Dietary supplementation with seeds of Sesamum indicum L. (pedaliaceae) mitigates the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced breast tumor burden in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Sesamum indicum L. seeds; rich in zinc and lignans are endowed with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties which attract research on their anticancer potential. Although many studies have reported the in vitro antitumor potential of S. indicum and its phytoconstituents, much is yet to be known about its in vivo effects. To fill this gap, the effects of dietary supplementation with seeds of S. indicum in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-exposed rats was assessed. METHODS: 42 rats aged 30-35 days were randomized into six groups (n=6) as follows: the normal (NOR) and negative (DMBA) control groups were fed with standard diet; the positive control group (DMBA + Zinc) was fed with standard diet supplemented with commercial zinc (0.01 %); the test groups were fed with standard diet supplemented with S. indicum seeds in different proportions (6.25 , 12.5 and 25 %). Breast cancer was induced by a single administration of DMBA (50 mg/kg BW, s.c.) diluted in corn oil. The experiment lasted 20 weeks and afterward, tumor incidence; tumor burden, tumor volume, tumor micro-architecture and some biochemical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: As salient result, 100 % of rats in the DMBA group developed tumors, while rats feed with rat chow supplemented with S. indicum seeds (25 %) had a reduced incidence of tumors (33.3 %) and tumor volume (2.71 cm3 in sesame 25 % vs. 4.69 cm3 in the DMBA group, p˂0.01). The seeds (25 %) also slowed DMBA-induced neoplasm expansion in mammary ducts as compared to rats of DMBA group. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, supplementation with S. indicum seeds slowed breast tumorigenesis via its antioxidant capacity.

Synthesis of Ursolic Acid-based Hybrids: In Vitro Antibacterial, Cytotoxicity Studies, In Silico Physicochemical and Pharmacokinetic Properties.

BACKGROUND: There is a critical need for the discovery of novel and effective antibacterial or anticancer molecules. OBJECTIVES: Amine-linked ursolic acid-based hybrid compounds were prepared in good yields in the range of 60-68%. METHODS: Their molecular structures were successfully confirmed using different spectroscopic methods including 1H/13C NMR, UHPLC-HRMS and FTIR spectroscopy. The in vitro cytotoxicity of some of these hybrid molecules against three human tumour cells, such as MDA-MB23, MCF7, and HeLa was evaluated using the MTT colorimetric method. RESULT: Their antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against eleven bacterial pathogens using a serial dilution assay. Majority of the bacterial strains were inhibited significantly by compounds 17 and 24, with the lowest MIC values in the range of 15.3-31.25 µg/mL. Compound 16 exhibited higher cytotoxicity against HeLa cells than ursolic acid, with an IC50 value of 43.64 g/mL. CONCLUSION: The in vitro antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of these hybrid compounds demonstrated that ursolic acid-based hybrid molecules are promising compounds. Further research into ursolic acid-based hybrid compounds is required.

Aridanin and oleanane-3- O-ß-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide obtained from Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. & Thonn) Taub. (Fabaceae) induces potent apoptotic activity in human prostate cancer cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. and Thonn.) Taub. (Fabaceae) is a tropical plant that is used in Cameroon pharmacopeia for the treatment of many cancers including prostate cancer (PCa), which is a major cause of men's death worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticancer properties as well as underlying mechanisms of isolates from T. tetraptera on DU145, PC3 and LNCaP cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight (8) compounds were purified from T. tetraptera stem bark extract through silica gel column chromatography (CC) and characterized using spectroscopic techniques (1D and 2D NMR), HRESIMS. Cell growth was assessed by a well-characterized MTT assay, while BrdU and clonogenicity assays provided information on the cell proliferation index. Further, the impact of the compounds on cell cycle progression and cell death were performed through Flow cytometry. Cell adhesion, cell migration and chemotaxis along with some proteins of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assayed. RESULTS: Out of the eight (1-8) isolates from T. tetraptera only oleanane-3-O-ß-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide and aridanin showed potent cell growth arrest with an estimated CC50 of 15, 23, 16 and 17, 26, 16 µg/mL on DU145, PC3 and LNCaP cells, respectively. A 15% (DU145) and 25% (LNCaP) increase in apoptotic cells induced by oleanane-3-O-ß-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide and aridanin at 10 µg/mL were noticed. Oleanane-3-O-ß-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide and aridanin at 2.5 and 10 µg/mL reduced the number of cells in S-phase and raised cells in G2/M phase. At the same concentrations, they decreased the number of invading DU145 cells and increased the adherence of DU145 cells to fibronectin and collagen matrix at tested concentrations, accompanied by an increase in integrin ß-1 (10 µg/mL) and integrin ß-4 (2.5 µg/mL) expression. Furthermore, a down-regulation of pcdk1, cdk2, Bcl-2, N-Cad, vimentin and cytokeratine 8-18 was noticed while, p19, p27, p53 pAKT, Bax, caspase-3 and E-Cad were up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS: This study outlines for the first time, the anticancer ability of compounds oleanane-3-O-ß-D-glucoside-2'-acetamide (4) and aridanin (6) from Tetrapleura tetraptera and proposes their putative mechanisms of action.

