Traditional Herbal Practitioners Research Articles

Survey of plant species used in the treatment of common ailments in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

To record the locals' knowledge of some of the medicinal plant species in the area, a survey of plant species used for the treatment of common ailments was carried out in Hawul Local Government Area Borno State. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Numerous quantitative indices, including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Shannon Weiner Index, Simpson Index, Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Family Importance Value (FIV), were used to quantify the advantages, significance, and coverage of ethnomedicine. The Jaccard Index (JI) was used to assess the degree of homogeneity between the current study and earlier research as well as within indigenous tribes. A total of fifty-five (55) medicinal plants species, which were distributed under twenty-nine (29) families were documented from one hundred (100) informants. The majority of species that have been identified are tree species, and the most common plant portion used to make ethnomedicines is leaf material. The Fabaceae were the predominate families among the species that had been documented (11 species) Accacia nilotica, Piliostigma thonningii, Detarium microcarpum, Faidherbia albida, Sennia siamea, Prosopis Africana, Parkia baglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Senna occidentalist, Senna obtusifolia, while the least represented was (1 species) Apocynacea. For digestive system problems, the highest ICF score was 0.77. According to the data gathered from the questionnaires, pile, yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, stomach ache, and ulcer were the most prevalent diseases, in that order. Based on UVs, the two most commonly cited ethnomedicinal plant species in the study area were Khaya senegalensis (0.40), Piliostigma thonningii (0.35) while the least was (0.01) Guinea senegalensis. The most common method of preparation was by decoction and the major route of administration was oral while least cited was sit bath. Phytochemical profiles demonstrated that flavonoids, alkaloids phenols, saponins and tannins were the major phytochemical component in Khaya. senegalensis and Piliostigma. thonningii leaves. This further justifies the frequent application of these plants in folklore medicine by the traditional herbal practitioners to treat different forms of illnesses. It is stated that due to their physiologically active ingredients and accessibility, herbal medicine will continue to play a significant role in the community's health care delivery system.

Barriers to the safe preservation of the traditional herbal practice in Ghana

AbstractThe preservation of the culturally important traditional herbal medicine practice in Ghana is threatened by the growth of allopathic medicine. It is argued that two main factors comprise this threat: significant safety concerns over many traditional herbal preparations, and a conflict in therapeutic frameworks which provides a substrate for the production of misinformation regarding allopathic medicine. Poorly enforced regulation of the commercial herbal market and a total lack of regulation of the traditional herbal market have led to prevalent contamination of herbal preparations with pathogenic bacteria and an unacceptable risk of pharmacological toxicity due to inconsistent production methods and understanding of the active components in these preparations. Simultaneously, misinformation spread by traditional herbal practitioners about allopathic medicine has caused significant morbidity and mortality in Ghana. Evidence from the literature and experience from clinical practice in a hospital in the Eastern region of Ghana are used to explore these factors and provide recommendations. First, thorough regulation of the herbal practice is needed to allay safety concerns. Second, the overall healthcare landscape will have to change to resolve the current tensions between practices. One solution would be the formation of a cooperative healthcare system which incorporates both the allopathic and herbal practices with well‐defined, nonoverlapping scopes of practice. However, such a novel landscape may be unrealistic, with the potential for traditional herbal practices being relegated to secondary role, mainly providing pharmacologically inert preparations while continuing to benefit patients through spiritual, cultural and pastoral interventions.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants claimed by traditional herbal practitioners to manage digestive disorders in an oasis of Tafilalet-Morocco

To highlight the different medicinal plants traditionally used by the local citizens of the Tafilalet region to treat digestive disorders, floristic and ethnobotanical research was conducted in that region from April 2021 to July 2021. The ethnobotanical surveys were carried out using questionnaire sheets with 30 herbalists in different areas in Tafilalet (Errachidia, Rissani, and Erfoud). This study enabled us to gather extensive information about local traditions of therapeutic practices using medicinal plants on one hand and to make a floristic catalog of the same plants on the other hand. Thus, this work ended up by identifying 48 species belonging to 28 floristic families in which Apiaceae and Lamiaceae are the most dominant, and the Ranunculaceae exhibited the highest family use value (FUV=0.667). Of the species listed, Nigella sativa L. has the highest use value (UVs=0.677). The highest relative citation frequency is noted for Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Nigella sativa (RFC=0.233). The leaves (29.82%) are the most used part of plants, and a large part of the remedies are used in powder form (35%) and infusion (28%). The most treated digestive disorders are gastritis (26%) and abdominal pain (24%).

