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Vahekeni N, Brillatz T, Rahmaty M, Cal M, Keller-Maerki S, Rocchetti R, Kaiser M, Sax S, Mattli K, Wolfram E, Marcourt L, Queiroz EF, Wolfender JL, Mäser P. Antiprotozoal Activity of Plants Used in the Management of Sleeping Sickness in Angola and Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation of Brasenia schreberi J.F.Gmel and Nymphaea lotus L. Active against T. b. rhodesiense. Molecules 2024; 29:1611. [PMID: 38611890 PMCID: PMC11013945 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Folk medicine is widely used in Angola, even for human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in spite of the fact that the reference treatment is available for free. Aiming to validate herbal remedies in use, we selected nine medicinal plants and assessed their antitrypanosomal activity. A total of 122 extracts were prepared using different plant parts and solvents. A total of 15 extracts from seven different plants exhibited in vitro activity (>70% at 20 µg/mL) against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream forms. The dichloromethane extract of Nymphaea lotus (leaves and leaflets) and the ethanolic extract of Brasenia schreberi (leaves) had IC50 values ≤ 10 µg/mL. These two aquatic plants are of particular interest. They are being co-applied in the form of a decoction of leaves because they are considered by local healers as male and female of the same species, the ethnotaxon "longa dia simbi". Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the identification of eight active molecules: gallic acid (IC50 0.5 µg/mL), methyl gallate (IC50 1.1 µg/mL), 2,3,4,6-tetragalloyl-glucopyranoside, ethyl gallate (IC50 0.5 µg/mL), 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl-β-glucopyranoside (IC50 20 µg/mL), gossypetin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (IC50 5.5 µg/mL), and hypolaetin-7-O-glucoside (IC50 5.7 µg/mL) in B. schreberi, and 5-[(8Z,11Z,14Z)-heptadeca-8,11,14-trienyl] resorcinol (IC50 5.3 µg/mL) not described to date in N. lotus. Five of these active constituents were detected in the traditional preparation. This work provides the first evidence for the ethnomedicinal use of these plants in the management of sleeping sickness in Angola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Vahekeni
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.C.); (S.K.-M.); (R.R.); (M.K.); (S.S.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Théo Brillatz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.B.); (L.M.); (E.F.Q.); (J.-L.W.)
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marjan Rahmaty
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.B.); (L.M.); (E.F.Q.); (J.-L.W.)
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Monica Cal
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.C.); (S.K.-M.); (R.R.); (M.K.); (S.S.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Keller-Maerki
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.C.); (S.K.-M.); (R.R.); (M.K.); (S.S.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Romina Rocchetti
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.C.); (S.K.-M.); (R.R.); (M.K.); (S.S.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.C.); (S.K.-M.); (R.R.); (M.K.); (S.S.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Sax
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.C.); (S.K.-M.); (R.R.); (M.K.); (S.S.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Mattli
- Phytopharmacy & Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zürich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland (E.W.)
| | - Evelyn Wolfram
- Phytopharmacy & Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zürich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland (E.W.)
| | - Laurence Marcourt
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.B.); (L.M.); (E.F.Q.); (J.-L.W.)
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emerson Ferreira Queiroz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.B.); (L.M.); (E.F.Q.); (J.-L.W.)
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (T.B.); (L.M.); (E.F.Q.); (J.-L.W.)
