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Background The bark of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Balanitaceae) is widely used in the Togolese folk medicine for the treatment of wounds, malaria and skin diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties and the activity of the bark extract of this plant against some resistant bacteria isolated from wounds. Materials and methods The antimicrobial activity was assayed using the NCCLS microdilution while the DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used for the antioxidant activity. The susceptibility to conventional antibiotics of bacteria was assessed by an agar disk diffusion method using commercial disk. Phenolics were quantified using spectrophotometric methods. Results The hydroethanolic extracts of the bark inhibited in vitro the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner. Bacteriostatic effects were observed on 15 (33%) and 21 (47%) strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. The MICs and MBCs against Staphylococcus aureus strains ranged respectively from 2.5 to 12.5 µg/mL and 2.5 to 50 µg/mL. Concerning Pseudomonas aeruginosa , these values were equal (12.5 µg/mL). Multidrug resistance was 95% against six antibiotics for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 91% against five antibiotics for Staphylococcus aureus . The DPPH radical scavenging and the FRAP assays yielded weak antioxidant activity, closely linked with the total phenolic contents. Conclusion This study indicated that the bark extract of Balanites aegyptiaca possess bioactive compounds implicated in the free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities, justifying the use of the plant in the traditional medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Balanites aegyptiaca is a native plant from the dry tropical areas of Africa and Arabia. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat psychoses, epilepsy, rheumatism and for the management of cough, liver and spleen conditions for many years. The plant is also used as antihelmintic and molluscicide. Aim of the study: The present studies aimed at investigating the behavioral properties of ethanol extract of the root of this medicinal plant, which is already in common applications in the Nigerian traditional medicine. Materials and methods: The intraperitoneal and oral mean lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was determined using the Lorke''s method. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out to identify the secondary metabolites in the extract. Furthermore, the behavioral properties of the extract were evaluated using diazepam-induced sleep, open field test, staircase test and beam walking assay all in mice. Results: The extract significantly (p <0.001) prolonged the duration diazepam (20mg/kg i.p)-induced sleep in mice dose dependently. However, the extract showed no significant effect on the onset of diazepam-induced sleep. In the open field test, the extract (150 and 300mg/kg) and diazepam (0.05mg/kg) produced a significant (p <0.05, p <0.005 and p <0.001) decrease in the number of square crossings. There was no significant effect on the number of centre square crossing following the administration of the extract. The extract (75 and 150mg/kg) and diazepam (0.05mg/kg) produced a significant (p <0.05) decrease in the number of rearing suggestive of sedation. In the staircase experiment there was a decrease in the number of upward step climbing as well as number of rearing suggesting anxiolytic and sedative properties of the extract. In the beam walking assay the extract did not produce any significant increase in the time taken to complete task as compared to diazepam 1mg/kg which was significant at p <0.05. Furthermore, 300mg/kg of the extract and diazepam 1mg/kg showed significant (p <0.05) mean number of foot slips, suggesting that the central nervous system depressant activity might not necessarily due to peripheral neuromuscular blockade. Conclusion: The result indicates that the extract of Balanites aegyptiaca possess biologically active compound(s) that have anxiolytic and sedative properties, which support the ethnomedicinal use of the plant as antipsychotic and antiepileptic agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Schistosomiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by the Schistosoma species and is recognised in public health as second to malaria in terms of its socioeconomic impact on humans. Four local plants native to many tribes in Ghana and known for their medicinal properties against some diseases were assessed for their cercaricidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. The plants, namely, Newbouldia laevis stem bark (NLSB), Spathodea campanulata stem bark (SCSB), Momordica charantia leaves (MCL), and Ocimum viride leaves (OVL), were extracted for their active metabolites using methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out on all plant extracts and powdered samples. The crude extracts were tested against S. mansoni cercariae in vitro using Balanites aegyptiaca as the positive control. The percentage of mortalities for each extract was recorded. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was conducted on all the plant extracts. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins in almost all the extracts. GC/MS analysis showed the presence of medicinally important active volatile compounds in each extract such as thymol, n-hexadecanoic acid, phytol, and maltol. All four plants showed relatively different levels of activity against S. mansoni cercariae at different times and concentrations. The LC50 values of the plant extracts were determined at the end of the assay. At 240 min, NLSB, SCSB, MCL, and OVL extracts had LC50 values of 487.564, 429.898, 197.696, and 0.129 μg/mL, respectively. Hence, this study revealed the potency of Ocimum viride leaves, Momordica charantia leaves, Spathodea campanulata stem bark, and Newbouldia laevis stem bark against S. mansoni. These plants could therefore be exploited as possible candidates for curbing schistosomiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethnoveterinary studies are important to maintain the sustainability of livestock health and support people's livelihoods through the provision of food, maintaining livestock health, and other biological resources. This study was carried out in Soro District, southern Ethiopia, to identify, document and analyse plant species with ethnoveterinary uses along with the associated indigenous and local knowledge. Materials and methods: Informants were selected using purposive (key informants) and systematic random sampling (general informants) methods. Data on ethnoveterinary plants and their uses were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions with five to seven members in each and participant observation. Informant consensus factor and fidelity level were computed to identify the most common livestock ailment categories and the best plant species with ethnoveterinary use, respectively. Preference ranking methods were used to identify the potentially effective ethnoveterinary medicinal plants for the most frequently reported livestock ailments. The use diversity of multipurpose plants with ethnoveterinary importance was analysed using the analytical methods of ethnobotany including priority ranking, comparisons and important indices. The T-test