Ethnobotanical survey of plant species in folkloric medicine in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State

Area of Borno State was conducted with a view to document the indigenous knowledge of some medicinal plant species found in the area. The information was obtained through semi-structured questionnaire. The benefits, importance and coverage of ethnomedicine were expressed through several quantitative indices including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Fidelity Level (FL). The agreement of homogeneity between the present and previous studies and among the indigenous communities was evaluated using the Jaccard Index (JI). A total of fifty-five (55) medicinal plant species, which were distributed in twenty-nine (29) families were documented from one hundred (100) informants. Majority of documented species were trees, and leaves were the most utilised plant parts for the preparation of ethnomedicines. The highest ICF value was 0.77 for digestive system disorders. The information retrieved from the questionnaires revealed that the most common ailments were pile and ulcer. Based on UVs, the two most commonly cited ethnomedicinal plant species in the study area were Khaya senegalensis (0.40) and Piliostigma thonningii (0.35) . The most common method of preparation was by decoction and the major route of administration was oral. Phytochemical profiles showed that flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins and tannins were the major phytochemical components in Khaya senegalensis and Piliostigma thonningii leaves. This justified the frequent use of these plants in folklore medicine by the traditional herbal practitioners to treat different illnesses.

Phytochemical Analysis and Elemental Contents of Varieties of <i>Polyalthia longifolia</i> (Sonn.) Thwaites

Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Annonaceae, and it is distributed in the tropics. This plant is widely grown in West Africa for its ornamental and medicinal purposes. There are two varieties of P. longifolia which are commonly distinguishable by the direction of their branches. One has spreading perpendicular branches, and the other has drooping pendulous branches. Traditional herbal practitioners believe that one variety (P. longifolia cv. pendula) is more medicinal than the other. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the phytochemical components of the two varieties of P. longifolia by HPTLC, UPLC, and elemental analysis by ICP-EOS. No observable differences were found in the phytochemical and elemental profiles of these varieties that could help distinguish one from the other or could account for its supposed differences in medicinal properties. A total of 22 elements were detected in the samples of the two varieties of the plant. Qualitatively, the elemental content of both varieties was similar. Only Iridium was not detected in all samples. Heavy metals including As, Pb, Cd, and Hg had their levels above the recommended limits.

Antioxidant Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Herbal Practitioners to Treat Cancer in Malawi

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh, Psorospermum febrifugum Spach, Inula glomerata Oliv. and Hiern, Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. and Monotes africanus A.DC., claimed to treat cancer by Malawian traditional herbal practitioners. Ground and dried plant extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total alkaloid content (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) using standard assays. The TPC, TFC, and TAC ranged from 539 ± 2.70 to 4602 ± 32 mg GAE/g DW, 6.18 ± 0.03 to 64.04 ± 0.16 mg QE/g DW and 19.25 ± 0.07 to 76.05 ± 0.36 mg CE/g DW, respectively, and the variations were significant, p < 0.05. FRAP values ranged from 82.15 ± 0.7 to 687.28 ± 0.71 mg TEAC/g DW and decreased in the following order: P. thoningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh > P. febrifugum Spach > M. africanus A.DC > Z. chalybeum Engl > I. glomerata Oliv. and Hiern. The scavenging activity (SA50) of the extracts ranged from 0.09 ± 0.01 to 1.57 ± 0.01 μg/mL of extract with P. thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh showing the lowest value. Based on the levels of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity, the plants in this study could be considered for use as medicinal agents and sources of natural bioactive compounds and antioxidants.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants claimed by traditional herbal practitioners to manage cancers in Malawi

