Source Of Traditional Medicine Research Articles

THE BENEFITS OF MUSA PARADISIACA L. (SABA BANANA) AS A SUNNAH–BASED HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ALTERNATIVE

One of the plants that can be used as the main ingredient of medicine is the banana plant. Basically, the saba banana plant is not only to fulfill daily needs, but can be used as an alternative sunnah-style treatment for physical and spiritual health. Every part of the banana can be used as a source of traditional medicine with easy processing to be practiced daily. Almost all parts of saba banana, starting from the fruit, skin, heart, stem, to the leaves, have different properties such as traditional medicine and industrial raw materials. That way, saba banana can be used as evidence of how blessed Allah SWT's creation has a variety of benefits for humans. Utilizing saba banana as a sunnah-based health improvement alternative is an environmentally friendly step. In addition, saba bananas are also easy to find and affordable and can be consumed every day and are also recommended by scholars as in HR. Tirmidzi.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Carthamus caeruleus L. Rhizome Extracts

The genus Carthamus is recognized as an essential source of traditional medicine due to its immune-enhancing, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This study aims to compare and determine the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the hydromethanolic and chloroformic extracts of the rhizome of Carthamus caeruleus L. The antioxidant activity was assessed using three radical scavenging methods, namely 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS+ ), nitric oxide scavenging (NO·) and non-enzymatic radical scavenging (SO·). The potential cytotoxic was evaluated on several tumor cell lines, including gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), colorectal adenocarcinoma (CaCo2), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), lung carcinoma (NCI-H460), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), and one non-tumor cell line of African green monkey kidney (VERO). The hydromethanolic extract was significantly more potent than the chloroformic extract for both activities evaluated, exhibiting IC50 values of 0.14 ± 0.008, 1.39 ± 0.27, and 0.89 ± 0.074 µg/mL in ABTS+, NO·and SO·assays, respectively. As for cytotoxic potential, the hydromethanolic extract was particularly active against the NCI-H460 cells (IC50 value of 177.69 ± 1.90 µg/mL). These results suggest that the hydromethanoic extract of the rhizome of C. caeruleus could be used as an antioxidant and cytotoxic agent, supporting its traditional use as a treatment for burns. Keywords: Carthamus caeruleus L.; antioxidant activity; cytotoxic potential; radical scavenging.

Literature-based Survey of Medicinal Plants Since 1900: A Case Study to Treat Cancer in the Sultanate of Oman.

Due to the high prevalence of cancer, researchers for the past decades have made considerable efforts for its management and treatment. Medicinal plants have always been exploited to discover novel anticancer agents. Oman's huge biodiversity has created a rich source of traditional medicine. The current survey has aimed to document the traditionally used medicinal plants of Oman and their therapeutic role in the treatment of cancer. This study comprises of literature-based survey through different databases, including Google, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer Link, BioMed Central and PubMed. The current review revealed a total of 57 plant species that belong to 35 families that are used in the treatment of cancer in Oman. Most documented plants belong to Solanaceae (6 sp.), Apocyanaceae (5 sp.) and Lamiaceae (4 sp.). The literature reveals that the residents of the area mostly use leaves (38.5%) and prepare their recipes in the form of decoction (40.3%). Moreover, herbs are the most dominant life form (43.85%). Among all forms of cancer in Oman, breast (47%), wound (26), and lung cancer (0.5%) were found dominantly. A literature study confirmed that the medicinal plants used for cancer in Oman are rich in phytochemicals such as quercetin, allicin, coumarin, alliin, kaempferol, solamargine, rutin, lupeol, ursolic acid and luteolin that have shown significant biological activities including anti-cancer potential. It reflects the efficacy of these plants to be used as a medicine in clinical trials. Among all, Boswellia sacra Flueck. is of key importance due to the presence Boswellic acid being used for the treatment of different types of cancer. The residents of Oman have great knowledge about the traditional use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases like cancer. The therapeutic potential and physiological efficacy of Omani medicinal plants should be further explored at a molecular level via in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Unveiling the Medicinal Potential of Berberis aristata: A Traditional Native Plant of Uttarakhand

