Trace element levels and bio-active compounds in ethanolic leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum characterised using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Chrysophyllum albidum, also known as Africa star apple, has so many ethnobotanical uses in African healing system. Thus, a study that reveals possible trace elements and its phytochemical profile will give an essential insight to the bioactivity profile of the plant. The study was to identify the trace elements and the bioactive compounds present in Chrysophyllum albidum (C. albidum) leaf extract MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum was evaluated for trace elements using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ASS) while the chemical composition was analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The identification of phytoconstituents using GC/MS was based on the instrument library, peak area and retention time. RESULT: The ethanol leaf extract of C. albidum showed a high content of potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium, while relative low content of manganese, iron, copper, zinc, lead and nickel. Total of 30 peaks representing 30 identified compounds were recorded in the GC/MS analysis. These include a variety of heterocyclic compounds such as fatty acids, organic compounds, esters, and disaccharides etc. The major constituents of the extract were: Sucrose (37.45%), followed by 1,2,3-Propanetriol,1-acetate (7.86%), di-Glyceraldehyde dimer (5.70%), 1-(3-Benzyl-2-thioureido)-1-deoxy-beta-d glucopyranose 2,3,4,6-tetraacetate (4.53%), 4 H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3, 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl- (4.49%), 3-Deoxy-d-Mannoic lactone (3.14%), Glycerine (3.04%) and minor compounds that are less than 3%. CONCLUSION: The elemental composition of the leaf extract of C. albidum may be influenced by the environmental factors such as soil composition surrounding the plant's roots, while a variety of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities were present. Hence, the plant have a potential pharmacological activities.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from peel extract of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit and their antimicrobial synergistic potentials and biofilm inhibition properties.

Current methods for green synthesis of metal nanoparticles often require continuous harvesting of fresh bio-materials for every synthesis cycle. Practices and procedures that economize bio-materials need to be employed if green synthesis could become a sustainable and eco-friendly method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. This study explores Chrysophyllum albidum peels (mostly regarded as waste) to prepare silver nanoparticles (Alb-AgNPs). The technique employed in the synthesis allows repeated use of the peels, thus, reducing the heavy dependence on bio-materials. The optical and structural properties of the Alb-AgNPs were studied with Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer and powder X-ray diffractometer. The antimicrobial properties of the Alb-AgNPs were studied with selected microorganisms namely; S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, B. subtilis, S. mutans, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and Candida albicans. High inhibitory activity against the microorganisms were exhibited with MICs ranging from 15.62 to 1000 µg/mL. Again, the Alb-AgNPs showed the ability to enhance the efficacy of standard antimicrobial agents. The results of the combined interaction with standard antibacterial and antifungal agents ranged from synergistic to antagonistic effects against the tested microorganisms. In addition, the Alb-AgNPs could serve as a biofilm inhibitor with the highest percent inhibition of about 92% against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The results from this study thus provide access to the simple, sustainable, economic and eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles with efficient antimicrobial properties as drug candidates as a means of overcoming the prevailing antibiotic resistance menaces.

Repeated social defeat stress exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced behavioural deficits in mice: ameliorative role of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract through anti-neuroinflammation, antioxidant and neurochemical balance.