IntroductionThis study documented medicinal plants that are claimed by traditional herbal practitioners (THPs) to manage specific types of cancers in Mzimba and Nkhata Bay districts of the northern region of Malawi. MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire and purposive sampling technique were used in the survey to obtain data regarding the THPs and the herbal plants that are used to manage different types of cancers. Data was analysed using descriptive statistical methods. ResultsTwenty-five THPs were identified and sixty-three plant species from 37 families were used by THPs to treat various cancers in the studied areas. Forty-one percent of the cited plants were used in wound healing, 17%, 16%, 11%, 9%, 3%, 2% and were used to treat prostate, oesophageal, cervical and stomach cancers, ulcers, tumours, and internal wounds, respectively. Roots (47%) were the mostly used plant parts followed by stems (27.7%), leaves (9.2%), fruits (4.6%) and the remaining 10.8% included climbers, shrubs and whole plants. Most prepared recipes were uncarbonised powders (45%) followed by aqueous decoctions (32%), and the remaining 23% were distributed amongst maceration, carbonised powders and infusions. Topical (48%) was the most frequently used mode of administration followed by oral (39%), through porridge (10%) while incisions and bandaging were 2% and 1%, respectively. Some recipes were polyherbal mixtures which utilised the synergy amongst phytochemicals. ConclusionThe study has provided indigenous knowledge of herbal plants available in Mzimba and Nkhata Bay districts which can serve as a baseline for the identification and isolation of bioactive compounds with subsequent use of herbal medicines in clinical trials.

Crinum jagus: antiproliferative studies of extracts on HepG2 cell line and in silico assessment of phytoconstituents as potential inhibitors of p53–mortalin interaction

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide and has a poor prognosis in black Africans. Traditional herbal practitioners in southwestern Nigeria use Crinum jagus (J. Thompson) Dandy for cancer treatment. This study screens methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of C. jagus leaves for activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The antiproliferative properties of the extracts were assessed by comparing their IC50 values with that of the standard drug, cisplatin.The GC–MS technique was used to identify the phytoconstituents in the extracts. The drug-likeness of each identified phytoconstituents in the extracts was determined by following Lipinski’s rule of five. In addition, phytoconstituents having drug-like properties were screened as potential inhibitors of the p53–mortalin interaction by docking them against the mortalin residues 3N8E and 4KBO using Swissdock.ResultsFor the antiproliferative study, the IC50 values obtained for cisplatin, methanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves were 5 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL, and 70 µg/mL, respectively, indicating that the methanol extract and cisplatin possess comparable antiproliferative properties. Hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, tangeretin, galanthamine, and crinamine, which were part of the constituents identified in the leaves, possess drug-like properties and are known to show cytotoxic properties against several cancer cell lines. On docking with mortalin residue 3N8E, hexadecanoic acid and hexadecanoic acid methyl ester had comparable binding energy (− 8.21 kcal mol−1) with withaferin A and withanone (8.29 kcal mol−1 and 8.14 kcal mol−1). Hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, and galanthamine had binding energy of − 7.66, − 7.45, and − 7.47 kcal mol−1, respectively, with mortalin residue, 4KBO, comparable to values of − 7.68 and − 7.59 kcal mol−1 obtained for withaferin A and withanone, respectively.ConclusionThe methanol extract of C. jagus leaves demonstrated remarkable antiproliferative activities against HepG2, justifying its use in traditional medicine for cancer treatment. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts contain drug-like compounds with known cytotoxic properties against several cancer cell lines. Some of these compounds (hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, tangeretin, and galanthamine) are inhibitors of the p53–mortalin interaction.Graphical

Plants used in the treatment of female infertility and other related health issues in Agbor, Ika South, Delta State, Nigeria

An ethnomedicinal survey of plants used to treat female infertility and other ailments in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, Delta state of Nigeria was conducted for the purpose of identification and documentation. Information was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire through oral interviews with informants which included traditional herbal practitioners, traditional nurses and midwives, housewives, community elders, local farmers, and others. A total of 75 medicinal plant species belonging to 45 families were identified and their botanical names, method of preparation, administration and dosage were documented. Most of the preparations were made through decoctions or infusions. The leaves were the plant parts which were mostly used. Most of the species can be sourced locally by harvesting from farms, forests, or bushes, or by buying from local markets. To ensure the preservation and continuity of ethnomedicine, proper documentation and deliberate conservation practices should be adopted.

