Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Abdulhasib Oluwatobi Oni, James Danga, Aisha Alfa Alhaji, Faith Jonah, Alkasim Yahaya Hauwa, Zainab Muhammad

Medicinal plants are regarded as important sources of exogenous antioxidants due to their phytoconstituents’ free radical scavenging potential. The present study explores the phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity of n-hexane (HFDM) and chloroform (CFDM) fractions of Detarium microcarpum for potential use in the phytotherapy of oxidative stress-linked ailments. The phytoconstituents were qualitatively determined, while the antioxidant activity was determined by in vitro assays. Alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and flavonoids were detected in both fractions, while glycosides and terpenoids were absent. The HFDM (55.40 ± 2.66 AAE µg/mL) showed a significantly higher total antioxidant capacity than the CFDM (34.84 ± 1.22 AAE µg/mL, p<0.05) at the tested concentration (100 µg/mL) while the CFDM (57.84 ± 2.16 AAE µg/mL) exhibited a significantly higher ferric reducing antioxidant power than the HFDM (46.11 ± 1.91 AAE µg/mL, p<0.05) at the tested concentration (100 µg/mL). In the ferric thiocyanate assay, there was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the HFDM (65.59 ± 2.32%) and CFDM (77.42 ± 2.95%). However, both fractions exhibited significantly higher percentage inhibition than ascorbic acid (9.68 ± 5.41%, p<0.05). Moreover, the HFDM (0.21 ± 0.01 nmol/mL) exhibited a significantly lower MDA concentration than the CFDM (0.66 ± 0.06 nmol/mL) and AA (0.46 ± 0.02 nmol/mL). Additionally, ascorbic acid (0.46 ± 0.02 nmol/mL) showed a significantly lower MDA concentration than CFDM (0.66 ± 0.06 nmol/mL). The n-hexane and chloroform fractions of the plants showed promising antioxidant potential, which might be attributed to the identified phytochemicals that have potential applications in the phytotherapy of oxidative stress-linked diseases.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, James Danga, Abdulhasib Oluwatobi Oni, Hesper Alex Zoaka, Rejoice Daniel Peter, Usanye Zira, Patience Christopher, Hauwa Yahaya Alkasim, Muhammad Zainab

The present study explored the phytoconstituents and radical scavenging activity of the respective n-hexane and aqueous fractions of Cucurbita maxima (CMHF and CMAF) and Leptadenia hastata (LHHF and LHAF) for potential application in oxidative stress-related ailments. The phytoconstituents were qualitatively determined and characterized using Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR), while the antioxidant activity was determined in vitro. Alkaloids were present in only the aqueous fractions of C. maxima and L. hastata, while saponins, steroids, and flavonoids were detected in all the fractions. The FTIR revealed the presence of functional groups, including alcohols, sulfonates, alkenes, alkanes, amines, and aromatics in both plant fractions. The LHHF (35.53 ±2.11 ascorbic acid (AA) equivalent µg/mL) exhibited a significantly (p<0.05) higher total reducing power (TRP) than all the other fractions. The CMHF (69.11 ±2.56 AAE µg/mL) demonstrated a significantly (p<0.05) higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than all the other fractions. For the ferric thiocyanate (FTC) assay, the highest inhibition was exhibited by LHHF (79.78 ± 3.24%), significantly (p<0.05) higher than AA (26.46 ± 2.12%), CMHF (69.77 ± 3.16%), and CMAF (43.80 ± 2.12%). In the thiobarbituric acid assay, the lowest MDA concentration was exhibited by the CMHF (0.07 ±0.01 nmol/mL), significantly (p<0.05) lower than all the other fractions and ascorbic acid. Conclusively, the n-hexane fraction of both plants presents potential sources of novel antioxidant compounds with significant free radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activities, applicable in ailments linked to oxidative stress.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Aisosa Prince Erhabor, Osayawe Pride Erhabor

Azadirachta indica (neem) and Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) are among the most promising medicinal plants, valued for their broad spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidiabetic, and antitumor properties. These plants play a central role in traditional Nigerian medicine for treating tropical diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, yellow fever, and scabies. This study employed gravimetric analysis to identify and quantify the phytochemical compounds in both plants. Fresh leaves were collected, cleaned, air-dried, and their aqueous extracts were screened for key phytochemical constituents. The analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds in both extracts. Quantitative results showed that Azadirachta indica had the highest flavonoid content (13.80%), slightly surpassing Vernonia amygdalina (13.62%). Similarly, terpenoids (13.13%) and alkaloids (10.67%) were more abundant in the neem extract compared to the bitter leaf (8.21% and 9.68%, respectively). Lower percentages of glycosides and saponins were observed, with neem containing higher concentrations of both compounds than the bitter leaf. These findings suggest that both plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in developing antibacterial and antifungal treatments. Further research into the phytochemical properties of these plants may facilitate the discovery of novel drugs to combat tropical diseases while reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals, thus mitigating environmental degradation.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Nusrat Jahan Juthy, Gazi Jahirul Islam, Abdullah Zehad, Shaheda Zannah

