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BACKGROUND: Managing pest species of eusocial insects, such as leaf‐cutting ants, poses significant challenges. Controlling them requires understanding of how toxic plant substrates and ant baits are recognized by foragers, transported to the nest, shared among workers and managed by gardeners cultivating the symbiont fungus garden. Despite this, little is known about how unsuitable resources might impact social interactions within ant colonies. This study aims to investigate whether the provision of a suitable substrate (copperleaf) and a toxic substrate (nasturtium leaves) affects the social network dynamics within colonies of two leaf‐cutting ant species: Acromyrmex molestans and Acromyrmex subterraneus. The interactions between castes were recorded and subjected to social network analyses. RESULTS: Initial foraging duration increased for A. subterraneus provided with copperleaf, although no difference was observed for the other species and resource combinations. The social network structure was similar for both species when copperleaf leaves were provided as a substrate. However, notable alterations occurred with nasturtium leaf provision, leading to higher integration of gardeners in interactions and noticeable changes in the generalist worker network centrality, particularly in A. subterraneus. DISCUSSION: The observed changes in social interactions, particularly in A. subterraneus, suggest that increasing gardener interactions with other castes expedites the movement of the substrate within the colony. This maximizes the potential toxic effect on the colony. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity of Seborrheic dermatitis on the skin of children still remains of the dermatoses of male and female babies in the early days of their existence. Acalypha wilkesiana L have been employed by mothers to combat Seborrheic dermatitis, yet, the descriptors responsible for such activity as well as the nonbonding interactions between the selected phytochemicals and stearoyl-CoA desaturase has not been explored. The studied compounds were optimized using Spartan’14 software as well as molecular operating environments (MOE) for docking, Cytoscape software for compound-protein interaction network, Gromacs for molecular dynamic simulation as well ADMETSar for pharmacokinetics studies. The selected compounds proved to have anti-stearoyl-CoA desaturase properties via the calculated descriptors obtained from the chemical compounds obtained from Acalypha wilkesiana L as well as from the result from molecular modeling studies. The Pharmacokinetics results were observed and reported appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acalypha wilkesiana is considered a great tool for rearing Tetranychus urticae in the laboratory; it has two colors of leaves i.e., green and red. The leaf pigment content and some chemical properties were observed in this study to examine the correlation between the biology of T. urticae and the physio-biochemical features of the green and red leaves of A. wilkesiana. Results showed that T. urticae individuals achieved faster growth and a greater number of eggs deposited by females when feeding on A. wilkesiana with greener leaves, which contained higher levels of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b, and total carotenoids). There was a significant positive correlation (P ≤ 0.05) between T. urticae female hatchability, egg deposited/female, and daily rate with contents of total carbohydrate, total carotenoids, soluble sugars, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b. For male biology, there was a significant positive correlation (P ≤ 0.05) between T. urticae male life span, immature stages, and life cycle with contents of total phenols, and anthocyanin. These results indicated the role of chemical components of Acalypha leaves in the biological aspects of T. urticae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acalypha wilkesiana, commonly known as “Copper leaf” and belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, is a tropical shrub renowned for its ornamental beauty and diverse cultural uses. Its leaves are frequently utilized by locals for various medicinal purposes. This study evaluated the proximate, mineral and vitamin compositions of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf. Proximate analysis was conducted using standard methods, while the mineral concentrations were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and vitamins were quantified using appropriate colorimetric and titration methods. The percentage proximate composition for moisture, ash, fiber, protein, fat, and carbohydrates were 13.75±1.75, 12.75±0.75, 8.00±0.60, 3.65±0.05, 12.90±0.10, and 48.95±0.45, respectively, while the energy value was 326±1.10 kcal/g. The mineral analysis revealed that the leaf is rich in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, calcium and zinc, with concentrations (mg/g) of 3.96±0.05, 2.89±1.79, 2.73±0.25, 1.94±0.08, 1.40±1.01, 1.31±0.42 and 0.30±0.14, respectively. The fat soluble vitamins ranged from 4.12±0.26 (for vitamin D) ¬¬to 17.28±1.00 mg/kg (for vitamin E), while the water soluble vitamins ranged from 0.05±0.02 mg/100g (for vitamin B2) to 69.61±1.77 mg/kg (for vitamin C). The results show that Acalypha wilkesiana leaf is a good source of nutrients, minerals and vitamins, and could serve as a dietary supplement for addressing nutritional deficiencies.

