Hypoglycemic and Antihyperglycemic Activities of Nine Medicinal Herbs Used as Antidiabetic in the Region of Lubumbashi (DR Congo)

Modulatory properties of Thespesia garckeana (F. Hoffm.) Exell & Hillc. Aqueous fruit extract on female rats reproductive hormones and tissues histology and potential inhibitory activity of its constituents against SRD5α2

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thespesia garckeana (F. Hoffm.) Exell & Hillc. is called Gorontula (Kola of Tula) in Nigeria, Morojwa in Bostwana, and Thespesia garckeana in South Africa and is widely distributed across Africa. Its parts reportedly possess multiple medicinal properties and are employed for treating various diseases. In Tula, Gombe State, Nigeria, the ripe fruit decoction is taken as remedy for female infertility as documented by Ochokwu and co in the Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare in 2015.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research examined the effects of aqueous fruit extract of T. garckeana (F. Hoffm.) Exell & Hillc. (AFETG) on selected reproductive tissues and hormones in female rats and also evaluated the inhibitory potentials of its phytoconstituents against human 5-alpha reductase 2 (SRD5α2) using in silico approach.

METHODS

Twenty-five (25) sexually matured female rats were randomized into 5 groups (i.e. A - E). Oestrous in the rats was synchronized (subcutaneous oestradiol conjugate [10 μg/100 g BW]). Group A received distilled water (control). Group B received standard drug, clomiphene citrate (0.85 mg/kg BW), while groups C, D, and E received AFETG at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW respectively. The animals were treated for five (5) days and sacrificed 24 h after. Their blood was collected and prepared for analysis of serum prolactin, oestradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) while ovaries, uteruses, and oviducts were studied for histological and histomorphometric changes. For the in silico study, the target protein, human steroid 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5α2) was prepared and its receptor grid was generated using Optimized Potential for Liquid Simulations-2005. The ligand 2D structures were prepared using LigPrep 2.4 software and docked using Glide. The binding energy of the ligands to the protein receptor was predicted using Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) analysis.

RESULTS

AFETG significantly increased serum levels of E2 but did not alter serum levels of prolactin, LH and FSH when compared with distilled water and clomiphene citrate. AFETG also significantly increased ovarian tertiary follicular diameter, oviductal epithelial height and serosa thickness as well as uterine endometrial epithelial height, endometrial thickness, and myometrial thickness when compared with control. Ovarian secondary follicular diameter and oviductal submucosa thickness and muscular thickness were significantly decreased by AFETG when compared with control. Two compounds in T. garckeana (F. Hoffm.) Exell & Hillc.; D-Melezitose (-12.55 kcal/mol XP GScore) and 1, 3, 4-trihydroxy-5-oxo cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid (-9.136 kcal/mol XP GScore) exhibited higher binding affinities for SRD5α2 than the reference ligand, epristeride (-8.096 kcal/mol XP GScore). In conclusion, the ability of AFETG to increase serum E2 level, thickness of uterine endometrium and ovarian tertiary follicles size can be explored for the treatment of female infertility caused by thinning of the uterine endometrium and reduced follicular size. Two compounds in AFETG (i.e. D-Melezitose and 1, 3, 4-trihydroxy-5-oxo cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid are potential inhibitors of SRD5α2, thus aiding the biosynthesis of E2. Available evidence therefore corroborate the traditional use of T. garckeana (F. Hoffm.) Exell & Hillc fruit as a female fertility enhancer in Northern Nigeria.

Ethnomedicinal Knowledge of Plants Used in Nonconventional Medicine in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Background

People with diabetes, herbalists, and traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) from Kinshasa use plants to treat diabetes, but no study has inventoried the plants used by these populations. The present study was conducted to identify the plants used in Kinshasa to treat diabetes mellitus.

Methods

The survey conducted in the form of a semistructured interview between March 2005 and August 2006 made it possible to collect ethnobotanical information from people with diabetes (n = 126), herbalists (n = 80), and TMPs (n = 120).

