Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research

27-57

Authors: Deena AS Hussain and M. Musharraf Hussain

The use of plants for the treatment of human illnesses is since time-immemorial. According to a hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Abbâs (ra), Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said that Prophet Sulaymân (as) recorded the names and uses of many herbal remedies after finishing the construction of his temple (Ibn ‘Asâkir, MukhtaṣarTâreekhDimashq, 3:393). Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) too made specific statements on 65 medicinal plants, herbs and shrubs while making prescriptions for the sick people. Among the plants he prescribed Nigella sativa is the most important. About this plant he said, “Black seed is a remedy (cure) for all diseases (ailments) except death” (An authentic hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (ra) and recorded by Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad and Ibn Majah). This Prophetic statement generated tremendous interest among the world’s scientific community. Their question was, how an unlettered man of the desert without having any pen and paper, could make such a wonderful statement on medical science and pharmacy. Moreover, the Prophet (ﷺ) made the statement at a time when scientific concept about the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of human illnesses and alleviation of their sufferings was not developed until many centuries later. The statement finally led the scientific community to carry out extensive phytochemical and biological investigations on the black seed and its oil. The researchers conducted laboratory experiments using intact animals and clinical trials using human volunteers to substantiate the validity of the statement. However, it is amazing that the researchers after carrying out hundreds of researches around the globe finally concluded that the Prophet’s statement is one hundred per cent true. Muslims consider black seed an effective Prophetic medicine since it was recommended by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) over 1400 years ago. The Prophet (ﷺ), in his divine wisdom, had made this very important statement. In this paper an effort has been made to discuss the results of published scientific researches carried out on the black seed and its oil by scientists of the world to confirm the truth of the statement. Keywords: Nigella sativa, Nigella sativa oil and extract, black seed, medicinal plant, thymoquinone.

1-10

Authors: Anita Ireng, Erik Helmerhorst, Richard Parsons and Rima Caccetta

Teucrium polium (commonly known as golden germander) is a herb that grows wild in the Mediterranean region. The locals natives commonly drink it as a tea for its medicinal reputation in alleviating ailments including diabetes mellitus. Some animal studies have supported its glucose lowering activity but the majority of these studies were uncontrolled and did not adequately assess its acute effect on blood glucose concentrations in vivo. The current study was undertaken to assess the acute glucose lowering effect of T. polium extract in vivo. We also aimed to identify some of the phytochemicals in the extract tested. A single dose of either the aqueous extract of T. polium, insulin, metformin or vehicle was injected in normoglycemic rats. Blood glucose samples were taken at set time points within the first 3.5 h of administration of each treatment. The glucose lowering potential of T. polium was compared to that of insulin and metformin. The total aqueous extract of T. polium significantly (p < 0.01) lowered blood glucose concentration with an efficacy approaching that of insulin within the first 30 min of its administration. The extract continued to lower blood glucose levels several hours following its administration and overall was more effective than metformin in lowering blood glucose over time. The total aqueous extract of T. polium lowers blood glucose levels acutely and potently. Some phytochemicals of bioactive reputation have been identified in this plant. However, the exact bioactive agent(s) and their mechanism(s) of action responsible for the glucose lowering effect are yet to be identified. Keywords: Teucrium polium, golden germander, diabetes mellitus, antidiabetic effect, hypoglycemic potential, acute study, blood sugar levels.

137-150

Authors: Abraha Teklay

Ethnoveterinary is the scientific study of the relationships between livestock and plants. Traditional medicine is still remaining the main resource for livestock treating health problems. Hence, the purpose of the study was to conduct ethnoveterinary study on medicinal plant species used to treat diseases of livestock in Kilte Awulaelo District, Tigray, Ethiopia. An ethnoveterinary study of medicinal plants was conducted in the District. The study employed common ethnoveterinary methods including semi-structured interviews, field observations, preference ranking exercises and paired comparisons. A total of 72 informants were purposefully selected, with the help of local administrators, elders and other members of the local community. A total of 50 species belonging to 44 genera and 27 families in which family Solanaceae is represented by 8 species (16%), followed by family Euphorbiaceae with 5 species (10%) were used as medicine. Present survey reveals that some plants have multiple medicinal uses, while some were being used to cure only one disease. Likewise some of the diseases are being treated by many plants while some diseases are treated by one plants species. The males above 40 years were found to be more knowledgeable regarding uses of medicinal plants than women and youngsters. Mostly, leaves of the plants are used as medicine. The major threats were found to be drought followed by over grazing. In conclusion, Kilte Awulaelo District is relatively rich in medicinal plant knowledge and practice. It is concluded that the plant resources in this area are used to treat different diseases of livestock. The medicinal plants were exposing to various anthropogenic and natural factors. The participation of the local people, awareness rising through training or education on sustainable utilization and management of plant resources, establishment of forest protected areas should be encouraged. Conservation of medicinal plants, conservation and promotion of indigenous knowledge by promotion of research activities are required. Keywords: Traditional medicine, livestock, medicinal plants, diseases, species.

