Vernonia Amygdalina Delile Research Articles

Cancer Chemotherapeutic Effect of Vernonia Amygdalina Delile on Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Cell.

This study is targeted at assessing the chemotherapy factor of the ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD). U87 glioblastoma cells were treated with extract and a fraction of Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD) was harvested from the herbarium. Cytotoxicity was evaluated to determine the IC50 through microscopic observation followed by an MTT assay. Subsequently, flow cytometry with a FACS type was employed to conduct cell cycle and apoptosis analyses. Annexin V/PI and PI markers were used to assess apoptosis and cell cycle progression. The ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of VAD showed promising effects as cancer chemotherapy in glioblastoma cells. The IC50 values for the extract and fraction were notably low, at 37.65 µg/ml and 10.12 µg/ml, respectively, for U87 cells. Analysis of apoptosis using FACS revealed a more pronounced apoptotic effect of the 15 µg/ml fraction of VAD on both early and late apoptosis compared to the 75 µg/ml extract of VAD. Although some differences in cell cycle properties were observed, there were no significant differences in cell cycle analysis between the extract and fraction. These findings underscore the efficacy of VAD's ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction as chemotherapeutic agents against U87 cancer cells. The low IC50 values and significant induction of early apoptosis highlight the cytotoxic effects of these treatments on U87 cells.

Combination of cisplatin and ethyl acetate extract of Vernonia amygdalina Delile induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis on PANC-1 cells via PI3K/mTOR

Context: Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD) is known as a potential plant with a wide variety of medicinal properties, including anticancer. Aims: To evaluate the combination effect of VAD extract with cisplatin (CIS) against PANC-1 cells, focusing on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis activities. Methods: This study is an experimental study using PANC-1 cells as objects. The phytochemical compounds were analyzed with LC-MS/MS. The cytotoxic activity of extracts and their combinations was determined using the MTT assay method in the PANC-1 cell line. Apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and PI3K/mTOR profiles were analyzed with flow cytometry. Immunocytochemistry was used to determine Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, and p53 expression. Results: The phytochemicals found were five compounds with retention times of 8.96, 9.85, 10.52, 12.59, and 10.36. The results of the MTT assay showed that the IC50 values of extract and CIS were 21.83 ± 0.46 µg/mL and 3.02 ± 0.44 µg/mL, respectively. The combination index (CI) value of extract and CIS had a synergistic effect. Combination extract and CIS induced early and late apoptosis, inhibited cell cycle progression on the G1 phase, inhibited Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 expression, induced p53 expression, and inhibited PI3K and mTOR expression. Conclusions: The combination of extract and CIS showed anticancer activity against PANC-1 cells through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via inhibition of PI3K and mTOR expressions.

Nutrient and Heavy Metal Content of Three Leafy Vegetables (Talinum fructicosum (L.) Juss., Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Solanum macrocarpon L.) from an Effluent-Receiving Wetland in the Douala Bassa Industrial Development Zone, Cameroon: Implications for

Objective: Contamination by heavy metals in soil, water, and agricultural products is a significant concern, particularly affecting wetland ecosystems. This investigation aimed to assess the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, As, Zn, and Ni) and nutritional values in three highly cultivated leafy vegetables (Talinum fructicosum (L.) Juss., Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Solanum macrocarpon L.) collected from a polluted coastal wetland. Additionally, we evaluated the potential health hazards for both adults and children.” Methods: The mature and young leaves with succulent stems were collected during the dry and rainy seasons, transported to the laboratory, processed and then analysed for nutritional contents according to standard methods, and heavy metals was measured with atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: The three leafy vegetables were found to be low in fat (0.85±2.19%), protein (3.01±9.06%), ash (0.68±5.03%), and carbohydrates (1.34±4.54%). During both seasons, the Cd (0.45±2.49%), Cu (208.34-927.41%), and Zn (29.39±3554.5%) content in leafy vegetables was extremely high, surpassing the WHO/FAO safe limits. The Hazard Index (HI) values were all greater than (>) one (1) for both adults (32.259±67.31) and children (67.310±489.89). Total carcinogenic health risk (TCR) values for Pb, Cd, and AS due to consumption of the three vegetables for adult (0.008±0.052) and children (0.018±0.109) also exceeded the maximum threshold value of 10−4. From our findings, inhabitants who consume these contaminated vegetables are exposed chronically to metal pollution with carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. Conclusion: In the light of these finding, policies and regulations should be reinforced regarding the discharge of untreated effluents into the environment and the prohibition of the growing of leafy vegetables should be strengthened.

