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Aqueous extract ofDiospyros mespiliformisleaves and stem bark in Nangere Local Government area of Yobe State were analyzed for its elemental and photochemical constituents. The Elemental analysis which was carried out with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) showed that the plant contains calcium [Ca], manganese [Mn], magnesium [Mg], lead [Pb], copper [Cu] and Zinc [Zn] in moderate quantity while cadmium [Cd] and cobalt [Co] were not detected. Qualitative method was used for the phytochemical analysis and the result revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phlobatannins, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids in both the leaves and the stem bark extracts of the plant while glycosides are present in the leave extract but absent in the stem bark extract. The phytochemical and the elemental constituents of the plant may account for its varied enthnobotanical uses in traditional medicine in Nigeria.&nbsp

Diospyros mespiliformis is among the popular multipurpose tropical fruit trees, commonly used as herbal medicines. However, due to the lack of adequate scientific data on the safety of this plant, the present study was conducted to determine the phytochemical compositions and acute toxicity profile of the crude methanol extract of D. mespiliformis. In addition, diospyrin, a bioactive compound from the plant was evaluated for in silico drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics (PKs) and acute toxicity. The phytochemical contents of the plant were quantified using standardized protocols while the 50% lethal dose (LD50) was evaluated using Lorke’s methods. Results revealed that flavonoids (265.46±0.32 mg/g) are the most abundant phytochemical in methanol leaf extract of D. mespiliformis, followed by alkaloids (224.56±0.19 mg/g) and phenols (191.82±0.04 mg/g) while saponins (7.90±0.32 mg/g) was the least abundant phytochemical. The plant extract has LD50 of > 5000 mg/kg in rats. No death was recorded throughout the study period. Similarly, no behavioural changes were observed in animals dosed with the crude extract at 10 -2900 mg/kg BW. Animals administered 5000 mg/kg BW were hyperactive, restless, and displayed profused breathing which lasted only for 30 minutes after administrations. Diospyrin a bioactive compound from D. mespiliformis demonstrated good druglike candidates and exhibited a high safety profile as revealed by in silico study. In conclusion, the crude methanol extract of D. mespiliformis and its bioactive compound is well-tolerated and non-toxic to rats, and thus could be considered a safe medicinal plant for acute oral remedies

Previous work stated that Khaya senegalensis, Anacardium ouest L., Pterocarpus erinaceus, Diospyros mespiliformis, Ocimum gratissimum, Manihot esculenta, Vernonia amygdalina Delile, and Daniellia oliveri have a great potential for the fight against infectious diarrhea. However, data on their antibacterial activity on strains of bacteria responsible for infectious diarrhea are not available. This study is aimed at elucidating the mechanism of action of the antibacterial effect of these plants on some bacterial strains responsible for diarrheal infections. The design of the study included first evaluating the degree of sensitivity of Salmonella typhimurium 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. strains to aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of each plant, followed by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiotic power (Pa). This screening was completed with the evaluation of the possible mode of action of the extracts by testing the membrane permeability of these bacterial strains. The data collected indicate that the bacterial strains tested were sensitive to the extracts to varying degrees, except Cassia sieberiana DC and Pseudocedrela kotschyi extracts. For the active extracts, inhibition diameters ranged from 18.33 mm to 7 mm. With the exception of Escherichia coli, all strains were sensitive to the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Anacardium occidentale. MICs vary between 3.37 and 25 mg/ml. Membrane permeability test data show that all active extracts affect the bacterial strains tested by attacking the stability of their outer membrane. For all active extracts, the high percentage of membrane destabilization of the bacteria is significantly ( p < 0.05 ) better than that of cefixime used as a reference. Thus, it appears that these extracts can destroy Gram-negative bacteria and increase the fluidity and permeability of their cytoplasmic membrane. The knowledge of the mechanism of action of these extracts is an interesting contribution to the fundamental knowledge on the alternative that medicinal plants represent to antibiotics. These extracts can be used in the management of infectious diarrhea.

