Phytochemical and anticonvulsant screening of three medicinal plants used in the treatment of epilepsy in the south-western part of Nigeria

The burden of epilepsy in developing countries made medicinal plants like Xylopia aethiopica fruit; Khaya grandifoliola, Alstonia boonei etc an alternative source in epilepsy management in the south-western part of Nigeria. The aim of the study was to provide pharmacological rationale for the ethnomedicinal use of the plants in epilepsy management. The oral medial lethal dose of methanol stem bark extracts of Alstonia boonei (MEAB) and Khaya grandifoliola (MEKG) and methanol fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica (MEXAF) were done in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development guideline. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical profiling of the extracts was done. Anticonvulsant screening was carried out on the extracts (doses: 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) using the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure and maximum electroshock tests (MEST). Results showed that the MEXAF has the highest amount of phytochemicals except for saponins in MEKG; and MEAB with the least amount (but higher alkaloid) than MEKG. The TLC showed different bands of spots of the extracts. In the PTZ test, MEXAF showed 100 % protection against mortality at 300 mg/kg; MEAB with 66.67 % protection at 75 mg/kg and MEKG 0 % protection. MEAB, MEKG and MEXAF nonsignificantly increased the onset of seizure and latency to death. In the MEST, MEXAF, MEKG and MEAB at 75 mg/kg protected 50, 33.3 and 16.67% of the animals against tonic hind limb extension respectively and nonsignificantly (p˃0.05) decreased the recovery time at a dose of 75 mg/kg. It was concluded that the extracts possess anticonvulsant activities hence, the pharmacological credence for the ethnomedicinal use of these plants in treating epilepsy.

Evaluation comparative de l'activité anti-oxydante des extraits éthanoliques des feuilles d'Olea europaea L. de l'Est Algérien / Comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts from leaves of Olea europaea L. from Eastern Algeria

Introduction: Objectif-Dans les dernières décennies il y a eu un intérêt croissant pour l'étude des plantes médicinales et leur utilisation traditionnelle pour le traitement de diverses maladies. L'olivier ou Olea europaea L. constitue une entité indissociable des peuples méditerranéens. Cette plante appartient à la grande famille des oleaceae. L'objectif de cette étude a été d'évaluer l'activité anti-oxydante des extraits éthanoliques de quatre variétés sauvages de la plante O.europaea des régions de l'Est algérien : Batna et Mila (hautes-plateaux), Biskra (Sahara) et Skikda (ville côtière). Matériels et méthodes - L'évaluation de l'activité anti-oxydante in vitro des extraits éthanoliques de la plante O.europaea a été réalisée par différentes méthodes, notamment le piégeage du radical libre DPPH• et le pouvoir réducteur des ions ferriques. Résultats : L'analyse quantitative des extraits éthanoliques des feuilles de la plante O.europaea a révélé que l'extrait de Mila était plus riche (420.36 mg GAE/g MS), suivi de celui de Batna (396.84 mg GAE/g MS), puis celui de Biskra (de 380.69 mg GAE/g MS) et enfin de l'extrait de Skikda (368.45 mg GAE/g MS). Les résultats de l'activité antiradicalaire des extraits éthanoliques ont montré que ceux de Batna et Mila possédaient le pouvoir le plus important. Conclusion -Les résultats obtenus confirment favorablement l'utilisation des feuilles d'O.europaea en médecine traditionnelle algérienne pour le traitement de diverses maladies.

Introduction-Objective-In recent decades the study of medicinal proprieties of Olea europaea showed an increase interest of medicinal plants and their traditional use for the treatment of various diseases. The olive tree or Olea europaea L. is an inseparable entity of the Mediterranean people. This plant belongs to the large family of oleaceae. The purpose of this study was to assess the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts from four wild varieties of O.europea in the eastern regions of Algeria: Batna and Mila (highlands), Biskra (Sahara) and Skikda (coastal city). Material and methods - The evaluation of the antioxidant activity in vitro of the ethanolic extracts of O.europaea plant was carried out by various methods, in particular, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging effect and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results -Quantitative analysis of ethanolic extracts from the leaves of the plant O.europaea revealed that Mila's extract was richer (420.36 mg GAE / g DM), followed by that of Batna (396.84 mg GAE / g DM), then that of Biskra (380.69 mg GAE / g MS) and finally by Skikda extract (368.45 mg GAE / g MS). The results of DPPH free radical scavenging of the ethanolic extracts showed that those of Batna and Mila had the most important power. Conclusion - The obtained results favorably confirm the use of O.europaea leaves in traditional Algerian medicine for the treatment of various diseases.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and anti-Candida albicans activities of Annona cherimola Mill. fruit pulp

