Knowledge on plants used traditionally in the treatment of tuberculosis in Uganda

The local medicinal plant knowledge in Kashmir Western Himalaya: a way to foster ecological transition via community-centred health seeking strategies

BACKGROUND

The mountainous region of Kashmir is a biodiversity hotspot, with diverse local communities and a rich cultural history linked to nature. Mountain ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change. This study emphasises the need to record the indigenous ethnoecological knowledge of wild plants used for the treatment of various ailments at higher elevations in remote areas where globalisation poses a threat to this traditional knowledge.

METHODS

The field survey was carried out in 2020-2022, to collect data on wild medicinal plants. Informants were selected randomly to collect indigenous medicinal knowledge using semi-structured interviews and group discussions. Various quantitative indices were employed to evaluate ethnomedicinal data.

RESULTS

A total of 110 medicinal plants belonging to 49 families were recorded in the study area. These medicinal plants are extensively used by local communities for the treatment of 20 major disease categories. Asteraceae was the dominant family contributing (9.09%) to medicinal plants, followed by Polygonaceae (8.18%), Apiaceae (7.27%), Lamiaceae (5.45%), and Ranunculaceae (5.45%). We observed 166 remedies were used for the treatment of various diseases in humans, and 9 remedies were used for animals. The most frequently used medicinal remedy was tea or decoction (30.91%). Among the medicinal plants, herbs (85.5%) were most frequently used by the local populations of Kashmir, whereas leaves (10.26%) were used for the treatment of various ailments. Out of 110 species, 31 were endemic, 15 of which are endemic to the Kashmir region and 16 to the Western Himalaya. The highest RFC value was reported for Allium humile (0.77), the highest UV value for Fritillaria cirrhosa (1.33), and the highest ICF value for gastro-intestinal/digestive disorders (0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Local communities still rely on wild medicinal plants for primary healthcare. These communities retained valuable indigenous knowledge, which needs to be preserved for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Further field exploration is required to fully explore indigenous knowledge in the mountainous regions of Kashmir, and this knowledge has the potential to support the ongoing ecological transition.

A review on the potential of underutilized Blackjack (Biden Pilosa) naturally occurring in sub-Saharan Africa

Several Indigenous edible vegetables in sub-Saharan countries have potential bioactive compounds, including underutilized Biden pilosa (BP). Bioactives from Indigenous edible vegetables are re-evolving as an alternative medicine potential for drug formulations. BP has also been used to mitigate over 40 different diseases in people and animals as herbal medication. Due to globalization and urbanization, people move from more active to more sedentary lifestyles, home-cooked meals to fast foods and snacks, organic foods to processed food with high sugar, salt, and fat. The consumption of native fruits and vegetables is now replaced by a highly processed calory diet, leading to metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, obesity, and other diet-related non-communicable diseases. Hence this article was designed to investigate the existing reports on the use, knowledge and the need to utilize the potentiality of BP further to overcome nutritional deficiencies, food scarcity and mitigation of medical conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of plant-based drugs will aid to decrease the health capitation load as most countries do not have enough funds for purchasing synthetic chemicals used to mitigate diseases.

Medicinal plant use, conservation, and the associated traditional knowledge in rural communities in Eastern Uganda

Background

The global consumption of herbal medicine is increasing steadily, posing an extinction risk to medicinal plants. Uganda is among the top ten countries with a high threat of herbal medicine extinction, and Traditional Medicinal Knowledge (TMK) erosion. This might be attributed to the inadequate documentation, plus many more unclear hindrances. In this study, plant species used to treat human diseases in Butaleja district in Eastern Uganda and their associated TMK were documented. The conservation methods for medicinal plants were also evaluated. The rationale was to support the preservation of ethnopharmacological knowledge.

Methods

Data were collected from 80 herbalists using semi-structured questionnaires, from July 2020 to March 2021. Additionally, guided field walks and observations were conducted. Quantitative indices such as, use categories and informant consensus factor (ICF) were evaluated to elucidate the importance of the medicinal plants. Data were analyzed using STATA version-15.0 software.

Results

In total, 133 species, belonging to 34 families and 125 genera were identified. Fabaceae (65%), and Solanaceae (29%) were the dominant families. Leaves (80%), and roots (15%), were the commonest parts used in medicinal preparations; mostly administered orally as decoctions (34.6%) and infusions (16%). The commonest illnesses treated were cough (7.74%), gastric ulcers (7.42%), and malaria (4.52%). The informant consensus factor was high for all disease categories (≥ 0.8), indicating homogeneity of knowledge about remedies used. Only 73% of the respondents made efforts to conserve medicinal plants. The commonest conservation strategy was preservation of forests with spiritually valued species (100%), while compliance with government regulations was the rarest (4.5%). Overall, efforts to stop the extinction of medicinal plants and TMK were inadequate.

Conclusion and recommendations

There was enormous dependency on a rich diversity of medicinal plant species and TMK for healthcare and income generation. The potential for medicinal plant biodiversity loss was evident due to habitat destruction. Inclusion of traditional cultural norms in conservation strategies, and laboratory-based efficacy tests for the species identified are necessary, to promote the conservative and utilization of validated herbal medicines and TMK in rural settings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41182-022-00428-1.

Traditional medicinal plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis in Ethiopia: A systematic review

Background

Majority of people in Ethiopia heavily rely on traditional medicinal plants to treat a number of diseases including tuberculosis (TB). However, there has been lack of comprehensive evidences on taxonomic distribution of medicinal plant species, methods of preparation of remedies from these plants and how the remedies are administered. This systematic review is designed to examine and synthesize available evidences focusing on medicinal plants that have been used for TB treatment in Ethiopia.

Methods

Research findings related to ethno-botanical and pharmacological approaches of TB remedies were retrieved from databases. Electronic libraries of Ethiopian Universities and relevant church-based religious books were also reviewed as additional sources. Evidences are searched and organized in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline.

Result

From a total of 68 research documents that reported use of plants for treatment of TB 98 plants species belonging to 82 genera and 49 families were identified. The most frequently reported plant species belonged to family Lamiaceae (n = 8), Euphorbiaceae (n = 7), Cucurbitaceae (n = 6) and Fabaceae (n = 6). Croton macrostachyus, Allium sativum, and Myrsine Africana were the most often mentioned anti-TB medicinal plants. Shrubs (35.7%) and trees (29.6%) were reported as dominant growth forms while plant roots (31.6%) and leaves (28.6%) were frequently used plant parts for the preparations of the treatment. The most favored administration route was oral (59.1%). About 87% of the preparations were made from fresh plant materials. No experimental/clinical evidence was presented for 79.6%(78/98) of the reported plants to support their anti-mycobacterial activities.

Conclusion

In Ethiopia, the number of herbal remedies is enormous and their use for TB treatment is a common practice. However, majority of them are not yet backed up by evidence generated through scientific experimentation and this warrants further experimental and clinical validations. Moreover, the efficacy, toxicity and safety tests should be initiated and this would help in the rapid identification of new anti-TB regimens, and possibly it would lead to developing more effective new plant-based drugs. This systematic review will serve as a reference for the selection of plants for developing new anti-TB regimens.

Phytochemical screening, antimycobacterial activity and acute toxicity of crude extracts of selected medicinal plant species used locally in the treatment of tuberculosis in Uganda

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death globally, and the rise in drug-resistant forms of TB has become a significant threat. Subsequently, it is crucial to explore new, effective and safe anti-TB agents. This study aimed at conducting phytochemical screening, antimycobacterial activity, and acute toxicity of the selected plant species’ crude extracts to assess their toxicological potentials and efficacies against TB.

Methods

The aqueous and methanol/dichloromethane (DCM) (1:1) extracts of each selected plant species were subjected to phytochemical screening and antimycobacterial activity using microplate alamar blue assay. For acute toxicity, a single dose (2000 mg/kg) of the aqueous extracts was orally administered to each animal following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines No. 425 and then observed for 14 days. The animals were closely observed on the general behavior and clinical signs of toxicity, and body weights were recorded. After the termination of the experiment, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were performed.

Results

The extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, phenolic compounds, and coumarins. Aqueous extracts showed moderate to weak activity against the susceptible (H₃₇Rv) M. tuberculosis strain and weak activity against the MDR-TB strain with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC μg/mL) ranging from 293.0–2344.0 and 1172.0–4688.0, respectively. Methanol/DCM extracts showed significant to moderate activity against the susceptible TB strain and moderate to weak activity against the MDR-TB strain with MIC (μg/mL) ranging from 98.0–586.0 and 293.0–781.0, respectively. One mortality was recorded from the A. coriaria treated group following the acute toxicity tests, but the LD₅₀ of all the extracts was estimated to be above 2000 mg/kg. Histopathological analyses did not show any significant lesions in the examined organs except those from the A. coriaria treated group.

