Review on ethnobotany, phytochemitry and bioactivity of the Tropical medicinal plant species Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poiret. (Hypericaceae)

Aims: To provide knowledge on phytochemistry and bioactivity of H. madagascariensis Lam. ex Poiret.Study Design: Multidisciplinary advanced bibliographic surveys, utilization of ChemBioDraw software package and dissemination of the resulted knowledge.Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Science, Pedagogical National University, Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa and Department of Environmental Science, University of Gbadolite, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, between October 2018 and decembre 2019.Methodology: A literature search was conducted to obtain information about the phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of H. madagascariensis from various electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct and Google scholar). The scientific name of this plant species was used as a keyword for the search, along with the terms phytochemistry and pharmacognosy. The chemical structures of the H. madagascariensis naturally occurring compounds were drawn using ChemBioDraw Ultra 15.0 software package.Results : Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poiret.  is a species of shrubs belonging to the family of Hypericaceae and is native to Madagascar and grows in the forests of tropical Africa, which is used in several traditional medicines to cure various diseases. The plant is reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective activity and vasodilatory effects. A wide range of chemical compounds including four prenylated anthranols, harunganols C−F, along with kenganthranol A, harunganin, and ferruginin A [were identified from the leaves and two anthronoids named harunmadagascarins A and B, along with the harungin anthrone, harunganol B, methyl 3-formyl-2,4-dihydroxy-6-methyl benzoate, friedelin, lupeol and betulinic acid were identified from the stem bark of H. madagascariensis.Conclusion: This review can therefore help to inform future scientific research for the development of new drugs of relevance for improving human health and well-being. In particular, drug candidates for the treatment of diseases due to oxidative stress such as sickle cell disease. Â

Microscopic Studies, Mineral composition and Bioactivity of Vitex madiensis Oliv. (Lamiaceae)

Ethanol and organic acid extracts from the leaves of Vitex madiensis Oliv. were evaluated for their antihelminthic activity using the animal model of Benhamia rosea and B. itoleisis (Kinshasa/DRC earthworms), antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity. Different concentrations (5 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 1.25 mg/mL and 0.625 mg/mL) of standard Albendazole (positive control) and sample solutions (organic acid extracts and ethanol extracts) were used for this study which involved the determination of the paralysis time (vermifuge) and mortality time (vermicidal activity) of the worms. The presence of different secondary metabolites was determined by the thin layer chromatography. The results obtained showed that the ethanolic extract and the organic acid extracts showed significant antihelminthic activity. Microscopic examination of the parts used revealed the presence of various histological elements. Its phytochemical profile remains dominated by various secondary metabolites such as coumarins, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenoids. The mineral composition was determined by inductively coupled argon plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-EOS) showed the abundance of various elements, namely calcium, iron, potassium, selenium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, phosphorus, cobalt, copper, barium and zinc in this plant. The antibacterial activity of the extracts of this plant was weak against the bacterial strains tested. The organic acid and ethanol extracts showed interesting antioxidant activity. The leaves extracts of Vitex madiensis Oliv. showed good antihelminthic, antibacterial and antioxidant activities related to their phytochemical compositions. All these results constitute scientific evidence validating the use of this medicinal plant for the management of parasitic infections of small ruminants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. (Burseraceae): An Updated Review and Future Direction for Sickle Cell Disease

The aim of the study was to collect data obtained from various studies carried out by different authors concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Canarium schweinfurthii. This review has been compiled using references from major databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect and Google scholars Databases. An extensive survey of literature revealed that C. schweinfurthii is a good source of health promoting secondary metabolites such as phenolic and terpenoic acids among others that could have many wonderful applications (like antisickling properties). The plant has been reported to possess several pharmacological activities such as analgesic, antimicrobial and antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The plant is also belongs to the great apes (GA) feeding. Humans and great apes (bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, etc.) share a common gut anatomy. Although, some diseases that cause countless deaths in humans (like malaria) are ineffective or have minor non disturbing effects in GA. They represent therefore a good model for human pathology and physiology. This GA plant based food could protect human sickle erythrocyte against hemolysis by inhibiting the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin and radical oxygen species formation within sickle erythrocyte as it does for Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes in bonobos. The results of the present review of literature makes C. schweinfurthii an interesting candidate for advanced antisickling pharmacological investigations such as antisickling, anti-hemolytic and membrane stabilizing effects of this plant

In situ Inventory of Medicinal Plant Species in Democratic Republic of the Congo: A case study of two Community-Based Forests of the Ubangi Eco-Region

A forest inventory was conducted in two community-based forests in the Oubanguian eco-region from November 2016 to May 2017 to identify therapeutically valuable phytogenetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with their use. 269 medicinal plants belonging to 24 families and 26 species have been identified. Morinda morindoides (13.01%), Ricinodendron heudelotii (12.26%) and Triplochiton scleroxylon (10.40%) are the most common species in situ. However, species such as: Urena lobata (0.37%), Monodora myristica (0.37%) and Elaeophorbia drupifera (0.37%) are unfortunately becoming rare in the forest. Leaves (51.73%), bark (41.22%) and stems (0.74%) are the most commonly used. Anemia (22, 66%), sexual impotence (15.60%) and malaria as well as hemorrhoid (11.87 %.) are the most treated diseases. In order to protect plant biodiversity from human pressures, it is suggested the creation of a protected reserve to prevent species erosion and regulate access to these genetic resources in this eco-region for a sustainable development of community-based people

Effects of Stylosanthes guyanensis and soybean inoculum on the growth and production of soybean (Glycine max L.) in eco-climatic conditions of Kinshasa (DR Congo)