Development of neuropsychiatric disorder is associated with stress-related increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Chrysophyllum albidum fruit is an edible tropical fruit containing vitamins and phenolic compounds, well known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of C. albidum fruit extract (CAFE) on stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced behavioral and neurochemical impairments in mice. Male Swiss mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 6). Groups 1-3 were orally treated daily for 14 days with normal saline (0.1 mL/10 g), CAFE (100 mg/kg) and Ferulic acid (FA, 10 mg/kg), and left in home cage as controls. Groups 4-6 were treated similarly but subjected to repeated social defeat (RSD) stress using the resident-intruder model from days 1-14. The RSD-animals were injected with LPS (125 µg/kg, i.p) 60 min after each RSD session from days 8-14. Neurobehavioral functions: locomotor, cognitive and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed 24 h after the last treatment. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α), dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), malondialdehyde, nitrites, and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined in brain tissue. CAFE significantly attenuated RSD and LPS-induced hypolocomotion, cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior when compared to the control. Treatment with CAFE also significantly reversed the negative effects of RSD and LPS on pro-inflammatory cytokines, dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, GAD, and oxidative-nitrosative stress levels. The findings clearly indicated that Chrysophyllum albidum fruit demonstrated neuroprotective effects and can play a key role in mitigating against chronic stress and inflammation linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Effect of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit pulp powder on antioxidant and proinflammatory genes in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from insulin deficiency or dysfunction. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants known as oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis and complications associated with DM. Chrysophyllum albidum is a seasonal fruit found to be rich in natural antioxidants. METHODS: DM was induced by high-fat diet dietary supplementation for 14 days followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Thirty-five experimental rats were then divided into seven groups viz.: non-diabetic control; diabetic control; metformin; diabetic and non-diabetic fed with 5 and 10% C. albidum fruit pulp powder (CAFPP). Fasting blood glucose was done with an automatic auto-analyzer and weights were monitored at three-day intervals. The expressions of Nrf2, SOD, CAT, GST, TNF-α, DPP4, and insulin were investigated using RT-PCR. Schrödinger suites was used for docking of C. albidum phytocompounds with insulin. RESULTS: Diabetic rats fed with CAFPP for thirteen days have their blood glucose lowered significantly (p < 0.05) and gained weight compared to diabetic control. CAFPP significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated Nrf2, CAT, GST, SOD, and insulin genes expression in the diabetic group relative to diabetic control with concomitant down-regulation of TNF-α and DPP4 genes expression. Molecular docking of compounds previously characterized from C. albidum revealed that they are potent ligands of insulin receptors. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that CAFPP could be effective in the management of DM-related oxidative stress by up-regulating antioxidant and down-regulating pro-inflammatory genes expression. It also positively modulates genes associated with glucose metabolism. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-021-00921-0.

Chrysophyllum albidum fruit ethanol extract ameliorates hyperglycaemia and elevated blood pressure in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through modulation of oxidative stress, NF-κB and PPAR-γ.

Oxidative stress and inflammation arising from hyperglycaemia have been identified as important targets in mitigating hyperglycaemia-induced organ dysfunction in diabetics. Chrysophyllum albidum fruit is commonly consumed as fruit snacks because of its beneficial effects in diabetes management. This study aim to evaluate the protective mechanisms of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract (CAFE) in streptozotocin-induced rats involving attenuation of oxidative stress, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ). CAFE was investigated for in vitro antioxidant and alpha amylase inhibitory activity. Male Wistar rats were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). The rats were then treated with CAFE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) for two weeks. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood pressure parameters, lipid profile, oxidative stress parameters, NF-κB and PPAR-γ were determined. The extract showed antioxidant and alpha amylase inhibitory activities. CAFE significantly reduced STZ-induced hyperglycaemia after 7 and 14 days of treatment. CAFE also reduced STZ-induced elevation of diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure and as well reduced atherogenic index in diabetic rats. It significantly decreased lipid peroxidation but increased the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant markers in the plasma, liver, kidney and pancreas. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that CAFE significantly decreased hepatic and renal tissues NF-κB while increasing PPAR-γ gene expressions. The results of this study collectively showed the protective effect of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via modulation of oxidative stress and NF-κB/ PPAR-γ expressions.

