Antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides from Allanblackia floribunda Oliv stem bark and Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and H.E. Robins leaves

Phytochemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Study on Aqueous and Methanol Extracts of Chromolaena odorata

The medicinal plant Chromolaena odorata is traditionally used by people living in different communities of Nepal and the globe against diabetes, soft tissue wounds, skin infections, diarrhea, malaria, and several other infectious diseases. The present study focuses on the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses and antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and toxicity of the plant for assessing its pharmacological potential. The extracts of flowers, leaves, and stems were prepared using methanol and distilled water as the extracting solvents. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were estimated by using the Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent method and the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were assessed using the DPPH assay and α-glucosidase inhibition assay. A brine shrimp assay was performed to study the toxicity, and the antibacterial activity test was performed by the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, quinones, terpenoids, and coumarins as secondary metabolites. The methanol extract of leaves and flowers displayed the highest phenolic and flavonoid content with 182.26 ± 1.99 mg GAE/g, 128.57 ± 7.62 mg QE/g and 172.65 ± 0.48 mg GAE/g, 121.74 ± 7.06 mg QE/g, respectively. The crude extracts showed the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 32.81 ± 5.26 µg/mL and 41.00 ± 1.10 µg/mL, respectively. The methanol extract of the leaves was found to be effective against bacterial strains such as K. pneumoniae (ZOI = 9.67 ± 0.32 mm), B. subtilis (ZOI = 15.00 ± 0 mm), and E. coli (7.3 ± 0.32 mm). The methanol extract of the flowers showed the most α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 227.63 ± 11.38 µg/mL), followed by the methanol extract of leaves (IC50 249.50 ± 0.97 µg/mL). The aqueous extract of the flowers showed the toxic effect with LC50 107.31 ± 49.04 µg/mL against the brine shrimp nauplii. In conclusion, C. odorata was found to be a rich source of plant secondary metabolites such as phenolics and flavonoids with potential effects against bacterial infection, diabetes, and oxidative stress in humans. The toxicity study showed that the aqueous extract of flowers possesses pharmacological activities. This study supports the traditional use of the plant against infectious diseases and diabetes and provides some scientific validation.

Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King and H. Robinson Leaves Aqueous Extract Improves the Femoral Head in Ethanol-Induced Osteonecrosis in Rats

Chronic alcohol consumption damages bone formation and causes bone pathology, including osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the leaf aqueous extract of Chromolaena odorata (C. odorata) on the femoral head in ethanol-induced osteonecrosis in rats. Animals received alcohol (40°) at 3 g/kg for 12 weeks. A group of animals were sacrificed to attest to the instalment of osteonecrosis by using histopathological analysis. The remaining animals received alcohol concomitantly with the plant extract (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg) or diclofenac (1 mg/kg) for 28 additional days. At the end of the experimental period, biochemical parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities were measured. Histopathological and histomorphometry analyses of femurs were also assessed. The administration of alcohol, irrespective of the experimental period, induced a significant increase in total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and triglyceride (p < 0.01) and a decrease in ALP (p < 0.05) and calcium (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) levels. Intoxicated animals showed an alteration in oxidative stress parameters accompanied by a significant drop in bone cortical thickness and density with necrosis and marked bone resorption. The concomitant administration of the plant with ethanol reversed the alcohol-induced bone defect, characterized by the improvement of the lipid profile (p < 0.001), bone calcium concentration (p < 0.05), bone ALP activity (p < 0.001), oxidative stress parameters, improved cortical bone thickness (p < 0.01), and bone density (p < 0.05). These results are supported by the absence of bone resorption with an obvious effect at a dose of 300 mg/kg. The pharmacological effect of the extract on ethanol-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is probably due to its osteogenic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties, justifying its use in Cameroonian folk medicine for articulation and bone pain management.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of COVID-19 and Related Respiratory Infections in Ogbomosho South and North Local Government Areas, Oyo State, Nigeria