Automated silylation of flavonoids using 3D printed microfluidics prior to chromatographic analysis: system development.

Flavonoids are a class of secondary plant metabolites with low molecular weights. Most flavonoids are highly polar and unsuitable for gas chromatographic analyses. Derivatization is commonly used to make them amenable to gas chromatography by altering their physicochemical properties. Although highly effective, derivatization techniques introduce extra preparation steps and often use hazardous chemicals. The aim of this study was to automate derivatization (specifically, silylation) by developing 3D printed microfluidic devices in which derivatization of flavonoids can occur. A microfluidic device was designed and 3D printed using clear polypropylene. Quercetin and other flavonoids (TED 13 and ZTF 1016) isolated from plant extracts were silylated with N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA) at room temperature both in batch and in continuous flow. All the samples were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HR-MS). Interestingly, the HR-MS results showed that the flow method was about 25 times more efficient than the batch method for quercetin samples. The TED 13 flavonoid was completely derivatized in the flow method compared to the batch method where the reaction was incomplete. Similar results were observed for ZTF 1016, where the flow method resulted in a four times derivatized compound, while the compound was only derivatized once in batch. In conclusion, 3D printed microfluidic devices have been developed and used to demonstrate a semi-automated, inexpensive, and more efficient natural product derivatization method based on continuous flow chemistry as an alternative to the traditional batch method.

Optimization of the Processing Conditions for the Production of a Gluten-Free Bread from Sour Cassava Starch (Manihot esculenta) and Some Legumes (Arachis hypogaea, Vigna unguiculata, and Glycine max).

BACKGROUND: Sour cassava starch is used as an alternative to wheat flour in breadmaking. However, its nutritional and technological properties are limited. To remedy this, the use of legumes has proved to be very successful. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the optimal condition for the production of bread made from sour cassava starch, peanut, cowpea and soybean flour. METHODS: The I-optimal design was employed to obtain an optimal proportion of the mixture with the variables sour cassava starch, cowpea, soy and peanut flour. The responses evaluated were overall acceptability, specific volume and protein content. RESULTS: It resulted that the incorporation of sour cassava starch positively influenced the volume but negatively influenced the protein content and overall acceptability. While the addition of legumes increased protein content and overall consumer acceptability, the specific volume was reduced. The optimal proportions of sour cassava starch, cowpea, soybean and peanut flour were 64.11%, 18.92%, 0% and 16.96%, respectively. Under this condition, it led to a desirability of 1, specific volume of 1.35, overall acceptability of 6.13, protein content of 9.72%, carbohydrate content of 67.89%, fat content of 9.39%, fiber content of 2.10% and ash content of 1.04%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that cowpea and peanut can be used for the improvement of the technological, nutritional and sensory properties of sour cassava starch bread and thus increase its consumption and application in the food processing industry.

Effect of variety and malting conditions on proteolytic activity, free amino nitrogen, and soluble protein contents of two maize varieties (Atp-Y and Coca-sr): amylolytic activity and physico-chemical and functional properties of optimal sample.