Background and aimThis study was carried out to investigate antiplasmodial activities of Diospyros mespiliformis (DM) and Mondia whitei (MW) in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.Materials and methodsAir-dried stem of DM and root of MW were soaked in methanol, decanted and concentrated to give extracts. Parts of these extracts were partitioned successively to give dichloromethane, ethylacetate and methanol fractions. Mice (18 ± 3 g) were infected with Plasmodium berghei-infected erythrocytes from a donor mouse and were treated with the extracts, while the drug control group received 10 mg/kg body weight of artesunate and the parasitized control received the vehicle (5% v/v DMSO). Percentage parasitemia and clearance were estimated from thin films of blood smear. Hematological parameters were determined using standard methods. Both extracts were also tested on in vitro inhibition of β-hematin formation.Results, discussion and conclusionResults showed that DM had the least percentage parasitemia (0.67%) and highest percentage parasite clearance (84.7%) while the MW had 0.89% percentage parasitemia and 79.7% clearance at the highest dose used after the seventh day relative to untreated control. The cell free antiplasmodial activity of the fractions and extracts of both DM and MW revealed that DM significantly inhibited β-hematin formation than MW. The packed cell volume, white blood cell count, Lymphocyte, Eosinophil, Monocyte and Neutrophil significantly increased in the treated groups compared with the control. The results showed that the DM had higher antiplasmodial activity.

African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects both humans and animals. This study investigated the antitrypanosomal activities of crude and an alkaloidal fraction of Diospyros mespiliformis in Trypanosoma evansi – infected rats. A total of twenty-one (21) albino rats were infected with Trypanosoma evansi and grouped into seven (A-G) of 3 rats each. Group A serve as normal control, groups B and C were given 0.2 ml normal saline/kg BW and 3.5 mg/kg BW diminazene aceturate respectively, groups D and E were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg BW alkaloidal while groups E and F received crude extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively for twelve days. Results revealed that both crude and an alkaloidal fraction of D. mespiliformis exhibited significant (p

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the major public health issues in the world with Methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) being categorized among the highest in terms of global resistance by World Health Organization (WHO). It is one of the world’s leading causes of bacterial infections with diseases caused ranging from mild skin infections to severe life-threatening septicemia. Hence the need to search for, novel therapeutic agents that may be of plant origin and effective against MRSA. These new approaches should, possibly be less expensive and more effective with minimal side effects. In the present study, antibacterial activity of leaf ethyl acetate extracts ofDiospyros mespiliformiswas evaluated againstmecApositive isolates of MRSA strains obtained from backyard poultry. Well agar diffusion test was performed on themecApositive isolates using leaf ethyl acetate extract ofD. mespiliformisat 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL, and 6.25 mg/mL using 100% dimethyl sulfoxide as negative control.50 mg/mL had the highest activity of 22.4±0.90 mm followed by 25 mg/mL with 21.2±0.84 mm, 12.5 mg/mL with 19.6±1.14, 6.25 mg/mL with 13.2±4.87 while 100% DMSO had no antibacterial effect. Comparison between the different concentrations showed significant difference (p D. mespiliformishad antibacterial concentration dependent effect on MRSA.

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC. Tree, in wooded savannah, open forest and thicket, often on termite mounds. C.N.: mulende, mumbi, musolveira (pt). Uses: food, medicinal, timber. Conservation: EN (Costa et al. 2019), Published as part of Monteiro, Francisca, Costa, Esperança Da, Kissanga, Raquel, Costa, José Carlos & Catarino, Luís, 2022, An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Quiçama National Park, Angola, pp. 1-67 in Phytotaxa 557 (1) on page 29, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.557.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6985699, {"references":["Costa, E., Adao, T., Pedro, M., Catarino, S. & Romeiras, M. M. (2019) Plantas Ameacadas em Angola-Estado Actual. Revista Internacional em Lingua Portuguesa 35: 31 - 43. https: // doi. org / 10.31492 / 2184 - 2043. RILP 2018.35 / pp. 31 - 43"]}

The present study investigated the antitrypanosomal activities of crude and an alkaloidal fraction of Diospyros mespiliformis in Trypanosoma evansi - infected rats. A total of twenty-one (21) rats were divided into seven (7) groups of three (3) rats each. Groups 1-6 were infected with the T. evansi parasite and were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg BW crude extract, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW of the alkaloid fraction of D. mespiliformis, 3.5mg/kg of berenil (standard control) and 0.2 mL/kg BW of normal saline (negative control) respectively. Group 7 serves as the normal control (non-infected and non-treated) rats. Results revealed that the crude extract at 400 mg/kg BW and alkaloid fraction at all doses tested (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) significantly (P

