In vitro antibacterial activity and acute toxicity studies of aqueous-methanol extract of Sida rhombifolia Linn. (Malvaceae)

Encapsulation of Alpinia leaf essential oil in nanophytosome-embedded gel as novel strategy to treat periodontal infections: evaluation of antimicrobial effectiveness, pharmacokinetic, in vitro-ex vivo correlation and in silico studies

AIM

The work reports a novel nanophytosomal gel encapsulating Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd leaf essential oil to treat periodontal infections.

METHODS

Alpinia oil-loaded nanophytosomes (ANPs) were formulated by lipid layer hydration technique and were evaluated by FESEM, cryo-TEM, loading efficiency, zeta potential, particle size, release profile etc. Selected ANPs-loaded gel (ANPsG) was evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo methods.

RESULTS

Selected ANPs were spherical, unilamellar, 49.32 ± 2.1 nm size, 0.45 PDI, -46.7 ± 0.8 mV zeta potential, 9.8 ± 0.5% (w/w) loading, 86.4 ± 3.02% (w/w) loading efficiency with sustained release profile. ANPsG showed good spreadability (6.8 ± 0.3 gm.cm/sec), extrudability (79.33 ± 1.5%), viscosity (36522 ± 0.82 cps), mucoadhesive strength (44.56 ± 3.5 gf) with sustained ex vivo release tendency. Satisfied ZOI and MIC was observed for ANPsG against periodontal bacteria vs. standard/control. ANPsG efficiently treated infection in ligature induced periodontitis model. Key pharmacokinetic parameters like AUC, MRT, Vd were enhanced for ANPsG.

CONCLUSION

ANPsG may be investigated for futuristic clinical studies.

Screening Tests for the Interaction of Rubus idaeus and Rubus occidentalis Extracts with Antibiotics against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Human Pathogens

WHO (World Health Organization) reports from recent years warn about the growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Therefore, there is an urgent need to constantly search for new substances effective in the fight against microorganisms. Plants are a rich source of chemical compounds with antibacterial properties. These compounds, classified as secondary metabolites, may act independently or support the action of currently used antibiotics. Due to the large number of metabolites isolated from the plant kingdom and new plant species being studied, there is a need to develop new strategies/techniques or modifications of currently applied methods that can be used to select plant extracts or chemical compounds isolated from them that enter into positive, synergistic interactions with currently used antibiotics. One such method is the dual-disk synergy test (DDST). It involves the diffusion of active compounds in the agar environment and influencing the growth of microorganisms grown on it. The method was used to assess the interaction of extracts from the fruit and shoots of some cultivated varieties of Rubus idaeus and Rubus occidentalis with selected antibiotics. The research was conducted on strains of bacteria pathogenic to humans, including Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori, and Candida albicans, showing synergy, antagonism, or lack of interaction of the tested substances-plant extract and antibiotic. As a result, it was found that the diffusion method is useful in screening tests to assess the impact of antibiotic-herbal substance interactions on Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms.

Dietary supplementation of Sida rhombifolia enhances the plasma antioxidation and modulates gut microbiota in Anyi tile-like grey chickens

Sida rhombifolia (S. rhombifolia) is a widely used herbal plant for humans because of its antioxidant and antibacterial effects, but its potential use as a feed additive for livestock has not been investigated. Twenty 350 days-old Anyi tile-like grey chickens were randomly divided into a control group (fed basal diet) and a treatment group (fed basal diet + 3% of S. rhombifolia), and these chickens were feed for 31 days. Dietary S. rhombifolia remarkably enhanced plasma antioxidants, including the significantly increased total antioxidant capability (p < 0.01), catalase (p = 0.04), and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in the treatment group. Furthermore, dietary S. rhombifolia also modulated chicken cecal microbiota, including an increased microbial diversity (Shannon, p = 0.03; Chao1, p = 0.03) in the treatment group. Regarding taxonomic analysis, 34 microbial taxa showed significant differences between the two groups. Meanwhile, the dominant phylum Actinobacteriota (p = 0.04), and dominant genera Desulfovibrio (p = 0.04) and Olsenella (p = 0.02) were significantly increased after treatment, whereas the pathogenic genus Escherichia-Shigella (p = 0.04) was significantly decreased after feeding S. rhombifolia. The results indicating that S. rhombifolia has potential for use as a natural plant feed additive for chickens.