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.C.); (S.K.-M.); (R.R.); (M.K.); (S.S.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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N'guessan BB, Asiamah AD, Arthur NK, Frimpong-Manso S, Amoateng P, Amponsah SK, Kukuia KE, Sarkodie JA, Opuni KFM, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Appiah-Opong R. Ethanolic extract of Nymphaea lotus L. (Nymphaeaceae) leaves exhibits in vitro antioxidant, in vivo anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities on Jurkat and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:22. [PMID: 33413340 PMCID: PMC7791887 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nymphaea lotus L. (N. lotus) is an aquatic plant with anecdotal reports suggesting its use in the traditional management of cancer. However, there is a paucity of data on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of N. lotus in relation to its phytochemical and elemental contents. This study aimed at determining the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of the hydro-ethanolic extract of N. lotus leaves (NLE), and its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents. METHODS The antioxidant property of NLE was determined using total phenolic and flavonoid, DPPH radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assays. The anti-inflammatory activity of NLE (100-250-500 mg/kg), diclofenac and hydrocortisone (positive controls) were determined by paw oedema and skin prick tests in Sprague Dawley rats. Also, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined by Westergren method. The macro/micro-elements content was determined by the XRF method. The cytotoxic property of NLE was determined by the MTT assay, on two cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and Jurkat) and compared to a normal cell line (Chang liver). Inhibitory concentrations were determined as IC50 values (±SEM). RESULTS The extract had appreciable levels of phenolic and flavonoids compounds and was two-fold more potent in scavenging DPPH radicals than Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). However, NLE was three- and six-fold less potent than ascorbic acid and BHT, respectively, in reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+. The extract was six-fold more potent than gallic acid in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in rat paw oedema sizes, comparable to diclofenac, and a significant decrease in wheel diameters and ESR. The elemental analysis revealed relevant concentrations of Mg2+, P2+, S2+, K2+, Mn+, Fe+, Cu+, Zn+ and Cd+. The extract exhibited cytotoxic activity on both MCF-7 (IC50 = 155.00 μg/ml) and Jurkat (IC50 = 87.29 μg/ml), with higher selectivity for Jurkat cell line. Interestingly, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to the normal Chang liver cell line (IC50 = 204.20 μg/ml). CONCLUSION N. lotus leaves extract exhibited high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-cell-specific cytotoxic properties. These aforementioned activities could be attributed to its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Banga N'guessan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Adwoa Dede Asiamah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nana Kwame Arthur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Frimpong-Manso
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Patrick Amoateng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Edem Kukuia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Adusei Sarkodie
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Julius Asiedu-Gyekye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Regina Appiah-Opong
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Vahekeni N, Neto PM, Kayimbo MK, Mäser P, Josenando T, da Costa E, Falquet J, van Eeuwijk P. Use of herbal remedies in the management of sleeping sickness in four northern provinces of Angola. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 256:112382. [PMID: 31743767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE This study reports for the first time on the use of folk medicine to treat sleeping sickness and its symptoms in four endemic provinces in northern Angola. By interviewing both traditional practitioners and confirmed patients, it highlights reasons to recourse to folk medicine, the plant species used for this affection as well as arises awareness about the use of particular plants showing potential risks. AIM OF THE STUDY The aims of this explorative study were three-fold. Firstly, it informed on access to, and use of plant-based medicine as first-choice treatment by infected persons. Secondly, it aimed at collecting comprehensive data from patients and traditional healers on herbal remedies in order to identify plant species used in the management of the disease. Thirdly, it served as contribution for primary indication of potential risk of use associated with the studied plants and their preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted in 4 endemic provinces of Angola, namely Bengo, Zaire, Kwanza Norte and Uíge. We explored the use of herbal remedies by conducting structured and semi-structured interviews within two distinct study populations. The first group comprises 30 patients who had been diagnosed for trypanosomiasis and treated by the reference treatment. The second group included 9 traditional practitioners who had already treated sleeping sickness. The plants that were cited during the interviews were collected during field walks under supervision of a traditional healer, then authenticated and deposited at the National Herbarium in Luanda. RESULTS Of the 30 included patients, 12 (40%) had turned to folk medicine in the management of trypanosomiasis and related symptoms. 7 medicinal plants were reported by this group. Considering the key motivation to consult a traditional practitioner, two main factors accounted for half of the cases: "past experience with folk medicine" and "family habit". Out of 9 traditional practitioners' interviewees, 26 medicinal plants were cited. Roots and leaves were the most used plant parts, and decoction was the common mode of preparation. Evidence for antitrypanosomal activity in the scientific literature was found for 56% (17 of 30) of the identified plant species. The most cited plant was Crossopteryx febrifuga (UR = 6). Some of the cited plants, as for example Aristolochia gigantea, raised concern about potential toxicity. CONCLUSIONS With 40% of infected persons having turned first to folk medicine before consulting a medical doctor, this explorative study points out that plant-based medicines play an important role in local dynamics of health care. It highlights the need for primary assessment of potential risk of use related to the herbal recipes, and for reporting it to the concerned population. This first ethnobotanical study on trypanosomiasis in endemic provinces of Angola provides information on 30 plants, of which some had been identified as promising for further pharmacological research. Our results provide a first step towards the validation and valorization of Angolan herbal remedies for sleeping sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Vahekeni
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Socinstr. 53, 4051, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland; Nacional Center of Scientific Investigation (CNIC), Luanda, Angola.
| | - Pedro Menezes Neto
- Centro de Estudos e Investigação Científica de Botânica, Universidade Agostinho Neto, Luanda, Angola.
| | | | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Socinstr. 53, 4051, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Théophile Josenando
- Instituto de Combate e Controlo das Tripanossomíasses (ICCT), Luanda, Angola.
| | - Esperança da Costa
- Centro de Estudos e Investigação Científica de Botânica, Universidade Agostinho Neto, Luanda, Angola.
| | | | - Peter van Eeuwijk
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Socinstr. 53, 4051, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Social Anthropology, University of Basel, Münsterplatz 19, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
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