Antiplasmodial effect and sub-acute toxicity of alkaloid, flavonoid and phenolic extracts of Sida acuta leaf on Plasmodium berghei-infected animals

Indigenous medicinal plants used in folk medicine for malaria treatment in Kwara State, Nigeria: an ethnobotanical study

BACKGROUND

Folk medicine is crucial to healthcare delivery in the underdeveloped countries. It is frequently used as a primary treatment option or as a complementary therapy for malaria. Malaria is a deadly disease which greatly threatens global public health, claiming incredible number of lives yearly. The study was aimed at documenting the medicinal plants used for malaria treatment in folk medicine in Kwara State, Nigeria.

METHODS

Ethnobotanical information was collected from selected consenting registered traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) through oral face-to-face interviews using in-depth, semi-structured interview guide. The ethnobotanical data were analysed, and descriptive statistical methods were used to compile them.

RESULTS

Sixty-two indigenous medicinal plants, including 13 new plants, used for malaria treatment were identified in this study. The TMPs preferred decoction in aqueous solvent (34%) and steeping in decaffeinated soft drink (19%) for herbal preparations. Oral administration (74%) was the main route of administration, while leaves (40%) and stem barks (32%) were the most dominant plant parts used in herbal preparations. The most cited families were Fabaceae (15%) and Rutaceae (6%), while Mangifera indica (77.14%), Enantia chlorantha (65.71%), Alstonia boonei (57.14%) followed by Cymbopogon citratus (54.29%) were the most used plants. Besides, the antimalarial activities of many of the plants recorded and their isolated phytocompounds have been demonstrated. Furthermore, the conservation status of 4 identified plants were Vulnerable.

CONCLUSION

The study showed strong ethnobotanical knowledge shared by the TMPs in the State and provides preliminary information that could be explored for the discovery of more potent antimalarial compounds.

Apigetrin-enriched Pulmeria alba extract prevents assault of STZ on pancreatic β-cells and neuronal oxidative stress with concomitant attenuation of tissue damage and suppression of inflammation in the brain of diabetic rats

In the present study, in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models were used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Pulmeria alba methanolic (PAm) extract, and we identified the major phytocompound, apigetrin. Our in vitro studies revealed dose-dependent increased glucose uptake and inhibition of α-amylase (50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀)= 217.19 µg/mL), antioxidant (DPPH, ferric-reducing activity of plasma (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) [IC₅₀ = 103.23, 58.72, and 114.16 µg/mL respectively]), and anti-inflammatory potential (stabilizes human red blood cell (HRBC) membranes, and inhibits proteinase and protein denaturation [IC₅₀ = 143.73, 131.63, and 198.57 µg/mL]) by the PAm extract. In an in vivo model, PAm treatment reversed hyperglycemia and attenuated insulin deficiency in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. A post-treatment tissue analysis revealed that PAm attenuated neuronal oxidative stress, neuronal inflammation, and neuro-cognitive deficiencies. This was evidenced by increased levels of antioxidants enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH)), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), proinflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), nuclear factor (NF)-κB and nitric oxide (NOx)), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in the brain of PAm-treated rats compared to the STZ-induced diabetic controls. However, no treatment-related changes were observed in levels of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Furthermore, STZ-induced dyslipidemia and alterations in serum biochemical markers of hepatorenal dysfunction were also reversed by PAm treatment. Extract characterization identified apigetrin (retention time: 21,227 s, 30.48%, m/z: 433.15) as the major bioactive compound in the PAm extract. Consequently, we provide in silico insights into the potential of apigetrin to target AChE/COX-2/NOX/NF-κB Altogether the present study provides preclinical evidence of the therapeutic potential of the apigetrin-enriched PAm extract for treating oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation associated with diabetes.

Antimalarial activity of the 80%methanol extract and solvent fractions of Cucumis ficifolius A. rich roots against Plasmodium berghei in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Malaria is still a known health threat, especially in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the frequently mentioned issues with hospital admission and outpatient care in Ethiopia. Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich roots are historically used in Ethiopia to treat meningitis, inflammation, and malaria. However, the antimalarial activity of this plant has not been scientifically studied so far.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to determine the in vivo antimalarial activity of 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions of the roots of Cucumis ficifolius against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice.