Capparis zeylanica L. root extract promotes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and triggers E-cadherin expression in breast cancer cell lines

Capparis zeylanica L. is a climbing shrub distributed in Indian subcontinent and Mediterranean region. Almost all parts of the plant are used in folk medicine and traditional practices to treat several human ailments. The present study was aimed to investigate the role of C. zeylanica L. root extract in preventing cancerous cells growth and proliferation, as well as promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Methanolic extract of C. zeylanica L. (MECz) was prepared and characterized by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative activity of MECz was evaluated by MTT assay, while cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle progression by Muse Cell analyzer. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expressions of EMT markers were assessed using qRT-PCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. The MECz was found to be rich in phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, 6-gingerol, and certain triterpenes like ursolic acid etc. The apparent anti-metastasis activity of MECz was evident from IC50 value of 19.12 and 24.22 μg/mL, respectively, on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells in MTT assay. An absolute decrease in cell viability (78.1-53.4% and 89.9-49.0%), augmented apoptosis (90.98-48.25% and 88.25-47.70%) and S phase, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest was found by MECz treatment on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The gene expression studies revealed that MECz could significantly (p < 0.001) regulate the expression of EMT markers such as snail, slug, zeb-1, twist-1, fibronectin, vimentin and E-cadherin at molecular level. These findings demonstrate that C. zeylanica L. root extract inhibits breast cancer cells growth and proliferation through regulating the expression of key EMT marker genes and proteins. Thus, MECz may be suggested as a potential anti-metastasis agent in the treatment of breast cancer.

Medicinal plants utilized in the management of epilepsy in Ethiopia: ethnobotany, pharmacology and phytochemistry

Epilepsy is a common central nervous system (CNS) disorder that affects 50 million people worldwide. Patients with status epilepticus (SE) suffer from devastating comorbidities and a high incidence of mortalities. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstream treatment options for the symptomatic relief of epilepsy. The incidence of refractory epilepsy and the dose-dependent neurotoxicity of AEDs such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, dizziness, attention-deficit behavior, and other side effects are the major bottlenecks in epilepsy treatment. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), epilepsy patients failed to adhere to the AEDs regimens and consider other options such as complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) to relieve pain due to status epilepticus (SE). Plant-based CAMs are widely employed for the treatment of epilepsy across the globe including Ethiopia. The current review documented around 96 plant species (PS) that are often used for the treatment of epilepsy in Ethiopia. It also described the in vivo anticonvulsant activities and toxicity profiles of the antiepileptic medicinal plants (MPs). Moreover, the phytochemical constituents of MPs with profound anticonvulsant effects were also assessed. The result reiterated that a lot has to be done to show the association between herbal-based epilepsy treatment and in vivo pharmacological activities of MPs regarding their mechanism of action (MOA), toxicity profiles, and bioactive constituents so that they can advance into the clinics and serve as a treatment option for epilepsy.

Antibacterial activity of Putranjiva Roxburghii wall

Medicinal plants can be defined as plants that possess therapeutic properties or exert a beneficial pharmacological effect on the human or animal body. P. roxburghii is a good moderate sized evergreen medicinal tree with pendent branches and the leaves are simple and alternately arranged. The aim of this study was to screen and determine significant antibacterial activity of dry seeds of P. roxburghii. The ethanol extract of P. roxburghii seed showed highest zone of inhibition in all the bacterial strains tested Staphylococcus aureus (G+) (16mm).  Streptococcus mutans (G+) (19mm) Bacilus subtilis (G+) (20mm). E.coli (G-) (21mm). Klebsiella pneumonia (G-) (14mm) Proteus vulgaris (G-) (16mm). The  acetone  extract of  P. roxburghii seeds showed a minimum zone  of  inhibition against the bacterial pathogens. They are Staphylococcus aureus (G+) (11mm).  Streptococcus mutans (G+) (8mm) Bacilus subtilis (G+) (14mm). E.coli (G-) (15mm). Klebsiella pneumonia (G-) (13mm) Proteus vulgaris (G-) (15mm). The  aqueous  extract of  P. roxburghii seeds showed the lowest zone  of  inhibition against the bacterial strains. They are  Staphylococcus aureus (G+) (13mm).  Streptococcus mutans (G+) (9mm) . E.coli (G-) (14mm).

