Tannins, flavonoids and stilbenes in extracts of African savanna woodland trees Terminalia brownii, Terminalia laxiflora and Anogeissus leiocarpus showing promising antibacterial potential

Terminalia laxiflora, Terminalia brownii and Anogeissus leiocarpus are used as decoctions, macerations, infusions and fumigations in East and West African traditional medicine for treatment of infectious diseases and their symptoms. Using this ethnopharmacological information as a guideline for our research and owing to the fact that these species have not been subjected to in depth antibacterial and phytochemical studies, thirty-nine extracts of various polarities of the stem bark, stem wood and roots were studied for growth inhibitory effects against the human pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results indicate that the studied species contain antibacterial compounds of a wide range of polarities. All polar root extracts of T. laxiflora and various polar extracts of T. brownii roots, including hot water decoctions, gave broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and low MIC values of 39 mu g/ml. The main ellagitannins in an ethyl acetate extract of the root of T. laxiflora were found to be corilagin and its derivative and punicalagin. A methanol extract of the roots of T. brownii contained methyl-(S)-flavogallonate and its derivative as the main identified ellagitannins. Moreover, both Terminalia species were found to contain ellagic acid xylopyranoside and methyl ellagic acid xyloside and pure ellagic acid was present in T. brownii. Pure punicalagin did not give as low MIC as an ethyl acetate extract of the roots of T. laxiflora, containing punicalagin as one of its main compounds, although this ellagitannin totally inhibited the growth of S. aureus at 125 mu g/ml and P. aeruginosa at 500 mu g/ml. Similarly, pure ellagic and gallic acid gave higher MIC values than the methanolic root extract of T. brownii against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Moreover, a Sephadex LH-20 fraction of the methanolic extract of the roots of T. brownii, enrichedwithmethyl-(S)-flavogallonate and its isomer, gave higher MIC values than the crude methanolic extract. These results suggest that the polyphenols in the extracts might act synergistically with each other. A methanolic soxhlet extract of the roots of A. leiocarpus, containing ampelopsin, aromadendrin, taxifolin, pinosylvin and 4'-methylpinosylvin gave a low MIC value of 39 mu g/ml against all bacterial strains used in this investigation. Our results demonstrate that the roots, stem bark and stem wood of T. brownii, T. laxiflora and A. leiocarpus are rich sources of (new) antimicrobial compounds and justify the uses of these plants for treatment of infections in African traditional medicine.Peer reviewe

Potential Anti-Tuberculosis Activity of the Extracts and Their Active Components of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. and Perr. with Special Emphasis on Polyphenols

In Sudanese traditional medicine, decoctions of the stem bark of Anogeissus leiocarpa are used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). However, this plant has not been investigated before for its antimycobacterial effects. Our screening results show, for the first time, that many extracts of various parts of A. leiocarpa exhibit growth inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged between 625 and 5000 µg/mL, with an ethyl acetate extract of the root showing the lowest MIC value. The good antimycobacterial effects of the root part could be due to its high concentration of ellagic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, and flavonoids. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) fractionation resulted in some fractions with better activity than the starting point crude methanol extract (MIC 2500 µg/mL). Those fractions with the lowest MIC values contained a high number of antioxidant compounds. Fractions 3 and 4 (MIC 1500 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively) contained high concentrations of di-methyl ellagic acid ([M-H]− 329.0318). Fraction 6 (MIC 2000 µg/mL) contained a lower concentration of di-methyl ellagic acid and was not as growth inhibitory as fractions 3 and 4. Moreover, in fraction 3, an acetylated ellagic acid derivative ([M-H]− 343.0477) and di-methyl-ellagic acid xyloside ([M-H]− 461.0739) were tentatively characterized. Di-methyl ellagic acid xyloside was also present in fraction 4 and could strongly contribute to the antimycobacterial effect of this fraction. Additionally, protocatechuic acid ([M-H]− at m/z 153.0196) was present in fraction 4. Our antimycobacterial results obtained from this research justify the use of A. leiocarpa in Sudanese folk medicine against cough related to TB. Roots, stem bark, and leaves of A. leiocarpa are sources for new potent anti-TB drug lead compounds

Potential Anti-Tuberculosis Activity of the Extracts and Their Active Components of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. and Perr. with Special Emphasis on Polyphenols

