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The study was aimed to investigate the hypolipidemic potential of methanolic extract Rauvolfia vomitoria leaves in high cholesterol-fed rats. The preliminary study showed that R. vomitoria leaves were able to scavenge the 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sufonic acid) (ABTS) and 2-Diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and these radicals scavenging abilities were found to be dose-dependent. Administration of cholesterol to rats for 45 days induced a significant increase in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and increase lipids levels in the plasma and tissues while HDL cholesterol was decreased. It also elevated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the tissues. However, co-administration of high cholesterol-fed rats with R. vomitoria extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly reversed lipids levels to near normal with cholesterol in the plasma, liver, heart, kidney and lung reduced by (23.13% and 56.43%), (30.09% and 20.90%), (38.21% and 74.53%), (12.61% and 32.49%) and (37.11% and 29.90%) respectively while HDL cholesterol level was increased by (225.44% and 110.39%). The levels of AST, ALT and ALP in the plasma and MDA in the tissues were also decreased while SOD activities in the liver, heart, kidney and lung were elevated by (89.35% and 149.21%), (74.91% and 68.35%), (56.76% and 114.77%), and (204.91% and 274.62%) respectively. The extract of R. vomitoria was found to be rich in phenolic content and was proved to have no toxic effects on rats when administered alone to normal rats at a dose level of 200mg/kg/day. The results obtained in this study demonstrated the antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects of R. vomitoria and, suggests that the plant could serve as a new potential natural product for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. (Apocynaceae) is a plant used in traditional medicine in Côte d'Ivoire for the treatment of several conditions. This work aims to evaluate the effects of repeated oral administration of the aqueous roots extract Rauvolfia vomitoria AFZEL (AERv) on haematological parameters in Wistar rats. Thus, 100 healthy rats were divided into four groups (T, A, B, C) of 20 rats each. The sub groups Ts and Cs from the groups T and C included 10 rats (5 males and 5 females) were formed for a reversibility study. After 6 months (180 days) of the experiment, the sub groups rats Ts and Cs were no more treated with the extract till the 210th day (7 months), day of their sacrifice to verify the reversibility and/or delayed effects of AERv. The erythrocyte, platelet and leukocyte parameters were determined. Results showed that AERv caused a significant decrease in erythrocyte and thrombocyte parameters with the high dose (1000 mg/kg bw) while an increase in leukocyte parameters was noted in a dose-dependent manner. The aqueous extract of the barkless roots is not harmful at the therapeutic dose of 700 mg/kg bw on the haematological parameters. After stoping administration the effects were reversible.

In Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is one of the country's major public health issues and responsible for the death of tens of thousands of people every year in both rural and urban environments. Antimalarial drugs are commonly used but some recorded cases of drug resistance are a major obstacle to controlling the spread of malaria. It is therefore essential to identify new bioactive molecules as an alternative. Many medicinal plants with different properties have been used as treatments for a variety of diseases in the DRC, including malaria. This study provides a systematic review of antimalarial plant resources in the DRC. From 28 papers on ethnomedicine published between 2001 and 2019, a total of 232 plant species belonging to 67 different plant families and identified in 13 provinces was reported in the treatment of malaria. A large number of these plant species belong to the Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, and Apocyanaceae families. Species cited in more than three provinces include Cymbopogon citratus, Vernonia amygdalina, Rauvolfia vomitoria and Catharanthus roseus. Most of the species identified as antimalarial plants were tree species, with phanerophytes predominating. In addition, leaves were identified as the main ingredients for preparing remedies, most commonly by decoction administered orally.

Cytogenotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel (Apocynaceae) stem bark were assessed on male germ line cells of the grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus. Concentrations of 0, 10, 15 and 20 µg/ml of infused and macerated aqueous extracts of R. vomitoria were prepared and administered through injection to the grasshoppers. Grasshoppers were dissected after 72 hours of incubation and the different parameters were then evaluated. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction of the length and the width of testis follicles with increasing concentrations of the two aqueous plant extracts. Meiosis analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in meiotic abnormalities with increasing concentrations of the two aqueous plant extracts. Infused and macerated aqueous extracts of R. vomitoria at different concentrations did not modify the karyotype of Z. variegatus. Cyclophosphamide (CP) induced chromosomes aberrations and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the mean chromosomes complement number which ranged from 2n= 19.00 ± 0.00 (controlled individuals) to 2n= 17.60 ± 1.82 (CP treated individuals). These observations indicate that infused and macerated aqueous extracts of R. vomitoria stem bark could induced cytogenotoxicity on the germ line cells of the grasshopper Z. variegatus. These results also confirm the utilization of CP as positive control in chromosomes aberration assays on grasshoppers.

Objectives Exposure to arsenic and hexavalent chromium is a major public health concern especially in the developing part of the world and there is paucity of information on reliable treatment modalilities. It is in this regard that this study evaluates the efficacy of methanol leaf extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria (MRV) when used as pretreatment agent against potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) and sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) exposure. Methods Swiss albino mice between 7 and 10 weeks old were divided into eight cohorts of five animals each. Treatment groups consisted of a distilled water control, MRV alone (275 mg/kg po daily), K2Cr2O7 (12.0 mg/kg, single ip injection) +/− MRV pretreatment, NaAsO2 (2.5 mg/kg, single ip injection) +/− MRV pretreatment, Na2AsO2 + K2Cr2O7 +/− MRV pretreatment. MRV was given for seven consecutive days, while K2Cr2O7 and NaAsO2 were injected on day seven of the experiment. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) was determined in bone marrow cells, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were assessed in the plasma. Hepatic glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels were also determined. Results The NaAsO2 and K2Cr2O7 significantly (p2 and K2Cr2O7 further increased the levels of the markers. Furthermore, GSH and GST were significantly reduced by NaAsO2 or K2Cr2O7 or their combination. Pretreatment with MRV reversed the markers towards that of control. Conclusions Methanol extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria may therefore ameliorate NaAsO2 and K2Cr2O7-induced toxicities via reduction of oxidative stress and fortification of anti-oxidant system.

Objectives Rauvolfia vomitoria is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Africa in the management of several human diseases including psychosis. However, there is inadequate scientific information on the potency of the phenolic constituents of R. vomitoria leaf in the management of neurodegeneration. Therefore, this study characterized the phenolic constituents and investigated the effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of R. vomitoria leaf on free radicals, Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation, and critical enzymes linked to neurodegeneration in rat’s brain in vitro. Methods The polyphenols were evaluated by characterizing phenolic constituents using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The antioxidant properties were assessed through the extracts ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+; inhibit ABTS, DPPH, and OH radicals and Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation. The effects of the extracts on AChE and MAO were also evaluated. Results The phenolic characterization of R. vomitoria leaf revealed that there were more flavonoids present. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts of R. vomitoria leaf had inhibitory effects with the methanolic extract having higher significant (p≤0.05) free radicals scavenging ability coupled with inhibition of monoamine oxidases. However, there was no significant (p≤0.05) difference obtained in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and cholinesterases. Conclusion This study suggests that the rich phenolic constituents of R. vomitoria leaf might contribute to the observed antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. The methanolic extract was more potent than the aqueous extract; therefore, extraction of R. vomitoria leaf with methanol could offer better health-promoting effects in neurodegenerative condition.