Secondary metabolite compounds from Sida genus and their bioactivity

Plants are the key source for the production of novel therapeutic products for new medicines. The biological properties of the plant species used world wide are mainly accountable for their secondary metabolites obtained from plants. The goal of this analysis is to summarize the chemical composition and biological effects of the genus Sida (Malvaceae) to identify potential research opportunities. This analysis draws on the literature review of scientific journals, and books from libraries, and electronic sources like ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and the Website. Some groups of secondary metabolite compounds isolated from the genus Sida include alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarin, and others. Pharmacological experiments found that there are a wide variety of biological activities in extracts and compounds isolated from the genus Sida comprising antimalarial, antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, analgesic, antibacterial, antioxidant, vasorelaxant, wound healing, antifungal activities, the inhibition of quinone reductase, and mouse mammary organ culture.

Challenges to antimicrobial susceptibility testing of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds

As multidrug resistance gains momentum, the last two decades have seen an ever-growing interest in the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts and plant-derived compounds. Most of the focus is on polyphenols – a large and diverse group of phytochemicals with strong antibacterial activity. Testing methods provide reliable results as long as they follow standard procedures. However, methods and procedures used in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) are often too diverse to allow comparison of results. The lack of uniformity and comparability is much owed to the absence of guidelines. The focus of this review is to give a critical overview of different methods used in the assessment of polyphenols antimicrobial efficacy and to highlight the importance of their standardisation.

Chemical constituents, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of Allium chinense G. Don

Background

Allium chinense G. Don is a medicinal and aromatic herb belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae, characterized by a high saponin content. The previous report has mostly been focused on the bulb, and there is very limited work on the leaf. The information about biological and chemical constituent of A. chinense leaf is still inadequate in contrast to the investigations reported on the bulb. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the hexane extract of both bulb and leaf extract. Therefore, the present investigation was focused on identifying and characterization of the hexane extracts of A. chinense bulb and leaf quantitatively and by using the GC-MS method and to know its scavenging, antibacterial, and antifungal activity.

Results

Twenty-eight bioactive compounds were identified in the bulb and nine in the leaf extract by GC-MS analysis. The versatile compounds present in the bulb are 2-methyloctacosane (21.30%), tetracontane (14.05%), eicosane, 10-methyl (12.06%), heneicosane (8.46%), octadecyl trifluoroacetate (6.48%), and 1-heneicosanol (5.76%), whereas in the leaf, it was phytol (35.76%), tetratetracontane (18.49%), perhydrofarnesyl acetone (14.76%), and heptadecane, 2,6-dimethyl (10.79%). In quantitative estimation, saponins were estimated to have the highest with 375.000 ± 0.577 mg/g in the leaf and 163.750 ± 0.433 mg/g in the bulb. The DPPH antioxidant scavenging activity was found to be minimum in both the bulb (IC50 = 678.347 μg/ml) and leaf (IC50 = 533.337 μg/ml). A. chinense extracts of both leaf and bulb exerted potential antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Leaf extract exhibited greater antifungal activity than the bulb against Aspergillus niger.

Conclusion

From the analysis, the hexane leaf extract exhibited higher antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity than the bulb. Their superior activity might be due to the higher content of total saponin and terpenes. This result will lead to further in-depth research towards the potential use of this plant; the bio-constituents can be further isolated and used in medical and therapeutic applications.

Synthesis, Characterization and Anti-Microbial Activity of Oxalate-Assisted CO3O4 Nanoparticles Derived from Homogeneous Co-Precipitation Method

Nano-sized cobalt oxide particles exhibit unique and fascinating physical, chemical and anti-microbial activity owing to their large surface to volume ratio. The study of metal oxide nanoparticles interaction with pathogenic microorganisms is great importance for various biomedical applications. The main purpose of this work is to study the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal behavior of cobalt oxide (CO3O4) nanoparticles against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains and different fungi. The structure and morphology of CO3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and UV-Visible Spectroscopy, respectively. The CO3O4 nanoparticles showed a significant anti-bacterial activity against two gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcusaureus (G[Formula: see text]), Streptococcus mutans (G[Formula: see text]), and two gram-negative bacteria, Klebsilla pneumonia (G[Formula: see text]), E. coli (G[Formula: see text]), and it shows a good anti-fungal activity against the two different fungal i.e., Aspergillus flavus (F) and Aspergillus niger (F), at different solvents. It was noted that synthesized CO3O4 nanoparticles exhibited the solvent-dependent anti-bacterial activity against all tested bacterial strains. CO3O4 NPs could be employed effectively for anti-microbial applications.