155-161

Authors: Ahmed S. Kabbashi, El-badri E. Osman, Amel M. Abdrabo, Nadir Abuzeid, Mohammed I. Garbi, Waleed S. Koko and Mahmoud M. Dahab

Cyperus rotundus L. (Family: Cyperaceae), has a number of pharmacological and biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, cytoprotective, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptotic, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is a major cause of morbidity worldwide, causing approximately 50 million cases of dysentery and 100,000 deaths annually. Intestinal amoebiasis due to the infection of E. histolytica is ranked third on the list of parasitic protozoan infections leading to death behind malaria and schistosomiasis. The purpose of the paper was to investigate the in-vitro antiamoebic activity and cytotoxicity (MTT assay) of ethanol extract of C. rotundus L. (whole plant). The ethanol extract of C. rotundus (whole plant), with different concentration (500, 250 and 125 ppm) and metronidazole concentration (312.5 μg/ml) was investigated in vitro against E. histolyica trophozoites. The result was obtained from C. rotundus whole plant ethanol extract which exhibited 100% mortality within 96 h, at a concentration 500 ppm; this was compared with Metronidazole which gave 96% inhibition at concentration 312.5 µg/ml at the same time In addition cytotoxicity (MTT assay) with different concentration (500, 250 and 125 ppm) in comparison to triton-x100 (the reference control) which verified the safety of the examined extract with an IC50 less 100 µg/ml. In conclusion, these studies prove the potent activity of C. rotundus against E. histolyica trophozoites in vitro with verified safety evidence for use. Keywords: In vitro, antiamoebic, Entamoeba histolyica, Metronidazole, cytotoxicity (MTT-assay), C. rotundus (whole plant).

75-86

Authors: Aderiye B. I., David O. M. and Atere V. A.

The cashew, Anacardium occidentale (L), has been reported for its usage in many life applications. Some of the medicinal uses of cashew include the antimicrobial effect of extracts of the leaves, apple, stem and the nut shell oil against many microorganisms including Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Ascaridia galli and Leishmania sp. The anti-microbial activities of cashew extract involve the anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-helminthics, anti-protozoan and anti-viral. The phytochemicals present in cashew extracts such as anacardic acid, flavonoid and tannins are responsible for the anti-microbial activities of the extract by inactivation of microbial adhesions enzymes and cell envelop transport cells, flavonoids, which are responsible for the inhibition of DNA gyrase thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis; phenolic compounds like anacardic acids, cardols, triterpenoids, methylcardols, xantoprotein and cardanols that are responsible for bacteria cell wall inhibition, by inhibiting the cell wall synthesis in addition to a growing cell and blocking the DNA, RNA and protein pathways. The extracts of cashew have also been used in treating gastro-intestinal tract syndromes such as diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia and nausea. Allergies and inflammation syndromes are also managed by administration of extracts from cashew; tannins inhibit the migration of leucocytes to an inflammatory site thereby reducing inflammatory response; on the other hand flavonoids present in extracts of cashew inhibit the cyclo-oxygenase, which is important in the genesis of edema and pain. Cardiovascular diseases are often treated by extract of cashew because of the presence of phenolic compounds that are antioxidant in nature. The endocrine diseases are also being treated by cashew extract as in the case of diabetes mellitus. The presence of saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, anacardic acid and tannin had been reported to increase the regeneration rate of the beta cells. The anacardic acid from cashew nut can also inhibit the growth of some cancerous cells, also agathisflavone was shown to be cytotoxic against malignant cell lines. A likely mechanism of action of agathisflavone would be by inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). This paper discusses the usefulness of cashew in addressing many human medical challenges; without the use of synthesized drugs. Keywords: Anacardium occidentale L., anacardic acid, cashew, ethanol extract, water extract, flavonoids, tannin.

