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Jacobs S, Payne C, Shaboodien S, Kgatla T, Pretorius A, Jumaar C, Maarman G, Sanni O. Pulmonary hypertension and the potential of 'drug' repurposing: A case for African medicinal plants. Afr J Thorac Crit Care Med 2024; 30:e1352. [PMID: 39171151 PMCID: PMC11334905 DOI: 10.7196/ajtccm.2024.v30i2.1352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a haemodynamic disorder in which elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation is caused by abnormal vascular tone. Despite advances in treatment, PH mortality remains high, and drug repurposing has been proposed as a mitigating approach. This article reviews the studies that have investigated drug repurposing as a viable option for PH. We provide an overview of PH and highlight pharmaceutical drugs with repurposing potential, based on limited evidence of their mechanisms of action. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the benefits of medicinal plants in PH, most of which are of Indian or Asian origin. Africa is a rich source of many medicinal plants that have been scientifically proven to counteract myriad pathologies. When perusing these studies, one will notice that some African medicinal plants can counteract the molecular pathways (e.g. proliferation, vasoconstriction, inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction) that are also involved in the pathogenesis of PH. We review the actions of these plants with actions applicable to PH and highlight that they could be repurposed as adjunct PH therapies. However, these plants have either never been tested in PH, or there is little evidence of their actions against PH. We therefore encourage caution, as more research is needed to study these plants further in experimental models of PH while acknowledging that the outcomes of such proof of-concept studies may not always yield promising findings. Regardless, this article aims to stimulate future research that could make timely contributions to the field. Study synopsis What the study adds. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains a fatal disease, and 80% of the patients live in developing countries where resources are scarce and specialised therapies are often unavailable. Drug repurposing is a viable option to try to improve treatment outcomes.Implications of the findings. We propose that another form of 'drug' repurposing is the use of medicinal plants, many of which have demonstrated benefits against pathological processes that are also key in PH, e.g. apoptosis, tumour-like growth of cells, proliferation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jacobs
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Payne
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Shaboodien
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - T Kgatla
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A Pretorius
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Jumaar
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - G Maarman
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - O Sanni
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Bakrim WB, Nurcahyanti ADR, Dmirieh M, Mahdi I, Elgamal AM, El Raey MA, Wink M, Sobeh M. Phytochemical Profiling of the Leaf Extract of Ximenia americana var. caffra and Its Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antiaging Activities In Vitro and in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Cosmeceutical and Dermatological Approach. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3486257. [PMID: 35387261 PMCID: PMC8979739 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3486257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We previously annotated the phytochemical constituents of a root extract from Ximenia americana var. caffra and highlighted its hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic properties. We here extended our study on the leaf extract and identified its phytoconstituents using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. In addition, we explored its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiaging activities in vitro and in an animal model, Caenorhabditis elegans. Results from HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS confirmed that the leaves contain 23 secondary metabolites consisting of condensed tannins, flavonol glycosides, flavone glycosides, and flavonol diglycosides. The leaf extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in vitro with IC50 value of 5 μg/mL in the DPPH assay and 18.32 μg/mL in the FRAP assay. It also inhibited four enzymes (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase) crucially involved in skin remodeling and aging processes with comparable activities to reference drugs along with four pure secondary metabolites identified from the extract. In accordance with the in vitro result, in vivo tests using two transgenic strains of C. elegans demonstrated its ability to reverse oxidative stress. Evidence included an increased survival rate in nematodes treated with the prooxidant juglone to 68.9% compared to the 24.8% in untreated worms and a reduced accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner to 77.8%. The leaf extract also reduced levels of the expression of HSP 16.2 in a dose-dependent manner to 86.4%. Nuclear localization of the transcription factor DAF-16 was up to 10 times higher in worms treated with the leaf extract than in the untreated worms. The extract also inhibited the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a pathogen in skin infections) and reduced the swimming and swarming mobilities in a dose-dependent fashion. In conclusion, leaves of X. americana are a promising candidate for preventing oxidative stress-induced conditions, including skin aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Widad Ben Bakrim
- AgroBioSciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir 43150, Morocco
- African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laayoune, Morocco
| | - Agustina Dwi Retno Nurcahyanti
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Pluit Raya 2, 14440 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Malak Dmirieh
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ismail Mahdi
- AgroBioSciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir 43150, Morocco
| | - Abdelbaset M. Elgamal
- Department of Chemistry of Microbial and Natural Products, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. El Raey