Since ancient times, indigenous medicinal system of India has included herbal plants as a traditional source of medicine. India is known as a rich repository of medicinal plants, and one such plant is Berberis aristata which belongs to the family Berberidaceae which grows mainly in the sub-Himalayan region and the Nilgiri Hills of Southern India. Berberis aristata is used as traditional medicine in various communities to treat eye disorders, piles, osteoporosis, joint pain, skin diseases, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, allergic conditions, ophthalmia, metabolic disorders and during menopause. The plant contains various phytochemical constituents, mainly alkaloids like berberine, oxyberberine, berbamine, aromoline, karachine, palmatine, oxyacanthine, and taxilamine. Berberine, the major alkaloid, is found in roots, stem bark, rhizomes, and leaves, with the highest concentration in the roots. Various pharmacological properties of Berberis aristata have been reported such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and improved reproductive health. This review aims to highlight the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Berberis aristata which will be helpful to give insights on medicinal utility of the plant. Although more elaborated clinical trials and studies at molecular level will be required to fully understand and validate these properties.

In-vitro Antioxidant, In-vitro and In-silico Ovarian Anticancer Activity (Ovarian Cancer Cells-PA1) and Phytochemical Analysis of Cissus quadrangularis L. Ethanolic Extract.

Cissus quadrangularis is a valuable natural source of traditional medicines. An in vitro investigation was performed to determine whether the ethanolic extract from the whole portions of C. quadrangularis had anticancer and free radical scavenging activities against ovarian cancer cells-PA1. C. quadrangularis is a herb collected from rural areas in Andhra Pradesh, India. C. quadrangularis was air-dried and crushed, and the powder and ethanol (0.5 kg) were used in a Soxhlet device for continuous extraction. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was performed using a standard procedure. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis was evaluated using DPPH. An in vitro anticancer study used an ethanolic extract against the PA1 cell line. Apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells was studied using DAPI and carboxy-H2DCFDA staining. From LC-MS analysis, quercetin-3-O-alpha-Lrhamnopyranoside and erucic acid were docked with the threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK) enzyme using auto docking. The ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis demonstrated significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid. The ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis was found to have high anticancer activity against ovarian cancer cell lines (PA1), with an IC50 value of 482.057 ± 113.857 μg/ml. DAPI and carboxy-H2DCFDA staining confirmed that C. quadrangularis ethanolic extract induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells (p < .001). Molecular docking studies helped identify the binding affinities between the protein and ligand complexes, such as Quercetin-3-O-alpha-Lrhamnopyranoside binding sites of target proteins 5N7V (MET602, GLN672) and erucic acid 5N7V (GLY354). Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside was reported to bind with 5N7V by hydrogen bonding at MET602 and GLN672 amino acids with 2.02, 2.99 Å bonding length distance and binding affinity of -7.9 kcal/mol. Erucic acid was reported to bind with 5N7V by hydrogen bonding at GLY354 amino acid with 3.18, 2.93 Å bonding length (Å) distance and binding affinity of -4.3 kcal/mol. The current analysis showed that the ethanolic extracts of C. quadrangularis L. exhibited antioxidant and anticancer properties against ovarian PA1 cells. The experimental results confirmed that C. quadrangularis L. is a promising, safe chemotherapeutic plant for ovarian cancer PA1 cells. The docking results demonstrated that Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside strongly binds threonine tyrosine kinase at the MET602 and GLN672 positions. This study showed that the C. quadrangularis ethanolic extract has Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, which can be used as an anticancer agent.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for Optimizing Protein Extraction from Housefly (Musca domestica) Larvae Fed with Toad and Its Structural Characterization.

With the global population on the rise, an escalating interest exists in environmentally sustainable and friendly protein sources. Insects have emerged as multifaceted resources, viewed not only as potential food items, but also as sources of traditional medicines and proteins. This study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to ascertain the optimal extraction conditions for proteins from Musca domestica used in toad feeding, denoted as MDPs-T. The yield of MDPs-T was elevated to 18.3% ± 0.2% under these optimized conditions. Subsequently, the particle size, ζ-potentials, and structures of MDPs-T were analyzed and compared with the proteins derived from Musca domestica fed on a normal diet (MDPs-ND). This comparative analysis utilized a range of advanced techniques, involving UV spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The outcomes have revealed a marginal disparity in the physical and chemical properties between MDPs-T and MDPs-ND. Derosination led to a reduction in the particle size of the MDPs by 10.98% to 62.81%. MDPs-T exhibited a higher proportion of low-molecular-weight components relative to MDPs-ND. Additionally, in a comparative analysis of amino acids, MDPs-T displayed a greater abundance of essential and total amino acids relative to MDPs-ND. Consequently, MDPs-T holds potential as a valuable food supplement for human consumption or as a nutrient-rich feed supplement for animals.