Micromorphological Characters in Wild Medicinal Species of Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae)

Adulteration, misidentification, and substitution of wild Dioscorea species are common in Nigeria's herbal market and among traditional herbal practitioners. The present investigation reports a comparative micromorphological study of three wild species of Dioscorea L. used in ethnomedicine in South-western Nigeria to elucidate taxonomically significant characters, which would aid species identification. Physical and chemical methods were used in obtaining the epidermal leaf surfaces of the Dioscorea species. Leaves of D. hirtiflora Benth. and D. bulbifera L. were amphistomatic, whereas D. dumetorum (Kunth) Pax were hypostomatic. Diagnostic foliar epidermal characters include striated cell wall; presence of raphides in D. hirtiflora and D. dumetorum and secretory glands in D. dumetorum (wild) and D. hirtiflora. Glandular trichomes were observed in all species in addition to simple, elongated, unicellular trichomes in D. dumetorum and stellate trichomes in D. hirtiflora. Epidermal cells mainly were polygonal, straight to slightly wavy but deeply undulating in D. dumetorum. The largest and smallest mean epidermal cell sizes were obtained on the adaxial surfaces of D. bulbifera (mauve) and D. dumetorum (wild), respectively. Micromorphological characters in the Dioscorea species studied are taxonomically significant for species identification and could serve as diagnostic taxonomic tools for their standardization. A key for the identification of species is provided.

Plants used against liver disorders by autochthonous practitioners of Multan, Pakistan

The research work was commenced with an aim to document plant based drug recipes used by autochthonous practitioners against liver diseases in Multan region. The data was collected by interviews and semi-structured questionnaire from 43 traditional herbal practitioners. Recorded data was evaluated using the use value, relative frequency of citation (RFC), family importance value (FIV) and family use value (FUV). Total of 69 plant species belonging to 38 families were reported to be utilized to treat various liver disorders. The most important species regarding their use value were 3.0 for Polygonum bistorta, Citrus limon. It means that highly cited plants are more important in traditional medicines but this does not mean the plants low-citation plants by respondents are less medicinal important. It may be due to unavailability of plants in the area or lack of knowledge. Most of plant parts used were leaves due to ease of collection as compared to underground parts. One the basis family use value Asteraceae as the dominating or prominent family. These plants can be further investigated for allied pharmacological studies that will affect the socio-economical condition of the local community.

Efficacy of Selected Medicinal Plants of Kaya Kauma and Kaya Tsolokero Against Bacterial Diseases

An ethnobotanical study was carried out in the sacred Kaya forests of Kauma and Tsolokero in Kilifi County in Kenya. Ethnobotanical data on useful and medicinal plants was collected. Communities living around these two forests basically depend on the diversity of flora for their livelihoods. The local herbalists use indigenous trees and shrubs to treat a variety of diseases. These skills have been passed down through generations. In this study, a survey was carried out in twenty-six villages around Kaya Kauma (18) and Kaya Tsolokero (8). The population was interviewed for knowledge on medicinal plants. More emphasis was put on the Traditional herbal practitioners (THPs) possess more information on herbal plants, their preparation and prescription for ailments they reportedly treat. Preliminary reports indicated that most commonly treated ailments were caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses in that order. Based on this, Eleven (11) medicinal plants recommended for bacteria-related ailments were selected and tested in the laboratory to validate their efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Suspensions of S. aureus and E.coli were prepared form 24h fresh colonies and diluted to x10-7 cfu/ml where 100µl of each were plated to dry on 9cm plates filled with King B media. A protocol adopted from the THPs was used to prepare medicinal plant formulations from the selected plants. The plant materials were subjected to soaking, boiling or roasting as recommended and finally formulated in SDW at 1:1 (Wt/Vol). About 40µl of the plant formulations diluted at x10-1, x10-2 and x10-3 and SDW as control treatment were loaded on sterile paper plugs, allowed to air dry in a laminar flow before placing them equi-distantly at 4 cm radius on the inoculated King B media plates. More than (64%) of tested plants suppressed the growth of either S. aureus or E.coli while 4 (>30%) suppressed both test bacteria. In total, 91 medicinal plants were mentioned by communities in Kaya Kauma (48) and Tsolokero (43). THPs from the two forest commonly treated ailments caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses in that order. The bioassay tests in this study validated the potency of more than 75% of the recommended medicinal plants that treated bacterial infections. Concentrations used in the study were far below what is recommended by THPs which raises concerns of possibilities of over prescriptions. There is need therefore to regularize and standardize products from this fast-growing industry.

