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Fakudze NT, Sarbadhikary P, George BP, Abrahamse H. Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Potentials of African Medicinal Fruits: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1117. [PMID: 37631032 PMCID: PMC10458058 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Africa is home to diverse medicinal plants that have been used for generations for the treatment of several different cancers and, presently, they are gaining interest from researchers as promising approaches to cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of dietary and medicinal African fruits including their traditional uses, botanical description, ethnobotanical uses, bioactive phytochemical compositions, and anticancer properties investigated to date in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical studies. Data on recent updates concerning the traditional uses and anticancer properties of these fruits were collected from a myriad of available publications in electronic databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. The results suggest that approximately 12 native or commercially grown African fruits belonging to different plant species, including Tribulus terrestris, Xanthium strumarium, Withania somnifera, Xylopia aethiopica, Abelmoschus esculentus, Carissa macrocarpa, Carpobrotus edulis, Syzygium cumini, Kigelia Africana, Annona muricata, Persea americana, and Punica granatum, have been reported for their potential as treatment options for the management of cancer. We further found that approximately eight different fruits from native plant species from Africa, namely, Sclerocarya birrea, Dovyalis caffra, Parinari curatellifolia, Mimusops caffra, Carpobrotus edulis, Vangueria infausta, Harpephyllum caffrum, and Carissa macrocarpa, have been widely used for the traditional treatment of different ailments but somehow failed to gain the interest of researchers for their use in anticancer research. In this review, we show the potential use of various fruits as anticancer agents, such as Tribulus terrestris, Xanthium strumarium, Withania somnifera, Xylopia aethiopica, Abelmoschus esculentus, Carissa macrocarpa, Carpobrotus edulis, Syzygium cumini, Kigelia Africana, Annona muricata, Persea americana, and Punica granatum; unfortunately, not enough reported research data have been published to gain thorough mechanistic insights and clinical applications. Additionally, we discuss the possibility of the utilization of potential phytochemicals from fruits like Persea americana and Punica granatum in anticancer research, as well as future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paromita Sarbadhikary
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, P.O. Box 1701, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; (N.T.F.); (H.A.)
| | - Blassan P. George
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, P.O. Box 1701, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; (N.T.F.); (H.A.)
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Olofinsan KA, Salau VF, Erukainure OL, Islam MS. Harpephyllum caffrum fruit (wild plum) facilitates glucose uptake and modulates metabolic activities linked to neurodegeneration in isolated rat brain: An in vitro and in silico approach. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14177. [PMID: 35396859 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alteration in brain glucose metabolism due to glucose uptake reduction has been described in the onset of certain neurodegenerative disorders. This study determined Harpephyllum caffrum fruit's potential ability to improve glucose uptake and its modulatory effects on intrinsic antioxidant, glucogenic, cholinergic, and nucleotide-hydrolyzing enzyme activities in isolated rat brain. Consequently, the bioactive compounds of the fruits were identified with LC-MS. The fruit significantly improved brain glucose uptake following coincubation with glucose and brain tissue. The fruit extract also elevated GSH level, SOD, catalase, glycogen phosphorylase, and ENTPDase activities while simultaneously suppressing NO and malonaldehyde levels and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, ATPase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities. LC-MS analysis revealed S-methylcysteine sulfoxide, dihydroquercetin, 3,4-dimethyl-2,5-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) tetrahydrofuran (MTHF), nobiletin, puerarin, quercetin 3-rutinoside, 8-D-glucosyl-4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone, asperulosidic acid, 1,2,4,6-tetragalloylglucose, and phellamurin. This study suggests the neuroprotective effects of H. caffrum fruit due to its ability to enhance glucose uptake, attenuate glucose-induced oxidative stress while modulating glucogenic, cholinergic, and nucleotide-hydrolyzing enzyme activities in normal brain tissues. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Available scientific evidence describes oxidative stress as one of the physiological processes contributing to aging-associated neurodegeneration in humans. In this regard, commonly consumed natural products from plants have attracted much interest due to their ability to mitigate redox imbalance-related pathologies that affect various organs in the body such as the brain. Harpephyllum caffrum or bush mango is an evergreen plant native to the South African vegetation. The fruit from the plant is consumed locally as food or specifically for improving the nutritional quality of meals as deserts or condiments. While previous findings described the high antioxidant properties of the fruits, this study reported possible mechanisms via which the plant may exhibit ameliorative effects against oxidative stress-related neurological disorders in the brain. Hence, findings from the current work present another justification for the significance of fruits as a safer nutraceutical alternative for therapy in neurological disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolawole A Olofinsan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Veronica F Salau
- Department of Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Pharmacology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Ochuko L Erukainure
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Md Shahidul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
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Mahlangeni NT, Moodley R, Jonnalagadda SB. Uptake, Translocation, and Bioaccumulation of Elements in Forest Nettle (Laportea alatipes). ANAL LETT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2018.1513020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Roshila Moodley
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Gounden T, Moodley R, Jonnalagadda SB. Distribution and Assessment of Heavy Metals in Trifolium dubium (Little Hop Clover) and the Impact of Soil Quality. ANAL LETT 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2018.1523912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thaveshan Gounden