Medicinal plants prevent and ameliorate various diseases. In Nigeria, different species of Acalypha has demonstrated antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This study investigated some haematological parameters in phenyl hydrazine induced-anaemic Wistar rats treated with aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of A. wilkesiana. Anaemia was induced subcutaneously with phenyl hydrazine at 40 mg/kg body weight, and treated with both extracts. Rats were divided into nine groups of five each. Groups A, B and C were normal control, anaemic control and vitamin E control respectively. Groups D, E, F and G, H, I was given 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of both leaf extracts, respectively. After 14 days post-treatment, Group B showed significant reduction (p < 0.05) of some haematological parameters when compared with control. Groups treated with vitamin E and A. wilkesiana showed significant reverse and restoration of some haematological parameters towards and above control values in a relatively non-dose dependent and non-significant manner (p > 0.05), except lymphocytes, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and haematocrit which recorded significant increase (p < 0.05). However, platelets and platelet crit recorded significant decrease (p < 0.05). The study revealed that the leaf extracts may be relatively anti-anaemic with better hematopoietic potentials than Vitamin E.

The effective elimination of heavy metals from a polluted environment is of utmost significance, particularly in cases where soil contamination is induced by the discharge of landfill leachate. The contamination of landfill soil with heavy metals has been one of the major concerns for decades. Therefore, identifying potential plants for phytoremediation of landfill soil is unavoidable. This research aimed to analyze soil of an abandoned landfill from Matang Malaysia and to conduct phytoremediation of landfill metalcontaminated soil using the Acalypha wilkesiana plant. Analyses shows that Cd, Pb, Cu, As, Mn, Ni, and Cr were higher than the Environmental Quality Standard of Malaysia. While Zn was found less than the standard, Fe was not detected by the plant. The removal of heavy metal by A. wilkesiana was higher compared to unexposed plants. The highest removal occurred on Mn, Cr, Cu, and Ni with concentrations 10.93, 1.50, 1.30, and 1.10 mg/kg, respectively, which was achieved in 6 months harvesting period. The results also revealed that the bio-concentration and translocation factors of Cu, Cd, Ni, and As were above 1, which means the plant has the ability to accumulate and transfer metals to the shoot of the plant. The plant has the capability to be used in the phytoremediation of heavy metals from landfill soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of increased interest in the production of plant-based drugs for the treatment of many diseases has become a significant reason why people have become more coversant in the use of traditional medicine for the treatment of mild and serious illness. Due to increase in the thrust for the production of plant-based drugs, this present study was carried out to compare the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potencies of acetone, methanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana collected from Kaura Namoda Botanical Garden in Zamfara State-Nigeria. The antioxidant activities was evaluated using various assays; The total phenolic content of aqueous, methanol and acetone leaf extract were 15.58 0.66 mg GAE/g, 14.10 2.17 mg GAE/g and 8.70 0.01 mg GAE/g respectively. Total flavonol contents; 207.10 11.53 mg QE/g, 196.08 5.53 mg QE/g and 112.04 8.27 mg QE/g respectively. Total flavonoid contents; 240.99 9.50 mg QE/g, 252.52 3.73 mg QE/g and 123.88 5.58 mg QE/g respectively. FRAP values were 679.14 0.45 mmol/g, 611.90 7.09 mmol/g and 292.07 11.38mmol/g respectively. ABTS activity of aqueous, methanol and acetone leaf extract were 24.30 5.86 mg AAE/g, 14.49 1.02 mg AAE/g and 7.00 0.57 mg AAE/g respectively, methanol leaf extract had the highest percentage DPPH Inhibition value of 42.64 5.13, followed by aqueous (31.77 4.08) at 0.25mg/ml while aqueous had the highest (52.63 0.67), followed by methanol extract (44.80 2.80) at 0.50mg/ml. Aqueous extract had the highest percentage inhibition of Nitric Oxide with a value of 59.74 1.30, followed by methanol extract (46.11 2.54) at 0.25mg/ml. inhibition for aqueous was also highest at 0.5 mg/ml. Aqueous extract had the highest percentage lipid peroxidation inhibition value of 22.66 2.93, followed by methanol leaf extract with the value of 18.89 0.80 while at 0.50mg/ml methanol leaf extract had the highest percentage inhibition of lipid peroxidation (39.42 3.10), followed by aqueous leaf extract with the value of 31.48 1.61. The results showed that aqueous and methanol leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana displayed potent antioxidant effects with the aqueous having an edge. This present study therefore supports the view that Acalypha wilkesiana can be used in the management of oxidative stress and other related diseases.