Anticancer activity of the ethylacetate fraction of Vernonia amygdalina Delile towards overexpression of HER-2 breast cancer cell lines

Vernonia amygdalina Delile, coming from the Asteraceae tribe, contains active compounds that can treat breast cancer. This study examines the anticancer activity of Vernonia amygdalina Delile leaves, an active fraction of MCF-7/HER-2 breast cancer cells. Thin-layer chromatography determines the phytochemical screening. Cytotoxic and proliferation analyses were determined using the MTT method for the MCF-7/HER-2 breast cancer cell line. The cell cycle and apoptosis profiles were examined using flow cytometry. The results can be summarized in this study: Vernonia amygdalina Delile fraction contains a flavonoid with great potential for pharmacological activities, for instance, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. The ethyl acetate fraction was more potent and cytotoxic on MCF-7/HER-2 cells (IC50 = 66 μg/mL) than extract ethanol (IC50 = 130 μg/mL). The ethylacetate fraction of Vernonia amygdalina Delile has been proven to inhibit cell proliferation by decreasing cell viability with an IC50 of 66 μg/mL concentration incubated for 24, 48, and 72 hrs with cell viability values of 64.46%, 61.67%, and 53.89%, respectively, compared to the ethanol extract IC50 of 130 μg/mL concentration with cell viability values of 56.0%, 50.19%, and 58.67%, respectively, which induced apoptosis and inhibited the cell cycle in the G2-M phase. To conclude, the ethyl acetate fraction of Vernonia amygdalina Delile can be used as an anticancer against the MCF-7/HER-2 cell line with an IC50 of 66 μg/mL, inhibiting cell proliferation and the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis activity in the MCF-7/HER-2 cell.

Anticancer and Antioxidant Properties of Vernonia amygdalina Delile and Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle Juice Extracts: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD), also known as bitter leaf, is widely utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. The presence of bioactive compounds in VAD is believed to be responsible for its characteristic bitterness. In Ghana, it is a common practice to mitigate the bitterness of VAD by combining it with Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle (lime) juice extracts, although this method lacks scientific evidence and documentation. Therefore, the antioxidant and anticancer activities of VAD and lime juice extracts (V5) and their combined effects were evaluated in vitro. Method: The antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effects of VAD extracts were determined against Jurkat, MCF-7, HepG2, and PNT2 cells using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to quantify antioxidant activity and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess cytotoxicity. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Linear regression was employed to determine the correlation between the concentration and the percentage of antioxidant activity, while p values were calculated using Student's t-test. Results: The laboratory analysis focused on the extracts V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5. Briefly, V1 and V2 contained equal amounts of saponins and terpenoids. Among these, V2 exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity, as indicated by an EC50 value of 2.14 ± 0.06 mg/mL. V2 also demonstrated cytotoxicity against the MCF-7, HepG2, Jurkat, and PNT2 cell lines. On the other hand, V3 and V4 did not show any cytotoxic effects across all tested cell lines. In contrast, V5 was toxic to HepG2 and MCF-7 cells but had no cytotoxic effect on Jurkat cell lines. V2 exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity (0-1000 μg/mL), with the strongest inhibition observed against Jurkat cells (IC50 value = 96.341 μg/mL) and a selective index of 3.567. The difference in activity between the extracts from different parts of the plant and the extract combined with lime juice was significant (p < 0.05), indicating a synergistic effect of the phytochemicals in both VAD and lime juice. Conclusion: V2 and V5 demonstrated a remarkable antioxidant property, and they are effective in inhibiting cancer cell lines, respectively.

