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Acalypha godesffiana is a plant used in conventional medicine for fungal-related illnesses. The plant‘s extracts were investigated in this study, antioxidant, and antimicrobial studies were conducted. Different models were employed in the antioxidant assay; serial dilution was utilized to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The extract from A. godseffiana was purified and characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively. Three biologically active compounds, 3, 5-dihdroxylbenzoic acid (1), 3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (2), as well as Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (3), were identified for the first time in A. godseffiana. The extract and fractions exhibited varying scavenging capacities on different anti-oxidative models. The DPPH of MeOH (IC50= 0.51 mg mL−1) was comparable with silymarine (SLY) IC50= 0.52 mg mL−1 and better than gallic acid (GAL) IC50=1.95 mg mL−1; the ABTS.+ of EtOAc column fraction (ACF, IC50=0.46 mg mL−1) was comparable with standard SLY, IC50 = 0.47 mg mL−1; and an OH radical of DCM, IC50= 0.10 mg mL−1, was better than both standards (SLY, IC50= 6.30 mg mL−1, GAL: IC50= 1.93 mg mL−1). ACF showed superior antifungal activities (0.02 mg mL−1) against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans, compared to ketoconazole (MIC of 0.250 mg mL−1). Compounds (1-3) from A. godseffina reportedly displayed antioxidant and other activities. This study validated the antifungal potentials of A. godseffiana leaves and identified bioactive compounds. The extracts should be further investigated, and the compounds should be added to the existing library for further investigation of possible leads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of the in vitro antioxidant and the inhibitory potential of flavonoids from Hermannia geniculata (FHG) roots on diabetes-linked enzymes was carried out. The chemical profiling of FHG roots extract was investigated using High Pressure Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint analysis. The reactive oxygen scavenging potential of the extract was analyzed. Starch solution (1%) was reacted with different concentrations of FHG extract to determine the α-amylase inhibitory potential of the extract while α- glucosidase inhibition assay was carried out through incubation of different concentrations of the extract followed by addition of p-ntrophenyl-α-Dglucopyranoside solution. HPTLC results indicated the presence of flavonoids/ phenolcarboxylic acid, and Kaempferol (Rf 0.80) were detected in the extract with retention factor Rf. ranging from 0.08 to 0.95. FHG extract showed commendable antioxidant properties with IC50 values (3.07± 0.12, 2.13± 0.67) µg/mL for 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS) radicals which were lower and significantly different (p<0.05) compared to standard silymarin with IC50: (3.55± 0.10, 2.77± 0.75) µg/mL for DPPH and ABTS respectively. The results indicated mild inhibition of α-amylase with IC50: (5.55± 0.37) µg/mL which was higher and significantly different (p<0.05) from acarbose with IC50: (3.81± 0.29) µg/mL. Moreover, the extract showed 73% inhibition of α-glucosidase. Kinetic studies of FHG extract revealed competitive and mixed non-competitive inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. This study indicated FHG capabilities of scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing hydrolysis of starch responsible for post-prandial hyperglyceamia seen in type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the effects of green absorbed zinc oxide nanostructures on oxidative stress-mediated free radicals and carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes. The synthesised Lessertia montana zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterised using different spectroscopic, microscopic, and diffraction techniques. The activity of L. montana ZnONPs against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), metal chelating assay, alpha-amylase and alphaglucosidase were determined using standard methods. L. montana ZnONPs were stable nanoparticles (NPs), appeared cubical (predominantly) in shape, and in nanometre range sizes. The synthesised NPs are very active (p < 0.05) against DPPH and alpha-glucosidase (0.120 and 0.037 g/L, respectively) when compared with other samples and controls, quercetin (0.349 g/L) and acarbose (0.065 g/L). However, their interaction with quercetin revealed a good ABTS (0.093 g/L) scavenging and an excellent metal chelating (0.027 g/L) effect compared to other samples. The mode of inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes by L. montana ZnONPs was competitive and non-competitive, respectively. The study outcomes revealed that the synthesised ZnONPs possessed the potential to mitigate oxidative stress and diabetes in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into the pharmacological potentials of saponins is attracting attention. This study probed the antidiabetic and free radical scavenging potentials of saponin extract from Cochlospermum planchonii root (CPS) in vitro. The antidiabetic activity was determined by the CPS inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities while the free radical scavenging capacity was demonstrated against two, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals. The results illustrated that CPS robustly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase (IC50 values = 2.89 and 0.40 mg/mL), respectively as compared with acarbose. Both enzymes were uncompetitively inhibited as indicated by the decreased Km and Vmax values when compared with the respective control. Also, CPS displayed superior DPPH and OH radicals quenching power (IC50 values = 1.89 and 1.11 mg/mL), respectively compared with silymarin and vitamin C. Indication from the results suggests that CPS demonstrated superior inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase but not a good potential source of alternative oral hypoglycemic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated membrane stabilization and detoxification potential of ethyl acetate fraction of Zea mays L., Stigma maydis in acetaminophen-induced oxidative onslaughts in the kidneys of Wistar rats. Nephrotoxic rats were orally pre- and posttreated with the fraction and vitamin C for 14 days. Kidney function, antioxidative and histological analyses were thereafter evaluated. The acetaminophen-mediated significant elevations in the serum concentrations of creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, potassium, and tissue levels of oxidized glutathione, protein-oxidized products, lipid peroxidized products, and fragmented DNA were dose-dependently assuaged in the fraction-treated animals. The fraction also markedly improved creatinine clearance rate, glutathione, and calcium concentrations as well as activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase in the nephrotoxic rats. These improvements may be attributed to the antioxidative and membrane stabilization activities of the fraction. The observed effects compared favorably with that of vitamin C and are informative of the fraction’s ability to prevent progression of renal pathological conditions and preserve kidney functions as evidently supported by the histological analysis. Although the effects were prominently exhibited in the fraction-pretreated groups, the overall data from the present findings suggest that the fraction could prevent or extenuate acetaminophen-mediated oxidative renal damage via fortification of antioxidant defense mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the protective potentials of the aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala (AQRED) against isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial damage in Wistar rats. Methods: Myocardial damage was induced in Wistar rats by isoproterenol (60 mg/kg body weight, b.w.) Various concentrations (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.w.) of AQRED and their effects on the rats’ feed and water intake, body weight changes, serum enzymes, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), as well as tissue antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP) and lipid peroxidation, during a 30-day experimental period were examined. Results: ISP-treated rats showed no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the feed, water and body weight but increased significantly (p < 0.05) AST, ALT, CPK and lipid peroxidation while significantly reducing CAT and GP levels (p < 0.05). Treatment with different doses of AQRED significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the activity of these enzymes and cardiac lipid peroxidation towards control levels. Histopathological examination of ISP-induced myocardial rats treated with D. anomala revealed evidence of oedema and myocardial necrosis at 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w. doses, but these alterations were ameliorated or cleared at 500 mg/kg dose, suggesting attainment of maximum efficacy. Conclusion: The findings indicate the ameliorative potential of AQRED in myocardiac disease, and therefore, could be of therapeutic significance in the management or treatment of cardiac-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi has improved our understanding of the transmission of both organisms in humans. In this study, to infer possible infection sources, Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in fecal specimens from 90 HIV-infected patients attending antiretroviral clinics in Lagos, Nigeria were detected and genotyped by PCR and DNA sequencing. Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi were identified in four and five patients, respectively, including the occurrence of subtype IeA11T3G3 of Cryptosporidium hominis in two patients, subtype IIcA5G3k of Cryptosporidium parvum in one patient, and Type IV of E. bieneusi in four patients. Among the remaining positive patients, one had mixed infection of Cryptosporidium meleagridis and C. hominis and one had mixed E. bieneusi genotypes. These data highlight a possible difference in major transmission routes (anthroponotic vs. zoonotic) between Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in HIV+ patients in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of increase in industrialization and daily human activities has resulted in a tremendous increase in the amounts of waste and wastewater containing organic and inorganic pollutants discharged to the environment. Coagulation-flocculation technology has been widely employed in water/wastewater treatment as a convenient and reliable technique for removing colloids, particles, and cell debris. Organic and inorganic flocculants have also been used in fermentation industries, and in waste and water treatment due to its potential to flocculate efficiently at a minute dosage. However, their