Methods

The in vivo antimalarial activity of the 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions of Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich was evaluated by standard chemo suppressive, curative and repository tests using Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) in Swiss albino mice at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day. The level of parasitemia, survival time, variation in weight, rectal temperature, and packed cell volume of mice were determined to establish the activity of the extracts.

Result

The 80% methanol extract of Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich roots had a promising suppression of parasitemia at 400 mg/kg with a chemosuppression value of 65.21 ± 1.20%. Among the solvent fractions, the chloroform fraction showed the highest antimalarial activity in the four-day suppressive test with a chemosuppression value of 55.9 ± 0.28%, followed by the n-butanol (42.9 ± 0.24%), and aqueous (40.57 ± 0.52%) fractions at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The highest survival times were observed with crude extract (15.4 ± 0.24 days) at 400 mg/kg, and chloroform fraction (13.4 + 0.24 days), though all extracts increased survival time.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study collectively indicate the root extract of Cucumis ficifolius has a promising antiplasmodial activity which substantiates the traditional claim of the plant.

Attenuation of hyperglycemia-associated dyslipidemic, oxidative, cognitive, and inflammatory crises via modulation of neuronal ChEs/NF-κB/COX-2/NOx, and hepatorenal functional deficits by the Tridax procumbens extract

Tridax procumbens (cotton buttons) is a flowering plant with a medicinal reputation for treating infections, wounds, diabetes, and liver and kidney diseases. The present research was conducted to evaluate the possible protective effects of the T. procumbens methanolic extract (TPME) on an experimentally induced type 2 diabetes rat model. Wistar rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were randomly allocated into five groups of five animals each, viz., a normal glycemic group (I), diabetic rats receiving distilled water group (II), diabetic rats with 150 (III) and 300 mg/kg of TPME (IV) groups, and diabetic rats with 100 mg/kg metformin group (V). All treatments were administered for 21 consecutive days through oral gavage. Results: Administration of the T. procumbens extract to diabetic rats significantly restored alterations in levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight loss, serum and pancreatic insulin levels, and pancreatic histology. Furthermore, T. procumbens significantly attenuated the dyslipidemia (increased cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in diabetic rats), serum biochemical alterations (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, and urea) and full blood count distortion in rats with STZ-induced diabetes. The TPME also improved the antioxidant status as evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA); and decreased levels of cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)), and proinflammatory mediators including nuclear factor (NF)-κB, cyclooxygenase (COX)- 2, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the brain of rats with STZ-induced diabetes compared to rats with STZ-induced diabetes that received distilled water. However, TPME treatment failed to attenuate the elevated monoamine oxidases and decreased dopamine levels in the brain of rats with STZ-induced diabetes. Extract characterization by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified isorhamnetin (retention time (RT)= 3.69 min, 8.8%), bixin (RT: 25.06 min, 4.72%), and lupeol (RT: 25.25 min, 2.88%) as the three most abundant bioactive compounds that could be responsible for the bioactivity of the plant. In conclusion, the TPME can be considered a promising alternative therapeutic option for managing diabetic complications owing to its antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in rats with STZ-prompted diabetes.

Biochemical and tissue physiopathological evaluation of the preclinical efficacy of Solanum torvum Swartz leaves for treating oxidative impairment in rats administered a β-cell-toxicant (STZ)

