Emmanuel Eimiomodebheki Odion, Godfavour Nzubechukwu Nwigwe, Daniel Akpe-Efiak Ambe, Monica Nnenna Nnamani, Chinyelu Clementina Osigwe, Eravweroso Congrat Odiete, Loveth Uchechukwu Iyanyi

Over time Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (PEFF) have been utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of different health ailments. This study aims to identify the phytochemical constituents in the vines of PEFF responsible for its traditional usage. Maceration in methanol was used in the extraction of the powdered vines and standard procedures were also used to screen for its phytochemical contents. Two chromatographic techniques such as High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were exploited to identify and quantify the phytoconstituents in the methanol extract. Phytochemical screening showed alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, saponins and terpenoids in the vines of PEFF. Prominent compound revealed by HPLC analysis include pyrogallol (18.64%), ferulic acid (13.71%), ellagic acid (12.88%), salicylic acid (10.83%), ribalinidine (10.50%) and cresol (9.67%). While the GC-MS analysis showed Octadec-9-enoic acid (67.78%); 3-methylindole-2-carboxlic acid,4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-, ethyl ester (16.89%) and 3-aminopyrrolidine (14.52%). Thus, the vines of PEFF contain phytoconstituents responsible for it use in traditional medicine.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, Musa Muhammad, Asma'u Abubakar Waziri, Ibrahim Ishaq Fari, Zuwaira Yusuf Musa

Oxidative stress is a condition that is characterized by the generation of reactive oxygen species more than the amount endogenous antioxidants can absorb. Several diseases are associated with oxidative stress, notably during disease progression. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the phytoconstituents and antioxidant potential of the ethyl acetate leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius (ELEC). The phytochemicals were qualitatively and quantitatively determined, followed by characterization using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant potential was determined in vitro. Alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids were detected in concentrations of 8.50 ±2.65, 11.83 ±0.73, and 19.17% ±0.73, respectively. The FTIR spectrum revealed 9 peaks including six at the group frequency region corresponding to alcohols, carboxylic acid, amine salts, alkenes, alkyne, esters, and oxime functional groups. The ELEC exhibited lower total reducing power (11.06 ±1.34 AAE µg/ml) compared to its total antioxidant capacity (49.26 ±2.44 AAE µg/ml) with a higher (60.47% ±2.44) percentage inhibition of peroxidation than AA (37.98% ±1.88). Furthermore, the ELEC exhibited a lower (0.20 ±0.01 nmol/ml) MDA concentration than AA (0.42 ±0.02 nmol/ml). Conclusively, C. olitorius might be applied for the management of oxidative stress-linked ailments and a source of novel therapeutics for these ailments.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Niluh Puspita Dewi, Syafika Alaydrus, Widya Ayu Lestari, Magfirah Magfirah, Indah Kurnia Utami, Nani Astria Polontalo, Muthmainah Tuldjanah

The study focused on analyzing the secondary metabolites present in the ethanol extract of Sonchus arvensis L. leaves (SALEE) and their impact on creatinine and urea levels when administered in suspension form at different doses. Phytochemical screening of SALEE identified alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. In the experiment, twenty-five white male rats were divided into five groups: a healthy control group (Group I), a negative control group (Group II), and three test groups (Groups III, IV, and V) receiving SALEE at doses of 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg BW, respectively. After inducing diabetes with streptozotocin and a 21-day follow-up period, creatinine and urea levels were assessed. The results demonstrated that SALEE administration significantly reduced creatinine levels and increased urea levels. Notably, the 200 mg/kg BW dose of SALEE exhibited a consistent and long-term effect. It was observed that blood urea levels fluctuated even in healthy and negative control groups during the 21-day observation period. In the group receiving the highest dose of SALEE (400 mg/kg BW), blood urea levels increased significantly on days 14 and 21, indicating a potential increase in the rats' appetite rather than renal function failure. Overall, the findings suggest that SALEE has promising potential to regulate creatinine and urea levels in the blood of individuals with diabetes, highlighting its potential for therapeutic and supplemental use.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Fidelia Chikaodili Okoben, InnocentMary Ifedibaluchukwu Ejiofor, Ikechukwu Sonn Mbagwu, Daniel Lotanna Ajaghaku, Fredrick Chinedu Anowi