Cognitive enhancing effects and anticholinesterase activity of stem bark and leaf extracts of Prunus africana

Alzheimer's disease is ranked among the top five causes of death for old people. Globally, it is approximated that there are 7.7 million new cases of Alzheimer's disease per annum and it is expected that by the year 2050, as many as 1.5% of people will be victims of Alzheimers or other types of dementia. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and the conventional therapeutics agents available either have low efficacy or are associated with serious side effects. In the current study, in vivo cognitive advancing and anticholinesterase effects of crude methanol extracts of stem bark and leaf of Prunus africana were investigated in scopolamine treated mice. Passive avoidance task was used to evaluate cognitive enhancing effects of the two plant extracts. Donepezil was used as the standard drug. Scopolamine butylbromide (5 mg/kg bw) was administered intraperitoneally to induce Alzheimer's disease in mice during the study. A completely controlled randomised experimental design was employed in the current study. The two extracts displayed significant anticholinesterase activities and improved cognition in a dose dependent fashion as indicated by escape latency trends. From the current study, it is concluded that methanol extracts of stem bark and leaf of P. africana contain phytochemicals with anticholinesterase activity and cognitive enhancing effects in scopolamine treated mice. The study therefore supports use of leaf and stem bark extracts of P. africana for management of dementia by traditional herbal practitioners.

Comparative Glycemic Control in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes on Herbal and Conventional Glucose-Lowering Agents in Nairobi County, Kenya

Background: Some diabetic patients seek care exclusively from traditional herbal practitioners. It is not known if the care provided by herbalists is effective in maintaining optimal glycemic control.
 Aim: To compare glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes on treatment with conventional medicines against those on herbal glucose-lowering therapies.
 Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Patients on conventional treatment were recruited from the Endocrinology and Diabetes Outpatient Centre at Kenyatta National Hospital. The comparative group was enrolled from the New Life Herbal Clinic. The study was carried out between March 2019 and December 2021.
 Methodology: We recruited 80 patients on treatment with conventional antidiabetic therapies at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and 37 patients on herbal therapies at New Life Herbal Clinic (NLHC). A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit the study participants. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels were measured at the time of the patient visit.
 Patients with HbA1c levels <7% were considered to have achieved adequate glycemic control. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was performed on all the variables and compared across the two study arms. Regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with glycemic control for each treatment group. Data were entered into and analyzed using SPSS software version 26 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, USA). P-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.
 Results: Patients on conventional antidiabetic medications had significantly lower mean HbA1c levels (7.40+1.92) % compared to (8.34+1.97) % in the herbal treatment arm (P=0.016). Significant differences in mean HbA1c % were reported in patients on a combination of 5-6 herbs (7.06 +1.54) % compared to those on 3-4 herbs (8.63+1.91) % (P= 0.045). Significant predictors of adequate glycemic control (HbA1c< 7%) were having a past HbA1c check ( (aOR= 3.098 (95% C.I=1.258-7.631) P=.014), adherence to medications ( (aOR= 6.055 (95% C.I=1.623-22.593) P= .007), treatment with Launaea cornuta ( (aOR= 7.143 (95% C.I=1.462-34.893) P= 0.015) and being married (aOR=2.870 (95% C.I=1.054-7.818) P=0.039).
 Conclusion: Patients on treatment with conventional agents reported better glycemic control compared to those on herbal therapies. Regular monitoring of HbA1c, adherence to medications, having a spouse and treatment with Launaea cornuta may enhance blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Aphrodisiac Plant Pausinystalia yohimbe Induces Myocardiac Histological Normalcy in Wistar Rats

The root of Pausinystalia yohimbe (k. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille, is commonly used by traditional herbal practitioners in Nigeria and around the globe without a safe dose regimen to treat erectile dysfunction and other related reproductive disorders. The present study examines some histological indices in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) treated orally with P. yohimbe methanol root using twenty five Wistar rats divided into five groups (n=5) of four treatment groups and one control group. The control group was administered 10 mL/kg distilled water only, while treatment groups received 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w of P. yohimbe root extract by oral cannula for 14 days. On day 15, animals in all group were anaesthetized, their heart were isolated and processed histologically. The results showed normal histological indices of the hearts examined, which were resemblance of, and significantly not different from the control. Therefore, the present study provides support for the safety profile of P. yohimbe herbal preparation in a concentration of doses administered to male Wistar rats. However, further studies may attempt to look at higher doses under similar circumstances.