Chemical profiling of African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) and Kenikir leaves (Cosmos caudatus Kunth) extracts using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

Chemical profiling of African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) and Kenikir leaves (Cosmos caudatus Kunth) extracts using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

Phytochemical Profile And Toxicity Testing Of African Leaf Extract (Vernonia Amygdalina Delile) With Liquid Variation Scavenger Method Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT)

Background: The African leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) is one of the plants used as a traditional medicine, one of which is anti-cancer. Aim: The study aims to identify compound groups, toxic effects and LC50 values of African leaf extracts with variations in the leaf fluid. Method: In this study, African leaves were extracted using a maseration method with three fluids namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate and 70% ethanol. The extract was qualitatively studied by the group of chemical compounds and toxicity tests were conducted using the method of Brine Shrimp Lethality Test. (BSLT). Result: The results of this study showed that n-hexane extract contains flavonoid and glycoside compounds. Ethyl acetate extract has a flavonoid compound, saponins and glucosides. The results of a linear regression analysis showed that 70% ethanol extract was an extract with the highest LC50value with a LC50 value of 31.80 ppm, an ethyl acetate extracts with LC50 values of 51.70 ppm and n-hexane extracts with LC50, with a 91.88 ppm value of LC50. Conclusion: This study showed that the three extracts included a strong toxic ketegori with a range of 0-100 ppm.

Antibacterial activities of water extract of Vernonia amygdalina Delile leaves

Staphylococci are common bacterial colonizers of the skin and mucous membranes of humans and other mammals. Staphylococcus epidermidis in particular is the most frequently isolated species from human epithelia. It colonizes predominantly the axillae, head, and nares. One type of medicinal plant that is nutritious for health is African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina Delile). Vernonia amygdalina extract showed the presence of some compounds which are rich in those constituents. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed variation in their phytochemical constituents with the presence and or absence of some components. The presence of glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids was believed to exhibit the antibiotic properties of V. amygdalina leaves and confirmed their antimicrobial efficacy against selected pathogens. The concentration of 50 mg/mL up to a concentration of 1.56 mg/mL can inhibit the growth of S. epidermidis, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) itself is at the smallest concentration that has been able to inhibit bacterial growth and the number of bacteria is &lt; 10 colonies. Staphylococcus epidermidis at a concentration of 25 mg/mL, absorbance values at wavelengths of 260 nm and 280 nm were higher than the absorbance values of S. epidermidis at a concentration of 12.5 mg/mL. The absorbance value at wavelengths of 260 nm and 280 nm will increase with the higher concentration of the extract, this indicates the presence of cell leakage observed in the presence of protein and nucleic acid leakage. S. epidermidis biofilm inhibition test shows that the results of the absorbance or OD (Optical Density) measurement in the biofilm inhibition test using the ethanol extract of V. amygdalina Delile, the OD value at a concentration of 25 mg/mL ie 0.149±0.004 showed a biofilm inhibition result of 62.37% greater than the concentration of 12.5 mg/mL which is 0.318±0.003 with a biofilm inhibition result of 19.52%, this indicates that the higher the concentration of the extract, the smaller the biofilm formation of S. epidermidis bacteria.

THE EFFECT OF SOLVENT TOWARDS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF Vernonia amygdalina Delile LEAVES

Antioxidants guard against reactive oxygen free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by adding electrons to them, preventing bodily harm. African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina Delile.) contain an antioxidant. African leaves are the leaves of a thousand diseases because they have pharmacological effects on various diseases. African leaves contain steroids/triterpenoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids. This study examined Vernonia amygdalina Delile. leaf combination ethanol extract antioxidant properties. The extracts were prepared with the reflux method using methanol, butanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-hexane. Antioxidant activities were determined with DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, O-Phenanthroline, Hydroxyl radical scavenging, total phenolics, and total flavonoids method. The data were analyzed using the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) multivariate exploration technique, which was analyzed using the Minitab software. The highest antioxidant activity was found in African leaf reflux extract with methanol solvent by DPPH method (43.8968 ± 0.021), followed by ABTS (73.6223 ± 0.091), FRAP (89.2924 ± 0.087), CUPRAC (13.4745 ± 0.042), O-Phenantroline (99.0977 ± 0.30), and Hydroxyl radical scavenging (33.5703 ± 0.071). The findings show that Vernonia amygdalina Delile. extract exhibit antioxidant activity. According to the findings, Vernonia amygdalina Delile leaf extract with methanol solvent provided the maximum antioxidant activity.