Conclusion

Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, phenolic compounds, and coumarins. All the methanol/DCM extracts of the plant species studied have promising antimycobacterial activity. The selected plant extracts studied exhibited low acute toxicity levels except for A. coriaria and could be safe for formulations into herbal products.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41182-022-00406-7.

Phytochemical, Cytotoxicity, and Antimycobacterial Activity Evaluation of Extracts and Compounds from the Stem Bark of Albizia coriaria Welw ex. Oliver

Background

Albizia coriaria Welw ex. Oliver (Fabaceae) is one of the plants used by herbalists in the East Africa community to prepare herbal remedies for the management of symptoms of TB. Despite its widespread use, the antimycobacterial activity of this plant was uninvestigated and there was contradicting information regarding its cytotoxicity.

Methods

Cytotoxicity (MTT), antimycobacterial activity (MABA), and phytochemical screening were conducted on crude extracts (hexane, chloroform, acetone, and methanol) of the stem bark of A. coriaria. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) followed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out on the acetone and methanol extracts. The binding affinities and descriptors of pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the identified compounds were predicted using computational modelling software.

Results

The cytotoxic concentrations of all extracts were greater than 1000 μg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both the acetone and methanol extracts was 1250.0 ± 0.0 μg/mL against M. smegmatis, whereas that against M. tuberculosis was 937.0 ± 442.0 μg/mL and 2500.0 ± 0.0 μg/mL, respectively. Hexane and chloroform extracts were not active against both strains. Alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins were the predominant phytochemicals present. GC-MS analysis revealed twenty-eight and nineteen compounds in acetone and methanol extracts, respectively. Among these was hydroquinone, which was previously reported to possess antimycobacterial activity. Seven compounds identified through GC-MS analysis had better binding affinities for the mycobacterial ATPase and polyketide synthase-13 than isoniazid and rifampicin. These compounds also showed variable but promising pharmacokinetic properties with minimum toxicity.

Conclusion

There are phytochemicals in A. coriaria stem bark with potential antimycobacterial activity and acceptable cytotoxicity, which can be further explored and optimized for the development of novel antitubercular drugs.

Two New Pentacyclic Triterpenoids, an Alkaloid and a Long-chain Fatty Acid from Albizia Coriaria (Welw ex. Oliver)

Herein, we report the occurrence of four new compounds in ethanolic extract of Albizia coriaria Welw ex. Oliver leaves along with other compounds previously reported in this species. The compounds were isolated and characterized using column chromatography, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. FTIR spectrum of the extract showed phenolic OH stretching (3362.30 cm-1), C=O (1660.08 cm-1), CO stretching (1369.46 cm-1 and 1319.00 cm-1) and CN stretch (1072.44 cm-1) which confirmed the presence of alcohols, carboxylic acids and nitrogen-containing compounds. Oleanolic acid (1), oleanolic acid acetate (2), pterin-6-carboxylic acid (3), undecanol (4), betulinic acid (5), betulin (6) and benzyl alcohol (7) were tentatively identified in the extract. Compounds 1-4 are being reported for the first time in Albizia coriaria.

Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr.: a multipurpose plant with multiple uses in traditional ethnic culinary and ethnomedicinal preparations

Various plants form the basis of multiple traditional ethnic cuisines and ethnomedicinal practices across the globe. The ethnic cuisines cater to the nutritional, dietary and medicinal requirements of the tribal and rural communities even today. Using literature from various scholarly databases, this study was conducted to consolidate a comprehensive review on the use of Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr. in various traditional ethnic cuisines and ethnomedicinal preparations across the globe. The survey shows that it is used in multiple ethnic cuisines and is variously known in different countries and among the communities. Further, it possesses multiple nutritional and ethnomedicinal properties. Considering its importance in ethnic foods and ethnomedicinal preparations, it is important to investigate the nutritional composition, phytochemical constitution and pharmacological basis of ethnomedicinal uses. Therefore, we further compiled this information and found that it is a rich source of both micro- and macronutrients and packed with several bioactive compounds. Survey of pharmacological studies on its traditional medicinal uses supports its ethnomedicinal properties. Despite its importance in traditional food and ethnomedicinal systems, it remains underexplored. Limited information on the toxicity of its various extracts shows that further studies should be conducted to understand its safety aspects. Further clinical studies to prospect possible drug candidates from it should be attempted.

Advances in adjunct therapy against tuberculosis: Deciphering the emerging role of phytochemicals

Eastern countries are a major source of medicinal plants, which set up a rich source of ethnopharmacologically known medicines used in the treatment of various diseases. These traditional medicines have been known as complementary, alternative, or nonconventional therapy across globe for ages. Tuberculosis (TB) poses a huge global burden and leads to maximum number of deaths due to an infectious agent. Treatment of TB using Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) therapy comprises multiple antibiotics is quite lengthy and causes serious side-effects in different organs. The length of the TB treatment leads to withdrawal from the patients, which paves the way for the emergence of drug resistance in the bacterial population. These concerns related to therapy need serious and immediate interventions. Traditional medicines using phytochemicals has shown to provide tremendous potential in TB treatment, mainly in the eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), increasing natural immunity, and managing the side effects of anti-TB drugs. This review describes the antituberculosis potential of selected ethnopharmacologically important phytochemicals as potential immune-modulator and as an adjunct-therapy in TB. This review will be a useful reference for researchers working on ethnopharmacology and will open the door for the discovery of novel agents as an adjunct-therapy to tuberculosis.

Ethnobotanical plants used in the management of symptoms of tuberculosis in rural Uganda

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. The emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) poses a major health security threat. Plants have traditionally been used as a source of medicine, since olden days and 80% of the communities in Africa still rely on herbal medicines for their healthcare. In many parts of Uganda, some plants have shown ethno-pharmacological prospects for the treatment of TB, and yet they have not been fully researched.

AIM

This study aimed to document plant species used traditionally by the herbalists and non-herbalist communities of Kitgum and Pader districts for managing symptoms of TB.

METHODS

An ethnobotanical study was carried out in 42 randomly selected villages in Kitgum and Pader districts between August 2020 and January 2021. Information was obtained by administering semi-structured questionnaires to 176 respondents identified by snowball and random sampling methods. Data were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF).

RESULTS

Overall, only 27% of the respondents were knowledgeable about plants used for managing symptoms of TB. Nine plant species belonging to six families (Mimosaceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Loganiaceae and Rubiaceae) were used to manage symptoms of TB. The most representative family was Rutaceae with three species, followed by Rubiaceae (two species) and the rest of the families were represented by one species each. The most frequently recorded species were Steganotaenia araliacea Hochst. (8.5%), Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. & Thonn (6.8%) and Albizia adianthifolia (Schum.) W.Wight (6.8%). Most of the medicinal plants were trees, and roots (69%) were the most frequently plant part used, followed by the bark (16%) and leaves (15%). The most common method of preparation was by pounding and mixing concoction with water. The administration of the concoctions was mostly done orally.

CONCLUSIONS

The results established the existence of few medicinal plants for managing symptoms of TB among the Acholi communities which could be used in developing new, effective plant-based antimycobacterial drugs. The few plants mentioned might face conservation threats due to exploitations of the roots. Phytochemical and toxicological studies are recommended to identify active compounds responsible for antimycobacterial activity.

Cissus quadrangularis L: A comprehensive multidisciplinary review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cissus quadrangularis L. is a perennial herb of the Vitaceae family and is utilized comprehensively as a medicinal herb in most tropical regions by various names. This herb is documented to possess a wide-ranging ethnomedicinal uses in malaria, fever, epilepsy, gout, piles, skin diseases, colic, etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: A organized summary of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, available marketed formulations and filed patents were presented to explore the future therapeutic potential and scientific potential of this herb.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For a review of the literature, various databases were searched, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus etc. From, total 408 records of this herb, we have screened 155 articles consist of desired information and available as full text. Present manuscript is structured from comprehensive information on this herb from screened 155 records. Plant taxonomy was confirmed to the database "The Plant List".