Assessments of Antibacterial Effects of Aqueous-Ethanolic Extracts of Sida rhombifolia's Aerial Part

Infectious diseases are the critical problems of the world as a result of the emergence of different antimicrobial resistant microorganisms due to several reasons like misuses and repeating uses of antibiotics. Because of this, searching of new treatment method is important from natural substances to against those infectious diseases in both human and animals' aspects. Among those plants, Sida rhombifolia has various roles against those infectious diseases through its different phytochemical components. The objectives of this study were assessing the antibacterial activity of the aqueous-methanol extract of the plant's aerial part and knowing the phytochemical constituents of the plant. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that the extract of S. rhombifolia's aerial part possesses flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, and quinines. In addition to this, the antibacterial activity of the plant extract was evaluated on five pathogenic bacteria species using agar well diffusion method at different concentrations of plant extracts. Minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration determinations were done by tetrazolium chloride microtiter dilution assay. The inhibition zone of mean diameters ranging from 0.00 to 7.67mm against all test bacteria was significantly (p<0.05) much less than that of the positive control Chloroamphinicole (30μg/disc) with the range of 14.33mm-15mm of inhibition zone of diameters. The inhibition zones of the tested bacteria at the concentration of 62.5mg/ml were much less than the higher concentration (500mg/ml) and significantly different (p<0.05), whereas the MIC value ranges from 4.62 to 97.22mg/ml and the MBC value ranges from 4.62 to 125.00mg/ml. Even if the plant extract showed antibacterial activity, it was lower than that of other solvent extraction methods; so other solvent extraction methods and fractionates must be conducted to investigate the antibacterial activities of the plant extract on different bacterial strains and species that cause different diseases.

Extraction optimization and UHPLC method development for determination of the 20-hydroxyecdysone in Sida tuberculata leaves

Sida tuberculata (ST) is a Malvaceae species widely distributed in Southern Brazil. In traditional medicine, ST has been employed as hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Additionally, this species is chemically characterized by flavonoids, alkaloids and phytoecdysteroids mainly. The present work aimed to optimize the extractive technique and to validate an UHPLC method for the determination of 20-hydroxyecdsone (20HE) in the ST leaves. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used in method optimization. The extractive methods tested were: static and dynamic maceration, ultrasound, ultra-turrax and reflux. In the Box-Behnken three parameters were evaluated in three levels (-1, 0, +1), particle size, time and plant:solvent ratio. In validation method, the parameters of selectivity, specificity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification (LOD, LOQ), precision, accuracy and robustness were evaluated. The results indicate static maceration as better technique to obtain 20HE peak area in ST extract. The optimal extraction from surface response methodology was achieved with the parameters granulometry of 710 nm, 9 days of maceration and plant:solvent ratio 1:54 (w/v). The UHPLC-PDA analytical developed method showed full viability of performance, proving to be selective, linear, precise, accurate and robust for 20HE detection in ST leaves. The average content of 20HE was 0.56% per dry extract. Thus, the optimization of extractive method in ST leaves increased the concentration of 20HE in crude extract, and a reliable method was successfully developed according to validation requirements and in agreement with current legislation.

Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Aspects of Four Medicinal Plants of Malvaceae Used in Indian Traditional Medicines: A Review

The ethnomedicinal values of plants form the basis of the herbal drug industry. India has contributed its knowledge of traditional system medicines (Ayurveda and Siddha) to develop herbal medicines with negligible side effects. The World Health Organization has also recognized the benefits of drugs developed from natural products. Abutilon indicum, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Sida acuta and Sida rhombifolia are ethnomedicinal plants of Malvaceae, commonly used in Indian traditional system of medicines. Traditionally these plants were used in the form of extracts/powder/paste by tribal populations of India for treating common ailments like cough and cold, fever, stomach, kidney and liver disorders, pains, inflammations, wounds, etc. The present review is an overview of phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological studies that support many of the traditional ethnomedicinal uses of these plants. Many phytoconstituents have been isolated from the four ethnomedicinal plants and some of them have shown pharmacological activities that have been demonstrated by in vivo and/or in vitro experiments. Ethnomedicinal uses, supported by scientific evidences is essential for ensuring safe and effective utilization of herbal medicines.