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Roshila Moodley
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Mngadi S, Moodley R, Jonnalagadda SB. Elemental composition and nutritional value of the edible fruits of coastal red-milkwood (Mimusops caffra) and impact of soil quality on their chemical characteristics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2017; 52:435-445. [PMID: 28353397 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2017.1301753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the elemental distribution of essential and toxic elements in the soil and fruits of the indigenous plant species, Mimusops caffra, from ten sites along the KwaZulu-Natal east coast was investigated using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. This was done to determine the nutritional value of the fruits as well as to evaluate the impact of soil quality on elemental uptake by the plant. The elemental concentrations in the fruits (in descending order) were found to be K > Na > Ca > Mg > Si > Al > Fe > Zn > Mn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Mo > Sb > As > Se > V > Cd > Co. The results show that approximately 10 g of fruit would contribute more than 85% towards the recommended dietary allowance for Fe and Si for most adults. The proximate chemical composition revealed the fruits to contain approximately 84% moisture, 4.7% ash, 6.9% protein, 1.7% oil and 2.7% carbohydrates. The study indicates that the fruits of this indigenous plant species are a good source of essential elements with low levels of potentially toxic elements (Pb, As and Cd) which makes the plant a good indigenous food source especially for vulnerable communities that need food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihle Mngadi
- a School of Chemistry and Physics , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Westville campus, Chiltern Hills , Durban , South Africa
- b Council for Geoscience , Private Bag, Pretoria , South Africa
| | - Roshila Moodley
- a School of Chemistry and Physics , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Westville campus, Chiltern Hills , Durban , South Africa
| | - Sreekantha B Jonnalagadda
- a School of Chemistry and Physics , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Westville campus, Chiltern Hills , Durban , South Africa
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Ogunlaja OOO, Moodley R, Baijnath H, Jonnalagadda SB. Nutritional evaluation, bioaccumulation and toxicological assessment of heavy metals in edible fruits of FicussurForssk (Moraceae). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2017; 52:84-91. [PMID: 28099090 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2016.1239974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ficussur (Moraceae) is an indigenous medicinal plant with a wide distribution in Africa. In this study, the nutritional potential fruit of this indigenous plant to meet domestic food demands and reduce food insecurity in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa, was investigated. The proximate composition and concentrations of metals in the edible fruits collected from eight different sites in KwaZulu-Natal were determined to assess for nutritional value and the concentrations of metals in the growth soil was determined to evaluate the impact of soil quality on elemental uptake. The fruits contained high levels of moisture (88.8%) and carbohydrates (65.6%). The concentrations of elements in the fruits were found to be in decreasing order of Ca>Mg >Fe >Zn>Cu >Mn> Se with low levels of toxic metals (As, Cd, Co and Pb). This study shows that the consumption of the fruits of F. sur can contribute positively to the nutritional needs of rural communities in South Africa for most essential nutrients without posing the risk of adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roshila Moodley
- a School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
| | - Himansu Baijnath
- b School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
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Mahlangeni NT, Moodley R, Jonnalagadda SB. Heavy metal distribution in Laportea peduncularis and growth soil from the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:76. [PMID: 26733469 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-5044-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Laportea peduncularis is a medicinal plant consumed by the native communities in South Africa. Due to its oral consumption, its potential for harming the human health and the distribution of metals in the leaves of L. peduncularis as a function of soil characteristics were evaluated. Broadly, the concentrations of metals in the soil were in decreasing order of Fe > Ca > Mg > Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > As > Co > Cd > Pb. Low-molecular-weight organic acid, calcium chloride, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid extraction methods were employed to assess for exchangeable forms of metals in the soil. Geoaccumulation indices and enrichment factors showed no contamination or enrichment for most of the heavy metals studied except for Cd, which showed moderate contamination and significant enrichment at Mona, KwaZulu-Natal. Principal component and cluster analyses revealed that As, Cd, Fe, and Ni in the soil came from the same source, whilst Cu, Pb, and Zn in the soil were from a common origin. Correlation analysis showed significantly positive correlation between heavy metals As, Cd, Fe, and Ni in the soil, as well as between Cu, Pb, and Zn, confirming the metals' common origin. Concentrations of metals in plants and soil were influenced by site, but the availability and uptake of the metals solely depended on the plant's inherent controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomfundo T Mahlangeni
- School of Chemistry & Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, P. Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Roshila Moodley
- School of Chemistry & Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, P. Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Sreekantha B Jonnalagadda