Aims: The main objectives of the present study were to characterize the phytochemical profile of Annona cherimola Mill, to assess its antioxidant characteristics and its antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Methods and Material: Aqueous decoction, aqueous infusion, aqueous maceration, and methanolic maceration were screened for the presence of phytochemicals and to quantify content of phenolics, tannins, and flavonoids. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays, as well the assessment of antifungal activity for the different extracts. Results: Results showed that phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins were present in the four extracts. The aqueous maceration extract presented the highest total phenolic content (3.687 mg GAE/g of extract). Decoction extract showed the lowest phenolic content 2.504 mg GAE/g. Besides, infusion showed the most important total flavonoids content (2.567mg CE/g). The most relevant total antioxidant activity was found for decoction (lowest IC50 12.61 mg/ml AAE). The aqueous maceration exhibited the less antioxidant activity (IC50= 21.98 mg/ml AAE). The best scavenging activity was observed for decoction (IC50=7.27 mg/mL). All the extracts showed a reducing capacity. Infusion exhibited the best reducing power (EC50 = 11.29 mg/mL), compared to decoction (EC50 = 39.32 mg/mL). Regarding antifungal activity, at 100 and 200 µg/mL, decoction and methanolic maceration resulted in 6 and 9 mm inhibition zone, respectively. In addition, at higher doses (800 and 2000 µg/mL), inhibition zone increased in a dose dependent manner for all the extracts. Conclusions: Annona cherimola Mill. could be an important source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antifungal activities

Bioactive constituents and antibacterial screening of two nigerian plant extracts against selected clinical bacteria

Background: The growing desires to combat antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria necessitate the need to search for new antimicrobials agents from other sources such as plants.Objectives: The present study investigated the antibacterial activities and bioactive components of Nymphaea lotus and Spondias mombin against selected clinical bacteria.Material and Methods: Extracts of N. lotus and S. mombin were prepared by 72 hours maceration in 70% methanol. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter freundi and, Klebsiella oxytoca against the two extracts was carried out by disk diffusion method while minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) was by agar-well dilution and broth dilution method, respectively. The bioactive compounds of the plants were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.Results: Extracts of N. lotus showed better antimicrobial activities than S. mombin against all the clinical bacterial isolates with an MIC range of 3.13 ­ >12.5mg/mL compared to S. mombin with MIC range of 6.25 ­ >12.5mg/mL. The GC-MS results revealed the presence of 21 and 25 compounds for N. lotus and S. mombin respectively. Benzoic acid derivatives were in abundance in both plants with approximately 71.5% and 82.1% in N. lotus and S. mombin respectively.Conclusions: The findings from this study provided further evidence on their ethno-botanical claims and additional information on the potentials of the studied plants as effective medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity against clinical bacteria. This highlights the need for continuous exploration of medicinal plants for novel compounds with better antimicrobial property as option for the treatment of resistant bacterial infection

Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Diospyros Cordifolia Extract

Abstract: In this study we evaluated the analgesic and anti- inflammatory activities of the methanol extract of stem bark of Diospyros cordifolia (MEDC) Roxb. The analgesic effects of the stem bark of the plant was assessed in mice using the tail-flick method while carrageenan, histamine and dextran induced paw oedema was used to study the antiinflammatory effects in rats. The MEDC exhibited significant (p<0.01) analgesic effects comparable to the reference drug diclofenac sodium. MEDC also was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory potential against carrageenan, histamine and dextran induced rat paw edema. The methanol extract (25 and 50 mg / kg body weight) exhibited significant (p<0.01) activity against all phlogistic agents used in a dose dependent manner. All these effects were compared with reference drug phenylbutazone (100 mg/kg body weight)

Physicochemical Analysis of the Aqueous Extracts of Six Nigerian Medicinal Plants

