Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources

Evaluation of haematinic activity of Tapinanthus globiferus (A. Rich.) van Tiegh leaf extract and fractions in phenylhydrazine-induced anaemic rats

Felix Keneolisa Asogwa — 2024-05-09

Anaemia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both males and females of all ages. Anaemia was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of phenylhydrazine (60 mg/kg) for a period of 3 days. Anaemic rats were allotted to five (5) groups; group I served as the negative control, group II served as the positive control received Astyfer syrup (0.15 mg/kg p.o) , groups III-V served as the test groups that received Tapinanthus globiferus methanol extract, ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively. Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB) and red blood cell count (RBC) were analysed as indices of anaemia at 7-day intervals for 21 days. The mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated accordingly. Leaf extract and fractions of Tapinanthus globiferus significantly (P<0.001) increased the PCV, the HB concentration and the RBC, which had been originally decreased by phenylhydrazine (P<0.001) administration within one week of treatment. The extract and fractions were compared with rats administered with the positive and vehicle-treated group. The results suggested that Tapinanthus globiferus leaves have haematinic
activities.

Proximate, elemental and anti-nutritional composition of Pachycarpus bisacculatus (bitter butter) roots used locally as anti-snake venom

Juliet D. Dodo — 2024-05-09

Snake bite remains a public health problem in many countries including Nigeria; hence search for snake antivenom has intensified. One plant that is potentially useful in this regard is Pachycarpus bisacculatus roots (bitter butter). This study determined; proximate, phytochemical, of the aqueous, n-hexane, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Pachycarpus bisacculatus roots. These extracts obtained by maceration were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. Proximate, elemental, anti-nutritional compositions of this plant were carried out using standard methods. Results obtained were: moisture content (71.56±0.06, 7.53±0.37)%, crude protein (3.19±0.19, 1.92±0.05)%, crude fibre (11.33±0.31, 3.98±0.28)%, crude fat (1.05±0.07, 0.30±0.03)%, Ash (4.68±0.17, 2.32±0.32)%, carbohydrate (72.21±0.24, 19.92±0.48)% for the dried and fresh roots respectively. Elemental content showed that level of Ca was highest while that of Zn was the lowest. Al, Si, V, Pb were not detected. Anti-nutritional composition showed: oxalate (1.68±0.02 mg/100g), tannins (7.10±0.78 mg/100g), phytate (8.47±0.25 mg/100g) and cyanogenic glycosides (0.03±0.01 mg/100g). Extraction yields were 21.068% in aqueous solution, 1.6391% in ethyl acetate. The results indicate that root extracts of Pachycarpus bisacculatus contain bioactive chemicals and micronutrients which may be responsible for the medicinal properties reported for the plant.

Phytochemicals, proximate and elemental analysis, antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of purple (Capitata F. rubra) and green (Capitata Linn.) Brassica oleraceae (cabbage)

Thomas Abu — 2024-05-09

Malnutrition remains a significant impediment to growth in many countries. Exploring the medicinal potentials of exotic vegetables represents a strategic approach to achieving sustainable development goals. This study focused on the evaluation of proximate, elemental, and phytochemical composition, including the antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of green and purple cabbage varieties. The findings revealed different percentages of moisture, crude fat, fibre, protein, and carbohydrates in both varieties. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, anthraquinones, and steroids were also detected and quantified. The green (IC₅₀=186.3 μg/mL) and purple (IC₅₀=187.6 μg/mL) cabbage extracts demonstrated broad-spectrum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, as compared with the standard, ascorbic acid
(IC₅₀=267 μg/mL). Similarly, the green (IC₅₀=148.7 μg/mL) and purple (IC₅₀=103.9 μg/mL) cabbage extracts exhibited nitric oxide inhibitory activity, as compared with the standard, ascorbic acid (IC₅₀=135.2 μg/mL). The green (CC₅₀=10.6 μg/mL) and purple (CC₅₀=16.66 μg/mL) cabbage extracts exhibited an inhibition on the growth of Rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines as compared with the standard, Vincristine (CC₅₀=0.30 μg/mL). These results support the utilization of the two cabbage varieties as dietary supplements, potentially aiding in the discovery of anticancer drugs and the management of other disease conditions owing to their antioxidant properties.

Peptide-rich extracts from leaves of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seem. ex. Bureau (Bignoniaceae) with antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality activities

Abraham O. Nkumah — 2024-05-09

Global concerns over antibiotic-resistant microbial pathogens have spurred a quest for innovative, stable, and target-specific molecules like bioactive peptides. This study evaluates the antimicrobial properties and toxicity of peptide-enriched extracts from Newbouldia laevis leaves. Aqueous extraction, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and Phenomenex's Stratum Giant Tube C18-E were used to obtain partly purified fraction (PPF) and crude peptide extracts (CPE). Antimicrobial inhibitory capacity was determined using p-INT dye, with gentamicin and fluconazole as standards. Cytotoxicity was assessed with Artemia salina nauplii. Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 5 was used in analysing the data. Peptides were detected in CPE and PPF via TLC and modified G-250. PPF demonstrated more efficacy (IC₅₀: 5.89μg/mL to 33.94μg/mL) against bacteria and fungi, with low toxicity (LC₅₀: 5964.87μg/mL for PPF
and 1094.20μg/mL for CPE) in the Brine shrimp lethality assay. The study presents the discovery of bioactive peptides from the leaves of Newbouldia laevis. Consequently, bioactive peptides extracted from this plant hold potential as foundational compounds for the development of novel broad-spectrum antibiotics aimed at combating microbial infections.

Piper guineense Schum. & Thonn. (Piperaceae) - a review of its pharmacognostic, phytochemical, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties

Temitayo Lucia Ohemu — 2024-05-09

Piper guineense Schum. & Thonn. (Piperaceae) is a spice plant cultivated in West Africa for its aromatic, pungent, or otherwise desirable qualities. The leaves of P. guineense are used as a leafy vegetable, while its fruits are favoured for imparting flavour to a wide range of African soups. This study aimed to review available scientific literature on the pharmacognostic, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies of P. guineense Schum. & Thonn. in Africa, from the year 2000 till date. Pharmacognostic studies have identified various macroscopic, organoleptic, microscopic, and physicochemical characteristics have been identified, providing valuable tools for the accurate identification and authentication of P. guineense. The phytochemical studies of the plant revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Several studies have explored various plant parts of P. guineense, to elucidate its pharmacological effects, including its potential as an antimalarial, anticancer, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, antiplatelet, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial agent. This review has shown that beyond its traditional role as a spice, P. guineense offers significant nutritional and biological benefits.