Antispasmodic activity of the ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds: Justifying ethnomedicinal use in Pakistan to treat asthma and diarrhea

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCitrullus lanatus (Thunb.) belongs to the ground family, Cucurbitaceae, known for edible fruit. Besides nutritional benefits, the traditional herbal practitioners in Pakistan and India used their seeds to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary disorders. In Northern Sudan, its seeds are often used as a laxative. Its root is laxative and emetic at a high dose. Its seeds are also used to treat bedwetting and urinary tract obstruction. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to elucidate the multi-target mechanisms of Citrullus lanatus seeds to treat asthma and diarrhea. The pharmacological experiments were designed and conducted, along with the pharmacology network and molecular docking predictions, to verify the seeds biopotency for antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties. MethodsLC ESI-MS/MS were performed to identify the potentially active compounds in hydroethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds, then to quantify them by HPLC. The quantified bioactive compounds of Citrullus lanatus, i.e., stigmasterol, quinic acid, malic acid, epicatechin, caffeic acid, rutin, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, scopoletin, apigenin, and kaempferol were subjected to in silico studies for molecular docking. The hydroethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds was examined on isolated rabbit tissue, i.e., jejunum, trachea, and urinary bladder. The antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal and antisecretory studies were also performed in animal models. ResultsIn silico studies revealed that bioactive compounds of C. lanatus seeds interfere with asthma and diarrhea-associated target genes, which are a member of calcium mediate signaling, regulation of cytosolic calcium concentration, smooth muscle contraction, and inflammatory responses. It was also found that rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and scopoletin were stronger binding to voltage-gated calcium channels, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, myosin light chain kinase, and phosphoinositide phospholipase C, thus, exerting calcium channel blocker activity. The hydroethanolic extract of C. lanatus seeds exerted a concentration-dependent relaxant response for the spasmolytic response on isolated jejunum and trachea preparations and caused relaxation of spastic contraction of K+ (80 mM). Furthermore, it caused a non-parallel rightward shift with suppression of calcium concentration-response curves. In animal models, the Cl.EtOH showed antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal and antisecretory response. ConclusionThus, we confirm Citrullus lanatus seeds have some medicinal effects by regulating the contractile response through target proteins of calcium mediates signaling and can be a promising component in the medical treatment for asthma and diarrhea.

Scientific basis for medicinal use of Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) in diarrhea and asthma: In vitro, in vivo and in silico studies

BackgroundCitrullus lanatus (Thunb.) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, commonly farmed as an edible vegetable around the globe. It has been used in traditional therapies in addition to nutritional advantages. Traditional herbal practitioners employ C. lanatus seeds to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary diseases in Pakistan and India. However, more investigation is needed to understand the effect of C. lanatus seeds on treating gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary disorders. PurposeThis research aimed to use network pharmacology and molecular docking to understand multi-target mechanisms of C. lanatus seeds against asthma and diarrhea and to validate its effects using biological tests to investigate antispasmodic and bronchodilator capabilities. MethodsThe ground seeds of C. lanatus were extracted in hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol, and aqueous for sequential extracts. The bioactive components in sequential extracts of C. lanatus seeds were identified using LC ESI-MS/MS, and specific compounds were quantified using HPLC. The quantified bioactive compounds of C. lanatus were subjected to in silico studies for network pharmacology and molecular docking to elucidate their role in antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties. The sequential extracts were tested on isolated rabbit tissue, i.e., jejunum, trachea, and urinary bladder. The antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal and antisecretory studies were also performed in animal models. ResultsIn silico studies indicate that bioactive chemicals from sequential extracts of C. lanatus seeds interfere with asthma and diarrhea-associated pathogenic genes. Those are members of calcium mediate signaling, cholinergic synapse, regulation of cytosolic calcium concentration, smooth muscle contraction, and inflammatory responses. It was also found that rutin, quercitrin, stearic acid, umbelliferone, and kaempferol were stronger binding to voltage-gated calcium channels and muscarinic M3 receptor, thus exerting calcium channel blocker activity and cholinergic receptor stimulant response. On isolated jejunum, trachea, and urinary preparations, sequential extracts of C. lanatus seeds elicited the spasmolytic response and showed the relaxation of spastic contractions of K+ (80 mM) and carbachol (1 µM). Furthermore, it induced a non-parallel rightward shift in calcium concentration-response curves with suppression. In animal models, C. lanatus seed extracts exhibited partially or completely antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal, and antisecretory effects. ConclusionThus, Citrullus lanatus had therapeutic benefits by modulating the contractile response through calcium-mediated signaling target proteins, hence exerting bronchodilator and antidiarrheal properties. The current study provides evidence for further mechanistic studies and the development of C. lanatus seeds as a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary disorders.