RESULTS

Phytochemical assessment as a whole indicated the presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, iridoids, stilbenes, vitamins, steroids, and glycosides. A toxicity study revealed that its LD₅₀ value is above 3000 mg/kg in animals indicating its safety. A variety of pharmacological studies of aerial parts of this herb by different extracts have demonstrated analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-osteoporotic activity and other bone-related disorders to justify its name as Hadjod. Still, the herb has been utilized in clinical practice and several patents were filed in India and US for its antiosteoporotic property.

CONCLUSION

The studies on Cissus quadrangularis Linn. are extensive, but gaps still remain. The molecular mechanism, structure-activity relationship, potential synergistic and antagonistic effects of these components needs to be further elucidated. These findings suggest the need for further research on this herb for the management of several other chronic ailments.

Sub-Acute Toxicity Effects of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Entada abyssinica on Biochemical, Haematological and Histopathological Parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: Whereas the efficacy of Entada abyssinica (fabaceae) extracts against various ailments has been scientifically validated, its safety has not been established. This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity effects of methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica on biochemical, haematological and histological parameters of Wistar albino rats following repeated oral administration.

Methods: Wistar albino rats of both sexes were randomized into groups and orally administered daily with determined doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) of E. abyssinica methanolic extract using 1% tween 80 in distilled water as a control for 28 days. On the 29th day, all the animals were sacrificed and dissected to collect blood and selected organs. The serum and whole blood were assayed for biochemical and haematological parameters respectively while selected organs were examined for histopathological lesions. Numerical data was analyzed using graph pad prism and expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. The differences between the treatment and control groups were tested for statistical significance using one-way analysis of variance and/or Student’s t-test.

Results: In repeated daily oral doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg), the methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica did not cause significant alteration in majority of the biochemical and hematological indices. However, the extract significantly elevated the level of uric acid (all doses), aspartate aminotransferase (300 and 600 mg/kg), low density lipoproteins (150 mg/kg) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin concentration (all doses). On the other hand, the extracts reduced high density lipoproteins (150 and 300 mg/kg), mean corpuscular volume (all doses), haematocrit (150 and 600 mg/kg), mean platelet volume (150 and 600 mg/kg) and procalcitonin (150 mg/kg). In the vital organs, there were no significant lesions observed except at the highest dose (600 mg/kg) where there was mild evidence of lymphocyte infiltration in the liver and focal interstitial nephritis.

Conclusion: The methanolic stem bark extract of E. abyssinica is relatively safe in Wistar albino rats when repetitively administered orally in small doses for a prolonged period of time. We recommend more chronic toxicity studies and clinical trials on herbal remedies containing this plant to ensure that its use is free of potential toxicity to humans.

Traditional Medicinal Plants as a Source of Antituberculosis Drugs: A System Review

Medicinal plants are the chief components in the different oriental formulations in different traditional medical systems worldwide. As a thriving source of medicine, the medicinal plants with antituberculosis (TB) properties inspire the pharmacists to develop new drugs based on their active components or semimetabolites. In the present review, the anti-TB medicinal plants were screened from the scientific literatures, based on the botanical classification and the anti-TB activity. The obtained anti-TB medicinal plants were categorized into three different categories, viz., 159 plants critically examined with a total 335 isolated compounds, 131 plants with their crude extracts showing anti-TB activity, and 27 plants in literature with the prescribed formula by the traditional healers. Our systemic analysis on the medicinal plants can assist the discovery of novel and more efficacious anti-TB drugs.

Zanthoxylum Species: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology in Relation to Cancer, Infectious Diseases and Sickle Cell Anemia

The health benefits and toxicity of plant products are largely dependent on their secondary metabolite contents. These compounds are biosynthesized by plants as protection mechanisms against environmental factors and infectious agents. This review discusses the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and health benefits of plant species in genus Zanthoxylum with a focus on cancer, microbial and parasitic infections, and sickle cell disease as reported in articles published from 1970 to 2021 in peer-reviewed journals and indexed in major scientific databases. Generally, Z. species are widely distributed in Asia, America and Africa, where they are used as food and for disease treatment. Several compounds belonging to alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and lignans, among others have been isolated from Z. species. This review discusses the biological activities reported for the plant species and their phytochemicals, including anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-trypanosomal, antimalarial and anti-sickling properties. The safety profiles and suggestions for conservation of the Z. species were also discussed. Taken together, this review demonstrates that Z. species are rich in a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals with multiple health benefits, but more research is needed towards their practical application in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and lead compounds for new drugs.

Antimycobacterial Activity of the Extract and Isolated Compounds From the Stem Bark of Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. and Perr

Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. and Perr. (Rutaceae) stem bark is used locally in Uganda for treating tuberculosis (TB) and cough-related infections. Lupeol (1), sesamin (2), trans-fagaramide (3), arnottianamide (4), ( S)-marmesinin (5), and hesperidin (6) were isolated from the chloroform/methanol (1:1) extract of Z. leprieurii stem bark. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques and by comparison with literature data. Furthermore, the extract and isolated compounds were subjected to antimycobacterial activity. The extract exhibited moderate activity against the susceptible (H37Rv) TB strain, but weak activity against the multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB strain with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 586.0 and 1172.0 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 3 (trans-fagaramide) showed significant antimycobacterial activity against the susceptible (H37Rv) TB strain (MIC 6 μg/mL), but moderate activity against the MDR-TB strain (MIC 12.2 μg/mL). Compounds 2, 5, 6, and 1 showed moderate activities against the susceptible (H37Rv) strain (MIC 12.2-98.0 μg/mL) and moderate to weak activities against the MDR-TB strain (MIC 24.4-195.0 μg/mL). This study reports for the first time the isolation of compounds 1 to 6 from the stem bark of Z leprieurii. trans-Fagaramide (3) may present a vital template in pursuit of novel and highly effective TB drugs.

Genus Ribes Linn. (Grossulariaceae): A comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Ribes Linn., which belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, contains 160 species distributed mainly in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. There are 59 species in southwest, northwest and northeast China. Some species of Ribes have been used as traditional and local medicines for the treatment of glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, stomachache, hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and other ailments. However, the data provided in recent years have not been collated and compared.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to summarize the current status of ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical applications, and pharmacokinetics of the genus Ribes to better understand the therapeutic potential of the genus Ribes in the future and hope to provide a relatively novel perspective for further clinical application on the genus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature on Ribes was collected through a series of scientific search engines including Elsevier, ACS, Springer, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Wiley, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and books.

RESULTS

Ribes species have been used for detoxification, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, stomachache, hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and other ailments. These plants mainly contain phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, polysaccharides, etc. Most traditional uses are related to biological activity and have been confirmed by modern research. Pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo revealed that the extracts and pure compounds possessed significant hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral activity, eyesight protection and other effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications described in this article explained that the Ribes species has numerous activities, and these findings will promote further action in the area of mechanism research. However, very few preclinical and clinical studies have focused on the toxicology and pharmacokinetics of crude extracts and pure compounds from the genus Ribes. Moreover, several clinical evidence to support the health benefits of Ribes plants. The development of new medicines based on Ribes species as ingredients may be restricted. The pharmacological activity, clinical efficacy and safety of Ribes species need to be verified by systematic and comprehensive preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Intraspecific Variation of Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Different Solvent Extracts of Albizia coriaria Leaves from Some Agroecological Zones of Uganda

Albizia coriaria Welw ex. Oliver is a customary African medicinal plant, which has a long history of utilization in the management of oxidative stress-induced and bacterial diseases. However, there is no report on the phytochemicals, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of its leaves. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the phytochemicals, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential of A. coriaria leaves from Jinja, Kole, and Mbarara districts of Uganda. Shade-dried leaf samples were ground into powder and successively extracted with ethyl acetate, ethanol, and distilled water. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, and terpenes as the major secondary metabolites in the extracts. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and total in vitro antioxidant activity were found to be the highest for ethanolic extracts, with the highest contents (101.72 ± 0.22 mg GAE/g DW; 13.23 ± 0.03 mg QE/g DW) and antioxidant potential (IC₅₀ = 18.65 ± 0.06 mg/mL) being for leaves from Mbarara district. Antibacterial activity of the extracts determined by agar disc diffusion method revealed that ethanolic extracts had higher antibacterial activities with mean zones of inhibition of 6.00 ± 1.73 to 10.00 ± 1.73 mm, 5.00 ± 1.00 to 12.30 ± 1.53 mm, 17.00 ± 0.00 to 25.00 ± 2.65 mm, and 9.00 ± 1.73 to 16.00 ± 1.73 mm for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi, respectively. Ethyl acetate extracts of A. coriaria leaves from Kole and Mbarara had lower antibacterial activities, while aqueous extracts and ethyl acetate extract of leaves from Jinja showed no antibacterial activity. The current study for the first time established that A. coriaria leaves possess therapeutic phytochemicals with significant in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities, which lend credence to their use in traditional management of oxidative stress-induced conditions and bacterial diseases in Uganda. Structural elucidation of the responsible pure compounds for the observed bioactivities as well as toxicity studies of the extracts is recommended.