Background: Recently, phytomedicine have been applied in the management of various diseases related to toxicity. In addition, attention has been on cyanide toxicity due to its harmful effects on man and animals. Thus, this research was carried out to determine the effect of Acalypha wilkesiana methanol leaf extract on cyanide induced renal damage in rats. Methods: 45 female Wister rats randomly divided into 7 groups were used for this study. Group 1:received neither cyanide nor methanol fraction of Acalypha wilkesiana (MFAW), 2 and 3 received different doses of MFAW respectively, 4 received cyanide only, 5 Rats received cyanide and sodium thiosulphate. 6 and 7 received cyanide and different doses of MFAW respectively. Renal markers (urea, creatinine, sodium, bicarbonate, potassium and chloride electrolytes) and antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, malonaldehyde, catalase, gluthathione peroxidase) were assessed in the kidneys using standard biochemical procedures. Results: Renal markers showed significant elevated levels of creatinine, urea and serum electrolytes in the untreated rats. However, treatment with methanol leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana significantly (p

The aim of this investigation is to ascertain the possible ameliorating potential of Acalyphaw ilkesiana (subsp. macrophylla) methanolic leaf extract on cyanide induced hepatotoxicity and haemato toxicity in Wister rats. A total of 35Wister rats weighing between 100 and 150g were apportioned into 7 groups at random, each containing 5 rats. Group 1: negative control, received no treatment; group 2 and 3 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of A. wilkesiana crude extract respectively; group 4: received cyanide only (positive control); group 5: received cyanide and 660 mg/kg sodium thiosulphate (standard group); group 6 and7 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of crude extract of A. wilkesiana respectively. The result indicates that methanolic extract of A.wilkesiana irrespective of the concentration significantly reduced ALT, AST, and ALP activities in the rats induced with cyanide when compared with the positive control. However, Albumin and Total Protein concentrations were significantly increased in the treated Groups when compared with the positive control. In conclusion, Acalypha wilkesiana leaves were able to ameliorate cyanide induced hepatotoxicity comparable to standard cyanide antidotes in Wister rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this investigation is to ascertain the possible ameliorating potential of Acalyphaw ilkesiana (subsp. macrophylla) methanolic leaf extract on cyanide induced hepatotoxicity and haemato toxicity in Wister rats. A total of 35Wister rats weighing between 100 and 150g were apportioned into 7 groups at random, each containing 5 rats. Group 1: negative control, received no treatment; group 2 and 3 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of A. wilkesiana crude extract respectively; group 4: received cyanide only (positive control); group 5: received cyanide and 660 mg/kg sodium thiosulphate (standard group); group 6 and7 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of crude extract of A. wilkesiana respectively. The result indicates that methanolic extract of A.wilkesiana irrespective of the concentration significantly reduced ALT, AST, and ALP activities in the rats induced with cyanide when compared with the positive control. However, Albumin and Total Protein concentrations were significantly increased in the treated Groups when compared with the positive control. In conclusion, Acalypha wilkesiana leaves were able to ameliorate cyanide induced hepatotoxicity comparable to standard cyanide antidotes in Wister rats.

This study was carried out in the nursery of the Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Res. Dept., Hort. Res. Inst., A.R.C., Giza, Egypt during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons to find out the response of Acalypha wilkesiana grown in different potting mixtures to different irrigation regimes. Five types of equal proportions potting mixtures (v:v) i.e. sand + peat moss (Mix. 1), sand + perlite (Mix. 2), sand + vermiculite (Mix. 3), sand + peat moss + perlite (Mix. 4) and sand + peat moss + vermiculite (Mix. 5), and 4 levels of irrigation water at 25, 50, 75 and 100% of pot water capacity, and their interaction, were applied in this study. Vegetative and root parameters as well as the leaves content of total chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanin and the percentages of total carbohydrate, N, P and K were recorded. The obtained results showed that there was a great influence of the different potting mixtures particularly those containing peat moss on A. wilkesiana growth e.g. Mix. 5 resulted in the highest records of plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, stem fresh weight, root dry weight and N% in the leaves. On the other hand, irrigation at 25% pot water capacity resulted in the lowest values of almost all studied characters, while, watering at 75% pot water capacity gave rise to the highest plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, root length, stem fresh weight, dry weight of leaves, stem and root dry weights, total carbohydrate %, anthocyanin content and percentages of N, P and K. Regarding the interaction treatments, all potting mixtures recorded the highest values in most cases when combined with irrigation regime at 100 or 75% pot water capacity. From the above results and to obtain high quality Acalypha wilkesiana shrubs with reducing the amount of irrigation water by 25%, it is recommended to use the Mix. 5 (sand + peat moss + vermiculite) + irrigation at 75% pot water capacity.