92-105

Authors: Nadja Engel, Karin Kraft, Petra Müller, Kathrin Duske, Juliane Kühn, Christina Oppermann and Barbara Nebe

The intention of this systematic cell biological study was to analyze the effects of the phytoestrogen-rich, ethanolic flax root extract (Linum usitatissimum L.) on human MCF-7 estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells in order to identify the main anti-tumor action by focusing on adhesion and migration related features. Cell impedance, initial adhesion capacity, cell migration ability, and actin cytoskeleton formation was determined by live cell monitoring, flow cytometry, scratch assay and confocal microscopy. Detailed expression analyses of adhesion- and actin-related proteins were performed by flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. The effect on anchorage-independent growth of MCF-7 cells was analyzed by colony formation on soft agar. 50 µg/ml flax root extract reduced cell impedance (50%), initial adhesion capacity (18%), migration ability (72%) and colony formation (83%) in MCF-7 cells significantly. Increased stress fiber formation (9-fold higher filament number and a 12-fold elevation of the total filament length) was initiated by overexpression of profilin-1 and down regulation of arp-2, two important regulators of actin dynamics. In conclusion, the flax root extract exhibits anti-tumor potential for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells mainly by remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, leading to significant reduction of migration and colony formation in vitro. Keywords: Breast cancer, flax, lignans, actin cytoskeleton, profilin, migration.

113-119

Authors: Pragati Kumar and Prabodh Shukla

In the present study, the antinociceptive and the gastroprotective effects of orally administered or inhaled Thevetia peruviana Pers. K. (Schum) (Oleander) volatile oil, and its principal constituents linalool and 1,8-cineole were evaluated in mice. Either when orally administered (100 µl/kg) or inhaled for 60 min, T. peruviana volatile oil significantly reduced the acetic acid-writhing response in a naloxone-sensitive manner. In the hot plate test, analgesic activity observed after oil inhalation was inhibited by naloxone and atropine sulphate pretreatment suggesting the involvement of opioidergic as well as cholinergic pathways. Regardless of the administration route and the experimental model used both linalool and 1,8-cineole did not produce significant analgesic response. Oral or inhalatory treatment with analgesic doses of volatile oil did not affect mice spontaneous locomotors activity. Concerning the gastric effects, Oleander oil, linalool and 1,8-cineole oral administration protected against acute ethanol-induced gastric ulcers but did not prevent indomethacin-induced lesions indicating no interference with arachidonic acid metabolic cascade. In conclusion, besides this gastroprotection, Oleander oil reveals an interesting analgesic activity mainly relevant after inhalation, at doses devoid of sedative side effect, suggesting the interest for potential application of this oil in aromatherapy. Keywords: Antinociceptive activity, gastroprotection, essential oils, Thevetia peruviana, writhing test, locomotors activity, hot plate test.

126-136

Authors: Adesina Adebiyi Omoloye, Ladoja Faruk and Murtala Abdullahi Akanji

The rapid increase in consumption of herbal remedies worldwide has been stimulated by several factors, including the notion that all herbal products are safe and effective. However, over the past decade, several news-catching episodes in developed communities indicated adverse effects, sometimes life-threatening, allegedly arising as a consequence to taking herbal products or traditional medicines from various ethnic groups. Therefore, this present study aimed to carry out extensive toxicological evaluation of hydro-ethanolic extract of the leaf of Solenostemon monostachyus (P. Beauv.) Lamiaceae. In an acute toxicity tests of five groups of mice (n = 5/group), male albino mice were orally treated with aqueous extract of S. monostachyus up to 25000 mg/kg and general behavioral activity, adverse effects, and mortality were recorded for up to 14 days. A sub-chronic toxicity test was performed by daily administration with the extract at 75, 112.5 and 225 mg/kg orally (n = 6/group) for 49 days, while control rats received distilled water. Haematological and biochemical (liver enzymes, proteins and bilirubin) parameters were determined and histopathological examination was carried out. The LD50 was estimated to be 22,500 mg/kg, with acute behavioural manifestations of reduced locomotion and calmness. The extract showed statistical significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in haematological and biochemical parameters in the treated rats compared to the control in subchronic treatment. While, subchronic administration of the extract affected some vital organs evident by slight distortion in histo-architecture, degeneration and fat deposits. Results obtained in this study suggest hydro-ethanolic extract of the leaf of S. monostachyus is relatively safe when administered orally in traditional medicine. Keywords: Solenostemon monostachyus, haematology, liver and biochemical function, sub-chronic toxicity.