Purpose: Extracts of Picralima nitida seeds; Detarium microcarpum stem bark; Aframomum melagueta seeds; Terminalia catappa leaves; Acacia nilotica pods; and Morinda lucida stem bark; are under consideration for development into suitable dosage forms for treating diabetes mellitus; sickle cell anemia and malaria. This study aimed at evaluating the extracts for features that would influence decisions on them in the course of the project. Methods: Physicochemical determinations; including proximate analysis; were done by sensory examination; and gravimetric and electrochemical techniques. Thin layer chromatography was carried out with normal silica plates using various solvent systems. Metallic content analyses were carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The extracts were dry but hygroscopic; with a loss on drying range of 0.26 - 12.00w/w. The pH of the 5 - 10solutions ranged 5 - 7. No harsh sensory effects; such as lacrimation; were detected in any of the extracts. Total ash ranged from 3.79 - 20.68w/w; while acid insoluble ash values were below detection. The extracts yielded reproducible chromatograms on normal silica plates developed with various solvent systems. Copper; present at 0.16 - 0.58 mg/100g; was the lowest occurring microelement while calcium content was highest; at 41 - 216 mg/100g. The level of lead; a heavy metal; was 0.05 - 0.22 mg/100g. Conclusion: The results confirm that the extracts require no special handling; possess characteristics that would allow their possible development into solid dosage forms; and that their lead contents complied with official limits

Antipyretic and Analgesic Effects of the Aqueous Extract of the Fruit Pulp of Hunteria umbellata K Schum (Apocynaceae)

Purpose: The aqueous fruit pulp extract of Hunteria umbellata K. Schum is used traditionally for the treatment of various fevers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extract for antipyretic and analgesic activity; and determine its probable mechanism of action. Methods: Pyrexia was induced in rabbits by intravenous injection of 105 CFU of E. coli/kg. Rectal temperature was monitored at 30; 60; and 90 min post-administration of 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract. The analgesic effect of the extract was evaluated using acetic acid-induced mouse writhing test. The extract was tested for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; Klebsiella pnuemoniae; Escherichia coli; and Psuedomonas aeruginosa using agar diffusion method. Phytochemical screening of the plant extract was also carried out. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of simple sugars; saponins; flavonoids; alkaloids and steroidal compounds. The extract (250; 500 mg/kg) and aspirin produced comparable antipyretic effects up to 60 min. The extract did not inhibit the growth of the microorganisms but significantly reduced the number of writhes in mice at 250 and 500 mg/kg with results comparable to ASA. Conclusion: The extract possesses antipyretic and analgesic activities which validate its use in the treatment of pains and fevers

Anti-allergic, anti-pruritic, and anti-inflammatory activities of Centella Asiatica Extracts

This study investigated antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effect of Centella asiatica extract in rats and anti-allergic in vitro using sheep (Capra hircus) serum method and compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation method; compared with standard drug ketotifen fumarate. In rats; extract of Centella asiatica administered orally was examined for anti-pruritic study and chlorpheniramine maleate was used as standard drug while carageenan paw induced inflammatory method was used for the antiinfammatory study. The results show that the extracts of Centella asiatica exhibited antiallergic; anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory activities

Acute and sub-acute toxicological assessment of the aqueous seed extract of Persea Americana Mill (lauraceae) in rats

The aqueous seed extract of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) is used by herbalists in Nigeria for the management of hypertension. As part of our on-going scientific evaluation of the extract, we designed the present study to assess its acute and sub-acute toxicity profiles in rats. Experiments were conducted to determine the oral median lethal dose (LD50) and other gross toxicological manifestations on acute basis. In the sub-acute experiments, the animals were administered 2.5 g/kg (p.o) per day of the extract for 28 consecutive days. Animal weight and fluid intake were recorded during the 28 days period. Terminally, kidneys, hearts, blood/sera were obtained for weight, haematological and biochemical markers of toxicity. Results show that the LD50 could not be determined after a maximum dose of 10 g/kg. Sub-acute treatment with the extract neither affected whole body weight nor organ-tobody weight ratios but significantly increased the fluid intake (P < 0.0001). Haematological parameters and the levels of ALT, AST, albumin and creatinine were not significantly altered. However, the concentration of total proteins was significantly increased in the treated group. In conclusion, the aqueous seed extract of P. americana is safe on sub-acute basis but extremely high doses may not be advisable

The effect of aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Sorrel) calyces on heamatological profile and organ pathological changes in Trypanasoma congolense ­ infected rat