Nanoparticles nowadays are an effective control agent against most phytopathogens. However, there are many reports on their antimicrobial activity and little as a nematicide. In this study, green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Acalypha wilkesiana aqueous leaf extract was achieved. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the crystalline structure with face-centred cubic (fcc), where is the size was nearly 20 nm. SEM images of the Ag NPs show the spherical shape and in the range from 10 to 30 nm. Various functional groups, capping, and stability agents were identified using Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The nematicidal activity of biosynthesized Ag NPs conc. 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL were evaluated in vitro against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), egg hatching (6 days after) and movement after 24 and 48 h. The Ag NPs (100 µg/ml) application after 48 h was the most effective treatment that showed 53.3% of nematode mortality. Overall, the efficiency of bio-Ag NPs reduced the nematode activity, mortality, egg hatching, and movement of larvae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of nematicidal action of biosynthesized Ag NPs using A. wilkesiana aqueous extract, and it could be recommended to manage the plant-parasitic nematode as it is simple, stable, cost-effective and keep the environment safe.

Abstract Background Callosobruchus maculatus is an important insect pest of cowpea. The inhibitory effects of oil extract of Acalypha wilkesiana (Muell Arg.) leaves on antioxidant, neurotransmitter, and detoxifying enzyme in adult Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) were evaluated under laboratory condition. The leaves of the plant were collected fresh and air-dried before the oil was extracted from them through cold extraction method while ethanol was used as solvent. Adult C. maculatus were exposed to 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 ml of 0.5% concentration of the oil extract and were homogenized separately. The supernatants gotten from them were used as enzyme sources. The activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, AChE, CarEST and GST were observed with photospectrometer. GC-MS analysis was done to evaluate the active compounds present in the oil extract. Results The activities of the enzymes increased at lower dosages of the oil extract (0.2 and 0.4 ml) and reduced drastically at higher dosages of the oil (0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 ml). However, AChE activity was more affected by the oil extract as it was almost inhibited by the oil extract. The GC-MS showed that 114 compounds were present in the oil extract of the plant while acetaldehyde had the highest percentage (46.07%) of the total compounds. Conclusion Based on these findings, the oil extract of A. wilkesiana could be a good biopesticide for the control of adult C. maculatus instead of synthetic chemical insecticides.

Abstract Background In folk medicine, Acalypha wilkesiana is often used in the treatment of various ailments, although this has not been fully rationalized scientifically. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extracts on fluid volume and selected tissues in salt loaded rabbits. Methods Thirty rabbits were randomized into five groups consisting of six animals each. Group 1 animals were fed with salt loaded diet continuously. Group 2 animals were fed with salt loaded diet followed by aqueous extract while animals in group 3 were fed with salt loaded diet followed by ethanol extract. Animals in group 4 were fed with salt loaded diet and distilled water while group 5 animals were fed with normal diet only. Results Salt loading resulted in a significantly (P

In this study, we identified bioactive compounds from the ethanolic extracts of the leaves, stem bark and root bark of Acalypha wilkesiana through GC-MS analysis and investigated the effects of these extracts on some of the enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes. Plant parts were extracted sequentially with ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of long-chain alkyl acids, esters, ketones and alcohols including phytol and phytol acetate along with some secondary metabolites such as xanthone, vitamin E and various types of sterols including stigmasterol, campesterol and sitosterol. Ethanolic extracts of all the parts showed a dose- -dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity. The extracts also demonstrated anti-lipase activity. The ethanolic extract of root bark showed the highest inhibition of enzymes compared to other extracts. The EC50 values (concentrations for 50 % inhibition) of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase inhibition were 35.75 ± 1.95, 6.25 ± 1.05 and 101.33 ± 5.21 μg mL-1, resp. The study suggests that A. wilkesiana ethanolic extracts have the ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to confirm the responsible bioactive compounds in this regard.

