Ethnobotanical Survey and Cercaricidal Activity Screening of Medicinal Plants Used for Schistosomiasis Treatment in Atwima-Nwabiagya District, Ashanti Region, Ghana.

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

Ziziphus abyssinica root bark extract ameliorates paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats possibly via the attenuation of oxidative stress.

Ziziphus abyssinica root bark is widely used in folk medicine to manage liver diseases, particularly, jaundice but its effect on paracetamol-induced liver toxicity (PILT) has not yet been validated. This study explored the ameliorative effect of ethanolic root bark extract of Ziziphus abyssinica (ZAE) against PILT in rats. The flavonoid and phenolic content of ZAE was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminium trichloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity of ZAE was determined in vitro by evaluating its ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAC) as well as DPPH and nitic oxide (NO) radicals scavenging activities. Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to six groups (n = 6) and administered with normal saline (10 mL/kg, p.o.), N-acetylcysteine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and ZAE (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) respectively for seven days after which they received paracetamol (PCM, 3000 mg/kg, p.o.). Animals were sacrificed 48 h after paracetamol administration under light anaesthesia and assessed for liver toxicity and oxidative stress. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents of ZAE were 1313.425 µg/mL quercetin equivalence and 268.31 µg/mL gallic acid equivalence respectively. ZAE exhibited marked FRAC as well as DPPH and NO radical scavenging activities with IC50s of 80.41 ± 1.56, 67.56 ± 1.11 and 7.11 ± 1.48 µg/mL respectively. ZAE and N-acetylcysteine significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the paracetamol-mediated elevation of serum total bilirubin, proteins and activity of liver enzymes (AST, ALP, and ALT). Similarly, ZAE increased hepatic glutathione, total thiols and catalase activity of the paracetamol intoxicated rats. Morphological changes associated with the paracetamol hepatotoxicity were also ameliorated by ZAE. Overall, the hepatoprotective effect of ZAE may be related to its antioxidant property.

Assessment of some quality parameters and chemometric-assisted FTIR spectral analysis of commercial powdered ginger products on the Ghanaian market.

Background: Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) rhizome is a global spice with marked pharmacological activities and industrial applications. The demand for the powdered spice soared in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The present study sought to assess powdered ginger products on the Ghanaian market for some quality parameters and compare their chemical composition via chemometric analysis of their FT-IR data. Methods: A survey was conducted in three major markets in Ghana to determine the commercially available powdered ginger products. These products were purchased and assessed for microbial load, heavy metals contents and ash values using official methods. Also, principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis, as multivariate algorithms, were applied to their FT-IR spectral fingerprints, using Z. officinale, Z. zerumbet and some dried ginger rhizomes from Nigeria as reference samples. Results: Seven products were found in the survey: three local and four foreign. The local products failed to meet regulatory label requirements. The microbial load, heavy metals and ash values of all commercial samples were generally within specifications except for the aerobic bacterial counts of some local samples. Pharmacopoeial identity test and the chemometric analysis revealed all the products to contain Z. officinale. The reference ginger sample from Nigeria also demonstrated some level of similarity with Z. officinale. The variations in physical attributes and slight difference in chemical composition of the different products was presumed to be due to chemical changes arising from different processing methods and possible adulteration with other flours. Conclusion: The sampled ginger products on the market originate from Z. officinale and have quality attributes that make them suitable for food and medicinal applications. The observed deviations, however, suggest an urgent need for standardized processing methods to ensure consistency in quality indices, as well as regular quality checks by regulatory bodies.

Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects and Subacute Toxicity of the Aerial Parts of Psychotria ankasensis J.B.Hall (Rubiaceae) in Murine Models.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed at validating the traditional use and toxicity profile of a methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Psychotria ankasensis in alleviating depression and anxiety disorders. METHOD: The antidepressant effect of methanolic extract of Psychotria ankasensis (PAE 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) was assessed in mice using the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). The plant's anxiolytic potential was also evaluated in mice using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and the open field tests (OFT). The subacute toxicity was assessed via oral administration of PAE at doses of 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg in rats for 28 days. RESULTS: PAE 100 and 300 mg/kg showed antidepressant-like properties by significantly (at least p < 0.05) decreasing the frequency and duration of immobility in FST and TST. PAE (100 and 300 mg/kg) also showed a significant (at least p < 0.05) anxiolytic effect in both EPM and OFT. In the EPM test, E max for PAE and diazepam were 92.52 ± 40.11% and 85.95 ± 45.92%, respectively, whereas E max was approximately 100% for both test drugs in the OFT. Subacute administration of PAE did not reveal any toxic effects with respect to organ weight index, haematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Methanolic extract of P. ankasensis exhibited antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects devoid of significant toxicity at the doses tested in murine models.

Analgesic Effect of Ziziphus abyssinica Involves Inhibition of Inflammatory Mediators and Modulation of KATP Channels, Opioidergic and Nitrergic Pathways.

The diversity offered by natural products has timelessly positioned them as a good source for novel therapeutics for the management of diverse medical conditions, including pain. This study evaluated hydro-ethanolic root bark extract of Ziziphus abyssinica (ZAE) as well as ß-amyrin and polpunonic acid isolated from the plant for analgesic property. The study also investigated the mechanism responsible for this action in the extract. The antinociceptive potential of ZAE (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p. o.) was assessed using the tail-immersion test (TIT), acetic acid-induced writhing test (AAT), and formalin test (FT). The extract's effect on acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain was also assessed by administering carrageenan unilaterally into the rat gastrocnemius muscles and measuring pain at 12 h and 10 days for acute and chronic pain respectively. The involvement of pro-inflammatory mediators (prostaglandin E2, bradykinin, TNF-α, and IL-1ß) was assessed. The possible pathways mediating the observed analgesic effect of ZAE were further assessed using the antagonists: naloxone, glibenclamide, NG-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), atropine, nifedipine, and yohimbine in the FT. Also the analgesic effect of two triterpenoid compounds, ß-amyrin and polpunonic acid, previously isolated from the plant was assessed using the TIT. The anti-nociceptive activity of ZAE was demonstrated in the TIT by the significant (p < 0.05) increase in tail withdrawal threshold in ZAE-treated mice. ZAE also markedly reduced writhing and paw licking responses in both AAT and FT and significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. ZAE also significantly reversed hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar injection of PGE2, bradykinin, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. Furthermore, data revealed the involvement of opioidergic, ATP-sensitive K+ channels and NO-cGMP pathways in the analgesic effect of ZAE. Both ß-amyrin and polpunonic acid exhibited analgesic activity in the tail suspension test. Our study demonstrates ZAE as an important source of new therapeutic agents for pain management.

Allanblackia floribunda Seed Extract Attenuates the Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats via the Inhibition of TNF-α and INF-γ Levels and Modulation in the Expression of Ki67 Protein.

Allanblackia floribunda has been used to treat an upset stomach in African traditional medicine, but its efficacy and safety have not been scientifically studied. The present research is aimed at assessing the antiulcer property of the seed extract of the plant to validate its traditional claim. Rats were pretreated with three doses of aqueous extract of A. floribunda (AFE) at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg or omeprazole 10 mg/kg for 1 hr before the acute gastric ulcer was induced by oral administration of 5 mL/kg of 98% ethanol. The animals were sacrificed under anesthesia, and the stomach and blood were collected. The gross histology of the stomach, percentage protection conferred by the treatment, gastric pH, and serum TNF-α and INF-γ were assessed as well as the expression of Ki67 antigens. The antioxidant properties as well as the acute toxicity profile of the plant extract were also assessed. The results show that A. floribunda conferred significant protection on the rats against gastric ulceration with % protection of 46.15, 57.69, and 65.38 for AFE 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, respectively, as well as 69.23% for omeprazole 10 mg/kg. The plant extract caused marked reductions in gastric pH, TNF-α, and INF-γ with statistical significance (p < 0.001) for AFE 300 mg/kg and omeprazole 10 mg/kg. Also, the plant showed good antioxidant activity comparable to gallic acid. Furthermore, the plant extract modulated the expression of Ki67 antigens. All animals survived the 14-day delayed toxicity test with no significant differences in physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters between rats orally administered with supratherapeutic doses of AFE (5000 mg/kg) or normal saline. The study established that the gastroprotective effect of the seed extract of A. floribunda is attributable to its antisecretory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the plant was found to promote ulcer healing via the modulation of the expression Ki67 and was safe at supratherapeutic doses.

