Larval Cytotoxic and Subacute Toxicity of Gardenia ternifolia, Rourea coccinea, and Cassytha filiformis Used in Traditional Medicine of Benin (West Africa)

Host Selectivity and Distribution of Cassytha filiformis in the Coastal Bornean Heath Forests

We investigated the host range of Cassytha filiformis L. in the heath forests using six 50-metre transects. Sixteen shrubs and tree species were infected by C. filiformis vines, including two exotic Acacia species. This paper also examined the density and vigour of C. filiformis when infecting the two most preferred and common hosts, the heath native Dillenia suffruticosa (Griff. ex Hook. f. and Thomson) Martelli, and the invasive Acacia mangium Willd. The results suggested that C. filiformis has higher vigour when infecting native hosts than in exotic A. mangium albeit being not statistically significant. The long thread-like stems of parasite were present at relatively high density when infecting A. mangium, regardless of the host conditions. We also assessed the functionality of the haustoria on both D. suffruticosa and A. mangium using histological methods. It was found that C. filiformis can establish a true haustorial endophytic connection with studied hosts. Under controlled conditions, C. filiformis pose as a possible candidate for a biological control agent of A. mangium to curtail the fast spreading of this introduced species in tropical Borneo.

Unleashing the Potential of Medicinal Plants in Benin: Assessing the Status of Research and the Need for Enhanced Practices

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in the primary health care of the population in developing countries such as Benin. The national universities of Benin conduct research on the pharmacological, toxicological, and phytochemical properties of these plants, but the resulting knowledge often does not lead to the development of phytomedicines for the improvement of public health. This study aims to assess the current status of research on medicinal plants in Benin. A literature review was conducted using various search engines, and the collected data was analyzed. The results indicate that research on the biological properties of medicinal plants is still in its early stages, with limited and inadequate methodological approaches. These limitations highlight the urgent need to enhance research practices and facilitate the development of effective and safe phytomedicines.

Review on Ethnobotany and phytochemistry of Cassytha filiformis

Traditional medicine has a lot to give towards the world’s health, especially now that limits to conventional pharmacology has occurred. New scientific methodologies may spark a rebirth in global health research and development if rich and developing countries pooled their research capacities with inequitable collaborations. The Cassytha Filiformis has many medicinal uses. It is a parasite plant that has been used for medicinal purposes and other ornamental purposes in many parts of the world, and has found employment in Siddha, European, Ayurveda and Chinese folk medicine. In this review, the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological benefits of Cassytha filiformis are discussed.

Fetotoxicity and Subacute Toxicity of Some Plants Involved in the Treatment of Infectious Diarrhea in Benin

This study aimed to provide data on the subacute toxicity and fetotoxicity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel, Anacardium occidentale L., Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC., Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss., Ocimum gratissimum L., Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., and Manihot esculenta Crantz used in the treatment of diarrheal diseases in Benin. For subacute toxicity, each male and female Wistar rat received by esophageal gavage a maximum of 1000 mg/kg over 28 days following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline No. 407. Bodyweight changes, biochemical and hematological parameters were assessed. The fetotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated on Dutch Blue hen eggs at 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. The hatching rate, biochemical and hematological constants were subsequently determined. The subacute toxicity data did not indicate any mortality or signs of toxicity. Also, no significant difference in the bodyweight of the rats and the hematological parameters was noted. Concerning fetotoxicity, a low hatching rate (varying from 20% to 50%) was observed in the batches treated with the extracts at 300mg/kg compared to the rate obtained in the negative control batch (80%). The batches that received the hydroethanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Manihot esculenta at the tested doses had a hatching rate of 0%. When looking at hematological parameters, no significant difference was noted for all batches. However, an increase in the Aspartate Amino-Transferase (ASAT) values was noted in the batches that received the hydroethanolic extract of Khaya senegalensis and the aqueous extract of Diospyros mespiliformis at 100 and 300 mg/kg. These results explicitly show that the hydroethanolic extracts of Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina are fetotoxic at the tested doses.

Effect of Rourea coccinea on ethanol-induced male infertility in Wistar albino rats

Ethanol consumption is a risk factor of male infertility. The use of medicinal plants offers an alternative for the treatment of male infertility in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the Rourea coccinea effect on ethanol-induced male infertility in Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were randomised into five groups of five rats and treated by oesophageal gavage over a 28-day period. Group 1 (negative control) received distilled water; Group 2 (positive control) received 30% ethanol at 7 mg/kg body weight; Group 3 (reference control) received 30% ethanol co-treated with the reference drug, clomiphene citrate; Groups 4 and 5 (test groups) received 30% ethanol co-treated with Rourea coccinea hydro-ethanolic extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. Testosterone hormone, sperm parameters and testicular histopathology were evaluated. Ethanol treatment induced a significant reduction (p < .05) in sperm count, motility, viability and a significant increase in sperm abnormalities because of the significant decrease (p < .05) in testosterone levels. These data correlate with the alterations observed in the seminiferous tubule on histopathological examination of the testes. However, co-treatment of ethanol with Rourea coccinea extract or the reference drug restored the ethanol-induced toxic effects on the reproductive organs, sperm profile and testosterone level.