Aim: To provide information on the interactive influence of Sida acuta and Rauvolfia vomitoria on the hippocampus of albino rats using neurohistological parameter. Methods: Thirty-five (35) female adult albino rats were used for the experiment. They were randomly divided into seven groups of five animals in each group. Group 1: The control group was given feed and water ad libitum for 28 days. Groups 2-7 served as the experimental groups. Group 2: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days. Group 3: Received 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaf extract for 14 days. Group 4: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta and 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaf extract for 14 days. Group 5: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 212.5 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days. Group 6: Received 400 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 425 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days. Group 7: Received 600 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta leaf extract for 14 days, then 850 mg/kg body weight of Rauvolfia vomitoria for the remaining 14 days. Results: Sida acuta at the tested dose of 200 mg/kg body weight induced degeneration of pyramidal cells when compared to the control, Rauvolfia vomitoria at the tested dose of 212.5 kg/mg body weight exhibited neuroprotective effect, co-administration of both Sida acuta at 200 mg/kg body weight and Rauvolfia vomitoria at 212.5 mg/kg body weight and administration of Rauvolfia vomitoria after Sida acuta at increasing doses significantly reverse these changes to near normal when compared to the group that received 200 mg/kg body weight of Sida acuta for 14 days. Conclusion: Rauvolfia vomitoria had the potential of ameliorating the neurodegenerative effect caused by the Sida acuta leaf extract on the pyramidal cells of the hippocampus albino rats.

Background: Natural products such as extracts of plants have been seen as a possible alternative to conventional therapies in the treatment and management of male infertility. This study aimed at investigating the testicular antioxidant and testosterone enhancing ability of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria in male rats. Methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups of 6 rats each, treated daily with either vehicle (distilled water; 5 mL/kg) or hydro-ethanolic extract of R. vomitoria (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 100mg/kg) for 60 days, and body weights recorded once every three days. At the end of the treatment, each animal was sacrificed, and reproductive organs were dissected out and weighed. Serum from capillary blood was used for testosterone quantification, while testicular homogenates were used for the estimation of antioxidant biomarkers. Results: Treatment with R. vomitoria extract did not alter the animal’s body weight. Instead, the extract at the dose of 40 mg/kg significantly increased (P< 0.05) the weights of all reproductive organs investigated. The plant extract also increased serum testosterone concentrations significantly (P< 0.05), with the highest effect observed in the animals treated with a dose of 40 mg/kg. Testicular antioxidant markers, thiobarbituric acid substances, glutathione, and catalase were equally improved (P< 0.05) by treatment with the plant extract at the dose of 40 mg/kg. Conclusion: Hydro-ethanolic extract of R. vomitoria portrayed beneficial pharmacological properties on reproductive organs, testicular antioxidants, and testosterone concentrations in male rats. These pharmacological activities support the traditional use of the plant in the management of male fertility disorders.

Herbal medicine has demonstrated great potential of therapeutic benefits in its contribution to modern medicine. Africa is endowed with many plants that can be used for medicinal purposes to which they have taken full advantage. Rauvolfia vomitoria is one of the medicinal plants that is widely distributed across the forests of Africa and Asia. Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaves was carried out. The result indicated the presence of Tannins, Saponins, Steroids, Glycosides, Alkaloids, and Flavonoids. Further analysis of the Ethanolic extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaves was carried out using GC-MS. Among many compounds determined in the GC-MS analysis of the leaves extract were Methenamine, Benzofuran and Methyl urinate which have been reported to be anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. The Ethanolic leave extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria therefore could contribute immensely to effective treatment of some infectious diseases.

