International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 7 (11), pp. 001-006, November, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of bio-safety and antioxidant activity of the fruit and leaf of Saba florida (Benth.) from Ibaji forest

Omale James* and Omajali Jacob B

Department of Biochemistry, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.

Accepted 08 September, 2018

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the activity of Saba florida extracts against brine shrimps (Artemia salina) and to investigate in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts as well. Extracts of the fruit pulp, fruit pericarp and leaf of the plant were subjected to bioscreening study to detect cytotoxic activity by the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The results obtained showed that the crude alcohol extracts were relatively safe when compared with the reference potassium dichromate (LC₅₀ = 296.825 µg/ml) but however, the toxicity of the extracts were increased by heating at different temperatures. The ability of the extracts in scavenging free radical was measured by DPPH reduction spectrophotometrically. In the DPPH scavenging assay, the order from strongest to the weakest was: fruit pericarp (IC₅₀ = 38.115 µg/ml), leaf (IC₅₀ = 46.185 µg/ml) and fruit pulp (IC₅₀ = 90.782 µg/ml). On the whole, the results suggested that the plant parts investigated are relatively safe for the purposes utilized and are potent antioxidant source that could offer protection against oxidative stress.

Key words: Saba florida, DPPH, brine shrimps and antioxidants.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 7 (11), pp. 001-020, November, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants of two ethnoecological regions of Cameroon

T. Jiofack^{1, 2}*, C. Fokunang², N. Guedje², V. Kemeuze¹, E. Fongnzossie³, B. A. Nkongmeneck¹, P. M. Mapongmetsem⁴ and N. Tsabang⁵

¹Millennium Ecologic Museum, P. O. Box 8038 Yaounde - Cameroon.

²Department of Pharmacy and African Phytotherapeutic, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Science,

University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.

³Organisation pour l’Environnement et le Développement Durable (OPED), Cameroon.

⁴Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon.

⁵Medical Institute of Medicinal Plants Research, Yaounde - Cameroon.

Accepted 22 August, 2018

Abstract

This paper documents the herbal drugs that are used in two ethnoecological regions of Cameroon, namely littoral and South-west and Sudano-sahelian regions. The data on popular medicinal plants used to cure several diseases were collected through direct interviews with herbalists, traditional healers and customers between 2006 and 2007. An inventory of 289 plants species belonging to 89 families was prepared along with their local and botanical names. The present study also details the herbal cures for different disorders, based on the information obtained from local herbalists or traditional healers. Sixty eight percent of the documented plants are used in the two regions to treat more than twenty important diseases.

Keyswords: Herbal drugs, medicinal plants, ethnoecological zone, Cameroon.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 7 (10), pp. 001-015, October, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Diversity and distribution of medicinal plants in North Sinai, Egypt

Raafat H. Abd El-Wahab*, Mohamed S. Zaghloul, Wafaa M. Kamel and Abdel Raouf A. Moustafa

Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt.

Accepted 22 July, 2018

Abstract

The present study aims to assess plant diversity and distribution of medicinal plants in relation to environmental factors at three geomorphological districts (Mediterranean coast, anticlines, and inland) and five main habitats (salt marshes, sand dunes, sand plains, wadis, and gorges) in North Sinai. The results revealed that North Sinai harbors 281 species with high taxonomic diversity (species/genera = 1.49) and high percentage of rare and very rare species (67%) . Mediterranean coastal district and anticlines district are more diverse than inland district. Medicinal plants constitute 43% of North Sinai flora. Species richness, Shannon -Weiner H, and Margalef indices measurements indicated that gorges are the most diverse habitat in North Sinai followed by wadis. Plains have intermediate diversity followed by sand dunes. The lowest diversity indices were recorded at salt marshes habitat. Beta diversity measurements, using Wilson and Schmida index ( _T), indicated significant changes in floristic compositions between different habitats. The lowest changes were among sand plain, wadi, and gorge habitats. North Sinai habitats support about 100 to 120 medicinal plant associations. The main dominant species include Artemisia monosperma, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Lycium shawii, Retama raetam, Stipagrostis scoparia, Tamarix nilotica, Zygophyllum album, and Zygophyllum dumosum. Soil physical properties in addition to soil salinity and topographic variations are the main driving factors controlling the distribution of medicinal plants in North Sinai. About 60% of medicinal plants are threatened due to intensive collection and other human activities. The threatened medicinal plants including Acacia pachyceras, Acacia tortilis, Anastatica hierochuntica, Asclepias sinaica, Capparis spinosa, Chiliadenus montanus, Citrulus colocynthis, Ephedra alata, and Juniperus phoenicea along with their habitats should have the first priority in management and conservation plan of medicinal plants in North Sinai. Public and private involvement in management and utilization of medicinal plants in sustainable way is essential to combat human pressures on these valuable natural resources.