Pharmacological and phytochemical insights on the pancreatic β-cell modulation by Angelica L. roots

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAngelica roots are a significant source of traditional medicines for various cultures around the northern hemisphere, from indigenous communities in North America to Japan. Among its many applications, the roots are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, this application is not mentioned often. Ethnopharmacological studies have reported the use of A. japonica var. hirsutiflora, A. furcijuga, A. shikokiana, and A. keiskei to treat diabetes symptoms, and further reports have demonstrated the three angelica roots, i.e., A. japonica var. hirsutiflora, A. reflexa, and A. dahurica, exhibit insulin secretagogue activity. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to phytochemically characterize and compare angelica roots monographed in the European Pharmacopeia 11th, isolate major plant metabolites, and assess extracts and isolates' capability to modulate pancreatic β-cell function. Materials and methodsRoot extracts of Angelica archangelica, Angelica dahurica, Angelica biserrata, and Angelica sinensis were phytochemically profiled using liquid chromatography method coupled with mass spectrometry. Based on this analysis, simple and furanocoumarins were isolated using chromatography techniques. Extracts (1.6–50 μg/mL) and isolated compounds (5–40 μmol/L) were studied for their ability to modulate insulin secretion in the rat insulinoma INS-1 pancreatic β-cell model. Insulin was quantified by the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence method. ResultsForty-one secondary metabolites, mostly coumarins, were identified in angelica root extracts. A. archangelica, A. dahurica, and A. biserrata root extracts at concentration of 12.5–50 μg/mL potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion, which correlated with their high coumarin content. Subsequently, 23 coumarins were isolated from these roots and screened using the same protocol. Coumarins substituted with the isoprenyl group were found to be responsible for the extracts' insulinotropic effect. ConclusionsInsulinotropic effects of three pharmacopeial angelica roots were found, the metabolite profiles and pharmacological activities of the roots were correlated, and key structures responsible for the modulation of pancreatic β-cell function were identified. These findings may have implications for the traditional use of angelica roots in treating diabetes. Active plant metabolites may also become lead structures in the search for new antidiabetic treatments.

Micropropagation, genetic fidelity and chromatographic analysis in Evolvulus alsinoides (L.): A potent multipurpose medicinal plant

Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) is an annually growing medicinal plant used in many popular systems as a source of traditional medicine. However, fresh plant material for medicinal uses and research purposes is critically unavailable year-round due to its short life cycle. A micropropagation method for E. alsinoides was developed, and its genetic diversity was described. Surface sterilized nodal explants were inoculated onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators; the best response of multiple shoot induction was observed on MS media augmented with 5 μM kinetin (Kn) and 0.1 μM Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which gave a maximum number of 10.27 ± 0.0118 shoots. Further, the addition of 30 μM of adenine sulfate to the MS media enhanced shoot multiplication (18). The cloned shoots were accomplished to in vitro rooting on MS medium with 0.1 μM Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 10 μM phloroglucinol, resulting in 16 healthy roots. The rooted plantlets were acclimatized in the shade house. The genetic stability of micropropagated plants was confirmed through molecular marker analysis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the tissues of clones revealed the contents of secondary metabolites. High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) revealed that squalene levels were highest in plants cultured in MS medium supplemented with adenine sulfate (378.89 ng/ 15 μl). The methods developed and defined are highly reproducible and can be used for commercial production of E. alsinoides valued for human health.