Antibacterial activities of medicinal plants used in Mexican traditional medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

We provide an extensive summary of the in vitro antibacterial properties of medicinal plants popularly used in Mexico to treat infections, and we discuss the ethnomedical information that has been published for these species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a bibliographic investigation by analyzing local and international peer-reviewed papers selected by consulting internationally accepted scientific databases from 1995 to 2014. We provide specific information about the evaluated plant parts, the type of extracts, the tested bacterial strains, and the inhibitory concentrations for each one of the species. We recorded the ethnomedical information for the active species, as well as their popular names and local distribution. Information about the plant compounds that has been identified is included in the manuscript. This review also incorporates an extensive summary of the available toxicological reports on the recorded species, as well as the worldwide registries of plant patents used for treating bacterial infections. In addition, we provide a list with the top plant species with antibacterial activities in this review RESULTS: We documented the in vitro antibacterial activities of 343 plant species pertaining to 92 botanical families against 72 bacterial species, focusing particularly on Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The plant families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Euphorbiaceae included the largest number of active species. Information related to popular uses reveals that the majority of the plants, in addition to treating infections, are used to treat other conditions. The distribution of Mexican plants extended from those that were reported to grow in just one state to those that grow in all 32 Mexican states. From 75 plant species, 225 compounds were identified. Out of the total plant species, only 140 (40.57%) had at least one report about their toxic effects. From 1994 to July 2014 a total of 11,836 worldwide antibacterial patents prepared from different sources were recorded; only 36 antibacterial patents from plants were registered over the same time period. We offered some insights on the most important findings regarding the antibacterial effects, current state of the art, and research perspectives of top plant species with antibacterial activities in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies of the antibacterial in vitro activity of medicinal plants popularly used in Mexico to treat infections indicate that both the selection of plant material and the investigation methodologies vary. Standardized experimental procedures as well as in vivo pharmacokinetic studies to document the effectiveness of plant extracts and compounds are necessary. This review presents extensive information about the medicinal plants possessing antibacterial activity that has been scientifically studied and are popularly used in Mexico. We anticipate that this review will be of use for future studies because it constitutes a valuable information tool for selecting the most significant plants and their potential antibacterial properties.

Antibacterial activity of a novel fatty acid (14E, 18E, 22E, 26E)-methyl nonacosa-14, 18, 22, 26 tetraenoate isolated from Amaranthus spinosus

CONTEXT

Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as ''spiny pigweed'', is used in both Indian traditional system and folk medicine for treatment of infectious diseases for a long time in several traditional herbal medicinal preparations. A novel fatty acid [(14E, 18E, 22E, 26E)-methyl nonacosa-14, 18, 22, 26 tetraenoate] is the major metabolite present.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the antibacterial potential of the fatty acid isolated from the A. spinosus against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three Gram-positive and seven Gram-negative bacterial strains were used for antibacterial assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the fatty acid was analysed by dilution method and the effects of the fatty acid on the bacterial membrane were studied in detail by flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

All the studied bacterial strains were found to be inhibited at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus ML-59, Bacillus lycheniformis 10341, Shigella boydii 8, Vibrio cholera 811, Vibrio cholera 854 and Vibrio alginolyteus were susceptible and sensitive to the tested fatty acid with a MIC value of 25 μg/mL. It proved a full spectrum of antibacterial activity associated with alterations in the permeability of bacterial membranes.

CONCLUSION

The fatty acid from the A. spinosus possesses potent antibacterial action.