Abstract: The effects of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces on haematology and pathological changes in some selected organs during experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection of rats were investigated. Three groups of rats were intraperitoneally infected with T. congolense (Karu stock). One group was administered with the aqueous extract and another given a solution of vitamin C in drinking water; the remaining infected group was left untreated. Data from these groups were compared with those of two groups of healthy rats, one of which was similarly treated with the aqueous extract. The experiment was terminated three weeks, post-infection (pi). The uninfected and infected rats administered the extract consumed the equivalent of 9.94 mg ­ and 9.61 mg ascorbic acid / 100g / day during the experiment. Consumption of the extract significantly (p<0.01) retarded the rate of weight gain in both healthy and infected rats; even though the feed-intake was not significantly affected. After two weeks of infection the extract and vitamin C kept the parasitaemia significantly (p<0.01) lower than the untreated infected group. The anaemia in the untreated infected group was significantly (p<0.01) more severe than that of the corresponding extract- or vitamin-treated groups. Trypanosoma congolense infection caused significant (p<0.01) decreases in serum total proteins and albumin; serum and organ ascorbic acid as well as significant (p<0.01) elevation of serum alanine amino transferase levels in untreated rats. Consumption of the extract or vitamin C, however, prevented these disease­induced anomalies in the treated infected rats. Serum creatinine and urea levels were not affected by infection but the extract elevated these parameters significantly (p<0.01) above infection levels. It was concluded that consumption of the extract ameliorated the pathological changes in blood and organs of T. congolense-infected rats

Aqueous stem bark extract of Stereospermum kunthianum (cham, sandrine petit) protects against generalized seizures in pentylenetetrazole and electro-convulsive models in rodents

Stereospermum kunthianum; Cham Sandrine Petit (Bignoniaceae) known in eng as pink jacaranda is used in traditional medicine to treat an array of ailments including febrile convulsions in infants and young children by the rural dwellers in Nigeria. This study examined the anticonvulsant activity of its aqueous stem bark extract (100 - 400mg/kg) against maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rodents. Phenobarbitone and ethosuximide were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs for comparison. Stereospermum kunthianum extract (200 - 400mg/kg; i.p.) remarkably protected (76.9and 84.6respectively) the rats against electroshock-induced seizures. However; the extract (200- 400mg/kg) when administered orally showed a comparatively less effect (33.3and 55.6respectively) to the intraperitoneally administered extract in the maximal electroshock test. The extract (100-400mg/kg; i.p.) significantly delayed (p0.05) the onset of pentylenetetrazole-induced clonic seizures but only slightly prolonged the time of death of the mice. Although the findings in the present study do not provide conclusive evidence; it appears that the aqueous stem bark extract of Stereospermum kunthianum produces its antiseizure effect by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission and/or action in the brain. The results indicate that the aqueous extract possesses anticonvulsant activity in rodents and therefore tend to suggest that the shrub may be used as a natural supplementary remedy in the management; control and/or treatment of childhood convulsions. It can be concluded that the aqueous stem bark extract possesses anticonvulsant activity and therefore lend pharmacological credence to the traditionally claimed use in the treatment of childhood convulsions

The modulatory effect of cochlospermum tinctorium a rich aqueous root extract on liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

The aqueous root extract of Cochlospermum tinctorium (CTR) was investigated for its phytochemical composition; acute oral toxicity and hepatoprotective effect on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in rats. Phytochemical screening indicates the presence of alkaloids; tannins; cardiac glycosides; saponins; flavonoids; triterpenes; cyanogenic glycosides and volatile oils while steroids and anthraquinones were absent. Administration of 5000 mg/kg (body weight) of the extract orally did not produce any death in the rats within the observable period. The extract at 100 - 300 mg/kg (body weight) significantly and dose dependently reduced the levels of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes levels in the CCl4 -treated rats. The values of serum albumin; serum total protein and reduced glutathione in the extract treated groups of rats remained comparatively higher than its values in the CCl4 - treated group. The pretreatment of the rats with the extract produced a significant (P 0.05) reduction in blood clotting time. The histopathological findings were in support of the biochemical changes recorded during the study. These results suggest that aqueous root extract of CTR possess hepatoprotective effect against CCl4- induced liver damage in rats and the extract at 5000 mg/kg body weight appeared to be safe when administered orally

Formulation d'un medicament traditionnel ameliore a base d'extraits hydro-ethanoliques des feuilles de Senna alata. (Cesalpinaceae)

