Burn wound healing effects of the root hydroethanolic extract of Cochlospermum planchonii in mice

Cochlospermum planchonii is a plant traditionally used in Togo to treat burn wounds. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of the root hydroethanolic extract of Cochlospermum planchonii on the skin burn wounds. Burns were induced in ICR mice by applying on the skin of the dorsal region with a metal stick (0.7 cm diameter) preheated at 100 °C for 10 seconds. Four (4) groups of 8 mice were formed, Control Group (I); Group II, III and IV treated respectively with C. planchonii gel 2.5%, 5%, and Brulex® (Zinc oxide 15% cream). The surfaces of the wounds were evaluated daily by the ImageJ software. Biopsies were performed on day six and twelve for hydroxyproline assays and histological examinations. On the 12th day, wound contraction rates were 44.12%, 67.82%, 66.68% and 69.32% respectively for Group I, Group II, Group III and Group IV. Hydroxyproline levels on day 12 were significantly higher in samples of animals treated with C. planchonii 2.5% and 5% (+114,93 ± 1,61 and +120,54 ± 7,22 of augmentation respectively, P<0.01 when compared to the control group). Histological examination confirmed these observations. C. planchonii root hydroethanolic extract could be a potentially natural remedy for burn wound

How do Spondias mombin L (Anacardiaceae) leaves extract increase uterine smooth muscle contractions to facilitate child birth in parturient women?

Background: Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) leaves were used in Togolese folk to treat dystocia, expel placenta and manage post-partum hemorrhage during child birth.Objectives: This study aimed to establish how the extract of S. mombin leaves increase uterine smooth muscle contractions relevant to its traditional use to facilitate child birth.Methods: Tests were performed on uterus muscle strips from Sprague-Dawley rats. Central portion of uterine horns were dissected, cleaned of surrounding fat and loose connective tissue, and cut longitudinally into strips which were placed in the organ bath for isometric tension record in presence of different substances.Results: S. mombin leaves extract increased uterine spontaneous contractions. This effect was reduced by indomethacin (2 x 10-6 M), yohimbine (2 x 10-6 M) and 2- aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) (5 x 10-5 M), but not by atropine (3.45 x 10-8 M) and cholesterol (2.5 mg/ml).Conclusion: The pharmacological justification for the traditional use of S. mombin leaves to treat dystocia and expel placenta was that its hydro-ethanolic extract induced prostaglandins release, α2-adrenoceptors stimulation, calcium release from internal stores and lifted inhibitory effect of cholesterol on uterine contractions in order to increase uterine smooth muscle contractions.Keywords: Spondias mombin, uterus, contractions, calcium

ANTISICKLING ACTIVITY EVALUATION OF FRACTIONS OBTAINED FROM WHOLE EXTRACTS OF NEWBOULDIA LAEVIS P. BEAUV (BIGNONIACEAE)

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the fractions from whole extracts of roots and stem barks of Newbouldia laevis and their effect on sickling. Methods: Hydroethanolic extracts of stem barks and roots of Newbouldia laevis were fractionated by the technics of cold precipitation in ethanol. The fractions obtained after phytochemical screening were subjected to Emmel test to evaluate their anti-sickling activity. Active fractions were tested for DPPH and AAPH assay (AAPH induced membrane lipoperoxidation and evaluation of reduction of hemolysis). Results: Two fractions were obtained from each whole extract: supernatant and pellet fractions. Supernatants fractions obtained from whole roots barks extract and stem barks extract at a concentration of 30 mg/ml reduced sickling up respectively to 7% and 10% against 86% for the control. Pellets fractions obtained from the both extracts induced coagulation of SS blood at 30 mg/ml against 86% for the control. Conclusion: Supernatants fractions of hydroethanolic whole extract of roots and stem backs of Newbouldia laevis promise as the potential source of active molecules against sickle cell disease

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Acanthospermum hispidum (DC) leaves on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in rat

The leaves of Acanthospermum hispidum (DC) are used traditionally by Togolese to treat various hepatic disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic extract of A. hispidum on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in Wistar rats. The extract was also studied for its in vitro antioxidant activity using ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and 2,2,-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH) methods. The hydroethanolic extract of A. hispidum administratered oraly at 250 and 500 mg/kg showed a significant hepatoprotective effect (P < 0.001) by reducing levels of alanine amino transaminase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. These data suggest that the hydroethanolic extracts of A. hispidum can prevent hepatic injuries from CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant, Acanthospermum hispidum, CCl4