Splenomegaly is a medical condition characterized by an enlargement of the spleen, an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, beneath the ribcage. The spleen plays various essential roles in the body, including filtering blood, removing old or damaged blood cells, and helping the immune system by producing and storing immune cells. Splenomegaly causes negative haematological effects. It is very common in Africa and Asia. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of methanol leaf extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis on haematological parameters in splenomegaly-induced Wistar rats. Extraction and fractionation of the plant were carried out through standard procedure using methanol, hexane, butanol and ethyl acetate. A qualitative phytochemical evaluation of the plant was done. The effects of the extract and fractions of Irvingia gabonensis were investigated using a rat model. The presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins was observed in the extract and fractions of the plant. The methanolic extract and ethylacetate fraction significantly caused the normalization of PCV, HB, and RBC post-treatment. The findings from this study suggest that Irvingia gabonensis could be researched further for the management of splenomegaly and also the isolation of phytochemicals responsible for these effects.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Enoch Buba Badgal, Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Neksumi Musa

This study aimed to explore the phytochemical profile, heavy metal composition, in silico aphrodisiac potential, and ADMET study of Gardenia erubescens due to its folkloric acclaimed aphrodisiac use. The phytochemicals were quantified gravimetrically while the identification of bioactive compounds was carried out using a combined Gas spectrophotometer-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS). Heavy metals were quantified using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer while the aphrodisiac and ADMET studies were in silico. The result showed the presence of alkaloids (22.33% ±1.45), saponins (20.17% ±1.88), glycosides (0.55% ±0.03), and flavonoids (32.67% ±1.45), with the absence of steroids and terpenoids. GC-MS analysis identified 25 compounds with linoleic acid having the highest peak area (28.01%) next to palmitic acid (14.08%). Chromium, Cadmium, and Lead were present in concentrations of 0.145 ±0.03, 0.001 ±0.00, and 0.065 ±0.03 ppm respectively. Ethyl D-glucopyranoside had the least BA (-8) and Ki (1.35 µM) docked with human arginase II while Tyrosinol had the least BA (-6.2) and Ki (28.21 µM) docked with phosphodiesterase 5 though both were higher than Sildenafil citrate. All the top docked compounds were predicted to be neither substrates nor inhibitors of P-glycoproteins and cytochrome P450 enzymes without CNS permeability and hepatotoxicity. Conclusively, the present study supports the folkloric aphrodisiac application of Gardenia erubescens, and the heavy metals level was below the acceptable regulatory level, thus, might be safe for occasional use. Additionally, the identified compounds might be considered a novel source of therapeutics against erectile dysfunction.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Ahmed Abd El-Moniem Amer

Medication and food are frequently consumed together. However, some foods have interactions with medicines by changing key regulators of systemic medication availability. Their consumption is linked to interactions with a wide range of medications. One of the most significant beverages that can be harmful when combined with certain medicines is grapefruit juice. Furanocoumarins' mechanism-based suppression of intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4, which increases the bioavailability of drugs that are substrates, is the main mechanism by which interactions are mediated. There have also been reports of interactions between grapefruit products and uptake transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs). It has been suggested that polyphenolic substances like flavonoids are what cause the interactions between P-gp and OATP. The amounts of furanocoumarins and flavonoids in the grapefruit product, the amount of juice consumed, the medium PH, and the inherent diversity of enzymes and transporter components in humans can all have an impact on the processes and magnitudes of interactions. In this review, we are going to shed light on clinical trials showing grapefruit juice-drug interactions and what should the health provider do for better clinical care.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Jimmy J Daka, Chansa Mulenga

