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Various diseases associated with oxidative stress have necessitated the need to investigate plants for antioxidant agents. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant potential of the extract and fractions of C. pulcherrima and estimate the quantum chemical properties of polyphenolic compounds isolated from its most active antioxidant fraction. Methanolic extract and partition fractions of the pods of the plant were assayed for their antioxidant activity using four models: 1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power, total antioxidant capacity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract and fractions were also investigated. Furthermore, the quantum chemical properties of two polyphenolic compounds were calculated to predict the antioxidant potential. The extract exhibited good antioxidant activity with IC50 = 45.63 µg/ml comparable to ascorbic acid of IC50 = 37.94 µg/ml, high reducing power with value at 376.74 ± 6.78, total antioxidant capacity obtained at ascorbic acid equivalence of 383 ± 8.16 mgAAE/g and potent hydroxyl radical scavenging activity with value at 580.97 µg/ml with ascorbic acid at 30.7 µg/ml. The total phenol and flavonoid contents values at 540.53 ± 3.71 and 347.87 ± 7.13 respectively. Furthermore, the results obtained from the quantum chemical calculations reveals polyphenolic compounds; 5(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenol and 3(4-methanetriiol-2,6-dihydroxyphenoxy)-3’, 4’, 5’, 5, 7-pentahydroxy flavonol as promising antioxidant agents. The study concluded that C. pulcherrima pods have good antioxidant activity. Also, the polyphenolic compounds are among the chemical constituents responsible for the antioxidant activity obtained for the extract and ethyl acetate fraction.

Two novel dihydroxy-fatty acids, gilgianic acid (1), phenylgilgianic acid (2) together with four known compounds: ß-sitosterol (3), stigmasterol (4), sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glycoside (5) and lupeol (6) were isolated from the stem bark of Trichilia gilgiana. The structures of compounds 1–6 were elucidated based on spectroscopic (1 D and 2 D NMR) and HR-ESI-MS data as well as comparison with relevant literature data. This study reports for the first time the isolation of fatty acids from the genus Trichilia. Compounds 3–6 had already been isolated from trichilia genus. The crude extract and compounds 1–5 were tested for their inhibitory effect against a panel of bacterial strains using the microdilution technique with ampicillin, nalidixic acid and streptomycin as standard drugs. The crude extract and the tested compounds were found to exhibit significant activity against Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella aerogenes with a MIC value of 2.3 µg/mL. Compounds 3 and 5 were also found to be active against Enterococcus faecalis with a MIC value of 2.3 µg/mL.

Tamoxifen is the most common adjuvant that has been widely used in the treatment of positive estrogen receptor (ER+) breast cancer for over 20 years. However, long term exposure to tamoxifen doubles the risk of endometrial cancer. The association of tamoxifen with antiproliferative substances could abrogate its side effects on the endometrium. Recently, we demonstrated that ethanol-extracted Cameroonian propolis (EECP) has chemopreventive effects on ER+ breast cancer in rats. This study evaluated the capability of EECP to counteract tamoxifen-induced endometrial hyperplasia, without altering its effect on the breast. Thirty-six rats of ∼2 months were coadministered either EECP (16.5, 50, and 150 mg/kg BW) or fulvestrant (300 μg/kg BW) and tamoxifen (10 mg/kg BW) for 8 weeks. Afterward, the relative weights and histomorphometry of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and mammary gland were assessed. The expression of some proteins of proliferation (PCNA), angiogenesis (VEGF), and apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) was measured by immunohistochemistry. Rats that received only tamoxifen had endometrial hyperplasia compared to normal rats. EECP and fulvestrant protected the rats against tamoxifen-induced endometrial hyperplasia. A significant decrease in uterine wet weight ( p < 0.01 ); endometrial height ( p < 0.001 ); and expression of PCNA, Bcl-2, and VEGF proteins as well as a significant increase in the expression of Bax and caspase-3 proteins was observed in the EECP group compared to the Tamox group. EECP did not change the effects of tamoxifen on the breast. In summary, Cameroonian propolis which is efficacious in preventing breast cancer can also be a good complementary medicine to prevent tamoxifen-induced endometrial cancer in tamoxifen users.

