Search

The phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity, and antiulcer activity of Duranta erecta fruit extracts were determined in rodents. The antiulcer activity was tested utilizing a pylorus ligation. For the pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model, positive controls received ranitidine 10 mg kg−1. The negative controls were given ethanol (1 mL). The hydroethanolic fruit extracts of D. erecta demonstrated no mortality or notable behavioral effects up to 5000 mg kg−1. The crude ethanol fruit extract of D. erecta demonstrated antiulcer effects on pyloric ligation in rats at 500 and 1000 mg kg−1 doses. The values obtained at 1000 mg kg−1 dose are equivalent to those obtained with ranitidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Xylopia aethiopica (XAE), commonly known as African pepper or Ethiopian pepper, is a plant native to West Africa and known for its aromatic and medicinal properties. It was used to investigate the antioxidative, antihepatotoxic, and antinephrotoxic potentials of XAE in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Wister albino rats. Methods The proximate, and vitamin composition, oxidative stress indicators, and indices of kidney and hepatic functions were performed by standard methods. Results The proximate composition of the XAE leaf showed varied concentrations of Mg, Ca, Na, Zn, Se, and Cl, as well as vitamins A, E, B3, D, C, K, B2, and Bi. The activities of catalase glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde levels, K, Na, Cl − , urea, uric acid, and creatinine in the kidney were increased in testosterone propionate (Tp)-induced BPH compared with the control groups. Total protein levels significantly decreased in Tp-induced BPH compared with XAE-treated groups increased on XAE treatment. The aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were not significantly different in Tp-induced BPH, XAE, and normal controls. Conclusion The study revealed that XAE can be used in the management of oxidative stress and hepatorenal damage in BPH condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rauvolfia vomitoria (R. vomitoria) is a plant of economic importance due to its diverse ethnomedicinal properties, including the anticonvulsant effect. In this study, we studied the antiseizure and neuroprotective potentials of R. vomitoria extracts against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling. Methods: Twenty-five adult Swiss mice (25–30 g) were assigned to five groups (n = 5): control group, PTZ treatment group, and PTZ treatment after receiving oral R. vomitoria crude extract (100 mg/kg), R. vomitoria phenol extract (50 mg/kg) or sodium valproate (15 mg/kg) every 48 h for 28 days. Seizure scores, cognitive behavioral tests including novel object test, Y-maze test, and the elevated plus maze test, as well as brain neurochemicals and histomorphology studies, were performed. Results: Compared with the control group, the PTZ group showed comparable body weight and durations in closed and open arms (P > 0.05), but preference for familiar objects, significant (P < 0.05) spontaneous alternation, increased monoamine oxidase activity and nitric oxide level, and Nissl chromatolysis in the temporal lobe structures including the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. R. vomitoria phenol extract pretreatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced seizures, prevented adverse cognitive behaviors, decreased the nitric oxide level, and reduced the temporal lobe Nissl chromatolysis compared with the R. vomitoria crude extract pretreatment group and the sodium valproate pretreatment groups. Conclusions: Thus, R. vomitoria phenol extract showed promising results against seizures and potential for general brain protection, suggesting that the anticonvulsant property of R. vomitoria may be attributed to its phenol constituent. More studies are needed to delineate the mechanisms of its action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanites aegyptiaca Delile (BA) is an enduring xerophytic woody and spinous flowering tree and is commonly known as desert date or Ingudi (Hingot). It belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae, which is specific to be drought areas of Nigeria, Africa, South Asia and India (Rajasthan). In Ayurveda, this traditional medicinal plant is reported for the management of jaundice, syphilis, yellow fever, metabolic disorders, liver, and spleen problems. The main aim of the review is to compile its medicinal uses and further advancements to showcase the promises inherited in various parts of the plant for the benefit of mankind. As per the literature survey, various researchers have focused on the detailed investigation of BA including the phytopharmacological evidence, chemical constituents, nano-formulations, commercialized products, and clinical trials. Several remarkable scaffolds and isolated compounds like diosgenin, yamogenin, balanitin1/2, balanitin 3, bal4/5, bal6/7, rutin-3-glycosides, 3,7-diglycosides, (3, 12, 14, 16)–(12-hydroxycholest-5-ene-3,16-diyl-bis)-D-glucopyranoside and balanitoside have been identified. Additionally, this traditional plant has been scientifically proven by in vitro and in vivo. Based on the complete review of this plant, most of the compounds have been isolated from the fruit and kernel part. Additionally, based on the literature, a histogram was developed for pharmacological activity in which antidiabetic study was found to be more compared to other pharmacological activity. As a spinous desert dates, this plant needs to be explored more to bring out newer phytochemicals in the management of various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plectranthus neochilus (P. neochilus), a perennial shrub-like flowering plant have been used in Brazilian and Southern African folk medicine to treat liver related diseases amongst other ailments. Lifestyle choices, specifically continuous consumption of foods with high fat content have been identified as one of the major causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this study, the antihyperlipidemic effect of P. neochilus leaves ethanolic extracts (PNEE) in fat-fed male Wistar rats was evaluated. In-vitro antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated using DPPH assay. Hyperlipidaemia was induced by feeding with fat-supplemented feed (FSF) (35% beef fat) for 21 days ad libitum. DPPH scavenging assay indicated antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 27.48±3.85 μg/mL. While the FSF resulted to significant (p < 0.05) elevations in total cholesterol (TC) level, and triglycerides (TG) level, coupled with reduction in HDL-C level in the hyperlipidaemic control compared to the non-FSF fed rats (normal control). Interestingly, treatment with PNEE at 150 mg/kg/day, 300 mg/kg/day and Atorvastatin at 10mg/kg/day (as standard control) for 14 days with continuation of the fat-supplemented regimen, revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum levels of TC and TG as well as elevations in serum level of HDL-C in PNEE-treated groups compared to the hyperlipidemic control. These findings suggested that the PNEE possess hyperlipidemic potentials which could be used for the development of therapies against diet associated dyslipidaemia as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was carried out to document the medicinal values and therapeutic applications of different parts of A. cordifolia in Ekebedi Oboro ancient Kingdom of Abia State, Nigeria, and profile its bioactive constituents. Material-Method: The ethno-botanical survey involved questionnaires and oral interviews of 81 randomly selected traditional medicine doctors and natives on medicinal values of A. cordifolia. GC-MS fingerprinting was adopted to elucidate the bioactive constituents of the methanol leaf extract of the plant. Results: The survey showed that A. cordifolia is prescribed in different treatment regimens for coughs, bronchitis, postpartum bleeding, lacerations, wounds, vaginitis, diarrhea, sickle cell anemia, and venereal diseases, including gonorrhea, syphilis, and prostatitis. Phytochemical fingerprinting revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds as the major active ingredients of the plant. A total of 27 fatty acids and volatile hydrocarbons were detected in the leaf extract of the plant with 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- methyl ester (18.42%), 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester (19.93%), Dodecanoic acid 1,2,3-propanetrieyl (15.87%) as most abundant ingredients. Conclusion: A. cordifolia is used to treat various diseases such as sickle cell anemia, diabetes, post-partum bleeding, and HIV infections amongst others. The fatty acids identified in A. cordifolia possibly underscored these antimicrobial and therapeutic actions of the plant in traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As red henna interferes with the working principles of pulse oximetry, it affects peripheral oxygen saturation readings. This study was conducted to determine the effect of henna on the pulse oximetry of sick children admitted to the emergency department (ED). Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective observational study on 100 sick children admitted to ED. The red henna was applied on the right index finger and right toe, while the left index finger and left toe served as control. SpO2 readings for the upper limbs and lower limbs were recorded simultaneously and compared. Results: The median (interquartile range) age was 4.0 (2.0--8.6) years. There was no significant difference between SpO2 (95.9±4.2 vs. 95.4±4.4) for the upper limb finger (t = 1.147, P = 0.254) and Spo2 (95.3% ±4.9% vs. 95.7% ±3.9%) for lower limb finger (t = 0.954, P = 0.342) with henna and their corresponding pair without henna. However, the SpO2 of children with hypoxia (92.12% ±5.6% vs. 86.88% ±9.6%) for upper limb finger (92.00% ±5.7% vs. 88.41% ±5.5%) and for the toe was significantly higher on digits with henna compared with their pairs without henna (t = 3.167, P = 0.006 upper limb pair; t = 6.351, P = 0.013 for lower limb pair). Conclusions: Red henna application does not significantly affect the reading of pulse oximetry among children without hypoxia but significantly overestimates the oximetry reading in hypoxic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria ranks second in the global prevalence of diarrhoea with most cases concentrated in the Northern-region of the country. This research explored the antidiarrhoeal efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves (HEPTL), locally used to manage diarrhoeal conditions in Kebbi State, Nigeria. P. thonningii leaves were screened for their secondary metabolites and mineral constituents. Using 3 standard-diarrhoea models, female Wistar rats completely-randomised into six-groups of six animals each were utilised for probing the antidiarrhoeal activity of HEPTL. Animals in groups I and II served as the negative and positive controls, whereas the rats in groups III, IV and V respectively received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight-(bw) of HEPTL. Six secondary metabolites and eight minerals were found in the extract, with flavonoids and calcium being the most abundant while steroids and zinc were the least prevalent, respectively. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 19 bioactive substances. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.05) and dose-related reduction in diarrhoea onset, water content, and wet faeces count. Similarly, the amount of intestinal fluid and average distance traversed by the charcoal-meal were decreased dose-dependently by the HEPTL with a commensurate rise in the suppression of intestinal fluid accrual and peristalsis. Acetylcholinesterase, Na+/K+-ATPase, reduced glutathione, intestinal-alkaline phosphatase and protein levels increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas superoxide-dismutase, catalase, intestinal-nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels all fell significantly (p<0.05). However, the level of intestinal glucose was not significantly altered. Overall, the HEPTL exhibited a profound effect in the alleviation of the severity of diarrhoea, notably at 200 mg/kg bw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of antiretroviral therapy has brought a tremendous relief to the world as it minimizes mortality, reduces HIV transmission, and suppresses progression in infected patients. However, the orthodox antiretroviral therapy is faced with limitations which have necessitated a continuous search for more novel plant-based antiviral compounds, which can bypass the existing barriers created by drug resistance and target more viral proteins. Despite the edibility and enormous pharmacological benefits of T. portulacastrum, little is known about its nutrient profiles and potential use as a natural source of antiviral drug. This study focuses on the full feed analysis and anti-HIV potential of two biotypes of T. portulacastrum. Ethanolic extracts of both biotypes of T. portulacastrum (T01 and T02) had significant inhibitory effects on the level of replication of the HIV-1. Both extracts induced the inhibition of at least 50% of the HIV-1 viral load at considerably low IC50 values of 1.757 mg/mL (T01) and 1.205 mg/mL (T02) which is comparable to the AZT standard. The protein composition ranged between 8.63-22.69%; fat (1.84-4.33%); moisture (7.89-9.04%); fibre (23.84-49.98%); and carbohydrate content (38.54-70.14%). Mineral contents of tested T. portulacastrum varied considerably in different parts of the plant. Nitrogen N mineral ranged between 13.8-36.3 mg/g; sodium Na (2.0-14.0 mg/g); potassium K (14.0-82.0 mg/g); magnesium Mg (2.8-7.1 mg/g); calcium Ca (9.1-24.7 mg/g); phosphorus P (1.3-3.6 mg/g); iron Fe (193.5-984.0 ppm); zinc Zn (42.5-96.0 ppm); manganese Mn (28.5-167.5 ppm); and copper Cu (2.0-8.5 ppm). These mineral values are comparable or higher than values quoted for common vegetables, suggesting that T. portulacastrum is a nutrient-dense vegetable that could provide alternative sources of antiviral nutrients to HIV-infected individuals. Further studies are recommended to unravel key metabolites responsible for high nutrient profiles and antiretroviral effects in T. portulacastrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases and infections. This study aimed to identify the active ingredients in Borrerria verticilata root extract for the synthesis of new antimicrobial drugs. Materials and methods: Roots of Borerria verticillata were collected from Ucha village, Makurdi local government of Benue State, Nigeria. For extraction, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water were used as solvent. The roots were air-dried and powdered before extraction. The extracts were qualitatively tested for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, steroids, and phenol. Antimicrobial potency of the extracts against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, and some fungi implicated in dermatophytic infections were studied. Agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration. Results and conclusion: The yield of the extracts ranged from 1.5% for water to 3.5% for hexane as solvent. The phytochemicals in the root extracts were included to flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, and glycosides. The microbial inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration ranged from 0 to 21.67 mm, 8 to 512 mg/ml, and 256 to 512 mg/ml, respectively. This study revealed that the root extract of Borerria verticillata plant has an antimicrobial effect against multidrug-resistant bacteria and also antifungal potential. Therefore, it can be used in food and cosmetics industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of Nigeria's most important oil crops, effective storage is still a leading problem with the preservation of sesame. Fungal infestation of sesame is a major cause of spoilage. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential biocontrol agents of some selected plant extracts (Cymbogogon citratus, Moringa oleifera, Azadirachta indica (Neem), and Reuwolfiea vomitoria) against four sesame seed spoilage heterotrophic fungi (Fusarium monoliforme, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria sesame, and Penicillium sp.). Infected seed samples of sesame were collected from different sesame farms within Dekina local government and its environs to isolate fungal pathogens. The in-vitro potential of the tested plant extracts was evaluated against four isolates of phytopathogenic heterotrophic fungi in an agar well diffusion method. A total of 281 heterotrophic fungi were isolated. Alternaria sesame (number of isolate (n) = 91) had the highest distribution, while Fusarium monoliforme had the lowest distribution (n = 19). Extract concentration was impassively proportional to antifungal activity across all the fungal isolates at P<0.005. The antifungal activity of some selected extracts Cymbogogon citratus, Moringa oleifera, Azadirachta indica (Neem), and Reuwolfiea vomitoria) on the fungal isolates associated with sesame seed within Kogi East and its environs showed moderate antifungal activity (mycelium growth between 20-60% across all test isolates). It thus offers a choice alternative in the preservation and processing of sesame seed within the region and the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Fitopatologi Indonesia is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many of the plant materials used in traditional medicine are readily available in rural areas and thus have made traditional medicine relatively cheaper than modern medicine. Plants generally produce many secondary metabolites and these constitute an important source of microbiocides, pesticides and many pharmaceutical drugs. Ceiba pentandra is naturally present in equatorial Africa and naturalized in all the humid tropics including Nigeria. Ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous leave extract of Ceiba pentandra were assayed against clinical isolates of S. aureus, P.vulgaris, E. coli and K. pneumoniae by agar diffusion method. All the extracts showed antimicrobial activity against all the test organisms. K. pneumoniae was the most susceptible to the plant extracts while E. coli was the most resistant. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant extracts against the test organisms ranged between 15μg/mLto30μg/mL The minimum bactericidal concentration of the extracts was within the ranges of 15μg/mL and 35μg/mL Ethyl acetate extract of leaf of Ceiba pentandra appeared to be more effective than aqueous or ethanol extract as antimicrobial agent against all the test bacteria. The results obtained may suggest that the plant extracts possess useful antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Folk medicine is crucial to healthcare delivery in the underdeveloped countries. It is frequently used as a primary treatment option or as a complementary therapy for malaria. Malaria is a deadly disease which greatly threatens global public health, claiming incredible number of lives yearly. The study was aimed at documenting the medicinal plants used for malaria treatment in folk medicine in Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: Ethnobotanical information was collected from selected consenting registered traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) through oral face-to-face interviews using in-depth, semi-structured interview guide. The ethnobotanical data were analysed, and descriptive statistical methods were used to compile them. Results: Sixty-two indigenous medicinal plants, including 13 new plants, used for malaria treatment were identified in this study. The TMPs preferred decoction in aqueous solvent (34%) and steeping in decaffeinated soft drink (19%) for herbal preparations. Oral administration (74%) was the main route of administration, while leaves (40%) and stem barks (32%) were the most dominant plant parts used