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has extensively spread worldwide with high mortality. Besides vaccination, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved only one oral medication as a treatment. Medicinal plants with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties could be explored as complementary treatments for COVID-19. Ogbomosho is home to such plants traditionally used to treat infectious diseases in Nigeria, making it relevant in complementary medicine. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19 and related ailments, including cough and flu in Ogbomosho South and North Local Government Areas, Nigeria, was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Information was obtained from 56 participants, consisting of different groups of individuals with native knowledge of medicinal plants, and ethnobotanical indices, including the frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and fidelity level (FL) were computed. Twenty-six medicinal plants (17 families) were used to treat COVID-19, 31 (20 families) for cough, and 29 (19 families) for flu. The most cited plant was Zingiber officinale (FC = 10; RFC = 0.18; FL = 18%) for treating COVID-19, Citrus limon (FC = 13; RFC = 0.23; FL = 23%) for cough, and Zingiber officinale (FC = 9; RFC = 0.16; FL = 16%) for flu. Leaves were the most used plant part for treating COVID-19 and flu, while the bark was the most used for cough. Trees and herbs were the most cited plant growth forms. The herbal remedies were mostly prepared by decoction and infusion and were mainly administered orally. Further research should be conducted on the identified species for the scientific validation of their antiviral and immunomodulatory efficacies and safety for use.

Preparation, characterization and bioavailability studies of Tegillarca granosa hemoglobin and its glycosylated products

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common micronutrient deficiency. Tegillarca granosa (T. granosa) is a good source of iron due to its high content of hemoglobin. The present study aimed to determine the effects of glycosylation on structure, physicochemical characteristics and iron bioavailability of hemoglobin. Using Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology, the optimal conditions for hemoglobin-chitosan glycosylation were obtained: 61.8 °C, pH 6.3, hemoglobin/chitosan mass ratio of 4.3 and reaction time of 15 min. The formation of hemoglobin-chitosan conjugates was verified by SDS-PAGE and fluorescence spectroscopy. The surface hydrophobicity of hemoglobin was reduced by 20.90-65.05 % after glycosylation, along with the observations of elevated water-holding capacity, likely owing to the introduction of hydrophilic groups. Antioxidant capacity of glycosylated products (0.41-0.66 μM Trolox/mg protein) was markedly greater than that of original protein (0.06 μM Trolox/mg protein) due to the formation of brown polymers with antioxidant activity. In addition, glycosylation improved in vitro digestibility of hemoglobin by 41.15-69.09 %, which could be attributed to less β-sheet in secondary structures. Moreover, hemoglobin (324.38 ng/mg) exhibited better iron absorption than FeSO₄ (121.63 ng/mg), with the value being further enhanced by glycosylation (442.73 ng/mg), which may be due to the improved protein digestibility and iron-chelating capacity.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Ganoderma resinaceum (Boud) fruiting bodies extracts

Introduction: Ganoderma resinaceum is used to treat oxidative and inflammatory-related diseases such as cardiovascular and liver diseases. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts from G. resinaceum fruiting bodies. Methods: Aqueous crude (GRT), mycelial (MYC), exopolysaccharide (EPS I, EPS II) and water-soluble polysaccharide-rich (GRP I and GRP II) extracts of G. resinaceum were assessed for their free radical scavenging and metal chelating ions assays. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by stabilization of erythrocytes’ membranes and protein denaturation assays. For the in vivo study, paw oedema was induced by administration of κ-carrageenan (0.1 mL; 1%) to male Wistar rats aged 4 to 6 weeks. Animals were pre-treated with G. resinaceum extracts (125 mg/kg) and diclofenac sodium (20 mg/kg). Inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels were determined, and histological analysis of paw tissue was performed. Results: G. resinaceum polysaccharide-rich extracts (GRP I and GRP II) showed the best bioactivities. They scavenged DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3- ethylbenzylthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and NO (nitric oxide) radicals, and chelated ferrous ions, stabilized murine erythrocyte membranes, and inhibited protein denaturation. At 125 mg/kg, GRP I and GRP II restored the microarchitecture with a weak infiltration of immune cells in the subcutaneous tissues. Moreover, they decreased the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines growth colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon gamma (IFNγ), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), chemokines (eotaxin, fractalkine) and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-12p70). Conclusion: G. resinaceum polysaccharide extracts could be potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory agents.

West African medicinal plants and their constituent compounds as treatments for viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

Objectives

The recent emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic (caused by SARS-CoV-2) and the experience of its unprecedented alarming toll on humanity have shone a fresh spotlight on the weakness of global preparedness for pandemics, significant health inequalities, and the fragility of healthcare systems in certain regions of the world. It is imperative to identify effective drug treatments for COVID-19. Therefore, the objective of this review is to present a unique and contextualised collection of antiviral natural plants or remedies from the West African sub-region as existing or potential treatments for viral infections, including COVID-19, with emphasis on their mechanisms of action.