Scandenone (warangalone) is a flavonoid found in Erythrina species and other plant genera. It has been connected with physiological processes in insects, human cells and bacteria. In this article, an overview of the biological importance of this compound is provided. A detailed analysis of its crystal structure and antibacterial properties were investigated. The experimental study was supplemented using density functional theory (DFT) and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) methods. Scandenone proved most potent against Mycobacterium smegmatis (mc2 155) with MIC below 1 μg/mL. In general, it was more potent against Gram-positive bacteria. Scandenone may be a potential tuberculosis medication.

Taraxacum officinale (T. officinale) is a leafy vegetable that is commonly used traditionally as a diuretic agent. In the current study, we aimed at exploring the potential antihypertensive effect ...

Ethnopharmacological relevance Piptadeniastrum africanum is widely used in treating oxidative stress related diseases. Oxidative stress, defined as the disturbance in the balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses, is the root cause of many pathophysiological conditions. Based on the dual properties of prooxidants as toxic and beneficial compounds, both prooxidants and antioxidants may be effective in the treatment of these conditions when the right dose is given to the right subject at the right time for the right duration. Aim of the study This study was aimed at investigating the in vitro and ex vivo anti- and pro-oxidative effects of P. africanum. Materials and methods Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of methanol and aqueous extracts of P. africanum stem back were quantified spectrophotometrically. The methanol extract, ascorbate radicals and reactive oxygen species in brain and liver homogenates of mice treated with the methanol stem bark extract were analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Free radical scavenging of DPPH was determined by spectrophotometric and EPR assays. Results The methanol extract was richer in both phenolic and flavonoid contents compared to the aqueous extracts and also showed better DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The EPR spectroscopy in vitro analysis exhibited high DPPH scavenging capacity before and after UV irradiation (99.5% and 98.76%) at 40 μg/ml extract. The ex vivo EPR spectroscopy studies demonstrated increased levels of ascorbate radicals (•Asc) in liver and brain homogenates of healthy mice treated with P. africanum in comparison with those of the non treated controls (0.6141 ± 0.026 vs 0.1800 ± 0.0073 arb. units for liver homogenates and 0.9605 ± 0.0492 vs 0.3375 ± 0.0062 arb. units for brain homogenates, correspondingly). Considerably, higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in mice liver and brain homogenates after treatment with P. africanum extract compared to the control group, as well (1.9402 ± 0.1200 vs 0.6699 ± 0.062 arb. units for liver homogenates and 1.7325 ± 01503 vs 0.3167 ± 0.0403 arb.units, respectively). Conclusion Therefore, P. africanum exhibited antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties which may explain its broad spectrum use in a wide variety of ailments.

Shrimps, including Pestarella tyrrhena, are highly susceptible to deterioration whereas odour production has been indicated as one of the factors determining the perishability and bait potential of shrimps. In this study, volatile components generated from fresh egg, adult female and male of P. tyrrhena were assessed using two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry to understand their contribution to odour production. Alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes, a ketone, acids, esters, an amine, sulphur-containing and miscellaneous compounds were detected. Meanwhile, adult females and males of P. tyrrhena had a higher number of these volatile compounds. The detection of 2-methyl propan-1-ol with pungent odour only in the male sample of P. tyrhenna suggests that the male of this shrimp species may not completely attract fishes to hooks. Overall, the study established shrimp developmental stage and sex as additional factors influencing the production of volatile compounds, flavour/aroma/odour and fishing bait attributes of P. tyrrhena. Detection of N-nitrosodimethylamine (a carcinogen) in the shrimp samples, particularly the adult male, calls for caution in their direct human consumption and use as fishing bait.

Rapanea melanophloeos is traditionally used in South Africa in the treatment of ailments of the skin, pulmonary and gastro intestinal tract. This study was aimed at giving an overview of these traditional uses and comparing the phytochemicals and antibacterial activities of various crude extracts of the leaves, fruits and bark in order to validate these uses. The three plant parts were extracted using petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methanol (MeOH) and water. Various phytochemicals were compared using TLC, while alcohol precipitable solids (APS), non-polar terpenes and amino acids were analysed by GC-MS. Antibacterial activity was determined against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative strains by microdilution assays. Caryophyllene oxides, α-cadinol and (−)-spathulenol were identified in the PE extracts. All nine essential amino acids were present in fruit extracts in significantly higher levels than in the leaves and bark; 255.1, 23.4 and 21.3 mg/g respectively. Most of the extracts showed good antibacterial activity, especially against the Gram-positive pathogens (MIC of ≤1 mg/mL), the EtOAc extracts exhibited the best activity with the fruit having an MIC values of 0.1 ± 0.2 mg/mL against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis, 0.05 mg/mL against Bacillus cereus. Results from this study validate the ethnomedicinal uses of R. melanophloeos extracts for ailments of bacterial etiology. The plant had a rich supply of secondary metabolites, APS and amino acids and TLC and antibacterial activities of the extracts showed slight variations in chemical composition due to geographic distribution.