in herbal preparations. The most cited families were Fabaceae (15%) and Rutaceae (6%), while Mangifera indica (77.14%), Enantia chlorantha (65.71%), Alstonia boonei (57.14%) followed by Cymbopogon citratus (54.29%) were the most used plants. Besides, the antimalarial activities of many of the plants recorded and their isolated phytocompounds have been demonstrated. Furthermore, the conservation status of 4 identified plants were Vulnerable. Conclusion: The study showed strong ethnobotanical knowledge shared by the TMPs in the State and provides preliminary information that could be explored for the discovery of more potent antimalarial compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional pollution control strategies in the cement industry have proven ineffective. As a result, effective and targeted complementary interventions are necessary. This study used roof rats (Rattus rattus) inhabiting the premises of a cement plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, to evaluate the ameliorative effects of moringa (Moringa oleifera), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on cement dust exposure. A total of 42 rats were divided into seven groups, with each group consisting of six rats. Group 1 served as the negative control group and was not exposed to any substances, while group 2 served as the positive control group and received standard feed throughout the experiment. Meanwhile, groups 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 served as the experimental group. Rats in these groups were fed with 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extracts of Z. officinale, M. oleifera, T. occidentalis, H. sabdariffa, and a mixture of the four extracts with a composition of 1:1:1:1, respectively, for 90 days. The plasma DNA concentrations, DNA purity, and lungs of the rats were examined before and after the experiment. Prior to the experiment, the exposed rats had higher plasma DNA concentrations and lower DNA purity, as well as severe fibrosis and congested alveoli in their lungs, compared to the unexposed rats. At the end of the experiment, the experimental groups showed a significant increase in DNA purity (p=0.05) and a decline in plasma DNA concentrations compared to the positive control group. In addition, the experimental groups showed fewer histopathological abnormalities than the positive control group. The mixture of the extracts yielded the most favorable results, followed by the extracts of Z. officinale, M. oleifera, T. occidentalis, and H. sabdariffa, respectively. These findings suggested that the selected vegetables and spices have the properties to ameliorate the effects of cement dust exposure. Therefore, individuals residing in close proximity to cement plants are encouraged to consume these vegetables and spices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria, Annona muricata L. has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The mechanism of the antimalarial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata (EEAML) was investigated using both an in vivo and an in silico approach. The experimental mice were divided into five groups: A-F. The mice in groups B-F were inoculated with Plasmodium berghei NK-65 and treated accordingly. Groups A and B are the negative and positive controls (infected and untreated), respectively. Group C received 10 mg/kg chloroquine (standard drug), whereas groups D-F received 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract orally respectively. The mice were euthanized eight days after infection, and their liver and blood were collected and used in biochemical tests. Molecular docking was performed using the extract's HPLC compounds and Plasmodium falciparum proteins. In the suppressive, prophylactic, and curative tests, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in parasitemia levels in groups treated with the extract compared to the positive control and standard drug. When compared to the positive control, there was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in liver MDA, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride levels. The binding energies of luteolin and apigenin- pf protein complexes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to their respective references. The anti-plasmodial activity of the extract may result from its hypolipidemic effect, which deprives the parasite of essential lipid molecules needed for parasite growth, as well as from the inhibitory effects of apigenin and luteolin on specific proteins required for the Plasmodium metabolic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The root of Waltheria indica is used in Nigeria to enhance libido. This study evaluated the aphrodisiac potential and toxicological profile of ethanol root extract (EEWI) in male Wistar rats. Methods: The aphrodisiac potential was evaluated on the 7th and 14th days of oral administration of graded doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) of EEWI. Anxiolytic properties were evaluated on the 7th day, while memory retention properties were evaluated on the 14th, 21st, and 28th days. Sperm parameters, toxicological profile, and antioxidant potential were evaluated on the 28th day. The in vitro antioxidant property was also evaluated. Results: In a dose-dependent manner, the extract increased mounting frequency and intromission frequency but significantly decreased mount and intromission latencies (p<0.001) on the 7th and 14th day of treatment. It prolonged ejaculatory latency. Anxiolytic and memory studies showed that the extract compared agreed with standards. Toxicologically, it was observed that all the doses used neither caused death nor any gross toxicological symptom. A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in the concentrations of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as hematological parameters such as red blood cells and hemoglobin. A significant reduction in total sperm and motile sperm cell counts was observed in rats given the highest dose. Conclusion: The extract possesses aphrodisiac action and is relatively safe. The antioxidant property may accentuate the aphrodisiac and anti-anemic use in ethnomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in many fields for various purposes, and the biosynthesis of AgNPs through biological routes has recently gained attention. In this study, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli isolated from soil within the premises of an abattoir in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria and plant extracts of Tulsi leaves (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and Jatropha leaves (Jatropha curcas) were evaluated for their ability to synthesize AgNPs. Through visual confirmation and ultraviolet and visible (UV–Vis) spectrum analysis, it was discovered that Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli had absorption peak at 425 and 318 nm, respectively, while Jatropha curcas and Ocimum tenuiflorum had absorption peaks at 416 and 400 nm, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that silver nanoparticles synthesized from B. subtilis and E. coli had a strong peak around 31.66°, which was absent in nanoparticles synthesized with O. tenuiflorum and J. curcas. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that the obtained AgNPs had spherical shape and sizes for silver nanoparticles synthesized using B. subtilis and E. coli with an average size of 11.10 ± 0.21 and 38.89 ± 0.42, but the spherical shape of silver nanoparticles in E. coli was evenly distributed compared to the spherical shape in B. subtilis. Nanobars, nanopyramids, nanorods and hexagonal silver nanoparticles were observed in the HRTEM analysis of J. curcas with average size of 12.28 ± 0.37, and nanoflowers were observed in the AgNPs synthesized by O. tenuiflorum with an average size of 12.99 ± 0.15. These results of the study showed that Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli as well as plant extracts of Jatropha and Tulsi could be used to produce silver nanoparticles for application in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is one of the most important staple foods in sub-Saharan Africa. Optimum maize yield has not been attained in many places because of serious damage caused by lepidopterous stem borers which are major insect pests limiting maize production. Sesamia calamistis is one of the stem borer species abundant in Nigeria. Use of synthetic insecticides to control these pests has been practiced overtime, but has been limited by its toxicity to mammals and the ecosystem at large. An alternative means of control with the use of plant extracts has been recently emphasized. This study was carried out to determine the insecticidal efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia extracts against Sesamia calamistis. Maize variety, BR 9943 DMRSR (white) was planted and later infested with blackhead stage egg batches of Sesamia calamistis 3 weeks after crop emergence. Twenty per cent aqueous leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia was applied 1 week after artificial infestation. Carbofuran 3G (1g/plant) was used as a standard check treatment and untreated plants were included as controls. Application of the plant extracts, markedly reduced stem tunneling, stem breakage, dead heart formation, exit/entry holes and number of emerged larvae in treated plants. Plant heights at 2 and 4 weeks after infestation were also maintained positively in treated plants. In terms of plant height, plants treated with aqueous leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia showed significant difference, showing that Tithonia diversifolia can be incorporated in organic farming as well as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Tithonia diversifolia plant extract is encouraged for use as an alternative to carbofuran in the control of Sesamia calamistis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria has been one of the world's worst killer diseases throughout recorded human history. Despite attempts to eradicate the disease, it remains a global burden. This could be a result of parasite resistance to current therapy. However, this research aimed at evaluating the in vitro antimalarial activity of ethanolic extracts of Terminalia mantaly on Plasmodium falciparum. The plant extracts were prepared by cold maceration in 70% ethanol and air-dried by a rotary evaporator. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard procedures outlined in the Analytical methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 1990) which indicates the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, steroids, and balsam. The in vitro antimalarial assay was carried out according to the method described by WHO (2001). All data were represented as Mean ± Standard deviation. Ethanolic extracts of the three parts of the plant were subjected to in vitro antimalarial activity at three concentrations (300 mg, 150 mg, and 75 mg) in four replicates with artemether (standard drug) as a positive control. Stem bark at 300 mg/kg completely cleared the parasites with a 0.00% parasitaemia rate and there was no significant difference when compared with positive control at p<0.005 value of 1.00. This study affirms the use of the plant for the treatment of malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The barks of plant stems are sources of bioactive compounds used in the treatment of diseases. Among these compounds, tannins offer different therapeutic applications. In this context, this research aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis on the state of the art of all studies published in the literature that relate the use of tannin-rich extracts and antimicrobial activity to identify challenges and support future research and its applicability in different industry segments. Scopus was the database used to extract registration and specific information about articles on this topic. 354 documents published since 1963 were counted, and the country of origin of most of the articles was Nigeria. The most studied family and species were Fabaceae and Terminalia arjuna , respectively. As for the pathogenic microorganisms, the bacteria Escherichia coli , the fungus Candida albicans and the HIV virus stood out. Tannin-rich bark extracts showed antimicrobial potential, a characteristic that may guide future research with the aim of developing new medicines derived from natural products. In parallel, the results of this research can contribute to the development of products used in the food and cosmetic industries, aiming to reduce the consumption of unnatural products. [Display omitted] • Bibliometric analysis indicates state of the art of tannin-rich extracts as antimicrobials. • Underdeveloped countries are major researchers of antimicrobial tannins. • Studies with tannin-rich bark extracts concentrate on few species. • Standardization of solvents to obtain tannin-rich extracts is a scientific gap. • Tannin-rich bark extracts are a source of raw material for several industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An earlier ethnobotanical study afforded fifteen surveyed plants, which are used as antifungal and wound healing remedies. This informed their antifungal screening to validate folklore claims. Materials and Methods: Identified, procured, and authenticated medicinal plants were each, defatted in hexane and extracted with methanol before partitioning with n-butanol to obtain an n-butanol extract with solubilized antifungal compounds in the organic phase. The resulting concentrated n-butanol extracts were then screened by subjecting each plant extract to in vitro antifungal assay for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract on Aspergillus niger in a 96-well flat bottom polystyrene microtiter plate using the broth microdilution method as outlined in the 2021 Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guideline. Results: The antifungal screening of the plants presented active plant extracts with variable antifungal properties of MIC values ranging from 3.9 to 250 (mg/ml). Only the extract of Balanites aegyptica showed no activity at all concentrations tested. The lowest extreme was recorded for Ficus Platyphylla, which gave a slight activity at the highest MIC of 125mg/ml, while the highest activity was recorded for Faidherbia albida at the lowest test concentration with a MIC of 3.90625 mg/ml. The other thirteen extracts exhibited antifungal activity in varying degree with the following MICs: Stecullia setigera (7.8125 mg/ml), Annona senegalensis (7.8125 mg/ml), Uraria picta (7.8125 mg/ml) Combretum collinum (15.65 mg/ml), Afromosia lexiflora (15.65 mg/ml), Waltheria indica (15.65 mg/ml), Guiera senegalensis (15.65 mg/ml), Carica papaya (31.25 mg/ml), Rogeria adenophylla (31.25 mg/ml), Pennisetum hordeoides (31.25 mg/ml), Acacia nilotica (31.25 mg/ml) and Sida ovata (62.5 mg/ml). Conclusion: The in vitro antifungal potential of these surveyed plants supports their traditional use, hence, information (data) furnished by this study can be exploited for their further evaluations as antimicrobial drug leads of nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Nutrient composition of vegetables is critical for diet supplementation and disease management in phytomedicine. This study analyzed phytochemical and vitamin contents and antioxidant potentials of methanolic extracts of leaves and stems from Ocimum gratissimum (OG), Telfairia occidentalis (TO), Vernonia amygdalina (VA) and Gongronema latifolium (GL) in Abia State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed phytochemicals, antioxidants and vitamins using standard analytical methods. Moreover, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power were assessed using photometric assays. Results: Phytochemical analyses showed the highest concentrations in phenolic contents of the leaf extracts and flavonoid contents of the stem extracts of OG (6.16 ±0.02 mg/100 g and 5.40 ±0.01 mg/100 mg, respectively). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay indicated that the leaf extracts of TO and OG were consistently higher for scavenging activities at 100, 200 and 400 µg/ml concentrations, respectively. In contrast, stem extracts of VA and GL were higher at similar concentrations. The ferric reducing antioxidant power results demonstrated the highest values in the leaves and stems of OG (1.55 ±0.02 and 0.77 ±0.24 µm/fe(II)/l, respectively). Vitamin A and C compositions (mg/100 g) in the stem extracts were higher than those in the leaves; whereas, their leaf extracts included higher compositions of vitamin E (mg/100 g). Conclusions: This study suggests conscious incorporation of stems and leaves as vegetables in diets to boost diet and supplement biological antioxidant defenses against oxidative stress-induced diseases, developing SDGs two(2) and three(3) with focusing on malnutrition and promoting health and well-being of all ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Nematode diseases are major constraints in tomato production. Screenhouse and field experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of Effective Microorganisms-Fermented Plant Extract (EM-FPE) and compost manure singly and in combination on Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomatoes. Method Screenhouse and field experiments were designed respectively as 2×5 and 2×4 factorial fitted into a completely randomized design (CRD) in the screenhouse and randomized complete block design (RCBD) on the field. For single treatments, 100 ml of EM-FPE or 200 g of compost was used per plant while 50 ml of EM-FPE and 100 g of compost were combined and used per plant for treatment combination. Pots that did not receive any treatment served as control. Data were collected on growth parameters, fruit production, galling, and soil nematode population. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) where significant differences in means were separated using Fisher's Least Significance Difference (LSD) Test at P = 0.05. Results In both trials, treated plants performed significantly better. No significant difference was recorded among the three treatments for soil nematode population and root galling on the field. But in the screenhouse trial, plants treated with the combination of EM-FPE and compost recorded higher soil nematode population (150) and root galling (7) at harvest but the plants performed well. Among the treatments, compost manure applied singly gave the best result with respect to vegetative growth, flower formation, and yield of the tomatoes. Conclusion This study reveals that both treatments, EM-FPE, and compost manure could be relied on for effective control of Meloidogyne incognita in tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petersianthus macrocarpus (Lecythidaceae) is commonly used in traditional medicine in southeastern part of Nigeria for treating infectious diseases. In the current study, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition, and antimicrobial properties of 95% aqueous methanolic stem bark extract, and various solvent fractions of P. macrocarpus, were evaluated. The total phenolics content (TPC) and total tannins content (TTC) were evaluated spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteu's protocol, while the total flavonoids content (TFC) was assessed according to the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. The aqueous methanolic extract showed 706.61 ± 0.20 mg gallic acid equivalents GAE/g of extract, 131.42 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g of extract and 249.6 ± 0.14 mg quercetin equivalents QE/g of extract for TPC, TTC and TFC respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction showed higher TTC than the absolute methanol fraction but lower TPC and TFC. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts were evaluated against clinical strains of bacteria and fungi using the agar disc diffusion technique. All the evaluated samples showed inhibitory effect at 5.0 mg/mL against the tested bacteria and fungi, with the inhibition zone diameter (IZD) values ranging from 10 - 20 mm. The ethyl acetate fraction of the extract showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.81 mg/mL and 0.82 mg/mL against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans respectively. P. macrocarpus stem bark is a rich source of phenolics, tannins and flavonoids which may be responsible for its ethno-medicinal use in treating microbial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were conducted in Crop Science laboratory, University of Calabar to evaluate insecticidal activities of crude extracts (CE) of Xylopia aethiopica, Dennettia tripetala, Physostigma venenosum, Senna hirsuta and primiphos-methyl in the management of Sitophillus zeamais. The CEs were separately extracted with 50 mL distilled N- Hexane for 24 h at room temperature and evaporated under vacuum using a rotary evaporator at room temperature. Four concentrations (0.25%, 0.50%, 1% and 2%) and n-Hexane as control were laid out in completely randomized design with three replications. Parameters assessed included, per cent mortality at various times of exposure (3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h), weight loss as well as lethal concentration (LC50). Contact toxicity on S. zeamais revealed that at 0.25 and 2% concentrations, primiphos-methyl caused 93.33 and 99.67% mortality, P. venenosum 80 and 96.67%, X. aethiopica 73.33 and 96.67%, D. tripetala 66.67% and 93.33% mortality compared with S. hirsuta with 53.33% and 99.67% mortality at 3 and 48 h of exposure. S. hirsuta recorded 42.66% and 22.73% weight loss at 0.25 and 2.00% concentration as compared with other CEs. Generally, all treated samples resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) lower weight loss compared with the hexane treated samples and the control. LC 50 computation revealed that P. venenosum and D. tripetala were as effective as primiphos-methyl in the management S. zeamais. The result supports the use of the test plants by small scale farmers in the management of stored maize against S. zeamais. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pastoralists in Nigeria mix Garcinia kola seed (GK), Khaya senegalensis stem bark (KS) , and Vernonia amygdalina leaves (VA) to treat leptospirosis. To determine the in vitro and in vivo effect on single and combination therapy on Leptospira interrogans -infected mice. Evaluation of in vitro assay for anti-leptospiral motility of the extracts was carried out in triplicates. For the in vivo assessment, 40 adult male mice inoculated with Leptospira were randomly allocated into 8 groups of 5 mice each. Groups IV-IX were treated with 800 mg/kg b.w. of KS, GK, VA, KS + GK, KS + VA, GK + VA for 5 days. Group I was negative control, II was model control, and III was treated with penicillin (3.7 mg/kg b.w.) intramuscularly. In vitro , at 90 min, all the extracts at 800, 400, and 200 mg/ml showed complete cessation of motility which was significantly (p < 0.05) different when compared to the negative control. A significant (p < 0.05) IC 50 of 0.18 mg/ml was recorded with GK when compared to KS (0.40 mg/ml), VA (0.25 mg/ml), and procaine penicillin (0.31 mg/ml). Mean packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all infected groups and returned to almost pre-infection values. However, significant leucocytosis (p < 0.05) was observed in group II. AST and ALP showed a significant increase (p < 0.001). Histopathological evaluation showed the extracts to prevent the distortion of normal architecture of the selected organs. This study demonstrates the significant potential of Garcinia kola , Khaya senegalensis , and Vernonia amygdalina extracts singly and in combination to combat leptospirosis. [Display omitted] • All extracts showed concentration-dependent cessation of leptospiral motility in vitro. • IC 50 of Garcinia kola (0.18 mg/ml) was significant when compared to procaine penicillin (0.31 mg/ml). • In vivo , a significant increase to almost pre-infection values was observed in the treated groups. • Aspartate amino transferase showed a significant increase in the infected untreated group. • Extracts prevented distortion of normal architecture of the selected organs for histopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)-based therapies has greatly improved the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), as they ensure good blood glucose control and promote weight loss. Ingestion of standardized herbal remedies that promote the same endogenous metabolic processes affected by the GLP-1-based treatments could provide cheaper alternatives in low- and middle-income countries, where there is currently an increase in the incidence of T2D. The focus in this study was to determine quality control parameters and the prime factors for the Rauvolfia-Citrus tea (RC-tea), as used in Nigerian traditional medicine to treat T2D. We have previously shown that the RC-tea that is made by boiling leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. and fruits of Citrus aurantium L. causes normalization of blood glucose and reduction of ectopic lipid accumulation in genetic diabetic (BKS- db) mice and in humans with T2D. The standardized RC-tea was made by boiling 40 g dried R. vomitoria foliage and 200 g fresh C. aurantium fruits per litre. The resulting golden-brown extract is free of microbial contamination, has pH 5 and contains ca. 230 mg naringin (marker compound for C. aurantium) and 25 mg robinin (marker compound for R. vomitoria) per litre. In addition, the herbal extract has the characteristic HPLC-DAD fingerprint where the marker compounds, naringin and robinin have retention times of approximately 26.3 min and 26.9 min, respectively, when using the outlined column and gradient elution conditions. Comparative evaluations of the antidiabetic effects of the standardized RC-tea and boiling water-extracts made with C. aurantium fruits alone (CA), R. vomitoria foliage alone (RV) and a combination of CA and RV, (CA + RV) in BKS- db mice, indicate that components from R. vomitoria foliage drive the reductions in ectopic lipid accumulation, since CA-treated mice lacked this effect. However, the normalization of blood glucose arises from combination of components from the two source plant materials as administration of either CA or RV resulted in hypoglycaemia. Interestingly, treatment with the CA + RV mixture, generated by mixing individually produced CA and RV plant extracts, resulted in hyperglycaemia, possibly due to drug-drug interactions of the blood glucose-reducing components in either plant extract. Hence, our data show that the best antidiabetic outcome results from the traditional practice of boiling R. vomitoria foliage and C. aurantium fruits together. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous consumption of sachet and tap water in Nigeria is of public health significance as the potential bacterial water contaminants could develop resistance to commonly used antimicrobials. This study was carried out to assess the bacteriological quality and TLC-Bio autographic profile of water samples using M. oleifera leaf extract. One hundred samples comprising 50 sachets and 50 tap water were collected from five different locations in Katsina metropolis. Most probable number (MPN) was used to identify indicator bacteria and characterized using biochemical tests followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing identification. The results showed that the pH and temperature level of all the samples were significantly different. Turbidity (0.2-0.47NTU), dissolved oxygen (1.34-2.03mg/L and 0.85-2.45mg/L) and biological oxygen demand (0.49-1.09mg/L and 0.19-0.59mg/L) were below the minimum permissible limits set by WHO and NAFDAC (=5). Total coliform counts exceeded limits of 2 MPN/100ml and Escherichia coli was detected from tap water of Kofar Marusa, Kofar Durbi and Kofar Kaura as well as the sachet water of Kofar Marusa and Kofar Keke. However, there was no statistically significant difference (P=0.05) between the total coliform counts of both sachet and tap water. The 16S rRNA gene identification showed the presence of Escherichia marmotae and Enterobacter kobei in both sachet and tap water. The GC-MS demonstrated that M. oleifera leaf extract contained 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester, Octadec-9-enoic acid and Hexadecanoic acid, The TLC-bioautography result indicate antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 15±0.00 to 19.5±4.95mm (E. coli) to 23.5±6.36mm (E. faecalis) and 20±0.00 to 22±1.41mm (E. faecium). Waterborne faecal bacterial contaminants were found associated with the sachet and tap water analyzed. M. oleifera leaf has bioactive principles with nobility to be used as candidate for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A plant commonly referred to as Chikadoma in Nigeria, yellow bush in English, is traditionally used for the treatment of microbial infections and inflammation. Objectives: This study evaluated a novel gel formulation of the Nigerian Chikadoma plant extract for its topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities against pure clinical isolates (Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger), and carrageenan-induced edema on experimental rodents, respectively. Materials and Methods: Concentration of 1% w/w Carbopol-934 was employed as the gelling agent. The physiochemical parameters of formulations (viscosity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, and stability) were examined for a month to ensure that when applied on the skin, it never produced any skin irritation/erythema/edema. Results: The physiochemical and stability assessment of the gel formulation showed viscosity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, and stability within standard specifications. The antimicrobial studies showed activity against some of the test microorganisms, while the carrageenan-induced edema was inhibited. Both showed high degree of reproducibility. Conclusion: The formulated gel of Nigerian Chikadoma plant extract significantly possesses herbal anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and the gel preparation was stable under normal storage environment and did not manifest skin irritation/erythema and edema when applied on the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although Guiera senegalensis is used as a dewormer in ethnoveterinary health care in Nigeria, its anthelmintic potential has not been validated. Hence, this work investigated the in vitro anthelmintic potential of G. senegalensis extracts on two Caenorhabditis elegans strains: Bristol N2 (wild type/ivermectin susceptible) and DA1316 (ivermectin resistant). Results: Aqueous and methanol extracts of G. senegalensis were tested against the motility of the L4 larvae at two exposure periods of 24 and 48 h and found to be active against the C. elegans strains. Motility of C. elegans DA1316 was reduced to 18.6% and 8.3% by aqueous and methanol extracts, respectively, at 2.0 mg/ml after 48 h, whereas that of C. elegans DA1316 treated with ivermectin (0.02 µg/ml) remained above 95%. The motility of C. elegans Bristol N2 was reduced to 16.6% and 7.2% by aqueous and methanol extracts, respectively, at 2.0 mg/ml after 48 h and ≤ 2.7% by ivermectin (0.02 µg/ml). Activity of the plant extracts was concentration and time dependent. Conclusions: This work confirms the anthelmintic activity of G. senegalensis and its effectiveness against ivermectin-resistant nematodes, thus validating its ethnoveterinary use as an animal dewormer in Nigeria and pharmacological potential as a source of anthelmintic compounds against ivermectin-resistant nematodes. There is, however, the need for in vivo studies to confirm the in vitro efficacy of the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In many rural areas of Nigeria, Ficus sur is traditionally used in the management of many diseases some of whose pathogenesis implicate free radicals. Objectives: To determine the phenolic contents and the in vitro radical scavenging activities of methanol extracts of Ficus sur (MEFS) and its hydromethanol (HMFS), ethyl acetate (EAFS) and hexane (HFFS) fractions. Materials and Methods: The leaves of Ficus sur were air dried, extracted with absolute methanol, and then partitioned sequentially with hexane and ethyl acetate. The phenolic contents of the parent extract and the fractions were determined. The scavenging activities of the extracts towards 1,1diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, propagating lipid peroxyl and nitric oxide radicals were examined quantitatively. Results: Total phenol, flavonols and flavonoids were high in MEFS, moderate in EAFS and low in HFFS. The extracts scavenged DPPH radical (IC50 = 42.35± 3.55- 169.43 ± 16.43, hydroxyl radical (IC50 = 55.58 ±8.16- 318.33± 14), peroxyl radical (IC50 = 60.33± 13.8- 219± 36.44 μg/ml) and nitric oxide radical (IC50 = 41.94 ±6.65- 210.5 ± 11.3 μg/ml) in a dose-dependent manner. The flavonoid contents of the extracts inversely correlated with the IC50 values of free radical scavenging activities. Overall, the radical scavenging abilities of MEFS and its fraction follow the order: MEFS> HMFS> EAFS> HFFS. Conclusion: Hence, it may be concluded that extracts that have higher phenolic contents are superior to those with lower phenolic contents in radical scavenging activities, which cement the fact that, indeed, phenolics are largely responsible for the invitro antioxidant activities of the plant extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was motivated by the report of a survey of herbal remedies used by Fulani herdsmen in the management of cow diarrhoea in Plateau State, Nigeria. The report identified F. platyphylla stem bark amongst major herbs. Activity of aqueous stem extract of F. platyphylla against diarrhoea caused by physiological changes and by pathological infections was herein determined. Thirty albino rats were fasted for 18 hours. They were grouped into six and induced with diarrhoea using castor oil. The first two groups received distilled water (1 ml) and loperamide (5 mg/kg), while other groups were administered plant extract 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. The severity of diarrhoea was assessed hourly for 4 hrs. Gastrointestinal motility experiment was carried out using atropine sulphate (5 mg/kg). In vitro anti-diarrhoeal test was carried out against E. coli clinical and laboratory isolates versus antibiotics. The extract inhibited defecation moderately, and regulated frequency of wet stool better than loperamide, the lowest dose (50 mg/kg b. w.) competed favourably with the loperamide. This dose produced the most remarkable activity considering the latent period, total stool frequency, purging indices and percentage inhibition of defecation. The dose showed remarkable activity in the propulsion of charcoal meal through gastrointestinal tract as displayed in the inhibition of diarrhoea. The results of in vitro anti-diarrhoeal test against E. coli showed that the plant extract was inactive on the microorganism. The results from the present study validated the anti-diarrhoeal potential of F. platyphylla via its physiological action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp (Fabaceae) seed decoction is used by traditional healers in Nigeria as nerve tonic, hence, could be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disease that imposes great burden on the healthcare system globally. This study aimed at investigating the neuroprotective effect of ethanol seed extract of Cajanus cajan (CC) in the treatment of rotenone-induced motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms associated with PD. To assess the protective action of CC on rotenone-induced motor- and non-motor symptoms of PD, mice were first pretreated with CC (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) an hour before oral administration of rotenone (1 mg/kg, p.o, 0.5% in carboxyl-methylcellulose) for 28 consecutive days and weekly behavioural tests including motor assessment (open field test (OFT), rotarod, pole and cylinder tests) and non-motor assessment (novel object recognition (NOR), Y-maze test (YM), forced swim and tail suspension, gastric emptying and intestinal fluid accumulation tests) were carried out. The animals were euthanized on day 28 followed by the collection of brain for assessment of oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and immunohistochemical analysis of the striatum (STR) and substantia nigra (SN). Phytochemicals earlier isolated from CC were docked with protein targets linked with PD pathology such as; catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Leucine rich receptor kinase (LRRK).Results: this study showed that CC significantly reduced rotenone-induced spontaneous motor impairment in OFT, pole, cylinder and rotarod tests in mice as well as significant improvement in non-motor features (significant reversal of rotenone-induced deficits discrimination index and spontaneous alternation behaviour in NORT and YM test, respectively, reduction in immobility time in forced swim/tail suspension test, gastrointestinal disturbance in intestinal transit time in mice. Moreso, rotenone-induced neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation were significantly attenuated by CC administration. In addition, docking analysis showed significant binding affinity of CC phytochemicals with COMT, TH and LRRK2 receptors. Cajanus cajan seeds extract prevented both motor and non-motor features of Parkinson disease in mice through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, could be a potential phytotherapeutic adjunct in the management of Parkinson disease. [Display omitted] • Intragastric administration of rotenone-induced-induced motor and non-motor deficits in mice. • C. cajan seeds extract reversed rotenone-induced motor, cognitive and gut impairment. • Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced rotenone was attenuated by C. cajan. • Rotenone-induced striatal dopamine neurons loss was ameliorated by C. cajan. • C. cajan seeds phytochemicals bind strongly to COMT, TH and LRRK2 active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant parts have been widely used in the treatment of human diseases and the use of herbal medicine is the major form of medicine in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Synclisia scabrida (Miers) is an important medicinal plant that is widely distributed and valued for its vast therapeutic properties. The root bark of Synclisia scabrida (Miers) was collected, air-dried and extracted with ethanol using soxhlet extraction apparatus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract and the standard antibiotics were determined by agar dilution method. Preliminary sensitivity test showed that Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis were susceptible to the plant extract. The MIC values of the extract against the organisms ranged from 1.25-2.50 mg/ml. Those of standard drugs ranged from 0.00625-0.0125 µg/ml for ciprofloxacin, 0.0015625-0.006250 µg/ml for levofloxacin and ofloxacin and 0.0015625-0.0031250 µg/ml for pefloxacin. The results of this work support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of enteric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional use of Azadirachta indica in Asian countries suggests that the plant may have antifertility properties but in Nigeria, A. indica is fed to animals and used for traditional treatment of human and animal illnesses. This study therefore determined the reproductive and haematological effects of methanolic seed extract of A. indica (MSEAI), using adult female albino rats (AFAR) as experimental model. Sixty-four AFAR randomly assigned into four treatment groups (A - D) of 16 rats each were used. Group A was the control, while groups B, C and D received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of the extract daily for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected on days 0 (base line), 