In sickle cell disease, a hereditary hemoglobinopathy, clinically observed disease presentations are the endpoint of a point mutation involving the substitution of glutamic acid with valine at the position 6 of the beta globin chain. With about 4.4 million people globally being affected, and another 43 million people bearing the sickle cell trait, several research efforts have been made to discover new and affordable treatment and possibly cure for the disease. Africa is endowed with a large flora population and traditional healers and citizens have over time depended on the use of herbs in folkloric medicine for different ailments including sickle cell disease (SCD). Such native knowledge has often formed the basis for different research exploration into the anti-sickling activities of selected African plants. These plants that have been so far investigated for their anti-sickling properties represent about 0.05 % of the 45,000 plant species enriching the flora landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of these have yielded potent anti-sickling profiles. In the current work we seek to achieve a more extensive search of the African plant diversity with anti-sickling properties: for this we have adopted a hybrid computational-cum-experimental protocol that employed computer-aided drug design (CADD) means for identifying plants with at least one constituent capable of interacting with the sickle hemoglobin, followed by extractive procedures and anti-sickling experiments for validating the predictions. Over two thousand (or 2,000) African natural products, representing over 200 plant species, were first virtually screened against the crystal structure of the dimerized human sickle hemoglobin. The natural products with the best computed sickle hemoglobin interaction energetics were found to belong to five plant species including Catharanthus roseus, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Hoslundia opposita, Lantana camara and Euphorbia hirta. The leaves of these plants were each collected subsequently and subjected to standard processing and extraction procedures. Using both HbSS polymerization inhibition and sickling reversal tests significant reductions in polymerization of erythrocyte hemolysate of the HbSS genotype were observed with the methanolic extracts of the plants, as well as sickling reversal levels of up to 68.50 % (H. opposita) was observed.

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is a common practice in developing countries. However, this unregulated or poorly rational use may present a dose-dependent risk of toxicity to humans. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical and toxicological characteristics of ten (10) plant species used in the traditional treatment of infectious diarrhea in Benin. The acute toxicity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Daniellia oliveri, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Vernonia amygdalina, Manihot esculenta, Ocimum gratissimum, Senna italica, Diospyros mespiliformis, Pterocarpus erinaceus, and Anacardium occidentale was evaluated following the OECD 423 protocol at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. This safety test was complemented by a larval cytotoxicity test. Hematological and biochemical examinations, as well as a histological study of the liver and kidneys, were performed. Larval cytotoxicity was assessed by the sensitivity of Artemia salina larvae to different concentrations of the plant extracts studied. Testing for chemical compounds was performed on the basis of differential staining and precipitation reactions. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) was determined by the probit method. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the plants studied revealed the presence of catechic tannins, gallic tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and sterol-terpenes, alkaloids, saponosides, and reducing compounds. This composition varied according to the plants studied. Acute toxicity data indicated that there was no mortality and no structural and functional alterations of the liver and kidneys of treated animals. Larval cytotoxicity data suggest that the plants studied are not cytotoxic (LC50 ≥ 0.1 mg/mL). These observations reflect the safety of these plants and justify their use in traditional medicine in the treatment of many diseases including diarrheal diseases.

Background. Ethnopharmacological studies are relevant for sustaining and improving knowledge of traditional medicine within the framework of complementary/alternative therapeutic practices based solely on experience and observation across generations. Hypertension is a common cardiovascular disorder affecting more than 50% of older people in Africa (PLoS One. 2019; 14 (4): e0214934; published online on April 5, 2019, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214934). Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from October 2014 to August 2015 with 18 renowned traditional healers from the city of Bukavu to capture botanical plant species and remedies used by herbalists to manage hypertension in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Results. Respondents cited 41 plant species belonging to 25 botanical families. The ten most common plants are Allium sativum, Galinsoga ciliata, Moringa oleifera, Bidens pilosa, Persea americana, Piper capense, Catharanthus roseus, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Sida rhombifolia, and Vernonia amygdalina. The parts used are primary leaves (48.8%) formulated as oral decoctions (65.9%). Conclusion. The literature review validated the use of 73.2% of the plants listed. Plants of high local use-value not supported by other studies deserve in-depth chemical and pharmacological studies.

Rauvolfia vomitoria is widely distributed in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia, and has been used in traditional folk medicine in China. Indole alkaloids were found to be major bioactive components, while the effects of diabetes mellitus on the pharmacokinetic parameters of the components have not been reflected in vivo. In this study, an efficient and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of five ingredients of R. vomitoria in rats. Detection was implemented in multiple-reaction-monitoring mode with an electrospray positive-ionization source. Validation parameters were all in accordance with the current criterion. The established method was effectively employed to compare the pharmacokinetic behaviors of five alkaloids (reserpine, yohimbine, ajmaline, ajmalicine, and serpentine) between normal and type 2 diabetic rats. The single-dose pharmacokinetic parameters of the five alkaloids were determined in normal and diabetic rats after oral administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The results indicated that diabetes mellitus significantly altered the pharmacokinetic characteristics of yohimbine, ajmaline, and ajmalicine after oral administration in rats. This is an attempt to provide some evidence for clinicians that may serve as a guide for the use of antidiabetic medicine in clinical practice.