The phytochemical investigation on the chemical constituents of dichloromethane-methanol (1:1) stem-bark extract of Cola lateritia K. Schum. (Sterculiaceae) led to the isolation and characterization of five pentacyclic triterpenoids, one fatty acid and two phytosteroids. The compounds were identified as heptadecanoic acid (1), maslinic acid (2), betulinic acid (3), lupenone (4), lupeol (5), friedelin (6), β-stigmasterol (7) and ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (8). Their structures were determined by NMR analysis (1H, 13C, DEPT-135, COSY, HMBC and HSQC), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and comparisons with published data in the literature. This work, to the best of our knowledge, is the first isolation and identification of these compounds in pure forms from Cola lateritia. Also, compounds 1–3 are reported for the first time from Cola genus. In vitro antibacterial activity of the isolated compounds (1–8) and the crude extract were evaluated against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella aerogenes with streptomycin, nalidixic acid and ampicillin as standard antibacterial drugs. Compound 2 was active against E. faecalis (MIC = 18.5 µg/mL), and it was 6.9 and 28 times lower and active than that of streptomycin (MIC 128 µg/mL) and nalidixic acid (MIC > 512 µg/mL) respectively. All the isolated compounds and crude extract showed significant activities against the tested bacterial strains.

This study was aimed at isolating hypaphorine from Erythrina mildbraedii Harms (Fabaceae) and Erythrina addisioniae Hutch. & Datziel (Fabaceae) in order to determine its structural and antibacterial effects. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and X-ray crystallographic analysis of the isolated hypaphorine was determined. The antibacterial effects of hypaphorine against a number of Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains were investigated. The root mean square deviation between the experimental and calculated bond lengths and bond angles of hypaphorine were found to be 0.046 A and 1.5° respectively. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of hypaphorine was delocalised on the indole moiety whereas the lowest occupied molecular orbital (LUMO) was delocalised on the –N(CH3)3 group and the HOMO–LUMO gap of hypaphorine was 4.65 eV. Hypaphorine inhibited the growth of the Gram-positive bacteria tested, namely Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 2 mg/mL was exhibited against Mycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylococcus aureus and B. subtilis. The theoretical and experimental results from this study showed that hypaphorine is capable of forming quadrupole moments thus explaining its antibacterial effects on Gram positive bacteria.

BackgroundHypertension is a silent killer with no obvious signs and symptoms; thus, it is crucial to prevent its development. Oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia are associated risk factors for developing hypertension. This study aimed at investigating the role of a crude extract of Senecio serratuloidesin preventing the development of hypertension, oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in a rat model of nitric oxide deficiency.MethodsFemale Wistar rats were co-treated with Nω-Nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (40 mg/kg) and the hydroethanolic extract ofS. Serratuloides(HESS150 or HESS300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Twenty-hour urine samples were collected weekly during the study. At the end of the study serum, heart and kidneys were harvested for biochemical and histopathological analysis.ResultsThe higher dose (300 mg/kg) of the extract was more effective in preventing increase in systolic (pConclusionThese findings demonstrate the potential ofS. Serratuloidesin protecting rats from developing hypertension, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.

Senecio serratuloides commonly referred to as “two day cure” is used in folk medicine for treating hypertension and wounds in South Africa. This study was aimed at isolating and testing the antihypertensive effects of bioactive compounds from S. serratuloides. Senecio serratuloides was serially extracted using solvents of increasing polarity. Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant capacity and antihypertensive properties of fractions were investigated. Bioactive compounds were isolated from ethyl acetate and methanol fractions, their antihypertensive effects and effect on urine norepinephrine concentration were determined. Ethyl acetate and methanol fractions had all eight phytochemicals tested, better antioxidant capacity and significantly (p < 0.001) prevented the increase in blood pressure induced by Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride. The isolated bioactive compounds were phytosteroids and Estran-3-one, 17-(acetyloxy)-2-methyl-, (2à,5à,17á) – which was isolated from methanol fraction had significantly (p < 0.001) better antihypertensive effects through the 4-h period of the study. Senecio serratuloides may be a potential source of antihypertensive lead compounds.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies suggest a strong relationship between obesity and hypertension. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension in 10- to 14-year-old boys and girls in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and to determine the association between blood pressure parameters and selected measures of adiposity. METHODS: A cross-sectional, school-based study of 540 10- to14-year-old children from seven schools in the Eastern Cape Province was carried out. Anthropometry and blood pressure parameters were determined. RESULTS: All measures of adiposity and blood pressure were significantly higher in the girls (p < 0.05). The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was over 20 and 12%, respectively. Systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were associated (r > 0.27; p < 0.05) with increasing levels of adiposity. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of weightcontrol strategies for the prevention of hypertension in these adolescents and later on in life.