In Sudanese traditional medicine, decoctions of the stem bark of Anogeissus leiocarpa are used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). However, this plant has not been investigated before for its antimycobacterial effects. Our screening results show, for the first time, that many extracts of various parts of A. leiocarpa exhibit growth inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged between 625 and 5000 µg/mL, with an ethyl acetate extract of the root showing the lowest MIC value. The good antimycobacterial effects of the root part could be due to its high concentration of ellagic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, and flavonoids. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) fractionation resulted in some fractions with better activity than the starting point crude methanol extract (MIC 2500 µg/mL). Those fractions with the lowest MIC values contained a high number of antioxidant compounds. Fractions 3 and 4 (MIC 1500 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively) contained high concentrations of di-methyl ellagic acid ([M-H]− 329.0318). Fraction 6 (MIC 2000 µg/mL) contained a lower concentration of di-methyl ellagic acid and was not as growth inhibitory as fractions 3 and 4. Moreover, in fraction 3, an acetylated ellagic acid derivative ([M-H]− 343.0477) and di-methyl-ellagic acid xyloside ([M-H]− 461.0739) were tentatively characterized. Di-methyl ellagic acid xyloside was also present in fraction 4 and could strongly contribute to the antimycobacterial effect of this fraction. Additionally, protocatechuic acid ([M-H]− at m/z 153.0196) was present in fraction 4. Our antimycobacterial results obtained from this research justify the use of A. leiocarpa in Sudanese folk medicine against cough related to TB. Roots, stem bark, and leaves of A. leiocarpa are sources for new potent anti-TB drug lead compounds

Annotated bibliography "Arabic papyrology and diplomatics": new publications 2018 and addenda 2017

Middle Eastern Studie

LC-MS/MS Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Pentacyclic Triterpenes in Antifungal Extracts of Terminalia brownii (Fresen)

Decoctions and macerations of the stem bark and wood of Terminalia brownii Fresen. are used in traditional medicine for fungal infections and as fungicides on field crops and in traditional granaries in Sudan. In addition, T. brownii water extracts are commonly used as sprays for protecting wooden houses and furniture. Therefore, using agar disc diffusion and macrodilution methods, eight extracts of various polarities from the stem wood and bark were screened for their growth-inhibitory effects against filamentous fungi commonly causing fruit, vegetable, grain and wood decay, as well as infections in the immunocompromised host. Ethyl acetate extracts of the stem wood and bark gave the best antifungal activities, with MIC values of 250 ug/mL against Nattrassia mangiferae and Fusarium verticillioides, and 500 ug/mL against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Aqueous extracts gave almost as potent effects as the ethyl acetate extracts against the Aspergillus and Fusarium strains, and were slightly more active than the ethyl acetate extracts against Nattrassia mangiferae. Thin layer chromatography, RP-HPLC-DAD and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), were employed to identify the chemical constituents in the ethyl acetate fractions of the stem bark and wood. The stem bark and wood were found to have a similar qualitative composition of polyphenols and triterpenoids, but differed quantitatively from each other. The stilbene derivatives, cis- (3) and trans- resveratrol-3-O-b-galloylglucoside (4), were identified for the first time in T. brownii. Moreover, methyl-(S)-flavogallonate (5), quercetin-7-b-O-di-glucoside (8), quercetin-7-O-galloyl-glucoside (10), naringenin-40-methoxy-7-pyranoside (7), 5,6-dihydroxy-30,40,7-tri-methoxy flavone (12), gallagic acid dilactone (terminalin) (6), a corilagin derivative (9) and two oleanane type triterpenoids (1) and (2) were characterized. The flavonoids, a corilagin derivative and terminalin, have not been identified before in T. brownii. We reported earlier on the occurrence of methyl-S-flavogallonate and its isomer in the roots of T. brownii, but this is the first report on their occurrence in the stem wood as well. Our results justify the traditional uses of macerations and decoctions of T. brownii stem wood and bark for crop and wood protection and demonstrate that standardized extracts could have uses for the eco-friendly control of plant pathogenic fungi in African agroforestry systems. Likewise, our results justify the traditional uses of these preparations for the treatment of skin infections caused by filamentous fungi.Peer reviewe

Mitigating Torque and Drag Challenges in Extended-Reach Drilling through Well Engineering Solutions