statistic was used to compare knowledge differences among different social groups. Results: A total of 132 plant species in 120 genera and 61 families were reported by informants as having ethnoveterinary uses. The plants are said to be used by the local communities in various ways to treat 50 livestock health problems. Higher number of informants (23.77%) cited Momordica foetida for the treatment of 16 livestock ailments. The highest informant consensus value for this species is associated with its use for treating blackleg in cattle; Nicotiana tabacum was cited for the treatment of 15 livestock ailments mainly recommended for the Lumpy Skin Disease/Ailment of bovines; Croton macrostachyus for treatment of 13 livestock ailments including wooden tongue, FMD in bovines; and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum for nine ailments mainly diarrhoea of all livestock types. Achyranthes aspera is claimed to provide the most effective treatment for Aspiration pneumonia (severe coughing in bovines, sheep and goats) alone, while Croton macrostachyus, Ximenia americana, Allium sativum and Juniperus procera were indicated as potential plant species to treat Lumpy Skin Disease in bovines in the order given. The fidelity level analysis showed that Datura stramonium, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia and Asparagus africanus were potential medicinal plant species to treat the respective ailments of rabies, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and evil eye/spirit. Multipurpose plant species including Prunus africanus, Combretum molle and Afrocarpus falcatus have been highly threatened as indicated by direct matrix ranking mainly due to collection of fuel wood, construction materials and making household utensils, and farm implements rather than for other uses. Conclusion: Soro District has rich and diversified livestock herbal medicinal resources, and indigenous knowledge of remedy preparations and applications is transmitted through generation lines. This resource faces anthropogenic threats with deforestation being the leading factor. Consequently, ethnoveterinary medicinal plants continue to decline before adequate and proper scientific documentation and testing are made. There is a dire need for planning and implementation of appropriate in situ and ex situ conservation strategies and to strive towards ensuring the survival and sustainable utilization of such important plant resources of Soro District. This must be supported by further documentation of the associated indigenous knowledge and pharmacological testing of the key promising species including Balanites aegyptiaca (novel species/NS to treat specific ailment), Brugmansia suaveolens (novel species/NS reported first to treat Livestock ailments/LsAs), Euclea divinorum (NS to treat specific ailments), Grevillea robusta (NS), Hagenia abyssinica (NS for the reported specific ailment), Pentanema confertiflorum (NS), Juniperus procera (NS), Maesa lanceolata (NS), Millettia ferruginea (NS for reported specific ailments), Schrebera alata/NS, Securidaca longepedunculata, Spiniluma oxyacantha/NS, Vepris nobilis (novel species reported first to treat LsAs), Zanthoxylum asiaticum /NS and Ximenia americana (NS for specific ailments). This ethnoveterinary study attempted to fill part of the gaps concerning the prevalent livestock health problems and the associated indigenous and local knowledge in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on documenting and evaluating the cercaricidal activity of medicinal plants used for schistosomiasis treatment in an endemic area in Ghana. Through semistructured questionnaires, personal interviews with herbalists in communities surrounding the Barekese dam in the Atwima-Nwabiagya district, where the disease is endemic, were carried out. Thirty medicinal plants distributed in 19 families were reported to be used for schistosomiasis treatment in the survey. Information on the plants, including scientific names, common names, families, and the used plant part were recorded. The families Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae recorded the highest number of plants (14% each), followed by Asteraceae (10%), Loranthaceae (7%), and Rubiaceae (7%). In vitro cercaricidal activity of methanol extracts of nine out of the thirty plants was performed by exposing human Schistosoma mansoni cercariae obtained from Biomphalaria pfeifferi to various concentrations of extracts over a duration of 240 minutes. All the plants tested demonstrated time- and concentration-dependent cercaricidal activity. With lethality being set at <1000 μg/mL, the cercaricidal activity in order of decreasing potency was as follows: Withania somnifera (LC50 = 1.29) > Balanites aegyptiaca (LC50 = 7.1) > Xylia evansii (LC50 = 11.14) > Jathropha multifida (LC50 = 12.9) > Justicia flava (LC50 = 22.9) > Anopyxis klaineana (LC50 = 182.81) > Ximenia americana (LC50 = 194.98) > Loranthus lecardii (LC50 = 223.87) > Bridelia tenufolia (LC50 = 309.03) > Zanthoxylium zanthoxyloides (LC50 = 851.94). Phytochemicals, including alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, saponins, phytosterols, and flavonoids were identified in the plants. The result of this study gives scientific credence to the traditional use of these plants in the treatment of schistosomiasis and proves that the rich botanical knowledge of medicinal plants provides an incredible starting point for the discovery of new anti-schistosomal drugs for the local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnomedicinal plants are thought to have better prospects of harboring endophytes that produce natural products with pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the antiplasmodial and anticancer properties of secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi from three medicinal plants. The endophytic fungi included Lasiodiplodia theobromae isolated from Cola acuminata, Curvularia lunata Bv4 isolated from Bambusa vulgaris, and Curvularia lunata Eg7 isolated from Elaeis guineensis. The identification of the fungi was based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) sequence. The fungi were subjected to solid-state fermentation and the secondary metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate. In vitro antiplasmodial screening of extracts was performed using the SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay on the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain DD2. The cytotoxicity of the extracts on human red blood cells and Jurkat (leukemia) cells was assessed using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric MTT assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was used to identify the constituents of the fungal extracts. The extract of L. theobromae showed the best antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum (IC50 = 5.4 µg/mL) and was not harmful to erythrocytes (CC50 > 100 µg/mL). All three fungal extracts showed a weak cytotoxic effect against Jukart cell lines (CC50 > 100 µg/mL). GC–MS analysis of the three endophytic fungal extracts revealed the presence of forty major bioactive compounds, including: oxalic acid, isobutyl nonyl ester, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and hexadecanoic acid, among others. The endophytic fungi from the medicinal plants in this study were promising sources of bioactive compounds that could be further evaluated as novel drugs for the