Key words: Conservation, diversity, habitats, human impacts, medicinal plants, vegetation.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 7 (10), pp. 001-005, October, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

Isolation and characterization of a new chalcone from the leaves of Heteropyxis natalensis

Adesanwo, J. K.¹*, Shode, F. O.², Aiyelaagbe, O.³, Oyede, R. T.² and Baijnath, H.⁴

¹Chemistry Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Osun State, Nigeria

²School of Chemistry, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa.

³Chemistry Department University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

⁴School of Conservation and Biological Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa.

Accepted 16 July, 2018

Abstract

Chromatographic analysis of the defatted dichloromethane extract of the leaves of Heteropyxis natalensis afforded the isolation of (E)-1-(2’,4’-dihydroxy, 5’-methoxy, 3’-methylphenyl) -3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (R1 = Me; R2 = OH; R3 = OMe; R4 = H) a chalcone. The structure of this compound was established by its spectroscopic data-1D, 2D-NMR, EIMS and HR-EIMS.

Key words: Chalcones, Heteropyxis natalensis, heteropyxidaceae, flavone.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 7 (10), pp. 001-004, October, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Biological control of root-knot nematode and Meloidogyne incognita in the medicinal plant

Poornima Sharma¹* and Rakesh Pandey²

¹Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Indore- 452 017, India.

²Division of Nematology, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP-CSIR), Lucknow-226015, India.

Accepted 11 June, 2018

Abstract

The medicinally important plant; Withania somnifera, is highly susceptible to root knot nematode; Meloidogyne incognita. Various nematode antagonistic fungi have been studied for their use as biocontrol agents. In the experiment, the potential of fungi Trichoderma harzianum, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Arthrobotrys oligospora along with natural organic compound (Neem compound mix) to control the nematode; M. incognita was evaluated. Also, their potential to control nematodes was compared with that achieved by using the chemical control agent; carbofuran. The fungal agents evaluated significantly controlled nematode population and enhanced plant growth.

Key words: Withania somnifera, Meloidogyne incognita, biocontrol.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 7 (9), pp. 001-004, September, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Conservation studies on Telfairia occidentalis Hook .F. A. indigenous plant used in enthnomedicinal treatment of anemia in Nigeria

J. E Ehiagbonare

Department of Biological Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 10 June, 2018

Abstract

Optimum ways of conserving Telfairia occidentalis due to its usefulness to mankind was the basis of this study. Its seed viability potential, seed germination, seedling growth, mean number of seeds per fruit and effect of fruit extract on seed germination were investigated. One hundred percent seed viability was observed inside the fruit, the mean number of seeds per fruit was 71.5. The effect of fruit extract on seed germination was 100% in 100% concentration, 73.3% in 50% concentration, 30.3% in 25% concentration while the control had 20%. It was observed that seed germination decreased with decreasing fruit extract concentration. Seedling survival was 65%. The study revealed seedling growth as the area of problem requiring greater attention for improvement. A central nursery for raising seedlings is recommended for this makes the collection of seeds, seedlings, leaves, roots, research materials etc easily assessable. This has the advantage of research leading to new information and knowledge, more planting material available to farmers, other individuals and ethnomedicinal practitioners who use it to treat anaemia among others. The consumption of T. occidentalis for individual good health and thus a healthy nation is encouraged. Further more, every effort that will keep T. occidentalis save and protected with a view to conserving the plant for its value to mankind is advocated.

Key words: Telfairia occidentalis, conservation, viability potential, seedling growth, seed germination.