Vernonia amygdalina Delile Induces Apoptotic Effects of PC3 Cells: Implication in the Prevention of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the common cancers in males and its incidence keeps increasing globally. Approximately 81% of PCa is diagnosed during the early stage of the disease. The treatment options for prostate care include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but these treatments often have side effects that may lead to issues such as impotence or decreased bowel function. Our central goal is to test the apoptotic effects of Vernonia amygdalina Delile (an edible medicinal plant that is relatively inexpensive, nontoxic, and virtually without side effects) for the prevention of PCa using human adenocarcinoma (PC-3) cells as a test model. To address our central goal, PC-3 cells were treated with Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD). Cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis were evaluated by Flow Cytometry assessment. Nucleosomal DNA fragmentation was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Flow cytometry data showed that VAD induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 checkpoint and significantly upregulated caspase-3 in treated cells compared to the control cells. Agarose gel electrophoresis resulted in the formation of DNA ladders in VAD-treated cells. These results suggest that inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation are involved in the therapeutic mechanisms of VAD as a candidate drug towards the prevention and/or treatment of PCa.

Fetotoxicity and Subacute Toxicity of Some Plants Involved in the Treatment of Infectious Diarrhea in Benin

This study aimed to provide data on the subacute toxicity and fetotoxicity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. &amp;amp; Dalziel, Anacardium occidentale L., Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC., Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss., Ocimum gratissimum L., Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., and Manihot esculenta Crantz used in the treatment of diarrheal diseases in Benin. For subacute toxicity, each male and female Wistar rat received by esophageal gavage a maximum of 1000 mg/kg over 28 days following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline No. 407. Bodyweight changes, biochemical and hematological parameters were assessed. The fetotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated on Dutch Blue hen eggs at 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. The hatching rate, biochemical and hematological constants were subsequently determined. The subacute toxicity data did not indicate any mortality or signs of toxicity. Also, no significant difference in the bodyweight of the rats and the hematological parameters was noted. Concerning fetotoxicity, a low hatching rate (varying from 20% to 50%) was observed in the batches treated with the extracts at 300mg/kg compared to the rate obtained in the negative control batch (80%). The batches that received the hydroethanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Manihot esculenta at the tested doses had a hatching rate of 0%. When looking at hematological parameters, no significant difference was noted for all batches. However, an increase in the Aspartate Amino-Transferase (ASAT) values was noted in the batches that received the hydroethanolic extract of Khaya senegalensis and the aqueous extract of Diospyros mespiliformis at 100 and 300 mg/kg. These results explicitly show that the hydroethanolic extracts of Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina are fetotoxic at the tested doses.

Survey of Traditional Birth Attendants in Sagbama and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State

The indigenous people of Ijaw in Southern Nigeria are endowed with a deep culture of Traditional birth attendance, and they make use of medicinal plants in their practice to assist in ante- and post-natal cares. It is therefore imperative to document their rich knowledge to avoid its extinction. The work was performed with the aim of identifying and documenting the botanicals employed by the traditional birth attendants in some Ijaw tribes of Bayelsa State. The study was carried out by employing semi-structured questionnaires amidst personal interviews which were administered to forty-five traditional birth attendants (TBAs) between April and August 2019 to obtain information. Thirty-six medicinal plant species belonging to thirty-five genera within twenty- four families were mentioned by the TBAs mostly for labour induction (22.04%). Female fertility (14.47%) threatened abortion (13.49%) and foetal development (10.20%) were treated with Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Compositae), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Compositae), Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken and Acanthaceae, respectively making the Compositae the most important family. Of these, V. amygdalina was the most cited plant by the TBAs with frequency index (FI) of 44.44, while B. pinnatum ranked the next with FI=40.00. The survey provides an authentic data from TBAs for documentation which will be helpful for researchers in drug development as well as preserving the cultural heritage towards increasing the health manpower of the country.

