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Mulat M, Khan F, Muluneh G, Pandita A. Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Effects of Different Medicinal Plant: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. CURRENT TRADITIONAL MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/2215083805666190730151118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The application of medicinal plants for combating various human ailments, as a
food fortificant and additive have been adapted from ancient routine custom. Currently,
developing countries use plants as a major source of primary health care. Besides, the emerging
drug resistant pathogenic microbes encourage the utilization of medicinal plants as
preeminent alternative sources of new bioactive substances. Extensive research findings
have been reported in the last three decades. But methods to investigate the phytoconstituent
and their biological effects are limited. This review contains brief explanations about the selection
of medicinal plants, procedure for obtaining the crude as well as essential oil extracts,
phytochemical screening, and in-vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the
antimicrobial activity of medicinal plant extracts reported from their respective solvent
fractionated and non-fractionated in-vitro analysis has also been described in the present paper.
The bioactive substances from medicinal plant along with chemical structure and biological
effects are highlighted in the content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulugeta Mulat
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201306, U.P., India
| | - Fazlurrahman Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201306, U.P., India
| | - Gizachew Muluneh
- Division of Microbiology, College of Natural Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Archana Pandita
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201306, U.P., India
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Mabaleha MB, Zietsman PC, Wilhelm A, Bonnet SL. Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Mental Illnesses in the Berea, Leribe, and Maseru Districts of Lesotho. Nat Prod Commun 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x19864215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental illnesses (MIs) such as anxiety, epilepsy, major depression, schizophrenia, sleep disorder, and pain influence the quality of life severely. According to the World Health Organization Atlas for Mental Health (2014), the formal health sector in Lesotho has only 13.7 mental health workers per 100 000 of the population, which breaks down to 0.1 psychiatrist and other medical doctors, 0.3 psychologists, 4.7 nurses, and 5.2 social workers. Traditional health practitioners (THPs) have always played a significant role in the prevention and treatment of MIs, via utilization of Lesotho’s vast diversity of plants. This investigation aims to determine which medicinal plants are used for the treatment of MIs in the Berea, Leribe, and Maseru districts of Lesotho. A combination of unstructured and semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 27 THPs. They were interviewed about the status of MIs in Lesotho, diagnostic methods, medicinal plants used, and preparation and administration of the herbal remedies in the treatment of MIs. A total of 43 different plant species (indigenous and exotic) were indicated by the THPs as commonly used to treat neurological disorders. With the exception of one unidentified plant, the plants represented 26 families and 42 genera. The most common families are the Asteraceae (9 species), Fabaceae (5 species), and Rosaceae (3 species). The most cited plant species were Morella serrata (Myricaceae) (26%), followed by Xysmalobium undulatum (Asclepiadaceae) (22%), and Afroaster hispidus (Asteraceae) (15%). This survey provides, for the first time, a database of Lesotho’s medicinal plants that are used to treat MIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anke Wilhelm
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, South Africa
| | - Susan L. Bonnet
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, South Africa
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Khazaeian S, Navidian A, Navabi-Rigi SD, Araban M, Mojab F, Khazaeian S. Comparing the effect of sucrose gel and metronidazole gel in treatment of clinical symptoms of bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:585. [PMID: 30367673 PMCID: PMC6204028 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactobacilli, as normal vaginal flora, have a central role in controlling body environment and preventing the growth of pathogens. Sucrose, by promoting the growth of Lactobacilli, accelerates the suppression of pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of sucrose gel with those of metronidazole gel in treating women with bacterial vaginosis (BV). METHODS This triple-blind clinical trial (IRCT2016112631105N1) was conducted with 70 sexually active, premenopausal women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis through meeting at least three out of four Amsel criteria. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 35 patients, one group treated with sucrose vaginal gel, and the other with metronidazole vaginal gel. The treatment period was 14 days for each group. At the end of the treatment period, the status of each woman's improvement was determined by elimination at least three out of four Amsel criteria (homogeneous vaginal discharge, presence of clue cells > 20%, positive whiff test and vaginal pH value > 4.5), and clinical complaints and reported side effects of medication were recorded for the patients. Data were analyzed using the t test, chi-squared test and McNemar's test). RESULTS The sucrose vaginal gel and metronidazole vaginal gel were not significantly different in reducing patients' clinical complaints or in elimination at least three out of four of the Amsel criteria that were positive before treatment. With an 85.7% improvement rate with sucrose gel and an 88.5% improvement rate with metronidazole gel, the differences in therapeutic response were not significant, and neither was statistically different in improving the disease (p = 0.389). CONCLUSION It seems that sucrose vaginal gel might be considered a possible alternative to metronidazole vaginal gel in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2016112631105N1 . Registered on 27 December 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayyeh Khazaeian
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Ali Navidian
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Department of Counseling, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Shahin-Dokht Navabi-Rigi
- Pregnancy Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Araban
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. .,Department of Health Education and Promotion, Public Health School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Faraz Mojab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safoura Khazaeian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
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Ribeiro-Barros AI, Catarino S, Moura I, Ramalho JC, Romeiras MM, Ghodhbane-Gtari F. Actinorhizal trees and shrubs from Africa: distribution, conservation and uses. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2018; 112:31-46. [PMID: 30315373 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-018-1174-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Actinorhizal plants are a group of perennial dicotyledonous angiosperms, comprised of more than 200 species, most of which can establish root-nodule symbiosis with the nitrogen fixing actinobacteria of the genus Frankia. They are key providers of fundamental goods and services and can give a major contribution to mitigate the combined effects of climate changes, human population growth and loss of biodiversity. This aspect is particularly relevant for the developing economies of many African countries, which are highly exposed to climate and anthropogenic disturbances. In this work we have analyzed the distribution, conservation and uses of actinorhizal species native to or introduced in Africa. A total of 42 taxa distributed over six botanical families (Betulaceae, Casuarinaceae, Myricaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Rhamnaceae and Coriariaceae) were identified. The vast majority is able to thrive under a range of diverse environments and has multiple ecological and economic potential. More than half of the identified species belong to the genus Morella (Myricaceae), most of them native to Middle, Eastern and Southern Africa. Although the information about the conservation status and uses of Morella spp. is largely incomplete, the available data is indicative of their potential in e.g. forestry and agroforestry, food and medicine. Therefore, efforts should be made to upgrade actinorhizal research in Africa towards the sustainable use of biodiversity at the service of local (bio)economies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Ribeiro-Barros
- Plant-Environment Interactions and Biodiversity Lab (PlantStress&Biodiversity), Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. .,GeoBioTec, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Monte de Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Sílvia Catarino
- Plant-Environment Interactions and Biodiversity Lab (PlantStress&Biodiversity), Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Moura
- Plant-Environment Interactions and Biodiversity Lab (PlantStress&Biodiversity), Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José C Ramalho
- Plant-Environment Interactions and Biodiversity Lab (PlantStress&Biodiversity), Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,GeoBioTec, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria M Romeiras
- Plant-Environment Interactions and Biodiversity Lab (PlantStress&Biodiversity), Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Faten Ghodhbane-Gtari
- Laboratoire Microorganismes et Biomolécules Actives, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia.,ISBST, Université La Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
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Sabiu S, Ashafa AOT. Morella serrata (Lam.) Killick stabilizes biomembrane and rejuvenates sexual competence in male Wistar rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 205:8-15. [PMID: 28435048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Morella serrata L. is an indigenous medicinal plant to South and southern Africa with folkloric applications as aphrodisiac, laxative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-hypertensive, antitussive and antidiabetic agent. AIM OF THE STUDY This study evaluated the membrane stabilization and aphrodisiac potentials of its aqueous root extract in male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS While the membrane stabilization of the extract was investigated against bovine erythrocytes (BE), the male rats