Trichilia Emetica Research Articles

Effect of harvest stage, provenance and selected chemical treatments on the seed germination and seedling establishment of Trichilia emetica (Natal mahogany)

Effect of harvest stage, provenance and selected chemical treatments on the seed germination and seedling establishment of <i>Trichilia emetica</i> (Natal mahogany)

A Comparative Study on the Antidiabetic Activity, Cytotoxicity and Lipid Profile of Trichilia emetica Oils.

The Trichilia emetica plant is traditionally used for medicinal and food purposes. However, there are limited studies on the bioactivity and cytotoxicity of its seed butter and aril oil. This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic activity and cytotoxicity of seed butter and aril oil, obtained via two different extraction methods, and compare their lipid profiles. The plant samples were collected from the Faifa mountains and extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus for hot extraction and a magnetic stirrer for cold maceration. The antidiabetic activity and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the α-amylase and MTT assays, respectively. The fatty acids were quantified utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This study proves the impact of the extraction method on the yield, cytotoxicity, antidiabetic activity and lipid profile. The highest cytotoxicity was observed with the seed butter obtained via Soxhlet extraction. The α-amylase inhibition was observed at the highest levels with the seed butter and aril oil obtained via cold maceration. The palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) were detected at their maximal concentrations in the seed butter obtained via Soxhlet extraction and aril oil obtained via cold maceration, respectively. This study represents an essential basis for understanding the importance of T. emetica as a valuable tree for food, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Further experiments can lead to the development of green extraction techniques and isolation of the cytotoxic and antidiabetic molecules that can be developed into new pharmaceutical products or serve as lead molecules for new drugs.

A Review on the Impact of Oxidative Stress and Medicinal Plants on Leydig Cells.

Leydig cells are essential for steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. An imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular antioxidant level brings about oxidative stress. Oxidative stress (OS) results in the dysfunction of Leydig cells, thereby impairing steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and ultimately, male infertility. To prevent Leydig cells from oxidative insults, there needs to be a balance between the ROS production and the cellular protective capacity of antioxidants. Evidence indicates that medicinal plants could improve Leydig cell function at specific concentrations under basal or OS conditions. The increased usage of medicinal plants has been considered a possible alternative treatment for male infertility. This review aims to provide an overview of the impact of oxidative stress on Leydig cells as well as the effects of various medicinal plant extracts on TM3 Leydig cells. The medicinal plants of interest include Aspalathus linearis, Camellia sinensis, Moringa oleifera, Morinda officinale, Taraxacum officinale, Trichilia emetica, Terminalia sambesiaca, Peltophorum africanum, Ximenia caffra, Serenoa repens, Zingiber officinale, Eugenia jambolana, and a combination of dandelion and fermented rooibos (CRS-10). According to the findings obtained from studies conducted on the evaluated medicinal plants, it can, therefore, be concluded that the medicinal plants maintain the antioxidant profile of Leydig cells under basal conditions and have protective or restorative effects following exposure to oxidative stress. The available data suggest that the protective role exhibited by the evaluated plants may be attributed to their antioxidant content. Additionally, the use of the optimal dosage or concentration of the extracts in the management of oxidative stress is of the utmost importance, and the measurement of their oxidation reduction potential is recommended.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Selected South African Plants against Drug-Resistant Staphylococci Isolated from Clinical Cases of Bovine Mastitis

Bovine mastitis in dairy livestock production is a serious economic problem causing milk production losses and increased management costs. Staphylococcus aureus and non-aureus staphylococcus (NAS) are important causes of bovine mastitis. Antimicrobial resistance can limit the control of mastitis pathogens. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of acetone and ethanol extracts of nine South African plants were determined against reference and drug-resistant staphylococci isolated from clinical cases of bovine mastitis. The nine plants, namely, Antidesma venosum, Elaeodendron croceum, Erythrina caffra, Indigofera frutescens, Pleurostylia capensis, Searsia lancea, Searsia leptodictya, Trichilia emetica, and Ziziphus mucronata, were chosen for research material. The antibacterial activity of extracts was determined using a serial microdilution method, while a tetrazolium-based assay was used to determine their cytotoxicity against Vero cells. The values of antibacterial minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) obtained were promising, with MIC ranging between 0.01 and 1.41 mg/mL. Generally, acetone extracts of most plants had better activity than their ethanol counterparts. The S. aureus strains were more susceptible to all the extracts than the NAS strains. The plant extracts’ half-maximal toxicity (LC50) was higher than 0.02 mg/mL, which is the recommended cytotoxic cut-off concentration. The ethanol extract of E. caffra, which showed better MIC values than its acetone extract, had the highest mean selectivity index (SI) of 8.30. Among the plants tested, S. lancea exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity, suggesting its potential usefulness as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent against staphylococci associated with bovine mastitis, at relatively non-cytotoxic concentrations. Therefore, it is recommended for further investigation.