Introduction: The utilization of sprouted meals in beer production and enhancing the physicochemical properties of supplementary foods is widespread in Africa. This work aimed to determine the influence of soaking, germination, maturation and variety conditions on the physicochemical properties, proteolytic activity, free amino nitrogen (FAN) and soluble protein contents of Coca-sr and Atp-Y maize varieties. Methods: To achieve this, the central composite design (CCD) was used for the optimization of five parameters, namely soaking time (18-42 h), plant salt concentration (0.5-1.2%), soaking temperature (25-41°C), sprouting time (80-195 h) and ripening time (17.50-42 h), and following dependent variables were investigated: proteolytic activity, FAN content and soluble protein. Optimal samples flours obtained were then subsequently subjected to physicochemical and functional analysis. Results: The analysis of results showed that the linear, interactive and quadratic effects of the factors significantly (p<0.05) affected the proteolytic activity, FAN and soluble protein contents of both varieties. The direction of each factor's variation and its effects were not similar in the two varieties. The optimal malting conditions were 7.31 h soaking with 1.678% vegetable salt at a temperature of 34.65°C followed by sprouting for 245.59 h and maturation for 0.765 h for the Atp-Y variety. For the Coca-sr variety, it requires 1.608 h of soaking with 1.678% vegetable salt at a temperature of 51.93°C followed by 273.94 h and 58.73 h for sprouting and ripening time respectively. The meals of Coca-sr produces using these optimal conditions showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher proteolytic activity, FAN and soluble protein content. The amylolytic activity was more pronounced in the Atp-Y variety, as was the content of essential amino acids. The above optimal conditions reduced the content of anti-nutrients (phytates, saponins, oxalates, condensed and hydrolysable tannins), improved the availability of minerals (Ca and Mg), reduced the pH, mass density, water retention capacity and swelling rate. Conclusion: As a result, the optimal flours of these two maize varieties could be applied in the formulation of supplementary foods, bakery products and beer by industrialists.

Estrogenic and anti-amnesic potential of Millettia griffoniana Baill. (Fabaceae) ethanolic extract on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in ovariectomized Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dementias including Alzheimer disease (AD) are three times higher in menopausal women than in men. Phytoestrogens, a group of plant-derived compounds are known to alleviate menopausal complaints including dementia. Millettia griffoniana Baill is a phytoestrogen-rich plant used to treat menopausal complaints and dementia. AIM: Evaluating the estrogenic and neuroprotective potential of Millettia griffoniana on ovariectomized (OVX) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro safety of M. griffoniana ethanolic extract was assayed by MTT in human mammary epithelial (HMEC) and mouse neuronal (HT-22) cells and its lethal dose 50 (LD50) was estimated following OECD 423 guidelines. For estrogenicity, in vitro the well known E-screen assay on MCF-7 cells was performed and in vivo four groups of OVX rats were treated either with 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg M. griffoniana extract doses or estradiol (1 mg/kg BW) for three days; and changes in uterine and vagina were analyzed. Then, for neuroprotective effect, Alzheimer-type dementia induction was achieved by scopolamine (1.5 mg/kg B.W., i.p.) injection four days/week and M. griffoniana extract as well as piracetam (standard) were administered daily for 2 weeks to evaluate the extract's neuroprotective potential. The endpoints were the assessment of learning and working memory, oxidative stress state (SOD, CAT, and MDA) in brain, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and the histopathological changes in hippocampus. RESULTS: No toxic effect was observed when incubating mammary (HMEC) and neuronal (HT-22) cells with M. griffoniana ethanol extract for 24 h and its LD50 was found >2000 mg/kg. The extract also exhibited both in vitro and in vivo estrogenic activities, displayed by a significant (p < 0.01) increment in MCF-7 cells population in vitro and an increase in the epithelium height of the vagina and the wet weight of the uterus mainly with the 150 mg/kg BW extract dose compared to untreated OVX rats. The extract also reversed scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rat by improving learning, working and reference memory. This was associated with an increment in CAT and SOD expression, alongside a decrement in MDA content and AChE activity in hippocampus. Further, the extract reduced neuronal cell loss in hippocampal structures (CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus). High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) spectra, revealed the presence of numerous phytoestrogens in M. griffoniana extract. CONCLUSION: M. griffoniana ethanolic extract has estrogenic, anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities that could account for its anti-amnesic effects. These findings therefore sheds light on why this plant is commonly used in the therapy of menopausal complaints and dementia.