treatment of malaria caused by P. falciparum-resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wild edible plants (WEPs) are usually considered to constitute all plant resources that are neither cultivated nor domesticated but are used as nutritional supplements by local people. WEPs play a vital role in ensuring food and livelihood security for countless families and communities around the world. The objective of the study was to assess and document wild edible plants used by communities in the Arsi Robe district as food. Methods: Semi-structured interviews, market surveys, and guided field walks were employed as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and Jaccard's similarity index. Results: The present study revealed various types of wild edible plants consumed by local communities in the Arsi Robe district of the East Arsi Zone. This could be justified by the documentation of 36 different wild edible plants in the study area. These WEPs belong to 31 genera and 25 families. Most of the growth forms of the edible wild plants in the district were shrubs (16, 44.44%) and trees (14, 38.88%). Amaranthus caudatus and Bridelia micrantha are the most preferred WEPs in the study area. The finding of the study also revealed that Lepidotrichilia volkensii and Premna schimperi are among the novel WEPs that had not before been documented as food items in other areas. Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Ficus sycomorus, Cordia africana, and Ficus sur are species with multiple uses. Agricultural expansion, charcoal production, the construction of different materials, making agricultural tools, deforestation, and other factors were the top prioritized threats affecting the abundance and diversity of wild edible plants. Conclusion: Along with the sustainable utilization and conservation of the existing WEPs of the study district, priority should be given to the urgent collection, domestication, and cultivation of multiuse wild edible plant species such as Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Ficus sycomorus, Cordia africana, and Ficus sur in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lelna people of Zuru, Kebbi State, North-western Nigeria, predominantly prefer the use of medicinal plants as viable treatments against different ailments, including trypanosomiasis, as the area is endowed with viable medicinal plants, despite a gradual decrease in the traditional knowledge of usage. This study seeks to document medicinal plants used for the treatment of trypanosomiasis among lelna people. A survey was conducted from October 2021 to January 2022 among the lelna tribes. Information was collected from 104 respondents using the purposive sampling technique and interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. The survey documented 34 medicinal plant species belonging to 31 genera and 20 families. The highest fidelity level and relative frequency of citation of commonly mentioned plants were observed for Rogeria adenophylla J. Gay and Ricinus communis Linn. Fabaceae family, represented by 8 species, appears to be the most commonly utilized family. The most frequently cited species were wild-derived trees or shrubs and most herbal remedies were mainly prepared by decoction (45%) and administered orally (100%). Leaves (39%) and stem bark (16%) accounted for the highest proportion of the biological parts of plants used in remedy preparation. Parasitic diseases presented the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.68) among the cited species. This study has documented potential traditional medicinal plant species for treating trypanosomiasis in Zuru, Kebbi State. Pharmacological studies to identify the active principles of the cited species are required to validate their uses and unveil new potential trypanoside agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Tanzania has rich medicinal plant (MP) resources, and most rural inhabitants rely on traditional healing practices for their primary healthcare needs. However, available research evidence on antimalarial MPs is highly fragmented in the country. Objective: This systematic review compiles ethnomedicinal research evidence on MPs used by tanzanians as antimalarials. Materials and methods: A systematic web search was conducted using various electronic databases and grey materials to gather relevant information on antimalarial MPs utilized by tanzanians. the review was per the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRiSMA) statement. the data were collected from 25 articles, and MS excel software was used to analyse relevant ethnobotanical information using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 227 MPs belonging to 67 botanical families and 180 genera were identified. Fabaceae (15.9%) is the most frequently utilized family. the ethnobotanical recipes analysis indicated leaves (40%) and trees (44%) are the preferred MPs part and life form, respectively. Decoctions (67%) are the dominant preparation method of remedies. Of the recorded MPs, 25.9% have been scientifically investigated for antimalarial activities with positive results. However, 74.1% of MPs have no scientific records on antimalarial activities, but they could be potential sources of remedies. Conclusions: the study discloses a wealth of antimalarial MPs possessed by tanzanians and suggests a need for research to authenticate the healing potential of antimalarial compounds from the unstudied MPs. Additionally, it indicates that some of the presented MPs are potential sources for developing safe, effective and affordable antimalarial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia afra is a plant that grows in the northern, central, and coastal regions of South Africa, as well as in neighboring countries such as Eswatini and Lesotho. These phytochemicals can be used as active compounds in plant-based medicine. Therefore, it is important to determine how plant minerals and phytochemicals, particularly bioactive compounds, are affected by the geolocation in which they grow. This study aimed to evaluate the mineral and phytochemical properties of A. afra genotypes in the southern regions of Africa. Leaf samples of A. afra genotypes were collected from Lesotho, in Mohale's Hoek and Roma. In South Africa, leaf samples were collected in Wepener and Hobhouse, and 80 plants were randomly selected for phytochemical and mineral analyses. This study reveals that phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc loaded positively to the first principal component, while copper loaded positively to the second principal component with variabilities of 29.95% and 21.12%, respectively. Furthermore, both the Mohale's Hoek and Hobhouse genotypes exhibited relatively high levels of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. It is worth noting that genotypes from Roma and Wepener showed higher levels of foliar magnesium. Thus, the Mohale's Hoek and Hobhouse genotypes could be recommended for their better phytochemical contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psidium guajava is one of the most common edible medicinal plants frequently used in Malagasy traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal infections. In order to evaluate their probable antibacterial activities, three organic extracts (successive extractions by hexane, dichloromethane, and ethanol) of ripe guava fruits were assessed for their bactericidal and