Ethnobotanical study of endemic and non-endemic medicinal plants used by indigenous people in environs of Gullele botanical garden Addis Ababa, central Ethiopia: A major focus on Asteraceae family

Gullele Botanical Garden (GBG) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is a joint venture of Addis Ababa government and the university. The garden has been built mainly to conserve the endemic plants and to advance the research on the endemic and non-endemic plants collected from different part of Ethiopia. Many traditional healers from the environs of GBG and different subcities of Addis Ababa depend on the garden for their practice of traditional medicine but there is no systematic documentation of the traditional medicinal knowledge of these healers. The main objective of the present study is to comprehensively document the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal information from the traditional healers of different ethnic and cultural groups depending on GBG and to create a database of the endemic plants used by these healers. The ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal data obtained from 60 traditional healers have been analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 81 medicinal plants belonging to 47 families have been identified. Majority of the plants used belonged to Asteraceae (12) family. The most frequently used plant form and plant parts are herbs and leaves. The major method adopted by the healers for preparation and administration of traditional medicine is crushing and topical, respectively. Skin and general diseases are the most important ailments treated by the healers. The three most cited plants used to treat diseases are Echinops kebericho Mesfin (60), Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel (60) and Laggera tomentosa (A.Rich.) Sch.Bip. ex Oliv. & Hiern (58). The present study is the first systematic, qualitative, and quantitative ethnobotanical analysis and documentation done on the use of the medicinal plants from GBG for traditional medicine. In addition, our study reveals that E. kebericho is endemic and endangered plant and is highly used in traditional medicine. Therefore, GBG authorities should take steps for the propagation and restoration of this plant. Further it is suggested that the pharmacological properties of the roots and leaves of E. kebericho should be compared to find the possibility of use of leaves in place of roots for the preparation of traditional medicine which would help in conserving this endemic plant of Ethiopia.

A review on anti-peptic ulcer activities of medicinal plants used in the formulation of Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules

Peptic ulcer disease affects many people globally. With the increasing resistance to some orthodox antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Metronidazole, it is important that new acceptable, safer and effective therapies are developed to manage this disease. Various herbal medicines have been used traditionally for the remedy of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), however scientific information with regards to their anti-peptic ulcer both in-vivo and in-vitro as well as clinical studies supporting their use is still inadequate. The Centre for Plant Medicine Research, (CPMR) Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana manufactures three herbal Products namely Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules which are currently used for the remedy of PUD as a triple therapy at its out-patient clinic with promising effects. The aim of this review is to gather information from literature on the anti-ulcer properties, pharmacological, phytochemical constituents and related activities of herbal plants used at the CPMR for formulation of the triple herbal therapy. This review may, provide some scientific bases for the use of Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules in the management of Peptic ulcer at the CPMR out-patient clinic.

METHODS

Organization for the review involved the on and/or offline search for information from available literature using electronic data and scientific research information resources such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google scholar.

RESULTS

In this review, fifteen ethno-medicinal plants used for the formulation of Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK capsules have been discussed, presenting the description of the plants, composition and pharmacological activity.

INTERPRETATION

Tables with the summary of reviewed medicinal plants with their anti-ulcer models and inference on possible mechanisms of action were drawn up. The mechanism(s) of action of individual plants and products (Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules) must be further investigated and established experimentally in-vitro in addition to in-vivo pharmacological and clinical activity studies to confirm their use in the remedy of PUD.

Evaluation of extracts prepared from 16 plants used in Yao ethnomedicine as potential anticancer agents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicines of the Yao ethnic group in China are a special branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and are well documented for use in disease prevention. According to an ethnopharmacological survey, there are 1392 species of medicinal plants that have been documented as Yao ethnomedicines and 104 of these species are used routinely. This study evaluated a partial collection of these 104 core plant species for their potential as anticancer agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature study of scientific journals and books in the local language was conducted. Based on an ethnopharmacological survey, 16 plant species widely used in Yao ethnomedicine were collected and 64 plant extracts were prepared from these plants. in vitro cytotoxicity screening was conducted with a panel of four human cancer cell lines, lung cancer A549, breast cancer BT20 and MCF-7, bone cancer U2OS. The potential toxicity of the extracts was evaluated using two normal human cell lines, human peripheral lung epithelial cells (HPL1A) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Additionally, the 10 extracts that demonstrated cytotoxicity in cancer cells with an IC₅₀ of less than 25.0µg/mL were examined for the ability to induce apoptosis in U2OS cells.