Zanthoxylum Species: A Comprehensive Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Applications

Zanthoxylum species (Syn. Fagara species) of the Rutaceae family are widely used in many countries as food and in trado-medicinal practice due to their wide geographical distribution and medicinal properties. Peer reviewed journal articles and ethnobotanical records that reported the traditional knowledge, phytoconstituents, biological activities and toxicological profiles of Z. species with a focus on metabolic and neuronal health were reviewed. It was observed that many of the plant species are used as food ingredients and in treating inflammation, pain, hypertension and brain diseases. Over 500 compounds have been isolated from Z. species, and the biological activities of both the plant extracts and their phytoconstituents, including their mechanisms of action, are discussed. The phytochemicals responsible for the biological activities of some of the species are yet to be identified. Similarly, biological activities of some isolated compounds remain unknown. Taken together, the Z. species extracts and compounds possess promising biological activities and should be further explored as potential sources of new nutraceuticals and drugs.

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.

A Bibliographic Assessment Using the Degrees of Publication Method: Medicinal Plants from the Rural Greater Mpigi Region (Uganda)

In ethnopharmacological research, many field assessment tools exist. Yet, these miss that critical point of how to really determine which species merit the costly lab studies, e.g., evaluation of traditional use via pharmacological assays and isolation of bioactive secondary metabolites. This gap can be filled with the introduction of a new tool for literature assessment: the Degrees of Publication (DoPs). In this study, its application is illustrated through an extensive bibliographic assessment of 16 medicinal plant species that were recently identified in the Greater Mpigi region of Uganda as being frequently used by local traditional healers in the treatment of medical disorders (namely, Albizia coriaria, Cassine buchananii, Combretum molle, Erythrina abyssinica, Ficus saussureana, Harungana madagascariensis, Leucas calostachys, Microgramma lycopodioides, Morella kandtiana, Plectranthus hadiensis, Securidaca longipedunculata, Sesamum calycinum subsp. angustifolium, Solanum aculeastrum, Toddalia asiatica, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum chalybeum). These species are suspected to be understudied, and a thorough bibliographic assessment has not been previously performed. Thus, the objectives of our study were to undertake a comparative assessment of the degree to which each of these plant species has been studied in the past, including evaluation of the quality of the journals where results were published in. The determination of the DoPs enabled successful assessment of the degrees to which each individual plant species has been studied so far, while also taking into account the methodological “research chain of ethnopharmacology” from ethnobotanical studies (“traditional use”) to pharmacological assays (“bioactivity”) and finally to pharmacognostic research (“structure elucidation”). The significance of a research paper was assessed by determining whether its journal and publishing house were members of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). In total, 634 peer-reviewed publications were reviewed covering the period of 1960–2019, 53.3% of which were published in journals and by publishing houses affiliated with COPE (338 publications). The literature assessment resulted in the identification of understudied plants among the selected species. The majority of plants reviewed have not been sufficiently studied; six species were classified as being highly understudied and three more as being understudied: C. buchananii, F. saussureana, L. calostachys, M. lycopodioides, M. kandtiana, and S. calycinum subsp. angustifolium and A. coriaria, P. hadiensis, and S. aculeastrum, respectively. The newly introduced DoPs are a useful tool for the selection of traditionally used species for future laboratory studies, especially for pharmacological bioassays, isolation procedures, and drug discovery strategies.

Exploring Plant-Based Ethnomedicine and Quantitative Ethnopharmacology: Medicinal Plants Utilized by the Population of Jasrota Hill in Western Himalaya

Plants and natural products have played a significant role in curing and preventing a variety of ailments occurring in humans and animals, and continue to provide new bioactive leads for researchers in therapeutic discovery. This study was conducted with the aim to identify and document local healers’ practices of treating human diseases and quantitatively document indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants, as well as to highlight the species of public interest for bioprospecting potential. A total of 17 field tours were carried out in 12 regions of Jasrota hill and its adjoining areas of Himalaya. Informants (113) were interviewed using semi-structured interviews and discussions and local guided collections. The results were analyzed using ethnobotanical indices—use-reports (URs) and the informant consensus factor (ICF)—and the data were statistically analyzed. The ethnopharmacological uses of 121 plant species belonging to 105 genera and 53 families were reported for use as medicine for treating 93 types of ailments. A total of 4987 URs were mentioned by 113 informants. Fabaceae (90.09%) and Asteraceae (6.62%) were the most represented families. Herbs (46.28%) were the primary sources of medicine, decoction (33.88%) was the most common use method for utilization, and leaves (43.80%) were the most frequently used plant parts. The ICF values ranged from 0.667 to 0.974, with the highest number of species (1314UR, 55 species) being used for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments (GIA), followed by dermatological disorders (38 species). This result showed that the exchange of knowledge could be evident among the different communities, and their medicinal uses and practices could be correlated.

Medicinal plants used in managing diseases of the respiratory system among the Luo community: an appraisal of Kisumu East Sub-County, Kenya

BACKGROUND

Poor access to healthcare in rural communities causes many people to seek herbalists who use medicinal plants for the treatment of various disease conditions. Most knowledge of traditional herbal medicine makes use of indigenous remedies which are often undocumented and are at risk of being lost. The preservation of this knowledge may facilitate scientific inquiry into promising new therapeutic molecules.

METHODS

Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect the sociodemographic information of 30 herbalists in Kisumu East Sub County. The local names of medicinal plants used in managing illnesses of the respiratory system, their habit, active parts, indications, methods of preparation, routes of administration, scientific identity, and conservation status were also recorded. Other reported traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and toxicological data were identified via a literature search.

RESULTS

Most herbalists were female (86.7%), aged between 61 and 70 years (43.3%) with no formal education (56.7%), and had 21-30 years of practice (30%). 44 plant species, belonging to 43 genera and 28 families were identified. Leguminosae and Rutaceae plant families were predominant, leaves were frequently used (33%), and trees were the most common habit (44.4%). Most plants were collected in the wild (79.2%), preparation was mainly by decoction (68.8%), and the administration was mainly orally. The main indication was cough and 79.5% of all documented plant species had previously been reported to have a pharmacological activity relevant to the mitigation of respiratory illnesses. Toxicological data was available for 84.1% of the plant species identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The predominant use of roots, root barks, and root tubers by herbalists in Kisumu East Sub County threatens to negatively impact the ecological survival of some plant species. The preservation of herbalists' knowledge of medicinal plants in the study area is a pressing concern considering their advanced age and little formal education. There is a need to conserve some of the medicinal plants documented in this study. The medicinal claims made by herbalists also warrant scientific scrutiny.

Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry of traditional medicinal plants used in the management of symptoms of tuberculosis in East Africa: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Many studies on the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) using herbal medicines have been undertaken in recent decades in East Africa. The details, however, are highly fragmented. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the reported medicinal plants used to manage TB symptoms, and to analyze scientific reports on their effectiveness and safety.

METHOD

A comprehensive literature search was performed in the major electronic databases regarding medicinal plants used in the management of TB in East Africa. A total of 44 reports were retrieved, and data were collected on various aspects of the medicinal plants such as botanical name, family, local names, part(s) used, method of preparation, efficacy, toxicity, and phytochemistry. The data were summarized into percentages and frequencies which were presented as tables and graphs.

RESULTS

A total of 195 species of plants belonging to 68 families and 144 genera were identified. Most encountered species were from Fabaceae (42.6%), Lamiaceae (19.1%), Asteraceae (16.2%), and Euphorbiaceae (14.7%) families. Only 36 medicinal plants (18.5%) have been screened for antimycobacterial activity. Out of these, 31 (86.1%) were reported to be bioactive with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 47 to 12,500 μg/ml. Most tested plant extracts were found to have acceptable acute toxicity profiles with cytotoxic concentrations on normal mammalian cells greater than 200 μg/ml. The most commonly reported phytochemicals were flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and phenols. Only Tetradenia riparia, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum leprieurii have further undergone isolation and characterization of the pure bioactive compounds.

CONCLUSION

East Africa has a rich diversity of medicinal plants that have been reported to be effective in the management of symptoms of TB. More validation studies are required to promote the discovery of antimycobacterial drugs and to provide evidence for standardization of herbal medicine use.