Chromatographic fractions from Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark boost antioxidant enzyme activity and ameliorate some markers of diabetes complications.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetes, with hyperglycaemia as hallmark, is a global crisis that reduces the antioxidant status and produces complications when poorly managed. The development of complications can be indicated by inflammation, lipid peroxidation and the accumulation of glycation adducts. Thus, the attenuation of hyperglycaemia and boosting of antioxidants status is key in ameliorating markers of diabetes complications. This work evaluated the potency of Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark on some markers of diabetes complications. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: A total of 100 female rats (180.80 ± 8.50 g) were assigned into ten groups of ten animals each; control received 1.0 ml of distilled water while those in groups DC, RD, F1, F3, F4, F5, F7, F9, F10 were induced into diabetes by intraperitoneal administration of 120 mg/kg body weight of alloxan and were orally administered distilled water, glibenclamide, 2.5 mg/kg of the chromatographic fractions 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 respectively, once daily for 14 days. F7 was profiled for its bioactive constituents and the pancreas histology of the rats were examined. RESULTS: Chromatographic fractions F5 and F7 significantly decreased fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, atherogenic index, malondialdehyde while insulin, high density lipoprotein, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities significantly increased. Fraction F7 revealed eight compounds and restored the distorted pancreas. CONCLUSION: Fraction F7 ameliorated the markers of diabetes complications considered in this study better than F5, restored the compromised pancreas and can be explored as lead candidate for production of drug for the management of diabetes.

Effects of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit pulp on haemodynamic parameters, pro-inflammatory markers, antioxidant parameters and critical biomolecules associated with hypertension-in vivo.

The effects of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit pulp on haemodynamic parameters, pro-inflammatory markers, antioxidant parameters and critical biomolecules associated with hypertension in vivo were determined. Feeding with supplemented diet with pulp reduced heart rate, mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels of hypertensive-treated groups. Moreover, hypertensive-treated groups fed with fruit pulp supplemented diets had significantly (p < 0.05) lower level of serum pro-inflammatory markers when compared to untreated hypertensive group. Furthermore, feeding with supplemented diet with pulp and captopril administration reduced AChE, BChE, ACE, and arginase activities of hypertensive-treated groups. The fruit pulp supplemented diet also increased antioxidant status of hypertensive-treated groups. This was supported by the histopathological examination of the kidney and heart tissues. These beneficial effects could in part be the explanations of ethnomedicinal uses of the fruit pulp in the management of hypertension. Nevertheless, the higher percentage inclusion of the pulp showed higher antihypertensive effects.

Bioactive compounds of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don) and its modulatory effect on metabolic activities linked to type 2 diabetes in isolated rat psoas muscle.

The infusion of Chrysophyllum albidum was investigated for its antidiabetic mechanism by studying its ability to promote glucose uptake and utilization as well as its modulatory effect on metabolic activities linked to type 2 diabetes in isolated psoas muscle. Isolated psoas muscle was incubated with different concentrations of the infusion in the presence of glucose at 37°C for 2 hr. The infusion improved muscle glucose uptake, with concomitant elevated muscular levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ectonucleotidase activities, while depleting malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, adenosine triphosphatase, acetylcholinesterase, glycogen phosphorylase, glucose 6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-biphosphatase, and lipase activities. It also maintained muscular morphology, while increasing magnesium, calcium, and iron levels. The infusion inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities in vitro. LC-MS analysis of the infusion revealed the presence of phenolics. These results indicate that C. albidum may mediate antidiabetic activities by stimulating muscle glucose uptake and modulation of key metabolisms linked to diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The African star apple is among the underutilized fruits consumed for nutritional and medicinal purposes in Western Africa. The fruits are usually wasted during its season leading to postharvest loss owing to poor utilization. The present study gives credence to its use in treating diabetes and its complications. Thus, the fruits can be utilized in the development of cheap and affordable nutraceuticals for the management of diabetes which has been reported for its high-cost treatment. Utilization of the fruits will also reduce its postharvest loss and improve its economic values.

Fermentation Enhanced Biotransformation of Compounds in the Kernel of Chrysophyllum albidum.