The current study evaluated the protective role of Solanum torvum Swartz against diabetes-induced oxidative stress and tissue impairment in streptozotocin (STZ)-intoxicated rats. Rats with STZ (40 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.))-induced diabetes were divided into five groups (n = 5) and treated with (i) normal saline, (ii) 150 mg/kg body weight (BW) of the ethanol extract of S. torvum leaf (EESTL), (ii) 300 mg/kg BW EESTL, (iv) 100 mg/kg BW metformin, and (v) 50 m/kg BW metformin + 100 mg/kg BW EESTL orally for 21 days. Our results revealed that the EESTL displayed dose-dependent ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity, scavenged DPPH radicals (IC₅₀) = 13.52 ± 0.45 µg/mL), and inhibited lipid peroxidation in an in vitro models. In addition, the EESTL demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC₅₀ =138.46 ± 3.97 µg/mL) and promoted glucose uptake across plasma membranes of yeast cells in a manner comparable to that of metformin. Interestingly, the extract demonstrated in vivo blood glucose normalization effects with concomitant increased activities of antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione (GSH)) while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels when compared to untreated rats. Similarly, serum biochemical alterations, and tissues (liver, kidney, and pancreases) histopathological aberrations in untreated rats with STZ-induced diabetes were attenuated by treatment with the EESTL. Biometabolite characterization of the extract identified gallic acid (45.81 ppm), catechin (1.18 ppm), p-coumaric acid (1.43e^-1 ppm), DL-proline 5-oxo-methyl ester (9.16 %, retention time (RT): 8.57 min), salicylic acid (3.26% and 7.61 min), and butylated hydroxytoluene (4.75%, RT: 10.18 min) as the major polyphenolic compounds in the plant extract. In conclusion, our study provides preclinical evidence of the antioxidant properties and oxidative stress-preventing role of S. torvum in STZ-dosed diabetic rats. Taken together, the EESTL represents a reserve of bioactive metabolites for managing diabetes and associated complications.

Plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi) respond to secondary metabolites from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme by enhancing hepatic inflammatory factors and metabolic pathway genes

Herbivores rarely consume toxic plants. An increase in the proportion of toxic plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) in poisonous plants can promote detoxification and related metabolic capacity of animals. Poisonous plants with thick taproots like Stellera chamaejasme (SC) are important stored food for the plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) during the winter and promote the development of detoxification mechanisms in this animal. In this study, plateau zokors were administered gavages of 0.2, 1.05, and 2.10 ml/kg SC water extracts. Serum samples were collected from plateau zokors to measure the levels of transaminases and oxidative stress. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to evaluate the differential genes of multiple metabolic pathways to investigate the relationship between the physiological processes and metabolic adaptation capacity of these animals in response to SC. After SC administration, plateau zokors showed significant hepatic granular degeneration and inflammatory reactions in the liver and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels increased in a dose-dependent manner. Further, differential expression was also found in the plateau zokor livers, with most enrichment in inflammation and detoxification metabolism pathways. The metabolic adaptation responses in P450 xenobiotic clearance, bile secretion, and pancreatic secretion (Gusb, Hmgcr, Gstm1, Gstp1, and Eobag004630005095) were verified by mRNA network analysis as key factors related to the mechanism. Plateau zokors respond to SC PSMs through changes in liver physiology, biochemistry, and genes in multiple metabolic pathways, validating our hypothesis that plateau zokors can metabolize PSMs when they ingest toxic plants.

Combination Treatment of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin C Exhibited Promising Therapeutic Effect against Oxidative Impairment of the Liver in Methotrexate-Intoxicated Mice