Traditional medicine trade and uses in the surveyed medicine markets of Western Kenya.

There exist vast traditional medicine and herbal remedies prescribed for diseases and socio-cultural ills that are sold in local medicine markets. To assess the common traditional medicine traded in the local medicine markets and used for treating common diseases. The study was carried out in nine purposively selected medicine markets spread out in seven administrative counties of Western Kenya. Purposive sampling with elements of snow ball method was employed in the identification of willing respondents. In addition, face to face interviews were conducted with the aid of a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire that sought to extract a targeted and expertise information from the respondents. The survey recorded 45 commonly traded plant families composed of 78 genera and 87 medicinal plant species. Meliaceae, Apocynaceae and Fabaceae were leading plant families whereas Trichilia emetica, Azadirachta indica, Dregea schimperi and Aloe spp. were commonly traded. Traditional medicine traded in the local medicine markets continue to play a significant role in the treatment of common diseases. Frequently traded medicinal plant species should be prioritized for conservation.

Anti oxidative activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of stem barks from trichilia emetica in albinos rats

: In chronic diseases in general and in diabetes mellitus and hypertension in particular, there is an important imbalance between antioxidant defenses and the production of free radicals due to reactive oxygen species, thus leading to an increase in oxidant stress markers. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the antioxydative and protective effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of trichilia emetica stem bark in albinos rats with alloxan-induced diabetes or adrenaline-induced hypertensive.: Two different batches of albinos rats were used distinctly and including a control one of 3 rats for each batch so a test group of 21 rats. Diabetes was induced by injecting Alloxane® intraperitoneally for 7 days. Hypertension was induced by injecting Adrenaline® intraperitoneally for eight days and we used visitech BP 2000 tools to measure arterial pressure. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Trichilia emetica were prepared and the obtained mixture was homogenized using a magnetic stirrer for 24 hours. Rats received the above-mentioned extracts orally at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw for 6 days.: Aorta and heart activities of catalase were significantly increased. This same trend was observed with superoxide dismutase activity together with increasing AChE catalytic activity in vessels. Treatment of rats for seven days with extracts of Trichilia emetic and nifedipineproduced a significant decrease of antioxidative markers activities of catalase and SOD for aqueous and ethanolic extracts as well. This action was slightly above nifedipineone administrated at 10 and 20 mg/kg bw. For rats treated with Trichilia emetica or with diastabolwe registered a significant decrease of MDA and GSH concentration.Our results showed that the extracts have the potential to reduce the rate of reactive oxygen species and free radicals in rats with alloxane-induced diabetes or adrenaline-induced hypertensive. However, further large studies are needed to investigate the specific action and particularity of Trichilia emetica that could justify these activities.

South African medicinal plants screened against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is amongst the three high-ranking pathogens on the World Health Organization’s global priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The list highlights research priorities in drug discovery and development.Aim: This study aimed to provide a detailed account of efforts by researchers to find anti-P. aeruginosa compounds from South African medicinal plant species during the period 2000–2020.Method: Various online research and journal databases were used to obtain information relating to South African medicinal plants and P. aeruginosa.Results: During the study period (2000–2020), only 31 studies reported on the antibacterial properties of South African medicinal plants against the pathogen. Given that P. aeruginosa is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, it was interesting to note that none of the published reports were dedicated solely to the pathogen. Furthermore, only one study included the antibiotic-resistant mutants of the pathogen as a test organism. Over 150 plant species belonging to 78 families were screened against the bacterium. Barringtonia racemosa, Croton megalobotrys, Erythrina caffra, Leucosidea sericea, Maesa lanceolata, Morella serrata and Trichilia emetica exhibited potent anti-P. aeruginosa properties (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] ˂ 0.1 mg/mL). Plumbagin, a compound isolated from the leaves of Aristea ecklonii demonstrated promising activities (MIC = 0.008 mg/mL) against the bacterium. Essential oils extracted from some plants demonstrated noteworthy antibacterial synergistic effects (fractional inhibitory concentration index [FICI] ˂ 0.5) when used in pairwise combinations with conventional antibiotics.Conclusion: Overall, empirical evidence presented in the scantly available literature suggests that novel anti-P. aeruginosa agents could be developed from South African herbal extracts.