Ethnobotanical survey of plants locally used in the control of termite pests among rural communities in northern Uganda

BackgroundTermites are the most destructive pests in many agricultural and forest plantations in Uganda. Current control of termites mostly relies on chemical pesticides. However, the adverse effects of chemical insecticides necessitate the need to search for and popularize the usage of environmentally safer options. Plants represent one of the most accessible resources available for termite control by communities in Uganda. However, limited documented information exists for their contribution in the management of except through verbal sharing. This study aimed at assessing the communities’ knowledge about plants traditionally used in controlling termites among selected communities in Apac District, northern Uganda.MethodAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted between November 2016 and February 2017 in 12 randomly selected villages in the sub counties of Apac and Ibuje of Apac District, northern Uganda. Open-ended questionnaire interviews were used to gather ethnobotanical and sociodemographic data. A total of 381 indigenous people were interviewed [male, 281 (73.8); female, 100 (26.2)]. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and the relative frequency of citation (RFC) was determined.ResultsOverall, 70.9% of the respondents were knowledgeable about plants used for control of termites. There was a significant association between respondents’ knowledge of pesticidal plants with age and gender but not with education status. A total of 11 plant species belonging to eight families were identified to be in use for control of termites in Apac. Solanaceae, Eurphorbiaceae and Asteraceae were the most represented families with two species each, while the rest of the families had only one species mentioned. According to the relative frequency of citation (RFC), Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. (RFC = 0.43), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (0.18) and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray (0.10) were the most used in the control of termites in the study area. Fruits (45.9%) and leaves (29.2%) were the most used plant parts. Squeezing, crushing and chopping of the plant materials were the most popular methods of preparation and water extract was the commonest mode of formulation of plant parts.ConclusionsThe study has shown that rural populations of the targeted localities possess indigenous knowledge on anti-termitid plants. However, screening is urgently needed to validate their bioactivity and to determine the bioactive constituents responsible for killing the invertebrates in pest management. Furthermore, simple methods for local propagation and cultivation are needed to ensure a sustainable supply of termicidal plant biomass.

Comparison of phytochemical constituents of ethanol leaf extracts of Solanum macrocarpon and Vernonia amygdalina

Abstract. Oyesola OA, Sampson II, Augustine AA, Adejoke OB, Taiwo GE. 2022. Comparison of phytochemical constituents of ethanol leaf extracts of Solanum macrocarpon and Vernonia amygdalina. Asian J Trop Biotechnol 19: 6-10. A plant can exert physiological changes on biological systems due to phytochemicals present in plants parts. This study evaluated and compared the phytochemical constituent (both quantitative and qualitative) and the antioxidant properties of the ethanol leaf extract Solanum macrocarpon L.and Vernonia amygdalina Delile using standard methods. Tannin, phenol, cardiac glycoside, alkaloid, and flavonoid were present in both plant extracts. Alkaloid, flavonoid, and cardiac glycoside in large quantities in S. macrocarpon compared to V. amygdalina. At the same time, V. amygdalina contained a large amount of tannin and phenol. Reducing sugar was present in S. macrocarpon and absent in V. amygdalina, saponin and steroid were present in V. amygdalina and absent in S. marcrocarpon, terpenoid and phlobatanin were both missing in the leaf extract of both plants. In contrast, both plant extracts showed radical scavenging activities, with V. amygdalina having a higher antioxidant capacity than S. macrocarpon. The present study's findings indicated that the ethanol leaf extract of S. macrocarpon and V. amygdalina possess antioxidant properties and may be effective against oxidative stress.

Ethnobotanical use-pattern for indigenous fruits and vegetables among selected communities in Ondo State, Nigeria

Plants including indigenous/naturalised fruits and vegetables (IFVs) have the potential towards meeting the food and nutrition needs of humans. Currently, IFVs are threatened by human activities such as deforestation, environmental degradation and acculturation. As a result, the need for ethnobotanical surveys that focuses on the documentation of IFVs remains pertinent. This study explored the utilisation pattern of IFVs among participants in 40 rural communities of Ondo state, Nigeria. Ethnobotanical information was collected among 400 participants using semi-structured questionnaires. Thereafter, the frequency of citation (FC, %) was calculated. An inventory of 46 indigenous and naturalised plant species from 19 families were identified as a source of food, nutritional and therapeutic purposes as well as energy source (fuel) in the study area. The FC ranged from approximately 32-90% and IFVs such as Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (89.5%), Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle (89.5%), Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss. (88.8%), Amaranthus hybridus L. (87.8%), Vernonia adoensis var. adoensis (86.8%) and Vernonia amygdalina Delile (86.8%) were the most commonly cited plants. The dominant plant families were Asteraceae (8 IFVs) and Malvaceae (6 IFVs) while the leaves (35%) and fruit (21%) were the most frequently used plant parts. In terms of use-categories, the IFVs served as food (53%), medicine/health benefits (46%) and fuel/energy source (1%), which is an indication of their diverse potential in the study area. Elaeis guineensis Jacq. was recorded as a highly diverse IFV with applications in the three aforementioned use-categories. Overall, the current findings contribute to the on-going global research efforts aimed at the documentation of indigenous plants. However, the determination of the nutritional and phytochemical content of identified IFVs collected from the study area will be essential for their characterisation which may enhance their acceptance among the local and wider populations.