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the main cause of liver damage mediated by the excretion of toxic active drug metabolites. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects that could offer protection against oxidative stress and liver damage. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of omega-3 and vitamin C alone as well as in a combined form in methotrexate- (MTX-) induced acute liver injury in mice. Male ICR mice of seven groups (7 mice per group) were used. Groups 1 (control group) and 2 (MTX) received 0.9% saline/day (po) for 9 days. Groups 3 and 4 received 100 and 200 mg/kg bw/day omega-3 (po), respectively, for 9 days. Groups 5 and 6 received 100 and 200 mg/kg bw/day vitamin C (po), respectively, for 9 days, while group 7 received omega-3 (100 mg/kg bw/day) and vitamin C (100 mg/kg bw/day) (po) for 9 days. All animals in groups 2 to 7 received 20 mg/kg/day MTX (I.P.) once on the 10th day. Our results revealed that MTX significantly induced the elevation of transaminases, alkaline phosphates (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malonaldehyde (MDA) while depleting the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) when compared to the control group. Treatment with omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin C significantly attenuated the antioxidants and biochemical alterations in a dose-independent manner. Our molecular docking study of ligand-receptor interaction revealed that both ascorbic acid and omega-3 docked well to the binding cavity of LDH with high binding affinities of -5.20 and -4.50 kcal/mol, respectively. The histopathological features were also improved by treatment with omega-3 and vitamin C. The combined form of omega-3 and vitamin C showed a remarkable improvement in the liver enzymes, oxidative stress biomarkers, and the histopathological architecture of the mice. Conclusively, the combination of omega-3 and vitamin C demonstrated a synergistic therapeutic effect against MTX-intoxicated mice, hence representing a potential novel strategy for the management of drug-induced liver disorders.

Identification of NSP3 (SH2D3C) as a Prognostic Biomarker of Tumor Progression and Immune Evasion for Lung Cancer and Evaluation of Organosulfur Compounds from Allium sativum L. as Therapeutic Candidates

The multi-domain non-structural protein 3 (NSP3) is an oncogenic molecule that has been concomitantly implicated in the progression of coronavirus infection. However, its oncological role in lung cancer and whether it plays a role in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment is not properly understood. In the present in silico study, we demonstrated that NSP3 (SH2D3C) is associated with advanced stage and poor prognoses of lung cancer cohorts. Genetic alterations of NSP3 (SH2D3C) co-occurred inversely with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) alterations and elicited its pathological role via modulation of various components of the immune and inflammatory pathways in lung cancer. Our correlation analysis suggested that NSP3 (SH2D3C) promotes tumor immune evasion via dysfunctional T-cell phenotypes and T-cell exclusion mechanisms in lung cancer patients. NSP3 (SH2D3C) demonstrated a high predictive value and association with therapy resistance in lung cancer, hence serving as an attractive target for therapy exploration. We evaluated the in silico drug-likeness and NSP3 (SH2D3C) target efficacy of six organosulfur small molecules from Allium sativum using a molecular docking study. We found that the six organosulfur compounds demonstrated selective cytotoxic potential against cancer cell lines and good predictions for ADMET properties, drug-likeness, and safety profile. E-ajoene, alliin, diallyl sulfide, 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin, allicin, and S-allyl-cysteine docked well into the NSP3 (SH2D3C)-binding cavity with binding affinities ranging from -4.3~-6.70 Ă and random forest (RF) scores ranging from 4.31~5.26 pKd. However, S-allyl-cysteine interaction with NSP3 (SH2D3C) is unfavorable and hence less susceptible to NSP3 ligandability. In conclusion, our study revealed that NSP3 is an important onco-immunological biomarker encompassing the tumor microenvironment, disease staging and prognosis in lung cancer and could serve as an attractive target for cancer therapy. The organosulfur compounds from A. sativum have molecular properties to efficiently interact with the binding site of NSP3 and are currently under vigorous preclinical study in our laboratory.

Sida acuta Burm.f. leaves ethanol extract ameliorates haematological and biochemical alterations induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA-65 in mice

Background

Malaria has continued to be a threat to man and his wellbeing, especially Africans and Asians. New antimalarial drugs are urgently needed to mitigate malaria treatment failure due to resistant Plasmodium species. Medicinal plants used by indigenous Nigerians for treating fever and malaria such as Sida acuta Burm.f. (Malvaceae) could be a promising source of lead compounds for developing new generations of antimalarial drugs. The effects of ethanol extract of S. acuta leaves (EESAL) on malaria parasitemia, haematological and biochemical status of P. berghei-infected mice were investigated, using the 4-day curative test.

Methodology

EESAL was prepared by maceration method. The phyto-constituents and acute toxicity profile of the extract were evaluated using standard protocols. In addition, malaria parasitemia and chemo-suppression, and indicators of haematological and biochemical status of P. berghei-infected mice treated with EESAL were assessed.