Ethnomedical research and review of Q'eqchi Maya women's reproductive health in the Lake Izabal region of Guatemala: Past, present and future prospects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Central America, most Maya women use ethnomedicines for all aspects of their reproductive cycle including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. However, very few of these plants have been documented, collected and tested in appropriate pharmacological assays to determine possible safety and efficacy. The aim of this work was to provide an overview of information on the ethnomedical uses, ethnopharmacology, chemistry and pharmacological research for medicinal plants used for women's reproductive health in Guatemala, with a special emphasis on the Q'eqchi Maya of the Lake Izabal region, to demonstrate therapeutic potential and support future research in the field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Reviews of the ethnobotanical, ethnomedical and ethnopharmacological literature were performed for 30 plants collected in the Lake Izabal region of Guatemala and used by the Q'eqchi Maya for treatment of reproductive health issues were performed up to and including July 2015 using multiple databases, library searches for abstracts, books, dissertations, and websites.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Review of the published research confirms that many of the plants used by Q'eqchi Maya women for the management of reproductive health issues have pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic, progestagenic and/or serotonergic effects, that support the use of these plants and provide plausible mechanisms of action for their traditional uses. Furthermore, a new serotonin agonist, 9, 10-methylenedioxy-5, 6-Z-fadyenolide was isolated, thereby demonstrating an untapped potential for drug discovery. However, to date much of the pharmacological assays have been in vitro only, and few in vivo studies have been performed. Considering the large percentage of the Maya population in Guatemala that use traditional medicines, there remains a significant lack of pharmacological and toxicological data for these plants. Future research should focus on the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants using in vivo preclinical studies and clinical trials, as well as chemical analysis. Since medicinal plants from the Piperaceae are most commonly used as traditional medicines by the Q'eqchi Maya women, and new bioactive compounds have been identified from Piper species, investigations of commonly used plants from this family would be an appropriate place to start. Data generated from such studies would contribute to Guatemala's national effort to promote a complementary relationship between traditional Maya medicine and public health services.

The genus Sida L. - A traditional medicine: Its ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and pharmacological data for commercial exploitation in herbal drugs industry

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sida L. (Malvaceae) has been used for centuries in traditional medicines in different countries for the prevention and treatment of different diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal and urinary infections, malarial and other fevers, childbirth and miscarriage problems, skin ailments, cardiac and neural problems, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, weight loss aid, rheumatic and other inflammations, tuberculosis, etc.

AIMS OF THIS REVIEW

To assess the scientific evidence for therapeutic potential of Sida L. and to identify the gaps of future research needs.

METHODS

The available information on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Sida species was collected via a library and electronic searches in SciFinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar for the period, 1933-2015.

RESULTS

A variety of ethnomedicinal uses of Sida species have been found in India, China, Afrian and American countries. Phytochemical investigation of this genus has resulted in identification of about 142 chemical constituents, among which alkaloids, flavonoids and ecdysteroids are the predominant groups. The crude extracts and isolates have exhibited a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects involving antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, abortifacient, neuroprotective, cardiovascular and cardioprotective, antimalarial, antitubercular, antidiabetic and antiobesity, antioxidant and nephroprotective activities among others. Ethnopharmacological preparations containing Sida species as an ingredient in India, African and American countries possess good efficacy in health disorders. From the toxicity perspective, only three Sida species have been assessed and found safe for oral use in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacological results supported some of the uses of Sida species in the traditional medicine. Alkaloids, flavonoids, other phenolics and ecdysteroids were perhaps responsible for the activities of extracts of the plants of this genus. No clinical study was reported. The detailed study on mechanism of action of isolates and extracts and their clinical study are needed for their use in modern medicine. More attention should be paid to Sida acuta, Sida cordifolia, Sida spinosa, Sida rhombifolia and Sida veronicaefolia in the domain of diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal and urinary infections, skin ailments, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, malaria, childbirth and miscarriage problems, cardiac and neural problems, weight loss aid, and rheumatic and other inflammations, etc. Furthermore, detailed study on quality and safety assurance data on available ethnopharmacological preparations is needed for their commercial exploitation in local and global markets.