This study was to investigate survival, growth and accumulation potential of Acalypha wilkesiana in phytoextraction of heavy metals contaminated soil. Acalypha wilkesiana was tested to evaluate its tolerance and phytoextraction capacity in soils contaminated with metals. It was tested under 10 mL of 100 mg/kg of As, Cr, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn solution, along 240 days in greenhouse experiment with harvesting period of 60 days interval. Twenty four cuttings from Acalypha wilkesiana were subjected to the same treatment. Plants roots stem and leaves were dry-digested and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results show that Fe was the most accumulated metal followed by Cu, Mn, As and Zn with 5002.4, 542.7, 492.2, 396.7 and 308.2 mg/kg, respectively. The concentration of Cr, Ni, and Co was 101.2, 99.09, and 89.63mg/kg respectively. The highest concentration of Pb was 46.44 mg/kg, Cd was not detected by the plant. Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) of metals were above unity in root, stem, and leaf except for Fe which showed a value below the unity, and Pb shows highest BF value of 7.79. The Translocation Factor (TF) of Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, and Pb were higher, while that of As, Cu, Mn, and Zn were below the unity, Co showed the highest value of 15.93. Furthermore, Extraction Coefficient (EC) of Cr, Co, Ni, and Pb were greater than 1, while for remaining metals were lower than unity, the highest EC was observed from Pb with a value 17.21.

Abstract Background This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on some serum parameters that are indicators or risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, in salt loaded rabbits. Method Thirty experimental rabbits used for this study were randomized into five groups (A to E) of six rabbits. Rabbits in groups A to D were given salt loaded diets. Groups B and C animals were also treated with aqueous and ethanol extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves respectively while rabbits in group E served as control. Results Salt loading resulted in a significantly (P

Abstract Background In traditional medicine, Acalypha wilkesiana is frequently used solely or as a composite part of many herbal preparations for therapeutic purposes. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves, on some serum diagnostic enzymes in normal experimental rabbits. Methods Eighteen adult male experimental rabbits were randomized into three groups (A, B and C), comprising of six animals each. Group A animals were given aqueous extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves, while group B animals were given ethanol extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves. The extracts were administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for a period of twenty-one (21) days. Group C animals were given water, thus they served as control. Data are represented as Mean ± S.E.M (n = 6). Significance of Difference was tested by ANOVA at P 0.05) lower serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatinine kinase (CK), as compared with the control animals. Conclusion In view of the effects of the plant extracts on ALP and LDH levels, the use of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf in traditional medicine should be with caution.

Recent studies suggested that combined treatment approaches can be used to improve anticancer potency and circumvent the limitations of high-dose tocotrienols administration. Acalypha wilkesiana is a medicinal plant that has been used as an adjunct treatment for cancers in traditional medicine. Herein, the effects of single and combined treatments of β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols and ethyl acetate extract (9EA) of Acalypha wilkesiana on lung (A549) and brain (U87MG) cancer cells were investigated. γ- and δ-tocotrienols exhibited higher potent antiproliferative effects against A549 (12.1 μg/ml and 13.6 μg/ml)μg/ml), respectively. Whereas, 9EA induced potent antiproliferative effects against U87MG cells only (2.0 μg/ml). Combined treatments of tocotrienols and 9EA induced a synergistic growth inhibition with up to 8.4-fold reduction in potent doses of β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols on A549 cells. Apoptotic features were also evidenced on A549 cells receiving single and combined treatments. The synergism may greatly improve the therapeutic outcome for lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In traditional medicine, Acalypha wilkesiana is frequently used solely or as a composite part of many herbal preparations for therapeutic purposes. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves, on some serum diagnostic enzymes in normal experimental rabbits. Methods: Eighteen adult male experimental rabbits were randomized into three groups (A, B and C), comprising of six animals each. Group A animals were given aqueous extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves, while group B animals were given ethanol extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves. The extracts were administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for a period of twenty-one (21) days. Group C animals were given water, thus they served as control. Data are represented as Mean ± S.E.M ( n = 6). Significance of Difference was tested by ANOVA at P < 0.05. Results: Administration of the aqueous or ethanol extracts, to the experimental animals resulted in a significantly ( P < 0.05) higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), non-significantly ( P > 0.05) lower serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatinine kinase (CK), as compared with the control animals. Conclusion: In view of the effects of the plant extracts on ALP and LDH levels, the use of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf in traditional medicine should be with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activty and anti-acid property of Acalypha wilkesiana foliage extract. Materials and Methods: Hot and cold aqueous extracts were prepared from healthy leaves of A. wilkesiana. Free radical scavenging activity and H + , K + -ATPase inhibition activities of aqueous foliage extracts was screened by in vitro models. Statistical Analysis Used: All experiments were performed in triplicate and results are expressed as mean ± SEM. Results: A. wilkesiana hot aqueous extract (AWHE) showed significant antioxidants and free radical scavenging activity. Further, AWHE has shown a potent H + , K + -ATPase inhibitory activity (IC 50 : 51.5 ± 0.28 μg/ml) when compare to standard proton pump inhibitor omeprazole (56.2 ± 0.64 μg/ml); however, latter activity is equal to A. wilkesiana cold aqueous extract (AWCE). Quantitative analysis of AWHE has revealed more content of phenols and flavonoids; this is found to be the reason for good antioxidant activity over AWCE. Molecular docking was carried out against H + , K + -ATPase enzyme crystal structure to validate the anti-acid activity of A. wilkesiana major phytochemicals. Conclusions: The present study indicates that the constituents of AWHE and AWCE have good antacid and free radical scavenging activity.

