Crude drug analysis and elemental content of the leaves and stem bark of Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae), an indigenous Ghanaian medicinal plant

Adansonia digitata L. is a tree indigenous to Ghana and West Africa. It is traditionally used for medicinal, religious and nutritional purposes. Different parts of the plant are used traditionally for the treatment of diseases such as anaemia, malaria, asthma and diarrhoea among others. It is therefore necessary to provide standard parameters for identification and for the purpose of quality control. This study thus sought to investigate the pharmacognostic characteristics and elemental properties of the leaves and stem bark of A. digitata grown and used in Ghana. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, phytochemical, physicochemical, fluorescence and elemental properties of the leaf and stem bark were determined using standard protocols. The results of the study showed that the leaves of A. digitata were palmate compound and alternately arranged with stipules at each node. The outer bark was observed to be grey in color while the inner bark was pink to brown and laticiferous. Anomocytic stomata and stellate trichomes were also observed microscopically on the leaf surface. The powdered stem bark contained brachysclereids and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals. Saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids were detected in both leaf and stem bark. They additionally exhibited different fluorescence characters in various solvents. The plant contained major and minor nutritional elements in varying quantities. The results of this study can serve as reliable parameters for accurate identification and authentication of A. digitata L. hence ensuring quality

ANTIHYPERGLYCAEMIC AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF ADENIA LOBATA ENGL. (PASSIFLORACEAE) IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

The antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of a Ghanaian medicinal plant namely Adenia lobata Engl (Passifloraceae), used to treat diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine, was investigated. The dried stem powder of A. lobata was successively extracted by Soxhlet with petroleum ether and 70% ethanol to obtain the crude petroleum ether (PEAL: yield =1.1w/w %) and ethanol (EEAL: yield = 5.4 w/w %) extracts. The extracts were assessed for their antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities. The antihyperglycaemic activity of PEAL and EEAL were determined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (70 mg/kg body weight). Five groups of diabetic rats were given 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight of PEAL and EEAL orally once daily for 20 days. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg body weight) was used as positive control while distilled water (5 ml) acted as the normal diabetic control. The blood glucose levels were monitored initially for 6 hours and subsequently over 24 days. Both extracts exhibited statistically significant (p< 0.001) antihyperglycaemic activity throughout the study period, with EEAL showing the greatest activity. The antioxidant properties of the petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of A. lobata (PEAL and EEAL) were evaluated using five assays; total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, DPPH scavenging effect and lipid peroxidation activity. In all these assays, the antioxidant properties increased with increasing concentration of the extracts

Ethnomedicinal Survey of Plants Used for the Management of Hypertension Sold in the Makola Market, Accra, Ghana

Hypertension is a highly prevalent public health problem among Africans, including Ghanaians, and it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and coronary artery disease. Hypertension occurs at a rate of 19% to 48% across Ghana; and because about 70% of the patients are believed to be using herbs to manage this condition, it is important to know the kind of plants that are used in the management of this condition. The aim of this study was therefore to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey to document medicinal plant species which are sold on the open Ghanaian market; and are traditionally used in the treatment of hypertension. Validated questionnaires were administered to sellers of dried or semi-processed herbs at the Makola market, in the Accra Metropolitan Area. The survey identified the plant materials and the way and manner; by which these plant materials are prepared and administered. A total of 13 plant species belonging to 13 plant families were identified. The following medicinal plants were found to be commonly sold for the treatment of hypertension: Bambusa vulgaris (Graminaeae), Bridellia ferruginea (Euphorbiaceae), Carica papaya (Caricaceae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae), Nauclea latifolia (Rubiaceae), Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae), Parkia biglobosa (Leguminosae), Persea americana (Lauraceae), Proporis africana (Leguminosae – Mimosoideae), Pseudocedrela kotschyii (Maliaceae), Theobroma cacao (Sterculiaceae) and Vitellaria paradoxa (Sapotaceae). Leaves and roots of these plants predominated other plant parts. Most of these herbs were prepared as aqueous decoctions before administration. In conclusion, there are many medicinal plant species used to treat several conditions, including hypertension, within the Ghanaian community. This study therefore underscores the need to preserve, document and scientifically investigate traditional herbs used for the treatment of various diseases of public health importance, and to optimize their use since they serve as alternative treatment

Analgesic effects of a hydro-ethanolic whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in rats

Abstract Background Synedrella nodiflora is used by traditional healers in Ghana for the management of epilepsy and pain. The hydro-ethanolic extract of the whole plant has demonstrated antinociceptive effect in various animal models of pain. This study investigated the potential benefit of the hydro-ethanolic extract in a rat model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Methods Neuropathy was induced in rats by a continuous intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) for 5 days. Baseline latencies to thermal pain were recorded before the first injection of paclitaxel and during the 5 day induction period. Following the induction, the rats in designated treatment group were treated with the hydro-ethanolic extract (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o) or pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) or vehicle (distilled water) and their responses to thermal hyperalgesia measured every 30 for a total period of 3 h. Results There was a significant difference between the baseline reaction latency and what was observed on the 5th day of the induction of neuropathy. Two days after the induction of neuropathy, the extract and pregabalin significantly and dose-dependently produced antinociceptive effect during the 3-h test period. Conclusion The hydro-ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Synedrella nodiflora possess analgesic effect in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in rats