- Department of Phytochemistry and Plant Systematics, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Michael Wink
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mansour Sobeh
- AgroBioSciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir 43150, Morocco
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Gomes MN, Fru P, Augustine TN, Moyo D, Chivandi E, Daniels WMU. Differential Expression of Platelet Activation Markers, CD62P and CD63, after Exposure to Breast Cancer Cells Treated with Kigelia Africana, Ximenia Caffra and Mimusops Zeyheri Seed Oils In Vitro. Nutr Cancer 2022; 74:3035-3050. [DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2032215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica N. Gomes
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Pascaline Fru
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Tanya N. Augustine
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Davison Moyo
- Department of Research and Innovation, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Eliton Chivandi
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - William M. U. Daniels
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
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Khumalo GP, Van Wyk BE, Feng Y, Cock IE. A review of the traditional use of southern African medicinal plants for the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory pain. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 283:114436. [PMID: 34289396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Inflammation is a serious global concern due to its debilitating symptoms, resulting in considerable suffering and lost productivity. Chronic and auto-immune inflammatory diseases are of particular concern. Several pharmaceutical therapies are already available. However, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) is accompanied by harmful and toxic side effects. Hence, the search for safer alternative therapeutics with limited side effects is imperative. The use of medicinal plants is common practice amongst the southern African population and may provide targets for drug development. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to review and document the medicinal uses and pharmacological properties of southern African medicinal plants used for inflammation and pain-related ailments. MATERIAL AND METHODS An extensive literature review was undertaken to identify southern African plants used traditionally to treat inflammation. A variety of ethnobotanical books and grey literature, as well as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Scopus search engines were used as sources of information. RESULTS This review identified 555 medicinal plants from 118 families which were traditionally used in southern Africa to treat inflammation and pain. Fabaceae was the most prominent family with 63 species, followed by Asteraceae (54 species) and Apocynaceae (33 species). The top category of ailments indicated include non-specific inflammation with 150 species, followed by inflammatory pain (148 species), headache (114 species) and toothache (114 species). CONCLUSION Despite a large number of southern African medicinal plants used to treat inflammation and pain, relatively few have been screened for their anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, biologically active plant extracts have been tested against relatively few inflammatory markers and considerable further work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gugulethu P Khumalo
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia; Griffith Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, 46 Don Young Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Ben Erik Van Wyk
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yunjiang Feng
- School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia; Griffith Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, 46 Don Young Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Ian E Cock
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.
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OUP accepted manuscript. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:619-645. [DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Li Y, Zhu L, Guo C, Xue M, Xia F, Wang Y, Jia D, Li L, Gao Y, Shi Y, He Y, Yuan C. Dietary Intake of Hydrolyzable Tannins and Condensed Tannins to Regulate Lipid Metabolism. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1789-1802. [PMID: 34967286 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666211229112223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipid metabolism disorder is a multifactor issue, which contributes to several serious health consequences, such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver etc. Tannins, applied as natural derived plant, are commonly used in the study of lipid metabolism disease with excellent safety and effectiveness, while producing less toxic and side effects. Meanwhile, recognition of the significance of dietary tannins in lipid metabolism disease prevention has increased. As suggested by existing evidence, dietary tannins can reduce lipid accumulation, block adipocyte differentiation, enhance antioxidant capacity, increase the content of short-chain fatty acids, and lower blood lipid levels, thus alleviating lipid metabolism disorder. This study is purposed to sum up and analyze plenty of documents on tannins, so as to provide the information required to assess the lipid metabolism of tannins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyang Li
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Leiqi Zhu
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Chong Guo
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Mengzhen Xue
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Fangqi Xia
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Dengke Jia
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Luoying Li
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yan Gao
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yue Shi
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yuming He
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College of China Three Gorges, Yichang, China
| | - Chengfu Yuan
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College of China Three Gorges, Yichang, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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Wangusi BM, Kanja LW, Ole-Mapenay IM, Onyancha JM. Acute Toxicity, Phytochemical Screening, Analgesic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aqueous and Methanol Root Extracts of Maerua triphylla A. Rich. (Capparaceae). EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:3121785. [PMID: 34819980 PMCID: PMC8608490 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3121785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Maerua triphylla root extracts are used by Maasai and Kikuyu communities in Kenya to manage headaches, stomachaches, migraines, and rheumatism. However, scientific data on their safety and efficacy are limited. The current study aims to investigate the safety, phytochemical constituents, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of M. triphylla root extracts. Aqueous and methanol M. triphylla root extracts were prepared by cold maceration, and the extracts' safety was evaluated using Wistar rats according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (2008) guidelines. Standard qualitative phytochemical screening methods were used for the detection of various phytochemical groups in the extracts. Analgesic activity assay in Swiss albino mice was done using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, while anti-inflammatory activity was determined in Wistar rats using the acetic acid-induced paw edema method. The methanol and aqueous extracts revealed LD50 > 2000 mg/kg bw, classifying them as nontoxic. The presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols was observed in both extracts. However, saponins were only present in the methanol extract. In the analgesic study, mice that received 100 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw of aqueous root extract of M. triphylla had significantly lower acetic acid-induced writhing than mice that received acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg (reference drug) (p < 0.05). Additionally, mice that received 500 mg/kg bw of methanol root extract of M. triphylla had significantly lower acetic acid-induced writhing than mice that received the acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg (p < 0.05). In the anti-inflammatory study, there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the inhibitory activity of different doses of the aqueous root extract of M. triphylla and a 50 mg/kg dose of diclofenac sodium (reference drug) on acetic acid-induced paw edema in rats. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the inhibitory activity of 100 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw doses of the methanol root extract of M. triphylla and a 50 mg/kg dose of diclofenac sodium on acetic acid-induced paw edema (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the roots of M. triphylla may be useful in the safe mitigation of pain and inflammation and therefore support their ethnomedicinal use in the management of pain and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Muyukani Wangusi
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laetitia Wakonyu Kanja
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac Mpapuluu Ole-Mapenay
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared Misonge Onyancha
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Health Sciences, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya
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Olela B, Mbaria J, Wachira T, Moriasi G. Acute Oral Toxicity and Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Aqueous and Methanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.). EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:5651390. [PMID: 32831869 PMCID: PMC7428891 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5651390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and pain are devastating conditions characterizing many diseases. Their manifestation ranges from mild body discomfort, to a debilitating experience, which may culminate in organ failure or death. In conventional medicine, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and adjuvants are utilized to manage symptoms related to pain and inflammation. Despite their reported successes, these agents are only palliative, debatably inaccessible, unaffordable, and cause many undesirable side effects. As a result, the search for alternative and complementary therapies is warranted. Medicinal plants have been intensively utilized by humans for a long time to treat various ailments. In spite of their reported efficacies, empirical scientific data supporting their healing claims is scanty. P. thonningii (Schumach.) has been used in African traditional medicine, especially by traditional herbalists in Nigeria and Kenya, to treat conditions associated with inflammation. Even though analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and toxicity studies have been performed on leaf extracts, and some of their isolated compounds in Nigeria, there is scanty data supporting the use of stem bark extracts, which are commonly utilized in Kenya for pain, and inflammation management. Moreover, scientific data regarding safety and toxicity of the stem bark extracts of P. thonningii utilized in Kenya by traditional herbalists are inadequate. Based on this background, acute oral toxicity evaluation of the aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts of P. thonningii, in Swiss albino mice, was performed according to the OECD/OCDE (2008) guidelines. Anti-inflammatory activities were investigated using the xylene-induced ear oedema in mice, whereas analgesic activities were examined following the acetic acid-induced writhing technique. The acute oral toxicity data was analyzed, and interpreted according to the OECDE (2008) guidelines. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities data were tabulated on MS Excel, and exported to GraphPad Prism (v8.3). Descriptive statistics were computed, and expressed as mean ± SEM. Thereafter, One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test was performed. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All the studied plant extracts had LD50 values > 2000 mg/kg bw, and were hence deemed to be nontoxic according to OECD/OCDE document no. 425. The results showed that the acetic acid-induced writhing frequency in mice administered the aqueous stem bark extract of P. thonningii, at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw, was not significantly different from that recorded for mice which received the reference drug (acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg) (p > 0.05). Additionally, at all the studied extract doses, significantly lower acetic acid-induced writhing frequencies were recorded in mice that received the aqueous stem bark extract of P. thonningii, compared with the writhing frequencies in mice that received the methanolic extract of the same plant (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the aqueous stem bark extract of P. thonningii, at doses of 100 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw, and the methanolic stem bark extract of the same plant, at a dose level of 500 mg/kg bw, exhibited significantly higher percentage inhibitions of xylene-induced oedema than the percentage inhibitions shown by the reference drug (dexamethasone 1 mg/kg bw) (p < 0.05). Generally, the aqueous stem bark extract of P. thonningii, at all the studied dose levels, caused significantly higher inhibitions of xylene-induced ear oedema in mice, compared with the percentage inhibitions shown by methanolic stem bark (p < 0.05). Therefore, the aqueous, and methanolic stem bark extracts of P. thonningii, grown in Kenya, possess peripheral analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in Swiss albino mice. Hence, they have a potential of offering safe analgesic, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Further studies aimed at isolating, elucidating, and characterizing bioactive components from the studied extracts are recommended. Moreover, specific mode(s) through which these extracts exert the reported bioactivities should be established. Further toxicological investigations involving the studied plant extracts are encouraged to fully establish their safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Olela
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Mbaria
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Timothy Wachira
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gervason Moriasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100-G.P.O, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Mount Kenya University, P.O. 342-01000, Thika, Kenya
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Masuku NP, Unuofin JO, Lebelo SL. Phytochemical content, antioxidant activities and androgenic properties of four South African medicinal plants. JOURNAL OF HERBMED PHARMACOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.34172/jhp.2020.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities, and androgenic properties ofPeltophorum africanumSond,Trichilia emeticaVahl,Terminalia sambesiaca, andXimenia caffra.Methods:The finely powdered leaves of the selected plants were extracted using acetone, aqueous, and methanol as solvents. The total phenolics and flavonoids contents were determined from gallic acid and quercetin standard curves. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were evaluated using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl ( DPPH) assay. The effect of plant extracts (100-1000 µg/mL) on TM3 Leydig cells was assessed using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Testosterone levels were measured using ELISA kit.Results:The methanol extracts ofT. sambesiacaandX. caffrarevealed higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents (102.13±2.32 mg/g GAE and 1.05±0.04 mg/g QE, respectively) than other plant extracts. The acetone and methanol extracts ofP. africanumrevealed the best IC50value (12.50 ± 0.052 µg/mL) against DPPH than the other plant extracts and ascorbic acid. The MTT assay results showed that all varying concentrations of plant extracts maintained cell viability and were not cytotoxic with IC50values of greater than 20 µg/mL. The methanol extract ofT. sambesiacahad the highest testosterone production at 500 µg/mL (0.399 ng/mL) when compared with the basal control while at the concentration of 500 µg/mL the acetone extracts ofP. africanumandT. sambesiacahad significantly high testosterone production 0.147 and 0.188 ng/mL respectively when compared with basal control.Conclusion:The results reveal that these plants possess antioxidants and androgenic property and suggest the potential use for the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelisiwe Prenate Masuku
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Cnr Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Ave, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| | - Jeremiah Oshiomame Unuofin
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Cnr Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Ave, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| | - Sogolo Lucky Lebelo
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Cnr Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Ave, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa
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Middle Eastern Plant Extracts: An Alternative to Modern Medicine Problems. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25051126. [PMID: 32138245 PMCID: PMC7179161 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle Eastern countries are primarily known for their dry sand deserts; however, they have a wider physiographic range which includes upland plateau and mountain ranges. The Middle East is home to various types of plants, such as Phoenix dactylifera (date palm tree), Scrophularia striata (herbaceous plants), and Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus). These plants have been found to have various types of bioactivities, such as antimicrobial activities against both bacteria and fungi, in addition to exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects and anti-cancer characteristics which can be utilized in the clinical setting for treatment. Due to limited reviews focusing on plant extracts from the Middle East, we aim to provide a discourse on plants from this region which have various bioactivities and to provide information on the compounds that can be identified from these plants. This is to enhance our understanding to improve modern medicine problems such as antimicrobial resistance and to find an alternative cure for cancer. It is hoped that the collation of information from this review will enable an assessment of the direct role of Middle Eastern plants in providing therapeutic options to address the predicaments in the medical field.