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a legume grown mainly for its seeds rich in proteins with the proportions of 36.5%. In Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC or DR Congo), there are several varieties of cultivated soybeans. Since there is a diversity of soils cultivated by farmers, some varieties do not always express their potential. The reason why a study was conducted in N'djili-Brasserie crop scientific station from April20 to August12, 2013 for the first test and from October 2, 2013 to January 12, 2014 for the second test. This study was designed to compare the two used fertilizers, to bring out the best dose of these fertilizers enabling the farmers of this country to increase their production and to evaluate the yield of the variety TGX 888-49 C. The results of the test conducted according to a randomized complete block system with four repetitions showed that Stylosanthes guyanensis (6 Kg/m2) has positively influenced the studied parameters as well in the first test as in the second test of which the best yield was that observed from the first test (2133 Kg/ha) while the lowest yield was observed in the second test (1175 kg/ha). Given the findings, Stylosanthes guyanensis biomass can be retained and recommended as organic fertilizer for soybean production in Kinshasa and its surroundings

Ethno-botanical survey and Ecological study of Plants resources used in Folk medicine to treat symptoms of Tuberculosis in Kinshasa City, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Medicinal plants represent the key product for the Congolese population. In order to preserve the ethno-medical cultural heritage of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the present study was undertaken with the aim of identifying and characterizing ecological status of plant species used to treat symptoms of tuberculosis in Kinshasa city. The ethno-botanical study was conducted in Kinshasa city in January-March 2013 through questionnaire and personal interviews and their responses were documented. Twenty-six plant species found in 20 families and 25 genera which belong to the Magnoliophyta taxonomic group were identified out of which phanerophytes predominate. The family of Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae and Rubiaceae are represented each one by two species and the remainders with only one species each one. 88.46% of herbal remedies used to treat symptoms of TB in Kinshasa city are prepared by aqueous decoction. All recipes are administered to patients by oral route. 26.92% of used medicinal plants are Guinea-Congolese species. Leaves are the most used part (69.23%). The large distribution of inventoried medicinal flora in Africa means that the protection of their ecosystems should be a common effort at national, sub-regional and regional levels. Advanced phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological investigations of some inventoried plants are in progress and might lead to the development and standardization of interesting anti-TB remedies

A review on the Bioactivity and Phytochemistry of Jatropha podagrica Hook (Euphorbiaceae)

Aims: to provide knowledge on the bioactivity and phytochemistry of Jatropha podagrica Hook.Study Design: Advanced multidisciplinary bibliographical research, use of the ChemBioDraw software package and dissemination of the knowledge obtained.Methodology: A literature review was conducted to obtain information on the pharmacognosy and phytochemistry of Jatropha podagrica Hook. from various scientific databases (SciLEO, PubMed, Google scholar, Science Direct and PubMed Central). The scientific name of this plant species was used as a keyword for the search, as well as the terms pharmacognosy and phytochemistry. ChemBioDraw Ultra 12.0 software was used to draw the structures of chemical compounds of Jatropha podagrica Hook. and other species of the genus Jatropha.Results: The results obtained revealed that this plant is traditionally used as a stimulant or analgesic. This species possesses various biological properties such as anti-tumor, antimicrobial, molluscicidal and anti-insect. These properties are due to the presence of natural chemical compounds such as steroids, flavonoids and diterpenoids.Conclusion: This study can therefore help guide future scientific research towards the development of new antisickling drugs from Jatropha podagrica Hook

Contribution to the Knowledge of Amphibians of Kponyo village (DR Congo)

Our survey was conducted in the forest habitats and on the border of the river and road. Additional materials were obtained from different traps (Pitfall and Vervet net). In total, 16 frog morphospecies/representatives of species were collected and recorded. Most of the specimens of amphibians were collected in the forest habitats. Two specimens of Hemisus were collected in the primary forest

In vitro and in vivo anti-malarial and cytotoxic activities of ethanolic extracts of Annona senegalensis Pers (Annonaceae) from Democratic Republic of the Congo

The objective of this study was to validate scientifically the antimalarial effectiveness and safety of A. senegalensis. Ethanolic crude extracts of Annona senegalensis growing in Democratic Republic of the Congo were evaluated for the inhibitory effects on two malaria parasites strains (P. falciparum FcM29 & P. yoelii subsp nigeriensis) and cytotoxicity towards leukaemia P-388 cell lines. Results indicate that, the antiplasmodial activities of tested plant extracts are moderate in vitro and weak in vivo. While the leaves crude extract displayed toxic effect towards P-388 cells. So, the wide use of this medicinal plant in Congolese Folk Medicine as antimalarial herbal could constitutes a great risk of population poisoning

EDXRF and GC Characterization of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) Rhizome from Madagascar

Curcuma longa is mostly distributed in Asia and is the most common traditional drug of Indian and Chinese medicines used as anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant agents. The present study was designed to characterize Curcuma longa L. from Madagascar by the determination of heavy metals and mineral elements of 3 samples of Curcuma longa L. rhizomes powder from 3 local companies by X fluorescence method and the essential oil chemical composition from 2 regions of Madagascar: Anivorano and Manjakandriana by gas chromatography (GC). The major compounds were Ar-Turmerone    (42,19-47,32%), β-Turmerone    (07,26-09,63%) and α-Turmerone    (16,78-17,59%). The major mineral elements Curcuma longa L. rhizome powder was Magnesium (28000,0 ± 280,0), Calcium (1236,5 ± 111,3 mg/kg) and Iron (1102,0 ± 110,2) from Manjakandriana. It is thus desirable that the chemical composition of Malagasy turmeric from vrarious place in Madagascar would be compared to those from African continent