use has been restricted as a result of their low efficiency, associated health risks, and non-biodegradability. As a result, the health implication of chemical flocculants has necessitated environmentally friendly biodegradable bioflocculants in wastewater treatment in terms of dye, colour, solids, and turbidity removal. Industrial applications of some microorganisms implicated in bioflocculation have been established. However, the application of actinobacteria strains that have been isolated, screened, and confirmed for bioflocculation have yet to be validated. Hence, this paper reiterates that Actinobacteria have been implicated in flocculation and elaborates on the need for isolation and screening of novel Actinomycetes with better removal and cost efficiency in order to enhance their large- and medium-scale production and establish their industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the inhibitory effect of S. alata leaf extracts on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and its potential for reducing postprandial blood glucose level of rats. Methods: The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of acetone, ethylacetate and hexane extracts of S. alata were investigated by reacting different concentrations (0.63 - 10.0 mg/mL) of the extracts with the enzymes and substrates while the mode(s) of inhibition of both enzymes were determined using the Lineweaver-Burk plot. The effect of oral administration of the hexane extract (with lowest IC50 for α-glucosidase) of the plant in sucrose-induced hyperglycemic rats was also determined by evaluating fasting blood glucose levels. Results: The acetone extract of S. alata displayed the highest inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 6.41 mg/mL) while hexane extract exhibited highest inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.85 mg/mL). Both acetone and hexane extracts inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase in a competitive and uncompetitive manner respectively. The hexane extract of S. alata also caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the postprandial blood glucose level of sucrose-loaded rats within two hours. Conclusions: It can be suggested that one of the mechanisms of anti-diabetic action of S. alata leaf is the inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the anti-diabetic potential of Picralima nitida leaf extracts in vitro. Methods: The current study evaluated the anti-diabetic potential of Picralima nitida leaf via in vitro inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase using the acetone, water and ethanol extracts. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed on the acetone, aqueous and ethanol extracts of Picralima nitida leaf. The α-amylase inhibitory potentials of the extracts were investigated by reacting different concentrations of the extracts with α-amylase and starch solution while α-glucosidase inhibition was determined by pre-incubating α-glucosidase with different concentrations of the extracts followed by the addition of p-nitrophenylglucopyranoside (pNPG). The mode(s) of inhibition of both enzymes was determined using Lineweaver-Burke plot. Results: The acetone extract of Picralima nitida displayed the most effective inhibition of both α- amylase and α-glucosidase activities with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 6.50 and 3.00 mg/ml, respectively. The results also showed that the extracts contain both non-competitive and competitive inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. The results of phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and reducing sugars. Conclusion: The observed inhibitions of α-amylase and α-glucosidase suggest that the leaf extracts of P. nitida may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus. This buttresses the traditional use of P. nitida for the management of sugar-related disorders in some parts of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the antiglycation and hypolipidemic potential of polyphenols from Zingiber officinale in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) of streptozotocin. This was followed by oral administration of 500 mg/kg each of free and bound polyphenol extracts of Z. officinale to the rats daily for 42 days. Distilled water and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) were used as normal and positive controls, respectively. Results: Significant increases (p < 0.05) in blood glucose level (369.26 mg/dL), serum advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) (6.80 μg/mL), lipid profile and atherogenic indices, with decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (15.55 mg/dL) were observed in diabetic rats compared to control. Free polyphenol extracts of Z. officinale significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose (147.96 mg/dL), serum AGEs (1.98 μg/mL), lipid profile and atherogenic indices while it significantly increased HDL-C (23.28 mg/dL). However, bound polyphenol extract did not cause any significant change in the lipid profile of the diabetic rats except for LDL-C. Conclusion: This study indicates that free and bound polyphenols from Z. officinale can ameliorate diabetes as well as its complications, and its effect is comparable to that of the standard drug, glibenclamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Morella serrata L. is an indigenous medicinal plant to South and southern Africa with folkloric applications as