This study was carried out at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Kebbi State, to determine the effect of silvicultural treatments on the germination and early growth of Diospyros mespiliformis. The study was carried out in the Forestry Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture. The effectiveness of nine (9) different presowingtreatments were assessed, control inclusive. Treatment 1 (TRT1) seeds were soaked in tap water for 48 hours, Treatment 2 (TRT2) seeds were mechanically scarified opposite to microphyle, treatments 3, 4, and 5 (TRT3, TRT4, TRT5) seeds were immersed in H2SO4 for 5, 10 and 15 minutes respectively, treatments 6, 7 and 8 (TRT6, TRT7 and TRT8) seeds were soaked in hot water (100oC) for 5, 10 and 15 minutes respectively and untreated seeds (CNTRL). Completely Randomized Design with three (3) replications was used. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).Seeds of D. mespiliformis subjected to TRT1, TRT2, TRT3, TRT6, TRT7 and TRT8 recorded with highest FGP (100%) and was found to differ significantly (P

Objectif: Diospyros mespiliformis est une espèce fruitière très appréciée par la population rurale. Cette étude vise à caractériser l’impact son utilisation au Niger principalement dans les régions de Dosso, Maradi et Tillabéri. Méthodologie et Résultats : Une enquête ethnobotanique était réalisée en utilisant un échantillonnage stratifié à trois niveaux (phytogéographique, hydrographique et administratif) et portant sur 600 répondants. Les résultats ont montré que c’est une plante sauvage intensément exploitée dont la distribution spatiale est fonction de zones agro-climatiques. Son délai de première production fruitière varie entre 5 et 11 ans selon 41,25% des enquêtés. En effet, toutes ses parties sont utilisées ce qui contribue à sa régression (98,2% de répondants). Ainsi, les fruits sont vendus localement entre 100 et 400F cfa le kilogramme et le bois commercialisé. Ses parties traitent plus de 33 symptômes et maladies. Conclusions et application de la recherche: Diospyros mespiliformis est une espèce en régression du fait de sa surexploitation au Niger. En dépit des fonctions et des services fournis, D. mespiliformis ne fait pas l’objet d’une protection particulière même si les ruraux tentent tant bien que mal de le faire. Ce travail contribue à une prise de décision pour freiner l’érosion génétique de cette espèce. Mots clés : Diospyros mespiliformis, utilisations, ruraux, Niger. Peasant’s perception of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. Rich use of in Niger. ABSTRACT Objective: D. mespilifomis is a prized species among the peasants. This study aimsto characterize its use in Dosso, Maradi and Tillabéri areas in Niger country. Methodology and Results: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out using a stratified sampling at three levels (phytogeographic, hydrographic and administrative) and including 600 persons.The results showed that it is an intensely exploited wild plant whose spatial distribution is a function of agro-climatic zones. Its first fruit production varies between 5 and 11 years Ali et al., J. Appl. Biosci. 2021 Perception paysanne de l’utilisation de Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. Rich au Niger. 16461 according to 41.25% of respondents. Indeed, all its parts are used which contributes to its regression (98.2% of respondents). Thus the fruits are sold locally between 100 and 400F cfa per kilogram and the timber traded. Its parts treat more than 33 symptoms and diseases. Conclusions and application of findings: Diospyros mespiliformis is a regressed species beacause of its anthropogenic use in Niger. Despite these functions and services provided, D. mespiliformis is not the object of special protection even if the rural ones try somehow to do so. This study contributes to a decision making to slow down genetic erosion of this species. Keywords: Diospyros mespiliformis, uses, rural, Niger.

