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Ndung'u JK, Nguta JM, Mapenay IM, Moriasi GA. A Comprehensive Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicity of Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman from Africa. SCIENTIFICA 2024; 2024:8862996. [PMID: 38654751 PMCID: PMC11039028 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8862996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Prunus africana, a widely utilized medicinal plant in various African ethnic communities, continues to hold significant importance in traditional healing practices. Research has identified phytochemical compounds in this plant, exhibiting diverse pharmacological activities that offer potential for pharmaceutical development. Notably, P. africana is employed in treating various ailments such as wounds, diabetes mellitus, malaria, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chest pain, and prostate cancer. Its pharmacological properties are attributed to a spectrum of bioactive compounds, including tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. Multiple studies have documented the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiandrogenic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, antidipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity, analgesic, and astringent properties of P. africana extracts. This review offers a comprehensive compilation of ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicity assessments of P. africana, serving as a foundation for future preclinical and clinical investigations. By understanding its traditional uses and chemical constituents, researchers can target specific medical conditions with greater precision, potentially expediting the development of safe and effective pharmaceuticals. Moreover, toxicity assessments provide crucial insights into the safety profile of P. africana extracts, ensuring the development of safe pharmaceuticals to treat various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K. Ndung'u
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Pharmacy, Kenya Medical Training College, Nakuru Campus Kenya, P.O. Box 110, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Joseph M. Nguta
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac M. Mapenay
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gervason A. Moriasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100-GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya
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Liu M, Wang H, Yue Q, Liu J. Effects of Ottonia anisum plant extract on local anesthetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and HCl‑induced acute lung injury activities: a study in animal models. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2023; 10:86. [PMID: 38647807 PMCID: PMC10992343 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-023-00706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ottonia anisum (O. anisum), belonging to the family Piperaceae, is renowned for its medicinal properties. The plant is rich in alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids with recorded bioactivities. The stems, roots, and leaves, of the O. anisum have been extensively used in the folk medicine. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the pharmacological activities of O. anisum root extract. Methanolic root extract of O. anisum was assessed for local anesthetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and HCl-induced acute lung injury activities in animal models. Local anesthetic activity assessed in frog and guinea pigs through foot withdrawal reflex and intradermal wheal method, respectively, revealed the dose-dependent onset time of anesthesia response. In the case of HCl-induced ALI, the mice group orally administered with O. anisum extract were assessed for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLF) contents, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory molecules. The analysis revealed the reduction in inflammatory molecules, neutrophils, and oxidative stress in the extract treated mice group. In addition, the redox homeostasis, reduced GSH and the catalase activity was found to be restored in the treated groups. Intriguingly, the genes associated with the NFkB expression was found to be downregulated in O. anisum extract treated groups. Moreover, the extract unveiled the significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Overall, the findings emphasize the clinical applicability of O. anisum extract in the treatment of ALI as well as the potential usage in local anesthetic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agents during the treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No. 136 Jingzhou Street, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang City, 441021, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No. 136 Jingzhou Street, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang City, 441021, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiang Yue
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No. 136 Jingzhou Street, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang City, 441021, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Junli Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No. 136 Jingzhou Street, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang City, 441021, Hubei Province, China.
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Matos Leitão M, Euclides Silva-Filho S, Arena AC, Heredia-Vieira SC, Cardoso CAL, Kassuya CAL. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extract obtained from Serjania marginata Casar leaves. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 304:116018. [PMID: 36496043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Serjania marginata Casar (Sapindaceae Family) Leaves are popularly used against abdominal pain. Antiulcer properties of S. marginata were scientifically described, however rare studies showed the antinociceptive effects of this plant. AIM OF STUDY In this study, we investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract obtained from Serjania marginata leaves (AESM) in nociception/inflammation models. MATERIAL AND METHODS AESM was analyzed in FIA-ESI-IT-MS and Mass spectrometer LTQ XL. AESM oral administration (p.o.) (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg), dexamethasone subcutaneous injection (1 mg/kg, s.c.) and morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) were tested against the acetic acid-induced nociception, carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory paw edema/hyperalgesia, formalin-induced nociception and carrageenan-induced pleurisy in Swiss mice. RESULTS Flavonoids rutin was detected in the phytochemical analysis of this extract. Oral treatment of AESM 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. AESM (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited formalin-induced nociception, mechanical hyperalgesia and paw edema in carrageenan-model. Furthermore, AESM significantly inhibited leukocyte migration and protein exudation in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy test. CONCLUSION This study confirms the antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activity of AESM, which may explain, in part, the popular use of this plant as a natural antinociceptive agent. This pharmacological action can be caused by flavonoids such as rutin and other compounds present in AESM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maicon Matos Leitão
- Federal University of Grande Dourados, Faculty of Health Sciences, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil; School of Health Sciences, Unigran Capital University Center, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.
| | - Saulo Euclides Silva-Filho
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition College, Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.
| | - Arielle Cristina Arena
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Silvia Cristina Heredia-Vieira
- Environment and Regional Development Postgraduate Program, Anhanguera-Uniderp University, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.
| | - Cláudia Andrea Lima Cardoso
- Center of Studies in Natural Resources, State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.