Results

The 326 subjects consulted (sex ratio M/F = 0.6, age 51 ± 7 years, and experience: 17 ± 5 years) provided information on 71 plants, most of which are trees (35%), belonging to 38 families dominated by Fabaceae (19.7%) and indicated in 51 other cases of consultation dominated by malaria (12%). From these 71 plants derived, 86 antidiabetic recipes were administered orally, where the leaf is the most used part (>50%) and the decoction (>46%) is the most common mode of preparation. This study reports for the first time the antidiabetic use of 11 species, among which Tephrosia vogeliiX (0.08), Chromolaena corymbosaX (0.06), and Baphia capparidifoliaX (0.06) present the highest consensus indexes (CI) and Marsdenia latifoliaW (UVp = 0.08) and Rauvolfia manniiX (UVp = 0.06) present the highest UVs.

Conclusion

The results show that Kinshasa people treat diabetes using several plants. Some are specific to the ecological environment; others are used in other regions. Pharmacological studies are underway to assess the therapeutic efficacy of these plants.

Ameliorative effects of Albizia adianthifolia aqueous extract against pentylenetetrazole-induced epilepsy and associated memory loss in mice: Role of GABAergic, antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory systems

Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) (Fabaceae) is a medicinal herb used for the treatment of epilepsy and memory impairment. This study aims to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of Albizia adianthifolia aqueous extract against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced spontaneous convulsions in mice; and determine whether the extract could mitigate memory impairment, oxidative/nitrergic stress, GABA depletion and neuroinflammation. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis was done to identify active compounds from the extract. Mice were injected with PTZ once every 48 h until kindling was developed. Animals received distilled water for the normal group and negative control groups, doses of extract (40, 80, or 160 mg/kg) for the test groups and sodium valproate (300 mg/kg) for the positive control group. Memory was measured using Y maze, novel object recognition (NOR) and open field paradigms, while the oxidative/nitrosative stresses (MDA, GSH, CAT, SOD and NO), GABAergic transmission (GABA, GABA-T and GAD) and neuro-inflammation (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL- 1β, and IL-6) were determined. Brain photomicrograph was also studied. Apigenin, murrayanine and safranal were identified in the extract. The extract (80-160 mg/kg) significantly protected mice against seizures and mortality induced by PTZ. The extract significantly increased the spontaneous alternation and the discrimination index in the Y maze and NOR tests, respectively. PTZ kindling induced oxidative/nitrosative stress, GABA depletion, neuroinflammation and neuronal cells death was strongly reversed by the extract. The results suggest that the anticonvulsant activity of Albizia adianthifolia extract is accompanied by its anti-amnesic property, and may be supported by the amelioration of oxidative stress, GABAergic transmission and neuroinflammation.

"Ficus johannis Boiss. leaves ethanolic extract ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats by upregulating the expressions of GCK, GLUT4, and IGF and downregulating G6P"

The leaves of Ficus johannis Boiss (F. johannis), commonly known as Fig tree, Anjir, and Teen, are used by the folk medicinal practitioners in Iran for controlling hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. This study investigated the pharmacological basis for antidiabetic effect of the ethanolic extract of F. johannis leaves using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Qualitative screening of phytochemicals, estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition assays were performed. Moreover, the High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification, acute toxicity, glucose tolerance, and in vivo antidiabetic effect along with the evaluation of gene expressions involved in diabetes mellitus were carried out. Significant quantities of phenolic (71.208 ± 2.89 mgg^-1 GAE) and flavonoid (26.38 ± 3.53 mgg^-1 QE) were present. Inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of the plant extract exhibited an excellent in vitro antioxidant (IC₅₀ = 33.81 µg/mL) and α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 12.18 µg/mL) inhibitory potential. The HPLC analysis confirmed the gallic acid (257.79 mgg^-1) as main constituent of the extract followed by kaempferol (22.86 mgg^-1), myricetin (0.16 mgg^-1), and quercetin (3.22 mgg^-1). Ethanolic extract displayed glucose tolerance in normo-glycemic rats. Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia declined dose dependently in the extract treated rats with improvement in lipid profile and liver and renal function biomarkers. The F. johannis-treated groups showed an increase in mRNA expressions of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4), glucokinase, insulin growth like factor 1 and peroxisomal proliferator activating receptor gamma in pancreas. However, the Glucose-6-phosphatase was downregulated. Present study suggests that the ethanolic extract of F. johannis leaves demonstrates a good anti-diabetic profile by improving insulin sensitivity, GLUT-4 translocation, and carbohydrate metabolism while inhibiting lipogenesis.