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Moriasi G, Ireri A, Ngugi MP. In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of the Aqueous and Methanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.). J Evid Based Integr Med 2020; 25:2515690X20937988. [PMID: 32664742 PMCID: PMC7364801 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x20937988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been recognized as a key driver of many ailments affecting humankind. Free radicals attack biologically important biomolecules, impairing their functioning, thereby initiating and exacerbating diseases. As a comeback, antioxidant therapies have been proposed as novel approaches to ameliorating oxidative stress-associated diseases including chronic ones. Antioxidants are thought to employ multifaceted and multitargeted mechanisms that either restore oxidative homeostasis or prevent free radical buildup in the body, which overwhelm the endogenous defenses. Plants have been used for many ages across time to manage human diseases, and have a host of antioxidant phytocompounds. Piliostigma thonningii is traditionally used for the management of inflammation, malaria fever, rheumatism, and insanity, among other diseases caused by a disturbed redox state in the body. In this study, in vitro antioxidant activities of the methanolic and aqueous stem bark extracts of P. thonningii were evaluated using the in vitro antilipid peroxidation, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay methods. The obtained results revealed remarkable antioxidant activities of the studied plant extracts as evidenced by the low IC50 and EC50 values. These antioxidant activities could be due to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals like flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, and phenols, among others. Therefore, the therapeutic potency of this plant could be due to its antioxidant properties. This study recommends in vivo antioxidant efficacy testing of the studied plant extracts, as well as isolation and characterization of bioactive antioxidant compounds that are potent against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervason Moriasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Anthony Ireri
- Department of Educational Psychology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mathew Piero Ngugi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Oguntibeju OO. Medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory activities from selected countries and regions of Africa. J Inflamm Res 2018; 11:307-317. [PMID: 30122972 PMCID: PMC6086115 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s167789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the metabolism of arachidonic acid by isoform of cyclooxygenase enzyme, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandin. Sadly, there are many side effects associated with the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, there are medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects with low or no side effects. The Afri-can continent is richly endowed with diverse medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory activities that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions in traditional medicine. Interestingly, scientists have examined some of these African medicinal plants and documented their biological and therapeutic activities. Unfortunately, medicinal plants from different countries in Africa with anti-inflammatory properties have not been documented in a single review paper. It is important to document the ethnobotanical knowledge and applications of anti-inflammatory medicinal plants from selected countries representing different regions of the African continent. This paper therefore documents anti-inflammatory activities of various medicinal plants from different geographical regions of Africa with the aim of presenting the diversity of medicinal plants that are of traditional or therapeutic use in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi O Oguntibeju
- Phytomedicine and Phytochemistry Group, Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa,
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Welch C, Zhen J, Bassène E, Raskin I, Simon JE, Wu Q. Bioactive polyphenols in kinkéliba tea (Combretum micranthum) and their glucose-lowering activities. J Food Drug Anal 2018; 26:487-496. [PMID: 29567217 PMCID: PMC9322244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal tea kinkéliba prepared from the leaves of Combretum micranthum has been widely consumed in West African countries for its flavor, nutritional and medicinal properties. Under bio-guided screening, the kinkéliba leaves were chemically investigated using various chromatographic and spectrometric methods that led to the identification of thirteen different flavonoid compounds. Further biological tests illustrated that the identified compounds may have synergistic effects to decrease the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) mRNA and glucose production in an H4IIE hepatoma cell line, indicating its potential use for insulin-resistant diabetes treatment. Further in vivo study on C57BL/6J mice indicates that kinkéliba can lower plasma glucose levels in a dose-dependent manner without significant weight loss and toxicity. The ethyl acetate extract in rich of flavonoids could also increase the glucose tolerance (GT) after seven weeks' administrations. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments support a potential new application of kinkéliba leaves as an anti-diabetes agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Welch
- The New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, Department of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901,
USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854,
USA
| | - Jing Zhen
- The New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, Department of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901,
USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854,
USA
| | - Emmanuel Bassène
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, UCAD, BP 5281 Dakar Fann,
Senegal
| | - Ilya Raskin
- The New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, Department of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901,
USA
| | - James Edward Simon
- The New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, Department of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901,
USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854,
USA
| | - Qingli Wu
- The New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, Department of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901,
USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854,
USA
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Sánchez-Gutiérrez JA, Vázquez-Sánchez M, Álvarez-Bernal D, Mares-Quiñones MD, Valiente-Banuet JI, Medina-Medrano JR, Villar-Luna E. Determination of Phenolic Compounds and the Antioxidant Capacity of Ximenia parviflora Benth. var. parviflora (Olacaceae) Fruit by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection. ANAL LETT 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2017.1404094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monserrat Vázquez-Sánchez
- CONACYT - Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Michoacán. Jiquilpan, Michoacán
| | - Dioselina Álvarez-Bernal
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Michoacán, Jiquilpan, Michoacán, México
| | - María Daniela Mares-Quiñones
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Centro de Biotecnología FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
| | - Juan Ignacio Valiente-Banuet
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Centro de Biotecnología FEMSA, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
| | - José Roberto Medina-Medrano
- CONACYT - Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Michoacán. Jiquilpan, Michoacán
| | - Edgar Villar-Luna
- CONACYT - Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Michoacán. Jiquilpan, Michoacán
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Sobeh M, Mahmoud MF, Abdelfattah MAO, El-Beshbishy HA, El-Shazly AM, Wink M. Hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic effects of a tannin rich extract from Ximenia americana var. caffra root. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 33:36-42. [PMID: 28887918 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver diseases and diabetes are serious health disorders associated with oxidative stress and ageing. Some plant polyphenols can lower the risk of these diseases. PURPOSE We investigated the phytochemical profiling of a root extract from Ximenia americana var. caffra using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. The antioxidant activities in vitro were investigated. The hepatoprotective activities were studied in rat models with d-galactosamine (d-GaIN)-induced hepatotoxicity and the antidiabetic activities in STZ-diabetic rats were also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS was used to identify plant phenolics. The antioxidant activities in vitro were determined using DPPH and FRAP assays. The in vivo hepatoprotective activities were determined for d-GaIN-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. We determined the liver markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), liver peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione content (GSH), albumin and total bilirubin concentration. The histopathological changes in rat liver were also studied. The antidiabetic activities were also investigated in STZ-diabetic rats and serum glucose, serum insulin hormone, and lipid peroxides were determined. RESULTS The root extract is rich in tannins with 20 compounds including a series of stereoisomers of (epi)catechin, (epi)catechin-(epi)catechin, (epi)catechin-(epi)catechin-(epi)catechin, and their galloyl esters. Promising antioxidant potential was observed in vitro in DPPH assay with EC50 of 6.5 µg extract / 26 µg raw material and in FRAP assay with 19.54 mM FeSO4 compared with ascorbic acid (EC50 of 2.92 µg/ml) and quercetin (FeSO4 24.04 mM/mg), respectively. Significant reduction of serologic enzymatic markers and hepatic oxidative stress markers such as ALT, AST, MDA, GGT, and total bilirubin, as well as elevation of GSH and albumin were observed in rats with d-galactosamine-induced liver damage treated with the extract. These findings agree with a histopathological examination suggesting a hepatoprotective potential for the root extract. The root extract can mediate an antidiabetic effect by reducing elevated blood glucose and serum lipid peroxides levels and by increasing insulin in STZ-diabetic rats by -107, -31.1, +11.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that the tannin-rich extract from Ximenia americana var. caffra could be an interesting candidate for the treatment of several health disorders associated with oxidative stress such as hepatocellular injury and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Sobeh
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120-Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Mona F Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | | | - Hesham A El-Beshbishy
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 2537 Jeddah 21461, Saudi Arabia; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11751, Egypt
| | - Assem M El-Shazly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Michael Wink
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120-Heidelberg, Germany.