Chrysophyllum albidum Linn (African star apple) is a fruit with extensive nutritional and medicinal benefits. The fruit and kernel in the seed are both edible. Strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented seeds and assessed for probiotic characteristics. The extracts in both the unfermented and the fermented aqueous extracts from the kernels obtained from the seeds of C. albidum were subjected to analysis using the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. This analysis identified the bioactive compounds present as possible substrate(s) for the associated organisms inducing the fermentation and the resultant biotransformed products formed. Three potential probiotic LAB strains identified as Lactococcus raffinolactis (ProbtA1), Lactococcus lactis (ProbtA2a), and Pediococcus pentosaceus (ProbtA2b) were isolated from the fermented C. albidum seeds. All strains were non hemolytic, which indicated their safety, Probt (A1, A2a, and A2b) grew in an acidic environment (pH 3.5) during the 48-h incubation time, and all three strains grew in 1% bile, and exhibited good hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation properties. Mucin binding proteins was not detected in any strain, and bile salt hydrolase was detected in all the strains. l-lactic acid (28.57%), norharman (5.07%), formyl 7E-hexadecenoate (1.73%), and indole (1.51%) were the four major constituents of the fermented kernel of the C. albidum, while 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (C1, 1.27%), 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydropyran-4-one (C2, 2.90%), indole (C3, 1.31%), norharman (C4, 3.01%), and methyl petroselinate (C5, 4.33%) were the five major constituents of the unfermented kernels. The isolated LAB are safe for consumption. The fermenting process metabolized C1, C2, and C5, which are possible starter cultures for the growth of probiotics. Fermentation is an essential tool for bioengineering molecules in foods into safe and health beneficial products.

Hypolipidemic Effect of Chrysophyllum albidum Peel Extract and Its Underlying Antioxidant Mechanisms in Normal and Triton-X-100-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats.

Chrysophyllum albidum peel ethanol extract (CAPEE) was investigated for its antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects in rats. Dried peel was extracted in 70% ethanol and tested for phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant properties. Acute toxicity effect of CAPEE was tested at dose level of 2,000 mg/kg. The antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects in serum and hepatic tissues were evaluated in normal and triton-X-100-injected rats following 14 days of repeated treatment with CAPEE (50 and 200 mg/kg). Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of CAPEE were 49.49 ± 2.48 mg GAE/g of sample and 14.71 ± 0.90 mg RE/g sample, respectively. The extract scavenged DPPH radical in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 63.1 ± 0.5 µg/mL. CAPEE (2,000 mg/kg) showed no sign of toxicity in mice. CAPEE (50 and 200 mg/kg) did not alter lipid profile in normal rats but ameliorated triton-X-100-induced increases in triglycerides and cholesterol and decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). CAPEE showed hepatoprotective as well as antioxidant activity in serum and liver of normal and hyperlipidemic rats. The results revealed that Chrysophyllum albidum fruit peel ethanol extract possesses antioxidants and hypolipidemic properties.

Antidiabetic effect of Chrysophyllum albidum is mediated by enzyme inhibition and enhancement of glucose uptake via 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes

Objective: To investigate the in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Chrysophyllum albidum. Methods: The effects of oral treatment with hydro-ethanolic extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) of the stem bark of Chrysophyllum albidum and glibenclamide for 21 d on glucose level, serum enzyme markers for liver function, lipid profile, total protein, serum urea, serum creatinine, and body weight were evaluated in experimental diabetic rats administered with 45 mg/kg of streptozotocin. In vitro assays including glucose uptake in C2C12 cells and 3T3-L1 adipose tissues, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition were employed to evaluate the possible mechanism of hypoglycemic action of the extract. DPPH and nitric oxide radical antioxidant activity of the extract was also measured. Results: The increased levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, serum aspartate, and alanine transaminases, creatinine, and urea in the diabetic animals were reduced significantly (P<0.01) after treatment with Chrysophyllum albidum extract. The decreased total protein and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were normalized after treatment. In addition, the extract significantly (P<0.01) increased the transport of glucose in 3T3-L1 cells and C2C12 myotubes and exhibited considerable potential to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase. It also demonstrated potent antioxidant action by scavenging considerably DPPH and nitric oxide radicals. Conclusions: Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark extract exhibits considerable antidiabetic effect by stimulating glucose uptake and utilization in C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes as well as inhibiting the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Antidiabetic effect of Chrysophyllum albidum is mediated by enzyme inhibition and enhancement of glucose uptake via 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes

Objective: To investigate the in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Chrysophyllum albidum. Methods: The effects of oral treatment with hydro-ethanolic extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) of the stem bark of Chrysophyllum albidum and glibenclamide for 21 d on glucose level, serum enzyme markers for liver function, lipid profile, total protein, serum urea, serum creatinine, and body weight were evaluated in experimental diabetic rats administered with 45 mg/kg of streptozotocin. In vitro assays including glucose uptake in C2C12 cells and 3T3-L1 adipose tissues, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition were employed to evaluate the possible mechanism of hypoglycemic action of the extract. DPPH and nitric oxide radical antioxidant activity of the extract was also measured. Results: The increased levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, serum aspartate, and alanine transaminases, creatinine, and urea in the diabetic animals were reduced significantly (P<0.01) after treatment with Chrysophyllum albidum extract. The decreased total protein and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were normalized after treatment. In addition, the extract significantly (P<0.01) increased the transport of glucose in 3T3-L1 cells and C2C12 myotubes and exhibited considerable potential to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase. It also demonstrated potent antioxidant action by scavenging considerably DPPH and nitric oxide radicals. Conclusions: Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark extract exhibits considerable antidiabetic effect by stimulating glucose uptake and utilization in C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes as well as inhibiting the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple) fruit-supplemented diet enhances cognitive functions and attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced memory impairment, oxidative stress, and release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Purpose: Fruit-based supplement has an important role in protecting the brain against oxido-inflammatory stress. Chrysophyllum albidum fruit contained several phytonutrients that possess antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, this study investigated the effect of C. albidum fruit supplemented diet (CAFD) on cognitive functions and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced memory impairment and oxido-inflammatory response in mice. Methods: Mice were randomized into two experiments. Experiment 1 with naïve mice contained four groups (n = 6) while experiment 2 with LPS contains five groups (n = 6). Mice in experiments 1 and 2 were fed on CAFD (5%, 10%, and 20%) in naïve (6 weeks) and LPS (250 µg/kg, i.p.) in the 7th week, respectively. Cognitive performance was tested using Y-maze test (YMT) and novel object recognition test (NORT) in the naïve and LPS mice. Brain samples were obtained for determination of oxido-inflammatory parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity. Results: The CAFD significantly enhanced cognitive performance in the YMT and NORT in naïve and LPS mice, as evidenced by increased % alternation and discrimination index, respectively. CAFD supplementation significantly reduced acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity while it attenuated depletion of reduced glutathione and catalase activities in brains of naive and LPS-treated animals. The CAFD significantly reduced LPS-induced increased malondialdehyde levels in mice brains. CAFD supplementation significantly attenuated LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in mice brains. Conclusion: Chrysophyllum albidum fruit supplementation in diet enhances memory function and prevents cognitive deficits induced by LPS via mechanisms associated with inhibition of oxidative stress-related processes, acetylcholinesterase activity, and pro-inflammatory mediators.

The effect of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit on testicular functions in rats.

The prevalence of male infertility is a well-known public health issue with majority of cases due to deficient sperm production of unknown origin. Studies have associated dietary habits with male factor infertility. Chrysophyllum albidum is a common plant that produces a popular fruit, widely consumed for its nutritional and medicinal values. This study investigates the effects of C. albidum fruit methanol extract on the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats. Ripe C. albidum fruit was extracted using methanol and subjected to phytochemical screening. Fifteen male Wistar rats (100-120 g) divided into three (n = 5) received distilled water (control), 1.0 and 6.4 g kg-1  day-1 extract, respectively, for 28 days via oral gavage. The sperm count, motility, percentage sperm aberration, histology of testes and epididymides were examined by microscopy. Serum levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were quantified using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 significance. Sperm count significantly increased in 6.4 g kg-1  day-1 extract. Serum testosterone level decreased in 1.0 and 6.4 g kg-1  day-1 extract. The architecture of sections of testes and epididymides showed anomalies. C. albidum fruit adversely altered reproductive functions of male Wistar rat.

Traditional Consumption of the Fruit Pulp of Chrysophyllum albidum (Sapotaceae) in Pregnancy may be Serving as an Intermittent Preventive Therapy against Malaria Infection.