Smallholders' knowledge about healing goat gastrointestinal parasite infections with wild plants in southern DR Congo

Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections control has an important role to play in increasing livestock production from a limited natural resource base and to improve animal health and welfare. This study aimed to collect indigenous knowledge and identify wild plants locally used by goat smallholders of three territories of Haut-Katanga province for treating signs of gastrointestinal parasitism. Ethnoveterinary surveys were conducted by semi-structured interviews and a bibliographic screening of the biological activities relating to cited plants was carried out. Our interviews showed that ethnosemantic diagnoses of GIP diseases are based on signs. Eighty-seven informants reported that 27 plant species from 15 families, dominated by Fabaceae (29.6%) and Lamiaceae (18.5%) were commonly used in their goats treatment. Among these plants, five species with palmately compound leaves were considerably more used. From those, we noted a substitution of Vitex congolensis De Wild. and T. Durand (Lamiaceae) by Oldfieldia dactylophylla (Welw. Ex Oliv.) J. Leonard (Picrodendraceae) and of Vitex mombassae Vatke by Vitex madiensis Oliv. Subsp. Milanjiensis (Britten) F. White. Roots (46.9%), leaves (28.0%) and seeds (12.5%) were the most frequently used plant organs, and maceration is applied for most of the medicinal preparations (62.2%). Recipes were administered by oral route, for GIP 1) prevention (33.3%), by macerating the ground plant material in drinking water for 2 weeks at the start of each season (dry and rainy); and 2) treatment (66.7%). According to the literature, some of these plants have few or no studies investigating their anthelmintic activity. The cited plants are worth investigating further as they could constitute an effective alternative strategy in maintaining animal productivity. Studies on the biological activity of these plants can also provide indications of promising leads for extracts that could be developed into commercial standardized medications.

Amelioration of hyperglycaemia and modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines by Tamarix gallica fractions in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Present study is engrossed in identification of phyto-constituents from aerial part extracts of Tamarix gallica and appraisal of its anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory potential based upon its folktale use. The methanol and n-hexane fractions of aerial parts were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) respectively. Inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) showed better results in case of methanolic extract for both in antioxidant (IC₅₀= 15.47 µg/mL) and alpha amylase (IC₅₀=18.75 µg/mL) assays. Significantly higher quantities of phenolic and flavonoid contents were present in methanolic extract. A significant correlation was found to be existed between these contents and IC₅₀ of antioxidant assay. Alloxan induced hyperglycaemia declined along with improvement in lipid profile, C-reactive proteins (CRP), liver function tests (LFTs) and renal function tests (RFTs). Methanolic fraction (500 mg/kg) was also related to significant reduction in levels of inflammatory markers i.e. tumour necrosis factor-alpha, TNF- α (1.28 ± 0.13 g/L) and interleukin-6, IL-6 (98 ± 10.4 pg/L) as observed in diabetic rats. Based upon the above findings, the study suggests that methanolic fraction from aerial parts of the T. gallica has better anti-diabetic profile which might be attributed to its alpha amylase, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

Ethnopharmacological Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Associated Risk Factors in sub-Saharan Africa