Corms As Additional Features to identify Gladiolus species Used in Ethnomedicine

Background: Plants remain vital as sources of traditional medicine towards management of various health challenges. Various parts such as leaves, stem bark, roots, flowers, and corms of different plants are utilized to manage a lot of human ailments. Proper identification of these plants together with their parts remain imperative for effective utilization. Gladiolus (Iridaceae) is a genus that consists of underground corms and has strikingly showy flowers. The corms are mostly rounded and symmetrically enveloped with fibrous tunics. Species in this genus are utilized widely to treat a number of diseases and health conditions. Presently the main and sure way to identify these plants is by use of their showy flowers; however, in Kenya, this becomes a challenge during dry seasons when the plants are not in flower. Objective: This study investigated the use of features of corms as possible additional features for identification of Gladiolus species found in Kenya; Gladiolus watsonoides, G. goetzenii, G. ukambanensis and G.newii. Method: Physical and histological features of corms were evaluated according to Rolls, 2011, to investigate for possible differences across the different species. Results: Although the analysis of the cells of corms and leaves compared did not reveal any obvious differences, the outward morphologies of corms were different across different species in terms of colour, shape, and textures of the tunics. Conclusion: Therefore, corms form an additional feature of taxonomic value for identification and collection of these plants in the absence of flowers.

Phytochemical Analysis and Potential Inhibitory Property of Tubli (Derris elliptica Benth) Root Extract on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds which are used for the treatment of various human diseases. One of these plants is the Tubli (Derris elliptica Benth) which comes from the genus of the family Papilionaceae locally known in Southeast Asian Countries as "Derris" or Tuba" and "Tubli" or "Tugling-pula" in Philippines. In this paper, is reported inhibitory property of this plant which had been studied against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to find new substances with antimicrobial properties. The main purpose of the study was to identify the biochemical compounds of Tubli (Derris elliptica Benth) that inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; to determine the result of the mean average of zone inhibition between Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and to differentiate the mean average of zone of inhibition between Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The experiments conducted used the Completely Randomized Designed (CRD). The data were analyzed using T-Test. Phytochemical analysis of Tubli (D. elliptica Benth) revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and steroids which contributed to the antimicrobial ability of the root extract. It was found out that Tubli (D. elliptica Benth) was more active against the S. aureus having the total average zone of inhibition of 24.66 mm than the E. coli having the total average zone of inhibition of 20 mm. T-Test revealed that there is a significant difference on zone of inhibitions of the S. aureus and E. coli tested under Tubli (D. elliptica Benth) ethanolic root extract. The presence of phytochemicals suggests that D. elliptica has a potential antimicrobial property that could serve as a natural source of traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases.

The genus Cochlospermum Kunth: a comprehensive review of key species with a focus on botanical, pharmacological, and chemical atributes

The Cochlospermum genus plant species are commonly used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties. The objective of this review is to describe the mainly important medicinal plant species of the genus Cochlospermum Kunth in terms of its botanical aspects, popular use, biological activity (pharmacology), and chemical compounds, intending to identify potential areas for innovative studies. The study considered literature published between 2010 - 2024 on the ethnobotany, pharmacology, botanical aspects, biological activity, and chemical compounds. Excluded from this study were eBooks, book chapters, patents, review articles, course completion articles, theses, and abstracts published in the proceedings of the event. Chem Draw software was used to draw a total of sixty-one bioactive compounds. The results show that six species of the Cochlospermum genus are documented as vital sources of traditional medicine. Ten species of this genus have been identified to contain secondary metabolites, including Cocholospermin A and B, polysaccharides, polyphenols (such as gallic and ellagic acids), flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, contribute to the pharmacological activities of this genus. The compounds in the Cochlospermum genus have demonstrated various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potential antidiabetic properties. The genus has demonstrated some of these activities both in vitro and in vivo, making it of great pharmacological importance. This work presents a comprehensive overview of the botanical aspects, ethnopharmacology, biological activities, and chemical properties of the Cochlospermum genus. Its abundant chemical molecules can serve as an alternative source for the treatment of various diseases. This work provides a new perspective for future studies.