anti-virulence properties against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Although these three extracts have shown no direct antibacterial activity (MIC of 1000 µg/mL) and, at the non-bactericidal concentration of 100 µg/mL, no impact on the production of major P. aeruginosa PAO1 virulence factors (pyocyanin and rhamnolipids), the hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed significant anti-biofilm properties and the dichloromethane extract disrupted the P. aeruginosa PAO1 swarming motility. Bioguided fractionation of the dichloromethane extract led to the isolation and identification of lycopene and β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside as major anti-biofilm compounds. Interestingly, both compounds disrupt P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation and maintenance with IC50 of 1383 µM and 131 µM, respectively. More interestingly, both compounds displayed a synergistic effect with tobramycin with a two-fold increase in its effectiveness in killing biofilm-encapsulated P. aeruginosa PAO1. The present study validates the traditional uses of this edible medicinal plant, indicating the therapeutic effectiveness of guava fruits plausibly through the presence of these tri- and tetraterpenoids, which deserve to be tested against pathogens generally implicated in diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMedicinal plants are commonly employed mainly due their accessibility, affordability and potency. However, medicinal plants and the associated knowledge are disappearing at an alarming rate due to natural and anthropogenic causes and thus a need for their proper documentation conservation. This study was performed to document traditional knowledge related to use of medicinal plants in Heban-Arsi district, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.MethodsInterviews were conducted with 185 informants to identify medicinal plants used in traditional therapies in the study area. Informant consensus factor (ICF), rank order priority (ROP) values were computed, and preference ranking exercises were performed to assess the relative importance of medicinal plants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to measure and compare medicinal plants knowledge between social groups.ResultsA total of 120 medicinal plants were identified for being used to treat different human and animal illnesses in the study area. Most of the medicinal plants (76.4%) were uncultivated ones obtained from different habitats. Leaf was the most frequently used plant part constituting 62.6% of preparations. Oral was the most commonly used route of remedy administration (46%) in treating diseases. Gastrointestinal ailments category had the highest ICF value (0.83). In the study area, the highest rank order priority (ROP) values were recorded for Dombeya torrida (J.F. Gmel.), Artemisia absinthium L., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Combretum pisoniiflorum Klotzsch) Engl., Celtis africana Burm. f, Ocimum gratissimum L. and Lagenaria sp. for their uses against snake poison, tuberculosis, liver disorder, stomachache, tuberculosis, febrile illness and liver disorder, respectively, each scoring a value of 100. Significant differences in medicinal plant use knowledge were recorded between male and female informants of different educational level, age and experience. Anthropogenic factors were the primary threats to medicinal plants in the area.ConclusionThe study area was found to be rich in medicinal plants that are useful in treating a wide range of human and animal illnesses. In future pharmacological and phytochemical investigations, priority needs to be given to medicinal plants of the highest ROP values and those that were reported against ailment categories scoring the highest ICF values.

Background: The Afar people inhabit the sub-arid and arid part of Ethiopia. Recurrent drought and invasive encroaching plants are taking out plants that have cultural importance, and threaten the biodiversity and the associated traditional knowledge. Thus, the aim of the current study is to conduct an ethnobotanical survey and document medicinal and edible plants in Yalo Woreda in Afar regional state. Methods: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical study was carried out in eight kebeles of Yalo Woreda from October 2015 to December 2016. One hundred sixty informants were selected using purposive sampling. The data on diseases, medicinal and edible plants were collected using semi-structure interview and group discussion. The statistical methods, informant consensus factor, fidelity level, and preference ranking were conducted to analyze the data. Results: One hundred and six plants were reported; gender and age differences had implication on the number of plants reported by informants. The knowledge of medicinal plants among informants of each kebele was not different (p < 0.5) and was not associated in particular with the religious establishment in the kebeles (informant*kebeles, Eta square = 0.19). Family Fabaceae was the major plant species, and shrubs (44%) were dominant plants reported. Leaf (52.94%) and oral (68%) were primary plant part used for remedy preparation and route of application, respectively. The plants with low fidelity values Indigofera articulata (0.25), Cadaba farinosa (0.22), Cadaba rotundifolia (0.19), and Acalypha fruticosa (0.15) were used to treat the category of diseases with high informant consensus value (0.69). Sixteen edible plants were identified that were consumed during wet and dry seasons. Balanites aegyptiaca, Balanites rotundifolia, and Dobera glabra were 'famine food' that were collected and stored for years. Conclusion: People in Yalo Woreda are more dependent on natural resources of the area for their livelihood. The threat of climatic change and encroaching invasive plants on medicinal and edible plants affects the traditional use of plants in the Yalo Woreda. The conservation of the plants in the home garden and natural habitat and integration of edible plants into agroforestry development programs in sub-arid and arid regions has to be encouraged to conserve plants of medical and economic importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a common disease that is rising in prevalence worldwide with the highest prevalence in industrialized countries. Asthma affects about 300 million people worldwide and it has been estimated that a further 100 million will be affected by 2025. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Folk (Tribal) medicines are the major systems of indigenous medicines. Over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and plant extracts for health care. Unlike many diseases, which can be attributed to the life style of modern man, asthma is an ancient illness. There are number of medicinal plants have been reported for antihistaminic/anti-asthmatic activities like Achyranthes aspera, Tephrosia purpurea, Dolichos lablab, Eclipta alba, Jasminum sambac, Balanites aegyptiaca, Viscum album, Tridex procumbens, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Cassia fistula. Present review is focused on used of medicinal plants for treatment of asthama. It is suggested that formulation and patent of the reported medicinal plants is mandatory for further use against asthma and if possible, clinical trials should be done of these plants for their appropriate use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ethnoveterinary studies are important to maintain the sustainability of livestock health and support people’s livelihoods through the provision of food, maintaining livestock health, and other biological resources. This study was carried out in Soro District, southern Ethiopia, to identify, document and analyse plant species with ethnoveterinary uses along with the associated indigenous and local knowledge. Materials and methods Informants were selected using purposive (key informants) and systematic random sampling (general informants) methods. Data on ethnoveterinary plants and their uses were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions with five to seven members in each and participant observation. Informant consensus factor and fidelity level were computed to identify the most common livestock ailment categories and the best plant species with ethnoveterinary use, respectively. Preference ranking methods were used to identify the potentially effective ethnoveterinary medicinal plants for the most frequently reported livestock ailments. The use diversity of multipurpose plants with ethnoveterinary importance was analysed using the analytical methods of ethnobotany including priority ranking, comparisons and important indices. The T-test statistic was used to compare knowledge differences among different social groups. Results A total of 132 plant species in 120 genera and 61 families were reported by informants as having ethnoveterinary uses. The plants are said to be used by the local communities in various ways to treat 50 livestock health problems. Higher number of informants (23.77%) cited Momordica foetida for the treatment of 16 livestock ailments. The highest informant consensus value for this species is associated with its use for treating blackleg in cattle; Nicotiana tabacum was cited for the treatment of 15 livestock ailments mainly recommended for the Lumpy Skin Disease/Ailment of bovines; Croton macrostachyus for treatment of 13 livestock ailments including wooden tongue, FMD in bovines; and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum for nine ailments mainly diarrhoea of all livestock types. Achyranthes aspera is claimed to provide the most effective treatment for Aspiration pneumonia (severe coughing in bovines, sheep and goats) alone, while Croton macrostachyus, Ximenia americana, Allium sativum and Juniperus procera were indicated as potential plant species to treat Lumpy Skin Disease in bovines in the order given. The fidelity level analysis showed that Datura stramonium, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia and Asparagus africanus were potential medicinal plant species to treat the respective ailments of rabies, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and evil eye/spirit. Multipurpose plant species including Prunus africanus, Combretum molle and Afrocarpus falcatus have been highly threatened as indicated by direct matrix ranking mainly due to collection of fuel wood, construction materials and making household utensils, and farm implements rather than for other uses. Conclusion Soro District has rich and diversified livestock herbal medicinal resources, and indigenous knowledge of remedy preparations and applications is transmitted through generation lines. This resource faces anthropogenic threats with deforestation being the leading factor. Consequently, ethnoveterinary medicinal plants continue to decline before adequate and proper scientific documentation and testing are made. There is a dire need for planning and implementation of appropriate in situ and ex situ conservation strategies and to strive towards ensuring the survival and sustainable utilization of such important plant resources of Soro District. This must be supported by further documentation of the associated indigenous knowledge and pharmacological testing of the key promising species including Balanites aegyptiaca (novel species/NS to treat specific ailment), Brugmansia suaveolens (novel species/NS reported first to treat Livestock ailments/LsAs), Euclea divinorum (NS to treat specific ailments), Grevillea robusta (NS), Hagenia abyssinica (NS for the reported specific ailment), Pentanema confertiflorum (NS), Juniperus procera (NS), Maesa lanceolata (NS), Millettia ferruginea (NS for reported specific ailments), Schrebera alata/NS, Securidaca longepedunculata, Spiniluma oxyacantha/NS, Vepris nobilis (novel species reported first to treat LsAs), Zanthoxylum asiaticum /NS and Ximenia americana (NS for specific ailments). This ethnoveterinary study attempted to fill part of the gaps concerning the prevalent livestock health problems and the associated indigenous and local knowledge in the area.

Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest and most hazardous animals on Earth, where they transmit several diseases that kill millions of people annually. There is an ongoing search almost everywhere in the world for more effective and contemporary ways to control mosquitoes other than pesticides. Phytochemicals are affordable, biodegradable biological agents that specialize in eliminating pests that represent a risk to public health. The effectiveness of Acacia nilotica methanol and aqueous leaf extracts against 4th instar larvae was evaluated. The results revealed that the methanol extract of A. nilotica had a noticeable influence on the mortality rate of mosquito larvae, especially at high concentrations. Not only did the mortality rate rise significantly, but the hatching of the mosquito eggs was potentially suppressed.Terpenes, fatty acids, esters, glycosides, pyrrolidine alkane, piperazine, and phenols were the most prevalent components in the methanol extract, while the aqueous extract of A. nilotica exclusively showed the presence of fatty acids. The insecticidal susceptibility tests of both aqueous and alcoholic extract of A. nilotica confirmed that the Acacia plant could serves as a secure and efficient substitute for chemical pesticides because of its promising effect on killing larvae and egg hatching delaying addition to their safety as one of the natural pesticides. Molecular docking study was performed using one of the crucial and life-controlling protein targets, fatty acid binding protein (FABP) and the most active ingredients as testing ligands to describe their binding ability. Most of the structurally related compounds to the co-crystallized ligand, OLA, like hexadecanoic acid furnished high binding affinity to the target protein with very strong and stable intermolecular hydrogen bonding and this is quite similar to OLA itself. Some other structural non-related compounds revealed extraordinarily strong binding abilities like Methoxy phenyl piperazine. Most of the binding reactivities of the majortested structures are due to high structure similarity between the positive control, OLA, and tested compounds. Such structure similarity reinforced with the binding abilities of some detected compounds in the A. nilotica extract could present a reasonable interpretation for its insecticidal activity via deactivating the FABP protein. The FABP4 enzyme inhibition activity was assessed for of both methanolic and aqueous of acacia plant extract and the inhibition results of methanol extract depicted noticeable potency if compared to orlistat, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.681, and 0.535 µg/ml, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants have been used by the people of Dugda District in the primary health care system to treat various livestock ailments for generations, particularly, in underserved rural areas. However, these ethnoveterinary practices and medicinal plants are dwindling without proper documentation, due to undergoing socio-cultural and environmental changes. Hence, this study aimed at inventory and analysis of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and the associated indigenous and local knowledge used in the treatment of livestock health problems in Dugda District. Methods: Data were collected from 378 local inhabitants through semi-structured interviews, 18 focus group discussions with 6 to 8 participants in each couple with participant field observations. Informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL) and relative importance value (RI) were used to evaluate the agreement of informants on ethnoveterinary practices, healing potential of medicinal plants and the most multipurpose species. Using standard taxonomic procedures, voucher specimens were collected, identified and deposited at the National Herbarium of Addis Ababa University. Results: In total, 64 medicinal plants of ethnoveterinary uses, belonging to 33 families were reported to treat 37 livestock health problems. Anthrax, inappetence and diarrhoea were said to be the most prevalent veterinary health problems treated by traditional medicinal plants. Family Fabaceae was the most widely reported (7 spp.), followed by Apocynaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae (5 spp. each). Herbs were the dominant life forms (21spp.), followed by shrubs (20 spp.). The most commonly sought plant parts were leaves (55.25%), followed by roots (23.44%). The principal method of preparation was pounding remedial parts (46.85%) and mixing with cold water. The main route of administration was via oral application (72.67%), drenching diseased livestock. Withania somnifera and Kedrostis foetidissima were the most cited medicinal plants with 53 and 43 use reports (URs), respectively. ICF showed that respiratory diseases scored the highest value (0.94), while most of the reported medicinal plants were gastrointestinal agents. RI value analysis revealed that Croton macrostachyus had highest diversity of uses, followed by K. foetidissima and W. somnifera. Ethnoveterinary uses of some medicinal plants such as Phytolacca dodecandra, Calpurnia aurea, Cyphostemma cyphopetalum and Verbascum sinaiticum as prophylaxis against rabies were a new input for ethnoveterinary database. Conclusion: The study revealed that the people of the Dugda District are endowed with rich ethnoveterinary knowledge and medicinal plants. However, ethnoveterinary knowledge associated with medicinal plant species significantly differ (P < 0.05) between general and key informants, young and matured age groups and informants' educational level. This infers the impact of mode of ethnoveterinary knowledge transfer, literacy, modern education and globalization on ethnoveterinary uses of medicinal plant species. And also most of the medicinal plants are found in wild habitats with nearly no conservation attention. Therefore, it is imperative to implement participatory conservation actions for medicinal plants in collaboration with traditional institutions (Gada system). The disparity of ethnoveterinary knowledge could be also minimized through awareness creation among local communities about the knowledge and its revitalization. Furthermore, medicinal plants, which are widely utilized and multipurpose, should be screened for their phytochemicals, pharmacological and toxicological activities to confirm ethnoveterinary uses and for future development of veterinary pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants deliver livelihood and food for millions of people in the world. Indeed, wild edible plants support rural communities in developing countries to overcome seasonal unfavorable conditions. In rural areas of Ethiopia, wild edible plants play an indispensable role in fighting food insecurity as emergency or supplementary foods. Hence, this research was aimed at studying the ethnobotanical assessment of wild edible plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, western Ethiopia. Methods: Ethnobotanical data was collected using a semi-structured interview, field observation, focus group discussions, a market survey, and the ranking of selected plants. Besides, voucher specimens were collected and stored at the National Herbarium of Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and familiarity index were computed for data analysis. Results: This study has documented 54 wild edible plant species belonging to 33 plant families and 46 genera. Of these, most (38.90%) had tree growth habits. Wild edible plants bear mostly fruits (72.20%) as edible parts. Local people usually consume these plants freshly raw as complementary foods, though some wild edibles require processing. They were mostly harvested in the January (31.48%) and May (27.78%) months, with the least collected in September (7.41%). Most wild edible plants (78.57%) were available in uncontrolled habitats, while others (21.43%) live in farmlands, home gardens, and as live fences. Out of the recorded plants, about 98% had additional uses besides their nutritional values. Conclusion: Wild edible plants assist the livelihoods of the local people in food security, agriculture, energy sources, construction, medicines, ecological services, aesthetics, income generation, and household utensils. Nevertheless, wild edible plants are recently threatened due to various anthropogenic factors in the study area. Thus, they need wise use and in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures from all the concerned bodies for sustainable use in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the traditional knowledge of plants used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) in the treatment of symptoms or syndromes related to mental illnesses in the district of Bamako in Mali, along with the identification of affiliated traditional treating methods. An exploratory and cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in the district of Bamako. The Malian Federation of Associations of Therapists and Herbalists (FEMATH) assisted in the identification and inclusion of the THPs. Data sampling included semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were evaluated by analysing reports of the use of different medicinal plants and the number of participants. Fifteen THPs belonging to the district of Bamako participated. In total, 43 medicinal plants belonging to 22 plant families were used by the THPs. The most cited plant species was Securidaca longepedunculata (violet tree), followed by Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany) and Boscia integrifolia (rough-leaved shepherds tree). A great number of herbal combinations, preparation methods, and administration routes were used, often with honey as an adjuvant. To our knowledge, this is the first ethnobotanical survey on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of all types of mental disorders in Bamako. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State. Method: Ethnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level. Results: A total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus. Conclusion: This is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ethnobotanical study was conducted in East Hararghe, Ethiopia to identify and investigate the use of various plants by the traditional healers and communities engaged in domestic, pesticide and medicinal use. A total of 78 species were observed to be used by the local inhabitants in the region for the treatments of various ailments. Out of these, herbs constitute 49% followed by trees (36%) and shrubs only 15%. However, most frequently used plant parts were leaf and aerial parts (20) followed by seed (13), fruit (12), other parts (10), rhizome (7) and bark (1). Most of the plants were found to be used for medicinal, aromatic and food flavouring (spices, condiments) purposes. Out of 78 species recorded in the present study, 11 were reported to cure stomachache, seven for cold, cough and respiratory problem, six for diarrhoea and five species were found capable of curing fever. Fabaceae was the largest family contributing to medicinal plant use with seven species followed by Solanaceae, Myrtaceae, (5 spp.), and Zingiberaceae, Asteraceae, Liliaceae (4 spp. each). Some of the important plants utilized for taking care of variety of ailments are Azadirachta indica, Brassica nigra, Balanites aegyptiaca, Maytenus ovatus, Rosmarinus officinalis and Trigonella foenum graecum. Most of these medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) play a significant role in the household economy and were observed to be very popular among the people. Unpopular plants were left out of the study. This study provides useful and basic information on usage of different plants for conducting further studies aimed at conservation and documentation of traditional medicine system and economic welfare of rural peoples of the East Hararghe, Ethiopia. It also revealed that indigenous practices contributed to sustainable management of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper presents a comparative inventory of medicinal plant taxa and their uses by smallholder farming communities of four cultures in the Aswa River catchment of northern Uganda, situated in the eastern Sudanian savanna parkland ecotype of sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of the study was to document the ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants by the Lango, Acholi, Teso (Atesot) and Ethur (jo Abwor), in an historical moment before civil conflict and mass displacement of the respondent communities disrupted the inter-generational transmission of traditional technical knowledge within the study area. Methods: Following community consultations in four districts of northern Uganda during 1999–2000, interviews were conducted with holders of specialist knowledge on plants used as medicine on basis of a plant specimen allocated a voucher number and identified by the national herbarium. Use reports reflecting specific medicinal applications were compiled in aggregate to obtain a Relative Importance Index ranking. The commonality of medicinal taxa cited between each cultural interface was assessed by the Jaccard Index of Similarity, and the similarity of specific medicinal usage by taxon using Rahman's Similarity Index. Results: The data collected from 112 respondents comprise 280 medicinal use reports describing 263 applications for 62 medical conditions, citing 108 taxa from 44 botanical families of which Fabaceae comprised 20% of all use reports. No earlier mention could be found to corroborate 72 use reports (27% of the total), representing medicinal indications as yet undocumented, and potentially worthy of investigation. The RI values ranged between 15 and 94%, with 13 taxa having RI values above 50%. The JI ratios indicate the highest degree of similarity in the plant taxa used as medicine (21%) between the Lango and Teso cultures who share a common origin; however, Rahman's Similarity Index indicates the highest similarity of specific medicinal usage by taxon between the Lango and Acholi, who share a common language group through cultural assimilation over time. Conclusions: As a comparative study, the results imply that cultural exchange and assimilation may be a greater driver of inter-cultural similarity of ethnopharmacological use of a given taxon, as compared to shared historical origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. In Ethiopia, traditional medicine has significantly contributed to the treatment of public health conditions. However, when contrasted with the ethnic diversity of Ethiopians, the number of medicinal plants that have been documented remains limited. As a result, the study aimed to record the medicinal plants used in the Zuway Dugda district communities. Methodology. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people of Zuway Dugda district was carried out from February 2020 to November 2020. Semistructured interviews, a market survey, field observations, and group discussions were used to gather pertinent data. One hundred informants (83 males and 17 females) provided data. 76 informants were chosen at random, while 24 key informants were chosen on the basis of recommendations from local elders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, preference ranking, paired comparison, and direct matrix ranking. Results. A total of 73 plant species, representing 62 genera and 40 families, were collected and identified. Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae had the most species, with each family having 6 (8.22%) species, followed by Euphorbiaceae, which had 4 (5.48%) species. The wild harvest of approximately 49 medicinal plants (or 67.12%) was used. 31 plant species, or 42.47% herbs, were found to be the most commonly used life forms. The most frequently used plant parts were reported to be the leaves, which accounted for 55 species (41.35%) and then the roots 25(18.80%). Headache, toothache, depression, febrile illness, and fever had the lowest ICF values (0.33), while snake bite-related issues had the highest ICF values (0.93). The results of the preference ranking indicated that locals prefer to treat wounds with Asparagus africanus Lam. The community used Cordia africana Lam. the most, according to direct matrix ranking. Conclusions. It is essential to combine indigenous knowledge with scientific methods in order to extract the most benefit from medicinal plants. The results of the ICF and preference ranking could be used as a prelude to this. Since A. africanus was found to be the most effective wound-healing medicinal plant in the current study, further phytochemical and pharmacological research is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are an important element of the health system of both human and animals in many counties. This is particularly the case in Ethiopia, one of the ancient nations located in the Horn of Africa. Floristically the country is rich with more than 6500 vascular plant species. For this reason, there has been ongoing and increasing interest in ethnobotanical studies. The aim of this study was to compile a comprehensive document on the medicinal tree species of the country. Accordingly, 65 published articles and MSc theses from 2001 to 2017 were collected and data on plant part used, preparation methods, ailments and route of administration, were summarized. A total of 274 tree species belonging to 174 genera and 69 families were identified as medicinal plants in the literature. The most dominant families were Fabaceae (51 species), Euphorbiaceae (15 species), Capparidaceae (14 species), Rubiaceae (12 species) and Anacardiaceae (12 species). Most of these species were located in Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People Regions. Large numbers of tree species were categorized to treat single rather than multiple types of ailments. Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts. Most of the remedies were prepared by crushing and administered orally. The most commonly used species include Croton macrostachyus , Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata , Balanites aegyptiaca , Brucea antidysenteria and Cordia africana. The largest number of taxa was used to treat parasites, abdominal pain, and dermatological problems. This review, therefore, sheds some light on the important medicinal tree species of Ethiopia, focusing on tree species and their local uses in the healthcare system. It also shows the need for carrying out such studies in the remaining districts of the country, to document and promote conservation and propagation of these indigenous and exotic medicinal tree species. In addition, it indicates the need to work on the validation of phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the relatively more important tree species traditionally associated with treating major health problems. • This is a review on medicinal trees of Ethiopia. • It covers more than 60 manuscripts. • It is of its first type where trees, in particular, were reviewed and compiled in one manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suppression of immune system in treated cancer patients may lead to secondary infections that obviate the need of antibiotics. In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the occurrence of secondary infections in immuno-suppressed patients along with herbal control of these infections with the following objectives to: (a) isolate the microbial species from the treated oral cancer patients along with the estimation of absolute neutrophile counts of patients (b) assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity medicinal plants against the above clinical isolates. Methods: Blood and oral swab cultures were taken from 40 oral cancer patients undergoing treatment in the radiotherapy unit of Regional Cancer Institute, Pt. B.D.S. Health University, Rohtak, Haryana. Clinical isolates were identified by following general microbiological, staining and biochemical methods. The absolute neutrophile counts were done by following the standard methods. The medicinal plants selected for antimicrobial activity analysis were Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Balanites aegyptiaca L., Cestrum diurnum L., Cordia dichotoma G. Forst, Eclipta alba L., Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. , Pedalium murex L., Ricinus communis L. and Trigonella foenum graecum L. The antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants was evaluated by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. MIC and MFC were investigated by serial two fold microbroth dilution method. Results: Prevalent bacterial pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (23.2%), Escherichia coli (15.62%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.37%), Klebsiella pneumonia (7.81%), Proteus mirabilis (3.6%), Proteus vulgaris (4.2%) and the fungal pathogens were Candida albicans (14.6%), Aspergillus fumigatus (9.37%). Out of 40 cases, 35 (87.5%) were observed as neutropenic. Eight medicinal plants (A. tenuifolius, A. racemosus, B. aegyptiaca, E. alba, M. koenigii, P. murex R. communis and T. foenum graecum) showed significant antimicrobial activity (P < .05) against most of the isolates. The MIC and MFC values were ranged from 31 to 500 μg/ml. P. aeruginosa was observed highest susceptible bacteria (46.6%) on the basis of susceptible index. Conclusion: It can be concluded that treated oral cancer patients were neutropenic and prone to secondary infection of microbes. The medicinal plant can prove as effective antimicrobial agent to check the secondary infections in treated cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the ethno-veterinary usage of wild medicinal plants of Greater Cholistan desert of Pakistan was conducted from January, 2007 to December, 2008. Information regarding 35 plant species was collected. According to the results, Blepharis sindica was used as galactagogue. Butea monosperma, Calotropis procera and Phyllanthus nirurii were used as emollient, demulcent and antiphlogistic. Amaranthus trilocular, Capparis decidua, Clerodendron phlomoides, Phyllanthus nirurii and Ricinus communis were used as carminative and stomachic. Capparis decidua and Calotropis procera were used as appetizer. Prosopis glandulosa had anodyne properties, Achyranthes aspera had antilithic, while Pedalium murex, Tribulus terrestris and Barleria prionites had diuretic value. Achyranthes aspera, Argemone mexicana, Balanites aegyptiaca, Butea monosperma, Cassia senna, Citrullus colocynthis and Vitex negundo were used as vermifuge. Alhagi camelorum and Balanites aegyptiaca had aperient properties. Barleria prionites and Mollugo nudicaulis had their role in the ripening of an abscess. Ricinus communis and Salvadora oleoides aided in the removal of placenta and lochia. Anamitra cocculus and Argemone mexicana were used as febrifuge. Aerva javanica, Ailanthus excelsa, Amaranthus trilocular, Capparis decidua were used in diarrhoea and dysentery. Argemone mexicana and Ailanthus excelsa were used in ague. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethanolic extracts of 23 medicinal plants, commonly used in Sudanese folk medicines against infectious diseases, were investigated for their immunomodulating activity using luminol/lucigenin-based chemiluminescence assay. Preliminary screenings on whole blood oxidative burst activity showed inhibitory activities of 14 plant extracts, while only one plant, Balanites aegyptiaca fruits exhibited a proinflammatory activity. Further investigation was conducted by monitoring their effects on oxidative burst of isolated polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and mononuclear cells (MNCs) by using two different phagocytosis activators (serum opsonizing zymosan-A and PMA). Results obtained showed that the fruits and barks of Acacia nilotica, and leaves and barks of Khaya senegalensis, possess average inhibitory effects in the range of 70.7, 67.1, 69.5 and 67.4% on both types of phagocytes (PMNs and MNCs), respectively, at a 6.25μg/mL concentration. Moderate inhibitory activity (52.2%) was exerted by the aerial parts of Xanthium brasilicum, while the rest of the plants showed only a weak inhibitory activity. The inhibition of oxidative burst activity was found to be irreversible in most of the extracts, except for Peganum harmala, Tephrosia apollinea, Tinospora bakis, and Vernonia amygdalina. Interestingly, the fruits of Balanites aegyptiaca exhibited a moderate proinflammatory effect (37–40.4% increases in ROS level compared to the control) at 25–100μg/mL concentration in the case of whole blood along with PMNs phagocyte activity. The Tinospora bakis extract showed proinflammatory response at a low concentration (6.25μg/mL) during activation with PMA. None of these extracts affected PMNs viability (90–98%) upon 2h incubation, except of the ethanolic extracts of Acacia nilotica fruits and Balanites aegyptiaca barks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]