Folkloric Use Research Articles

Evaluation of In-vivo Anticancer Activity Choerospondias axillaris in Swiss Albino Mice Models

Background and Objective: The fruits of the plant, Choerospondias axillaris are one of the richest sources of flavonoids phenol and vitamin C that have been shown to possess a variety of biological activities. The present study was aimed to study the potential anti-cancer activity of the methanolic extract of fruit of Choerospondias axillaris using the in-vivo model to scientifically validate the folkloric use of the Choerospondias axillaris.
 Study Design: In-vivo model.
 Place and Duration of the Study: Department of pharmacology, Karnataka College of pharmacy, Bangalore India, between October 2021 to June 2022.
 Methods: Anti-cancer property of Choerospondias axillaris was evaluated against DMBA/croton oil induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice. A single topical application of DMBA (100g/100l of acetone), followed 2 weeks later by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone three times a week) for 16 weeks. In contrast, animals treated orally with Choerospondias axillaris 200mg/kg/b.w. (group IV) and orally with Choerospondias axillaris 400mg/kg/b.w. (group V) and 5 Flu 10mg/kg (group III). The following parameters like; body weight, tumor incidence, cumulative number of tumors, tumor yield, average latency period, number of papillomas, haematological parameters, Serum Zinc and C-Reactive Protein, anti-oxidants enzyme, pro-inflammatory cytokines & Histopathological of Tumor skin studies were observed.
 Results: 100 percent tumor incidence exhibited in group II (DMBA/croton oil) whereas the group IV (Choerospondias axillaris 200mg/kg) and group V (Choerospondias axillaris 400mg/kg) and group III (5 Flu 10mg/kg) exhibited 50, 33.7 and 42.5% tumor incidence, which significantly lesser when compared to than group II (Toxic control). The cumulative number of papillomas during the observation period of 16 weeks was significantly decreased in the Choerospondias axillaris treated groups IV, V and III (9, 4 and 6 no’s tumor respectively) in comparison to 18 cumulative numbers of papillomas in carcinogen control group. The average latent period significantly increased in the Toxic control group to 3.2, 4.3, 6.5 and 5.4 in group II, IV, V and III respectively. Tumor yield were significantly lesser (1.5, 0.66 and 1.0) as compared to DMBA/Croton oil treated control. Furthermore, the level of LPO was significantly increased whereas, the activity of CAT level were significantly decreased in skin tissue of DMBA/Croton oil treated animals compared Choerospondias axillaris treated animals. Similarly, NLR (< 3.0), ESR, Serum Zinc and CRP have got improved in treated with Choerospondias axillaris. Protein expression of TGF-beta, IFN-G, TNF-alpha and IL-6 have shown Improvement in markers indicating a reduction in inflammation and immune imbalance in treated with Choerospondias axillaris compared with DMBA/Croton oil where shown moderate immune suppression.
 Conclusion: Based on the results it can be concluded that the test drug Choerospondias axillaris could be a potential candidate for the treatment of skin cancer.

Mykhailo Verikivskyiʼs “Five Pieces For String Quartet on Folk Themes”: Principles of Folklore Processing

Relevance of research. The introduction to the musicological using of the manuscript of M. Verikyvskyi's early work, which was previously only briefly mentioned in the literature, is connected with the current scientific trend of studying little-known pages of the history of Ukrainian music of the era of national liberation struggles of the 20th century. The return of the forgotten artefact of the composer's heritage is intended to contribute to the establishment of more complete and objective picture of the development of genres, stylistic trends, individual authorial style, etc. The purpose of the study. The purpose of the article is to explore the principles of processing folklore in the M. Verikyvskyʼs cycle "Five pieces for a string quartet on folk themes" in the genrestylistic aspect, to find out the extent of the influence of theoretical views and didactic instructions of B. Yavorskyi on the writing of the work, to outline the meaning of the composition in the context of the evolution of the author's creativity and directions development of Ukrainian quartet music of the 20th century. Methods. The article uses source, genre and style studies, structural and intonationalconstructive methods of analysis of musical work. The results and conclusions. The composer's notes in the margins of the manuscript are commented in the context of the artist's creative life (1921), social-political and aesthetic-artistic trends of the era, communication with the teacher of composition. The stylistic features of neofolklorism were revealed in the work: appeal to folk archaic and principles of folklore thinking, combination of folk elements with technical and compositional means of the modernist era, subjugation of the folklore theme to an individual artistic idea. The influence of the theoretical and didactic instructions of B. Yavorskyi, M. Verikyvskyiʼs teacher at the Kyiv Conservatory, can be observed on two levels: 1) general aesthetic views on the use of folklore in the composer's work, 2) specific compositional and stylistic techniques in the plane of lado-harmonic processes (the role of the tritone, constructive and modal continuous exposition), dynamization of the metrorhythm, texture, formation. In the composer's creativity, this work initiates the genre of instrumental folklore composition, prepares the appearance of large-scale neo-folkloric compositions (oratorio, symphonic uite, ballet, opera), tests for the first time the model of the five-part suite cycle, built on the principles of contrast, symmetry and concentricity. In Ukrainian quartet music, this opus is located near the origins of the folklore line of development of the genres of piece (folk miniature) and suite.