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, including deaths arising from non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Consequently, this study aimed to provide details of medicinal plants (MPs) employed in SSA for the treatment of CVDs and their related risk factors to open new avenues for the discovery of novel drugs. The extensive ethnopharmacological literature survey of these MPs in 41 SSA countries was based on studies from 1982 to 2021. It revealed 1,085 MPs belonging to 218 botanical families, with Fabaceae (9.61%), Asteraceae (6.77%), Apocynaceae (3.93%), Lamiaceae (3.75%), and Rubiaceae (3.66%) being the most represented. Meanwhile, Allium sativum L., Persea americana Mill., Moringa oleifera Lam., Mangifera indica L., and Allium cepa L. are the five most utilised plant species. The preferred plant parts include the leaves (36%), roots (21%), barks (14%), fruits (7%), and seeds (5%), which are mostly prepared by decoction. Benin, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, and Togo had the highest reported use while most of the investigations were on diabetes and hypertension. Despite the nutraceutical advantages of some of these MPs, their general toxicity potential calls for caution in their human long-term use. Overall, the study established the need for governments of SSA countries to validate the efficacy/safety of these MPs as well as provide affordable, accessible, and improved modern healthcare services.

Health benefits and biological activities of spiny monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa Lam.): An African indigenous fruit tree

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Spiny monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa Lam.) is an African endemic fruit tree that is widely consumed by humans and animals for its nutritional value. In folk medicine, different parts of S. spinosa are widely used for the management of the health and well-being of humans and livestock.

AIM

We provide a critical appraisal on the ethnobotanical uses, nutritional and pytochemical as well as the biological activities of S. spinosa.

METHODS

Articles were mined from online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO and SpringerLink. We captured research outputs that aligned with the scope of the review.

RESULTS

Strychnos spinosa remains a commonly consumed fruit due to its high nutritional (e.g. carbohydrates, crude protein and fats) content and energy. In folk medicine, different parts of S. spinosa are prescribed as remedy for diverse medical conditions especially for treating malaria, diabetes, snakebites, skin-related conditions and sexually transmitted infections in humans as well as sleeping sickness in livestock. Together with essential oils, more than 25 compounds have been profiled using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and approximately 45 compounds have been isolated and structurally elucidated using diverse spectroscopic techniques such as UV-visible, Infrared (IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy (MS). Strychnos spinosa exerts varying degrees of biological activities against different microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) and parasites (plasmodia, trypanosomes and ticks) responsible for many diseases in humans and livestock. Furthermore, low to moderate enzyme-inhibitory effects of S. spinosa extracts suggest its ability to mitigate pains, inflammations and diabetics as well as snakebite venom. Increasing evidence from the in vivo studies support the use of the plant as a popular remedy for managing diabetics in folk medicine. The low cytotoxic effect of the plant extracts against different cell lines could be an indication of its relative safety.

CONCLUSION

Strychnos spinosa exhibits various health-promoting benefits due to its diverse nutritional and phytochemical constituents. Given that the majority of the existing evidence on these aforementioned therapeutic properties and safety are in vitro-based, the clinical significance of these results remain limited.

Cyperus iria aqueous-ethanol extract ameliorated hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and regulated inflammatory cytokines in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder with no definite treatment. Cyperus iria (Cyperaceae) possess several traditional therapeutic uses. According to the folklore tales, the whole plant of Cyperus iria possesses antihyperglycemic activity. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether aqueous-ethanol extract of Cyperus iria can ameliorate the altered activities of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats along with appraisal of inflammatory and stress markers involved in endocrine dysfunction. Presence of biophenolics and flavonoids might be responsible for the antidiabetic potential. STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated orally with Cyperus iria extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples were collected. Metformin was used as positive control. Significantly higher quantities of phenolic (82.79±0.003 mg/g GAE) and flavonoid (13.61±0.002 mg/g QE) contents were present. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) exhibited an excellent potential for both antioxidant (IC50= 3.22 μg/mL) and alpha amylase (IC50=36.29 μg/mL) inhibitory assays. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the existence of myercetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and ferulic acid. Cyperus iria aqueous-ethanol extract exhibits good tolerance against glucose at 90 min in normal rats. Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia declined significantly at day 9 (265 mg/dL) along with improvement in inflammatory (TNF-α=15.6± 0.2 g/l, COX-2=357±0.396 U/l, IL-6= 572±0.99 pg/l) and oxidative stress markers (SOD= 163±0.616 and GSH-ST= 95.8±0.44 U/mL) along with biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Present study suggests that Cyperus iria aqueous-ethanol extract possesses hypoglycemic potential which might be attributed to the decrease in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.