Results

At 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/d b.w., p.o doses for 4 consecutive days, EESAL significantly (p < 0.05) decreased parasitaemia and suppressed malaria parasite by 89.64%, 95.95% and 97.38%, respectively comparable to negative control. The reduction in percentage malaria parasitemia by EESAL is comparable to Artemether (140 mg/kg/d b.w., p.o) used as standard antimalarial drug in this study. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts of negative control are significantly (p < 0.05) higher than normal control. However, parasitized-EESAL-treated mice have significantly (p < 0.05) higher PCV value, Hb concentration and RBC and WBC counts than negative control. Similarly, treatment of parasitized mice with EESAL restored some indicators of the antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile and liver status altered by malaria. In addition, EESAL was tolerable up to 5000 mg/kg b.w., p.o.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the EESAL possesses antimalarial activity and normalizes alterations in haematological and biochemical status of malaria-infected mice.

Proxeed plus salvage rat testis from ischemia- reperfused injury by enhancing antioxidant's activities and inhibition of iNOS expression

Testicular torsion is an acute urological emergency condition that occurs due to obstruction of blood flow to the testicles which may result in ischemia and loss of testicular functions. This study examined the protective effects of Proxeed Plus (PP), a dietary supplement on testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injured rats using oxidative stress markers, hormonal levels, apoptotic parameters, histological and immunohistochemistry analysis at 4 h and after 7 days of reperfusion. The protective treatment of the I/R injured rats with PP at 1000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight (bw) resulted in significant increases in the serum and tissue antioxidative defense capacities (superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase), sex hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone), also reduce pro-oxidative markers (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide), serum iNOS and apoptotic parameters (Caspase -3 and Caspase -9) in comparison to the results detected in the I/R untreated rats. It was also observed that PP ameliorated histological changes of I/R injured rats; increased spermatogenetic activity, seminiferous tubular diameter, Leydig cell mass, and reduced expressions of testicular inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Therefore, the therapeutic use of Proxeed Plus could be considered a promising approach in averting testicular damage against I/R injury.

Characterization of anti-plasmodial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory fraction of Maytenus senegalensis (lam.) Exell leaf extract in mice

Background

The treatment inadequacy and toxicity associated with conventional anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs has called for the search of alternatives from medicinal plants, particularly, their phytochemicals with inherent pharmacological properties. In the present study, purified fraction of M. senegalensis leaf was evaluated for antimalarial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Method

Antimalarial study was conducted against Plasmodium chabaudi and Plasmodium berghei using 4 days suppressive test, while anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies were conducted using egg albumin induced paw oedema and acetic acid induced pain model respectively. Sub-acute toxicity was assessed using serum biochemical parameters following 3 weeks administrations of the purified fraction.

Results

The purified fraction of M. senegalensis leaf shows dose dependent antiplasmodial activity with percentage curative effects of 15.24 ± 0.89, 45.70 ± 3.43 and 48.50 ± 4.56 at 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg bw against Plasmodium chabaudi and % curative effects of 44.25 ± 3.21, 72.74 ± 6.54 and 76.30 ± 8.32 respectively against Plasmodium berghei. The purified fraction exhibited 53.16 ± 4.09 and 60.76 ± 7.54 anti-inflammatory effect, 43.35 ± 4.98% and 44.83 ± 3.86% analgesic effect at 75 and 150 mg/kg bw respectively. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of 20α)-3-hydroxy-2-oxo-24-nor-friedela-1(10),3,5,7-tetraen-carboxylic acid-(29)-methylester, 2(4H)-Benzofuranone, 5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro- and 3-hydroxy-20(29)-lupen-28-ol and a terpenes (phytol) as the major antimalarial compounds in the fraction. The purified fraction increases the serum total proteins and transaminases concentrations but had no effect on serum levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride and glucose in the mice.

Conclusion

The purified fraction of M. senegalensis leaf exhibited promising antimalarial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, could serve as a template for the synthesis of new drug.