Insecticidal Activities and GC-MS Analysis of the Selected Family Members of Meliaceae Used Traditionally as Insecticides.

The environmental and health risks associated with synthetic pesticides have increased the demand for botanical insecticides as safer and biodegradable alternatives to control insect pests in agriculture. Hence in this study, five Meliaceae species were evaluated for their insecticidal activities against the Spodoptera frugiperda and the Plutella xylostella larvae, as well as their chemical constituents. Repellence, feeding deterrence, and topical application bioassays were employed to evaluate their insecticidal activities. GC-MS analysis was performed to identify chemical compounds present in each plant. The repellence bioassay indicated that Melia azedarach extracts exhibited the highest repellence percentage against S. frugiperda (95%) and P. xylostella (90%). The feeding deterrence bioassay showed that M. azedarach and Trichilia dregeana extracts displayed excellent antifeeding activity against the S. frugiperda (deterrent coefficient, 83.95) and P. xylostella (deterrent coefficient, 112.25), respectively. The topical application bioassay demonstrated that Ekebergia capensis extracts had the highest larval mortality against S. frugiperda (LD50 0.14 mg/kg). Conversely, M. azedarach extracts showed the highest larval mortality against P. xylostella (LD50 0.14 mg/kg). GC-MS analysis revealed that all plant extracts had compounds belonging to the two noteworthy groups (phenols and terpenes), which possess insecticidal properties. Overall, this study lends scientific credence to the folkloric use of Meliaceae species as potential biocontrol agents against insect pests.

Investigation of the cardiac depressant effect of Caralluma tuberculate N.E.Br on isolated rabbit heart

Purpose: To investigate the histopathological and cardiac depressant effect of the aqueous methanol extract of Caralluma tuberculata N.E. Br (AMECT) (family: Asclepiadaceae)’ and to determine if there is a scientific basis for its cardiovascular diseases-related folkloric use. 
 Methods: The effect of AMECT in different concentrations ranging from 0.00001 to 1.0 mg/mL were evaluated in isolated perfused rabbit heart to assess their effect on the force of contraction and heart rate using Langendorff’s apparatus. Atropine and adrenaline were used to identify the underlying mechanism of response produced by AMECT. The extract was studied for its possible mechanism in the absence and presence of atropine and adrenaline. In addition, sub-chronic toxicity and histopathological study of heart tissues in rats were assessed by administering 500 mg/kg of extract. 
 Results: At all concentrations, AMECT produced significant (p < 0.001) negative ionotropic and negative chronotropic effects. The most significant effect was observed at 0.001 mg/mL and higher concentrations hence 0.001 mg/mL was selected for further studies. Pre-incubation with atropine did not significantly inhibit the effects of AMECT. However, AMECT significantly (p < 0.01) blocked the cardiac stimulant effect of adrenaline. In the histopathological studies, AMECT did not produce any significant cellular changes or signs of toxicity in the sub-chronic toxicity study. 
 Conclusion: The cardiac-depressant responses of AMECT may involve the β-adrenergic receptors in the myocardium of isolated rabbit heart thus confirming the rationale for its use in ethnomedicine for cardiac diseases.