Apocynaceae is a useful family comprising trees notable for different medicinal remedies. Consequent to their importance vis-a-vis scarcity in the forest, they are being sold in various Nigerian markets by herb sellers mostly in sterile and fragmentary forms. Hence, the medicinal plants are subjected to adulteration and substitution. Frequently, identification of the plants by users is basically with the aid of floristic markers, which are not readily available for such purpose. It, therefore, becomes pertinent to carry out the taxonomic revision of these trees to provide additional markers that will contribute to their effective identification for correct use. Various documentations have been made on members of apocynaceae and are properly placed on their respective taxa using epidermal traits. However, such information is scarce for Alstonia boonei, Holarrhena floribunda, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Thevetia nerifolia, and Vocanga africana. This study therefore aimed at providing epidermal taxonomic markers that could be employed in delimiting the species as an alternative when the fruit or floral parts are wanting. Leaf epidermises of five (5) species of apocynaceae representing 5 genera were studied under a Biological microscope with a camera attachment. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. The epidermal cell was penta or hexagonal in A. boonei and V. africana. The stomatal length varied from 20.88 µm (R. vomitoria) to 25.92 µm (T. nerifolia) and 18.96 µm (R. vomitoria) to 29.28 µm (V. africana) on the abaxial and adaxial layers respectively. All the epidermal characters on the adaxial layer were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the species. Anticlinal walls were sinuated in H. floribunda and T. nerifolia while in R. vomitoria, it was straight to wavy. V. africana and A. boonei anticlinal walls were straight. This study represents the first account of epidermal characterization of the members of apocynaceae in Nigeria and is of taxonomic importance in setting boundaries among the species.

Two new yohimbine-type monoterpene indole alkaloids, rauvines A and B, and six known derivatives were obtained from the leaves of R. vomitoria. The structures of rauvines A and B were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, 13 C-NMR, and ECD calculations. This is the first time to determine the absolute configurations of yohimbine-type N-oxides by quantum chemistry calculations (13 C-NMR and ECD calculations). All the isolates were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines. Rauvine B showed moderate cytotoxicity on human MCF-7 breast, SWS80 colon, and A549 lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 25.5, 22.6, and 26.0 μM, respectively.

Five new peraksine derivatives rauvomine C–G (1–5) along with four known analogues (6–9) were isolated from the stems of Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. (Apocynaceae). Structural determinations of the new monoterpene indole alkaloids were elucidated via comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and ECD calculations. Rauvomine C (1) with an unprecedented framework type represents the first example of C18 peraksine-type nor-monoterpene indole alkaloid featuring a chlorine atom at C-16 and its plausible biosynthetic pathway was also proposed. All the isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Among them, the new framework alkaloid rauvomine C (1) showed significant anti-inflammatory activities on NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 mouse macrophages with IC50 value of 10.76 μM. Additionally, peraksine-type alkaloids featuring pyran ring (5, 8, and 9) exhibited potential anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values ranging from 17.52 to 20.99 μM.

