Antiarthritic and antioxidant effects of the leaf extract of Ficus exasperata P. Beauv. (Moraceae)

Anti-Arthritic Effect of the Hydroethanolic Root Extract of Psydrax subcordata in Rats

Background

In Ghana, decoctions of various parts of Psydrax subcordata, Bridson (Rubiaceae) are employed in the management of inflammatory conditions. However, not much scientific data is available to back such folkloric use of the plant. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the chronic anti-inflammatory activity of hydroethanolic root extract of Psydrax subcordata (PSRE) using the adjuvant-induced arthritis model in rats.

Methods

Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model was used to assess the ameliorative effects of PSRE in chronic inflammation. The effect of PSRE on tissue and joint integrity in arthritis was also evaluated by histopathology and microscopy. The effect of PSRE on oxidative markers and serum transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 was also determined via chemical assays.

Results

Oral PSRE (30–300 mg/kg) inhibited both ipsilateral and contralateral paw arthritis when given prophylactically and therapeutically in rats. It reduced paw defect on X-ray with histologically-reduced inflammatory cells and synovial hyperplasia. Finally, PSRE significantly reduced TGF-beta 1 levels and raised antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels in arthritic rats.

Conclusion

The findings show that hydroethanolic root extract of Psydrax subcordata possesses anti-inflammatory properties in rodents.

Chemical findings and in vitro biological studies to uphold the use of Ficus exasperata Vahl leaf and stem bark

Ficus exasperata Vahl, commonly known as sandpaper, is a terrestrial Afro-tropical tree used in popular medicine. Despite the existence of some works on the biological activities of this species, its chemical composition is still poorly known. The aim of this study was to extend the knowledge on the phytochemistry and biological properties of this species. Aqueous extracts from F. exasperata leaves and stem bark were analysed. Thirty-one phenolic compounds, comprising cinnamoyl derivatives, flavonoid-O-glycosides, flavonoid-mono-C-glycosides, flavonoid-di-C-glycosides and one furanocoumarin, were determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, 26 of them being reported for the first time in this species. The profile of organic acids, characterized by HPLC-UV, was also reported for the first time. The best radical scavenging activity was observed for the aqueous extract from leaves (IC₅₀ values of 222.5, 510.0 and 50.0 μg/mL against DPPH^•, ^•NO and O₂^•-, respectively). In addition, both aqueous extracts of the leaves and stem bark displayed a weak effect on α-amylase, and no cytotoxicity against gastric adenocarcinoma cell line, AGS. This study contributes to the valorisation of these vegetal materials, which may have application in functional foods and/or nutraceuticals.

Wound-healing Activity of the Aqueous Leaf Extract and Fractions of Ficus exasperata (Moraceae) and its Safety Evaluation on Albino Rats

Ficus exasperata have been reported to have wide applications in the treatment of many human diseases. However, its traditional use in the treatment of wounds has not been validated by any scientific study. Also, its safety in the management of chronic disease conditions requires attention. We evaluated the wound-healing activity of the aqueous extract and fractions of F. exasperata, as well as its safety after subchronic oral administration. Similar percentage of wound contraction was observed with 5% w/w extract ointment application and administration of cicatrin powder (standard) on the 4(th) day, while better contraction than the standard was recorded with higher concentrations of the extract ointment. Of all the fractions tested, significant (P < 0.05) contraction was only noticed in chloroform fraction, though lower than that of the aqueous extract. The extract also showed concentration-dependent inhibition of all the tested microbial isolates. Extract administered up to 5000 mg/kg (single dose administration) did not cause any mortality after 24 h. Mortality was, however, recorded at 4000 mg/kg within the first 20 days of subchronic administration of the extract. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), and in particular, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed at different doses and time periods. Pathological and histological changes were noticed in the liver and kidney on the 91(st) day of the study with 4000 mg/kg of the extract. Except for the significant (P < 0.05) reduction in WBC on the 91(st) day, no other significant (P < 0.05) changes were observed in other hematological parameters. The aqueous extract demonstrated better wound-healing activity than its fractions; however, the extract may not be safe at higher doses for subchronic oral administration, as may be the case in the management of chronic disease conditions.

The use of plants in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria: pharmacological and toxicological considerations

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The prevalence of diabetes is on a steady increase worldwide and it is now identified as one of the main threats to human health in the 21st century. In Nigeria, the use of herbal medicine alone or alongside prescription drugs for its management is quite common. We hereby carry out a review of medicinal plants traditionally used for diabetes management in Nigeria. Based on the available evidence on the species׳ pharmacology and safety, we highlight ways in which their therapeutic potential can be properly harnessed for possible integration into the country׳s healthcare system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical information was obtained from a literature search of electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus up to 2013 for publications on medicinal plants used in diabetes management, in which the place of use and/or sample collection was identified as Nigeria. 'Diabetes' and 'Nigeria' were used as keywords for the primary searches; and then 'Plant name - accepted or synonyms', 'Constituents', 'Drug interaction' and/or 'Toxicity' for the secondary searches.