Evaluation of laxative activity of aqueous extract of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. fruits on mice

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a well-recognized tendency to cause discomfort which also affects the quality of life. Medicinal plant is defined as any substance with one or more of its organs containing substances that can be used for therapeutic purposes or which can be used as precursors for synthesis of drugs. Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Bitter apple), a valuable plant from Cucurbitaceae family is a non-hardy, herbaceous perennial vine, branched from the base with leafy and stiff-haired stems. This study evaluated the laxative activity of aqueous extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruits on mice. Bisacodyl (25 mg/kg), a standard drug. served as positive control while aqueous extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruits was administered at the doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg orally. Sixteen (16) animals were used and placed in metabolic cages designed specially to separate urine and fecal materials. The fecal outputs were collected and weighed at every 8 and 16 hours for 5 days. The results revealed the extract to have time and dose dependent activity patterns. Higher activity of the extract was recorded in 50 mg/kg up to 8 hours throughout the period of experiment. This showed that the efficacy of the doses could not last for 16 hours since treatment was only given once per day. This result also showed higher activity when compared with the standard drug, Bisacodyl. This study supported the folkloric laxative use of Citrullus colocynthis fruit.

A Comparative Analysis Of ‘The Snow Child’ By Angela Carter And ‘Yedi Cucesi Olmayan Bir Pamuk Prenses’(‘A Snow White Without Seven Dwarfs’) By Murathan Mungan

The aim of the present study is to make a comparative analysis of the transformation of the fairy tales in the stories of one English and one Turkish writer -Angela Carter and Murathan Mungan. The study restricts itself to one story by each writer: ‘The Snow Child’ by Angela Carter and ‘Yedi Cucesi Olmayan Bir Pamuk Prenses’ (‘A Snow White Without Seven Dwarfs’) by Murathan Mungan as the parodies of ‘The Snow White with Seven Dwarfs’. Both writers deconstruct the Grimm Tale to challenge the imposed patriarchal ideologies and gender roles, especially the women’s socially approved behaviour patterns in the patriarchal system and intentionally subvert them and their representations in their works using the same postmodern frame-breaking devices - parody, pastiche and intertextuality. Both aim to offer their readers insight on the archetypes and stereotypes of women and force them to confront the women’s entrapment within the male world regardless of geography. While undermining the familiar narrative, Carter prefers blurring the boundaries of the fairy tale genre with her use of fantasy, Gothic, pornography and folklore. She explores and problematizes the unquestionable topics such as female sexuality, violence against women. Mungan, on the other hand, inverts the perception and the representation of women rewarded for virtue and conformity to the patriarchal ideology. He critiques the negative sides of the present socio-cultural issues in a mocking way and promotes women to possess both feminine and masculine qualities and reclaim control over their social stance.

Evaluation of the preventive potential of graded dietary inclusion of Hyphaene thebaica (Linn) fruit in rat model of colon carcinogenesis.

The preventive effect of Hyphaene thebaica fruit in colon carcinogenesis was evaluated in Wistar rats at 0, 2.5, 5 and 10% inclusion rates for twelve weeks with concomitant 72-h intra-rectal N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) instillations. Indices of antioxidant status and carcinogenesis were analyzed using spectrophotometric, ELISA, histological and immunohistochemical techniques. The fruit protected against lipid peroxidation and level of early biomarkers of colon carcinogenesis, accompanied by decrease in some endogenous antioxidant enzymes functionality. It also prevented colon tissues against MNU-induced severe inflammations and damage to the mutL-homolog 1 (MLH1) gene. There was significant negative correlation between endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as well as lipid peroxidation, but relationship between total polyphenols and percentage expression of MLH1 proteins as well as endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities was positive. These results validate the folkloric use of H. thebaica fruit in the management of colorectal disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hyphaene thebaica fruit which is widely consumed in northern Nigeria and other countries of sub-Saharan Africa is rich in fiber and antioxidant polyphenols. These two classes of compounds have demonstrated capacity to prevent colorectal cancer and cancer of other sites. Therefore, the validated protective Hyphaene thebaica fruit suggests that it can be processed for inclusion in beverages/diets as functional foods for prevention and management of colorectal disorders.

Myth, Tradition and Indian Beliefs in Shashi Deshpande's "The Dark Holds No Terrors"

Shashi Deshpande is one of India's most well-known novelists today. Women's writing in India has a shorter history than male writing, but we are seeing a rise in the number of women authors whose fiction is being recognized internationally. They have won a slew of national and international awards and grants, and it now appears that women's writing will rise to prominence shortly as they catch up to their male counterparts. While many other women authors, such as Kamla Markandaya, Nayantara Sehgal, Ruth Prawar Jhabvala, Anita Desai, Santha Rama Rao, Attia Hussain, Padmini Sen Gupta, Nargis Dala, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Gita Mehta, Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai, enrich Indian English Literature, Deshpande occupies a special place She is one of the few authors working today who incorporates literary allusions, myth, and mythology into her work, effortlessly blending it with earlier results. 
 Deshpande has used Indian myths, legends, and people in many novels as metaphors for events, incidents, happenings, and characters. In many of her books, she incorporates Western folktales. Shashi Deshpande's writings, especially her novel "The Dark Holds No Terrors" (1980), paint a startlingly vivid picture of Indian womanhood's inner world. For too long, it has been made to stay quiet. Deshpande's use of myth and folklore in her novels exemplifies the decolonization of the Indian literary imagination. These devices are handy to the author for illuminating the inner world of women's minds since many of her novels contain female protagonists.