Seventeen monoterpene indole alkaloids, including seven new alkaloids (1−7) and ten known analogues (8−17), were isolated and identified from the leaves of R. vomitoria. The structures of new alkaloids were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Rauvomitorine I (1) represents the first example of an unprecedented C22 yohimbine-type monoterpene indole alkaloid featuring a carboxymethyl at C-14. The exceedingly rare vobasenal (2−3) and affinisine oxindole (5−6) framework type alkaloids are first reported from the Rauvolfia genus. Most notably, the structure of vobasenal-type alkaloids (2−3) were first determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Alkaloids 1−17 were tested their cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines, however, none of them showed significant cytotoxicity at a concentration of 40 μM. All the isolated alkaloids were evaluated their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. Alkaloid 3 exhibited significant anti-AChE activity with an IC50 value of 16.39 ± 1.41 μM and alkaloids 8 and 10 showed moderate anti-AChE activities whereas the others (2, 9, 13, and 17) were week inhibitors. This is the first report of vobasenal-type alkaloids as AChE inhibitors, indicating this type of alkaloids may be important sources for the discovery of new AChE inhibitors. A preliminary structure-activity relationship for AChE inhibitory activities showed the presence of the N-methyl group in vobasenal-type alkaloids may be essential for anti-AChE activity. Further molecular docking studies of vobasenal-type alkaloids revealed that interaction with Trp133 and Trp86 residues at hydrophobic subsite are necessary for the AChE inhibitory activities. This study not only enriches the chemical diversity of alkaloids in Apocynaceae plants but also provides new potential leading compounds and versatile scaffolds for the design and development of new AChE inhibitors to treat AD.

Nine undescribed monoterpene indole alkaloids, rauvomitorine A−I, including an unprecedented C-9-methoxymethylene-sarpagine framework alkaloid, two rare suaveoline framework type alkaloids, and six yohimbine framework type alkaloids, as well as eleven known alkaloids, were isolated from the stems of Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. (Apocynaceae). The structures of the unreported alkaloids were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with Cu Kα radiation. Rauvomitorine A with an unreported framework type represents the first example of C-9-methoxymethylene-sarpagine alkaloids and its plausible biosynthetic pathway was proposed. All the isolated alkaloids were evaluated their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChE) activities and cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines and some of them exhibited potential anti-AChE activities with IC50 values ranging from 49.76 to 186.62 μM. Importantly, this is the first report of the AChE inhibitory activities on suaveoline framework type alkaloids, suggesting this type of alkaloids may be valuable sources for the discovery of AChE inhibitory agents. A preliminary structure-activity relationship for AChE inhibitory activities of the isolated alkaloids is also discussed, providing some clues to designing lead compounds for AChE inhibitors.

Exposure to arsenic is a public health concern and many strategies are being employed to counter arsenic intoxication. Here, we investigated the effect of methanol leaf extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria (MRV) on mice exposed to sodium arsenite (SA) using micronucleus assay and monitoring the activities of γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) in the plasma. In addition, pathological examination of the liver of test and control mice was carried out. Test mice were exposed to 1300, 650 and 325 mg/kg body weight of MRV for seven consecutive days before injection (i.p.) with 1 mg/kg body weight of SA on the seventh day. Negative control mice were given distilled water, while the positive control animals were injected with 1 mg/kg body weight of SA twenty hours before the experiment was terminated on the eighth day. The SA significantly (p < 0.05) increased the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (mPCE) and the activities of γ-GT, ALP, AST and ALT when compared to the negative control. Mice treated with SA showed portal inflammation and hepatocyte necrosis. Pretreatment with MRV significantly (p< 0.05) reduced the biochemical parameters except ALT that was increased in animals treated with SA and 1300 mg/kg body weight MRV. Histopathological changes induced by SA were prevented by 650 and 325 mg/kg body weight MRV. This suggests that methanol extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria offers some degree of chemo-protection against SA induced clastogenicity and liver damage at lower doses

Introduction Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. (RV) and Gongronema latifolium Benth. (GL) are two medicinal plants reported to be beneficial to the nervous tissues individually and in combination. However, some adverse reports have been ascribed especially to R. vomitoria as it affects movement coordination. Aim This study therefore investigated the potential of the combination of these plants on cerebella protection. Materials and methods Twenty young male Wistar rats of average weight 125 g were divided into 4 groups (n = 5). Single daily oral doses of Tween 20™ (vehicle), 200 mg/kg of RV, 200 mg/kg of GL and their combination (RV, 200 mg/kg + GL, 200 mg/kg) were administered for 14 days. They were sacrificed on day 15, and perfusion-fixed with neutral buffered-formalin. The cerebella were processed for histology, and anti glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. Results Cerebella histology showed slight atrophy, pyknosis, karyorrhexis and significantly (p Conclusion RV + GL combination ameliorates RV induced-cerebellar cells trauma, but not their proliferation.

