison bean leaves (1:1) were additive with the value of LC50 and LC95 is 0,29% and 0,59%, respectively. Mixed extract of Spiked pepper fruit and Fish-poison bean leaves (1:1) caused larvae mortality, inhibited feeding activity, and inhibited S. frugiperda larvae growth. The formulation is needed to increase the mixed extract of Spiked pepper fruit and Fish-poison bean leaves (1:1) activity against S. frugiperda.

Understanding farmer knowledge and site factors in relation to soil-borne pests and pathogens to support agroecological intensification of smallholder bean production systems

IntroductionPests and diseases limit common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in intensifying smallholder farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Soil-borne pests and diseases (SPD) are particularly challenging for farmers to distinguish and manage in cropping systems that vary in terms of soils, farmer knowledge, and management factors. Few studies have examined soil drivers of SPD in smallholder systems, integrated with farmers' perceptions and management practices.MethodsIn Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, we assessed farmer knowledge and SPD management for common bean alongside soil type and soil quality. Focus group discussions and field survey findings including farmer observations and soil nutrient balances were integrated with soil analyses of farmers' fields. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) assessed relationships among farmer demographics, pests and diseases, soil characteristics, and management practices.Results and discussionSurveys revealed that 100% of farmers knew of the bean foliage beetle (Ootheca bennigseni) but few recognized the soilborne pest Ophiomyia spp. or bean fly despite it being more destructive. About a third of farmers knew of root rot diseases caused by Pythium spp. and Fusarium spp. Synthetic pesticides were used by 72% of farmers to control pests, while about half that (37%) used pesticidal plants, particularly Tephrosia vogelii extracts sprayed on foliage. Regarding SPD, 90% of farmers reported that their management practices were ineffective. Meanwhile, synthetic fertilizers were used by nearly all farmers in beans intercropped with maize (Zea mays), whilst very few farmers used manure or compost. Soil available phosphorus was lowbut showed a balance between inputs and outputs regardless of whether fields were owned. Field nitrogen balances were more negative when fields were owned by farmers. An MCA showed that older farmers employed a greater number of pest control practices. The PCA showed that field variability was dominated by soil organic matter, elevation, and soil pH. Higher organic matter levels were also associated with less stunting and wilting of beans observed by farmers. Our results suggest that research and farmer learning about SPD ecology are key gaps, alongside recycling of organic residues to soils. Cost-effective and sustainable practices to manage bean SPDs for smallholders are also needed.

Synergism of Tephrosia vogelii and Piper aduncum Based Nanoemulation Against Spodoptera frugiperda

The botanical insecticide nanoemulsion is a pesticide having an oil phase and aqueous phase that spontaneously emulsify and range in size from 20 to 200 nm. Bio-combi extracts frequently contain intricate combinations of active ingredients that may work in concert to increase bioactivity. The goal of the study was to develop the optimal nanoformulation and investigate the physiological effects of a synergistic nanoemulsion made from Tephrosia vogelii leaves and Piper aduncum fruit extracts as a substitute pesticide for Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. Low-energy spontaneous emulsification with a magnetic stirrer was used to create nanoemulsions, which were then subjected to a toxicity and food absorption test. Malvern's Zetasizer Nano (ZN), which was used to analyze the insecticidal nano formulae for PSA, revealed that the particle sizes for the 1:1, 3:1, and 1:5 ratios were 204 nm, 4724 nm, and 97 nm, respectively. Only the 1:5 formula, which is classified as a nanoparticle, met the standards for a nanoemulsion and produced S. frugiperda mortality of 82.34% at a concentration of 0.56%, and the LC25, LC50, and LC95 values were 0.1, 0.22, and 1.59%, respectively. The analyzable results demonstrated that the mixed nanoemulsion was additive at the LC50 value was 0.95 while the LC95 value was 0.70%, meaning only marginally synergistic

In vitro evaluation of the herbal cream formulation from methanolic leaf extracts of Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f for topical application

BackgroundTopical infectious are among of global challenges which propelled up with antimicrobial resistances. This scenario compels for drug discovery and development. Herbal formulation is one of important struggle in the drug development with the purpose of overcoming various diseases distressing health care settings. Thus, this study aimed to formulate and evaluate herbal cream from leaf methanolic extracts of Tephrosia vogelii Hook.f for topical therapies.MethodsHerbal cream was prepared by homogeneously mixing up cream base and methanolic leaf extracts of Tephrosia vogelii. Physicochemical properties and in vitro antimicrobial activities of the cream were evaluated. The stability, colour change, washability and texture were parameters used evaluate physicochemical properties of cream. Disc diffusion method was employed to evaluate antimicrobial activities of the cream against Candida albicans (ATCC 90,028), Escherichia coli (ATCC29953) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923).ResultsFormulated herbal creams; CBTV1, CBTV2 and CBTV3 with methanolic extracts concentrations content of Tephrosia vogelii 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.25%, respectively, were prepared. All cream formulations were stable, washable by water, green in colour and soft. The CBTV3 product exhibited with high prominent antimicrobial activity compared to the rest, henceforth promisingly to be effective for topical skin therapy.ConclusionThe herbal cream formulation of methanolic leaf extract of Tephrosia vogelii at 0.25% appeared to have more antimicrobial performance. Therefore, it is considered as minimal concentration for the herbal cream formulation in future for clinical trials as a potential antifungal and antibacterial agent product for treatment of skin infections.Graphical