Antiplasmodial evaluation of aqueous extract of Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig leaves in Plasmodium berghei (NK65)-infected mice

BackgroundThe study was designed to screen aqueous extract of Bilghia sapida leaves for its phytochemical constituents, in vivo antiplasmodial activity and biochemical changes in Plasmodium berghei (NK65)-infected female mice. Phytochemical screening was done using standard methods. In the acute toxicity test, three groups of mice received 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/Kg/day of the extract respectively, and were observed for signs of toxicity, especially mortality for 24 h. Forty-eight mice were assigned into six groups of eight animals each. The uninfected group A (control) was administered distilled water, while groups B, C, D, E and F were inoculated intraperitoneally with about 107 parasitized erythrocytes and received distilled water, chloroquine (5 mg/Kg/day), 125, 250 and 500 mg/Kg/day of extract, respectively. The antiplasmodial activity was evaluated using Peter’s 4 days suppressive test. Haematological indices, selected biochemical parameters and liver histology were evaluated.ResultsScreening revealed the presence of six phytochemicals in the aqueous extract of B. sapida leaves. Median lethal dose of the extract is > 5,000 mg/Kg/day. The aqueous extract of the leaves significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the level of parasitaemia dose-dependently with chemosuppression of 74.09% at 500 mg/Kg/day. The extract significantly (P < 0.05) prevented P. berghei infection-associated reduction in red blood cell indices. The significant (P < 0.05) P. berghei-induced alterations in liver function indices were improved in extract-treated mice. There were no visible lesions in the livers of animals that received 125 mg/Kg/day of extract.ConclusionThe aqueous extract of B. sapida leaves has in vivo antiplasmodial activity and justifies its folkloric use in malarial treatment.

Wound Healing and Antioxidant Properties of 80% Methanol Leaf Extract of Verbascum sinaiticum (Scrophulariaceae): An Ethiopian Medicinal Plant.

Wounds account for severe morbidity, socioeconomic distress, and mortality around the globe. For several years, various herbal products are used to expedite and augment the innate wound healing process. In Ethiopian folkloric medicine, Verbascum sinaiticum L. (V. sinaiticum) is commonly applied as a wound-healing agent. The present study investigated the potential wound healing and antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of V. sinaiticum. The 80% methanol extract, formulated as 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) ointments, was evaluated in excision and incision wound models using nitrofurazone and simple ointment as positive and negative controls, respectively. Parameters such as wound contraction, period of epithelialization, and tensile strength were determined. Moreover, its in vitro antioxidant property was evaluated using a DPPH assay. In the excision model, both doses (5% and 10% w/w) of the extract showed a significant (p < 0.001) wound healing efficacy compared to the negative control as evidenced by enhanced wound contraction rate and shorter epithelialization time records. In the incision model, the lower dose (5% w/w) ointment formulation of the extract exhibited the maximum increment in tensile strength (85.6%) that was significant (p < 0.001) compared to negative and untreated controls. Animals treated with 5% w/w ointment, furthermore, showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage of tensile strength than nitrofurazone treated ones. Moreover, the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant showed a noticeable free radical scavenging property. The result of the present study upholds the folkloric use of V. sinaiticum in the treatment of wounds.

Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Lipoxygenase Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Wild Edible Truffle (Terfezia boudieri) from Northern Borders of Saudi Arabia

Truffles are natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being significant biosource of essential fatty acids, proteins and other antioxidant and phenolic compounds. The current study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemicals, antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibition activities of Terfezia boudieri of Saudi origin. Various phytochemicals were screened applying standard procedures. The total methanol extract (TME) of the truffle was subjected to several chromatographic procedures. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH antioxidant procedure, comparing results with trolox as standard. Results demonstrated that Terfezia boudieri chemically characterized by the availability of various constituents such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, tannins and carbohydrates at different levels. Phytochemical investigation led to the isolation of β-sitosterol and gallic acid that were identified using 1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HMQC and HMBC NMR spectroscopic data. Results demonstrated high antioxidant activity with IC50: 50.4 μg/ml and 31.4 μg/ml for TME and gallic acid, respectively. TME and gallic acid exhibited lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with IC50 values 4.59 and 0.53 μg/ml for TME and gallic acid, respectively. The higher lipoxygenase inhibitory activity was presumably correlated to the high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, current investigation confirms the folklore use of Terfezia boudieri as antinflammatory food. Hence, the studied Terfezia boudieri may have a great potential as antioxidant and antinflammatory functional food and nutraceuticals products for pharmaceutical applications.

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy Galia Benziman (bio) Major themes in Thomas Hardy's work that had occupied critics for generations continued to generate interest among scholars in the past year and a half. As always in Hardy studies, motifs related to the evocation of the past in the present attracted much attention. The critical focus on the impact of living history on Hardy's poetics and the interest in his representation of private and collective memory have yielded a few fascinating insights in recent publications. Hardy's novels received more extensive attention than the poems, as is usually the case; in quite a few of the essays and book chapters discussed here, his prose and poetry are studied together. While attentive to poetic form, the reading of Hardy's poetry—the subject of the current survey—is often framed in broader perspectives that subsume Hardy's published prose, his personal [End Page 372] notes, his biography and autobiography, his intellectual pursuits, and his relationship with other writers. Hardy's poetic preoccupation with the past—public, communal, and personal—was examined via varied manifestations last year, repeatedly showing the ability of history to shape individual and collective identities. Alongside essays on Wessex traditions and folklore, the representation of war, too (specifically the Great War), was looked at as a significant and formative event in history, part of collective national life that Hardy responded to and processed in ways that still require critical rethinking today. On the personal and biographical side, Hardy's retrospective gaze on his first marriage before and after Emma's demise and the crucial role that this relationship served in the development of his poetry have not been exhausted yet and continued to yield fresh critical observations in last year's research. Besides these aspects of national history and biographical history, a few studies probed literary history, placing Hardy in relation to other writers and artists and tracing intriguing inspirations and influences on his poetic oeuvre. The first group of recent essays shows how closely Hardy related communal memories to folklore, specifically folk songs. Although they tend to focus on the novels, these articles demonstrate the importance of poetry and song to Hardy as a writer. Jude Wright's article "Public and Private Folklore: The Function of Folk-Culture in The Return of the Native and Jude the Obscure" (Victorians: A Journal of Culture and Literature 137 [2020]: 30–43) discusses Hardy's use of folklore in his poetry and prose as a meaning-making device, a hermeneutic tool that dramatizes his characters' or speakers' need to find meaning in chaotic occurrences. Examining this theme closely in The Return of the Native and Jude the Obscure, Wright also offers a valuable preliminary analysis of a few poems—the very early "Domicilium," Hardy's first poem, and the far more famous and often-anthologized "The Convergence of the Twain" and "Ah, Are You Digging on my Grave." The reading of the poems demonstrates how throughout Hardy's career, folklorist elements served to impose narrative order and meaning on what would otherwise appear to be chaotic and random phenomena. Wright points out that legends, songs, and other types of folkloric sources "serve the function of making an incoherent world coherent for individuals and communities," which, he argues, is the basis of how folklore functions and why it thrives. "Hardy is keenly aware of the role that [folkloric] stories, allusions, and associations play in shaping humans' understanding of the world around them" (p. 35). This understanding is related to the past. Thus, in "Domicilium," it is the grandmother's vision that "represents both the world that was and its implications for the world that is," and [End Page 373] the wild woodland that once surrounded the house is "viewed through a hermeneutic in relation to the present setting" (p. 31). This layering of time, and the use of folkloric and supernatural elements as a narrative framing, is a recurrent pattern in Hardy's writing—evident in his prose but particularly so in his poems, with "the backward gaze functioning as a dramatisation of meaning-making" (p. 32). Indeed, "The Convergence of the Twain" is a perfect illustration of how the "post hoc vision...

Anti-Arthritic Effect of the Hydroethanolic Root Extract of Psydrax subcordata in Rats.