Fennel: More Than Herb, Unveiling its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Medicinal Properties

Fennel is considered as one of the oldest medicinal plants and culinary herbs. It’s in use since 4000 years. It is a biennial plant with a thick rootstock, erect, much-branched, and smooth, often 1 meter or more in height. It probably occurs in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is grown as a spice, medicine or essential oil plant or vegetable in many parts of the world and has been naturalized in many places. This review aims to give an outline of medicinal aspect of Foeniculumvulgare Mill focusing more on its traditional function and uses. The literature search encircled scientific databases, publications and ancient Unani literature books for traditional usage, chemical profiling, and pharmacological activities and so on. Foeniculumvulgare Mill displays various pharmacological activities like estrogenic activity, gastro protective activity, hepato-protective activity, antidiabetic activity, cardiovascular and lipid activity, antithrombotic activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-bacterial activity, anti-anxiety potential, memory protective potential. The plant contains Essential oil / Volatile oil, Coumarin, Fixed oil, Cinnamic acid derivatives, Sterols, Saponin, Flavonoids glycosides, Quercetin and Vitamin. In traditional system of medicine it is used in flatulence, kidney stones, bronchitis, diabetes, and persistent cough. It is also used as diuretic, emmenogogue, improving eye sight, in wound healing, increases breast milk and semen production. It has properties of Mudirboul-o-hayz, Muqawwi-e-basar, Muqawwi-e- meda, Muwallidmani, Muwallid sheer etc. Foeniculumvulgare has emerged as a good source of traditional medicine and has been used in different ways due to its phytochemical constituents and easy availability. Further research is needed to validate its potential, mechanism of action for the development of new drugs and future clinical uses.

Composition and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plants in Kenyah Ethnic, Borneo, Malaysia

Ethnomedicinal plants are an important source of traditional medicine for many indigenous communities around the world. In Malaysia, several indigenous groups rely on these plants to treat a variety of ailments. The Kenyah people are one such group, and they have a rich tradition of using medicinal plants to maintain their health and well-being. In this study, we aimed to understand the composition and utilization of ethnomedicinal plants among the Kenyah people in Malaysia. We conducted a survey of Kenyah community members using a questionnaire and collected data on the plant species they use, the parts of the plants that are used, the methods of preparation and administration, and the ailments that the plants are used to treat. We found that the Kenyah people use a wide variety of plant species for medicinal purposes and that these plants are used to treat a range of ailments, including diabetes, release urine, pain relief and digestive disorders. The plants are prepared and administered in a number of different ways, including boiling, sun drying and grounding; and also administered either internally or externally. The Bland-Altman plot for agreement analysis revealed that the mean difference between the two sets of measurements i.e demographic description of respondents and method of uses for reported medicinal plants was small and within the limits of agreement. Our results provide important insights into the medicinal plant practices of the Kenyah people and add to our understanding of the traditional medicine practices of indigenous communities in Malaysia. Further research is needed to fully understand the medicinal properties of these plants and the optimal ways in which they should be used to treat various ailments. This research can inform the development of new pharmaceuticals, and contribute to the conservation of important plant species. It is also a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and social context in which these plants are used, ...

Morphological study and DNA fingerprint pattern of Goniothalamus tapis and G. umbrosus (Annonaceae) using M13 marker and its taxonomic implication

Abstract. Mahadi I, Fathurrahman F, Sofiyanti N, Susatya A. 2023. Morphological study and DNA fingerprint pattern of Goniothalamus tapis and G. umbrosus (Annonaceae) using M13 marker and its taxonomic implication. Biodiversitas 24: 6299-6306. The species of Goniothalamus (Blume) JD Hooker &amp; Thomson (Annonaceae) is widely considered a source of traditional medicine and containsoniothalamin, which is used for anti-cancer and anti-bacterial drugs. Goniothalamus tapis and G. umbrosus are traditional medicines in Sumatra, Indonesia, and Malaysia Peninsula, respectively. The community uses this plant as a source of traditional medicinal ingredients. Clinically, Goniothalamus contains the compound goniothalamin, an anti-cancer and anti-bacterial drug. The existence of this plant is gradually maintained. G. tapis is often used as a traditional medicine for the Malay community in Sumatra, and G. umbrosus is widely used by the Malay community in the Peninsular Malaysia. These two plants are morphologically similar, but the two species are different. Some researchers consider these plants to be the same. For this reason, it needs to be studied by combining two methods, both molecular and morphological. G. tapis and G. umbrosus are species of the Goniothalamus distributed in Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Their taxonomic status needs to be clarified due to the morphological character similarity. This study aimed to study the morphological characters of G. tapis and G. umbrosus as well as their DNA fingerprint pattern using M13 Marker. The morphological examination showed that G. tapis and G. umbrosus characters are distinguished by leaf, flower, and fruit. This result is supported by a DNA fingerprint pattern using an M13 marker. The results show that these two species are different both in terms of morphology and fingerprints. So, it can be concluded that these two species are different.