Diospyros mespiliformis est une espèce d’arbre très peu étudiée malgré son importance pour les communautés locales au Bénin. Cette étude a évalué la variabilité des usages de l’espèce et de ses organes suivant les facteurs sociodémographiques (la provenance, les catégories socioculturelles, le sexe, l’âge et la profession des utilisateurs). Une enquête auprès de 233 participants a été réalisée dans les communes de Tchaourou, Sinendé et Bembèrèkè. La fréquence de citation, les usages rapportés et l’indice d’importance des organes de l’espèce ont été calculés. Des analyses de la covariance sur les usages totaux rapportés ont été effectuées afin d’évaluer les déterminants des usages de l’espèce. Des analyses en composantes principales ont été effectuées afin de caractériser les usages, suivant les déterminants des usages de l’espèce. Les résultats ont révélé que le sexe, l’âge et la provenance socioculturelle (P

The effect of methanolic extract of African Ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) on glucose level, liver and kidney function biomarkers in alloxan induced diabetic rat was investigated. The rats were grouped into four of ten (10) rats each. The rats in Group B, C and D were induced with 0.4mL of alloxan. Group C was treated with 0.3 mL of methanol stem back of Diospyros mespiliformis, Group D was treated with 1.3 mL of metformin; Group A non-diabetic and Group B diabetic untreated. There was a significance increase (P

Diospyros mespiliformis“Jackal berry” (also known as African ebony and by its Afrikaan name Jackal bessie). In hausa its called kanya, igi dudu (black wood) in Yoruba and Onye-oji (Black fellow) in igbo. It is widely used locally in treating various ailments such as fever, whooping cough, wounds, malaria, pheumonia, syphilis, leprosy and host of other ailment without proper scientific validation. This investigation is aimed at validating the scientific use of Diospyros mespiliformis leaf and stem bark using two solvents, methanol and aqueous. Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and glycoside. The extracts were tested against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. The antibacterial activity of the stem bark extracts revealed higher activity against E. coli, S.typhi and S. aureus than the leaf extracts. The mean range of zones of inhibition of stem bark at 100mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml varies between 19.29± 3.82 and 5.71± 2.05 while that of leaf extract ranges from 17.71± 2.06 and 5.43±1.13 at 100mg/ml and 12.5 respectively. Key words: Antibacterial, Phytochemicals, Diospyros mespiliformis, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • The oral toxicity effect of crude methanolic extract (CMX) of Diospyros mespiliformis hochst ex a. Dc (ebenaceae) was studied. • Crude methanolic extract of D. mespiliformis has an LD50 higher than 5 g/kg post oral treatment in rats, thus relatively safe. • The leaf and bark ethyl acetate fractions of D. mespiliformis were relatively safe post 28-days repeated treatment in rats., Diospyros mespiliformis, commonly called Jackal berry or African ebony, belongs to the plant family, Ebenaceae. The roots, barks and leaves have been used traditionally to treat wide varieties of conditions, however, there is limited information and literature reports concerning the toxicity and safety of this plant. The present study was conducted to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the crude methanolic extract of Diospyros mespiliformis and its fraction in Wistar rats. Diospyros mespiliformis was extracted by methanol 96 %. The crude methanolic extract was then fractionated into low, average and high polar compounds using hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol respectively. For the acute toxicity study, the revised limit Dose Test of “Up and Down” procedure according to the OECD guideline was used to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) of the crude methanolic leaf and bark extracts using a single fixed dose (5 g/kg) of the extracts administered by oral-gavage sequentially to 5 female Wistar rats. The rats were observed for instant death and toxicity signs for 24 h and then daily for 14 days. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, the bark and leaf ethyl acetate fractions (extract) was administered orally at doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg bw /day respectively for 28 days to healthy Wistar rats. At the end of the experimental period, body weight, certain haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Results showed that acute oral administration of crude methanolic extract of Diospyros mespiliformis (5 g/kg bw) produced neither mortality nor visible changes in behavior or any other physiological activities and indicated that the LD50 of crude methanolic leaf and bark extract was greater than 5 g/kg bw in Wistar Rats. In the 28-days repeated dose oral toxicity study, no significant toxic effects was detected in any of the parameters evaluated. In conclusion, the crude methanolic extract was found safe in the acute toxicity study and the ethyl acetate fraction of Diospyros mespiliformis in the sub chronic study in rats could be safe for therapeutic purposes over a period not exceeding 28 days.