This research was designed to examine the phytochemicals of Mentha viridis (M. viridis) ethanolic extract and the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in alloxan-induced animal models. Diabetes was induced chemically by administering a unit dose of alloxan at 120 mg/kg BW. After alloxan induction, hyperglycemic rats were dealt with ethanolic extract of leaf and whole plant, metformin, and a mixture of leaf extract with metformin and whole plant extract with metformin for two weeks. Ethanolic extract of leaf and whole plant, metformin, and a combination of both leaf and whole plant extract with metformin therapies reduced glucose levels in the blood compared with the diabetic negative control group after two weeks of treatment. However, among the therapies, the ethanolic leaf extract and the combination of whole plant extracts with metformin were found to be the most effective (p<0.05), with reductions of 62.82% and 72.89%, respectively. After diabetes induction, the serum level of TG (triglycerides), TC (total cholesterol), LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) escalated notably (p<0.05), and HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) level decreased remarkably (p<0.05) in hyperglycemic rats as opposed to healthy normal rats. Ethanolic leaf extract and a combination of whole plant extract with metformin significantly minimized the elevated extent of TG and LDL-C. They surged HDL-C, but the TC level was reduced by whole plant extract only after two weeks of treatment. The standard procedures were used to identify the phytochemical compounds of the medicinal plant M. viridis. The phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, resins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids appeared in the ethanolic leaf extract of M. viridis. The findings suggest that M. viridis might provide better glycemic control and hypolipidemic effect in diabetic rats when administered alone or combined with oral antidiabetic agents. Incorporating M. viridis extract with metformin in improving hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic conditions in diabetic rats proves that M. viridis has a synergistic effect, which could enhance the antidiabetic activity of oral hypoglycemic agents.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Agus Tri Yulianto

Bacterial Resistance is defined as the inability of antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth systemically, mainly caused by synthetic chemical antibiotics. Therefore, research on pharmacological alternatives to synthetic antibiotics with natural antibacterial agents is needed, one of which is the crude extract of mangrove snail (T. sulcata) tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. This study conducted phytochemical screening and antibacterial potential testing of T. sulcata meat extract. T. sulcata was extracted with a polar solution of Methanol pa 1:4. Antibacterial testing against E. coli was performed at different extract concentration levels (5,000 ppm - 20,000 ppm). The results showed antibacterial activity with the formation of inhibition zones in the E. coli bacterial suspension medium. ANOVA analysis indicated that the mangrove T. sulcate extract at various concentrations influenced the growth of E. coli bacteria. Differences in treatment demonstrated an increase in extract concentration, which was directly proportional to the diameter of the inhibition zone. Observations of changes in the inhibition zone indicated that T. sulcata extract exhibited bacteriostatic properties against E. coli, characterized by a reduction in the diameter of the inhibition zone at each treatment concentration level. The formation of inhibition zones is believed to be due to the activity of active compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and terpenoids.

Aquatic Life Sciences

Amelia Soyata, Khoirunnisa Khoirunnisa, Sabda Wahab

Larvae are the initial carriers of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and culex, making them significant in disease transmission. Excessive chemical larvicides pose serious risks to human health, thus driving the development of biological alternatives like red betel leaf extract. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of red betel leaf extract in larval control. Using 300 larvae, concentrations of 5%, 6%, and 7% were tested with three replicates over 24 h. The bioassay involved placing the larvae into a plastic container filled with the extract. It was found that ethanol extract from Piper ornatum leaves contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. After 24 h, results revealed 83% mortality at 5%, 98% at 6%, and 100% at 7% of extract concentration. Consequently, the 7% concentration showed the fastest efficacy in killing mosquito larvae (100% in 50 min). The LC50 value, representing the concentration at which 50% of larvae are killed, was determined to be 0.04%. Additionally, the LT50 value, indicating the time required to kill 50% of larvae (based on the LC50 value), was found to be 3.34 hours. In conclusion, red betel leaf extract demonstrated promising larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae. Future research is anticipated to prove its safety via in vitro and in vivo test.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Rezky Yanuarty, Muthmainnah Tuldjanah, Ayu Wulandari