Targeting ESKAPE pathogens with anti-infective medicinal plants from the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda

Antibiotic resistance poses one of the greatest threats to global health today; conventional drug therapies are becoming increasingly inefficacious and limited. We identified 16 medicinal plant species used by traditional healers for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases in the Greater Mpigi region of Uganda. Extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit growth of clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. Extracts were also screened for quorum quenching activity against S. aureus, including direct protein output assessment (δ-toxin), and cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Putative matches of compounds were elucidated via LC–FTMS for the best-performing extracts. These were extracts of Zanthoxylum chalybeum (Staphylococcus aureus: MIC: 16 μg/mL; Enterococcus faecium: MIC: 32 μg/mL) and Harungana madagascariensis (S. aureus: MIC: 32 μg/mL; E. faecium: MIC: 32 μg/mL) stem bark. Extracts of Solanum aculeastrum root bark and Sesamum calycinum subsp. angustifolium leaves exhibited strong quorum sensing inhibition activity against all S. aureus accessory gene regulator (agr) alleles in absence of growth inhibition (IC₅₀ values: 1–64 μg/mL). The study provided scientific evidence for the potential therapeutic efficacy of these medicinal plants in the Greater Mpigi region used for infections and wounds, with 13 out of 16 species tested being validated with in vitro studies.

Ethnobotanical study of selected medicinal plants traditionally used in the rural Greater Mpigi region of Uganda

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides the first report on selected traditional medicinal plant use, including parts used and methods of preparation, in the Greater Mpigi region of Uganda. This data supports the conservation of local traditional ecological knowledge and will facilitate future drug discovery research.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our study aimed to conserve culturally and scientifically-valuable medical knowledge of 16 plant species traditionally used in the Greater Mpigi region in Uganda, namely Albizia coriaria, Cassine buchananii, Combretum molle, Erythrina abyssinica, Ficus saussureana, Harungana madagascariensis, Leucas calostachys, Microgramma lycopodioides, Morella kandtiana, Plectranthus hadiensis, Securidaca longipedunculata, Sesamum calycinum subsp. angustifolium, Solanum aculeastrum, Toddalia asiatica, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum chalybeum. An additional objective of the study was an ethnological investigation of the socio-cultural background and medical understanding of diseases treated by traditional healers in the study area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pilot survey in the study area revealed that 16 plant species were frequently used in treatment of a variety of medical disorders. In order to obtain more complete information, we conducted a broader ethnobotanical survey using structured interviews with 39 traditional healers from 29 villages, specifically asking about the traditional uses of these 16 medicinal species.

RESULTS

Results of the survey confirmed a high level of traditional use of these species in the Greater Mpigi region. In addition, various other traditional uses and methods of preparation were recorded, most of them for the first time. In total, 75 different medical disorders treated with the plants were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservation of traditional knowledge for future generations is vital, as loss has already been recorded due to multiple causes. The need for novel and more effective drugs derived from natural products is more important than ever, making future studies on herbal remedies both justified and urgently required. The traditional healers surveyed in this project also have expectations of the research - they would like to be updated about any resulting studies into the pharmacological efficacy of medicinal plants so that the research findings can inform their confidence in each herbal remedy.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used for Treating Cough Associated with Respiratory Conditions in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

In many developing countries, community members depend on their local flora for treating diverse ailments including those affecting the respiratory system. This is often attributed to the high cost and limited access to health care facilities. This present study focused on the documentation of plant species used against cough associated with the respiratory diseases in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State. The survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews among 100 participants. Information obtained was analyzed using different ethno-botanical indices including relative frequency of citation (RFC) and fidelity level (FL). A total of 87 plant species from 39 families, which was mostly represented by Fabaceae, were reported in the study area. Crinum jagus was the most popular plant used against cough and approximately 32% of the plants have been reported as cough remedies for the first time. However, some of the documented plants have been reported for the treatment of cough and related respiratory diseases in several countries. In terms of the life-form, trees constituted the highest proportion of the medicinal plants (37%), while leaves (36%) were the predominant plant part prescribed for cough. Decoction was the main method of preparing the plants, which were all administered orally. Approximately 63% of the plants were exclusively sourced from the wild. The current study revealed the richness and widespread use of plant species for managing cough associated with respiratory diseases in the study area. The generated inventory contributes to the expanding database of valuable plant resources with medicinal potential in Nigeria and Africa.

A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Indigofera

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Indigofera is the third-largest genus in the family of Fabaceae, with approximately 750 species. It is distributed across all tropical regions. Indigofera species are widely employed in traditional medicine all around the world, against many ailments. Thus, based on these medicinal properties, various investigations have been undertaken in order to appraise the pharmacological activities and the chemical composition of these species. A recent paper provides a summary of the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Indigofera. Consequently, this review is a continuation of this previous study by updating some data and adding information about the phylogeny and traditional uses of the genus.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide an overview of the phylogeny, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of the genus Indigofera, and to identify the remaining gaps and thus supply a basis for further investigations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature was performed by consulting scientific databases such as 'ScienceDirect', 'PubMed', 'Google Scholar' and 'SpringerLink' and using the keyword Indigofera.

RESULTS

Over 60 Indigofera species are reported in traditional medicine. The uses depend on the country and the species, but similarities have been noticed. Indeed, treatments of gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory conditions and pain, skin ailments, and respiratory and infectious diseases are recurring. Phytochemical studies have led to the identification of more than 200 compounds, notably flavonoids and terpenoids. Many pharmacological activities have been demonstrated, particularly antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities, and thus allowed to assert most of the traditional uses of the genus. Some active compounds have been isolated and have shown remarkable therapeutic potential, like the alkaloid indirubin, which is currently being clinically trialed.

CONCLUSIONS

The data on the genus Indigofera are extensive, but gaps still remain. Indeed, some promising species have not been assessed for their phytochemistry and/or pharmacology and thus remain unexplored. Moreover, relatively few active compounds have been isolated and tested for their biological activity, and studies to explain their mechanism of action are nearly inexistent. Furthermore, some pharmacological studies have inappropriate methodologies that make the results difficult to interpret. Consequently, further in-depth and relevant research is required to supplement the knowledge on this wide-ranging genus and to confirm its reported therapeutic potential.

Seasonal Effect on the Chemical Composition, Insecticidal Properties and Other Biological Activities of Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. & Perr. Essential oils

This study focused, for the first time, on the evaluation of the seasonal effect on the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils hydrodistillated from leaves, trunk bark and fruits of Zanthoxylum leprieurii (Z. leprieurii), a traditional medicinal wild plant growing in Côte d'Ivoire. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation from fresh organs of Z. leprieurii growing on the same site over several months using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Leaf essential oils were dominated by tridecan-2-one (9.00 ± 0.02-36.80 ± 0.06%), (E)-β-ocimene (1.30 ± 0.50-23.57 ± 0.47%), β-caryophyllene (7.00 ± 1.02-19.85 ± 0.48%), dendrolasin (1.79 ± 0.08-16.40 ± 0.85%) and undecan-2-one (1.20 ± 0.03-8.51 ± 0.35%). Fruit essential oils were rich in β-myrcene (16.40 ± 0.91-48.27 ± 0.26%), citronellol (1.90 ± 0.02-28.24 ± 0.10%) and geranial (5.30 ± 0.53-12.50 ± 0.47%). Tridecan-2-one (45.26 ± 0.96-78.80 ± 0.55%), β-caryophyllene (1.80 ± 0.23-13.20 ± 0.33%), ?-humulene (4.30 ±1.09-12.73 ± 1.41%) and tridecan-2-ol (2.23 ± 0.17-10.10 ± 0.61%) were identified as major components of trunk bark oils. Statistical analyses of essential oil compositions showed that the variability mainly comes from the organs. Indeed, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) allowed us to cluster the samples into three groups, each one consisting of one different Z. leprieurii organ, showing that essential oils hydrodistillated from the different organs do not display the same chemical composition. However, significant differences in essential oil compositions for the same organ were highlighted during the studied period, showing the impact of the seasonal effect on essential oil compositions. Biological activities of the produced essential oils were also investigated. Essential oils exhibited high insecticidal activities against Sitophilus granarius, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moderate anti-plasmodial properties.

Ethno-pharmacological survey of herbal remedies used in the treatment of paediatric diseases in Buhunga parish, Rukungiri District, Uganda

BACKGROUND

Plants have been used as a primary source of medicine since ancient times and about 80% of the world's population use herbal medicine to treat different ailments. Plant use knowledge differs in space and time and thus requires documentation to avoid its loss from one generation to another.