for the aphrodisiac study were randomized into five groups with animals in group 1 given sterile placebo and served as control. The rats in group 2 were treated with 7.14mg/kg body weight of PowMaxM, while animals in groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered with the extract (100, 200 and 400mg/kg, respectively). All treatments (1mL) were done once daily for 4 weeks via oral gavaging and their mating behavioural, testicular, spermatogenetic and antioxidant parameters were evaluated. RESULTS With the exception of the mount, intromission and post ejaculatory latencies that were dose-dependently reduced by the extract, other mating parameters were significantly improved when compared with the control. Similar patterns of significant improvement were also observed on the testes-body weight ratio, quality and viability of sperm cells as well as testicular concentrations of proteins, cholesterol, glycogen, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, leuitenizing hormone and glutathione (reduced) subsequent to treatment with the extract. Although, administration of M. serrata had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the testicular activity of gamma glutamyl transferase, those of lactate dehydrogenase, phosphatases (alkaline and acid), superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly (p<0.05) induced in the treated animals. The extract also conferred respective significant (p<0.05) membrane stabilization potential of 66.02% and 60.87% on the BE against hypotonic solution and heat-induced hemolysis relative to 62.14% and 40.19% for ibuprofen. The effect elicited by the extract at the tested doses could partly be attributed to its antioxidant and adaptogenic constituents. CONCLUSION The data presented in this study have enriched biochemical information on the root extract of M. serrata as a viable source of phytonutrients that could be potentially useful for the development of aphrodisiac drugs, and thus lending scientific credence to its much touted sex enhancing attributes by the Basothos of the eastern Free State Province of South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sabiu
- Phytomedicine, Food factors and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530 Ilorin, Nigeria; Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa
| | - A O T Ashafa
- Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa.
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Moteetee A, Seleteng Kose L. Medicinal plants used in Lesotho for treatment of reproductive and post reproductive problems. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 194:827-849. [PMID: 27780751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Reproductive healthcare has been highlighted as a major challenge in Lesotho mainly due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. As a result other reproductive ailments have not received much attention, particularly because healthcare facilities are already limited and many of them are inaccessible. For these reasons, medicinal plants play a major role in primary healthcare system in the country, in addition the plants are easily accessible, more affordable, and their use forms part of the cultural heritage. However, documentation of medicinal plants used for reproductive ailments is scattered, more importantly the biological and pharmacological properties, as well as toxicity of many of these plants are not yet known. AIM OF THE STUDY To document the plants used by both male and female Basotho (residing in Lesotho) for the treatment of reproductive ailments, to explore their recorded biological and pharmacological effects as well as their toxicity, and to establish if these plants are used for similar purposes in other southern African cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The results stem from published findings of recent interviews of traditional medicinal practitioners in the Maseru District of Lesotho, first author's own experiences and observations from the Qacha's Nek District as well as comprehensive literature survey including numerous books and unpublished data. Electronic databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were also used to search for the chemical compounds, pharmacological activity, and toxicity of the plants. RESULTS A total of 87 plant species are reported to be used for the treatment of several reproductive problems such as infertility, complications associated with pregnancy (twelve plants are used to treat conditions such as colic, heartburn, nausea, and constipation), cleansing and/ or toning of the uterus (with a purpose either to induce pregnancy or to get rid of the placenta, for example Withania somnifera and Zantedeschia albomaculata), difficult childbirth, as well treatment of breast and cervical cancer, cysts, fibroids, and testicular tumours (e.g. Hypoxis hemerocallidea). For the toning of the uterus, it is common to use a combination of plants, e.g. Gunnera perpensa, Scabiosa columbaria, and Eriospermum ornithogaloides. CONCLUSIONS Of the 87 plants used for reproductive healthcare, the highest number (31) is used for the treatment of infertility (in both men and women). The pharmacological effects, active compounds, and toxicology of many of these plants are not yet known.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moteetee
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - L Seleteng Kose