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. est une espèce d’arbre à usage multiple des forêts tropicales sèches qui est encore exploitée à l’état sauvage et dont les pratiques sylviculturales ne sont pas documentées. La présente étude avait pour but d’appréhender les perceptions paysannes sur l’importance socio-économique, le niveau de vulnérabilité et la pratique de la culture de cette espèce dans la zone soudanienne du Tchad. L’approche méthodologique a consisté en des enquêtes réalisées auprès de 350 personnes réparties dans 10 villages, ainsi que des observations de terrain. Les résultats ont montré que D. mespiliformis est bien connu des populations locales (100 % des enquêtés) qui en font usage dans six catégories d’usage, avec un large consensus au niveau des utilisations médicinales (Cs = 0,96), alimentaires (Cs = 0,33), dans les constructions (Cs = 0,26) et comme bois d’énergie (Cs = 0,24). Par contre le consensus est resté faible pour l’utilisation dans l’artisanat (Cs = - 0,76) et comme bois d’œuvre (Cs = - 0,83). Selon 80,2 % des répondants, les revenus tirés de l’exploitation de cette ressource contribuent significativement à l’amélioration du bien-être des ménages. En dehors de la cueillette et du ramassage des fruits, toutes les autres méthodes de récolte citées par les répondants (écorçage, prélèvement des racines, effeuillage et abatage) sont destructives, mais seulement 17,7 % des répondants en sont conscients. Une tendance régressive de la dynamique du peuplement de l’espèce est perçue par la majorité (52 %) des répondants. Selon 83,5 % des enquêtés, les habitudes en matière de culture de cette espèce sont rares voire inexistantes, à cause des difficultés de germination des graines, de la rareté des graines et des conditions climatiques défavorables à la réussite du drageonnage. Les répondants dans la quasi-totalité (99 %) se sont déclarés prêts à adopter la pratique de la culture de la plante si les contraintes de régénération sont levées. Les résultats de cette étude indiquent clairement que D. mespiliformis serait une espèce propice à la domestication participative pour l’intensification du système agroforestier dans la zone soudanienne du Tchad. Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. is a multipurpose tree species from tropical dry forests that is still exploited in the wild and whose silvicultural practices are not documented. The aim of this study was to understand the peasants’ perceptions on the socio-economic importance, the level of vulnerability and the cultivation practice of this species in the Sudanese zone of Chad. The methodological approach consisted of surveys carried out among 350 people in 10 villages, as well as field observations. The results showed that D. mespiliformis is well known to local populations (100% of respondents) who use it in six categories of use, with a broad consensus for use in medicine (Cs = 0.96), food (Cs = 0.33), constructions (Cs = 0.26) and as fuelwood (Cs = 0.24). On the other hand, the consensus remained weak for use in crafts (Cs = - 0.76) and as lumber (Cs = - 0.83). According to 80.2 % of respondents, income from the exploitation of this resource significantly contributes to improving household well-being. Apart from picking and collecting fruit, all other harvesting methods cited by respondents (debarking, root picking, leaf stripping and felling) are destructive, but only 17.7 % of respondents are aware of this. A regressive trend in the population dynamics of the species is perceived by the majority (52 %) of respondents. According to 83.5 % of respondents, the cultivation habits of this species are rare or even non-existent, because of poor seed germination, the scarcity of seeds and climatic conditions unfavorable to the success of suckering. Almost all respondents (99 %) declared themselves ready to adopt the practice of growing the plant if the regeneration constraints are lifted. The results of this study clearly indicate that D. mespiliformis would be an interesting species for participatory domestication for the intensification of the agro-forestry system in the Sudanese zone of Chad.