METHODS

In order to accomplish the survey, semi-structured questionnaires were used. The data collected included names of plant species, parts used, ailments treated, growth habit, methods of preparation and mode of administration of the herbal remedies. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data in form of tables and a graph.

RESULTS

Results showed that 50 plant species belonging to 26 families were utilized in the treatment of paediatric diseases of which Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the most common. Leaves (80%) were the most commonly used and decoctions were the main method of preparation. Twenty nine health conditions were treated out of which digestive disorders, malaria and respiratory tract infections were predominant. Herbs and shrubs were equally dominant.

CONCLUSION

Herbal remedies are an important source of treatment for paediatric diseases in Buhunga Parish. However, there is need for collaboration between herbal medicine users and scientific institutions to help in the discovery of new drugs based on indigenous knowledge. Scientists ought to explore suitable methods of preparation and dosage formulations in order to achieve the best benefits from herbal remedies.

Quantitative CE analysis of punicalagin in Combretum aculeatum extracts traditionally used in Senegal for the treatment of tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis, an infectious bacterial disease, which most commonly affects the lungs. In the search for novel active compounds or medicines against tuberculosis, an ethnopharmacological survey combined with a host-pathogen assay has recently highlighted the potency of an aqueous extract of Combretum aculeatum. C. aculeatum is used in traditional medicine and has demonstrated a significant in vitro antimycobacterial activity. Punicalagin, an ellagitannin, was isolated and found to be related to the biological activity of the extract. An analytical method for the evaluation of punicalagin in C. aculeatum was developed by capillary electrophoresis. After method optimization, the quantification of punicalagin was achieved for the evaluation of various plant extracts to determine the content of punicalagin related to the extraction modes and conditions, origin of the plant material, and harvesting period. The developed method demonstrated that the leaves presented the highest punicalagin content compared to the seeds and stems. A decoction of 30 min in boiling water was found to be the best extraction mode of C. aculeatum.

Phenolic Compounds as Promising Drug Candidates in Tuberculosis Therapy

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) remains one of the deadliest, infectious diseases worldwide. The detrimental effects caused by the existing anti-TB drugs to TB patients and the emergence of resistance strains of M. tuberculosis has driven efforts from natural products researchers around the globe in discovering novel anti-TB drugs that are more efficacious and with less side effects. There were eleven main review publications that focused on natural products with anti-TB potentials. However, none of them specifically emphasized antimycobacterial phenolic compounds. Thus, the current review’s main objective is to highlight and summarize phenolic compounds found active against mycobacteria from 2000 to 2017. Based on the past studies in the electronic databases, the present review also focuses on several test organisms used in TB researches and their different distinct properties, a few types of in vitro TB bioassay and comparison between their strengths and drawbacks, different methods of extraction, fractionation and isolation, ways of characterizing and identifying isolated compounds and the mechanism of actions of anti-TB phenolic compounds as reported in the literature.

Activity evaluation on Ribes species, traditionally used to speed up healing of wounds: With special focus on Ribes nigrum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ribes species are usually evergreen shrubs, represented by eight species in Turkey. Although they are known for their fruits with commercial importance, their leaves have been used as folk remedy in various areas in Turkey by rural population owing to their wound healing potential.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study we aimed to assess the wound healing activity of the leaves of Ribes species growing in Turkey, namely, Ribes alpinum L., R. anatolica Behçet, R. petraeum Wulfen, R. multiflorum Kit. ex Romer & Schultes, R. nigrum L., R. orientale Desf., R. rubrum L., R. uva-crispa L.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wounds were surgically induced on the dorsal parts of the rats and mice. Prepared herbal ointments were topically applied onto the wounds once daily. The effects of the extracts were evaluated by measuring the breaking strength and percentage of reduction in wounded area by comparing the results with the registered reference ointment, FITO Krem^®. Histopathological and antioxidant assays were also conducted. Since, R. nigrum was determined to be the most active species, we further investigated the wound healing potential of the subextracts of the methanol extract of R. nigrum leaves.

RESULTS

R. nigrum and R. multiflorum extracts significantly increased wound breaking strength. Significant reduction in the areas was determined for the wounded tissues treated with the ointments of R. nigrum and R. multiflorum extracts. Oxidative Stress Index was found to be lowest for R. orientale, R. nigrum and R. multiflorum. Among the subextracts of R. nigrum, ethyl acetate subextract was found to have promising effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Methanol extracts of leaves of R. nigrum and R. multiflorum demonstrated significant wound healing effect. We can suggest that ethyl acetate subextract of R. nigrum may be a potential candidate to be used for the development of a wound healing agent.

Antioxidant and prooxidant effects of Piptadeniastrum africanum as the possible rationale behind its broad scale application in African ethnomedicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Piptadeniastrum africanum is widely used in treating oxidative stress related diseases. Oxidative stress, defined as the disturbance in the balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses, is the root cause of many pathophysiological conditions. Based on the dual properties of prooxidants as toxic and beneficial compounds, both prooxidants and antioxidants may be effective in the treatment of these conditions when the right dose is given to the right subject at the right time for the right duration.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed at investigating the in vitro and ex vivo anti- and pro-oxidative effects of P. africanum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of methanol and aqueous extracts of P. africanum stem back were quantified spectrophotometrically. The methanol extract, ascorbate radicals and reactive oxygen species in brain and liver homogenates of mice treated with the methanol stem bark extract were analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Free radical scavenging of DPPH was determined by spectrophotometric and EPR assays.

RESULTS

The methanol extract was richer in both phenolic and flavonoid contents compared to the aqueous extracts and also showed better DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The EPR spectroscopy in vitro analysis exhibited high DPPH scavenging capacity before and after UV irradiation (99.5% and 98.76%) at 40 μg/ml extract. The ex vivo EPR spectroscopy studies demonstrated increased levels of ascorbate radicals (•Asc) in liver and brain homogenates of healthy mice treated with P. africanum in comparison with those of the non treated controls (0.6141 ± 0.026 vs 0.1800 ± 0.0073 arb. units for liver homogenates and 0.9605 ± 0.0492 vs 0.3375 ± 0.0062 arb. units for brain homogenates, correspondingly). Considerably, higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in mice liver and brain homogenates after treatment with P. africanum extract compared to the control group, as well (1.9402 ± 0.1200 vs 0.6699 ± 0.062 arb. units for liver homogenates and 1.7325 ± 01503 vs 0.3167 ± 0.0403 arb.units, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Therefore, P. africanum exhibited antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties which may explain its broad spectrum use in a wide variety of ailments.

Ethnobotanical knowledge among the semi-pastoral Gujjar tribe in the high altitude (Adhwari's) of Churah subdivision, district Chamba, Western Himalaya

BACKGROUND

The wild plants not only form an integral part of the culture and traditions of the Himalayan tribal communities but also contribute largely to the sustenance of these communities. The tribal people use large varieties of wild fruits, vegetables, fodder, medicinal plants, etc. for meeting their day-to-day requirements. The present study was conducted in Churah subdivision of district Chamba where large populations of Muslim Gujjars inhabit various remote villages. These tribal people are semi-pastoralists, and they seasonally (early summers) migrate to the upper altitudes (Adhwari's) along with their cattle and return to permanent settlements before the onset of winters. A major source of subsistence of these tribal people is on natural resources to a wide extent, and thus, they have wide ethnobotanical knowledge. Therefore, the current study was aimed to report the ethnobotanical knowledge of plants among the Gujjar tribe in Churah subdivision of district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.

METHODS

Extensive field surveys were conducted in 15 remote villages dominant in Gujjar population from June 2016 to September 2017. The Gujjars of the area having ethnobotanical knowledge of the plants were interrogated especially during their stay at the higher altitudes (Adhwari's) through well-structured questionnaires, interviews, and group meetings. The data generated was examined using quantitative tools such as use value, fidelity, and informant consensus factor (Fic).