BACKGROUND: The bark of Chrysophyllum albidum is reported to possess antimalarial property. The fruit pulp of C. albidum consumed by pregnant women of south eastern Nigeria may also possess antimalarial activity. The present preliminary study investigated the antimalarial potential of the pulp juice and seed of C. albidum. METHODS: Schizonticidal activity was evaluated using the Peter's 4-day suppressive test. The prophylactic and curative antimalarial activities of the extracts were evaluated in Albino mice inoculated with Plasmodium berghei. RESULTS: The oral acute toxic dose of the pulp extract is beyond 5000 mg/kg. The seed and pulp possess both suppressive and curative properties. The seed extract suppressed early infection by 72.97% and 97.30%, at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. The pulp juice recorded 72.97% and 81.08%, at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. At 500 mg/kg dose, the level of parasite control on Day 7 was the same (96.10%) for both seed and pulp. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the presence of antimalarial constituents in the chemically uncharacterized samples (fruit pulp and seed) of C. albidum. Its ethnomedicinal use may be valuable in pregnancy where it may possibly serve as an intermittent preventive therapy against malaria.

Biocidal effects of stem bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidium G. Don on vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus causes variety of infections in humans and animals worldwide and predominates in surgical wound infections. This study assessed the antimicrobial potential of the stem bark extract of Chrysophyllum albidum against an array of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) isolated from clinical samples. METHODS: The methanolic crude extract of the plant was preliminary screened for the presence of phytochemicals; after then, the extract was partitioned into n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions. A range of concentrations of the plant extract fractions was prepared to assess its antimicrobial potency; the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs); the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs); the rate of killing; the potassium ion leakage potential and nucleotides leakage ability against the VRSAs. RESULTS: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, reducing sugars and terpenoids as major phytoconstituents resident in the crude plant extract. The two active fractions (n-hexane and butanol) at a concentration of 10 mg/ml exhibited antibacterial activities with the MIC and MBC values for the fractions ranged between 0.63-10 mg/ml and 1.25-10 mg/ml respectively. The time kill assay revealed that the antibacterial action of the two fractions are time and concentration dependent; the n-hexane and butanol fractions achieved 100 % kill on the test isolates at a concentration of 3 × MIC and 2 × MIC respectively after 120 min of reaction time. Varying amount of potassium ions as well as nucleotides were leaked from the test cells by n-hexane and butanol fractions. CONCLUSIONS: This study has established the possibility of developing antimicrobial agents of natural origin to manage possible infection from vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus that are now developing multi-resistance against many antibiotics.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS FROM CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM G. DON-HOLL. STEM-BARK EXTRACTS AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES.

BACKGROUND: The plant, Chrysophyllum albidum is indigenous to Nigeria and its stem-bark has wide application in traditional medicine for the treatment of infections and oxidative stress related diseases. The aim of the study was to isolate the chemical constituents responsible for the antioxidant and antibacterial activity from the stem-bark of the plant in order to justify some of its ethnomedicinal uses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crude extract of stem-bark of Chrysophyllum albidum obtained from 80% ethanol was successively partitioned with ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol. The solvent fractions and isolated compounds were tested for antioxidant property using 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Antibacterial activities were also assessed by means of agar-diffusion and broth micro dilution methods. EtOAc fraction was repeatedly fractionated on column chromatography to afford four compounds and their chemical structures were established using NMR (1D and 2D) and MS. RESULTS: Chromatographic fractionation of EtOAc fraction with the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities afforded stigmasterol (1),: epicatechin (2),: epigallocatechin (3): and procyanidin B5 (4).: Procyanidin B5 isolated for the first time from genus Chrysophyllum demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 8.8 µM and 11.20 µM in DPPH and nitric oxide assays respectively and equally demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli (MIC 156.25 µg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 156.25 µg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 625 µg/mL) and Bacillus subtilis (MIC 156.25 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of epicatechin, epigallocatechin and procyanidin B5 isolated from Chrysophyllum albidum stem-bark validate the folkloric uses.