Characterisation of the indigenous knowledge used for gastrointestinal nematode control in smallholder farming areas of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

BackgroundThe use of indigenous knowledge (IK) to control gastrointestinal nematodes has been known since ancient times. The objective of the study was to characterise the use of indigenous knowledge to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats.MethodsA structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farmers. Chi-square was used to compute associations; the generalized linear model was used for mean rank scores.ResultsRoundworms were the most common gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) affecting goats reared in the bushland vegetation type than grasslands. Twelve plant species were commonly used to control GIN in goats, with Cissus quadrangularis Linn. singled out as the most widely used plant with a use-value of 0.97, followed by Albizia anthelminthica Brongn. (0.66), Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl (0.63), Vachellia xanthophloea (Benth.) P.J.H. Hurter (0.59), Aloe marlothii A. Berger (0.58), Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (0.54), Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey (0.53), Aloe maculata All. (0.50), Trichilia emetica Vahl (0.47), Aloe ferox Mill. (0.43), Vernonia neocorymbosa Hilliard (0.25) and Schkuhria pinnata (Lam) Kuntze ex Thell (0.16). C. rotundifolia, V. xanthophloea, S. birrea and T. emetica were dominant plant species used to control GIN in goats reared in the grassland vegetation. A. maculata, A. ferox and V. neocorymbosa were dominant in the bushland vegetation type.ConclusionThe study revealed that ethnoveterinary plants are widely used in grassland and bushland vegetation types to control GIN in goats. Scientific validation of their efficacy and safety should be carried out to provide a cheaper alternative, thus improving the community livelihoods and development.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidative and Anti-Hyperglycemic Activity of Combined Seed Extracts of Xylopia aethiopica and Trichilia emetica in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

The chemical composition, in vivo antioxidative and antihyperglycemic activities of aqueous and ethanol seed extracts of combined Xylopia aethiopica and Trichilia emetica in a ratio of 1:1 mixture was studied in alloxan- induced diabetic wistar rats. Twenty-five wistar rats weighing between 100-150g were used. They were divided into five (5) groups, Normal control (received 1ml of distilled water), Negative control (received 100 mg/kg body weight of alloxan only), Positive control (2.5 mg/kg body weight of glibenclamide) and extracts treated groups which received 300mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of combined Trichilia emetica and Xylopia aethiopica seeds (ATX) and ethanol extract of combined Trichilia emetica and Xylopia aethiopica seeds. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg body weight of alloxan for 21 days. The phytochemical composition conducted using a GC (Buck Scientific-GC M910, USA) of the combined seeds extracts of Xylopia aethiopica and Trichilia emetica had varying composition of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, tannins and steroids. Acute toxicity studies showed no sign of toxicity and death recorded of the relatively high doses of 3000mg/kg body weight of aqueous and ethanol seed extracts administered. Blood glucose concentration showed significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease when compared to the alloxan treated group. There was significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in enzymic (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and non-enzymic glutathione (GSH) antioxidants compared to negative control groups. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that 300mg/kg body weight of aqueous and ethanol extracts of combined Trichilia emetica and Xylopia aethiopica seeds exhibited antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic activities in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Combination of the various bioactive components found in the seed extracts may have contributed significantly to these activities and could be considered as potential therapeutic agent in the management of hyperglycemia.