Activité analgésique de quatre plantes utilisées dans la prise en charge traditionnelle du paludisme au Mali et au Togo

En Afrique, plusieurs personnes utilisent les plantes médicinales pour traiter l’inflammation et la douleur. L’objectif du présent travail était d’évaluer l’effet analgésique de Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf., Cleome viscosa Linn., Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) O. Kuntze et Sclerocarya birrea (A. rich.) Hochst utilisées dans la prise en charge traditionnelle du paludisme au Mali et au Togo. Le matériel végétal (feuilles, rameau feuillé, écorce de tronc et partie aérienne) des espèces a été récolté au Mali et au Togo. Les extraits aqueux du matériel végétal ont été préparés pour réaliser d’une part l’analyse phytochimique à l’aide de la chromatographie sur couche mince et d’autre part l’évaluation de leur activité analgésique sur la douleur induite avec l’acide acétique chez les souris. L’analyse phytochimique a révélé que les extraits de plantes contenaient des tanins, flavonoïdes, alcaloïdes, stérols et terpènes, et des saponosides. Dans l’ensemble, toutes les plantes protègent contre la douleur. Cependant, Cymbopogon citratus et Mitragyna inermis ont présenté les meilleures protections. Les propriétés analgésiques des extraits aqueux de ces plantes ont un grand intérêt dans la prise en charge traditionnelle du paludisme.Mots clés: Plantes antipaludiques, propriétés analgésiques, Mali, Togo

In vivo assessment of acute and subchronic toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae) stem bark

Many studies have confirmed the traditional use of Ximenia americana (Olacaceae). Its different parts, leaf, fruit, roots, stem bark and root bark have showed pharmacological potentials. X. americana is a plant which possessed antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiviral and anticancer properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the oral acute and subchronic toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of X. americana stem bark on Sprague Dawley rats. In acute test, female rats were administrated once 5000 mg/kg and observed during 14 days for determination of toxicity signs. For the subchronic toxicity the extract (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) was administrated daily to both sexes of rats during 28 days. Control rats were administrated distilled water. Animals were observed, food and water consumption, mortality were monitoring during experiment period. Body weight, organs relative weight, hematological and biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were conducted at the end of treatment. Acute toxicity test revealed no adverse effects and no mortality. Extract administration during 28 days does not cause any behavioral change, change in body and organs relative weight and mortality. No significant variation was observed in hematological, biochemical parameters between treatment and control groups. No remarkable structural change was found in organs. However, triglycerides show significant variation in both sexes but this variation was not dose dependent. Results suggested that the LD50 of hydroethanolic extract of X. americana stem bark is higher than 5000 mg/kg and extract administration at 1000 mg/kg during 28 days does not cause toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Keywords: Ximenia americana; stem bark; acute toxicity; subacute toxicity; hematological parameters; biochemical analysis

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Activities of Cochlospermum planchonii Hook. F.

Objective: The medicinal plant Cochlospermum planchonii Hook.f. is used in the management of various ailments in Togolese pharmacopoeia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of roots and leaves of C. planchonii, and burn wound healing activity of its leaf hydroethanolic extracts in rodents. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activities were assessed using Phosphomolybdenum assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and the reducing power assay. Visceral pain model, formaldehyde-induced paw edema and vascular permeability test were performed to evaluate anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. Burns were induced in rats by applying on the skin of the dorsal region an aluminum plaque preheated to 100°C for 10 seconds. Animals were treated topically with empty Carbopol gel, C. planchonii leaves extract 2.5 and 5 % in Carbopol gel, and Brulex® (Zinc oxide 15 % cream). Results: C. planchonii extracts exhibited good antioxidant capacities close to standard compound, ascorbic acid. Leaves and root hydroethanolic extracts (1000 mg/kg), compared to control animals, significantly reduced the number of writhings (P<0.001) and the volume of paw edema (P<0.001). Similarly, both roots and leaf extracts at 1000 mg/kg have significantly inhibited vascular permeability by approximately 50% compared to the control group. C. planchonii leaves hydroethanolic extract 2.5 and 5 % in Carbopol enhanced wound healing via significantly increased contraction rates (78.63 ± 1.57 and 79.68 ± 1.48 respectively on day 12, P<0.001), confirmed by histological observations. Conclusion: C. planchonii can promote burn healing due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the plant. Keywords: Cochlospermum planchonii, inflammatory, antioxidant, edema, burn woun