Background In Ghana, decoctions of various parts of Psydrax subcordata, Bridson (Rubiaceae) are employed in the management of inflammatory conditions. However, not much scientific data is available to back such folkloric use of the plant. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the chronic anti-inflammatory activity of hydroethanolic root extract of Psydrax subcordata (PSRE) using the adjuvant-induced arthritis model in rats. Methods Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model was used to assess the ameliorative effects of PSRE in chronic inflammation. The effect of PSRE on tissue and joint integrity in arthritis was also evaluated by histopathology and microscopy. The effect of PSRE on oxidative markers and serum transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 was also determined via chemical assays. Results Oral PSRE (30–300 mg/kg) inhibited both ipsilateral and contralateral paw arthritis when given prophylactically and therapeutically in rats. It reduced paw defect on X-ray with histologically-reduced inflammatory cells and synovial hyperplasia. Finally, PSRE significantly reduced TGF-beta 1 levels and raised antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels in arthritic rats. Conclusion The findings show that hydroethanolic root extract of Psydrax subcordata possesses anti-inflammatory properties in rodents.

Folklore use of wild fruits by the Oraon tribe of Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh, India

Background: Forests and trees are the major resources sustainably utilized by the tribals for their livelihood. The tribals communities have lived in and known the forests in an intimate manner and have also gathered information about possible use and conservation of forests and trees. In present times, however, the indigenous knowledge base that the tribals have gathered and preserved yet far has been endangered due to sociocultural hybridization as a result of modernization and globalization. This situation, hence, calls for an urgent need to device strategies to conserve tribal knowledge through various means. In this-respects, the present study attempts to survey, document and preserve the knowledge regarding the wild edible fruits consumed by Oraon tribes of Surguja district of Chhattisgarh and the Current status of the tribe concerning the interest towards the wild fruit collection, consumption and conservation. Methods: The study was undertaken during December 2019-July 2020. The information was obtained through semi-structured schedule. The importance of wild edible fruits as ethnomedicine was expressed through Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). Results: A total of 26 wild fruit species, considered by the Oraon tribe to have medical values and ability to impart health benefits have been reported in this study. The reported fruit species belongs to 16 different families. Moraceae was the dominant family amongst the reported fruit species, the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) value was 0.94 for Liver related problems followed by Inflammation (0.91), Pain and Skin related disease as (0.86).The most frequently used fruit species were Morus alba (0.86), followed by Syzygium cumini (0.84), Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca longifolia and Neolamarckia cadamba (0.82) each, Ficus religiosa and Ziziphus mauritiana (0.80) each based on Relative frequency of citation. Conclusions: Furthermore, the documentation of diverse therapeutic practices of wild fruit species by the Oraon and several other tribes shall support further pharmacological research to develop novel future generation drug molecules. Keywords: Dietary nutrition, Folklore uses, Indigenous technical knowledge, Wild edible fruits.

Potential biomedical applications of Araucaria araucana as an antispasmodic, bronchodilator, vasodilator, and antiemetic: Involvement of calcium channels

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSince pre-Columbian era, the resin of Araucaria araucana tree has been used traditionally for the treatment of ulcers and wounds. Araucaria species have also been used to treat inflammation, respiratory problems, viral infections, ulcers, and rheumatoid, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. Aims and objectiveDue to its popular use, the authors aimed to scrutinize the potential of this plant as an antispasmodic and an antiemetic agent. Furthermore broncho- and vasodilatory effects of this plant was explored to rationalize its folkloric uses. Materials and methodsAraucaria araucana crude extract (Aa.Cr) was evaluated in isolated preparations of rabbit jejunum, trachea, aorta, and atria to investigate the antispasmodic, bronchodilator, and vasodilator effects. The potential mechanistic approaches were compared with the standard drug ‘verapamil’. The antiemetic activity was determined and compared with the standard drug ‘domperidone’ via chick emesis model. ResultsAa.Cr dose-dependently relaxed both spontaneous and K+-induced contractions in the isolated jejunum preparations of rabbits. In concentration–response curves of calcium (Ca++), Aa.Cr also triggered the rightward shift like verapamil. Applying carbachol and phenylephrine (1 μM) and K+ (80 mM) to the isolated tracheal and aortic tissue preparation, respectively, resulted in broncho- and vasodilatory activities, respectively which may be due to the inhibition of Ca++ channels. Aa.Cr inhibited atrial force and spontaneous contractions in the rabbit's right atria. Aa.Cr exhibited significant antiemetic activity (P < 0.001 vs. saline) in dose-dependent (50–150 mg/kg) manner like domperidone. In silico molecular docking was performed to investigate the biological targets of purified components of Aa.Cr which revealed that cadinol dominantly targets β2 receptors to cause bronchodilation, however, eudesmin binds non-specifically to all the selected targets, while secoisolariciresinol mediated high hydrogen bonding with muscarinic receptors (M1 and M3) and Ca++ channels, thus shows the suggested mechanistic pathways of targeted activities. ConclusionsThe results of this study indicates that Aa.Cr may exhibit antispasmodic activity, bronchodilation, and vasodilation by inhibiting voltage-dependent Ca++ channels and release of subcellular calcium. This explains its folkloric use in hypertension, bronchospasms, gastrointestinal spasms, and emesis.

GC-MS Analysis, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Ethyl Acetate Leaf Extract of Senna singueana (Delile) Grown in Kenya.

Bacterial diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. During bacterial diseases, an elevation of host immune response occurs, which involves the production of free radicals in response to the bacterial infection. The overproduction of free radicals in excess of the antioxidants leads to oxidative stress. Conventional antibiotics are linked to side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions in addition to bacterial pathogens developing resistance against them. Artificial antioxidants are said to be carcinogenic. This study sought to confirm folklore use and validate the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of Senna singueana which has been widely used in the Mbeere community. The in vitro antibacterial potentials of the plant extract were investigated on Bacillus subtilis ATCC 21332, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhi ATCC 1408, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Ciprofloxacin (100 µg/ml) drug was used as a standard reference, whereas 5% DMSO was used as a negative reference. The antibacterial tests included disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. S. singueana ethyl acetate extract showed broad-spectrum potential against tested bacterial microbes producing mean zones of inhibition (MZI) from 07.67 ± 0.33 to 17.67 ± 0.33 mm. The extract demonstrated a greater effect on Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Antibacterial properties of ciprofloxacin were significantly greater in comparison to plant extract in all the dilutions (p < 0.05), while 5% DMSO was inactive against all the tested bacteria. MBC values were greater than MIC values. Antioxidant properties of the extract were determined through scavenging effects of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) as well as ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay. S. singueana demonstrated effects against all radicals formed. Additionally, the extract exhibited ferric reducing abilities. The extract also contained various phytocompounds with known antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This study recommends the therapeutic use of S. singueana as an antibacterial as well as an antioxidant agent.

Polyphenolic Contents, Free Radical Scavenging and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Dalbergiella welwitschii Leaf Extracts.

A decoction of Dalbergiella welwitschii leaves has been used ethnomedicinally for the treatment of mental illness and inflammatory diseases amongst other diseases. In this study, the leaf methanol extract of D. welwitschii and its partition fractions: n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous, were tested and evaluated for their polyphenolic contents, free radical scavenging and cholinesterase inhibitory activities. The total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) and proanthocyanidin (TPA) contents were determined using standard colorimetric methods. The anti-radical activity of the extracts against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric ion and nitric oxide (NO) radicals as well as their effects on lipid peroxidation were monitored spectrophotometrically. The cholinesterase enzyme (AChE and BuChE) inhibitions by the extracts were determined by a modified method of Ellman. The result showed a concentration-dependent increase in inhibition of the free radicals and the cholinesterase enzymes, except for that of lipid peroxidation. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction exhibited the highest polyphenolic contents among the fractions, with a TPC of 1.08 mgGAE/g, TFC of 0.38 mgQuE/g and TPA of 0.21 mgGAE/g. It also demonstrated the highest free radical scavenging activities with 72.63% and 65.43% inhibitions of DPPH and NO, respectively. The EtOAc fraction inhibited AChE and BuChE enzymes with IC50 values of 0.94 and 8.49 mg/mL, respectively. Our findings show that the plant may have polyphenol contents, in particular in the methanol extract and EtOAc fraction. These extracts showed considerable free radical scavenging and cholinesterase inhibitory properties. Thus, the observed bioactivities may serve as a justification for its folkloric use as a remedy for mental illness. The study also provides relevant information that could help in the search for lead cholinesterase inhibitors from medicinal plants that can be exploited against neurodegenerative disorders.

Provenance representations in craft beer

ABSTRACT This paper explores the value of provenance representations in the marketing and promotion of craft beers, which have seen an increase in sales in recent years. A cross-comparative analysis of qualitative data from the labels of 118 craft beers in Wales (UK) and 124 in Brittany (France) identifies an abundant use of cultural representations, especially language, symbols and folklore. Findings point to the value of craft brewing in supporting local economies through social terroir, and consumers’ connections to place, which promote social and economic sustainability, and could be harnessed through marketing strategies to stimulate local beer tourism.