There are several underexploited plant seeds or fruits in Nigeria with little information about their chemical composition. To this end a comprehensive study on fatty acid, phospholipids and phytosterols composition of bitter melon (Momordica charaantia) fruit and ebony tree (Diospyros mespiliformis) fruit pulp were determined using standard analytical techniques. The most concentrated fatty acid (%) was linoleic acid in Momordica charantia fruit (45.47) and 44.82 in Diospyros mespiliformis fruit pulp. The increasing order of the concentrated fatty acids in Momordica charantia fruit were: linolenic acid (2.38) < stearic acid (7.52) < oleic acid (20.18) < palmitic acid (23.64) < linoleic acid (45.47) while that of Diospyros mespiliformis fruit pulp were: linolenic acid (5.73) < stearic acid (8.62) < oleic acid (18.95) < palmitic acid (20.88) < linoleic acid (44.82). Arachidonic, arachidic, palmitoleic, margaric, behenic, erucic, lignoceric, myristic, lauric, capric and caprylic acids were present in small quantities with none of them recording up to 1.0% in both of the two samples. The results also showed low concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (20.41%) in Momordica charantia fruit and 19.13% in Diospyros mespiliformis fruit pulp, and values of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were 2.44 and 5.78% for the two samples, respectively. The respective phospholipids composition showed a highest concentration of phosphatidylcholine in Momordica charantia and Diospyros mespiliformis (100.31and 88.12 mg/100 g) while lysophosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid were the least concentrate values of 12.62 and 14.52 mg/100 g in Momordicacharantia and Diospyros mespiliformis, respectively. The concentrations of phytosterols were of low values except in sitosterol with values of 153.28 and 119.46 mg/100 g in Momordica charantia and Diospyros mespiliformis, respectively. This study provides an informative lipid profile that will serve as a basis for further chemical investigations and nutritional evaluation of Momordica charantia fruit and Diospyros mespiliformis fruit pulp. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.54(4), 367-374, 2019

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is a common practice in developing countries. However, this unregulated or poorly rational use may present a dose-dependent risk of toxicity to humans. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical and toxicological characteristics of ten (10) plant species used in the traditional treatment of infectious diarrhea in Benin. The acute toxicity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Daniellia oliveri, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Vernonia amygdalina, Manihot esculenta, Ocimum gratissimum, Senna italica, Diospyros mespiliformis, Pterocarpus erinaceus, and Anacardium occidentale was evaluated following the OECD 423 protocol at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. This safety test was complemented by a larval cytotoxicity test. Hematological and biochemical examinations, as well as a histological study of the liver and kidneys, were performed. Larval cytotoxicity was assessed by the sensitivity of Artemia salina larvae to different concentrations of the plant extracts studied. Testing for chemical compounds was performed on the basis of differential staining and precipitation reactions. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) was determined by the probit method. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the plants studied revealed the presence of catechic tannins, gallic tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and sterol-terpenes, alkaloids, saponosides, and reducing compounds. This composition varied according to the plants studied. Acute toxicity data indicated that there was no mortality and no structural and functional alterations of the liver and kidneys of treated animals. Larval cytotoxicity data suggest that the plants studied are not cytotoxic (LC50 ≥ 0.1 mg/mL). These observations reflect the safety of these plants and justify their use in traditional medicine in the treatment of many diseases including diarrheal diseases.