The main objective of the study was the extraction and testing of the antimicrobial activity of the Lemon bark extract against the microorganisms involved in air and waterborne infections. The antibiotics are not very effective in the present day as the microorganisms are becoming resistant, the study concentrates on the antimicrobial activity and time ahead of the prophylactic potential of the lemon bark extract. Phytochemical analysis for the constituents of Lemon bark showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids and tannins in the aqueous form of solution. The potency test on microorganisms proved to be active against Salmonella shigella with the minimum inhibitory concentration of 100 mg/L was 16.27 mm, 150 mg/L was 16.43 mm and 250 mg/L was 16.73 mm. Meanwhile, for Escherichia coli for 100 mg/L was 13.20 mm, 100 mg/L was 13.10 mm and 150 mg/L was 13.13 mm.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Mus'ab Usman Abba, Sunusi Usman, Muslim Muhammad Ahmad, Albashir Tahir, Aminu Kura Umar

About 60% of the world population relies on herbal medicine, and 80% depend almost entirely on it for their primary healthcare. Many of these herbs are rich in phytochemicals, thus valuable as potential sources of drugs. Amaranthus spinosus is a vegetable and ornamental plant used in African folklore to treat several illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the antiepileptic potential of the methanol leaf extract of Amaranthus spinosus in albino mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies were conducted using standard methods. Anticonvulsant studies were conducted using chemo-shock models (pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) - and strychnine (STR)-induced seizures) in mice. Phytochemical screening has revealed the presence of terpenoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids. Additionally, the acute toxicity studies of the extract revealed that the extract is safe in mice at 2000 mg/kg. The extract at 400 and 800 mg/kg produced a significant (p<0.05) delay in the mean onset of seizures, decreased the duration of seizures induced by PTZ in a dose-dependent manner, and protected the mice. The extract showed insignificant protection against strychnine-induced seizures in mice. This could serve as a scientific basis for further evaluation of the plant’s potential in managing epilepsy, which can lead to the discovery of an effective antiepileptic agent with fewer side effects.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, AbdulAzeez Mumsiri Abaka, Neksumi Musa

Bacterial infections subsequently leading to antibiotic resistance has been a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide especially in developing countries with high poverty rate and poor healthcare system. Thus, prompting the prospect in alternative therapy such as medicinal plants. In the present study, we evaluated the antibacterial action of stem bark extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus (AL) Guill and Perr. as applied in folkloric medicine for antibacterial purposes. The phytochemicals present in the plant extract were identified and quantified, followed by the determination of the antibacterial effects of the extract against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular docking study was carried out to ascertain the inhibitory effects of compounds from AL against bacterial enzymes. Alkaloids (7.17% ±0.60), saponins (11.33% ±3.18), and flavonoids (31.01% ±4.04) were detected. A maximum ZI was observed for E. coli compared to S. aureus at the highest extract concentration (100 mg/mL) with amoxicillin having superior ZI at 50 mg/mL concentration. The MIC against E. coli and S. aureus were 12.5 mg/mL and ≤ 6.25 mg/mL respectively while the MBC was>100 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL respectively. Among the identified compounds, IX exhibited the least binding affinity (BA) (7.2 kcal/mol) and inhibition constant (Ki) (5 µM) against UDP-N-acetylglucosamine Enolpyruvyl Transferase (Mur A) compared to all the other targets. AL demonstrated antibacterial activity evidenced by the bacterial growth inhibition, bactericidal potential, and in-silico study revealing high affinity of the bacterial enzymes for the identified compounds, thereby supporting the acclaimed antibacterial use of the plant in folkloric medicine.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Kalyani Pathak, Riya Saikia, Aparoop Das

Garcinia cowa Rox. is a tropical fruit traditionally used in various parts of Asia for medicinal purposes. Recent research has indicated that it may have potential as an antidiabetic drug. Studies have shown that the extract from the fruit of G. cowa can lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. This effect is believed to be due to various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and xanthones, which have demonstrated antidiabetic properties. In addition, fruit extract has also been found to improve lipid metabolism, often disrupted in individuals with diabetes. The extract has been shown to reduce levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Further studies are needed to explore the full potential of G. cowa as an antidiabetic drug, including clinical trials in humans. However, these initial findings suggest that this tropical fruit is a promising natural and effective treatment option for individuals with diabetes.

Sciences of Phytochemistry