Function of selected natural antidiabetic compounds with potential against cancer via modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with growing global incidence, as 387 million people were diagnosed in 2014 with an expected projection of 642 million in 2040. Several complications are associated with DM including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and cancer. The latter is the second leading cause of death worldwide accounting for one in every six deaths, with liver, pancreas, and endometrium cancers are the most abundant among patients with diabetes. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a vital role in developing a wide array of pathological disorders, among them diabetes and cancer. Natural secondary metabolites that counteract the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway could be a promising approach in cancer therapy. Here, 717 medicinal plants with antidiabetic activities were highlighted along with 357 bioactive compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity. Also, 43 individual plant compounds with potential antidiabetic activities against cancer via the modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade were identified. Taken together, the available data give an insight of the potential of repurposing medicinal plants and/or the individual secondary metabolites with antidiabetic activities for cancer therapy.

Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used in Democratic Republic of Congo: A Critical Review of Ethnopharmacology and Bioactivity Data

Several studies have been conducted and published on medicinal plants used to manage Diabetes Mellitus worldwide. It is of great interest to review available studies from a country or a region to resort to similarities/discrepancies and data quality. Here, we examined data related to ethnopharmacology and bioactivity of antidiabetic plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were extracted from Google Scholar, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, and other documents focusing on ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, and phytochemistry antidiabetic plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2005 to September 2021. The Kew Botanic Royal Garden and Plants of the World Online web databases were consulted to verify the taxonomic information. CAMARADES checklist was used to assess the quality of animal studies and Jadad scores for clinical trials. In total, 213 plant species belonging to 72 botanical families were reported. Only one plant, Droogmansia munamensis, is typically native to the DRC flora; 117 species are growing in the DRC and neighboring countries; 31 species are either introduced from other regions, and 64 are not specified. Alongside the treatment of Diabetes, about 78.13% of plants have multiple therapeutic uses, depending on the study sites. Experimental studies explored the antidiabetic activity of 133 plants, mainly in mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Several chemical classes of antidiabetic compounds isolated from 67 plant species have been documented. Rare phase II clinical trials have been conducted. Critical issues included poor quality methodological protocols, author name incorrectly written (16.16%) or absent (14.25%) or confused with a synonym (4.69%), family name revised (17.26%) or missing (1.10%), voucher number not available 336(92.05%), ecological information not reported (49.59%). Most plant species have been identified and authenticated (89.32%). Hundreds of plants are used to treat Diabetes by traditional healers in DRC. However, most plants are not exclusively native to the local flora and have multiple therapeutic uses. The analysis showed the scarcity or absence of high-quality, in-depth pharmacological studies. There is a need to conduct further studies of locally specific species to fill the gap before their introduction into the national pharmacopeia.

Pharmacological reflection of plants traditionally used to manage diabetes mellitus in Tanzania

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The increasing national prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have overstretched the health care system in Tanzania and influenced patients to use herbal medicines as alternative therapeutic strategies. Therefore, an urgent need exists to validate the safety and efficacy of plants used locally.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify plants used for the management of DM in Tanzania and analyses their pharmacological, phytochemistry, and safety evidence with a special focus on the mechanism of action.

METHODS

Researchers searched Medline, web of science, and Scopus for published articles. Also, specialized herbarium documents of Muhimbili Institute of traditional medicine were reviewed. Articles were assessed for relevance, quality, and taxonomical accuracy before being critically reviewed.