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of malaria is gaining global attention due to their efficacy and cost effectiveness. This study evaluated the bioactivity-guided antiplasmodial efficacy and immunomodulatory effects of solvent fractions of Diospyros mespiliformis in mice infected with a susceptible strain of Plasmodium berghei (NK 65). The crude methanol extract of the stem of D. mespiliformis (DM) was partitioned between n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Male Swiss mice (20 ± 2 g) infected with P. berghei were grouped and treated with vehicle (10 mL/kg, control), Artemether lumefantrine (10 mg/kg), 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of D. mespiliformis for seven days. Blood was obtained for heme and hemozoin contents while serum was obtained for inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins G and M assessments. Liver mitochondria were isolated for mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT), mitochondrial F1F0 ATPase (mATPase) and lipid peroxidation (mLPO) assays. The GC–MS was used to identify the compounds present in the most potent fraction. The dichloromethane fraction had the highest parasite clearance and improved hematological indices relative to the drug control. The heme values increased, while the hemozoin content significantly (P β and IL-6 values did not vary linearly with the dose. Lupeol and Stigmastan-3,5-diene were the most abundant phytochemicals in the DF. The outcome of this study showed that the DF has immunomodulatory effects in infected mice, reduced proliferation of the malaria parasite and thus protect liver cells.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. and Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels are traditionally used in Africa for the treatment of malaria. However, scientific evidence to substantiate this folkloric claim and their effects on liver mitochondria during malaria treatment have not been reported. Aim of the study This study investigated the efficacy of D. mespiliformis and M. whitei against chloroquine-sensitive and resistant strains of malarial parasites in mice. It also investigated the toxicity and protection against cellular organelles like mitochondria. Materials and methods Male Swiss mice were infected with a chloroquine resistant (ANKA) strain of Plasmodium berghei and were treated via oral gavage with methanol extracts of D. mespiliformis and M. whitei reconstituted in diluted dimethylsulfoxide as vehicle (DMSO, 5% v/v) for five consecutive days. Percentage parasite load and clearance were assessed by microscopy. The infected control was treated with the vehicle. Hematological indices were assessed using standard procedures. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined using assay kits. Hepatic mitochondria were isolated via centrifugation, and their permeability transition (mPT), ATPase (mATPase) activity and lipid peroxidation (mLPO) were determined spectroscopically. Liver tissue histology was carried out by standard laboratory procedures. Phytochemical analysis of both extracts were performed using LC-MS to identify the most prominent compounds from each of the extracts. Results After treatment on day 5, D. mespiliformis and M. whitei at 400 mg/kg decreased mean values for: percentage parasitemia (5.0 ± 1.0, 2.0 ± 0.2), increased Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (36.0 ± 1.4, 36.0 ± 0.0%) and platelets (2.0 ± 1.4, 2.0 ± 2.8 × 105mm3) relative to the untreated control (20.0 ± 5.2; 30.0 ± 0.0%; 1.4 ± 1.4 × 105 mm3, respectively). At the same dose, D. mespiliformis and M. whitei decreased ALT (8.0 ± 3.8, 24.2 ± 4.0U/L), AST (6.2 ± 0.8, 8.0 ± 0.9U/L) and ALP (56.0 ± 0.7, 51.0 ± 1.0U/L) activities compared to the infected control (77.0 ± 10.9U/L, 14.0 ± 0.7U/L and 76.0 ± 6.0U/L, respectively). Both D. mespiliformis and M. whitei reversed mPT opening, decreased mATPase enhancement and mLPO, relative to the control. Histopathology of the liver showed extensive hemorrhagic lesions and severe disseminated congestion in the infected control while both D. mespiliformis and M. whitei were well tolerated at the highest dose. The LC-MS analysis of D. mespiliformis showed the presence of betulinic acid, tocopherol and kaempferol with antimalarial and antioxidant properties while the M. whitei sample contained coumarin and chlorogenic acid that have antimalarial and hepato-protective properties. Conclusions D. mespiliformis and M. whitei show antimalarial effects against resistant Plasmodium berghei infection, enhanced cell viability, mito-protection and are not toxic in mice.

Heterogeneous physiognomy and observed diversity of woody vegetation in savanna are considered as specific responses of seedling species during their growth to the given site characteristics changeable with time. Consequently, understanding early plant attitude using different growth soil is an important indicator in choosing species to introduce or to assist natural or artificial regeneration to the extent that establishment and productivity of plant species are not solely controlled by the effects of habitat modification and/or environmental resource availability but mostly by seedling quality. This study focused on comparative assessment of growth performance and adaptive traits of early seedlings of Balanites aegyptiaca, Diospyros mespiliformis and Tamarindus indica three multipurpose species between of Macrotermes subhyalinus mound and surrounding area in order to understand the attitudes of woody species hosted by termite mounds. Seedlings of similar age per species were grown in plastic bags as pots containing composite soils sampled till a depth of 30 cm on mounds and surrounding area in Tiogo state forest and of which the amount of retained water, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), assimilable phosphorus (ass. P) and potassium (K) were quantified prior to growth experiment. Height and collar diameter of seedling stems, final length and diameter of the main root were measured; the total dry biomass of root and shoot and, root to shoot ratio were evaluated for seedlings up to 5 months relating to the soil origin. Mean values of retained water and selected nutrients were higher for mound soil than for surrounding soil. Besides, the studied parameters of T. indica seedlings were significantly higher for mound soil than those recorded for surrounding soil (P