Population estimates of non-native rose-ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) in the Durban Metropole, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Rose-ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri are one of the most widely distributed urban avian invader species present in ~ 35 countries with population sizes increasing. These parakeets were introduced to South Africa as part of the pet trade, and feral populations have established in several urban areas since and are of concern. We, therefore, conducted monthly surveys between August 2018 – December 2019 in the greater Durban Metropole, KwaZulu-Natal Province, to determine their population size and roosting sites. In addition, we recorded bird species that communally roosted with rose-ringed parakeets, and tree species characteristics that they used for roosting. We identified five main roost site areas with an overall mean (± SD) monthly population size of 1 783.3 ± 505.2 rose-ringed parakeets. There was an increase in rose-ringed parakeet numbers, particularly in August and December after their breeding. Most rose-ringed parakeets were recorded in the north, with fewer in the south of the metropole; and many were located around shopping centres and parks. A total of seven bird species communally shared roost sites with rose-ringed parakeets, with the non-native common myna Acridotheres tristis being the species that frequently shared roosts with parakeets. Three tree species were used as roosts, with the Natal mahogany Trichilia emetica and the giant palm Raphia australis, so being the preferred roost tree species. The results showed variations in the measured tree traits and the number of individual parakeets roosting per tree species. The population size of non-native rose-ringed parakeets showed persistent growth, and it is, therefore, suggested that control measures for this species are introduced before its population expands further.

Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Stem Barks from Trichilia emetica (Meliaceae) in Alloxan-Induced Diabeticalbinos Rats

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Trichilia emetica (TE) stem bark in albinos rats.&#x0D; Methodology: 24 rats of comparable weight were divided into 2 lots, including a control lot of 3 rats and a test lot of 21 rats. Diabetes was induced by injecting Alloxan® intraperitoneally (125 mg/kg bw) for 7 days. After the onset of diabetes, the animals were divided into several groups and given the extracts of Trichilia emetica and Diastabol® orally for 6 days according to the following protocol: Normal Control (NC) received normal saline, group diabetic control (DC) it consists of untreated diabetic, group DD10 and DD20 was comprised of diabetic animals treated with Diastabol® at a doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg bw respectively , group DTEE100 and DTEE200 it consists of diabetic animals treated with ethanolic extract at a doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw respectively, group DTEA100 and DDTEA 200 was comprised of diabetic animals treated with aqueous extract at a same dose (100 and 200 mg/kg bw). At the end of experimentation, some blood was collected for the determination of some biochemical parameters such as insulin, blood glucose, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), cardiac frequency (CF) were also recorded. &#x0D; Results: The results showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in insulin levels in diabetic rats compared with NC. In addition, diabetes caused a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in blood glucose, urea, creatinine levels, transaminase activity, and in blood pressure numbers (DBP, SBP and CF) still in comparison with NC. However, the treatment of sick animals with the extracts and the Diastabol at the doses listed above significantly (P &lt;0.05) increased insulin levels and reduced the sames biochemical parameters levels as well as the blood pressure numbers compared with DC.&#x0D; Conclusion: The data obtained showed that this part of the plant would have antidiabetic effects with ethanolic extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg bw had the highest pronounced effect and could be used as a good alternative for diabetes management, thus justifying its use in traditional medicine.

Forest and woodland expansion into forestry plantations informs screening for native agroforestry species, Maputaland South Africa

ABSTRACTExpansion of natural forest or woodland in forestry plantations can potentially provide insight about the behaviour of plant communities in human-modified ecosystems. Here, we investigate the expansion of native woody vegetation into abandoned areas within timber plantations, whereby management decisions (and consequently different conditions of land abandonment) had led to variation in vegetation composition and structure. These differences were assessed to identify native species suitable for agroforestry systems within forestry plantations. Elements of sub-tropical dry forest (the reference forest) had expanded into (i) clear-felled and then abandoned plantations, and (ii) unharvested abandoned plantations. Two-way indicator species analysis, Non-metric multidimensional scaling, and Indicator species analysis were used to describe compositional intergradation between natural forest and secondary vegetation, and to assess correlation with environmental variables of fire and stand structure. Areas of vegetation expansion contained 53 native woody species from 26 families, about half the number sampled in the reference forest. The understory composition of unharvested plantation sites closely resembled regrowth forest, whereas clear-felled plantations had developed a species composition resembling woodland, comprising savanna species. Substantial intergradation among compositions of woodland, plantations and regrowth forest implied that regrowth forest was a likely propagule source for native species, but that past plantation management practices acted as an environmental filter resulting in slightly different vegetation types. Useful woody species Sclerocarya birrea, Vangueria infausta, Trichilia emetica, Strychnos spinosa, Annona senegalensis, and Hyphaene coriaceae were considered ecologically suitable for testing in silvo-pasture agroforestry systems owing to their occurrence in disturbed, open-canopy, fire-exposed environments (see also the graphical abstract in the supplemental files).