Torque and drag (T&D) are major mechanical considerations that dictate the success of extended-reach drilling (ERD) operations. As drilling technology continues to push the limits of horizontal reach, understanding and managing T&D becomes increasingly critical to well delivery. This study presents an integrated approach to T&D optimization through well modeling and engineering solutions, demonstrated through three ERD case studies offshore Peninsular Malaysia. For each case study well, the design objectives, inherent T&D challenges posed by the extended well geometry, and drilling parameters were assessed. T&D modeling was conducted to simulate downhole conditions and identify potential mechanical limitations. Well A targeted a highly deviated open-hole section exceeding 3,200m measured depth with constrained surface equipment. Modeling showed that backreaming torque could exceed drill pipe ratings. Well B required cementing long open-hole intervals while maintaining low side forces to prevent casing wear. Simulated rotating and backreaming torques exceeded rig limits. Well C involved a tangent sidetrack and encountered high stress loads on the drill pipe. To address the challenges, integrated well engineering solutions were evaluated for each well. For Well A, drill string torque reducers were incorporated to dampen stick-slip and reduce friction-induced torque. In Well B, utilizing a pseudo-catenary build mechanism optimized the well path gradients to lower side forces. Finally, Well C employed a tapered drill string design to satisfy stress criteria. Post-drill comparisons between modeled and actual downhole data validated the effectiveness of the implemented solutions in optimizing T&D. The findings provide lessons on integrated well modeling and customized engineering solutions for efficient ERD project delivery. Through rigorous upfront planning and identification of well-specific challenges, appropriate solutions can be designed to safely expand drilling operational envelopes while controlling costs. Future work aims to broaden solution applications and further optimize integrated well construction management

Atikamekw Nehirowisiw mirowatisiwin : Identifier les forces de la communauté de Manawan pour promouvoir le mieux-être et les saines habitudes de vie

The Atikamekw Nehirowisiw Nation stands out for its strong culture and proactive policies and interventions to ensure the wellness and healing of members of three Nehirowisiw communities. As part of the Kahnawà:ke Schools Diabetes Prevention Project’s Community Mobilization Training study for promotion of healthy lifestyles, we explored perspectives of wellness among members of the Nehirowisiw community of Manawan. This participatory project involved youth, elders, and community intervention workers through an adaptation of the concept mapping methodology outlined by Kane and Trochim. A Photovoice activity followed by photo-elicited talking circles were used to brainstorm how wellness is manifested in the community. Brainstorming was conducted through talking circles for intervention workers and Elders. Over 800 statements about wellness were generated, and similar statements were combined to obtain a final set of 84 statements. Participants sorted the statements in thematic clusters and rated the priority (most important to address) and feasibility (most possible to address) levels of each statement. Statements ranked with high priority and high feasibility were considered strengths of the community. The Nehiromowin language, family relations, the available healing paths, connection to Nitaskinan — the territory — and environmental protection are the community's main strengths. Here we discuss these strengths, and the role they can play in helping the community face a variety of challenges. We present how the process of identifying community strengths can be used in the development of strategic mobilization plans for the promotion of wellness.La Nation Atikamekw Nehirowisiw se démarque par la force de sa culture et ses politiques et interventions proactives pour assurer le mieux-être et la guérison des membres de ses trois communautés. Dans le cadre du projet de Formation à la mobilisation communautaire du Projet de prévention du diabète des écoles de Kahnawà:ke, nous avons exploré les perspectives sur le mieux-être des membres de la communauté nehirowisiw de Manawan. Ce projet participatif a impliqué des jeunes, des aînés, et des intervenants de la communauté grâce à une adaptation de la schématisation conceptuelle établie par Kane et Trochim. Une activité Photovoice suivie de cercles de discussion fut utilisée pour réfléchir avec les jeunes aux façons dont le mieux-être se manifeste dans la communauté. Le remue-méninge avec les aînés et les intervenants communautaires s’est fait lors de cercles de discussion. Plus de 800 énoncés à propos du mieux-être furent générés, et les énoncés similaires furent combinés pour obtenir un ensemble final de 84 énoncés. Les participants ont trié les énoncés en groupes thématiques et évalué le niveau de priorité (importance d’adresser l’énoncé) et de faisabilité (possibilité d’adresser l’énoncé) de chaque énoncé. Les énoncés ayant le plus haut niveau de priorité et de faisabilité étaient considérés comme étant des forces de la communauté. La langue nehiromowin, les relations familiales, les chemins de guérisons disponibles, la connexion au Nitaskinan — le territoire — et la protection de l’environnement sont les principaux atouts de la communauté. Nous discutons ici de ces forces, et du rôle qu’elles peuvent jouer pour aider la communauté à faire face à divers défis. Nous présentons comment le processus d’identification des forces communautaires peut servir dans le développement de plans stratégiques de mobilisation pour la promotion du mieux-être.   *L'article complet sera publié à l'avenir