aphrodisiac, laxative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-hypertensive, antitussive and antidiabetic agent., Aim of the Study: This study evaluated the membrane stabilization and aphrodisiac potentials of its aqueous root extract in male Wistar rats., Materials and Methods: While the membrane stabilization of the extract was investigated against bovine erythrocytes (BE), the male rats for the aphrodisiac study were randomized into five groups with animals in group 1 given sterile placebo and served as control. The rats in group 2 were treated with 7.14mg/kg body weight of PowMaxM, while animals in groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered with the extract (100, 200 and 400mg/kg, respectively). All treatments (1mL) were done once daily for 4 weeks via oral gavaging and their mating behavioural, testicular, spermatogenetic and antioxidant parameters were evaluated., Results: With the exception of the mount, intromission and post ejaculatory latencies that were dose-dependently reduced by the extract, other mating parameters were significantly improved when compared with the control. Similar patterns of significant improvement were also observed on the testes-body weight ratio, quality and viability of sperm cells as well as testicular concentrations of proteins, cholesterol, glycogen, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, leuitenizing hormone and glutathione (reduced) subsequent to treatment with the extract. Although, administration of M. serrata had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the testicular activity of gamma glutamyl transferase, those of lactate dehydrogenase, phosphatases (alkaline and acid), superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly (p<0.05) induced in the treated animals. The extract also conferred respective significant (p<0.05) membrane stabilization potential of 66.02% and 60.87% on the BE against hypotonic solution and heat-induced hemolysis relative to 62.14% and 40.19% for ibuprofen. The effect elicited by the extract at the tested doses could partly be attributed to its antioxidant and adaptogenic constituents., Conclusion: The data presented in this study have enriched biochemical information on the root extract of M. serrata as a viable source of phytonutrients that could be potentially useful for the development of aphrodisiac drugs, and thus lending scientific credence to its much touted sex enhancing attributes by the Basothos of the eastern Free State Province of South Africa., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluates the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials of Dicoma anomala Sond. (Asteraceae) on body weight, feed and water intake, biochemical parameters and organ histology., Methods: Various concentrations (1.56-25 μg/mL) were used in the in vitro assays 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals, etc.). The effects of treatment with 125, 250 and 250 mg/mL Dicoma anomala aqueous roots extract (DARE) was investigated in vivo in the CCl4-induced hepatotoxic rats during the 15 days study., Results: Water extract exhibited the best activity (IC50: 15.20 ± 0.03, 11.70 ± 0.10, and 0.84 ± 0.05 μg/ mL) in vitro in DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, respectively, when compared with standards. Pre-treatment and treatment with different concentrations of DARE significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the elevated serum activities of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase levels while increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The histopathological evaluations revealed extensive liver damage characterized by severe vacuolar and cytoplasmic degeneration, hepatic necrosis, and cellular infilteration in pre-treated groups while in the treated groups; such liver damages were not observed most especially at 500 mg/kg dose., Conclusion: The results proved the hepatoprotective potential of DARE against CCl4-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, histopathological examinations revealed better therapeutic advantage of DARE than prophylactic use.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Corn silk (Zea mays L., Stigma maydis) is an important herb used traditionally in many parts of the world to treat array of diseases including diabetes mellitus. Inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase offer an effective strategy to modulate levels of post prandial hyperglycaemia via control of starch metabolism., Aim of the Study: This study evaluated α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of corn silk aqueous extract. Active principles and antioxidant attributes of the extract were also analysed., Materials and Methods: The α-amylase inhibitory potential of the extract was investigated by reacting its different concentrations with α-amylase and starch solution, while α-glucosidase inhibition was determined by pre-incubating α-glucosidase with different concentrations of the extract followed by addition of p-nitrophenylglucopyranoside. The mode(s) of inhibition of the enzymes were determined using Lineweaver-Burke plot., Results: In vitro analysis of the extract showed that it exhibited potent and moderate inhibitory potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. The inhibition was concentration-dependent with respective half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 5.89 and 0.93mg/mL. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and phytosterols as probable inhibitory constituents. Furthermore, the extract remarkably scavenges reactive oxygen species like DPPH and nitric oxide radicals, elicited good reducing power and a significant metal chelating attributes., Conclusion: Overall, the non-competitive and uncompetitive mechanism of action of corn silk extract is due to its inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Consequently, this will reduce the rate of starch hydrolysis, enhance palliated glucose levels, and thus, lending credence to hypoglycaemic candidature of corn silk., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Bulbine natalensis Baker has been acclaimed to be used as an antimicrobial agent in the folklore medicine of South Africa without scientific evidence to substantiate or refute this claim. In view of this, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of solvent fractions (ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) from Bulbine natalensis Tuber against 4 Gram positive and 12 Gram negative bacteria as well as 3 fungal species were investigated using agar dilution. The ethanolic extract, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions inhibited 75, 87.5 and 100% respectively of the bacterial species in this study. The ethanolic, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions produced growth inhibition at MIC range of 1-10, 3-10 as well as 1 and 5 mg/ml respectively whereas the water fraction did not inhibit the growth of any of the bacterial species. Again, it was only the ethyl acetate fraction that inhibited the growth of Shigelli flexneri, Staphyloccus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ethanolic, ethyl acetate and n-butanolic fractions dose dependently inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger and A. flavus whereas the water fraction produced 100% growth inhibition of the Aspergillus species at all the doses investigated. In contrast, no growth inhibition was produced on Candida albicans. The growth inhibition produced by the solvent fractions of B. natalensis Tuber in this study thus justifies the acclaimed use of the plant as an antimicrobial agent. The ethyl acetate fraction was the most potent.

Despite the widespread use of Phytolacca dioica L. in folklore medicine of South Africa, there is dearth of information on its safety/toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological effect of aqueous leaf and berry extracts of the plant at different dosages for 14 days on the liver and kidney function indices in male Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening indicated that the extracts are rich in phytonutrients including alkaloid, tannin, saponins, phenolics, lectins and flavonoids; while triterpenoids and phlobatanins were absent. The extracts significantly reduced the body and absolute organ weights of the animals at all the dosages investigated. Whereas, significant increase was observed in the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, calcium, creatinine, urea and uric acid; the serum concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin were reduced in the serum following treatment with the extracts. Generally, the effect of the herb appeared to be dosage dependent. This investigation clearly showed that P. dioica can impair normal hepatic and renal functions. This is an indication that the extracts may not be completely safe in male rats when continuously administered for 14 days., (2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Felicia muricata is a medicinal plant used for the management of different human and livestock diseases in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The antioxidant potential of the leaves from this herb was investigated using its water, methanol, acetone and ethanol extracts. All the extracts were rich in phenols, proanthocyanidins and flavonols but low in flavonoids. The water extract exhibited low DPPH scavenging activity while the methanol, acetone and ethanol extracts showed higher activities. Again all the extracts showed high ABTS scavenging activity with a correlation between total phenolic content (R2 = 0.9965), DPPH (R2 = 0.982) and ABTS (R2 = 0.927). Traditionally, however, plant extracts are prepared with water as infusions, decoction and poultice. Our results have shown that both the water and ethanol extracts from Felicia muricata displayed strong antioxidant activity. Therefore, it would seem likely that both solvents were able to extract those compounds which are responsible for the antioxidant activity of F. muricata.

The foliar micromorphology of Felicia muricata (Thunb.) Nees (Asteraceae) was observed with the JEOL (JSM-6390LV) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces were characterized by anisocytic stomata which were more prevalent on the abaxial surface than the adaxial surface. The leaves have only one type of multicellular non-glandular trichomes that are long and cylindrical, tapering to a sharp point and running parallel to the leaf surface in the direction of the apices. Crystal deposits were also observed on the surfaces of the leaves near the stomata. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy-SEM shows that Na, Al, Si, and K were the major constituents of the crystal analyzed. Since no glandular trichomes were present on the leaves of this herb, the bioactive components present in this plant may be produced in some other tissues in the leaf other than the trichomes.