In Vitro Ion Chelating, Antioxidative Mechanism of Extracts from Fruits and Barks of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Their Protective Effects against Fenton Mediated Toxicity of Metal Ions on Liver Homogenates

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and protective potential of T. tetraptera extracts against ion toxicity. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was investigated spectrophotometrically against several radicals (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(•)), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS(•)), hydroxyl radical (HO(•)), and nitric oxide (NO(•))), followed by the ferric reducing power, total phenols, flavonoid, and flavonol contents. The effects of the extracts on catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase activities were also determined using the standard methods as well as the polyphenol profile using HPLC. The results showed that the hydroethanolic extract of T. tetraptera (CFH) has the lowest IC50 value with the DPPH, ABTS, OH, and NO radicals. The same extract also exhibited the significantly higher level of total phenols (37.24 ± 2.00 CAE/g dried extract); flavonoids (11.36 ± 1.88 QE/g dried extract); and flavonols contents (3.95 ± 0.39 QE/g dried extract). The HPLC profile of T. tetraptera revealed that eugenol (958.81 ± 00 mg/g DW), quercetin (353.78 ± 00 mg/g DW), and rutin (210.54 ± 00 mg/g DW) were higher in the fruit than the bark extracts. In conclusion, extracts from T. tetraptera may act as a protector against oxidative mediated ion toxicity.

Rapid cessation of acute diarrhea using a novel solution of bioactive polyphenols: a randomized trial in Nicaraguan children

Goal. We assessed the effectiveness of bioactive polyphenols contained in solution (LX) to restore normal bowel function in pediatric patients with acute diarrhea. Background. While providing oral rehydration solution (ORS) is standard treatment for diarrhea in developing countries, plant-derived products have been shown to positively affect intestinal function. If a supplement to ORS resolves diarrhea more rapidly than ORS alone, it is an improvement to current care. Study. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study, 61 pediatric patients with uncontrolled diarrhea were randomized to receive either ORS + LX on day 1 and then ORS + water on day 2 (study arm) or ORS + water on day 1 and then ORS + LX on day 2 (control arm). Time to resolution and number of bowel movements were recorded. Results. On day 1, the mean time to diarrhea resolution was 3.1 h (study arm) versus 9.2 h (control arm) (p = 0.002). In the study arm, 60% of patients had normal stool at their first bowel movement after consumption of the phenolic redoxigen solution (LX). On day 2, patients in the study arm continued to have normal stool while patients in the control arm achieved normal stool within 24 h after consuming the test solution. Patients in the control arm experienced a reduction in the mean number of bowel movements from day 1 to day 2 after consuming the test solution (p = 0.0001). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions. Significant decreases in bowel movement frequency and rapid normalization of stool consistency were observed with consumption of this novel solution.

Free radicals quenching potential, protective properties against oxidative mediated ion toxicity and HPLC phenolic profile of a Cameroonian spice: Piper guineensis

Considerations on antioxidants derived from plants have continuously increased during this decade because of their beneficial effects on human health. In the present study we investigated the free radical scavenging properties of extracts from Piper guineense (P. guineense) and their inhibitory potentials against oxidative mediated ion toxicity. The free radical quenching properties of the extracts against [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•), hydroxyl radical (HO•), nitric oxide (NO•)] radical and their antioxidant potentials by FRAP and phosphomolybdenum were determined as well as their protective properties on liver enzymes. The phenolic profile was also investigated by HPLC. The results obtained, revealed that the extracts significantly inhibited the DPPH, NO, HO and ABTS radicals in a concentration depending manner. They also showed a significant ferrous ion chelating ability through FRAP and phosphomolybdenum antioxidant potential. Their polyphenol contents varied depending on the type of extracts and the solvent used. The hydroethanolic extracts (FFH) and the ethanolic extracts (FFE) of P. guineense leaves showed the higher level of phenolic compounds respectively of 21.62 ± 0.06 mg caffeic acid/g dried extract (CAE/g DE) and 19.01 ± 0.03 CAE/g DE. The HPLC phenolic compounds profile revealed a higher quantity of Eugenol, quercetin, rutin and catechin in the stem than in the leaves. The presence of these molecules could be responsible of the protective potentials of P. guineense extracts against lipid peroxidation and SOD, catalase and peroxidase. In conclusion, P. guineense extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant property and may be used as a prospective protector against metal related toxicity.