Background: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Proper management of oxidative stress requires antioxidants from external sources to supplement that of the body. Plants are considered as a major source of antioxidants because of their natural origin and therapeutic benefits. Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the renoprotective and antioxidant capacity of hydroethanolic extract of Senecio serratuloides (HESS). Materials and Methods: In vitro and ex vivo antioxidant capacity of the extract was investigated. Female Wistar rats were treated with Nw-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (40 mg/kg) for 4 weeks and then cotreating with L-NAME (20 mg/kg) and extract (HESS150 or HESS300 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and finally with plant extract or normal saline only for 2 weeks making a total of 8 weeks. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected during the study, and at the end of the study; blood and kidneys were harvested for biochemical and histological assays. Results: HESS exhibited high antiradical activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals with IC50values of 0.1 and 0.4 mg/ml, respectively. HESS significantly (P

Purpose: To investigate the in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil of dried flowers of Chamaemelum nobile (Asteraceae L. All) in Swiss mice and Wistar rats, respectively.Methods: The volatile oil of the dried flowers of C. nobile obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Animals were assigned to the following experimental groups: C. nobile (180 mg/kg), ibuprofen (100 mg/kg) and vehicle-treated groups. Chemical and thermal pain models were used for the antinociceptive study in mice while fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation model in rats was used for anti-inflammatory study of the essential oil.Results: The most abundant components of the oil were α-bisabolol (50 %) and farnesene (5.35 %). Oral administration of essential oil (180 mg/kg, po) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced pain and prevented inflammation in the different test models used in this study.Conclusion: The essential oil of the dried flowers of C. nobile shows in vivo analgesic and antiinflammatory activities in rodents, and therefore, possesses potentials for development into effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.Keywords: Chamaemelum nobile, Asteracea, essential oil, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive

Purpose: To determine the phytochemical content, toxicity and hypertension prevention effects of Osteospermum imbricatum leaf and root extracts.Methods: Phytochemical screening of leaf and root extracts of O. imbricatum was performed by colorimetric procedure. Acute toxicity of leaf and root extracts was conducted in two phases; phase I consisted of three groups of mice (n = 3) for each dose level of 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg while phase II had three mice that received 1600, 2900 or 5000 mg/kg. Wistar rats were grouped into 7 groups that were co-treated with L-NAME and normal saline or L-NAME and hydroethanolic leaf extract (150 and 300 mg/kg) or L-NAME and hydroethanolic root extract (150 and 300 mg/kg) or L-NAME and amlodipine (5 mg/kg) or normal saline only for 4 weeks. Treatment was carried out via the oral route while blood pressure was measured weekly for 4 weeks by non-invasive tail cuff method.Results: The phytochemical profile of the leaf and root extracts revealed the presence of phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, steroids and saponins. Both the leaf and root extracts were toxic at 5000 mg/kg with an LD50 of 3807.89 mg/kg. In the fourth week of the study, only the leaf extract significantly (p < 0.01) prevented the progression of L-NAME induced hypertension; systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the group treated with L-NAME and leaf extract (300 mg/kg) were 183 ± 1 and 140 ± 1 mmHg, respectively, compared to the group that was treated with L-NAME and normal saline which produced systolic and diastolic BP values of 213 ± 3 and 172 ± 4 mmHg, respectively. The extracts, especially OIR300, exhibited diuretic effects in the second and third week of study by promoting excretion of 16 and 19 ml urine, respectively, compared to 11 and 14 ml for LN group.Conclusion: The results suggest that O. imbricatum is moderately toxic at a high dose and contains a wide range of phytochemicals which offer partial protection against the development of nitric oxide deficiency hypertension.Keywords: Hypertension, Phytochemicals, Acute toxicity, Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), Osteospermum imbricatum