EXPLORING THE POTENTIALS OF UNDERUTILIZED AFRICAN NUTS (BLACK WALNUTS AND ALMONDS) FOR NUTRITION AND DISEASES

Purpose: This study explores the potential of underutilized African nuts (Black walnuts and Almond) in nutrition and curing dietary diseases. The study attempts to find out the extent of consumption of Black walnut and Almonds among Staff and students of selected tertiary institutions in Nigeria and find out whether people not consuming these nuts (Walnuts and Almonds) have specific reasons for avoiding them.Methodology: The study adopted survey research design to generate data for the study. The population of the study comprised of staff and students across three main federal institutions in South-west region. The sample comprised of 300 respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. The study also partly adopts interview to get the opinion of 30 randomly selected Traditional Herbal Practitioners in the study areas. Structured questionnaire designed based on the objectives of the study was used in data collection.Findings: Data generated showed that majority of the respondents have little or no knowledge about the culinary, medicinal and therapeutic benefits of these nuts let alone utilize them in their diets. The study also showed that majority of the respondents rejected these nuts because of negative allergic reactions (i.e. Acne, body itching, stomach cramp, diarrhea/vomiting and bitter after taste) experienced after consuming them. The report of some of the Traditional Herbal Practitioners interviewed corroborated the fact that Almonds and black walnuts have potentials for curing many dietary diseases.Conclusion: Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that Almonds and walnuts should form active parts of family’s diet and that health officials and nutritionist should collaborate in organizing seminars and workshops on the need to live healthy life and fight against commons preventable diseases through consumption of nuts (walnuts and almonds)

English

Southwestern region of Bangladesh is very rich in floral diversity, and their diversified uses. An extensive survey was conducted to investigate ethnobotanical applications of botanical species by the community of Khulna, Bangladesh. We focused on plants and community relationships, identify the most important species used, determine the relative importance of the species surveyed and calculated the Fidelity level (FI) and Cultural Significance Index (CSI) concerning individual species. In total, we have listed 136 species of 114 genera under 52 families, of which 41% (63) species were utilized as food, followed by  30% (45) medicine, 14% (21) constructional timber, 11% (17) ornamental, and 4% (6) other uses. Inheritance of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants was the primary source of knowledge acquisition through oral transmission over the generations. However, only 34% of the informants were traditional herbal practitioners. Most of the medicinal uses are primly associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, expectorant, antidote, fever reduction, and pain relief. Key words: Plants, ethnobotany, homestead, Khulna, Bangladesh.

Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of Senna singueana, Melia azedarach, Moringa oleifera and Lannea discolor herbal plants

Senna singueana, Melia azedarach, Moringa oleifera and Lannea discolor are claimed to be effective in the management of cancer by some traditional herbal practitioners in Malawi. The study evaluated methanol extracts of leaves of S. singueana, M. azedarach, M. oleifera and barks of L. discolor for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity. TPC was determined using the Folin Ciocalteau assay while TFC was determined by aluminum chloride assay. Antioxidant activity of extracts was analyzed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Barks of L. discolor contained the highest total phenolic content (27.64 ± 0.09 mg GAE g − 1 DW) while leaves of S. singueana contained highest total flavonoid content (7.372 ± 0.01 mg QE g − 1 DW). DPPH radical scavenging activity of all extracts ranged from 42.72 ± 0.18 to 89.09 ± 1.18% while FRAP values ranged from 68.47 ± 1.72 to 166.3 ± 1.65 mg TEACg−1 DW. A direct positive significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between TPC and antioxidant activity. Results from the present study are comparable with literature values of well-known medicinal plants. Thus, these four medicinal plants may contain phenolic aglycones with potential anticancer activity. Future studies are needed to characterize extracts for specific phytochemicals related to anticancer activity.