14 and 28 to assay for haematological parameters. Thereafter, the rats were bred and fertility tests performed. Results showed that MSEAI significantly decreased (p=0.05) haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red blood cell count in treated groups on day 28. Total and differential leukocyte counts showed no significant variations (p>0.05). The extract also caused abortion and fetal resorption especially in high dose (100 and 200 mg/kg) treatment groups. However, in rats that had successful parturition, gestation length, litter size, litter weight, number of corpora lutea, number of implantation sites and number of fetuses born alive were not significantly affected (p>0.05). Considering the adverse haematological and reproductive effects, feeding A. indica as forage or the traditional treatment in pregnant/breeding females could be counterproductive. However, the extract could find application as a contraceptive in nonbreeding females and in rodent depopulation programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants with an ethnobotanical history are known to harbor diverse group of endophytic fungi, which constitute major natural sources of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi from eight Nigerian ethnomedicinal plants. Endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of Acalypha ornata, Albizia zygia, Alchornea cordifolia, Chrysophyllum albidum, Ficus exasperata, Gomphrena celosioides, Millettia thonningii, and Newbouldia laevis. Methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of selected plants via surface sterilization. Isolated fungi were identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) sequence analysis. Pure fungal strains were subjected to fermentation process on solid rice medium and metabolites extracted using ethyl-acetate. Fungal crude extracts were screened for antioxidant activity using 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reduction of ferric ion assays. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was used to identify the major chemical constituents in active fungal extracts. Results: A total of eighteen fungal endophytes with fungal codes CU (061 and 062); ZA (161, 162, 163, and 164); LO (261); CA (041, 042, and 043); FE (081, 082, and 084); GE (091); MO (211 and 212); and NA (021 and 022) were isolated from the eight ethnomedicinal plants A. ornata, A. zygia, A. cordifolia, C. albidum, F. exasperata, G. celosioides, M. thonningii, and N. laevis respectively. ZA 163 and MO 211 fungal extracts showed significant (p < 0.05) radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 50.53 ± 0.01 and 86.69 ± 0.02 μg/ml respectively. Fungal extract CA 041 demonstrated significantly (p < 0.01) higher iron chelating activity than standard gallic acid with absorbance values of 0.803 and 1.107 at 250 and 500 μg/ml concentrations respectively. Pyrogallol, phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy-, phytol, dl-alpha-tocopherol, alpha-tocospiro, oleamide, methyl stearate, oleic acid, palmitic acid, campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, urs-12-en-24-oic acid, 3-oxo-, methyl ester, lup-20(29)-en-3-one, and lupeol were detected in the selected active extracts. Conclusion: These results showed that leaves of the selected Nigerian plants harbor diverse group of endophytic fungi, which can be potential antioxidant resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of widespread resistance of Plasmodium species to most antimalarial drugs has led to a more vigorous and concerted research on traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of malaria. Objective of Study: The study was aimed to investigate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus amarus against clinical isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in Northwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The plant was extracted using two solvents, water and ethanol, where a high yield was obtained from the aqueous extracts (11.9%) as compared to the ethanolic extract (9.64%). The extracts were evaluated in vitro at concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml, and the level of potency in each case was expressed as the concentration of the extract that exhibited a 50% reduction of the parasites relative to control (100%) parasitemia. Artemether-lumefantrine was used as a positive standard in the assay. Results: All extracts showed a significant reduction in parasite growth relative to control (P ≤ 0.05). Ethanolic extract exhibited a higher antiplasmodial activity of 76.8%, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5.80 μg/ml, and aqueous extract had an activity of 75.3%, IC50 of 7.94 μg/ml. Both extracts exhibited very active antiplasmodial activity. Oral acute toxicity test in the doses of 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg showed no sign of toxicity on albino mice after 48 h. Conclusion: Although there was an increase in appetite after 24 and 48 h, the findings from this study show that P. amarus possesses a promising antimalarial activity which can be exploited for malaria therapy and justifies the traditional use of the plant in malaria treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The menace of corrosion of steel in industries has been widely acknowledged. Analysis of oil pipeline failures in oil and gas industries in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria showed corrosion as one of the major causes of failure. Ecofriendly, cheap and renewable materials such as plant extracts have been investigated as alternative to the use of expensive synthetic chemicals which are often hazardous. In this study inhibitive properties of ethanol extracts of Ficus polita and Ficus platyphylla leaves as eco-friendly inhibitors of mild steel in 2 M sulfuric acid solution were investigated by weight loss method at temperatures of 301, 305, 309 and 313 K. The study has shown that both plant extracts inhibited the corrosion of mild steel in the acid medium. The inhibition efficiency (IE) and surface coverage (?) for both extracts increased with increase in concentration and temperature. This trend is suggestive of chemical adsorption. However, the leaf extract of Ficus polita showed higher IE compared to F. platyphylla. Thermodynamic parameters and apparent activation energy obtained from the studies revealed the inhibition by both plant extracts to be spontaneous, exothermic and chemisorptive, while the adsorption mechanism of both plant extracts on the steel surface aligned with the Freundlich isotherm model, F. polita fits well to Temkin and Adejo-Ekwenchi isotherm models in addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakebites are a major health concern in rural Nigeria which have led to high mortality and suffering in victims due to lack of basic social amenities, ill-equipped hospitals, costly treatments and distance to hospitals. An alternative to treat snakebites is the utilization of herbal invigorating plants however traditional knowledge about plants used for snakebites is not well documented and is rapidly disappearing. Here, we present an ethnobotanical survey of the medicinal plants used for treating snakes bites by the people of southern Benue, mainly the Idoma people. Our survey recorded 18 plant species, belonging to 11 families, used to treat snakebites. The family Fabaceae is represented by 5 species, Annonaceae, Connaraceae and Malvaceae had two useful species each, while the remaining families had only one species each. The leaves were the most utilized plant parts (55.6%), followed by bark (5.5%), seeds (5.5%), roots (27.8%) and whole plant (5.5%). The reported species are mostly administered topically onto the bitten area, sometimes the leaves or barks are chewed, and plant extracts/decoctions are drunk to neutralize snake venom. The need to subject the identified plant species to phytochemical validation and physiochemical tests is imperative to contribute to cost-effective snake antivenom in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the success of antibiotic discovery, infectious diseases remain the second leading source of death worldwide, while the resistance to antibiotics is among the significant problems in the twenty-first century. Medicinal plants are very rich in phytochemicals which can be structurally optimized and processed into new drugs. Nigeria enjoys a diverse collection of medicinal plants, and joint research has ascertained the efficacy of these plants. Plants such as guava (Psidium guajava), ginger (Zingiber officinale), neem (Azadirachta indica), and moringa (Moringa oleifera) have been found to exhibit broad range of antimicrobial activities. Studies on Nigerian plants have shown that they contain alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenes, glycosides, and others with possible therapeutic potentials. The antimicrobial activities of some new compounds such as alloeudesmenol, hanocokinoside, orosunol, and 8-demethylorosunol, identified from medicinal plants in Nigeria, are not yet explored. Further investigation and optimization of these compounds will facilitate the development of new sets of pharmacologically acceptable antimicrobial agents. This review study revealed the efficacy of medicinal plants as an alternative therapy in combating and curtailing the development and survival of multidrug-resistant pathogens coupled with the toxic effects of some antibiotics. Due to enormous therapeutic possibilities buried in medicinal plants, there is a need for more research into unique fingerprints and novel compounds that can provide cure to the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of humans and animals facing Africa, especially Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antiplasmodial effect of methanol extract of Paullinia pinnata leaves was investigated in mice to observe the outcome on oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. Wistar mice of both sexes were used for the curative, prophylaxis, and suppressive tests by adopting standard procedures. In the curative test, the liver was processed for liver function, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory assays and histology. Changes in percentage parasitemia was observed while the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters were not affected. There was low suppressive activity, mildly moderate prophylactic potential, and curative property which were also reflected in the antioxidant and liver function test at higher dose while at a lower dose it showed weak curative activity with prophylactic and suppressive capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown spot disease, caused by Helminthosporium oryzae, is worldwide problem capable of causing considerable damage to paddy in the nursery, field or grain yield. The disease is seed borne, and thus can be transmitted through infected seeds and crop residues, alternate hosts and contaminated irrigation water. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant extracts on radial growth of Helminthosporium oryzae on rice plants. An in-vitro experiment was conducted at the Plant Pathology Laboratory of National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, in Nigeria. Treatments included water and alcohol extracts of Azardiractha indica (Neem leaves), Piper guinensis (seeds), Garcinia cola (Bitter cola seeds), Ocimum gratissimum (leaf) and Vernonia amygdalina (leaf); and synthetic fungicide (Benomyl) at a concentrations of 10, 25 and 30% of the extract applied to H. oryzae in culture. The test materials were administered on Helminthosporium oryzae, sourced from rice seeds and infected shoot system of rice. Alcohol extract of Piper guineensis had the highest radial growth inhibition (89.89%) by the fifth day, but was not significantly different from Azardiractha indica, which had an inhibition value of 81.02%. The least effective plant extract was Ocimum gratssimum with radial inhibition of 11.50%, which occurred also on the fifth day. Plant extracts were as effective as the synthetic fungicide in inhibiting growth of the test fungus. Therefore, the effective extracts, all of which are readily available to the farmers, should be promoted instead of the synthetic fungicides, which are in limited supply and invariably expensive for rice farmers in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanolic leaf extracts of Euphorbia balsamifera Aiton, Lawsonia inermis L., Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. and Senna obtusifolia L were tested on their efficacy against Callosobruchus maculatus in stored cowpea under laboratory conditions of 28 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% r.h. The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Biology, Umaru Musa Yar'adua University, Katsina (UMYUK), Nigeria, between July 2018 to February 2019. Four plant extract was tested by exposing five pairs of adult weevils to 20 4 g of cowpea mixed with ethanolic leaf extracts of the test botanicals at 2.5 x 104, 5.0x104 and 10.0 x 104 ppm separately in four replicates. No plant extract was added to the control. Results showed that all the four plants extract caused significant adult mortality of C. maculatus after 96 hours post-treatment. E. balsamifera causedtotal mortality of thebeetles at all doses, while similar results were obtainedat the highest dose of 10.0 x 104 ppmonly of L. inermis and M. hirtus. The findings of this study also showed that E. balsamifera plant extract was the most virulent with the lowest LC50 value of 2.0x 10² ppm. There was no adult emergence in all the treatments except in the control. Similarly, there was no seed weight loss was recorded in all the four treatments. The plant species could, therefore, be suggested as biopesticides against C. maculatus infesting stored cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam (Moraceae) stem bark has been used locally in managing diabetes mellitus with sparse scientific information. This study investigates the in vitro antioxidant potential of polyphenolic-rich extract of A heterophyllus stem bark as well as its antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were used with the induction of diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight) and were orally administered 400 mg/kg free and bound phenols of A heterophyllus stem bark. The animals were sacrificed on the 28th day of the experiment using the cervical dislocation method; antihyperglycemia and anti-inflammatory parameters were subsequently assessed. The polyphenolic extracts demonstrated antioxidant potentials (such as hydrogen peroxide and diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), as well as strong inhibitory activity against amylase and glucosidase. There was a significant (P <.05) increase in glycogen, insulin concentration, pancreatic β-cell scores (HOMA-β), antioxidant enzymes and hexokinase activities, as well as glucose transporter concentration in diabetic animals administered the extracts and metformin. Also, a significant (P <.05) reduction in fasting blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, glucose-6-phosphatase, and all anti-inflammatory parameters were observed in diabetic rats administered the extracts and metformin. The extracts demonstrated antidiabetic potential, which may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllanthus muellarianus (Kuntze) Exell. (Euphorbiacea) leaves are widely used in the treatment of neurological disorders in Nigeria. We investigated the protective effect of aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus muellarianus on ciprofloxacin neurotoxicity in male rats. Control rats (Group A) received distilled water, Groups C–E According to the Animal grouping and treatment section, Group B did not receive P. muellarianus> rats were administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight P. muellarianus, respectively, and Group F rats received 200 mg/kg body weight valproate orally for 7 days. In addition, groups B–F rats were orally administered ciprofloxacin for 7 days. Motor coordination and motor function were assessed using narrow beam and landing foot splay distance. The levels of neurotransmitter and oxidative stress biomarkers were also determined. Aqueous leaf extract of P. muellarianus significantly attenuated ciprofloxacin-mediated increases in narrow beam, landing foot splay distance, and gait scores. Ciprofloxacin-mediated depletion of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brains of rats was significantly annulled by P. muellarianus. Furthermore, the extract significantly reversed ciprofloxacin-mediated increases in acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase A, and monoamine oxidase B by 73.13%, 71.52%, and 86.54%, respectively. The altered biomarkers of oxidative stress were significantly reversed by P. muellarianus. Overall, the results of this study show that P. muellarianus reversed ciprofloxacin-induced neurotoxicity by restoring ciprofloxacin-mediated alterations in acetylcholine, dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, monoaminergic enzymes, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the brains of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated eight Nigerian medicinal plants: Artocarpus communis fruit (Ac-F), Cassia sieberiana root bark (Cs-R), Eugenia uniflora leaf (Eu-L), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower (Hr-F), Laportea aestuans aerial part (La-A), Massularia acuminata stem bark (Ma-S), Trichilia heudelotii leaf (Th-L), and Xylopia aethiopica fruit (Xa-F), for anticancer activity. The alcoholic extracts of the plants were tested against human prostate DU-145, breast JIMT-1, and pancreatic BxPC-3 cancer cell lines using Methanethiosulfonate (MTS) assay, where chlorambucil was used as positive control. The active fractions were solvent-partitioned and tested against the three cancer cell lines. The results showed a concentration dependent decrease in cancer cell viability and cytotoxicity of four of the extracts, namely Massularia acuminata stem bark (Ma-S), Xylopia aethioipica fruit (Xa-F), Laportea aestuans aerial part (La-A), and Eugenia uniflora leaf (Eu-L). The petroleum ether fraction of X. aethiopica fruit (XP) demonstrated the greatest anticancer activity. At 75 µg mL−1, XP (37.2 ± 4.4%) was comparable to chlorambucil (39.88 ± 2.41%), in its cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line JIMT-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important worldwide food crop and one of the most popular in Nigeria. Its abundance and successful yield have been immensely affected by black scurf disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Harnessing a cost-effective management of this pathogenic fungus, three botanical species Acalypha wilkesiana, Moringa oleifera and Carica papaya leaves, each at concentrations of 0 mg ml-1 (control), 25 mg ml-1, 50 mg ml-1 and 75 mg ml-1 were evaluated in vitro. The plant leaf extracts were prepared using methanol and were evaluated for their toxicity using agar well diffusion method. The fungus was isolated from spoilt Irish potato with black scurf symptoms. The results showed the presence of some phytochemicals in leaf extract of each of the plants tested. The three leaves extract independently inhibited mycelial growth of R. solani. The potency of all the plant extracts increased with the increase in concentration. The highest concentration (75 mg ml-1) of M. oleifera and C. papaya evaluated, gave the highest inhibitory effect of 0.81 mm and 1.63 mm respectively, which were not significantly different (p> 0.05), but was obviously different from A. wilkesiana (2.81 mm). Furthermore, M. oleifera extract gave the highest percentage of mycelial growth inhibition of the fungus in all grades of the concentrations evaluated, whereas A. wilkesiana showed the least. The leaves of the three species are therefore recommended for in vivo control of this fungus, owing to their proven efficacy and to their cheap availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]