In Silico Studies of Sesquiterpene Lactones from Vernonia amygdalina Delile on the Expression of EGFR and VEGFR as a New Anticancer Potential

Objective: To assess the inhibition activity of sesquiterpene lactones from Vernonia amygdalina Delile as a new anticancer potential on the expression of cancer therapeutic target-proteins, namely: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). Methods: The in silico screening, target‐based approach (docking) was performed by the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) website and AutoDock Vina program. The therapeutic cancer target proteins model of EGFR and VEGFR were downloaded from Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) protein data bank (PDB) with 5HG7 and 4AG8 as their respective codes. Results: The test compounds have anticancer activity as predicted by the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) website and AutoDock Vina program. The molecular docking analysis of the test compounds showed strong interactions and good inhibition activity with the targeted proteins with a low docking score value predicted by the AutoDock Vina program. Conclusion: The test compounds have the potential to be used in anticancer drugs through the inhibitory qualities of EGFR and VEGFR. Key words: In silico, Sesquiterpene lactones, EGFR, VEGFR, Vernonia amygdalina Delile.

Assessment of the activities of Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. combined with other plants on chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei

The prevalence of Plasmodium strains resistant to conventional monotherapy drugs has necessitated the need for more effective and affordable antimalarial agents. This study aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activities of some indigenous plants alone and in combination with chloroquine with a view to proffering herbal combination therapy as an alternative to the currently used antimalarial combination therapy. Extracts obtained separately from the decoctions of the roots of Chasmanthera dependens Hochst. (Menispermaceae), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) and methanol extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae) leaf were analysed by high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and evaluated for repeated-dose oral toxicity in mice using standard protocols. Assessments of C. dependens and V. amygdalina with their combination were carried out on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium-infected mice with the 4-day chemosuppressive antimalarial test. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, C. dependens and their combinations with chloroquine (10 mg/kg) were assessed on chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium using the curative test model. The combination of C. dependens and V. amygdalina exhibited chemosuppression (71.1±3.7%) that was not significantly (p>0.05) different from chloroquine (80.1±1.9%). In the curative model, a significant parasite clearance (98.2%) was observed with the combination of C. dependens and chloroquine. The study concluded that the aqueous root extracts possessed potent antimalarial activity in chloroquine-sensitive malaria infection. It also revealed an additive interaction between C. dependens and chloroquine that could be further investigated as a herbal combination for chloroquine-resistant malaria.

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils and Plant (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