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation are prevalent male sexual dysfunctions affecting various age groups. This study explores the potential aphrodisiac effects of Clove leaves (Syzygium aromaticum L.), a plant rich in secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids. Fractionation of the ethanol extract yielded n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water fractions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins in the water fraction, while steroids were detected in the ethanol extract, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions. In vivo tests on male rats demonstrated that the ethanol extract, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions significantly reduced mounting latency (ML), increased mounting frequency (MF), and accelerated intromission latency (IL), indicating heightened sexual arousal and endurance. Moreover, these fractions delayed ejaculatory latency (EL) and increased ejaculation frequency (EF), akin to the positive control, X-Gra. Notably, the n-hexane fraction showed the closest efficacy to X-Gra. The presence of steroids in the active fractions suggests their role in eliciting aphrodisiac effects. Further isolation and purification of the active compound(s) may optimize therapeutic outcomes. This study underscores the potential of Clove leaf fractions as natural aphrodisiacs, warranting further investigation for clinical applications.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Neksumi Musa, Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Enoch Buba Badgal

In our study, we identified the phytoconstituents and carried out antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ADMET assessments of Neonauclea excelsa. The phytochemicals were detected and quantified followed by identification via GC-MS. The antimalaria, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant assessments were done by molecular docking (MD) and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) while ADMET by ADMET predictions. Saponins (27.33% ±1.20) and terpenes (8.33% ±0.73) were detected while alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, and flavonoids were absent. Exactly 29 compounds were identified with squalene being the most abundant (32.41%). Compound II exhibited the lowest BA (-6.4 kcal/mol) and Ki (20.12 µM), interacting with dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase. IV exhibited the lowest respective BA and Ki interacting with Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter protein 1 (-6.2 kcal/mol and 28.20 µM), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (-7.2 kcal/mol and 5.21 µM), and myeloperoxidase (-7.4 kcal/mol and 3.71 µM). Compound VII had the lowest respective BA and Ki interacting with inducible nitric oxide synthase (-8.0 kcal/mol and 1.35 µM), xanthine oxidase (-7.2 kcal/mol and 5.21 µM), and cytochrome p450 21A2 (-7.0 kcal/mol and 7.30 µM). The MDS showed various cluster mobilities and residue fluctuations up to 5.26, 2.96, 5.10, 3.51, 5.02, 4.65, and 6.18 Å for dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase, Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter protein 1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX2), xanthine oxidase (XO), cytochrome p450 21A2, and myeloperoxidase, respectively. Additionally, these compounds demonstrated good pharmacological properties with minimal toxicity. Conclusively, the identified compounds might be significant contributors to the antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity of N. excelsa and are good sources of novel antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant drugs.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Hauwau Abubakar, Albashir Tahir, Aminu Kura Umar

Medicinal plants are gaining popularity as safer and more natural alternatives to orthodox medicines for managing health challenges and diseases. One such plant is Boswellia dalzielii, a renowned tree in northern Nigeria extensively used due to its ethnomedicinal importance. To determine the analgesic properties of Boswellia dalzielii methanol extract (BDME), the extract was screened in mice using thermal and acetic acid-induced pain models. The extract's acute toxicity and phytochemical constituents were determined using standard protocols. The results showed that the acute toxicity of the methanol stem bark extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening of BDME revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. The extract, at the dose of 50 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged the pain reaction time at 15 and 30 minutes in the hot plate test, and reduced acetic acid-induced writhing at the 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg doses. The analgesic activity of the extract may be attributed to the phytochemical contents. The findings suggest that BDME have analgesic properties and could be beneficial in alleviating painful conditions.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Yesi Desmiaty, Ni Made Dwi Sandhiutami, Fahleni Fahleni, Agnes Griselda, Amalia Zahra Apriliana

Agarwood leaves (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.) contain chemical substances such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids that contribute to the healing process of burns. This study aims to evaluate the wound healing activity of spray-dried extract from agarwood leaves formulated into an ointment for second-degree burns. The method involves extracting agarwood leaves through the decoction method, followed by spray drying, and subsequent evaluation of the extract. The prepared extract was then formulated into an ointment and tested for wound healing activity on 24 white rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain, divided into four groups, each consisting of 6 rats: negative control (ointment base), positive control (Betadine®), formula 1 (agarwood leaves extract ointment with 20% extract concentration - ALO-20), and formula 2 (agarwood leaves extract ointment with 30% extract concentration - ALO-30). Second-degree burns were induced by exposing the rats' backs to ferrous metal for 3 seconds and treating them for 14 days. Observations were made by assessing changes in burn diameter and scab formation. In this study, ALO-30 demonstrated superior activity. Scab formation was faster on day 3, and the burn diameter was reduced by day 7. The results indicated that ALO-30 led to a quicker reduction in wound diameter compared to ALO-20 and the negative control. Agarwood leaves extract ointment with a concentration of 30% (ALO-30) exhibited a more effective wound healing effect than the ointment with a 20% concentration (ALO-20).

Sciences of Pharmacy