Effect of Solvent Extracts of Tephrosia vogelii Leaves and Stem on Lipid Profile of Poloxamer 407-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

Abstract Introduction There are claims by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria and valuable scientific reports that the leaves of Tephrosia vogelii (TV) hook are used for the treatment of various diseases; however, there is paucity of information on it used in the management of cardiovascular complications despite the rich presence of phytochemicals. This study aimed at investigating effects of solvents extracts of TV leaves and stem on lipid profile of poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Materials and Methods Varying doses of the solvent extracts (water, ethanol, and acetic acid) of plant material were administered to experimental animals (Albino Wistar rats) induced with hyperlipidemia using poloxamer 407 (P-407). Results The results of the phytochemical screening of leaves and stem revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phlobatannins, and flavonoids in powdered sample of leaves and stem of TV. Aqueous extract of the leaves had the highest yield (18.21 ± 1.12%), while acetic acid extract of stem had the lowest yield (7.21 ± 1.21%). The cholesterol and triacylglycerol level of rats induced with P-407 was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than normal rats. This study showed that aqueous extract at 50mg/kg body weight significantly (p≤0.05) lower cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerol levels. Indices of cardiovascular function atherogenic coefficient, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, and cardioprotective index were positively modulated by the treatment. Conclusion The study indicated that the aqueous leaves extract of TV possesses antihyperlipidemic effects and may explains why it has been found to be useful in the management of cardiovascular diseases by traditional medicine practitioners.

GC-MS analysis of bioactive phytochemicals from methanolic leaf and root extracts of Tephrosia vogelii

The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical compounds present in methanolic root and leaf extracts of Tephrosia vogelii. The plant species is found in the genus Tephrosia and family Fabaceae. Phytochemical screening was conducted to determine the nature of secondary metabolites while Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, (GC-MS) was conducted to determine the specific phyto-compounds present in the methanolic root and leaf extracts. Phytochemicals were ascertained based on molecular weights (m/z) acquired from GC-MS chromatograms. Phytocompounds were established through interpretation of spectral peaks and comparing data with stored databases from the National Institute Standard and Technique (NIST) library. Phytochemical screening revealed terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins and saponins. GC-MS analysis furnished ten phytocompounds. These were; demethylmunduserone (1), sumatrol (2), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3), 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one (4), (4R,5R,8S,8aS)-5-isopropyl-8-methyl-3-methylene-decahydroazulene-4,5,8-triol (5), deguelin (6), hexadecanoic acid (7), munduserone (8), tephrosin (9), and 7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-8-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one (10). This study reports compounds 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 for the first time from this species. Evidently, the reported pharmacological properties of these phytochemicals support the ethnomedical use of T. vogelii for the traditional health care exclusively in the treatment of diseases such as fungal and bacterial, inflammatory, and cancer diseases, as well as the management of pests and ecto-parasites. Phytochemical components identified in this study advocate the presence of ethnomedical and phytopharmaceutical versality of T. vogelii that could be used in the antimicrobial drug formulation studies.

English

This ethnobotanical and ethno-pharmacological study was conducted to know the plants used in fishing practices and to show their importance in traditional medicine in Gabon. For this study, 100 questionnaires were administered to individuals in the fishing and traditional medical domains. 701 plants belonging to 16 different floristic families, including Fabaceae (41%), Rubiaceae (13%), and Rutaceae (15%) were commonly used. Most of the plants were used for fishing and in traditional medicine. Shrubs and trees such as Tephrosia vogelii, Brenania brieyi, highly recognized by the respondents, were used to treat certain diseases such as the ‘night gunshot’ of witchcraft origin, which modern medicine sometimes comes up against. Diseases such as hemorrhoids, malaria, sinusitis and chicken pox were common. On the one hand, the results obtained constitute a source of essential information that could be used to assess the risks of intoxication in populations that consume fish caught from ichthyotoxic plants. On the other hand, this study would permit the understanding of the Gabonese medicinal flora, and could act as a database for subsequent research in pharmacology. Key words: Medicinal plants, ichthyotoxic plants, ethno-pharmacology, ethnobotany.

