Anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties of the latex of unripe fruits of Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae)

Background: Anticoagulants have found use clinically in the management of coagulation disorders. The aim of this study therefore was to ascertain the anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties of the latex of the unripe fruits of Carica papaya (CPUFL) using in vitro and in vivo models.Methods: CPUFL was screened for phytochemicals. The time taken, for 100 μL quantities of plasma or whole blood mixed with 100, 300, and 600 μg of CPUFL and standard assay reagents, to form clots in the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and clotting time tests were determined (using 1 mg rivaroxaban, 50 IU heparin, or plasma as references). The time taken for cessation of induced marginal ear vein bleeding of New Zealand White rabbits pre-treated orally with either CPUFL (4-12 mg/kg), 2 mg/kg aspirin, or 1 ml/kg distilled water, or 1.5 mg/kg heparin intraperitoneally for 30 mins was also determined.Results: Saponins, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids were present in CPUFL. Treatment with CPUFL (100-600 µg), increased both PT and aPTT significantly (p≤0.01-0.0001). There was also a significant increase (p≤0.0001) in clotting time of whole blood at 600 µg/100 µL. CPUFL treatment (4, 8, and 12 mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent increase (p≤0.0001) in bleeding time. Effect between CPUFL, heparin, and aspirin treatment were not significantly different.Conclusion: The latex of unripe fruits of C. papaya L. exhibited anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties suggesting its potential usefulness in the management of blood coagulation disorders

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Pterygota macrocarpa and Cola gigantea (Sterculiaceae)

Pterygota macrocarpa and Cola gigantea are African medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of sores, skin infections, and other inflammatory conditions including pains. This study therefore aims at investigating the antimicrobial properties of ethanol leaf and stem bark extracts of P. macrocarpa and C. gigantea using the agar diffusion and the micro-dilution techniques and also determining the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts of these plants in carrageenan-induced foot edema in seven-day old chicks. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both ethanol leaf and bark extracts of P. macrocarpa against the test organisms was from 0.125 to 2.55 mg/mL and that of C. gigantea extracts was 0.125 to 2.75 mg/mL. Extracts with concentration of 50 mg/mL were most active against the test organisms according to the agar diffusion method. All the extracts of P. macrocarpa and C. gigantea at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg body weight except ethanol leaf extract of C. gigantea exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects (P ≤ 0.001)

THE IMMUNOSTIMULATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTY OF TWO HERBAL DECOCTIONS USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HIV/AIDS IN GHANA

Background: HIV/AIDS is a pandemic retarding economic growth and destroying human capital globally. This study therefore investigated the perceived efficacy of Betula alba (BA) and Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) decoctions used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Ghana. Materials and Methods: A study on the records of HIV/AIDS patients attending Habibi Herbal Clinic, Kumasi, Ghana, was conducted to obtain information on the initial viral load presented during their maiden visit and results after treatment with the herbal decoctions. The decoctions were assessed for immunostimulatory property in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed ICR mice. Total white blood cell count, as well as lymphocyte and neutrophil counts were determined and their effects compared with Levamisole. The decoctions were also screened for antimicrobial activity by the micro dilution method. Results: The two herbal decoctions used significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.001) the patients’ viral loads (47.42 ± 17.28 % to 13.69 ± 12.42 %; n=16). BA (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) and SF (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/kg) caused significant increment (P ≤ 0.001) in total WBC and lymphocyte count in mice comparable to that produced by 2.5 mg/kg Levamisole. The decoctions also exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram negative and gram positive bacteria as well as Candida albicans (MIC 0.607 to 3.062 mg/ml). Phytochemicals present in both plants include saponins, terpenoids and coumarins. Conclusion: The Betula alba and Sutherlandia frutescens decoctions have interesting immunostimulatory and antimicrobial properties and hence could be useful in the management of HIV/AIDS and associated opportunistic infections

Pterygota macrocarpa and Cola gigantea (Sterculiaceae)

Pterygota macrocarpa and Cola gigantea are African medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of sores, skin infections, and other inflammatory conditions including pains. This study therefore aims at investigating the antimicrobial properties of ethanol leaf and stem bark extracts of P. macrocarpa and C. gigantea using the agar diffusion and the micro-dilution techniques and also determining the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts of these plants in carrageenan-induced foot edema in seven-day old chicks. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both ethanol leaf and bark extracts of P. macrocarpa against the test organisms was from 0.125 to 2.55 mg/mL and that of C. gigantea extracts was 0.125 to 2.75 mg/mL. Extracts with concentration of 50 mg/mL were most active against the test organisms according to the agar diffusion method. All the extracts of P. macrocarpa and C. gigantea at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg body weight except ethanol leaf extract of C. gigantea exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects (P ≤ 0.001)

The possible mode of antitussive and expectorant activity of the ethanol seed extracts of Picralima nitida ((Stapf) Th. & H. Durand)

It has been established that Picralima nitida has antitussive effect. This study therefore aimed at determining the possible mode of antitussive and expectorant activity of an ethanolic seed extract of P. nitida (PNE). The muco-suppressant, mast cell stabilization, and the anxiolytic effects of PNE were ascertained using ammonium chloride-induced phenol red secretion in BALB/c mice; compound 48/80-induced mesenteric mast cell degranulation assay; and the open field and the elevated plus maze models respectively. Antibacterial potential was ascertained by the agar plate diffusion method and its antioxidant potential by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging, linoleic acid lipid peroxidation, reducing power, and total antioxidant assays. Data obtained was analyzed using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett's Multiple Comparison post hoc test. PNE (100–500 mg/kg) reduced (P ≤ 0.05–0.001) tracheal phenol red secretion. The extract (100–500 μg/ml) also dose-dependently (P ≤ 0.05–0.0001) stabilized mast cells. PNE (100–500 mg/kg) increased open arm activities in the elevated plus maze (P ≤ 0.05) as well as central zone exploration (P ≤ 0.05) in the open field test. PNE (10–50 mg/ml) showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Salmonella typhi. By the assays, PNE showed significant antioxidant effect. The ethanolic seed extract of P. nitida has demonstrated very significant mast cell stabilizing, mucus suppressant, and antioxidant activity as well as substantial antibacterial and anxiolytic properties; all of which could contribute to its antitussive and expectorant property

Anti-inflammatory effect of Heliotropium indicum Linn on lipopolysaccharide-induced uveitis in New Zealand white rabbits

AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of an aqueous whole plant extract of Heliotropium indicum (HIE) on endotoxin-induced uveitis in New Zealand white rabbits. METHODS: Clinical signs of uveitis including flares, iris hyperemia and miosis, were sought for and scored in 1.0 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced uveitic rabbits treated orally with HIE (30-300 mg/kg), prednisolone (30 mg/kg), or normal saline (10 mL/kg). The number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils infiltrating, the protein concentration, as well as levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and monocyte chemmoattrant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the aqueous humor after the various treatments were also determined. A histopathological study of the anterior uveal was performed. RESULTS: The extract and prednisolone-treatment significantly reduced (P≤0.001) both the clinical scores of inflammation (1.0-1.8 compared to 4.40±0.40 in the normal saline-treated rabbits) and inflammatory cells infiltration. The level of protein, and the concentrations of TNF-α, PGE2 and MCP-1 in the aqueous humor were also significantly reduced (P≤0.001). Histopathological studies showed normal uveal morphology in the HIE and prednisolone-treated rabbits while normal saline-treated rabbits showed marked infiltration of inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: The HIE exhibits anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced uveitis possibly by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators