Plants with benefits: Ethnomedicinal plants used by the Talaandig tribe in Portulin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines

754-766With respect to the diversity of many plant taxa the Philippines is one of the world’s most species-rich countries. However, the use of plants by indigenous people in the archipelago has been underreported. Nowadays, indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is increasingly declining and as more plants are lost and so is the awareness of their importance to humanity. Ethnobotanical studies are therefore important to explore these diverse biological tools for medicinal purposes. The purpose of this study was to record the traditional knowledge of the Talaandig tribe in Portulin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines, with regard to the usage of medicinal plants to cure human illnesses and diseases. A total of 19 respondents including 8 men and 11 women were selected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions to gather ethnobotanical information by means of a stratified purposive sampling system and they were evaluated by descriptive statistics, use value (UV) and ranking methods. In total, 97 medicinal plants belonging to 46 families and 86 genera were recorded. The most numerous plant species were Poaceae (7 species), followed by Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Lamiaceae (6 species each). The dominant growth habit was herbs (40%), followed by trees (27%) with leaves (41%) as the most frequently used plant part which are commonly prepared as a decoction (45%), with internal (65%) as the main route of administration. Most of the documented ethnomedicinal plants were used to treat diseases of the respiratory system (16%), followed by diseases of the circulatory system (13%). Vitex negundo (0.7895) was considered as the most important medicinal plant in the community, followed by Psidium guajava (0.7368). This ethnobotanical study shows that many plant species play an important role in local healing practices and that in the Talaandig tribe of Portulin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, knowledge of traditional medicine is still used and plays a significant role

Evaluation Of Three Candidate DNA Barcoding Loci In Selected Ficus L. (Moraceae)

Abstract: The genus Ficus L. (Moraceae) is known for its diverse morphology and habit as well as economical, ecological, and pharmaceutical importance. In this study, six Philippine Ficus species were utilized to determine the best barcoding loci among cpDNA (rbcL, trnH-psbA) and nrDNA (ITS) markers on the basis of universality, discriminatory power, and resolution of species. Both trnH-psbA and ITS showed 100% PCR success rate and 67% sequencing success, whereas rbcL exhibited 67% PCR success rate but 100% sequencing success. The trnH-psbA marker performed best in terms of discriminatory power, showing the highest variable informative site (71.37%) and the highest mean interspecific distance (48.32% ± 19.89%). ITS ranked next to trnH-psbA since it was able to generate 100% resolution of species and a comparable mean intraspecific distance score with trnHpsbA. Meanwhile, rbcL failed to resolve any species correctly; thus, it has a 0% resolution of species. We initially recommend trnH-psbA and ITS as potential DNA barcodes for molecular authentication of Ficus species

The anti-depressant and anxiolytic properties of the lyophilized aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae)

Introduction: This study seeks to determine the antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of the lyophilized aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pudica (LAL-MP) in mice. Methods: LAL-MP was administered orally to mice at 50 – 500 mg/kg, daily for 14 days, after which mice were individually subjected to the forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension (TST) tests, the elevated plus maze (EPM) model and locomotor activity count. Results: Generally, LAL-MP from 100 to 500 mg/kg exhibit antidepressant and anxiolytic properties in all 4 models of depression and dose levels at 400 and 500 mg/kg were found to be equipotent with the standard drug fluoxetine. Conclusions: This is the first report on the combined antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of LAL-MP

Comparative In Vitro Dissolution Profile of Commercial Azithromycin Dihydrate 500 mg Tablet Preparations in the Philipppines

This study seeks to compare the in vitro multi-point dissolution profiles between 3 off-patent products azithromycin dihydrate 500 mg and the innovator product. The paddle-type dissolution apparatus was used. This was rotated at a speed of 50 rpm using 0.1-N HCl as media. Random samples were withdrawn after certain time points and assayed for azithromycin dihydrate. Comparision between test samples and the innovator product was done by computing their similarity (f 1 ) and disimilarity (f 2 ) factors and by fitting them to various kinetics of drug release during dissolution. Test samples 1 and 3 were comparable to the innovator product because they complied with f 1 and f 2 specifications. Test sample 2, however, gave higher f 2 values making it non-equivalent with the innovator product. The Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppa kinetics of drug release characterized most of the dissolution profiles. This study showed that test samples 1 and 3 are equivalent with the innovator products in terms of comparative in vitro dissolution profiles where extra-Fickian release behaviors was exhibited by all the preparations

Molecular Confirmation on the Synonymy of Phaeanthusebracteolatusand P Ophthalmicusincluding Biological Activities of Its Phytochemical Constituent