Phenolic Content of Hypodaphnis Zenkeri and Its Antioxidant Effects against Fenton Reactions' Mediated Oxidative Injuries on Liver Homogenate

Under oxidative stress conditions, endogenous antioxidant defenses are unable to completely inactivate the free radicals generated by an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This state causes serious cell damage leading to a variety of human diseases. Natural antioxidants can protect cells against oxidative stress. Hypaodaphnis zenkeri (H. zenkiri) is a plant consumed as a spice in the Cameroonian diet, and its bark has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. The present study aims at investigating the antioxidant activity, which includes free radical scavenging and protective properties of an extract from H. Zenkiri against oxidative damage on a liver homogenate. The free radical assays determined the scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH), nitrite oxide (NO) and 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals and the enzymes, whose protection was to be considered in the liver homogenate, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. The antioxidative activities were studied using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), reductive activity, and phosphomolybdenum antioxidant power (PAP) methods. In addition, the phenolic contents of the extracts were examined. The results showed that these extracts demonstrated significant scavenging properties and antioxidant activities, with the hydro-ethanolic extract of the bark of H. zenkeri (EEH) being the most potent. This extract had the highest total polyphenol (21.77 ± 0.05 mg caffeic acid (CAE)/g dried extract (DE)) and flavonoids (3.34 ± 0.13 mg quercetin (QE)/g dried extract) content. The same extract had significantly greater protective effects on enzyme activities compared to other extracts. The high performance liquied chromatography (HPLC) profile showed higher levels of caffeic acid, OH-tyrosol acid, and rutin in the leaves compared to the bark of H. zenkeri. In conclusion, the ethanolic and hydro-ethanolic extracts of the bark and leaves from H. zenkeri showed an antioxidant and protective potential against oxidative damage.

Bioassay-guided discovery of antibacterial agents: in vitro screening of Peperomia vulcanica, Peperomia fernandopoioana and Scleria striatinux

BACKGROUND

The global burden of bacterial infections is high and has been further aggravated by increasing resistance to antibiotics. In the search for novel antibacterials, three medicinal plants: Peperomia vulcanica, Peperomia fernandopoioana (Piperaceae) and Scleria striatinux (Cyperaceae), were investigated for antibacterial activity and toxicity.

METHODS

Crude extracts of these plants were tested by the disc diffusion method against six bacterial test organisms followed by bio-assay guided fractionation, isolation and testing of pure compounds. The minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations were measured by the microdilution method. The acute toxicity of the active extracts and cytotoxicity of the active compound were performed in mice and mammalian cells, respectively.

RESULTS

The diameter of the zones of inhibition (DZI) of the extracts ranged from 7-13 mm on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus of which the methylene chloride:methanol [1:1] extract of Scleria striatinux recorded the highest activity (DZI = 13 mm). Twenty-nine pure compounds were screened and one, Okundoperoxide, isolated from S. striatinux, recorded a DZI ranging from 10-19 mm on S. aureus. The MICs and MBCs indicated that the Peperomias had broad-spectrum bacteriostatic activity. Toxicity tests showed that Okundoperoxide may have a low risk of toxicity with an LC50 of 46.88 μg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

The antibacterial activity of these plants supports their use in traditional medicine. The pure compound, Okundoperoxide, may yield new antibacterial lead compounds following medicinal chemistry exploration.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yaegl Aboriginal community in northern New South Wales, Australia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Documentation of Australian bush medicines is of utmost importance to the preservation of this disappearing and invaluable knowledge. This collaboration between the Yaegl Aboriginal community in northern New South Wales (NSW), Australia and an academic institution, demonstrates an effective means of preserving and adding value to this information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Questionnaire-guided interviews were performed with community Elders under a framework of participatory action research. Medicinal plant knowledge was collated in a handbook to aid interviews and to be used as an ongoing resource by the community. Specimens for all non-cultivar plants that were discussed were collected and deposited in herbaria with unique voucher numbers. This medicinal knowledge was checked against the literature for reports of related use and studies of biological activity.

RESULTS

Nineteen Elders were interviewed, leading to discussions on fifty four plant preparations used for medicinal purposes. These plant preparations involved thirty two plants coming from twenty one families, reflecting the botanical diversity of the area. The plants retained in the Yaegl pharmacopoeia correspond to their accessibility and ease of preparation, reflected in their ongoing utilisation. Several plant uses did not appear elsewhere in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first comprehensive documentation of the medicinal knowledge of the Yaegl Aboriginal community. It has been conducted using participatory action research methods and adds to the recorded customary knowledge of the region. The customary medicinal knowledge retained by the Yaegl Aboriginal community is related to the evolving needs of the community and accessibility of plants.