Chemical constituents from the bark of the Cameroonian mahogany Trichilia emetica Vahl (Meliaceae)

Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark extract of Trichilia emetica led to the isolation of two new naturally occurring compounds including a prieurianin-class limonoid named trichirokin (1) and the steroid ergosta-5,24(28)-diene-3S,16S,20S-triol (4), along with nine known compounds characterized as rohituka-3 (3), rohituka-9 (2), scopoletin, benzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, lignoceric acid, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. The crystal structures of rohituka-3 (3) and ergosta-5,24(28)-diene-3S,16S,20S-triol (4) are reported here for the first time. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric data interpretation. The stereochemistry of compound 1 was established on the basis of its NOESY spectrum and the comparison of its optical rotation value with that of its congener 2. None of the reported compounds displayed antibacterial or cytotoxic activity.

In vitro inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum early and late stage gametocyte viability by extracts from eight traditionally used South African plant species

Ethnopharmacological relevance:Extracts of plant species, used traditionally to treat malaria, have been extensively investigated for their activity against Plasmodium intraerythrocytic asexual parasites in search of new antimalarial drugs. However, less effort has been directed towards examining their efficacy in blocking transmission. Here, we report the results of the in vitro screening of extracts from eight selected plant species used traditionally to treat malaria in South Africa for activity against Plasmodium falciparum NF54 early and late stage gametocytes. The species used were Khaya anthotheca, Trichilia emetica, Turraea floribunda, Leonotis leonurus, Leonotis leonurus ex Hort, Olea europaea subsp. Africana, Catha edulis and Artemisia afra. Aim of the studyTo investigate the activities of extracts from plant species traditionally used for malaria treatment against P. falciparum gametocytes. Material and methods:Air-dried and ground plant leaves were extracted using acetone. Primary two point in vitro phenotypic screens against both early and late stage gametocytes were done at 10 and 20µg/ml followed by full IC50 determination of the most active extracts. Inhibition of gametocyte viability in vitro was assessed using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay. Results:Of the eight crude acetone extracts from plant species screened in vitro, four had good activity with over 50–70% inhibition of early and late stage gametocytes’ viability at 10 and 20µg/ml, respectively. Artemisia afra (Asteraceae), Trichilia emetica (Meliaceae) and Turraea floribunda (Meliaceae) were additionally highly active against both gametocyte stages with IC50 values of less than 10µg/ml while Leonotis leonurus ex Hort (Lamiaceae) was moderately active (IC50<20µg/ml). The activity of these three highly active plant species was significantly more pronounced on late stage gametocytes compared to early stages. Conclusion:This study shows the potential transmission blocking activity of extracts from selected South African medicinal plants and substantiates their traditional use in malaria control that broadly encompasses prevention, treatment and transmission blocking. Further studies are needed to isolate and identify the active principles from the crude extracts of A. afra, T. emetica and T. floribunda, as well as to examine their efficacy towards blocking parasite transmission to mosquitoes.