RESULTS

We identified 62 plant species used locally for DM management. Moringa oleifera Lam. and Cymbopogon citratus (D.C) stapf were the most mentioned. Fifty-four phytochemicals from 13 species had DM activities. These were mainly; polyphenolics, phytosterols, and triterpenoids. Extracts, fractions, and pure compounds from 18 species had in vitro antidiabetic activities of which 14 had α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition effects. The most studied -Momordica charantia L. increased; glucose uptake and adiponectin release in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, insulin secretion, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), GLUT-4 translocation, and GLP-1 secretion; and inhibited protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B). Preclinical studies reported 30 species that lower plasma glucose with molecular targets in the liver, skeletal muscles, adipose tissues, pancreases, and stomach. While three species; Aspilia mossambiscensis (Oliv.) Willd, Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb, and Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. had mild toxicity in animals, 33 had no report of their efficacy in DM management or toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Local communities in Tanzania use herbal medicine for the management of DM. However, only a fraction of such species has scientific evidence. A. mossambiscensis, C. bonduc., and P. amarus had mild toxicity in animals. Together, our findings call for future researches to focus on in vitro, in vivo, and phytochemical investigation of plant species for which their use in DM among the local communities in Tanzania have not been validated.

Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytoconstituents, Bioactivities, and Toxicities of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae): A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Many studies have been undertaken on the medicinal values of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae). The details, however, are highly fragmented in different journals, libraries, and other publication media. This study was therefore conducted to provide a comprehensive report on its ethnobotany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemicals, and the available pharmacological evidence supporting its efficacy and safety in traditional medicine.

METHOD

We collected data using a PROSPERO registered systematic review protocol on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and ethnopharmacology of Erythrina abyssinica from 132 reports that were retrieved from electronic databases. Documented local names, morphology, growth habit and habitat, ethnomedicinal and nonmedicinal uses, diseases treated, parts used, method of preparation and administration, extraction and chemical identity of isolated compounds, and efficacy and toxicity of extracts and isolated compounds were captured. Numerical data were summarized into means, percentages, and frequencies and presented as graphs and tables.

RESULTS

Erythrina abyssinica is harvested by traditional herbal medicine practitioners in East, Central, and South African communities to prepare herbal remedies for various human and livestock ailments. These include bacterial and fungal infections, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, diarrhea, cancer, meningitis, inflammatory diseases, urinary tract infections, wounds, diabetes mellitus, and skin and soft tissue injuries. Different extracts and phytochemicals from parts of E. abyssinica have been scientifically proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antidiarrheal, anti-HIV 1, antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities. This versatile pharmacological activity is due to the abundant flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids present in its different parts.

CONCLUSION

Erythrina abyssinica is an important ethnomedicinal plant in Africa harboring useful pharmacologically active phytochemicals against various diseases with significant efficacies and minimal toxicity to mammalian cells. Therefore, this plant should be conserved and its potential to provide novel molecules against diseases be explored further. Clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of extracts and isolated compounds from E. abyssinica are recommended.

Delonix regia a Folklore Remedy for Diabetes; Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Modulates Type II Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

The folkloric profile of Delonix regia demonstrates that it can be used in the management of diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety profile of the aerial part extracts of Delonix regia and their antidiabetic potential along with improvement in oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical screening, total phenolic, and flavonoid contents along with in-vitro antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities were determined. HPLC analysis, acute toxicity, glucose tolerance, in-vivo antidiabetic effect along with the influence on biochemical, oxidative stress parameters, and comet assay of the active extract were performed and assessed.