Selective detection of methanol vapour from a multicomponent gas mixture using a CNPs/ZnO@ZIF-8 based room temperature solid-state sensor.

Methanol vapour is harmful to human health if it is inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. Solid-state gas sensors are a promising system for the detection of volatile organic compounds, unfortunately, they can have poor gas selectivity, low sensitivity, an inferior limit of detection (LOD), sensitivity towards humidity, and a need to operate at higher temperatures. A novel solid-state gas sensor was assembled using carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), prepared from a simple pyrolysis reaction, and zinc oxide@zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanorods (ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorods), synthesised using a hydrothermal method. The nanomaterials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorods were inactive as a sensor, the CNPs showed some sensor activity, and the CNPs/ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorod composite performed as a viable solid-state sensor. The mass ratio of ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorods within the CNPs/ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorod composite was varied to investigate selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of ethanol, 2-propanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and methanol vapours. The assembled sensor composed of the CNPs/ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorod composite with a mass ratio of 1.5 : 6 showed improved gas sensing properties in the detection of methanol vapour with a LOD of 60 ppb. The sensor is insensitive to humidity and the methanol vapour sensitivity was found to be 0.51 Ω ppm-1 when detected at room temperature.

Isolation, crystal structure and DFT study of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxo-piperidinium nitrate isolated from the stembark of Vitex doniana (Lamiaceae).

We present the results of the analysis of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxo-piperidinium nitrate isolated from the stem bark of Vitex doniana, a tree growing in Nigeria. The low-temperature molecular structure comprises one 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxopiperidinium cation and one nitrate anion as one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n. A portion of the nitrate anion exhibits positional disorder with the main disorder component present 66.253(2) % of the time and the minor disorder component present 33.279(2) % of the time. In comparison with the previously reported room-temperature structure of C9H18N2O4 . The low-temperature structure shows similarity with the piperidinium ring adopting a slightly deformed chair conformation while the nitrate anion is disordered. DFT method was used to complement the experimental study.

Dissolvable wound dressing loaded with silver nanoparticles together with ampicillin and ciprofloxacin.

Aim: The current study is focused on the development of water-soluble wound dressings, which are potential dressings for the treatment of burn wounds. Materials & methods: Sodium alginate-based dissolvable wound dressings were prepared and loaded with silver nanoparticles and various antibiotics (ampicillin and ciprofloxacin) followed by characterization and in vitro antibacterial studies. Results & conclusions: The prepared sodium alginate-based dissolvable wound dressing exhibited good porosity, water uptake and moisture content, promising antibacterial activity, high absorption capacity of simulated wound exudates, excellent water vapor transmission rate in the range of 2000 to 5000 g/m2 day-1, sustained drug-release profiles and water solubility. The wound dressings were active against Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aeruginosa strains of bacteria. The results obtained revealed the wound dressing as potential wound dressings for burn wounds and sensitive skin.

Effects of Tartrazine on Some Sexual Maturation Parameters in Immature Female Wistar Rats.

Over the past century, the average age for onset of puberty has declined. Several additives present in our food are thought to contribute significantly to this early puberty which is recognized to also affect people's health in later life. On this basis, the impact of 40-days unique oral administration of the food dye tartrazine (7.5, 27, and 47 mg/kg BW doses) was evaluated on some sexual maturation parameters on immature female Wistar rats. Vaginal opening was evaluated during the treatment period. At the end of the treatments, animals were sacrificed (estrus phase) and the relative weight of reproductive organs, pituitary gonadotrophin and sexual steroids level, cholesterol level in ovaries and folliculogenesis were evaluated. Compared to the control group, animals receiving tartrazine (47 mg/kg BW) showed significantly high percentage of early vaginal opening from day 45 of age, and an increase in the number of totals, primaries, secondaries, and antral follicles; a significant increase in serum estrogen, LH and in uterine epithelial thickness. Our findings suggest that tartrazine considerably disturbs the normal courses of puberty. These results could validate at least in part the global observations on increasingly precocious puberty in girls feeding increasingly with industrially processed foods.

Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyxes Aqueous Extract on Antioxidant Status and Histopathology in Mammary Tumor-Induced in Rats.

Breast cancer is a major threat worldwide. Hibiscus sabdariffa is widely consumed as beverage in sub-Saharan Africa for its anticancer potential. The present study therefore aimed at scientifically verifying its anticancer effect in rats. For this, 48 Wistar rats (∼55 days) were treated either with tamoxifen at 3.3 mg/kg BW (standard) or with a decoction of H. sabdariffa (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW) or distilled water (vehicle). Breast cancer was induced by a single dose of 50 mg/kg of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). At the end of the 21 weeks of treatment, the tumor incidence, tumor morphology, histopathology, as well as some biochemical parameters in the tumors were assessed. As a result, 86% of DMBA's rats developed mammary tumors. The H. sabdariffa extract (125 and 250 mg/kg) reduced tumor incidence by 63% and 75%, respectively; inhibited tumor burden by 84.86% and 38.78%, respectively, and decreased tumor volume by more than 72% compared to the DMBA group. It also protected rats against DMBA-induced diffuse breast neoplasia, and the optimal effect was recorded at 125 mg/kg. Furthermore, it significantly increases the SOD activity and decreases the MDA level. In summary, H. sabdariffa has antibreast tumor and antioxidant properties in rats, which could justify its common use to treat cancer.

Ethnopharmacological Study of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Associated Risk Factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, including deaths arising from non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Consequently, this study aimed to provide details of medicinal plants (MPs) employed in SSA for the treatment of CVDs and their related risk factors to open new avenues for the discovery of novel drugs. The extensive ethnopharmacological literature survey of these MPs in 41 SSA countries was based on studies from 1982 to 2021. It revealed 1,085 MPs belonging to 218 botanical families, with Fabaceae (9.61%), Asteraceae (6.77%), Apocynaceae (3.93%), Lamiaceae (3.75%), and Rubiaceae (3.66%) being the most represented. Meanwhile, Allium sativum L., Persea americana Mill., Moringa oleifera Lam., Mangifera indica L., and Allium cepa L. are the five most utilised plant species. The preferred plant parts include the leaves (36%), roots (21%), barks (14%), fruits (7%), and seeds (5%), which are mostly prepared by decoction. Benin, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, and Togo had the highest reported use while most of the investigations were on diabetes and hypertension. Despite the nutraceutical advantages of some of these MPs, their general toxicity potential calls for caution in their human long-term use. Overall, the study established the need for governments of SSA countries to validate the efficacy/safety of these MPs as well as provide affordable, accessible, and improved modern healthcare services.

Chemical constituents from fruits of Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex. DC (Connaraceae) and evaluation of their anticholinesterase and antiradical activities.

The phytochemical investigation of the DCM/MeOH (1:1) extract of the fruits of Cnestis ferruginea led to the isolation and characterization of one new quinic acid derivative, ferruginoic acid (1), together with six known compounds 2-7. Compounds 3-7 were reported for the first time from this species. The structures of compounds 1-7 were elucidated on the basis of 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopic data, mass spectrometry and by comparison of spectroscopic data with those from the literature. The anticholinesterase (AChE and BChE) activity and DPPH free radical scavenging assay of compounds 1, 3, 4 and 7 were evaluated. Ferruginoic acid (1) exhibited moderate anticholinesterase activity with IC50 value of 36.18 ± 1.78 µg/mL against AChE. Compounds 3, 4 and 7 showed high activity against free radical (DPPH•) scavenging assay (DPPH) with IC50 values 40.09 ± 0.96 µg/mL, 61.70 ± 0.78 µg/mL and 41.87 ± 0.62 µg/mL respectively. These results indicate that C. ferruginea and its constituents could be employed in the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Nickel Oxide-Carbon Soot-Cellulose Acetate Nanocomposite for the Detection of Mesitylene Vapour: Investigating the Sensing Mechanism Using an LCR Meter Coupled to an FTIR Spectrometer.