Medicinal Plants Used in Mali for the Treatment of Malaria and Liver Diseases

Today, ethno-pharmacology is a very important resource in order to discover new therapies for the current diseases. Moreover, another good justification for the ethno-pharmacological approach is to obtain new, effective, less expensive and simple therapies, limiting at the same time the cost of pharmaceutical research. Two major anti-malarial drugs widely used today, i.e. quinine and artemisinin, came respectively from Peruvian and Chinese ancestral treatments reported in the traditional medicines. In this contest, there is an urgent need for the discovery of new drugs, due to the critical epidemiological situation of this disease and to the growth of resistances. In Mali, malaria and liver diseases remain one of the leading public health problems. Many medicinal plants are often used, in local traditional medicine, for the treatment at the same time of malaria and liver diseases, including hepatic syndromes, jaundice, hepatitis and other hepatic disorders. Moreover, in the local language Bamanan, the word "Sumaya" is used both for malaria and some liver diseases. In addition, we noted that some of the improved traditional phytomedicines produced by the Department of Traditional Medicine are prescribed by modern doctors both for malaria and liver diseases. In this review, pharmacological, toxicological and phytochemical data on Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae), Cochlospermum tinctorium Perr. ex A. Rich (Cochlospermaceae), Combretum micranthum G.Don (Combretaceae), Entada africana Guillet Perr. (Mimosaceae), Erythrina senegalensis A. DC (Fabaceae), Mitragyna inermis (Willd) Kuntze (Rubiaceae), Nauclea latifolia Smith syn. Sarcocephalus latifolius (Smith) Bruce (Rubiaceae), Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae), Trichilia emetica Vahl. (Meliaceae), and Vernonia colorata (Willd) Drake (Asteraceae) are reported. Some of the collected data could be used to improve the actual herbal drugs and to propose new phytomedicines for the management of malaria and liver diseases.

English

The proximate nutritional composition, characterization some selected of physicochemical properties and comparative assessment of Trichilia emetica oilseeds with some selected commercial oilseeds were compared in this study. The results revealed the percentage crude lipid, crude fiber, ash, crude protein, and total carbohydrate contents of the oilseeds as 65.81, 15.28, 3.4, 5.21, and 22.43, respectively. The oil is odorless and solid at room temperature, with golden yellow color. The acid value (8.13 mgNaOH/g), saponification value (180.09 mgKOH/g), iodine value (60.15 mgI2/g) and peroxide value (0.56 meqO2/kg) of the seeds oil. The studied characteristics of the seeds oil was compared favorably with most conventional vegetable oils and seeds oil. The results suggest that the seeds examined may be nutritionally potent and also viable source of seeds oil judging by the oil yield. The data also showed that the seeds oil was edible inferring from the low acid value. Industrially, the results revealed the seeds oil has a great potential in cosmetic, candle and soap making industries because of the high saponification value. It was also shown that to be non-drying due to low iodine value which also suggested that the oil contain few unsaturated bonds and therefore have low susceptibility to oxidative rancidity and deterioration as confirmed by the low per oxidation value which serves as indicators of the presence or high levels of anti-oxidants in the oil. Key words: Proximate composition, trichilia emetica oil seeds, physico-chemical.

Multiple readout assay for hormonal (androgenic and antiandrogenic) and cytotoxic activity of plant and fungal extracts based on differential prostate cancer cell line behavior

Ethnopharmacological relevanceProstate cancer is one of the most diagnosed forms of cancer among men in western regions. Many traditional applications or phytotherapeutic concepts propose to inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. In order to detect influences of plant or fungal extracts and derived fractions on androgen receptor signaling pathways, a differentiating cell proliferation assay was established, which enables the simultaneous detection of hormonal and cytotoxic effects. Material and methodsThe well characterized prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC-3 were used in a multiple readout assay. In all, 186 fractions of 23 traditionally used organisms were screened regarding their effects on proliferation of the two prostate cancer cell lines. The fractions were prepared by accelerated solvent extraction followed by gradient extrography. Extracts of the potential hormonally active plants Cibotium barometz, Heteropterys chrysophylla, and Sideroxylon obtusifolium (= Bumelia sartorum) were phytochemically investigated. ResultsFractions from Cibotium barometz, Cortinarius rubellus, Cyrtomium falcatum, Heteropterys chrysophylla, Nephrolepis exaltata, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Sideroxylon obtusifolium, Trichilia emetica, and Trimeria grandifolia exhibited hormonal influences on prostate cancer cells. Cytotoxic activity towards human cell lines was detected for the first time for fractions from Aglaia spectabilis (A. gigantea), Nephrolepis exaltata and Cortinarius brunneus. ConclusionsThe differential behavior of the two prostate cancer cell lines allows the discrimination between potential androgenic or antiandrogenic activities and effects on the estrogen or glucocorticoid receptor as well as cytotoxic activities. The combined cell lines assay can help to assess the biological activities of material used in traditional medicine.