29-32

Authors: Emtinan A. Alhadi, Hassan S. Khalid, Muddathir S. Alhassan, Afra A. Ali, Salwa G. Babiker, Eman M. Zain Alabdeen and Ahmed S. Kabbashi

Cordia africana Lam. (family- Boraginaceae) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, 4 to 15 (30) m high, heavily branched with a spreading, umbrella-shaped or rounded crown. Bole typically curved or crooked. Bark grayish-brown to dark brown, smooth in young trees, but soon becoming rough and longitudinally fissured with age; young branchlets with sparse long. Uses of C. africana: firewood, timber (furniture, beehives, boxes, mortars, church, drums), food (fruit), medicine (bark, roots), fodder (leaves), bee forage, mulch, soil conservation, ornamental, shade. The present study was conducted to investigate the in-vitro antioxidant (DPPH assay) and cytotoxic (Brine Shrimp) of different parts (leaves, stem, park and fruit) of C. africana. The different parts of C. africana was screened for antioxidant screening for their free radical scavenging properties using 2.2Di (4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), while propyl galate was used as standard antioxidant and screened for their cytotoxicity using brine shrimp. The inhibition percentage of antioxidant against (DPPH assay) varied from (37 ± 0.10 to 95 ± 0.00% RSA). The test of cytotoxicity was done using brine shrimp lethality, verified the toxic extracts except stem by water and leaves by methanol and water extracts. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity (brine shrimp) of C. africana. Keywords: Cordia africana, antioxidant activity, brine shrimp.

39-45

Authors: Ali Abdella Eltayeib and Wejdan Ishag

Cordia sinensis which is known locally as Andrab is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Sudan and in many other countries as an antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory. This study was aimed to prepare various crude extracts of C. sinensis bark using different polarities of solvent; phytochemical screening, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity of the bark crude extracts. Bark of Cordia sinensis was collected from Omdurman area, dried under shade, powdered and then extracted successively with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol by using shaker apparatus (at room temperature). The phytochemical examinations were carried out for all extracts. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the bark crude extracts revealed the presence of various amount of flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, sterols/triterpense, alkaloids and showed no saponins and coumarins. Crude extracts at concentrations 25 and 50 mg/ml were applied against four standard bacteria (Gram positive: Bacillus subtillis and Staphylococcus aureus, Gram negative: Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two standard fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger) using the disc diffusion method assay. The methanolic extract at concentration 50 mg/ml was found to be more active against two types of bacteria (Klebsiella and P. aeruginosa) and showed an intermediate activity against the other two types of bacteria (B. subtillis and S. aureus) and also against the two types of fungi (C. albicans and A. niger). No activity was observed with the three solvents (chloroform, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) (25 and 50 mg/ml) extracts and the methanolic (25 mg/ml) extract against all the microorganisms tested, except ethyl acetate extract at concentration 50 mg/ml showed intermediate inhibition zone (15 mm) against Klebsiella. All extracts were found to be potent against brine shrimps with moderate LD50. The free radical scavenging activity of the crude extracts was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The antioxidant activity of methanolic extract was the strongest (60%), followed in descending order by ethyl acetate (52%), chloroform (48%), and petroleum ether (32%) extracts. The results showed that higher concentrations are more active than lower concentrations in case of antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activities and also showed that methanolic extract was found to be having potent effect more than other extracts. The study recommends further study for identification of chemical compounds in each extract and specifies the active components that make antimicrobial, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activities of this plant. Keywords: Cordia sinensis, bark extracts, phytochemical screening, cytotoxicity.

55-61

Authors: Roque FP, Aníbal PC, Busato SN, Boni GC, Höfling JF, Queiroz NCA and Foglio MA

This study investigated the antifungal activity of some compounds chromatographically isolated from Pterodon pubescens oil and identified by mass spectrometry: geranylgeraniol, 6α-hydroxy-17β-7β-dihydroxivouacapan-oate, ester isomers 6α-hydroxy-7β-acetoxy-17β-vouacapan-oate and 7β-acetoxy-17β-hydroxyvouacapan-oate and an unknown compound (m/z 355). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assessment showed antifungal activity at 2000 µg/ml only for the unknown compound (m/z 355) against Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. Exposure to this compound caused morphological changes observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Keywords: Pterodon pubescens, Candida spp., vouacapan, antimicrobial.

69-74

Authors: Abeer Sarwar, Tamanna Binte Huq, Tasnia Malik and Biplab Kumar Das

The current study aimed to investigate the analgesic and antioxidant properties of ethanol extract of Brownea coccinea leaves (EEBL). The initial phytochemical study revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, gums, terpenoids, steroids and reducing sugars. The antioxidant property was checked by using DPPH free radical scavenging method which was conducted at doses of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/ml. Antioxidant activity was also tested by reducing power capacity (Fe3+ to Fe2+) at concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml. All the results illustrated the presence of antioxidant property of B. coccinea. The analgesic activity was tested in mice at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg by Hot Plate Method and Acetic Acid Induced Writhing Method. The analgesic analysis was conducted on Swiss Albino mice and the results clearly exhibited significant (p < 0.001 to 0.05) activity. Keywords: Brownea coccinea, Fabaceae, phytochemical, antioxidant, analgesic, EEBL.