The genus Phaeanthus Hook.f and Thomson of the family Annonaceae is a medicinal plant essentially characterized by inner petals that are longer than outer petals, numerous carpels and stamens, and monocarpous fruits. Previous studies have recognized Phaeanthus ebracteolatus as a synonym of P. ophthalmicus based on the morphological examination of limited herbarium specimens. In order to determine the validity of the finding, this study aims to verify the synonymy of P. ebracteolatusand P. ophthalmicus using combined matK and rbcL dataset, as well as computing its sequence divergence; and, to further explore the phytochemical and biochemical components of the plant.Collected plant samples were subjected to morphological characterization followed by molecular analysis through DNA extraction, amplification, purification, sequencing, sequence analysis and data analysis. The crude leaf extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening by thin layer chromatography and three colorimetric assays such as α-glucosidase inhibition, anti-tyrosinase and anti-Staphylococcus. This study confirms that the two Phaeanthus species are conspecific using combined matK and rbcL dataset which is strongly supported and computed sequence divergence which includes 5 bp (0.81%) and 3 bp (0.41%) in matK and rbcL regions, respectively. Overlapping morphological characters such as axillary inflorescence, valvate inner and outer petals, truncate stamens, club-shaped carpels, and globose monocarps also support the finding. The crude leaf extract yields positive to different antioxidant constituents and demonstrated a high potency in α-glucosidase inhibition. The study validated the synonymy of P. ebracteolatus and P. ophthalmicus using sequences and morphology, with P. ophthalmicus being acknowledged as its correct name. Furthermore, the plant extracts proved to be efficient as an α-glucosidase inhibitor

Comparative in vitro anti-oxidative properties of statins

Introduction:  This study seeks to determine and compare the in vitro anti-oxidative properties of 5 statins which aare available in the market for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Methods:  The ability of the statins to inhibit free radical formation by 2,2-Diphyenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and thiobarbituric aci d (TBA) in liver homogenates was determined. Results:  Out of the 5 statins tested, atorvastatin, simvastatin and rosuvastatin gave the highest inhibibition and lowest median effective concentration (IC50).  Pravastatin and fluvastatin were weak inhibitors of free radical formations. Conclusion:  This study shows that there is evidence on the anti-oxidative properties of statins in addition to their hypolipidemic properties

Mount Malinao (Albay, Philippines) Revisited: Diversity and Ethnomedicinal Studies

Introduction:  This study provides information as to the diversity of plants in Mt. Malinao (Albay, Philippines) and their ethnomedicinal values. Methods:  Plants were collected by random sampling from three vegetation types, identified and measured for diversity indices.  The use reports and dosage preparations of medicinal plants sampled were confirmed by interview of local residents and forest guides. Results: The montane secondary dipterocarp forest gave the greatest plant diversity but recorded the lowest tree statistics.  Ethnomedicinal survey of the 70 plants collected have been qualified by generating information such as use values, fidelity levels, informant consensus factor and the modes by which dosage forms are prepared from these plants for use in various ailments. Conclusion:  This study gave important data on medicinal plants in Mt. Malinao which includes diversity, ethnomedicinal uses and dosage preparations.   Â

Larval host plants and metamorphosis of selected butterfly species (Rhopalocera) in La Union Botanical Garden (LUBG), San Fernando, La Union, Philippines

Host plants are known to support growth of different butterfly species in the larval stage. Butterfly larvae are characterized by being voracious eaters and host plant specific. However, information regarding larval host plants of many butterfly species remains poor in the Philippines. The paper aimed to provide information on the larval host plants of the butterflies and document some butterfly life cycles in La Union Botanical Garden, San Fernando, La Union (LUBG), Philippines. The study employed visual searching for eggs and larvae in the foliage along the 100-meter line transects established in LUBG. Larval host plants were determined when larvae feed on the plant particularly leaves or flowers. The study on the life cycle or metamorphosis of selected butterfly species utilized field observation and description using ocular micrometer under the microscope. The data revealed 66 species in 27 families of larval host plants that support 57 species in 4 families of butterflies. The results suggest that presence and abundance of larval host plants affect butterfly metamorphosis and abundance in LUBG

Species composition and status of butterflies in the sunny and shady habitats of Cadaclan, San Fernando, La Union Botanical Garden of North Luzon, Philippines

A sampling of butterfly species composition and status is carried out in the sunny and shaded habitats of Cadaclan, San Fernando, La Union Botanical Gardens (LUBG) utilizing transection and standard collection practices. This study is the first comprehensive account of butterflies in the area. Times for the collection were from 09:00 to 15:00 hours from 2012-2014 and yielded a total of 104 species during the sampling period. Data on the species composition revealedsix families out of 104 species under 66 genera and a new distribution record and several respective ecological preferences. Percentage distribution by family indicate the following: Papilionidae, 24 (22.85%), Pieridae, 47 (47.70%), Nymphalidae, one (0.95%), Hesperiidae, 15 (14.29%), Riodinidae one (0.95%) and Lycaenidae, 16 (15.24%). Local status reveals 80 common, 23 very common, and one rare species. The National Assessment indicates 65 (62.5%) common, 2 (1.92%) rare, 1 (0.95) very rare, 12 (11.59 %) common endemic, 4 (3:85%) very rare endemic, 1 (0.95%) Luzon endemic, and 1 (0.95%) no experience and 1 (0.95%) new record Jamides cyta koenigswateri with only known distribution in Mindoro. Similarity of species composition showed Si=71% which suggests two separate and diverse habitat types. Additionally, variables such as temperature, vegetation types and elevation affect species composition and abundance. It is to be noted that collection times do not allow for crepuscular species and as such will skew the data but not significantly due to few species being categorized under this heading