This study assessed the concentration of heavy metal, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Silver (Ag), in Vernonia amygdalina Delile and agricultural soils of three university farms located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The soils and plants were taken randomly to form composite samples and analyzed for heavy metals by the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The study stations were agricultural soils and Vernonia amygdalina Delile from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (I), River State University (R) and University of Port Harcourt (U). The soil samples recorded mean concentration ranges for Fe as 19.71 ± 1.77 (I)–27.24 ± 3.56 mg/kg (R) in soils and 12.95 ± 1.68 (R)–18.18 ± 2.02 mg/kg (U) for the bitter leaf samples. The mean range for Pb concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 4.35 ± 0.87–6.80 ± 0.86 mg/kg and 0.24 ± 0.64–2.19 ± 0.74 mg/kg, while Cd concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 0.46 ± 0.28–1.42 ± 0.40 mg/kg and 0.17 ± 0.22–0.42 ± 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. The respective mean ranges for Cr concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 5.91 ± 1.14–8.77 ± 0.88 mg/kg and 4.04 ± 0.64–5.92 ± 0.69 mg/kg, while Ni in soil and bitter leaf were 0.54 ± 3.38–10.26 ± 3.50 mg/kg and 0.042 ± 1.42–3.30 ± 0.88 mg/kg, while Ag was negligible. Heavy metal levels in soils and Vernonia amygdalina followed the order Fe &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Cd and Fe &gt; Cr &gt; Ni &gt; Pb &gt; Cd, respectively, and were lower than WHO/FAO and EPA, except Cd, which was higher in soil and in Vernonia amygdalina. The ecological risk factor (ErF) was comparatively lower in soils than in the plant, while pollution load index (PLI) showed high heavy metal retention capacities in Vernonia amygdalina due to more anthropogenic influences. The metal transfer factor (TF) was highest in Fe, followed by Cr &gt; Cd &gt; Ni &gt; Pb, while Pb had the highest chances of cancer risks from the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), especially in both soil and plant (mean ILCR, 2.07 × 10−2 and 2.45 × 10−3), while Cd had the least (mean ILCR, 9.64 × 10−5 and 3.36 × 10−5). Anthropogenic activities must be regulated and monitored by government relevant agencies to reduce heavy metal inputs into soils and avoid excessive accruals in food chain.

Assessment of fodder resources in Ethiopia: Biomass production and nutritional value

AbstractFodders are the major feed resource in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess biomass production and nutritive value of fodder resources in Ethiopia. A total of 34 scientific papers and 30 Central Statistical Agency (CSA) (Ethiopia) reports for biomass production, and 249 scientific papers for nutritive value were used for this study. The biomass production of crop residues was greatest followed by grazing biomass, enset [Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesem.] and banana (Musa spp.) leaves and pseudostems. The crude protein (CP) concentration of vetch (Vicia spp.) hay, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay, cultivated legume species and many indigenous browse species was &gt;150 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). However, the CP value of natural pasture, crop residues, natural pasture hay, rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) hay, cultivated grass species, sycamore fig (Ficus sychomorus L.), Indianfig pricklypear [Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill.] and enset and banana was &lt;150 g kg−1 DM. Natural pasture, crop residues, all parts of enset except enset corm, natural pasture hay, rhodes grass hay, and cultivated grass species contained &gt;550 g kg−1 DM neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Enset corm, vetch hay, alfalfa, Chinese banyan (Ficus thonningii Blume), and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) contained &gt;10 MJ kg−1 DM metabolizable energy (ME). Crop residues except faba bean straw contained &lt;600 g kg−1 DM in‐vitro digestibility. Methods should be devised for more efficient and effective use of the most widely available crop residues and grazing biomass through better management practices and appropriate supplementation with good quality forages and locally available better quality agricultural and agro‐industrial by‐products.

Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology, and Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Human Diarrheal Cases in Rwanda: A Review.

Diarrhea, often caused by microorganisms, has been associated with high morbidity and mortality in Africa. Increased rates of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have reignited the quest for alternative therapies. This review aimed at identifying medicinal plants used in the treatment of human diarrheal cases in Rwanda and analyzing their ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry. We searched PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Web of Science for published articles on medicinal plants used to treat diarrhea in Rwanda. Additionally, specialized herbarium documents of different institutes were reviewed. Articles were assessed for relevance, quality, and taxonomical accuracy before being included in this review. Overall, 63 species of medicinal plants belonging to 35 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the predominant family with six species, followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae, with five species each. The most reported species with anti-diarrheal properties were Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd, Clerodendrum myricoides R. Br. and Chenopodium ugandae (Aellen) Aellen. Leaves (66.7%) and roots (17.5%) were the commonly used plant parts in the preparation of medicine. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants with antidiarrheic activities were sesquiterpene lactones (V. amygdalina); terpene, sterols, saponosides, and flavonoids (C. ugandae); saponins and tannins (T. riparia); and tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids (C. myricoides). Six studies tested the antimicrobial activities of the plants against bacteria and viruses known to cause diarrhea. Erythrina abyssinica, Euphorbia tirucalli, Dracaena afromontana, and Ficus thonningii are socio-culturally important. Further research on toxicity and posology is needed to ensure the safety of medicinal plants.