RESULTS

The up-to-date information regarding the traditional uses, pharmacological and biological activities, as well as the chemical constituents of the 16 plants are presented. Extracts from all 16 plants showed cytotoxicity against one to four of the human cancer cell lines and the cytotoxic effects of extracts from Melaleuca leucadendra, Stephania longa, Microsorium fortune and Bidens biternata were demonstrated for the first time. The highest anticancer potential was observed for extracts prepared from Melaleuca leucadendra Linn against all tested cancer cells (BT20, A549, U2OS, and MCF7) with an IC₅₀ range of 3.1-32.7µg/mL. The selectivity index of the active samples varied from 0.1 to 25, and five extracts from Bidens biternata, Wedelia calendulacea, Stephania longa and Achras zapota showed significant selectivity against cancer cell lines versus normal cell lines. All tested extracts induced apoptosis in U2OS cells, and for the first time extracts from Melaleuca leucadendra and Microsorium fortune were shown to induce apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the in vitro anticancer efficacy and safety of 16 medicinal plants that have been historically used in Yao ethnomedicine. This study provides evidence to assist the clinical practice of Yao ethnomedicine and the development of chemotherapeutic agents from extracts prepared from these plants.

Chemistry and pharmacology of Bidens pilosa: an overview

Bidens pilosa L. is an edible herb and has been traditionally used for a wide range of ailments in many countries. The aim of this review is to present comprehensive information of the chemical constituents, nutraceutical and ethnomedical uses as well as the biological and pharmacological effects and toxicity of this plant based on 218 literary sources reported over 40 years. Major chemical constituents (including 301 compounds) belonging to polyacetylenes, polyacetylene glycosides, flavonoids, flavone glycosides, aurones, chalcones, okanin glycosides, phenolic acids, terpenes, pheophytins, fatty acids and phytosterols have been identified or isolated from the different parts of this plant. Many of them have been considered as the bioactive compounds which are potentially responsible for the pharmacological actions. Various types of preparations, extracts and individual compounds derived from this plant have been found to possess biological and pharmacological activities such as anti-malarial, anti-allergy, anti-hypertensive and smooth muscle relaxant, anti-cancerogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant. The results of data analysis on the chemicals, pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of B. pilosa validate the view of its folk worldwide-medicinal uses. This herb has a great beneficial therapeutic property and is possibly used for complement or alternative to pharmaceutical drugs in some specific cases. However, this herb is known as hyperaccumulator and as-excluder; therefore, harvesting the herb for medicinal uses should be judiciously cautioned.

Effect of a cocoa-enriched diet on immune response and anaphylaxis in a food allergy model in Brown Norway rats

Previous studies have demonstrated that cocoa intake decreased Th2 immune-related antibodies in rats. In consequence, we aimed to study in depth this cocoa action, particularly assessing its effect on a rat model of food allergy (FA) and also on an anaphylactic response. The involvement of the intestinal immune system was analyzed to allow the action mechanisms to be investigated. The role of cocoa flavonoids in the antiallergic properties of cocoa was also established. Brown Norway rats were fed either a reference diet or diets containing conventional cocoa (CC) or nonfermented cocoa (NFC). FA to ovalbumin (OVA) was induced and, later, an anaphylactic response was provoked. As expected, the synthesis of anti-OVA IgE and other Th2-related antibodies was inhibited by CC diet. In addition, the release of mast cell protease II after anaphylaxis was partially prevented by CC, although other variables were not modified. The CC diet also attenuated the increase of some Th2-related cytokines released from mesenteric lymph node and spleen cells, and modulated the intestinal gene expression of molecules involved in allergic response. These results demonstrated the local and systemic influence of CC diet. The effects of the NFC diet were weaker than those of CC, suggesting that cocoa components other than flavonoids play a role in cocoa's action. In conclusion, by acting on intestinal and systemic immune functions, a cocoa-enriched diet in rats exhibited a protective effect against FA and partially against anaphylaxis, making this a food of high interest to the fields of health and immunonutrition.

Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae): Botanical Properties, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

There are 230 to 240 known Bidens species. Among them, Bidens pilosa is a representative perennial herb, globally distributed across temperate and tropical regions. B. pilosa has been traditionally used in foods and medicines without obvious adverse effects. Despite significant progress in phytochemical and biological analyses of B. pilosa over the past few years, comprehensive and critical reviews of this plant are anachronistic or relatively limited in scope. The present review aims to summarize up-to-date information on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of B. pilosa from the literature. In addition to botanical studies and records of the traditional use of B. pilosa in over 40 diseases, scientific studies investigating the potential medicinal uses of this species and its constituent phytochemicals for a variety of disorders are presented and discussed. The structure, bioactivity, and likely mechanisms of action of B. pilosa and its phytochemicals are emphasized. Although some progress has been made, further rigorous efforts are required to investigate the individual compounds isolated from B. pilosa to understand and validate its traditional uses and develop clinical applications. The present review provides preliminary information and gives guidance for further basic and clinical research into this plant.

Effect on blood pressure of a dietary supplement containing traditional medicinal plants of Côte d'Ivoire

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A medicinal composition containing salt (sodium chloride) is given as a traditional dietary supplement to hypertensive patients (TDSHP) in Côte d'Ivoire. It consists of whole plant of Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) and fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae).

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to establish the scientific basis for the use of this traditional recipe rich in sodium chloride in hypertension settings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a total aqueous extract of this traditional dietary supplement containing medicinal plants (Bidens pilosa, Moringa oleifera) and salt (sodium chloride). Experiment was carried out to evaluate its effect on arterial blood pressure of rabbits. The experimental device used for recording blood pressure in rabbits is based on the principle of Ludwig mercury manometer.

RESULTS

TDSHP between 5×10(-8) and 5×10(-2) mg/kg caused a dose-dependent hypotension. TDSHP elicited drops in blood pressure ranging between 7.14±4 and 100±7.5%, compared to normal blood pressure of rabbits. Fifty percent effective dose of TDSHP was 3.95×10(-4) mg/kg. Similarly as the hypotension induced by acetylcholine, the one caused by TDSHP at dose of 3.95×10(-4) mg/kg in rabbit was progressively inhibited by atropine, dosed between 5×10(-4) to 5×10(-2) mg/kg. The percentage drop of recorded blood pressure ranged from 50.3±1.87 to 3.71±1.09% compared to the normal value of blood pressure. In the presence of atropine, TDSHP effect was partially inhibited. The same increasing doses of TDSHP reduced significantly the increase of blood pressure induced by adrenaline dosed at 4.76×10(-4) mg/kg from 89.3±2.19 to 1.19±0.59%.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of this traditional dietary supplement is justified in hypertensive patients according to its composition and its ability to reduce blood pressure has been demonstrated experimentally. TDSHP should not be considered as an antihypertensive drug, it remains to us a salt substitute to be taken with moderation with strict adherence to the traditional dose.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of derivatives from aerial parts of Baccharis uncinella

CONTEXT

Species of Baccharis exhibit antibiotic, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties, and have been used in the traditional medicine of South America for the treatment of inflammation, headaches, diabetes, and hepatobiliary disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of organic phases from EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Baccharis uncinella DC (Asteraceae).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The crude EtOH extract from the aerial parts of B. uncinella was subjected to partition procedures and the corresponding CH(2)Cl(2) and EtOAc phases were subjected to several chromatographic separation procedures. Thus, these phases and their purified compounds were assayed for evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity.