Leaves of copperleaf (Acalypha spp.) are greatly accepted by leaf-cutting ants and therefore used to maintain colonies in the laboratory. In order to determine the attractive potential of granulated bait of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves versus citrus pulp, currently used in commercial baits, an evaluation was performed, by using the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa as model. The handmade non-toxic baits contained powder (90% w/w) of either citrus pulp or A. wilkesiana were offered simultaneously in the foraging arena until the total loading of one of them. Results showed that copperleaf baits are less attractive than the citrus ones, which invalidates the viability of the substitution.Folhas de acalifa (Acalypha spp.) são de grande aceitação pelas formigas cortadeiras e, por isso, utilizadas na manutenção de colônias em laboratório. Baseado nesses fatos, procedeu-se a uma avaliação da atratividade de isca granulada feita com folhas de Acalypha wilkesiana, usando a formiga cortadeira Atta sexdens rubropilosa como modelo, com o objetivo de determinar o seu potencial atrativo frente ao citros, atualmente utilizado na formulação comercial de iscas formicidas. Foram formuladas artesanalmente iscas atóxicas, contendo pó (90% p/p) de polpa cítrica ou de A. wilkesiana. As iscas foram colocadas simultaneamente em uma arena de forrageamento até o carregamento total de uma delas. Os resultados mostram que a isca de acalifa é menos atrativa que a de citros, o que inviabiliza a substituição.

Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves growing in Vom, Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria was carried out to verify claims by the locals of its medicinal properties. We tested the extract for activity against Staphylococcus aureus (G+), Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella aerogenes (G-). The extract exhibited activity against the organisms in varying degrees. In the agar diffusion test, Y. enterocolitica showed the highest zone of inhibition (18 mm) at the highest concentration of extract tested (20 mg/mL) while E. coli, S. aureus, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa and K. aerogenes showed zones of inhibition of 17, 16, 15, 14 and 16 mm respectively. At extract concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, Y. enterocolitica and P. aeruginosa did not show any zones of inhibition while E.coli, S. aureus, S. typhi, and K. aerogenes showed zones of inhibition of 7, 6, 6 and 7 mm respectively. Below extract concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, there was no zone of inhibition observed with any organism. The MIC of the extract against the organisms was 5 mg/mL except on S. aureus where the MIC was 2.5 mg/mL. The MBC of the extract was 10 mg/mL against Y. enterocolitica, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa and K. aerogenes, 5 mg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus. Preliminary phytochemical testing revealed the presence of tannins, steroids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides while saponins, alkaloids and anthraquinones were not present. The result gives scientific backing to the use of the leaves by the local people in the treatment of conditions usually associated with the organisms tested.

Acalypha wilkesiana is a member of the spurge family, genus Acalypha, that is widely used in folklore medicine. The aim of this study was to screen aqueous leaf extract of A. wilkesiana for toxic effects in vitro and in vivo. We examined the phytochemical profile, cytotoxic effects on baby hamster kidney cell line (BHK-21), and oral subacute toxicity of A. wilkesiana leaf decoction in rats. Rats were given 0, 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg body weight of A. wilkesiana leaf extract, daily, orally for 14 days. The phytochemical profile showed the presence of flavonoids, saponin, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. It caused apoptosis in BHK-21 cell line at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml. There was significant increase in the levels of serum AST, ALT, creatinine, urea, Na, K, and Cl levels in all the test groups compared to the control. Histology of the liver revealed centrilobular degeneration and necrosis with sinusoidal dilatation as well as polymorphonuclear and mononuclear infiltration. The kidney showed severe glomerular and tubular degeneration and necrosis with hemorrhage at all doses administered. We conclude that the plant was toxic at the doses tested in vitro and in vivo, and care should be exercised in its use in herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]