Field and Laboratory Evaluation of Pesticidal Plants for Bioactivity against Rape and Tomato Pests in Malawi

Insect pests cause serious damage through feeding in the process and may also transmit plant diseases. Although most resource-poor farmers rely on the use of synthetic insecticides for controlling insect pests, it is generally considered too expensive for them. Plant products may be a safer alternative approach and play a significant role in insect pest management and crop protection amongst resource-poor farmers. Laboratory and field evaluation of locally available pesticidal plants were evaluated. The study was conducted at Jenda and Nchenachena in Malawi with rape and tomato to assess the efficacy of some selected pesticidal plants for the control of vegetable pests. Largely, the choice of the selected pesticidal plants was based on resource-poor farmers’ knowledge in the area. The results of the tested plant extracts suggested that some plant extracts could reduce the infestation of red mites and aphids below economic threshold levels. Under laboratory experiments, all plant species caused a significant increase in mortality of Trypanosoma evansi after 24 h. However, Dolichos kilimandscarichus, Tephrosia vogelii, Azadirachta indica, and Bedotia madagascarensis had significantly at P < 0.05 greater mite mortality than the untreated. This suggests that these pesticidal plants could be an alternative to acaricidal and insecticidal pesticides against vegetable pests. These pesticidal plants caused an impressive reduction of red mites and aphids and protected tomatoes and rapes from serious damage and hence could be incorporated into integrated management for the control of vegetable pests.

Organic Inputs on Maize (Zea mays) Yield and Chemical Properties of Two Ultisols

Effects of organic inputs (OIs) on maize grain yield and chemical properties of Ultisols were assessed at Msekera and Misamfu Agricultural Research Stations in the medium and high rainfall regions respectively of Zambia. The OIs included biomasses of the leguminous species Cajanus cajan, Tephrosia vogelii, and Crotalaria juncea, in-situ composted native grasses and shrubs called fundikila, modified fundikila using Mucuna pruriens, and composted cattle manure, with chemical fertilizer as a control. After two crop growing seasons, cattle manure significantly increased soil pH, while modified fundikila significantly increased levels of soil organic matter. At Msekera, OIs increased levels of total N by 300%. At Misamfu, fundikila and Cajanas cajan increased total N by 35%. The OIs did not significantly increase available P and K at both sites. In the first season at Msekera, OIs had a higher mean maize yield (6075±368 kg/ha) than chemical fertilizer (3567±715 kg/ha). Maize yields for OIs in the second season did not differ significantly from those of the first season. At Misamfu the leguminous OIs Cajanas cajan and Tephrosia vogelii, had a lower combined mean maize yield (5405±242 kg/ha) than chemical fertilizer (7426±430 kg/ha) in the first season. A 70% decline in maize yield occurred on plots with leguminous OIs in the second season compared to the first season. Leguminous OIs generally performed better at Msekera than at Misamfu. At both sites, the traditional OIs, cow manure at Msekera, and fundikila at Misamfu had higher maize yields than leguminous OIs. We concluded that effects of OIs on soil chemical properties and maize yield vary with soil and climatic conditions and that these need to be considered when selecting OIs for use by farmers.

Comparative Acute Toxicity of Aqueous Extracts of Tephrosia vogelii and Albizia gummifera on Clarias gariepinus (African Catfish) Fingerlings

Fishing with Albizia gummifera is gaining more popularity than Tephrosia vogelii by local fishermen of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria, because of its productiveness and availability. Acute toxicity of aqueous extracts of leaf and bark of T. vogelii and A. gummifera were conducted on C. gariepinus fingerlings in static non-renewable bioassay. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) mg/L, pH and Temperature (°C) were monitored daily throughout the period by using ExStik® DO600 meter. Definitive acute concentrations of 140, 120, 100, 80, 60, 0.00 mg/L; and 600, 525, 454, 375, 225 and 0.00 g/L as control of aqueous bark and leaf extracts in mg/L for A. gummifera and T. vogelii were used respectively. The result of the water quality parameters of fishes exposed to various plant toxicant concentrations of the plants showed no variation in all the studied water parameters compared with the control treatments. The percentage mortality of fishes was observed to decrease with decrease in toxicant concentrations in both plants. The 96hrs LC10; LC50 and LC99 values with confidence limits were of 61.21 (53.54 - 104.67) mg/L and 131.86 (104.67 - 166.10) mg/L; 94.58 mg/L (108.56 - 82.419) and 277.82 (220.54 - 349.98); and 208.46 (182.31 - 238.35) and 1074.73 (853.13 - 1353.82) of aqueous bark and leaf extracts of A. gummifera and T. vogelii to the exposed fishes, respectively. Lower lethal concentration values of A. gummifera indicated that it is more toxic than T. vogelii. Therefore, fishing with the A. gummifera should be regulated in order to preserve fish species in wild.