Ethnopharmacology Potentials of Mangrove Bulalo, North Gorontalo

Ethnopharmacology is the study of the practical utilization of mangrove plants which have been used as a source of traditional medicine by people living in certain areas since ancient times for generations. This study aims to determine the diversity of mangrove species as the ethnopharmacology of Bulalo, Kwandang District, North Gorontalo. The research was conducted from March to May 2023. The method used in this study was semi-structured interviews. The results showed that species that have the potential for ethnopharmacology are widely used by local people as traditional medicines. Based on the results of interviews with the local community, of the 14 ethnopharmacological species found in Bulalo Village, 7 species have medicinal properties and have been used as traditional medicines by the community for generations, such as Avicennia alba, Bruguiera gymnorriza, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora apiculate, Rhizophora mucronate, Rhizophora stylosa, and Sonneratia casseolaris, which has been used as a medicine containing phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. The parts used in traditional medicine are the fruit, leaves, and sap. The ways to use it include hypertension, hepatitis, asthma, flatulence, recovering energy after giving birth, mouth sores, malaria, dysentery, ulcers, cholera, sore eyes, itching, internal injuries, boils, healing burns, and bruises.

A systematic review on biological and medicinal properties of Ehretia rigida (Thunb.) Druce (Ehretiaceae) in Southern Africa

Wild plants are widely utilized as important sources of traditional medicines and food. Ehretia rigida (Thunb.) is one such plant species that occurs naturally in southern Africa and different parts of the plant have nutritional, cultural, and pharmaceutical importance. The current study is aimed at providing information on the medicinal and biological properties of E. rigida. The current review assessed the existing literature on the biological properties and medicinal uses of the plant. The study revealed that the leaves, twigs, stems, bark and roots of the plant are mainly used for ritual purposes, as traditional medicines for infertility, headache, abdominal pains, chest pains, pain, skin cuts, sprained joints, newborn baby infections, a good-luck charm, fire-making and rain-making ceremonies, warding-off enemies and dangerous animals and as ethnoveterinary medicine. The phytochemical evaluation of the species showed that it is characterized by allantoin, ?-amyrin, ?-amyrin, ?avonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, ?-sitosterol and 1-triacontanol. The pharmacological properties of different crude extracts demonstrated anticholinesterase inhibition, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review highlights the pharmaceutical and health benefits of E. rigida in different countries of southern Africa. Therefore, detailed ethnopharmacological evaluations of the species focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, toxicological evaluations, and in vivo and clinical research investigations are recommended.

In silico targeting CYP51 of Naegleria fowleri using bioactive compounds from Indonesian plants

Context: Given the elusive nature of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by Naegleria fowleri, early detection is vital, yet challenging due to limited clinical indicators. This research leverages Indonesia's rich biodiversity to explore novel sources of traditional medicine. Aims: To evaluate the potential compounds from Indonesian plants that possess antiamoebic and antifungal properties for inhibiting the N. fowleri CYP51 protein, crucial for cell integrity. Methods: Initially, 92 compounds were screened, and six were shortlisted following ADMETox evaluation. Subsequent steps encompassed QSAR analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Results: The QSAR analysis verified the activity potential of these six compounds, progressing them to molecular docking analysis. Among these, curcumenol from Curcuma longa emerged as a promising contender, displaying the lowest binding affinity at -9.2 kcal/mol, indicative of superior binding compared to other ligands. Molecular dynamics simulations underscored the stability of all compounds, with root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) values within 1-3 Å. Conclusions: Consequently, employing a comprehensive approach spanning ADMETox, QSAR, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations, curcumenol emerged as the prime candidate for inhibiting the N. fowleri CYP51 protein, suggesting its potential as a PAM therapeutic agent.