Accurate estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB) strongly depend on the suitability and precision of allometric models. Hochst. ex A. DC. is a key component of most sub-Sahara agroforestry systems and, one of the most economically important trees in Africa. Despite its importance, very few scientific information exists regarding its biomass and carbon storage potential. In this study direct method was used to develop site-specific biomass models for tree components in Burkina Faso. Allometric models were developed for stem, branch and leaf biomass using data from 39 tree harvested in Sudanian savannas of Burkina Faso. Diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, crown diameter (CD) and basal diameter (D) were regressed on biomass component using non-linear models with DBH alone, and DBH in combination with height and/or CD as predictor variables. Carbon content was estimated for each tree component using the ash method. Allometric models differed between the experimental sites, except for branch biomass models. Site-specific models developed in this study exhibited good model fit and performance, with explained variance of 81–98%. Using models developed from other areas would have underestimated or overestimated biomass by between –72% and +98%. Carbon content in aboveground components of in Tiogo, Boulon and Tapoa-Boopo was 55.40% ± 1.50, 55.52% ± 1.06 and 55.63% ± 1.00, respectively, and did not vary significantly (-value = 0.909). Site-specific models developed in this study are useful tool for estimating carbon stocks and can be used to accurately estimate tree components biomass in vegetation growing under similar conditions.Diospyros mespiliformisD. mespiliformis20D. mespiliformisP

The dynamic and productivity of natural reserves in Benin were assessed in the Mounts Kouffe and Wari Maro forest reserves on the basis of sixty circular permanents plots of 1000 m2 size each installed in 2006. The factorial correspondences analysis of the based on a matrix of 60 records and 81species. Four different plants community were discriminated: - dry woodland of Diospyros mespiliformis and Anogeissus leiocarpa - woodland of Pterocarpus erinaceus and Isoberlinia doka - Wooded savanna of Vitellaria paradoxa and Burkea africana - Shrub savanna of Vitellaria paradoxa ans Isoberlinia doka The specific richness of individualized plant communities varies between 42 and 75 species. The Shannon index values calculated (dbh≥10cm) ranged between 1.25 and 4.66 bits; those of Pielou evenness ranged between 0.24 and 0.87. The diameter size classes distribution is best adjusted to Weibul three parameter function and showed a left skewed distribution. Trees basal area decreased by 0.80 m²/ha/year for the dry woodland and 0.25 m²/ha/year for the woodland while the one of wooded and shrub savanna increased by 0.50 m²/ha/year. The density of trees decreased by 120 trees/ha for dry woodland and by 108 trees/ha for woodland over the last five years. The diameter of individuals of average basal area has increased by 2.1 cm for dry woodland. 3.95cm for woodland. 2.8cm for Wooded savanna and 3.09cm for shrub savanna. The minimum exploitable diameter (MED) of 45cm allowed for 50% of Anogeissus leiocarpa and Isoberlinia doka basal area reconstitution while this MED allowed for 75% of Diospyros mespiliformis reconstitution.

Diospyros mespiliformis (Hochst) is a multipurpose, agro-forestry tree species with diverse environmental and ecological significances. However, low percentage germination associated with its seeds has limited its domestication. To overcome this challenge, there is need to adopt cheap, fast, safe, natural and adoptable physiological techniques such as sand priming and hydro-priming. There is paucity of quantified information on natural and safe methods of relieving dormancy as sand priming and hydro-priming. Most of methods of breaking dormancy as use of acid are not simple, safe and adoptable by farmers who practices agro-forestry. In the light of this, these experiments were conducted to assess the periods of sand priming (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks) and hydro-priming (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks) on the germination of D. mespiliformis. Both experiments were laid down in completely randomized design with four replicates. Mean germination times were calculated, and result revealed that a significant increase in percentage germination was recorded with increasing periods of exposing seeds to sand priming up to four weeks. The percentage germination ranged between 28%-93.25% for control (0) and four weeks sand priming respectively. Least value of 8.92 day was recorded for mean germination time of control (0 sand priming). A significant increase in percentage germination was recorded with increasing hours of hydro-priming up to 24 hours. The percentage germination was ranged between 25% - 100% for control (0) hour to 24 hours. Highest germination percentages were recorded in seeds subjected to sand priming for 4weeks (93.25%) and those hydro-primed for 24hours (100%). These results are recommended for mass production of D. mespiliformis in agro-forestry nurseries.