RESULTS

The CH(2)Cl(2) phase from EtOH extract from B. uncinella contained two triterpenoids (oleanolic and ursolic acids) and one flavonoid (pectolinaringenin), whereas the respective EtOAc phase showed to be composed mainly by two phenylpropanoid derivatives (caffeic and ferulic acids). The CH(2)Cl(2) and EtOAc phases as well as their isolated compounds exhibited anti-inflammatory effects against inflammatory reactions induced by phospholipase A2 (from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom) and by carrageenan.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the components obtained from partition phases of EtOH extract of B. uncinella could represent lead molecules for the development of anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, the results confirmed the use of Baccharis genus in the traditional medicine of South America for the treatment of inflammation and other heath disorders. To date, the present work describes for the first time the anti-inflammatory effects of compounds isolated from B. uncinella.

Compilation of secondary metabolites from Bidens pilosa L

Bidens pilosa L. is a cosmopolitan annual herb, known for its traditional use in treating various diseases and thus much studied for the biological activity of its extracts, fractions and isolated compounds. Polyacetylenes and flavonoids, typical metabolite classes in the Bidens genus, predominate in the phytochemistry of B. pilosa. These classes of compounds have great taxonomic significance. In the Asteraceae family, the acetylene moiety is widely distributed in the Heliantheae tribe and some representatives, such as 1-phenylhepta-1,3,5-triyne, are noted for their biological activity and strong long-wave UV radiation absorbance. The flavonoids, specifically aurones and chalcones, have been reported as good sub-tribal level markers. Natural products from several other classes have also been isolated from different parts of B. pilosa. This review summarizes the available information on the 198 natural products isolated to date from B. pilosa.

Effects of Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata Scherff on experimental gastric lesion

Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata Scherff: (BP) is a plant used as a traditional folk medicine. BP, cultivated with only green manure on Miyako Island, Okinawa prefecture, was processed to powder and is referred to as MMBP. We have reported that MMBP has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergy properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of MMBP on several experimental gastric lesions induced by HCl/EtOH, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or cold-restraint stress, comparing these results with those of rutin or anti-ulcerogenic drugs (cimetidine or sucralfate) based on the lesion index and hemorrhage from the gastric lesions. Orally administered MMBP prevented the progression of the gastric lesions. Moreover, treatment with MMBP, rutin, or sucralfate, which had potent antioxidative activity, inhibited increases in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the gastric mucosal lesions. The inhibition of the gastric mucosal TBARS content by MMBP may have been due to the antioxidant effects of MMBP. These results indicate that MMBP prevents the progression of acute gastric mucosal lesions, possibly by suppressing oxidative stress in the gastric mucosa.

An ethnobotanical study of traditional anti-inflammatory plants used by the Lohit community of Arunachal Pradesh, India

AIM OF THE STUDY

Most people especially in rural areas depend on herbal medicines to treat many diseases including inflammation-related ailments such as rheumatism, muscle swelling, cut wound, accidental bone fracture, insect bites, pains and burn by fire and hot water. The objectives of this study were: to catalog ethno-medicinal plants of Lohit community, ecological status, indigenous folk medicinal uses, morphological parts used and to determine their reported pharmacological studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethnobotanical information on traditional medicinal plants exclusively used for management of inflammation-related ailments by the Khampti community of Arunachal Pradesh, India was based on first-hand field survey work through semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

A total of 34 species in 32 genera and 22 families were encountered during the field survey. Botanical families such as Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Zingiberaceae and Lamiaceae were represented by the highest numbers of species reported in this study. Thirteen plant species, namely: Bombax ceiba, Canarium strictum, Chloranthus erectus, Xanthium indicum, Lycopodium clavatum, Coleus blumei, Batrachospermum atrum, Chlorella vulgaris, Marchantia palmata, Marchantia polymorpha, Eria pannea, Sterculia villosa and Alpinia galanga are reported for the first time for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.