Nanocomposite sensors were prepared using carbon soot (CNPs), nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs), and cellulose acetate (CA), which was used to detect and study the sensing mechanism of mesitylene vapour at room temperature. Synthesised materials were characterised using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy, and nitrogen sorption at 77 K. Various sensors were prepared using individual nanomaterials (NiO-NPs, CNPs, and CA), binary combinations of the nanomaterials (CNPs-NiO, CNPs-CA, and NiO-CA), and ternary composites (NiO-CNPs-CA). Among all of the prepared and tested sensors, the ternary nanocomposites (NiO-CNPs-CA) were found to be the most sensitive for the detection of mesitylene, with acceptable response recovery times. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with an LCR meter revealed that the mesitylene decomposes into carbon dioxide.

Phytochemicals and Amino Acids Profiles of Selected sub-Saharan African Medicinal Plants' Parts Used for Cardiovascular Diseases' Treatment.

For years, the focus on the lipid-atherosclerosis relationship has limited the consideration of the possible contribution of other key dietary components, such as amino acids (AAs), to cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Notwithstanding, the potential of plant-based diets, some AAs and phytochemicals to reduce CVDs' risk has been reported. Therefore, in this study, the phytochemical and AA profiles of different medicinal plants' (MPs) parts used for CVDs' treatment in sub-Saharan Africa were investigated. Fourier-transform infrared analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, amino and other bioactive compounds' functional groups in the samples. In most of them, glutamic and aspartic acids were the most abundant AAs, while lysine was the most limiting. P. biglobosa leaf, had the richest total branched-chain AAs (BCAAs) level, followed by A. cepa bulb. However, A. cepa bulb had the highest total AAs content and an encouraging nutraceutical use for adults based on its amino acid score. Principal component analysis revealed no sharp distinction between the AAs composition of MPs that have found food applications and those only used medicinally. Overall, the presence of medicinally important phytochemicals and AAs levels in the selected MPs' parts support their use for CVDs treatment as they might not add to the AAs (e.g., the BCAAs) burden in the human body.

Glycosides of polygalacic acid from the stem barks of Piper guineense Schum and Thonn.

In a continuation of our study on constituents of P. guineense now focusing on the search for saponins, phytochemical investigation of the n-BuOH fraction of P. guineense stem bark led to the isolation of three previously undescribed triterpenoid saponins, named guineenosides A─C (1─3). Their structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR (1H, 13C NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, HSQC-TOCSY and HMBC) and HRESIMS experiments, and by chemical evidence as 3-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-fucopyranosyl} polygalacic acid 28-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-xylopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-fucopyranosyl} polygalacic acid 28-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-xylopyranosyl ester (2), and 3-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-fucopyranosyl} polygalacic acid 28-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-d-xylopyranosyl ester (3). This is the first report of triterpenoid saponins from P. guineense.

Regular consumption of "Nkui", a Cameroonian traditional dish, may protect against cardiovascular and bone disorders in an estrogen deficiency condition.

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing body of evidence indicating the potential of culinary herbs and spices to decrease the incidence of several chronic diseases or conditions. Because of this, the WHO recommends their regular consumption. In the Cameroonian culinary practices, "Nkui" is a famous dish made from a mixture of 10 spices. In our previous study, the ethanolic extract of this mixture exhibited promising estrogenic properties. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate its protective effects on some menopause-related cardiovascular and bone disorders. METHODS: For this purpose, a post-menopause-like model (ovariectomized rats) has been used. Animals were orally treated with the "Nkui" extract for 60 days. The investigation focused on the oxidative stress status, endothelial function (NO bioavailability), lipid profile, and bone mass, biochemical (calcium and inorganic phosphorus contents, serum alkaline phosphatase activity) and histomorphological features. RESULTS: The extract regulated lipid metabolism in a way to prevent accumulation of abdominal fat, gain in body weight and increased atherogenic indexes induced by ovariectomy. It prevented menopause-related low levels of nitric oxide and oxidative stress damage by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, while reducing glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in the heart and aorta. Moreover, it prevented ovariectomy-induced bone mass loss, bone marrow disparities and the disorganization of the trabecular network. It also increased femur calcium and inorganic phosphorus contents. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a regular consumption of "Nkui" may have health benefits on cardiovascular system and osteoporosis, major health issues associated with menopause.