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Mbunde MVN, Innocent E, Mabiki F, Andersson PG. Ethnobotanical survey and toxicity evaluation of medicinal plants used for fungal remedy in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE RESEARCH 2016; 6:84-96. [PMID: 28163965 PMCID: PMC5289093 DOI: 10.5455/jice.20161222103956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aim: Some of the antifungal drugs used in the current treatments regime are responding to antimicrobial resistance. In rural areas of Southern Tanzania, indigenous people use antifungal drugs alone or together with medicinal plants to curb the effects of antibiotic resistance. This study documented ethnobotanical information of medicinal plants used for managing fungal infections in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania and further assess their safety. Materials and Methods: Ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Makete and Mufindi districts between July 2014 and December 2015 using semi-structured questionnaires followed by two focus group discussions to verify respondents’ information. Cytotoxicity study was conducted on extracts of collected plants using brine shrimp lethality test and analyzed by MS Excel 2013 program. Results: During this survey about 46 plant species belonging to 28 families of angiosperms were reported to be traditionally useful in managing fungal and other health conditions. Among these, Terminalia sericea, Aloe nutii, Aloe lateritia, Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Zanthoxylum deremense, and Kigelia africana were frequently mentioned to be used for managing fungal infections. The preparation of these herbals was mostly by boiling plant parts especially the leaves and roots. Cytotoxicity study revealed that most of the plants tested were nontoxic with LC50 > 100 which implies that most compounds from these plants are safe for therapeutic use. The dichloromethane extract of Croton macrostachyus recorded the highest with LC50 value 12.94 µg/ml. The ethnobotanical survey correlated well with documented literature from elsewhere about the bioactivity of most plants. Conclusions: The ethnobotanical survey has revealed that traditional healers are rich of knowledge to build on for therapeutic studies. Most of the plants are safe for use; and thus can be considered for further studies on drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourice Victor Nyangabo Mbunde
- Department of Natural Products Development and Formulation, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ester Innocent
- Department of Biological and Pre-clinical Studies, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Faith Mabiki
- Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3038, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Pher G Andersson
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Stockholm University, The Arrhenius Laboratory, P.O. Box 10691, Stockholm, Sweden
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Maroyi A. Ximenia caffra Sond. (Ximeniaceae) in sub-Saharan Africa: A synthesis and review of its medicinal potential. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 184:81-100. [PMID: 26944235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ximenia caffra Sond. (Ximeniaceae), commonly known as "sour plum" is traditionally used, both topically and orally to treat a wide range of human diseases and ailments such as wounds, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infertility, stomach ache, fever, eye problems, diarrhoea, bilharzia, menorrhagia, malaria, intestinal worms, impotence and coughs. The bark and fruits are used by small-scale farmers as ethnoveterinary medicine to treat dermatophilosis, foot rot, saddle sores and control ectoparasites. Oil from X. caffra seed is traditionally used as a moisturiser, soap and shampoo for dry, fragile and damaged hair. AIM OF THE REVIEW The aim of this study was to comprehensively summarize the research that has been done on the botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of X. caffra in different locations throughout its geographical range in the sub-Saharan African region so as to understand its importance and potential in primary healthcare systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out using a comprehensive and systematic literature search on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of the species throughout its distributional range. Literature sources included papers published in international journals, reports from international, regional and national organizations, conference papers, books and theses. PubMed and Scopus, search engines such as Google Scholar and online collection ScienceDirect were used. RESULTS This study showed that X. caffra is used as traditional medicine in 83.3% of the countries in tropical Africa where it is indigenous. A total of 65 human and animal ailments and diseases are recorded for X. caffra, with a high degree of consensus for wounds, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infertility, stomach ache, fever, eye problems, diarrhoea, bilharzia, menorrhagia, malaria, intestinal worms and coughs. Phytochemical investigation of X. caffra revealed that the species has various compounds including flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, tannins and fatty acids. Different plant parts, aqueous and organic extracts exhibited anti-amoebic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiproliferative, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitory, insecticidal, non-mutagenic and toxicity activities. CONCLUSION In this review, the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, biological activities and toxicity of different extracts and compounds of X. caffra have been summarized. Although many of the ethnomedicinal uses of X. caffra have been validated by phytochemical and pharmacological studies, there are still some gaps where current knowledge could be improved. There are very few to nil experimental animal studies, randomized clinical trials and target-organ toxicity studies involving X. caffra and its derivatives that have been carried out so far. At the present moment, there is not sufficient evidence to interpret the specific chemical mechanisms associated with some of the documented biological activities of the species. Therefore, future studies should identify the bioactive components, details of the molecular modes or mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and physiological pathways for specific bioactives of X. caffra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Maroyi
- Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa.
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