A Review on Valeriana wallichii: Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Research

Background: In the past decade, a rising trend has seen in the use of plant-based medicines because of fewer/no side effects. Plants are always the major source of traditional medicines in every culture. The main objective of this review is to shed a light on phytochemical composition and pharmacological research of Valeriana wallichii. Methods: Electronic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, etc., were searched for traditional uses, extraction of phytoconstituents, therapeutical uses and pharmacology of V. wallichii. Results: V. wallichii has been used as a sleep remedy since ancient times in the Indian traditional system of medicines. It is also used as diuretic, spasmolytic and pain relieving agent. It is used for the treatment of epilepsy, dyspeptic symptoms, failing reflexes, habitual constipation, insanity, nervous debility, obesity, spastic disorders, and in snake poisoning, and also reported to have cytotoxic potential. The pharmacological activity of the plant is due to presence of different types of secondary metabolites, including valerianic acid, valerosidatum glycoside, valepotriates, dihydrovaltrate, 6-methylapigenin, hesperidin, sesquiterpenoids, bornylisovalerianate, isovalerenic acid, 1-camphene, 1-pinene, terpineol, valerianine, bornylisovalerianate, valerianine and so on. This review focuses on detailed phytochemistry of the plant and its therapeutic indication. The main emphasis is given on anticancer potential of V. wallichii, with in vitro cytotoxic as well as in vivo antitumor description. Conclusion: The review reveals that further research, as well as clinical trials, are needed to know this plant as an effective drug for the treatment of cancer in future with exact molecular mechanisms.

Jujube Fruit Metabolomic Profiles Reveal Cultivar Differences and Function as Cultivar Fingerprints.

Jujube is a nutritious fruit, and is high in vitamin C, fiber, phenolics, flavonoids, nucleotides, and organic acids. It is both an important food and a source of traditional medicine. Metabolomics can reveal metabolic differences between Ziziphus jujuba fruits from different jujube cultivars and growth sites. In the fall of 2022, mature fresh fruit of eleven cultivars from replicated trials at three sites in New Mexico-Leyendecker, Los Lunas, and Alcalde-were sampled from September to October for an untargeted metabolomics study. The 11 cultivars were Alcalde 1, Dongzao, Jinsi (JS), Jinkuiwang (JKW), Jixin, Kongfucui (KFC), Lang, Li, Maya, Shanxi Li, and Zaocuiwang (ZCW). Based on the LC-MS/MS analysis, there were 1315 compounds detected with amino acids and derivatives (20.15%) and flavonoids (15.44%) as dominant categories. The results reveal that the cultivar was the dominant factor in metabolite profiles, while the location was secondary. A pairwise comparison of cultivar metabolomes revealed that two pairs had fewer differential metabolites (i.e., Li/Shanxi Li and JS/JKW) than all the other pairs, highlighting that pairwise metabolic comparison can be applied for cultivar fingerprinting. Differential metabolite analysis also showed that half of drying cultivars have up-regulated lipid metabolites compared to fresh or multi-purpose fruit cultivars and that specialized metabolites vary significantly between cultivars from 35.3% (Dongzao/ZCW) to 56.7% (Jixin/KFC). An exemplary analyte matching sedative cyclopeptide alkaloid sanjoinine A was only detected in the Jinsi and Jinkuiwang cultivars. Overall, our metabolic analysis of the jujube cultivar's mature fruits provides the largest resource of jujube fruit metabolomes to date and will inform cultivar selection for nutritional and medicinal research and for fruit metabolic breeding.

Clematis Species: Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Effects- A Report

The genus Clematis has been a source of various traditionally useful and pharmacologically active species. Many plants of this genus are prominently climbers and woody vines. The species are mosly wild however; few are grown as ornamental plants. The species Clematis apifolia, Clematis ganpiniana, Clematis graveolens, and Clematis terniflora were selected to study on their traditional use, chemical composition and pharmacological effects reported in literature. In folklore these species are used as antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, anodyne, antidote, diuretic and sedative agents. The triterpenoid saponins are the dominant compounds of these species flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, coumarins, steroids and volatile oils have also been reported. The pharmacological effects evaluated are antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotectve, and anti-inflammatory activities. As such these species has emerged as good source of traditional medicines. The chemical compounds isolated from these species have been reported for their pharmacological effects. Although, few experimental studies validated their traditional claim, but uncharacterized crude extracts were employed in most of the activities. Such species need to be explored properly for their bioactive principle and exploited as potential drug. The review will help the researchers to select medicinally potential species of Clematis for future research.