Free Radicals Scavenging Capacity, Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Activities of Flavonoid‐Rich Fractions from Leaves of Trichilia emetica and Opilia amentacea in an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Trichilia emetica and Opilia amentacea traditional Burkinabe medicinal plants were investigated to determine their therapeutic potential to inhibit key enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, which has relevance to the management of type 2 diabetes. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant and antihypertensive potential and antilipidemia and antihyperglycemia activities in an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus have been studied. The antioxidant activity of the flavonoids from leaves of Trichilia emetica and Opilia amentacea has been evaluated using β-carotene-linoleic acid system, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl inhibitory activity, chelation of iron (II) ions, and lipid peroxidation which showed more pronounced antioxidant capacities of Trichilia emetica. Total cholesterol concentrations decreased in an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus under effects of flavonoid-rich fractions from leaves of Trichilia emetica and Opilia amentacea has been observed. Extract of flavonoid-rich fractions from Trichilia emetica shown maximum radical scavenging activity and possessed marked antiamylase activity which may be due to the presence of certain secondary metabolites. Suggested better antihyperglycemia, antilipidemia, and antihypertensive properties of flavonoid-rich fractions from Trichilia emetica compared to the extract of Opilia amentacea are demonstrating antidiabetic potential of Trichilia emetica as therapeutic targets for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Effects of elevated temperatures on germination and subsequent seedling vigour in recalcitrant Trichilia emetica seeds

An increase in atmospheric temperature, particularly in tropical regions, appears to be an inevitable consequence of global climate change. This is likely to affect plant diversity and performance, owing to the relationship between temperature and seed germination, and temperature and plant vigour. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of elevated temperatures on seed germination and subsequent seedling vigour in a recalcitrant-seeded (desiccation sensitive) tropical African forest species, Trichilia emetica. Freshly harvested T. emetica seeds were grown at ambient (24±2/14±2°C) and elevated (29±2/20±2°C) midday/night temperatures and monitored for germinability, respiratory activity, reactive oxygen species (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) production, total antioxidant activity and ultrastructural integrity. Seedlings subsequently produced were subjected to various growth measurements to compare vigour between those grown at ambient and elevated temperatures. The results suggest that exposure to elevated temperatures (~5 to 6°C above ambient) did not disrupt metabolic and ultrastructural integrity in T. emetica embryonic axes and consequently did not compromise seed germination and subsequent seedling production. Provided that sufficient water is made available, elevated temperatures may even hasten germinative development in T. emetica seeds and improve the competitive ability of seedlings subsequently produced by enhancing seedling growth rates, leaf area and biomass allocation to aerial parts of the plant.

Traditional medicine practitioners’ knowledge and views on treatment of pregnant women in three regions of Mali

BackgroundDespite the widespread use of medicinal plants in Mali, knowledge about how traditional practitioners (TPs) treat pregnant and lactating women is lacking.Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to investigate how traditional practitioners in Mali treat common diseases and ailments during pregnancy.MethodsData was collected through structured interviews of traditional practitioners in one urban (Bamako) and two rural areas (Siby and Dioila) in Mali. The TPs were interviewed about how they treat common diseases and ailments during pregnancy. They were also asked to name harmful plants in pregnancy and plants that could affect breast milk production. In addition, we asked about nine specific medicinal plants commonly used in Mali; Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia), Ximenia americana, Cola cordifolia, Combretum glutinosum, Parkia biglobosa, Trichilia emetica, Combretum micranthum, Lippia chevalieri and Vepris heterophylla.ResultsA total of 72 traditional practitioners (64% women, age: 34 to 90 years) were interviewed during an eight week period October 2011 to December 2011. They treated between 1 and 30 pregnant women with medicinal plants per months. We found a relatively high consensus for treatment of pregnant women with common diseases and ailments like nausea and dermatitis. The highest informer consensus was found for the treatment of malaria during pregnancy. TPs generally recommended pregnant women to avoid medicinal plants with bitter tastes like stem and root bark of Khaya senegalensis and Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia). TPs distinguished between oral (potentially unsafe) and dermal use (safe) of Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia). Cola cordifolia was used to facilitate labor.ConclusionExperience and knowledge about treatment of pregnant women with medicinal plants was broad among the traditional practitioners in the three investigated regions in Mali. Collaborating with traditional practitioners on the safe use of medicinal plants in pregnancy may promote safer pregnancies and better health for mothers and their unborn infants in Mali.