RESULTS

Total phenolic (831.6±0.002 mg/g GAE) and flavonoid (361.4±0.002 mg/g QE) contents were found to be higher in the methanolic extract. Inhibitory concentration IC50 indicated better results for the methanolic extract in DPPH (47.6μg/mL) and alpha-amylase inhibitory (14.61μg/mL) assays. HPLC analysis of the methanolic extract confirmed the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Acute oral toxicity exhibited no mortality and morbidity during the 24h period. The methanolic extract showed better tolerance to glucose. Streptozotocin- nicotinamide (55-110 mg/kg) induced hyperglycemia declined along with improvement in hematological, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, H202) in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum effect was recorded at 500mg/kg dose. Comet assay was performed for genotoxic studies and it was observed that the methanolic extract of Delonix regia showed the maximum genoprotective effect at 100μg/mL.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that the methanolic aerial part extract of Delonix regia exhibited hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic activities. The antidiabetic effect was comparable to glibenclamide suggesting its therapeutic use as a natural anti-diabetic remedy.

Medicinal plants used by 'root doctors', local traditional healers in Bié province, Angola

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This study is one of the first post-civil war efforts to document traditional botanical knowledge in Bié province, central Angola, in a first step to bring more studies on the use of medicinal plant resources in this area so as to bring new insights into Angolan bio-cultural diversity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Examine the variety of plant species used for medical purposes, as well as characterize their social and cultural values. Also, it is aimed to compare their uses in the studied region with those in Sub-Saharan Africa and report new ethnomedicinal uses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We documented traditional medicinal plant knowledge among professional herbalists in two areas in Bié province through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews and transect walks. Ethnobotanical information was quantified based on Use Reports to (1) rate traditional knowledge; and (2) determine most useful taxa.

RESULTS

In total, 10 traditional healers shared information on their knowledge. A total of 87 plant species distributed among 57 genera and 36 botanical families were documented with Fabaceae being the best-represented family with 18 species, followed by Phyllanthaceae (6), Apocynaceae (5), Asteraceae (5), Rubiaceae (5), Lamiaceae (4), and Ochnaceae (3). Most medicinal plants are usually gathered at a distance from human settlements because of the belief in the higher efficacy of 'wild' plants shared by all herbalists. Roots are the most common plant part used (79%), explaining why the consulted herbalists call themselves 'root doctors'.

CONCLUSIONS

The culturally most important medicinal species identified in this study, i.e. Securidaca longepedunculata, Garcinia huillensis, Annona stenophylla, Afzelia quanzensis and Strychnos cocculoides, were previously reported for the same use in neighbouring countries and elsewhere in Africa. Our study also indicates that there are several locally valuable species that have not yet been studied for their medical potential, to name a few: Alvesia rosmarinifolia, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, Eriosema affine, Paropsia brazzaeana, Rhus squalida, Sclerocroton cornutus or Xylopia tomentosa. Moreover, the ethnomedicinal use of 26 species was reported for the first time to sub-Saharan Africa.

CLASSIFICATION

Ethnopharmacological field studies.

Albizia Adianthifolia: Botany, Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties

The bark, leaves, and roots of Albizia adianthifolia are highly sought after in tropical Africa as herbal medicines. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the botany, medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of A. adianthifolia so as to provide baseline data required for evaluating the therapeutic potential of the species. Information on the botanical profile, medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of A. adianthifolia was undertaken using databases such as ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Medline, SCOPUS, EThOS, ProQuest, OATD, and Open-thesis. Preelectronic literature search of conference papers, scientific articles, books, book chapters, dissertations, and theses was carried out at the University library. Literature search revealed that A. adianthifolia is used as purgative and herbal medicine for diabetes, eye problems, gastrointestinal problems, haemorrhoids, headache, neurodegenerative disorders, reproductive problems in women, respiratory problems, wounds and pain, skin diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and ethnoveterinary medicine. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include apocarotenoids, chalcone, dipeptide, elliptosides, essential oils, fatty acids, flavonoids, histamine, imidazolyl carboxylic acid, prosapogenins, steroids, triterpene saponins, and triterpenoids. Pharmacological studies revealed that A. adianthifolia extracts and compounds have acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory, anthelmintic, antiamoebic, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, anti-sexually transmitted infections, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antidepressant, cognitive-enhancing, haemolytic, hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxicity activities. Detailed studies on the pharmacokinetics, in vivo, and clinical research involving compounds isolated from A. adianthifolia and extracts of the species are required.