Evidence acquisition

Evidence was synthesised from the literature using appropriate keywords as search terms within scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar.

Results

While some vaccines and small-molecule drugs are now available to combat COVID-19, access to these therapeutic entities in many countries is still quite limited. In addition, significant aspects of the symptomatology, pathophysiology and long-term prognosis of the infection yet remain unknown. The existing therapeutic armamentarium, therefore, requires significant expansion. There is evidence that natural products with antiviral effects have been used in successfully managing COVID-19 symptoms and could be developed as anti-COVID-19 agents which act through host- and virus-based molecular targets.

Conclusion

Natural products could be successfully exploited for treating viral infections/diseases, including COVID-19. Strengthening natural products research capacity in developing countries is, therefore, a key strategy for reducing health inequalities, improving global health, and enhancing preparedness for future pandemics.

Graphical abstract

Optimization of the composite enzyme extraction of polysaccharide from Erythronium sibiricum bulb and its immunoregulatory activities

An efficient compound enzyme extraction process was developed and optimized to extract the polysaccharide from Erythronium sibiricum bulb via response surface methodology. The polysaccharide E2P was obtained. Then, the preliminary characteristics of E2P were determined via colorimetry and chromatography. Additionally, the immunoregulatory activities of E2P and another polysaccharide (ESBP, extracted using the hot water method) were compared. The optimized extraction results were as follows: temperature (54.56 °C), time (2.52 h), pH (6.53), and enzyme concentration ratio (0.5% cellulase:1.5% amylase). The yield (64.18% ± 2.91%) obtained under the aforementioned conditions was considerably higher than the yield of ESBP (37.25% ± 0.17%). The total sugar, uronic acid, starch, and protein contents of E2P were 81.77% ± 2.84%, 3.31% ± 0.45%, 3.29% ± 0.01%, and 0.24% ± 0.02%, respectively. The HPLC result suggested that the predominant monosaccharides of E2P included glucose, galactose, and arabinose, with a molar ratio of 543.2:1:1.8. The in vitro tests in RAW264.7 cells indicated that ESBP exhibited better immunomodulatory activities than E2P. In particular, ESBP can promote the proliferation, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion abilities of cytokines, such as nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β of RAW264.6 cells. By contrast, E2P can only promote phagocytosis ability and the secretion of IL-1β.

Preliminary toxicology profile of Dennettia tripetala (Pepper Fruit) methanolic leaves extract

Background

Dennentia tripetalla (Pepper Fruit) belongs to the Annonaceae family and is abundant in Nigeria. Its fruit in folklore medicine is used for treatment of varying ailments. While ample research evidence exists on the plants fruit and seed, no current study exists on the toxicological profile of the plant leaves.

Methods

qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals and In vitro antioxidant assays were carried out using standard methods. The acute toxicity study indicates that the LD50 was higher than 2000 mg/Kg body weight. Sub-chronic toxicity studies was carried out using five groups of rats. Group 1 served as control, 2–5 received 100 mg/Kg, 200 mg/Kg, 500 mg/Kg and 1000 mg/Kg body weight orally for 28 days.

Results

Post-administration biochemical analysis indicates there was increased weight in rats administered 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg while it reduced in the 500 mg/kg group. Significant elevations of liver function markers were reported for 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. Serum and hepatic protein profiles remained unaltered. Renal function analysis revealed elevated serum urea and creatinine for 200 and 500 mg/kg groups, elevated serum Na+ and Ca+ and reduced serum Cl− for the 500 mg/Kg group. Elevated Kidney K+ and Ca+ levels, reduced Cl− were significantly observed in 500 mg/Kg group. Significant rise in hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation was observed in 200 and 500 mg/Kg groups. There were observed disarmament of the antioxidant defense systems occasioned by rise and drop in tissue (hepatic, renal, testes, heart) Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (Cat), Glutathione-s-transferase (GST), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the test groups relative to control. Histopathological examination indicated architectural aberrations at 500 and 1000 mg/kg.

Conclusions

It concluded that the plant had significant phytochemical and antioxidant properties of medical interest and possessed toxic properties in rats when administered at a dose above 200 mg/Kg over a prolonged period of time.

The anticancer activity of ethanol extract of Chromolaena odorata leaves in 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in (DMBA) induced breast cancer Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus)

Background: Breast cancer chemotherapy with standard drugs such as doxorubicin will induce cardiotoxicity. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of C. odorata leaves extract in DMBA induced breast cancer on rats.