Plants and plant-derived products have a long history in the treatment of sexual disorders. Rauvolfia vomitoria is one of such plant used traditionally for the enhancement of male sexual and reproductive activity. This study was carried out to elucidate the potential activity of R. vomitoria ethanolic extract on sexual behaviour and male reproductive function. Twenty-five male rats were assigned to five groups and orally treated with distilled water (control), sildenafil citrate (standard) and R. vomitoria ethanolic extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg BW) for 22 days. Sexual behaviour parameters such as mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (IF) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were recorded at day 0, 1, 8, 15 and 22. The reproductive function including reproductive organ weights, testicular histology and sperm parameters was also assessed. Results showed enhancement in sexual behaviour through significant reduction (p < .01) in ML, IL and PEI and significant increase (p < .01) in EL, MF IF and EF. The extract also caused an increase in sperm count, motility and transit. Present findings demonstrate the ability of R. vomitoria ethanolic extract to improve male sexual behaviour and reproductive activity in rats.

Introduction Rauvolfia serpentina is an endangered plant species due to its over-exploitation. It has highly commercial and economic importance due to the presence of bioactive monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) such as ajmaline, yohimbine, ajmalicine, serpentine and reserpine. Objective To develop a validated, rapid, sensitive and selective ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQLIT-MS/MS) method in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for simultaneous determination of bioactive MIAs in ethanolic extract of seven Rauvolfia species and herbal formulations. Methods The separation of MIAs was achieved on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH™ C18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 mm × 50 mm) using a gradient mobile phase (0.1% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile) at flow rate 0.3 μL/min in 7 min. The validated method showed good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9999), limit of detection (LOD) (0.06–0.15 ng/mL), limit of quantitation (LOQ) (0.18–0.44 ng/mL), precisions [intraday: relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 2.24%, interday: RSD ≤ 2.74%], stability (RSD ≤ 1.53%) and overall recovery (RSD ≤ 2.23%). Results The validated method was applied to quantitate MIAs. Root of Rauvolfia vomitoria showed a high content of ajmaline (48.43 mg/g), serpentine (87.77 mg/g) whereas high quantities of yohimbine (100.21 mg/g) and ajmalicine (120.51 mg/g) were detected in R. tetraphylla. High content of reserpine was detected in R. micrantha (35.18 mg/g) and R. serpentina (32.38 mg/g). Conclusion The encouraging results of this study may lead to easy selection of suitable Rauvolfia species according to the abundance of MIAs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Two unusual normonoterpenoid indole alkaloids rauvomine A (1) and rauvomine B (2), together with two known compounds peraksine (3) and alstoyunine A (4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Rauvolfia vomitoria. The structures with absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 2 is a novel C18 normonoterpenoid indole alkaloid with a substituted cyclopropane ring that forms an unusual 6/5/6/6/3/5 hexcyclic rearranged ring system. The plausible biogenetic pathways of 1 and 2 were proposed. Compound 2 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Available information on medicinal plants indicates habitat loss and has heightened the need for more proactive conservation strategies. Conservation efforts in this direction resulted in an eco-pharmacological survey in the West African sub-region by three countries (Nigeria, Ghana and Republic of Benin) to assess frequently used medicinal plants. The result of the socio-economic study based on utilization pattern regionally was used to produce a list of ten topmost frequently used and mentioned medicinal plants regionally and was subsequently adopted for the eco-pharmacological study in Nigeria. The list was super-imposed on a vegetation map of Nigeria for study sites selection in the species range. Selection criteria were based on the presence of at least one or more members of the medicinal plants in each location. Subsequently these plants were monitored range-wide for phenological behaviors for two seasons (dry and raining seasons) for two consecutive years. Findings indicated that the ten medicinal plants belonged to nine taxonomic families and are represented in the three plant habits. Flowering was majorly a dry season event (November to February) extending to early rains (March to April) in the species of the southern range (lowland and derived ecozones). Fruiting was typical of early rains increasing northwards (March to July). For short duration flowering species (Pcynanthus angolensis, Alstonea bonnie and Rauvolfia vomitoria), fruiting occurred late in dry season (December to February). Mean flowering duration ranged between (9.45 ± 1.73 to 45.68 ± 4.77) days, while mean fruiting duration ranged between (15.22 ± 2.15 to 145. 87 ± 8.59) days. Phenological charts were used to depict the phenological trends for the different species. The provision of this information offers a useful tool-kit for medicinal plants genetic resources monitoring, management and appropriate conservation strategies in Nigeria. Key words: Indigenous medicinal plants, eco-pharmacological survey, phenology, conservation.

