Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research

Number 4, 2020

75-80
Effectiveness of selected medicinal plants used for management of ticks in cattle in Western Uganda

Authors: Kiconco Catherine, Muhumuza Allan and Kamatenesi Maud Mugisha

Abstract

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Number of views: 181

Tick management among cattle farmers in Western Uganda has become an outstanding problem based on the fact that there is increasing resistance to most of the synthetic acaricides. Several herbs have been mentioned for management of ticks in different parts of the world, and they have been tested for acaricidal properties. This (experimental) study evaluated the in vitro investigation of the efficacy of Phytolaca dodecandra L’Her, Azardirachta indica A. Juss., Vernonia amygdalina Del. and Tephrosia vogelii Hook. f. in the management of ticks in Western Uganda. Cold and hot extracts of these herbs were used in comparison with Duodip a synthetic acaricide commonly used by farmers in the management of ticks within the region. Results indicated that there was a significant difference in the effectiveness of the different herbal extracts with cold extracts showing better efficacy (p < 0.0001) than the hot extracts (p = 0.12) at highest concentration used of 75 mg/ml. The mortality rate of ticks when Duodip was used was 20% which was much lower than that of the medicinal extracts used which gave a mortality rate of 30 % and above for the different medicinal plants. The use of medicinal plants therefore could be a better option in the management of ticks if well concentrated. There is need for more in vivo studies to establish the possible dermatological effects on the animals if these herbs were to be used effectively as acaricides.

81-88
Insecticidal effects of essential oils from six aromatic and medicinal plants on the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff)

Authors: Foued Hasnaoui, Ikbel Zouaoui, Sana Dallali and Faten Dibouba

Abstract

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Number of views: 202

The objective of the present study is to test some essential oils in order to recommend a method of effective control of Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff. Essential oils composition, polyphenols content, and antioxidant activity of six aromatic and medicinal plants leaf from Tabarka were investigated. The essential oils obtained by steam distillation from six plant species naturally grown in Tabarka forests were tested at three different concentrations in order to evaluate their effectiveness against the larvae of pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff).Our results revealed the effect of Pinus pinaster essential oils which gave the highest mortality rate of80.55% and the fastest on Thaumetopoea pityocampa Scihiff. followed by Lavandula stoechas and Eucalyptus camaldulensis with 74.81 and 72.81%. The other species tested were P. pinea, Juniperus oxycedrus and Cupressus sempervirens also had a considerable effect on caterpillar mortality with percentages 66.66, 58.26 and 40.49%. Then, a phytochemical study of the six species tested was carried out which showed that some oils can be used as a spray substance to control T. pityocampa Schiff due to their compositions in active substances.

89-100
Isolation and characterization of propitious bioactive compounds from Cassia singueana L.

Authors: Bilkisu A. Adedoyin, Oluremi I. Adeniran, Aminu B. Muhammed, Sani M. Dangoggo, Lutfun Nahar, George P. Sharples and Satyajit D. Sarker

Abstract

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Number of views: 216

Cassia singueana L. is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. The present work was set to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of this plant and its secondary metabolites. Three bioactive compounds, lupeol, eugenol and octadecadienoic acid methyl ester, were isolated from the root extract of the plant using bioactivity-guided normal phase column chromatography. The antioxidant effect was studied using the in vitro assays, e.g., 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), superoxide anion and metal chelation methods. The compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against four bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia and a fungus, Candida albicans using the agar diffusion method. The MIC/MBC of the extracts were determined by the micro-dilution method. Chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Whilst all three compounds showed certain levels of antioxidant activity, the most prominent antimicrobial activity was observed only against S. aureus. In general, results from the work provided some evidence to support the traditional medicinal uses of C. singueana.

Number 3, 2020

43-52
Physico-chemical characterization and chemical profile of Curcuma mangga (Valeton & Zijp) essential oils acclimated in Congo-Brazzaville

Authors: Kévin Bikindou, Ernest Bitemou, Ghislaine Boungou-Tsona, Houzel-Mampouty Bounkosso, Aubin Nestor Loumouamou, Pierre Chalard and Gilles Figueredo

Abstract

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Number of views: 180

This research aims to determine the chemical profile of the essential oil of Curcuma mangga (C. mangga). Samples of the essential oils, obtained by steam distillation of the harvested plant material (leaves and rhizomes) at four sites and during three years, were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The physicochemical characteristics of the volatile extracts, such as the relative density, the acid index, the ester index and the rotary power, were determined according to AFNOR standards. Analysis of the chemical composition shows that the essential oil of the leaves contains mainly ar-curcumene (14.42 to 32.08%), ᾳ-zingiberene (3.5 to 16, 79%), β-sesquiphellandrene (5.48 to 14.07%), 1,8-cineole (traces-23.46%) and, to a lesser extent, β-bisabolene (3.25 to 9.11%). The rhizomes are rich in ᾳ-zingiberene (11.56 to 33.28%), in β-sesquiphellandrene (14.24 to 20.85%), in curzerenone (traces-12.65%) and in camphor (0.61 to 16.44%). It appears that the chemical profiles with predominant of ar-curcumene for the leaves and predominant of ᾳ-zingiberene and β-sesquiphellandrene for the rhizomes, are different from those identified in other countries.