Anti-breast cancer potential of Anonidium mannii (Oliv.) Engl. & Diels barks ethanolic extract: UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS detection of anticancer alkaloids.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Breast cancer is a serious threat in low-income as well as developed countries. To face this, many herbal preparations are prescribed by traditional healers in Cameroon, among which is Anonidium mannii commonly called "wild soursop". AIM: This study was undertaken to assess the anti-tumor effect of A. mannii ethanolic extract on cancer cell growth and against DMBA-induced mammary tumors in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The well characterized MTT bioassay was used to assess the cytotoxic potential of A. mannii ethanolic extract in liver (HepG2), prostate (DU145 & PC3) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Considering the fact that breast cells were the most sensitive to the extract, a 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast tumor rat model was used to assess the possible anticancer effect of A. mannii extract. Indeed, rats were treated with either tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg BW) or A. mannii extract (16.5, 50 and 150 mg/kg BW) or vehicle (2% ethanol) for 20 weeks. Tumor incidence, tumor mass and volume, oxidative stress status in tumor as well as tumor histoarchitecture were evaluated. RESULTS: A 24 h incubation of tested cells with the A. mannii extract significantly slowed cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner with an interesting effect in breast cells (IC50 ~61.5 µg/mL). As compared to the DMBA rats, those treated with A. mannii extract (50 and 150 mg/kg) showed reduced breast tumor incidence (28%), tumor burden (95.34% at 50 mg/kg and 99.14% at 150 mg/kg) and tumor volume (~92%). A. mannii extract counteracted the high proliferation of terminal mammary ducts induced by DMBA, mainly at 50 mg/kg. Furthermore, the extract decreased MDA and nitrite levels but increased SOD activity in the mammary gland. High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis detected potential anticancer and antioxidant alkaloids in A. manni extract, which are close to those found in Annona muricata. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence on the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of A. mannii, and therefore support its use in traditional medicine system to fight against cancer.

Elemental measurements and health risk assessment of sub-Saharan African medicinal plants used for cardiovascular diseases' and related risk factors' treatment.

BACKGROUND: Dietary factors have been noted to influence the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which are the number one global cause of death. In this study, the nutritional importance and human health risk of the minerals composition of 20 medicinal plants' (MPs) parts used for treating CVDs and related risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) were assessed. METHODS: Inductively coupled plasma technology was used for determining the minerals composition of the MPs while human health risk assessment was based on hazard quotients, hazard indexes and non-carcinogenic risk analysis of the studied heavy metals. RESULTS: The investigation showed varied level of minerals in the studied MPs' parts with K having the highest concentration in most. Although level of some elements inM. lucida, V. amygdalina leaves, T. cacao seed and Z. officinale rhizome revealed their possibility in preventing the occurrence of atherosclerosis, unsafe levels of some trace elements were recorded in M. lucida and V. amygdalina leaves. V. amygdalina leaves and A. cepa bulb also had their Pb contents higher than the WHO/FAO Codex permitted maximum level for leafy and bulb vegetables, respectively. In spite of the desirable Na/K and Zn/Cu ratios in all the tested MPs with their Cd and Pb levels below the WHO recommended maximum levels for dried medicinal plant materials, health risk assessment showed that habitual use of almost all of the studied MPs would present an unacceptable risk of non-carcinogenic effects on health. With the exception of S. aromaticum flower bud and T. tetraptera fruit, principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses of other plants' parts (MPs' parts aside from the leaves) analysed provided a distinction between MPs which have found food applications and those solely used for medicinal purposes. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that type of MP, plants' part, maturity stage, agricultural practice, growing environment and conditions, are among the factors determining the safety of plant materials used for CVDs' and related risk factors' treatment in SSA. To protect the lives of CVDs patients who rely on traditional medicine for treatment, government of SSA countries and relevant authorities need to set a regulatory limit for maximum acceptable concentration of minerals in MPs used in the region. Assessment of the physicochemical properties and pollution level of soil used for cultivation of these MPs is also encouraged.