Effect of Topical Application of Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Acacia nilotica Pods on Second-Degree Cutaneous Infected Burns

Acacia nilotica is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Togo to treat various diseases including burn wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate experimentally Acacia nilotica burn wound healing effect.Cutaneous burn wounds were symmetrically caused on depilated areas of rat skin through contact with an aluminum bar (r = 10 mm), preheated at 80°C for 30 sec. Five groups of animal were constituted and each group contained 8 mice. Four groups of animal’s burn wounds were infected by Staphylococcus aureus. One group burn wound is uninfected and serves as negative control. Burn wounds were assessed by planimetry and histological parameters of healing. Twelve days after burn wound induction, wound contraction in the uninfected groups (negative control) was 19.9% for topical application against -2.43% for infected control. In the infected groups treated with extract, wound contraction was generally stimulates. Histological examination showed granulated tissue developing over the wounds treated with the extract of A. nilotica at 2.5% and 5% where the proliferation of fibroblasts and neo-blood vessels was very marked.In conclusion, A. nilotica pod contents tannin, flavonoids, alkaloids and protein reduces DPPH solution and significantly accelerates wound healing of burns, and this is the case even if wounds are infected with 109CFU/mL of S. aureus

Effect of Topical Application of Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Acacia nilotica Pods on Second-Degree Cutaneous Infected Burns

Acacia nilotica is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Togo to treat various diseases including burn wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate experimentally Acacia nilotica burn wound healing effect.Cutaneous burn wounds were symmetrically caused on depilated areas of rat skin through contact with an aluminum bar (r = 10 mm), preheated at 80°C for 30 sec. Five groups of animal were constituted and each group contained 8 mice. Four groups of animal’s burn wounds were infected by Staphylococcus aureus. One group burn wound is uninfected and serves as negative control. Burn wounds were assessed by planimetry and histological parameters of healing. Twelve days after burn wound induction, wound contraction in the uninfected groups (negative control) was 19.9% for topical application against -2.43% for infected control. In the infected groups treated with extract, wound contraction was generally stimulates. Histological examination showed granulated tissue developing over the wounds treated with the extract of A. nilotica at 2.5% and 5% where the proliferation of fibroblasts and neo-blood vessels was very marked.In conclusion, A. nilotica pod contents tannin, flavonoids, alkaloids and protein reduces DPPH solution and significantly accelerates wound healing of burns, and this is the case even if wounds are infected with 109CFU/mL of S. aureus

Ethnopharmacological Survey on Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Central and Kara Regions of Togo for Antitumor and Chronic Wound Healing Effects

Cancer is an emerging public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Several medicinal plants are used by traditional healers to treat tumors. In Togo, there are no recorded data for these plants but traditional healers claim to cure tumors with some success. So, information on medicinal plants used to cure human tumors and cancer could be of great importance for their widespread use and scientific validation. The present ethnopharmacological survey aims to record information on antitumor plants in central and Kara regions of Togo. Semistructured validated questionnaires were administered to fifty-seven traditional healers specialized in tumor management in 7 prefectures of Togo. Good practices and know-how were recorded. Quantitative ethnobotanical tools were used to analyze and summarize the data collected. 85 recipes of medicinal plants for tumors management are provided. In the local dialect, 78.95% of traditional healers do not have a clear tumor designation and 29.90% find that the causes of tumors remain unknown. According to 48.78% of traditional healers, the diagnosis of tumors in patients is made in the hospital. The types of tumors frequently treated are those of the breast (43.75%) and the lung (16.67%). The seventy listed medicinal plants belong to thirty-nine families, the most represented being Rubiaceae (17.95%), Caesalpiniaceae (12.82%), Fabaceae (10.26%), and Annonaceae (7.69%). The ten most cited species were Xylopia aethiopica, Aframomum melegueta, Khaya senegalensis, Parkia biglobosa, Piliostigma thonningii, Blighia sapida, Vitellaria paradoxa, Adansonia digitata, Annona muricata, and Parinari curatellifolia. Most of the recipes are prepared as decoction (40%) and administered orally (54.12%). Both regions of our study have a wealth of medicinal plants, and traditional healers would use their local knowledge in the management of various tumors and chronic wounds