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

Sterculia setigera hydroethanolic extract protects brain tissues ex vivo against lipid peroxidation and possesses in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Medicinal plants remain good sources of remedies both in traditional and modern medicine. The present study aimed to evaluate ex vivo and in vitro neuroprotective effects of Sterculia setigera, a medicinal plant of Togolese flora. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate was assayed ex vivo using the combination of ascorbic acid and FeCl2 as prooxidants. In vitro anti-inflammatory tests consisted in the evaluation of inhibition of albumin denaturation and red blood cells hemolysis. DPPH tests, FRAP test and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the hydroethanolic extract of S. setigera were realized. Quantitative determination of total phenols, flavonoids and tannins was also performed. S. setigera hydroethanolic extract protected significantly brain homogenates against lipid peroxidation (-78.28 % of MDA reduction at 200 µg/mL, P<0.001). DDPH radical was scavenged by extract with IC50 of 21.25 ± 0.41 µg/mL, close to that of the standard ascorbic acid (20.60 ± 0.26 µg/mL). The TAC of S. setigera hydroethanolic extract expressed as equivalent of standard ascorbic acid was 102.44 ± 19.48 µg AAE/mg. The IC50 found for S. setigera (139.68 ± 0.36 µg/mL) when inhibiting RBCs hemolysis is very close to that of Diclofenac (128.41 ± 0.21 µg/mL). Among polyphenolic compounds quantified, flavonoids were well represented with concentration of 172.38 ± 8.36 µgRE/mg. The presence of these polyphenolics may explain good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities recorded, confirming its suitable usage in the local pharmacopoeia and making S. setigera a good candidate for neuroprotective drugs discovery. Keywords: Sterculia setigera, neuroprotection, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Spirulina platensis improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress in fructose-fed rats

Oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are hallmarks of diabetes mellitus. The present study aimed to assess the antidiabetic activity of a local strain of Spirulina platensis produced at Pahou (Benin), known as “Spiruline Dou Bogan” (SPD), in fructose-fed rats.  Glucose metabolism impairment was induced by feeding 8g/kg, body weight (bw), fructose solution orally to Sprague Dawley rats (n = 8) for 56 days, treated with SPD (18.75; 37.5 and 75 mg/kg, bw), and analyzed for plasma blood glucose, serum biochemistry and the markers of oxidative stress (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Reduced glutathione (GSH), DPPH radical scavenging assay. SPD concentrations, given orally for 42 days, significantly reversed the elevations in plasma blood glucose, MDA, and the reduction in kidneys glutathione activity. Oral administration of 18.75, 37.5, and 75 mg/kg doses of SPD also lowered serum Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), Triglycerides and Creatinine levels. SPD 75 mg/kg treatment in particular has significantly decreased serum Triglycerides level and increased HDL-Cholesterol levels, reversing the atherogenic potential of 56 days fructose administration. The consumption of S. platensis produced locally in Benin as a food supplement, easily accessible for low-income populations, may be helpful in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Oxidative stress; Spirulina platensis; hyperglycemia; insulin resistance, fructose die

A 90-Day Oral Toxicity of Hydroethanolic Root Extract of Carissa spinarum in Wistar Rats

Background. Herbal medication is a worldwide and ancient practice, mostly in developing countries, where a large part of the population is involved in this practice. Hence, studies must be conducted to evaluate their safety and efficiency to avoid or prevent toxicological risks due to their usage. In Togo, Carissa spinarum is a medicinal plant belonging to Apocynaceae family, used as an aphrodisiac or to heal some ailments including malaria, sickle cell anemia, hypertension, pain, and asthma. Notwithstanding its several ethnomedicinal benefits, just a few toxicological data associated with its chronic use are available. Objective. Therefore, this study aims to assess the toxicity of an ethanolic root extract of Carissa spinarum in Wistar rats. Methods. The 90-day oral toxicity process following OECD TG 408 guidelines is used. Male Wistar rats received Carissa spinarum root hydroethanolic extract at 500 and 1000 mg/kg for 90 days by oral gavage. Body weight changes, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, organ weight changes, malondialdehyde as a lipoperoxidation marker expressed according to tissue proteins, and histopathology of vital organs were assessed. Results. No signs of toxicity or mortality were observed during the 90 days experiment. Hematological parameters have not shown any treatment-related abnormalities. According to biochemical parameters, an increase in the chloride ion level was observed at 1000 mg/kg p<0.01. There was no significant difference between the treated groups and the control group concerning the malondialdehyde concentration, body weight, and organ relative weight. No changes in necropsy and histopathology of vital organs associated with extract treatment were observed. Conclusion. The results indicated that an ethanolic root extract of Carissa spinarum does not cause adverse effects, which can lead to Wistar rats’ death after 90-day oral administration at 500 and 1000 mg

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&lt;0.001) and the volume of paw edema (P&lt;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&lt;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

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