RESULTS

This study reveals 83 plants belonging to 75 genera and 49 families that were observed to have ethnobotanical uses. Plants were listed in five categories as per their use by the Gujjars, i.e. food plants, fruit plants, fodder plants, household, and ethnomedicinal plants. The leaves, fruits, and roots were the most commonly used plant parts in the various preparations. The highest number of plants was recorded from the family Rosaceae followed by Polygonaceae and Betulaceae. On the basis of use value (UV), the most important plants in the study area were Pteridium aquilinum, Juglans regia, Corylus jacquemontii, Urtica dioica, Diplazium maximum, and Angelica glauca. Maximum plant species (32) were reported for ethnomedicinal uses followed by food plants (22 species), household purposes (16 species), edible fruits (15 species), and as fodder plants (14 species). The agreement of the informants conceded the most from the use of various plants used as food plants and fruit plants (Fic = 0.99), followed by fodder plants and household uses (Fic = 0.98) while it was least for the use of plants in ethnomedicine (Fic = 0.97). The fidelity value varied from 8 to 100% in all the use categories. Phytolacca acinosa (100%), Stellaria media (100%), and Urtica dioica (100%) were among the species with high fidelity level used as food plants, while the important species used as fruit plants in the study area were Berberis lycium (100%), Prunus armeniaca (100%), and Rubus ellipticus (100%). Some important fodder plants with high fidelity values (100%) were Acer caesium, Aesculus indica, Ailanthus altissima, and Quercus semecarpifolia. The comparison of age interval with the number of plant use revealed the obvious transfer of traditional knowledge among the younger generation, but it was mostly concentrated in the informants within the age group of 60-79 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Value addition and product development of wild fruit plants can provide an alternate source of livelihood for the rural people. The identification of the active components of the plants used by the people may provide some useful leads for the development of new drugs which can help in the well-being of mankind. Thus, bioprospection, phytochemical profiling, and evaluation of economically viable products can lead to the optimum harnessing of Himalayan bioresources in this region.

In vitro antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities of selected medicinal plants from Ugandan flora: Refocusing into multi-component potentials

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Seven medicinal plants from Ugandan flora, namely Entada abyssinica, Khaya anthotheca, Vernonia amygdalina, Baccharoides adoensis, Schkuhria pinnata, Entandropragma utile and Momordica foetida, were selected in this study. They are used to treat conditions and infections ranging from inflammations, pains and fevers to viruses, bacteria, protozoans and parasites. Two of the plants, V. amygdalina and M. foetida, are also used as human food or relish, while others are important in ethnoveterinary practices and in zoopharmacognosy in the wild. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities, along with cytotoxicity of the multi-component extracts of these plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Different parts of the plants were prepared and serially extracted with hexane, petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and double distilled water. Solvent free extracts were assayed for in vitro inhibition against four reference parasite strains, Plasmodium falciparum (K1), Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (STIB 900), Trypanosoma cruzi (Talahuen C2C4) and Leishmania donovani (MHOM-ET-67/L82) using standard methods. Toxicity was assessed against L6 skeletal fibroblast and mouse peritoneal macrophage (J774) cells and selectivity indices (SIs) calculated for the most active extracts.

RESULTS

The strongest activities, demonstrating median inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values ≤ 2 μg/ml, were observed for the dichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts of K. anthotheca, B. adoensis and S. pinnata. Overall, IC₅₀ values ranged from < 1 μg/ml to > 90 μg/ml. Out of 22 extracts demonstrating IC_50s < 20 μg/ml, seven were against T. b. rhodesiense (IC₅₀: 1.6-16.2 μg/ml), six against T. cruzi (IC₅₀: 2.1-18.57 μg/ml), none against L. donovani (IC₅₀: falling > 3.3 and >10 μg/ml), and nine against P. falciparum (IC₅₀: 0.96 μg/ml to 4.69 μg/ml). Selectivity indices (SI) calculated for the most active extracts ranged from <1.00 to 94.24. However, the B. adoensis leaf dichloromethane extract (a) was equipotent (IC₅₀ = 3.3 μg/ml) against L. donovani and L6 cells respectively, indicating non-specific selection. Trypanosome and Plasmodium parasites were comparatively more sensitive to the test extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits achieved from the seven tested plant species as traditional ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinary therapies or in zoopharmacognosy against infections and conditions of animals in the wild are strongly supported by results of this study. The synergy of plant extracts, so achieved by concerted actions of the ligands, produces adequate perturbation of targets in the four parasite genera, resulting in the strong potencies exhibited by low IC₅₀ values. The total inhibitory effect, achieved as a sum of perturbations contributed by each participating compound in the extract, minimises toxic effects of the compounds as seen in the high SI's obtained with some extracts. Those extracts demonstrating SI ≥ 4 form promising candidates for further cell-based and system pharmacology studies.

Genotoxicity study of Ethiopian medicinal plant extracts on HepG2 cells

BACKGROUND

Most of herbal medicines are used without any standard safety and toxicological trials although common assumption is that these products are nontoxic. However, this assumption is incorrect and dangerous, so toxicological studies should be done for herbal drugs. Although Pterolobium stellatum, Otostegia integrifolia and Vernonia amygdalina root extracts are frequently used in Ethiopian traditional medicine, there are no evidences of their active toxic compounds. Therefore, we made an effort to assess probable genotoxic effect of these plant extracts on DNA of human hematoma (HepG₂) cells using alkaline comet assay.

METHODS

Genotoxic effects of extracts were evaluated using single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) method on HepG₂ cell. Regarding comet data, the average mean tail intensities (TI) from each individual experiment and treatment (usually at least 3 cultures/treatment) were pooled and the average mean TI was used as an indicator of DNA damage and the standard error of mean (SEM) as the measure of variance.

RESULTS

DNA damage in the form of comet tail has been observed for 1 and 0.5 mg/ml P. stellatum chloroform and 80% methanol extracts on HepG₂ cells, respectively. The chloroform extract of P. stellatum showed increased tail DNA percentage in a concentration dependent manner. Comet tail length in the chloroform P. stellatum extract treated cells (1 mg/ml) was significantly higher by 89% (p < 0.05) compared to vehicle treated controls. The rest of test extracts seemed to be without genotoxic effect up to a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that two extracts from one plant evaluated have a genotoxic potential in vitro which calls for a more thorough safety evaluation. Such evaluation should include other end-points of genotoxicity apart from DNA damage, and possibly also pure compounds.

Potential of Zanthoxylum leprieurii as a source of active compounds against drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a global health problem mainly due to development of resistance and co-infection with the Human immune Virus (HIV). Treatment of multi and extensively drug resistant TB requires use of second line drugs which are less efficacious, expensive and very toxic. This has necessitated a need to search for new treatment regimens especially from medicinal plants. Zanthoxylum leprieurii, a plant species from Rutaceae is used locally in the treatment of tuberculosis in Uganda. The aim of the study was to isolate, identify and characterize bio active compounds from Z. leprieurii stem bark with antimycobacterial activity.

METHODS

Crude extracts, fractions and compounds from air dried stem bark of Z. leprieurii were tested against pan sensitive (H37rv), isoniazid resistant (TMC 301) and rifampicin resistant (TMC 331) strains of M. tuberculosis using micro plate alamar blue assay. Isolation of active compounds was done by using column chromatography and thin layer chromatography. They were analysed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The methanol extract had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 47.5, 75.3 and 125.0 μg/ml on the pan sensitive strain, rifampicin resistant and isozianid resistant strains of M. tuberculosis respectively. The chloroform extract had MIC values of 260 μg/ml agnaist the pan sensitive strain and 156 μg/ml on the rifampicin resistant strain. Of the sixteen fractions from the methanol extract, fraction Za₄ (MIC = 6.3 μg/mL, 23.0 μg/mL, 11.7 μg/mL) and Za₆ (MIC = 11.7 μg/mL 31.2 μg/ml, 31.2 μg/ml) were the most active. Three acridone alkaloids; hydroxy-1, 3-dimethoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone (1), 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone (2) and 3-hydroxy-1, 5, 6-trimethoxy-9-acridone (3) were isolated from Za₄ and Za₆. The MIC of compound 3 was found to be 5.1 μg/ml, 4.5 μg/ml and 3.9 μg/ml on H37rv, TMC 331 and TMC 301 while that of 1 was found to be 1.5 μg/ml, 8.3 μg/ml and 3.5 μg/ml respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that Z. leprieurii is active on resistant strains of M. tuberculosis and could be a potential source of new leads against resistant tuberculosis. It also verifies the local use of the plant in treatment of tuberculosis.

Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng.: Traditional and Commercial Uses and Phytochemical and Pharmacological Significance in the African and Indian Subcontinent

Lippia javanica occurs naturally in central, eastern, and southern Africa and has also been recorded in the tropical Indian subcontinent. The potential of L. javanica as herbal or recreational tea and herbal medicine and its associated phytochemistry and biological properties are reviewed. The extensive literature survey revealed that L. javanica is used as herbal tea and has ethnomedicinal applications such as in colds, cough, fever, malaria, wounds, diarrhoea, chest pains, bronchitis, and asthma. Multiple classes of phytochemicals including volatile and nonvolatile secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, amino acids, flavonoids, iridoids, and triterpenes as well as several minerals have been identified from L. javanica. Scientific studies on L. javanica indicate that it has a wide range of pharmacological activities which include anticancer, antiamoebic, antidiabetic, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and pesticidal effects. Although many of the traditional uses of L. javanica have been validated by phytochemical and pharmacological studies, there are still some gaps where current knowledge could be improved. Lippia javanica is popular as both herbal and recreational tea, but there is need for more precise studies to evaluate the safety and clinical value of its main active crude and pure compounds and to clarify their mechanisms of action.

Observations on traditional usage of ethnomedicinal plants in humans and animals of Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh in North-Western Himalaya, India

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants are frequently used by Gaddi and Gujjar tribes of Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh, India to cure various ailments in humans and livestock. Therefore, extensive field work was conducted to document the traditional use of ethnomedicinal plants by these tribes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Direct interviews of 208 informants were conducted. The data generated through interviews was analysed using quantitative tools such as use-value (UV), factor informant consensus (Fic) and fidelity level (Fl).

RESULTS

A total of 73 plant species in 67 genera and 40 families were observed to be medicinal and used to cure 22 ailment categories. The highest number of ethnomedicinal plants was recorded from the family Asteraceae followed by Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Acanthaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Polygonaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae and Rutaceae. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part used to treat various ailments followed by whole plant and roots or rhizomes. Ajuga parviflora, Berberis lycium, Viola canescens, Vitex negundo and Zanthoxylum armatum were the most important medicinal plants used for treating human diseases, whereas Achyranthes bidentata, Aloe sp., Cassia fistula, Podophyllum hexandrum and Pogostemon benghalensis were the most important medicinal plants used for treating animal diseases as per use value. The important ailment categories classified on the basis of factor informant consensus were gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that people of the study area are extensively using the ethnomedicinal plants to cure various ailments. Plants with high use value and fidelity level should be subjected to pharmacological investigation for scientific validation.

Ethnobotanical Study of Plants Used in the Management of HIV/AIDS-Related Diseases in Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia

Faced with critical shortages of staff, long queues, and stigma at public health facilities in Livingstone, Zambia, persons who suffer from HIV/AIDS-related diseases use medicinal plants to manage skin infections, diarrhoea, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, cough, malaria, and oral infections. In all, 94 medicinal plant species were used to manage HIV/AIDS-related diseases. Most remedies are prepared from plants of various families such as Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae. More than two-thirds of the plants (mostly leaves and roots) are utilized to treat two or more diseases related to HIV infection. Eighteen plants, namely, Achyranthes aspera L., Lannea discolor (Sond.) Engl., Hyphaene petersiana Klotzsch ex Mart., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Capparis tomentosa Lam., Cleome hirta Oliv., Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson, Euclea divinorum Hiern, Bridelia cathartica G. Bertol., Acacia nilotica Delile, Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh., Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight and Arn., Abrus precatorius L., Hoslundia opposita Vahl., Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach., Ficus sycomorus L., Ximenia americana L., and Ziziphus mucronata Willd., were used to treat four or more disease conditions. About 31% of the plants in this study were administered as monotherapies. Multiuse medicinal plants may contain broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. However, since widely used plants easily succumb to the threats of overharvesting, they need special protocols and guidelines for their genetic conservation. There is still need to confirm the antimicrobial efficacies, pharmacological parameters, cytotoxicity, and active chemical ingredients of the discovered plants.

Cytotoxicity of 91 Kenyan indigenous medicinal plants towards human CCRF-CEM leukemia cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants from Kenyan flora are traditionally used against many ailments, including cancer and related diseases. Cancer is characterized as a condition with complex signs and symptoms. Recently there are recommendations that ethnopharmacological usages such as immune and skin disorders, inflammatory, infectious, parasitic and viral diseases should be taken into account when selecting plants that treat cancer.

AIM

The present study was aimed at investigating the cytotoxicity of a plethora of 145 plant parts from 91 medicinal plants, most of which are used in the management of cancer and related diseases by different communities in Kenya, against CCRF-CEM leukemia cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracts from different plant parts (leaves, stems, stem bark, roots, root barks, aerial parts and whole herb) were obtained by cold percolation using different solvent systems, such as (1:1v/v) dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and n-hexane (1), methanol (MeOH) and CH2Cl2 (2); neat MeOH (3), 5% H2O in MeOH (4) and with ethanol (EtOH, 5); their cytotoxicities were determined using the resazurin reduction assay against CCRF-CEM cells.

RESULTS

At a single concentration of 10μg/mL, 12 out of 145 extracts exhibited more than 50% cell inhibition. These include samples from the root bark of Erythrina sacleuxii (extracted with 50% n-hexane-CH2Cl2), the leaves of Albizia gummifera, and Strychnos usambarensis, the stem bark of Zanthoxylum gilletii, Bridelia micrantha, Croton sylvaticus, and Albizia schimperiana; the root bark of Erythrina burttii and E. sacleuxii (extracted with 50% CH2Cl2-MeOH), the stem bark of B. micrantha and Z. gilletii (extracted using 5% MeOH-H2O) and from the berries of Solanum aculeastrum (extracted with neat EtOH). The EtOH extract of the berries of S. aculeastrum and A. schimperiana stem bark extract displayed the highest cytotoxicity towards leukemia CCRF-CEM cells, with IC50 values of 1.36 and 2.97µg/mL, respectively. Other extracts having good activities included the extracts of the stem barks of Z. gilletii and B. micrantha and leaves of S. usambarensis with IC50 values of 9.04, 9.43 and 11.09µg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provided information related to the possible use of some Kenyam medicinal plants, and mostly S. aculeastrum, A. schimperiana, C. sylvaticus, Z. gilletii, B. micrantha and S. usambarensis in the treatment of leukemia. The reported data helped to authenticate the claimed traditional use of these plants. However, most plants are used in combination as traditional herbal concoctions. Hence, the cytotoxicity of corresponding plant combinations should be tested in vitro to authenticate the traditional medical practitioners actual practices.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant species used by communities around Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

BACKGROUND

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in 14 villages adjacent to Mabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Central Uganda between August 2013 and March 2014.

METHODS

Information was obtained through interviews using semi- structured questionnaires. Field excursions with traditional healers and herbal medicine collectors were carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Fidelity ratios and Informant consensus agreements were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 190 plant species in 61 families and 152 genera were reported in the treatment of various health conditions. Family Fabaceae was dominant representing 14 % of the plant species documented. Vernonia amygdalina was the preferred species for treating malaria. Leaves (68 %) were the most frequently used parts in preparing herbal remedies. Decoctions (29 %) and oral route (53 %) of administration were commonly used method of herbal medicine preparation and administration respectively. Fifty-eight health conditions grouped in 25 categories were treated using medicinal plants. Informant consensus agreement was highest for blood system disorders (0.9) that included anaemia, hypertension and blood cleansing indicating homogeneity of informant's knowledge about remedies used. Vernonia amygdalina and Erythrina abyssinica had 100 % fidelity level for treatment of malaria and vomiting respectively.

CONCLUSION

The diversity of medicinal plant species used and the associated indigenous knowledge are of great value to the local community and their conservation and preservation is paramount. The therapeutic uses of the documented plants provides basic data for further research focused on pharmacological studies and conservation of the most important species.

Ethnomedical Knowledge of Plants Used for the Treatment of Tuberculosis in Johor, Malaysia

This study documented ethnomedical knowledge of plants used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and its related symptoms as practiced by the Jakun community of Kampung Peta, situated in Endau Rompin Johor National Park, Johor, Malaysia. Eight key informants were selected by snowball sampling technique and data about medicinal plants were collected by semistructured interviews, participatory observations, and focus group. Qualitative analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis. There were 23 species of plants (22 genera, 20 families) documented and herbarium specimens were deposited at the UTHM Herbarium. Dipterocarpus sublamellatus was recorded for the first time with ethnomedical uses while other species were previously reported. The qualitative approach employed in this study demonstrates the emic perspective in terms of perceptions on traditional herbal medicine, transfer of knowledge, significant taboos related with medicinal plants, and their conservation efforts. Local and biomedical terminology in treatment of TB showed substantial correspondence. The outcomes obtained in the study are worth being further investigated for conservation strategies and are worthy of verifying their ethnomedical claims scientifically.