Methods: Seven groups of Rattus novergicus were used: Four treatment groups of C. odorata extract (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg BW), normal control, breast cancer control, and doxorubicin treatment group. The number, volume, and weight of the nodule and the rats’ body weight were compared among groups. Data was analyzed using paired t-test or one-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis as appropriate.

Results: Significant decline of the number, volume, and weight of cancer nodules was observed in the treatment group (p &lt; 0.001). The weight of the cancer nodule at week 16th was also significantly reduced in GCo2000 compared to Gdoxo (p &lt; 0.0001). A significant increase in body weight was also dose-dependent, especially at week 11th (p &lt; 0.05 in all comparisons) and week 16th (p &lt; 0.001 in all comparisons).

Conclusion: This study suggested that the ethanol extract of C. odorata leaves has anticancer and antiproliferative activity.

Medicinal Plants and Isolated Molecules Demonstrating Immunomodulation Activity as Potential Alternative Therapies for Viral Diseases Including COVID-19

Plants have been extensively studied since ancient times and numerous important chemical constituents with tremendous therapeutic potential are identified. Attacks of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria can be counteracted with an efficient immune system and therefore, stimulation of body’s defense mechanism against infections has been proven to be an effective approach. Polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and lactones are the important phytochemicals, reported to be primarily responsible for immunomodulation activity of the plants. These phytochemicals may act as lead molecules for the development of safe and effective immunomodulators as potential remedies for the prevention and cure of viral diseases. Natural products are known to primarily modulate the immune system in nonspecific ways. A number of plant-based principles have been identified and isolated with potential immunomodulation activity which justify their use in traditional folklore medicine and can form the basis of further specified research. The aim of the current review is to describe and highlight the immunomodulation potential of certain plants along with their bioactive chemical constituents. Relevant literatures of recent years were searched from commonly employed scientific databases on the basis of their ethnopharmacological use. Most of the plants displaying considerable immunomodulation activity are summarized along with their possible mechanisms. These discussions shall hopefully elicit the attention of researchers and encourage further studies on these plant-based immunomodulation products as potential therapy for the management of infectious diseases, including viral ones such as COVID-19.

Allanblackia floribunda Seed Extract Attenuates the Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats via the Inhibition of TNF-α and INF-γ Levels and Modulation in the Expression of Ki67 Protein

Allanblackia floribunda has been used to treat an upset stomach in African traditional medicine, but its efficacy and safety have not been scientifically studied. The present research is aimed at assessing the antiulcer property of the seed extract of the plant to validate its traditional claim. Rats were pretreated with three doses of aqueous extract of A. floribunda (AFE) at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg or omeprazole 10 mg/kg for 1 hr before the acute gastric ulcer was induced by oral administration of 5 mL/kg of 98% ethanol. The animals were sacrificed under anesthesia, and the stomach and blood were collected. The gross histology of the stomach, percentage protection conferred by the treatment, gastric pH, and serum TNF-α and INF-γ were assessed as well as the expression of Ki67 antigens. The antioxidant properties as well as the acute toxicity profile of the plant extract were also assessed. The results show that A. floribunda conferred significant protection on the rats against gastric ulceration with % protection of 46.15, 57.69, and 65.38 for AFE 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, respectively, as well as 69.23% for omeprazole 10 mg/kg. The plant extract caused marked reductions in gastric pH, TNF-α, and INF-γ with statistical significance (p < 0.001) for AFE 300 mg/kg and omeprazole 10 mg/kg. Also, the plant showed good antioxidant activity comparable to gallic acid. Furthermore, the plant extract modulated the expression of Ki67 antigens. All animals survived the 14-day delayed toxicity test with no significant differences in physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters between rats orally administered with supratherapeutic doses of AFE (5000 mg/kg) or normal saline. The study established that the gastroprotective effect of the seed extract of A. floribunda is attributable to its antisecretory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the plant was found to promote ulcer healing via the modulation of the expression Ki67 and was safe at supratherapeutic doses.

In vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, in vivo immunomodulatory, antitumor and hematological potential of exopolysaccharide produced by wild type and mutant Lactobacillus delbureckii subsp. bulgaricus

Biological evaluation of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by wild type and mutant Lactobacillus delbureckii (EPSWLD and EPSMLD) was investigated. Varying degrees of functional groups associated with polysaccharides were present thus confirming the EPS. The EPSs had strong antioxidant potential in a dose dependent (0.5–10 mg/mL) manner. EPSWLD and EPSMLD exhibited the highest 1,1-diphemy 1-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) activity (73.4 % and 65.6 %), total antioxidant activity (1.80 % and 1.42 %), H₂O₂ scavenging activity (88.5 % and 78.6 %) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) (1.89 % and1.81 %) at 10 mg/mL respectively. WLD and MLD were highly susceptible to chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, erythromycin and ceftazidine and resistant to cefuroxime, gentamicin and cloxacillin. The EPSs had antibacterial activity against the test pathogens. B. subtilis and S. aureus had the highest susceptibility (26.0 mm and 23.0 mm). EPSMLD modulate the highest IgG, IgA and IgM production (68–126 mg/dL and 67–98 mg/dL and 64–97 mg/dL) in the treated tumor induced mice (TTIM). EPSWLD and EPSMLD exhibited reduction capability on the CEA level (3.99–4.35 ng/L and 4.12–4.23 ng/L) of the TTIM. EPSWLD TTIM had the highest amount of RBC, WBC and PCV (5.6 × 10¹²%, 68000% and 42%). The EPS increased the lifespan of TTIM. In conclusion EPSWLD and EPSMLD had strong biological potential with pharmacological and neutraceutical activity.

A New Flavanone as a Potent Antioxidant Isolated from Chromolaena odorata L. Leaves

Chromolaena odorata L. (Asteraceae) is one of the tropical plants which is widely used as traditional medicines for diabetes and soft tissue wounds treatment in some regions in East Indonesia. The present study was aimed at determining the bioactive compounds of C. odorata leaves. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of C. odorata leaves have the inhibitory activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals as well as α-glucosidase rat intestine enzyme. A new flavanone was isolated from the methanol extract and elucidated as 5,3'-dihydroxy-7,6'-dimethoxyflavanone or, namely, odoratenin (1) together with two known compounds: isosakuranetin (2) and subscandenin (3). The antioxidant activity of odoratenin (1) exhibited very potent ABTS radical inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 23.74 μM which is lower than that of trolox (IC₅₀ 31.32 μM) as a positive control. The result showed that a new flavanone, odoratenin (1), should be potential as an antioxidant source.

Antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemia and hepatic protection of enzyme-assisted Morehella esculenta polysaccharide

The aims of this work were to investigate the antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemia and hepatic protection of Morehella esculenta polysaccharide (MPS) from fruiting body and its enzyme-assisted MPS (EnMPS). The in vitro scavenging rates of EnMPS at 600 mg/L on superoxide, hydroxyl and 1,1‑diphenyl‑2‑pyrazole hydrazide (DPPH) radicals were 76.92 ± 2.61%, 66.74 ± 2.56% and 75.78 ± 2.4%, higher than those of MPS, respectively. Animals experiments showed that the EnMPS exhibited superior abilities of reducing hepatic lipid levels by monitoring the serum enzyme activities (ALP, ALT, ALB and AST) and serum lipid levels (CK, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C and LDH), enhancing the hepatic antioxidant enzymes (FFA, SOD, CAT and T-AOC) and decreasing the lipid peroxidation (MDA and MPO). The results suggested that the EnMPS can act as a natural candidate for developing drugs to reduce blood lipids, resist oxidation and protect the liver.

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory response by polysaccharide fractions of Khaya grandifoliola (C.D.C.) stem bark, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr and Cymbopogon citratus Stapf leaves in raw 264.7 macrophages and U87 glioblastoma cells

Background

Khaya grandifoliola (C.D.C.) stem bark, Cymbopogon citratus (Stapf) and Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr leaves are used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Several studies have been performed on the biological activities of secondary metabolites extracted from these plants. However, to the best of our knowledge, the anti-neuro inflammatory and protective roles of the polysaccharides of these three plants have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed at investigating potential use of K. grandifoliola, C. sanguinolenta and C. citratus polysaccharides in the prevention of chronic inflammation.