53-59
Epidermal wound healing potentials of methanolic extract of Tetracapidium conophorum leaf on the limb of West African Dwarf goat

Authors: Olaifa A. K., Alaka O. O., Olaifa O. S. and Akpan M. O.

Abstract

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Number of views: 187

A wound is a disruption to the anatomic structure and the functional continuity of living tissues and wound healing is a survival mechanism and represents an attempt to maintain the normal structure and function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the healing properties of methanol extract of Tetracapidium conophorum leaf on epidermal wound in West African Dwarf (WAD) goat. Eight adult West African Dwarf (12 to 15 kg) goats grouped into control and experimental of four animals each were used. Epidermal wounds were created on the trunk of all the goats using a square stencil of dimension 1 cm by 1 cm after shaving. Each wound was measured (in centimetre2) daily using the length of the mid-horizontal and mid-vertical sides of the wound with the aid of a Vernier caliper. Epidermal skin biopsies were taken also on days 0, 5, 10 and 20 for histology. The study demonstrated that wound contraction was much faster in treated groups compared with the control group indicating the wound healing properties of T. conophorum leaf extract. The quantification of macrophages and neutrophils in the control animals (88 ± 0.4, 172 ± 4.8) were significantly higher than in the treated animals (40 ± 0.7*, 48 ± 2.8*). Lymphocytes and fibroblast were significantly higher in the control animals (68 ± 0.5, 24 ± 0.41) than the treated animals (36 ± 0.7*, 12 ± 1.12*). The histopathological examination showed observable granulation tissue on day 20 in the treated group while no granulation tissue in the control group. The quantification results revealed an increased fibroblast, neutrophil in the treated group as compared to untreated group which indicated healing. The extract of the leaf showed remarkable wound healing activity and it may be used for treating various types of wounds and injuries in animals and humans.

60-72
Molecular resin composition of two taxodium taxa growing in different climate condition: Chromatographic and spectroscopic study

Authors: Alexandra Špaldoňová, Martina Havelcová, Vladimír Machovič and Ladislav Lapčák

Abstract

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Number of views: 231

The molecular composition of resins from tree trunk, female cone, and needles (from its extract and a raw material) originating from two taxodiaceous varieties Taxodium ascendens growing in the Okefenokee Swamp located in the southeastern corner of Georgia (USA) and Taxodium distichum growing in the Průhonice Park located in the southeast of Prague (Czech Republic) were analyzed to determine chemical processes involved in the responses of plants to their environment. Despite expectation, any differences in terpenoids production in response to completely different geographic regions and climatic conditions were not found out using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. Obtained data confirmed the very high degree of terpenoids composition similarity between T. ascendens and T. distichum. Chromatographic spectra of female cone and needle extracts were dominated by monoterpenoids, while diterpenoids predominated in the resin from the tree trunk. Using derivatization with BF3 and TMAH during pyrolysis, the same diterpenoids with various abietane structures were revealed in both varieties. In this study, spectral data of the original unseparated resin from female cone exudates were described for the first time, and an overview of aliphatic and aromatic structures, and the oxygen functional groups such as hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, esters and highly conjugated carbonyls was given. Studying variation in the amount and composition of terpenoids in needle extracts of T. distichum showed that some variability in terpenoids quality and quantity was related to the season and maturity of the needles.

73-74
Time to prioritize Ayurvedic medicine in fighting the Coronavirus disease pandemic

Authors: Ebenezer Frimpong

Abstract

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Number of views: 196

The new coronavirus disease known as COVID-19 has been an albatross on the neck of respective governments' around the globe. The health and economic impact of COVID-19 is bringing most of the countries to their knees. As of August 06, 2020, 716,465 has succumbed to this disease (www.worldometer.com). Bloomberg report suggests that the world's gross domestic project will probably shrink by 5.2% in 2020 due to COVID-19 (www.bloomberg.com).

Number 2, 2020

24-34
Influence of Lippia thymoides Mart. & Schauer and Lippia origanoides Kunth essential oils on planktonic cell and Streptococcus mutans biofilm growth

Authors: Mateus Cardoso Oliveira, João Pedro Cotrim Maia, Patrícia Baier Krepsky, Angélica Maria Lucchese, Rafael Nóbrega Stipp, Felipe Joia, Marcelo Fabiano Gomes Boriollo and Isabel Celeste Caíres Pereira Gusmão

Abstract

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Number of views: 344

Biofilms comprise of a complex structure of accumulated microorganisms, especially Streptococcus mutans, and are a major factor in the development of caries. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial action of Lippia thymoides and Lippia origanoides essential oils against S. mutans UA159 by measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in biofilms. Cell viability was observed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The MIC values were 35 μg/ml for L. thymoides and 40 μg/ml for L. origanoides, suggesting that the oils had antimicrobial effects on S. mutans strains and indicated a bactericidal action. These antimicrobial activity tests showed that S. mutans in the biofilm was significantly eliminated, with results better than the action of 0.2% chlorhexidine. These results confirm the antimicrobial activity of these essential oils and provide a promising means for the effective reduction of S. mutans biofilms.