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Nazari Formagio AS, Vilegas W, Ferreira Volobuff CR, Leite Kassuya CA, Paes de Almeida V, Manfron J, Pereira ZV, Pereira Cabral MR, Sarragiotto MH. Palicourea tomentosa (Aubl.) Borhidi: Microscopy, chemical composition and the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-acetylcholinesterase potential. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 291:115050. [PMID: 35150816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Palicourea tomentosa (Aubl.) Borhidi (synonym Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg.) leaves are used in the popular treatments of inflammation and pain; however, there are no scientific studies demonstrating their activity as the methanolic extract of P. tomentosa. AIM OF STUDY This study was undertaken to investigate the potential antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-hyperalgesic, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the chemical composition and concentrations of constituents of the methanolic extract of P. tomentosa leaves (MEPT). The study also analyzes the micromorphology and histochemistry of leaves of P. tomentosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MEPT was analysed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and condensed tannin were determined. The micromorphology and histochemistry of leaves were performed using standard reagents, light and field emission scanning electron microscopy, beyond energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was evaluated for DPPH, β-carotene and MDA. The anti-inflammatory activity of MEPT (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was assayed in carrageenan-induced models of paw oedema, mechanical hyperalgesia (Von Frey), cold allodynia (acetone) and pleurisy in mice. The anti-nociceptive potential of MEPT (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated by the formalin method in mice. The anti-acetylcholinesterase properties were evaluated in vivo in four rat brain structures. RESULTS The total ion chromatogram of MEPT demonstrated two alkaloids, one coumarin, one iridoid and two terpene derivatives. The highest phenol, flavonoid, flavonol and condensed tannin concentrations were found in the extract. A comprehensive explanation of the leaf micromorphology and histochemistry was presented. MEPT was significantly inhibited by the DPPH, β-carotene and MDA models. MEPT (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) reduced the inflammation and hyperalgesic parameters in a carrageenan model and reduced formalin-induced nociception in both phases, which were cold sensitivity and oedema formation. The oral administration of 30 and 100 mg/kg MEPT significantly inhibited AChE activity in the frontal cortex. CONCLUSION This is the first chemical and biological study performed with a P. tomentosa methanolic extract and anatomical and histochemical analysis. The present study showed that MEPT inhibited pain and inflammatory parameters contributing, at least in part, to explain the popular use of this plant as analgesic natural agent. Also, anatomical and histochemistry of leaves described in the present study provide microscopical information, which aids species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wagner Vilegas
- Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - São Paulo State University, São Vicente, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Valter Paes de Almeida
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | - Jane Manfron
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | - Zefa Valdevina Pereira
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados - UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brazil
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Akimat EK, Omwenga GI, Moriasi GA, Ngugi MP. Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Acute Oral Toxicity, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of The Aqueous Root Extract of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. Ex Oliv. & Hiern.). J Evid Based Integr Med 2021; 26:2515690X211064585. [PMID: 34881674 PMCID: PMC8842406 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x211064585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The root and leaf extracts of Launaea cornuta have been locally used in traditional medicine for decades to manage inflammatory conditions and other oxidative-stress-related syndromes; however, their pharmacologic efficacy has not been scientifically investigated and validated. Accordingly, we investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) efficacy, acute oral toxicity, and qualitative phytochemical composition of the aqueous root extract of L. cornuta. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the 2,2-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test methods were used to determine the studied plant extract’s antioxidant activity. Besides, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the studied plant extract was investigated using in vitro (anti-proteinase and protein denaturation), ex vivo (membrane stabilization), and in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw oedema in Swiss albino mice) methods. The studied plant extract demonstrated significant in vitro antioxidant effects, which were evidenced by higher DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP activities, in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Generally, the studied plant extract exhibited significant in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy, respectively, and in a concentration/dose-dependent manner compared with respective controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, the studied plant extract did not cause any observable signs of acute oral toxicity, even at the cut-off dose of 2000 mg/Kg BW (LD50 > 2000 mg/Kg BW), and was thus considered safe. Additionally, qualitative phytochemistry revealed the presence of various antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory-associated phytochemicals, which were deemed responsible for the reported pharmacologic efficacy. Further studies to characterise bioactive molecules and their mode(s) of pharmacologic efficacy are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evans Kapanat Akimat
- 107864Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George Isanda Omwenga
- 107864Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Mathew Piero Ngugi
- 107864Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Discovery of natural anti-inflammatory alkaloids: Potential leads for the drug discovery for the treatment of inflammation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 213:113165. [PMID: 33454546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is an adaptive response of the immune system to tissue malfunction or homeostatic imbalance. Corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently applied to treat varieties of inflammatory diseases but are associated with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney side effects. Developing more effective and less toxic agents remain a challenge for pharmaceutical chemist due to the complexity of the different inflammatory processes. Alkaloids are widely distributed in plants with diverse anti-inflammatory activities, providing various potential lead compounds or candidates for the design and discovery of new anti-inflammatory drug candidates. Therefore, re-examining the anti-inflammatory alkaloid natural products is advisable, bringing more opportunities. In this review, we summarized and described the recent advances of natural alkaloids with anti-inflammatory activities and possible mechanisms in the period from 2009 to 2020. It is hoped that this review of anti-inflammatory alkaloids can provide new ideas for researchers engaged in the related fields and potential lead compounds for the discovery of anti-inflammatory drugs.
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