L'objectif de ce travail est de formuler un medicament traditionnel ameliore dont les extraits hydro-ethanoliques sont efficaces sur les levures et champignons testes; non toxiques sur les souris swiss. Pour ce faire; nous avons realise des etudes pharmacologiques su la toxicite puis l'activite sur les levures et certains champignons filamenteux et enfin formuler un medicament traditionnel ameliore a base d'extraits a froid d'un melange ethanol/eau (70/30) de feuilles de Senna alata linn (Cesalpinacee). Precedemment appele Cassia alata; est une herbe qui pousse dans les zones humides des regions tropicales du monde. Ses feuilles contiennent de l'adenine; du kaempferol-3-O-gentiobioside; de l'acide chrisophanique; du rhein; de l'emodine; du kaepferol; de l'?-sitosterol; des sennosides; de la deoxycoeluatine et des huiles essentielles riches en terpenes et en composes phenoliques. L'utilisation de S-alata est sans danger per os aux dosages controles car la DL50 des extraits de ces feuilles est superieure a 5g/kg . Les extraits des feuilles de cette plante ont montres de fortes activites antifongiques; notamment contre Trichophyton rubrum; Trichophyton mentagrophytes; Epidermophyton floccosum; Bassidiobolus haptosporus; Aspergillus niger; Rhodotorula japonicus; Candida albicans; Candida tropicalis; pityriasis versicolore et Rhodotorula glutinis. Les extraits des feuilles ont egalement monte des activites hypoglycemiantes; anti-inflammatoire; antihepatite; antimutagenique et tonifiante. Nous avons formule une pommade a3dont la stabilite; l'efficacite et l'innocuite sont garanties par le respect des normes de preparation; des formulations magistrales; officinales; phytotherapeutiques et homeopathique

Anti-ulcer and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Hydro-Alcohol Extract of Aloe buettneri A. Berger (lilliaceae)

Purpose: Aloe buettneri A. Berger is commonly used in Togolese folk medicine to treat inflammation and gastric ulcer. In this study we investigated the anti-oedema; analgesic; antipyretic and ulcer healing properties of the hydro-alcohol extract of their leaves. Methods: Rat oedema paw were induced by the injection of 0.1 ml of formaldehyde 1; tail flick method is used to study analgesic property; hyperthermia was induced by subcutaneous injection of 15of a brewers' yeast suspension at dose of 10 ml/kg and ulcers were induced by ethanol or HCl/ethanol mixture. Results: The extract showed anti-inflammatory properties at doses between 250-500 mg/kg. It inhibited; in a dose- dependent manner; the oedema induced by 0.1 ml of formaldehyde 1. Scores of 73.70and 83.63were obtned when the doses of extract administered were 100 and 500 mg/kg; respectively. The tail flick analgesic index showed an increase of 36.56when the dose was 500 mg/kg. The extract decreased significantly the hyperthermia induced by the injection of yeast. 1000 mg/kg of the extract inhibited 63.77of the gastric lesion induced by acid-water-ethanol mixture while daily administration of the same dose accele- rated the cicatrisation of gastric ulcer induced by 95ethanol. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the hydro-alcohol extract of Aloe buettneri A. Berger (Lillia- ceae) has anti-inflammatory; anti-ulcer and wound healing properties

Formulation of the Extract of the Stem Bark of Alstonia Boonei as Tablet Dosage Form

Purpose: To formulate the extracts of the stem bark of Alstonia boonei; an important antimalarial herb; into tablet dosage form. Methods: Tablets were formulated using direct compression and wet granulation methods. The mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using crushing strength and friability and the crushing strength:friability ratio (CSFR) while drug release properties were evaluated using disintegration and dissolution times. Results: There were statistically significant (p0.01) differences in the CSFR values and drug release properties of A. boonei tablets prepared by both methods. The differences depended on the type and concentration of excipient and binder employed in the formulation. Conclusions: The method of preparation of the A. boonei tablets needs to be carefully selected to ensure the production of tablets with adequate bond strength to withstand the rigours of handling and at the same time release the active compound (s) for biological action

An antifungal Property of Crude Plant Extracts from Anogeissus Leiocarpus and Terminalia Avicennioides

Chloroform, ethanolic, methanolic, ethyl acetate and aqueous root extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides were investigated in vitro for antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium species, Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton rubrum using radial growth technique. The plant extracts inhibited the growth of all the test organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts ranged between 0.03µg/ml and 0.07µg/ml while the minimum fungicidal concentration ranged between 0.04µg/ml and 0.08µg/ml. Anogeissus leiocarpus appears to be more effective as an antifungal agent than Terminalia avicennioides. Ethanolic extracts of the two plant roots were more effective than the methanolic, chloroform, or aqueous extracts against all the test fungi