35-42
Phytochemical analysis of Xylopia aethiopica (Dun), Citrus limon (L.) and Allium sativum (L.) extracts and their effect on selected human pathogens

Authors: Okigbo, R. N., Ezebo, R. O. and Okoli, S. I.

Abstract

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Number of views: 421

A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of phytochemical properties of plant extracts of Xylopia aethiopica, Citrus limon and Allium sativum on selected human pathogens. Phytochemical analysis of ethanol and chloroform of Xylopia aethiopica, Citrus limon and Allium sativum extracts showed presence of flavonoid, alkaloid, HCN, saponin, tannin and sterol. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of Citrus limon, Xylopia aethiopica and Allium sativum revealed Citrus limon has highest flavonoid (2.635±0.021), sterol (0.160±0.000), terpenoid (0.520±0.000) and anthraquinone (2.760±0.057). Xylopia aethiopica has highest composition of hydrogen cyanide (0.835±0.021) while Allium sativum has highest composition of alkaloid (2.080±0.000), saponin (2.080±0.000) and tannin (1.040±0.000). The three plants; Allium sativum, Citrus limon and Xylopia aethiopica showed a significant difference in their composition of all assayed phytochemicals (P < 0.05). The inhibitory effect of plant extracts against S. aureus, E. coli and Pseudomonas spp in all concentrations had Citrus limon and A. sativum as the highest while Xylopia aethiopica showed the least inhibitory activity against Aspergillus spp and Rhizopus spp. The study proves the effectiveness of the plant extracts in the control of human pathogens.

Number 1, 2020

1-13
Phytochemical investigation of Punica granatum pomace: As source of bioactive and medicinal natural products

Authors: Hossein Tavallali, Atefeh Bahmanzadegan, Vahid Tavallali and Vahid Rowshan

Abstract

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Number of views: 340

Punica granatum L. is a native plant that is greatly dispensed in south of Iran. The massive pomace of Punica exhibits a challenging losses exposure difficulty for the processing industries. The resent study was aimed to investigate the composition and quality of P. granatum pomace and understand its bioactive compounds to introduce it to different industries such as pharmaceutical, food, medicinal, agricultural etcetera for optimum use. The SHS (static headspace) GC-MS on the Combi PAL system method was used to identify and analyze the volatile components (VCs). Four different extracts (60°C water, distilled water, methanol and methanol 80%) were analyzed for polyphenol compounds identified by HPLC-DAD, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay). The relationship between TFC, TPC and antioxidant activity were statistically investigated. The dominant VCs of P. granatum were limonene (50.6%) followed by -pinene (25.1%), -terpinene (6.79%), -pinene (5.7%) and sabinene (2.59%), respectively. Gallic acid was major polyphenol compound in all studied extracts of marc. 60°C water extract from P. granatum pomace represented higher antioxidant capacity, TPC and TFC than other investigated extracts. This studied marc can be introduced to different industries as a source of bioactive and medicinal natural compounds because of its valuable phytochemical characterization.

14-23
Seedling growth and development of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. in different soil types of industrial and non-industrial areas

Authors: Muhammad Kabir, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Shafiq, Zia-ur-Rehman Farooqi and Um E Habiba

Abstract

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Number of views: 334

The problem of environmental pollution has been growing rapidly for the last couple of years as a result of discharge of various kinds of pollutants from unplanned industrialization, particularly in developing countries and affecting air, water soil and vegetation. The effects of different soil types on seedling growth performance of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. were recorded. Seedlings of P. julliflora which were grown in soils of Indus Battery Factory, Universal Chemicals Factory, Haroon Textile Factory and National Foods Ltd. Factory showed significant (p < 0.05) variation in growth variables like root, shoot, seedling length, plant cover, leaf area, root, shoot and leaf dry weight and total plant dry weight of P. julliflora as compared to plants grown in soil of control area (Karachi University Campus). It was concluded that the seedlings of P. julliflora showed significantly (p < 0.05) more root, shoot, seedling length, plant cover and leaf area in Haroon Textile Factory soil compared to Indus Battery Factory and Universal Chemicals Factory soil treatment. The root, shoot, leaf and total plant dry weight of P. julliflora was also decreased in these industrial areas soil as compared to Karachi University Campus soil. Soil of Haroon Textile Factory promoted shoot and seedling length of P. julliflora relative to the seedlings of P. julliflora grown in control soil (Karachi University soil).