Indigenous Medicinal Plants as Biofilm Inhibitors for the Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance.

The majority of indigenes in the rural areas of Ghana use herbal medicines for their primary health care. In this study, an ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to document medicinal plants used by traditional healers in the Ejisu-Juaben district in the Ashanti region of Ghana to treat infections and to further investigate the antibiofilm formation properties of selected plants in resisting pathogenic bacteria. Seventy medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners for the treatment of skin infections and wounds were documented from the ethnobotanical survey. Forty out of the seventy plants were collected and their methanol extracts evaluated for antimicrobial activity by the agar diffusion assay. Extracts that showed antibacterial activity were tested for biofilm inhibitory activity, and the most active plant was subsequently purified to obtain the active constituents. Biofilm formation was significantly mitigated by petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of Holarrhena floribunda stem bark. Bioassay-guided fractionation of an alkaloidal extract prepared from the methanol fraction led to the isolation of three steroidal alkaloids, namely, holonamine, holadienine, and conessine. The isolated compounds demonstrated varying degrees of biofilm formation inhibitory properties. The current study reveals that screening of indigenous medicinal plants could unravel potential leads to salvage the declining efficacy of conventional antibiotics. Holarrhena floribunda stem bark extract has strong biofilm formation inhibition properties, which could be attributed to the presence of steroidal alkaloids.

Ethnopharmacological evaluation of schistosomicidal and cercaricidal activities of some selected medicinal plants from Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The adulticidal and cercaricidal activities of five Ghanaian medicinal plants, namely, Phyllanthus amarus, Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica, Morinda lucida and Nauclea latifolia against S. mansoni were evaluated in this study. Six weeks old ICR mice (n = 25) were percutaneously infected with S. mansoni cercariae. Nine weeks later, infected mice (n = 5) were anaesthetised and perfused for adult S. mansoni. Cercariae were treated with different concentrations (1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25 µg/mL) of methanolic extracts of the experimenting plants in triplicates. Adult S. mansoni incopula were also treated with same concentrations of each extract or 20 µg/mL praziquantel. The cercariae and adult worms were observed at time intervals for 180 min and 120 h to assess mortality and viability respectively. Additionally, 9-week cercariae-infected mice (4 groups of 5 mice) were treated with either 500 mg/kg po A. indica or V. amygdalina, 400 mg/kg po praziquantel or distilled water for 14 days. The mice were euthanized after adult worms were recovered from them. The liver was processed and histologically examined for granuloma formations. RESULTS: All the plants exhibited varying cercaricidal and adulticidal activities against S. mansoni in a time and concentration-dependent manner. A. indica (3 h IC50 = 27.62 µg/mL) and V. amygdalina (3 h IC50 = 35.84 µg/mL) exerted the highest cercaricidal activity. Worm recovery after treatment with V. amygdalina, A. indica and praziquantel in vivo was 48.8%, 85.1 % and 59.9 % respectively (p < 0.05). A. indica and V. amydalina-treated mice recorded lesser mean liver and spleen weights compared to untreated groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A. indica demonstrated the highest cercaricidal and alduticidal activities in vitro, whereas V. amygdalina exhibited the most potent aldulticidal activity in vivo. This study could provide baseline information which can be used to develop plant-based alternative commercial drugs against S. mansoni.