Carissa edulis Vahl (Apocynaceae) extract, a medicinal plant of Benin pharmacopoeia, induces potent endothelium-dependent relaxation of coronary artery rings involving nitric oxide

BackgroundHypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor that affects most countries including those of Africa. Although Carissa edulis Vahl, Diodia scandens Sw. and Cleome gynandra L. are traditionally used in Benin as antihypertensive treatments with some efficacy mentioned by the local population, their biological activity on the cardiovascular system remains poorly studied. AimThe study investigated the vasoreactivity of the plants and assessed the underlying mechanisms using isolated arteries. Study designAqueous-ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of C. edulis, D. scandens and C. gynandra were prepared by maceration before being subjected to multi-step liquid-liquid fractionation with solvents of increasing polarity. The vasoreactivity of the extracts and fractions were assessed on isolated porcine coronary artery and rat aorta using organ chambers, the role of nitric oxide (NO) using NG-nitro-L-arginine (NO synthase inhibitor), prostanoids using indomethacin (cyclooxygenases inhibitor) and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization using TRAM-34 plus UCL 1684 (inhibitors of calcium-dependent K+ channels), and the vascular uptake of polyphenols using Neu reagent. ResultsThe aqueous-ethanolic crude extract of C. edulis (CECE) induced potent relaxations that were exclusively endothelium-dependent and more pronounced than those to D. scandens and C. gynandra. The n-butanolic fraction of C. edulis (CEBF) was more active than the cyclohexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions. The relaxation induced by CECE and CEBF were inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine and affected neither by TRAM-34 plus UCL 1684 nor by indomethacin. CEBF induced sustained endothelium-dependent relaxations for at least 60 min, and inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, contractions to KCl, CaCl2, U46619 and serotonin in rings with endothelium. Analysis of CEBF by LCHRMS indicated the presence of polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids. Exposure of coronary artery and aorta rings to CEBF caused the accumulation of polyphenols predominantly in the endothelium. ConclusionC. edulis leaf extract induced pronounced endothelium-dependent relaxations and inhibited contractile responses by stimulating the endothelial formation of NO. LCHRMS analysis of the most active fraction, the butanolic fraction, revealed the presence of numerous compounds including polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids. The polyphenols of CEBF accumulated preferentially in the endothelium of the arterial wall. Thus, these observations support the folkloric use of C. edulis in hypertension.

Pharmacological Validation for the Folklore Use of Ipomoea nil against Asthma: In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation.

Oxidative stress is the key factor that strengthens free radical generation which stimulates lung inflammation. The aim was to explore antioxidant, bronchodilatory along with anti-asthmatic potential of folkloric plants and the aqueous methanolic crude extract of Ipomoea nil (In.Cr) seeds which may demonstrate as more potent, economically affordable, having an improved antioxidant profile and providing evidence as exclusive therapeutic agents in respiratory pharmacology. In vitro antioxidant temperament was executed by DPPH, TFC, TPC and HPLC in addition to enzyme inhibition (cholinesterase) analysis; a bronchodilator assay on rabbit’s trachea as well as in vivo OVA-induced allergic asthmatic activity was performed on mice. In vitro analysis of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) expressed as % inhibition 86.28 ± 0.25 with IC50 17.22 ± 0.56 mol/L, TPC 115.5 ± 1.02 mg GAE/g of dry sample, TFC 50.44 ± 1.06 mg QE/g dry weight of sample, inhibition in cholinesterase levels for acetyl and butyryl with IC50 (0.60 ± 0.67 and 1.5 ± 0.04 mol/L) in comparison with standard 0.06 ± 0.002 and 0.30 ± 0.003, respectively, while HPLC characterization of In.Cr confirmed the existence with identification as well as quantification of various polyphenolics and flavonoids i.e., gallic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and others. However, oral gavage of In.Cr at different doses in rabbits showed a better brochodilation profile as compared to carbachol and K+-induced bronchospasm. More significant (p < 0.01) reduction in OVA-induced allergic hyper-responses i.e., inflammatory cells grade, antibody IgE as well as altered IFN-α in airways were observed at three different doses of In.Cr. It can be concluded that sound mechanistic basis i.e., the existence of antioxidants: various phenolic and flavonoids, calcium antagonist(s) as well as enzymes’ inhibition profile, validates folkloric consumptions of this traditionally used plant to treat ailments of respiration.