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Saheed S, Tom AAO. Cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antidiarrhoeal activities of standardised aqueous root extract of Elephantorrhiza elephantina (Burch.). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/0035919x.2016.1259687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sabiu Saheed
- Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa
| | - Ashafa Anofi Omotayo Tom
- Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa
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Sabiu S, Ashafa OTA. Toxicological implications and laxative potential of ethanol root extract of Morella serrata in loperamide-induced constipated Wistar rats. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:2901-2908. [PMID: 27267728 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1193885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Morella serrata L. (Myricaceae) is commonly used in South Africa to treat several diseases including constipation. OBJECTIVES This study investigated toxicological implications and laxative potential of the ethanol root extract of the plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS While normal control animals were placed on sterile placebo, the loperamide-constipated rats were treated with the extract at 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg doses for 7 days, and their feeding patterns and faecal properties were monitored. Gastrointestinal transit ratio and the toxicity profile of the tested doses were thereafter evaluated. RESULTS The significantly increased faecal volume (192.08%), feed (63.63%), water intake (55.97%) and improved intestinal motility (95.05%) in the constipated rats following treatment with the extract (at 300 mg/kg) suggested laxative potential of the extract. The 1.5-2.0-fold normalization of the platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes counts in the extract-treated constipated rats suggests its non-haematotoxic tendency. Furthermore, the extract (at the highest investigated dose) reversed the attenuation in the concentrations of the electrolytes (0.5-2-fold), total protein (62.12%) and albumin (55.88%) in the constipated animals as well as attenuated activities of hepatic enzymes (0.5-3.0-fold) and levels of urea (126.67%), creatinine (40.32%), cholesterol (3-fold) and triglycerides (9-fold). These further support its non-toxic and therapeutic attributes against constipation. CONCLUSION Overall, the effect exhibited by M. serrata in this study competed well with Senokot (standard drug) and proved that it may be relatively safe and with excellent laxative potential, thus, supporting its pharmacological applications in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheed Sabiu
- a Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences , University of the Free State , Phuthaditjhaba , South Africa
| | - Omotayo Tom Anofi Ashafa
- a Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences , University of the Free State , Phuthaditjhaba , South Africa
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Adeogun O, Adekunle A, Ashafa A. Chemical composition, lethality and antifungal activities of the extracts of leaf of Thaumatococcus daniellii against foodborne fungi. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjbas.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Balogun FO, Tshabalala NT, Ashafa AOT. Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Basotho Tribe of Eastern Free State: A Review. J Diabetes Res 2016; 2016:4602820. [PMID: 27437404 PMCID: PMC4942634 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4602820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) belongs to the group of five leading important diseases causing death globally and remains a major health problem in Africa. A number of factors such as poverty, poor eating habit, and hormonal imbalance are responsible for the occurrence of the disease. It poses a major health challenge in Africa continent today and the prevalence continues to increase at an alarming rate. Various treatment options particularly the usage of herbs have been effective against diabetes because they have no adverse effects. Interestingly, South Africa, especially the Basotho tribe, is blessed with numerous medicinal plants whose usage in the treatment of DM has been effective since the conventional drugs are expensive and often unaffordable. The present study attempted to update the various scientific evidence on the twenty-three (23) plants originating from different parts of the world but widely used by the Sotho people in the management of DM. Asteraceae topped the list of sixteen (16) plant families and remained the most investigated according to this review. Although limited information was obtained on the antidiabetic activities of these plants, it is however anticipated that government parastatals and scientific communities will pay more attention to these plants in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatai Oladunni Balogun
- Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Private Bag X 13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa
| | - Natu Thomas Tshabalala
- Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Private Bag X 13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa
| | - Anofi Omotayo Tom Ashafa
- Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus, Private Bag X 13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa
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Silva BJC, Seca AML, Barreto MDC, Pinto DCGA. Recent Breakthroughs in the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Morella and Myrica Species. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:17160-80. [PMID: 26225964 PMCID: PMC4581187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160817160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the risk factors for the development of several chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants are therefore highly sought and can be seen as a type of preventive medicine against several diseases. Myrica and Morella genus (Myricaceae) are taxonomically very close and their species are trees or shrubs with edible fruits that exhibit relevant uses in traditional medicine, for instance in Chinese or Japanese folk medicine they are used to treat diarrhea, digestive problems, headache, burns and skin diseases. Nearly 36 compounds were isolated from different morphological parts of Myrica and/or Morella species and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities evaluated. Thirteen of these compounds exhibit greater effects than the positive controls used. Adenodimerin A was the most active compound reported (in a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay EC50= 7.9 ± 0.3 µM). These results are just one aspect of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory evaluations reported regarding Myrica and Morella species, so a comprehensive overview on the current status, highlighting the antioxidant health promoting effect of these species, their key antioxidant compounds as well as the compounds with protective effects against oxidative stress related diseases such as inflammation, is relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno J C Silva
- Department of Technological Science and Development, University of Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal.
| | - Ana M L Seca
- Department of Technological Science and Development, University of Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal.
- Department of Chemistry & Química Orgânica Produtos Naturais and Agroalimentares, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
| | - Maria do Carmo Barreto
- Department of Technological Science and Development, University of Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal.
- Centro Investigação Recursos Naturais, University of Azores, Ponta Delgada 9501-801, Portugal.
| | - Diana C G A Pinto
- Department of Chemistry & Química Orgânica Produtos Naturais and Agroalimentares, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
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Seleteng Kose L, Moteetee A, Van Vuuren S. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the Maseru district of Lesotho. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 170:184-200. [PMID: 25957810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ethnobotanical knowledge in Lesotho is passed on orally from one generation to another. As a result it has not been well documented. Existing publications have relied on previous literature and are limited either in terms of scope or coverage. Furthermore, some of them are out of print. Therefore, there are gaps in the documentation of medicinal plants used in Lesotho. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of the current study is to investigate common ailments in Lesotho's traditional medicine and document plants that are used in treating such ailments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Interviews were conducted in five urban and four rural areas of the capital town of Maseru, by means of questionnaires to elicit information on medicinal plant use to cure common ailments. The informants were 20 males and seven females comprising 15 traditional healers, 11 herbalists and one pharmacist. RESULTS Reproductive ailments were found to be the most commonly treated, followed by respiratory, degenerative and digestive problems. A list of the 80 plants used for treating the common ailments is given. A total of 44 families is represented, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Asphodelaceae and Poaceae families having the highest number of species used for medicinal purposes. The most frequently mentioned medicinal plants in interviews include; Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Pentanisia prunelloides, Hypoxis hermerocallidea, Eriocephalus sp., Salvia runcinata, Scabiosa columbaria, Dicoma anomala, Morella serrata, Xysmalobium undulatum, and Leobordea lanceolata. Due to the high demand of medicinal plants, some species such as L. lanceolata, Tephrosia capensis, E. elephantina, D. anomala and P. prunelloides were reported as over-harvested. In some cases animal products are added to the medicinal plants to enhance their curative abilities. CONCLUSIONS A total of 80 plants were recorded in the study as treating 38 common ailments in the Maseru district of Lesotho. Records of eight medicinal plants and 146 new medicinal uses of 34 plants that were not recorded elsewhere in literature are reported in the current study for the first time. The new records of medicinal plants used in traditional healing practices in Lesotho clearly show the need to document these practices, and the wealth of new knowledge gained with the current study reinforces the importance of extending the study to other parts of Lesotho.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lerato Seleteng Kose
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Annah Moteetee
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Sandy Van Vuuren
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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