Methods

Firstly, the composition of polysaccharide fractions isolated from K. grandifoliola stem bark (KGF), C. sanguinolenta (CSF) and C. citratus (CCF) leaves was assessed. Secondly, the cytotoxicity was evaluated on Raw 264.7 macrophages and U87-MG glioblastoma cell lines by the MTT assay. This was followed by the in vitro evaluation of the ability of KGF, CSF and CCF to inhibit lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced overproduction of various pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, ROS and IL1β, TNFα, IL6, NF-kB cytokines). This was done in Raw 264.7 and U87-MG cells. Finally, the in vitro protective effect of KGF, CSF and CCF against LPS-induced toxicity in the U87-MG cells was evaluated.

Results

CCF was shown to mostly contain sugar and no polyphenol while KGP and CSP contained very few amounts of these metabolites (≤ 2%). The three polysaccharide fractions were non-toxic up to 100 μg.mL^− 1. All the polysaccharides at 10 μg/mL inhibited NO production, but only KGF and CCF at 12.5 μg/mL down-regulated LPS-induced ROS overproduction. Finally, 100 μg/mL LPS reduced 50% of U87 cell viability, and pre-treatment with the three polysaccharides significantly increased the proliferation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the polysaccharides of K. grandifoliola, C. citratus and C. sanguinolenta could be beneficial in preventing/treating neurodegenerative diseases in which neuroinflammation is part of the pathophysiology.

Antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents of 20 polyherbal remedies used as tonics by folk healers in Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces, Thailand

Background

Uses of polyherbal formulations have played a major role in traditional medicine. The present study is focused on the formulations used in traditional Thai folkloric medicine as tonics or bracers. Twenty documented polyherbal mixtures, used as nourishing tonics by the folk healers in Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces in southern Thailand, are targeted. Despite traditional health claims, there is no scientific evidence to support the utilization of polyherbal formulations.

Methods

The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the polyherbal formulations and a series of antioxidant tests were applied to measure their capability as preventive or chain-breaking antioxidants. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of effective formulations was assayed in Vero cells.

Results

Ninety-eight plant species belonging to 45 families were used to prepare the tested formulation. The preliminary results revealed that water extracts of THP-R016 and THP-R019 contain a high level of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and exhibit remarkable antioxidant activities, as tested by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The extract of THP-R019 also showed the strongest metal chelating activities, whereas THP-R016 extract possessed notable superoxide anion and peroxyl radical scavenging abilities.

Conclusions

The data provide evidence that the water extracts of folkloric polyherbal formulations, particularly THP-R016, are a potential source of natural antioxidants, which will be valuable in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The free radical scavenging of THP-R016 may be due to the contribution of phenolic and flavonoid contents. Useful characteristics for the consumer, such as the phytochemical profiles of active ingredients, cellular based antioxidant properties and beneficial effects in vivo, are under further investigation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2131-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chromolaena odorata: A neglected weed with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities (Review)

The study of wound‑healing plants has acquired an interdisciplinary nature with a systematic investigational approach. Several biochemicals are involved in the healing process of the body, including antioxidants and cytokines. Although several pharmaceutical preparations and formulations are available for wound care and management, it remains necessary to search for efficacious treatments, as certain current formulations cause adverse effects or lack efficacy. Phytochemicals or biomarkers from numerous plants suggest they have positive effects on different stages of the wound healing process via various mechanisms. Several herbal medicines have displayed marked activity in the management of wounds and various natural compounds have verified in vivo wound healing potential, and can, therefore, be considered as potential drugs of natural origin. Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson is considered a tropical weed. However, it exhibits anti‑inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and numerous other relevant medicinal properties on an appreciable scale, and is known in some parts of the world as a traditional medicine used to treat various ailments. To understand its specific role as nature's gift for healing wounds and its contribution to affordable healthcare, this plant must be scientifically assessed based on the available literature. This review aims to summarize the role of C. odorata and its biomarkers in the wound healing activities of biological systems, which are crucial to its potential future drug design, development and application for the treatment of wounds.

Wound Healing Property Review of Siam Weed, Chromolaena odorata

Chromolaena odorata (Family: Asteraceae) synonyms as Eupatorium odoratum is a traditional medicinal plant that is widely used for its wound healing property. In particular, the several parts of this herb have been used to treat wounds, burns, and skin infections. Furthermore, it has also been shown to possess anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Its phytochemical components are alkaloids, flavonoids, flavanone, essential oils, phenolics, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. The other important constituents of this plant are Eupolin, chromomoric acid, quercetagetin, and quercetin, all of which contribute to its remedial properties. Published information on the wound healing property of C. odorata was gathered by the use of different scientific websites such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Knowledge to provide an up-to-date review showing its importance.