- School of Chemistry & Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, P. Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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Mahlangeni NT, Moodley R, Jonnalagadda SB. The distribution of macronutrients, anti-nutrients and essential elements in nettles, Laportea peduncularis susp. peduncularis (River nettle) and Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2015; 51:160-169. [PMID: 26669356 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2015.1108806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Laportea peduncularis and Urtica dioica, which are popularly known as "Nettles" belong to the plant family Urticaceae and are consumed as green vegetables or used for their medicinal benefit in many countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and America. This study aimed at investigating the effect of cooking on the macronutrient, anti-nutrient and elemental composition of L. peduncularis and U. dioica leaves. The results showed a decrease in the crude fat, ash, carbohydrate and vitamin C content with cooking, but an increase in the vitamin E content. The anti-nutrient content (cyanides, phytates and saponins) increased slightly with cooking, while the oxalate content has decreased. The concentration of essential elements in cooked L. peduncularis leaves were found to be in decreasing order of Ca > Mg > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Co. Both raw and cooked leaves of nettles were found to be rich sources of macronutrients and essential elements and may be used as alternatives to commercially available nutrient supplements. Statistical analyses (principal component analysis and correlations) indicated that certain elements taken up by these plants were from common sources. Both positive and negative relationships between nutrients, anti-nutrients and elements were observed in the plant leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomfundo T Mahlangeni
- a School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
| | - Roshila Moodley
- a School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
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Gounden D, Kisten K, Moodley R, Shaik S, Jonnalagadda SB. Impact of spiked concentrations of Cd, Pb, As and Zn in growth medium on elemental uptake of Nasturtium officinale (Watercress). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2015; 51:1-7. [PMID: 26479037 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2015.1080477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study is aimed at investigating the impact of water quality on the uptake and distribution of three non-essential and toxic elements, namely, As, Cd and Pb in the watercress plant to assess for metal toxicity. The plant was hydroponically cultivated under greenhouse conditions, with the growth medium being spiked with varying concentrations of As, Cd and Pb. Plants that were harvested weekly for elemental analysis showed physiological and morphological symptoms of toxicity on exposure to high concentrations of Cd and Pb. Plants exposed to high concentrations of As did not survive and the threshold for As uptake in watercress was established at 5 ppm. Translocation factors were low in all cases as the toxic elements accumulated more in the roots of the plant than the edible leaves. The impact of Zn on the uptake of toxic elements was also evaluated and Zn was found to have an antagonistic effect on uptake of both Cd and Pb with no notable effect on uptake of As. The findings indicate that phytotoxicity or death of the watercress plant would prevent it from being a route of human exposure to high concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisha Gounden
- a School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) , Durban , South Africa
| | - Kimona Kisten
- a School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) , Durban , South Africa
| | - Roshila Moodley
- a School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) , Durban , South Africa
| | - Shakira Shaik
- b School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) , Durban , South Africa
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Kisten K, Gounden D, Moodley R, Jonnalagadda SB. Elemental distribution and uptake by watercress (Nasturtium aquaticum) as a function of water quality. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2015; 50:439-447. [PMID: 25844866 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2015.1011971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Watercress (Nasturtium aquaticum), is an edible plant commonly found in Southern Africa, which grows both in terrestrial and aquatic environments. The elemental concentrations in the plant and surrounding water (growth solution) were investigated to determine the plants nutritional value and to establish impact of water quality on elemental uptake by the plant. The concentrations in the leaves, roots and water were analyzed at eight different sites along the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (30.0000° S, 25.0000° E). Elemental concentrations in the leaves/roots (μg g(-1), dry mass) and water exchangeable/total (μg L(-1)) at Verulam (situated in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal) were: As (1.2/7.5 and 0.053/0.09), Ca (18272/26091 and 0.336/7.15), Cd (0.9/0.8 and 0.004/0.01), Co (37.2/34 and 0/0), Cr (7/35 and 0.003/0.03), Cu (3/19 and 0.016/0.16), Fe (528/4308 and 0.375/0.6), Mg (3444/1141 and 6.4/7), Mn (110/667 and 0/0), Ni (20/63 and 0/0.01), Pb (16/17 and 0.01/0.02), Se (28/11 and 0.003/0.01) and Zn (102/116 and 0.099/0.36). Elemental uptake was controlled by the plant but water quality did have an impact on uptake. Concentrations of metals in the leaves were in decreasing order of Ca > Mg > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Se > Cd > As > Co. The watercress plant was found to be a rich source of essential elements especially Fe and Cr and contained low concentrations of the toxic metals investigated thereby making it safe for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimona Kisten
- a School of Chemistry and Physics , University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) , Durban , South Africa
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Moodley R, Koorbanally NA, Shahidul Islam M, Jonnalagadda SB. Structure and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds isolated from the edible fruits and stem bark of Harpephyllum caffrum. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2014; 49:938-944. [PMID: 25310809 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2014.951578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Antioxidant activity in edible fruits is an important characteristic in the choice of fruits for human consumption, and has profound influence on nutrition and health. Two pharmacologically active triterpenoids, β-sitosterol and lupeol, and the powerful flavan-3-ol antioxidant, (+)-catechin, were isolated from the edible fruits of Harpephyllum caffrum while a mixture of cardanols, an alkyl p-coumaric acid ester, and (+)-catechin were isolated from the stem bark. This is the first report of these compounds being isolated from this plant. The antioxidant capacity of (+)-catechin was higher than the other isolated compounds as well as the known antioxidant, ascorbic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshila Moodley
- a School of Chemistry and Physics , University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) , Durban , South Africa
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