RESULTS

The hypoglycemic effect of over a hundred out of the 115 plants reviewed in this paper is backed by preclinical experimental evidence, either in vivo or in vitro. One-third of the plants have been studied for their mechanism of action, while isolation of the bioactive constituent(s) has been accomplished for twenty three plants. Some plants showed specific organ toxicity, mostly nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic, with direct effects on the levels of some liver function enzymes. Twenty eight plants have been identified as in vitro modulators of P-glycoprotein and/or one or more of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, while eleven plants altered the levels of phase 2 metabolic enzymes, chiefly glutathione, with the potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs.

CONCLUSION

This review, therefore, provides a useful resource to enable a thorough assessment of the profile of plants used in diabetes management so as to ensure a more rational use. By anticipating potential toxicities or possible herb-drug interactions, significant risks which would otherwise represent a burden on the country׳s healthcare system can be avoided.

Therapeutic effect of umbelliferon-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(2(I)→1(II))-α-D-glucopyranoside on adjuvant-induced arthritic rats

The aim and objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the antiarthritic and antioxidant effect of umbelliferon-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(2I→1II)-α-D-glucopyranoside (UFD) in chemically induced arthritic rats. The different doses of the UFD were tested against the turpentine oil (TO), formaldehyde induced acute arthritis and complete fruend's adjuvant (CFA) induced chronic arthritis in Wistar rats. Arthritic assessment and body weight was measured at regular interval till 28 days. On day 28, all the groups animals were anaesthetized, blood were collected from the puncturing the ratro orbital and estimated the hematological parameters. The animals were sacrificed; synovial tissue was extracted and estimated the malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The different doses of the UFD showed the protective effect against turpentine oil, formaldehyde induced acute arthritis and CFA induced chronic arthritis at dose dependent manner. Acute model of arthritis such as TOand formaldehyde induced inflammation due to releasing of the inflammatory mediators; significantly inhibited by the UFD at dose dependent manner. CFA induced arthritic rats treated with the different doses of the UFD showed the inhibitory effect on the delayed increase in joint diameter as seen in arthritic control group rats. UFD significantly improved the arthritic index, body weight and confirmed the antiarthritic effect. UFD showed the effect on the hematological parameter such as improved the level of the RBC, Hb and decline the level of the EBC, ESR and confirmed the immune suppressive effect. UFD significantly improved the level of the endogenous antioxidant and confirmed the antioxidant effect. This present investigation suggests that the UFD has prominent antiarthritic impact which can be endorsed to its antiarthritic and antioxidant effects.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of flavonoid glycosides from Ficus exasperata Vahl-Holl (moraceae) leaves

BACKGROUND

Ficus exasperata Vahl-Holl (Moraceae) leaves are used for infectious and inflammatory conditions in many West African Countries. However, there is need for more phytochemical studies to justify the ethnomedicinal uses of the plant.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The crude 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaves was partitioned successively between water and; n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The fractions were subjected to antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion test. n-Butanol fraction, which showed both antimicrobial and radical scavenging activities was subjected to repeated chromatographic fractionation on both silica and Sephadex LH-20 columns. Each stage of the purification was monitored by thin layer chromatographic diphenylpicryl hydrazyl autographic assay. Three compounds were isolated. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, shift reagent studies, acid hydrolysis, and by comparison with literature data.

RESULTS

The compounds were identified as apigenin C-8 glucoside (1), isoquercitrin-6-O-4-hydroxybenzoate (2) and quercetin-3-O-β-rhamnoside (3). The solvent fractions and isolated compounds were found to inhibit the growth of Gram +ve organisms only.

CONCLUSION

These flavonoid glycosides are being reported in this plant species for the first time. Their weak in vitro antimicrobial activity suggest the flavonoids may be acting as pro-drug. The radical scavenging activity of the compounds may justify some of the ethnomedicinal uses of the plant as free radicals are implicated in the aetiology of many inflammatory diseases.

Anthelmintic potential of three plants used in Nigerian ethnoveterinary medicine

CONTEXT

The leaves of Irvingia gabonensis Baill. Ex Lanen (Irvingiaceae), Ficus exasperata Vahl (Moraceae), and Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) are folklorically used in treating worm infestation in Eastern Nigeria. The anthelmintic potential of the ethanol extracts of the leaves of I. gabonensis, F. exasperata, and V. amygdalina was investigated.

MATERIALS

Acute toxicity tests were done in mice using 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg/bw of extracts. In vitro larval assays of Heligmosomoides bakeri larvae at various extract concentrations (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) were done. Mice experimentally infected with H. bakeri were treated with F. exasperata extract (200, 400, 800 mg/kg).

RESULTS

At concentrations of 500, 250, and 125 mg/ml F. exasperata caused 100% larval mortality. V. amygdalina extract caused 71.43, 57.14, and 57.14% larval deaths while I. gabonensis extract caused 71.43, 57.14, and 42.9% larval deaths at the same concentrations. There was no significant difference in the fecal egg output, packed cell volumes and body weights of the F. exasperata treated mice when compared with the infected untreated group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Leaf extracts of F. exasperata, V. amygdalina, and I. gabonensis exhibited varying degrees of larvicidal activities on the infective stage larvae of H. bakeri in vitro whereas F. exasperata showed no activity on the parasites in vivo.