Variation of plant traits across ontogeny can play an important role in shaping the vital functions of growth, reproduction and defense, depending on the priorities of resource investment. Plant functional traits in seven ontogenetic stages, following complete trajectories, of a tropical light-demanding evergreen medicinal treelet (Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel.) were examined in a common garden experiment in the field. The highly plastic morph-physiological and potential defense traits showed complex and nonlinear variations with increasing tree height (age), revealing a mostly clear-defined transition at reproductive onset. Leaf photosynthetic rate varied in a unimodal pattern throughout ontogeny, with the highest value occurring at reproductive onset. Except for the oldest plants, priority of resource use in leaves across ontogeny shifted to enhance photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic N and P use efficiencies, and prevention of physical damage (higher leaf thickness, leaf mass per area and lignin concentration), but to decrease carbon-based chemical defense (i.e., total phenolics). Fine root phenolics were relatively stable, but lignin concentration increased throughout ontogeny. With higher levels than fine roots and aboveground parts, the concentrations of an indole alkaloid (i.e. reserpine) increased steadily in coarse roots, especially during the reproductive stages. Whereas, tree growth progressively shifted from the demand of N relative to P, based on the indirect evidence from N:P stoichiometry. Our results demonstrated that, under the conditions of no environmental interference, the pronounced trajectories in functional traits were observed throughout the life cycle of R. vomitoria plants due to strong ontogeny-induced shifts in resource allocation. The synergies or tradeoffs of the defense syndromes differed between and within the classes of defense (i.e., physical versus chemical), and also, between and within above- and below-ground tissues across the ontogenetic developmental stages, which could probably be explained by multiple defense hypotheses. The revealed variations of the growth traits and secondary metabolites of R. vomitoria plants at different developmental stages will be helpful for maximizing the reserpine yield through the suitable cultivation practices.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment diabetes in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria was conducted between March and June, 2013. Ethnobotanical data were collected by oral interview and semi-structured questionnaire administered to fifty (50) respondents made up of traditional medical practitioners (TMPs), herb sellers, civil servants and farmers. From the survey, a total of 45 plant species belonging to 29 families were found to be useful in the treatment of diabetes. Recipes used in the treatment of this disease were documented. Prominent among them are Rauvolfia vomitoria, Aframomum meleguata, Momordica charantia, Xylopia aethiopica, Senna spp. and Vernonia amygdalina. These species were found to be very important and useful in the treatment of diabetes based on their frequency of occurrence in the recipes obtained. Herbal remedies were either prepared from dried or freshly collected plants while traditional solvent of choice included water, lime and aqueous extract from fermented maize. Decoction and pulverization were the main methods of preparation while mode of administration varies within 2 to 3 times daily. Survey revealed that leaves form the major part of plants for herbal preparations. Residents in the study area find traditional medicine cheaper as compared to orthodox medicine. A need for further scientific research based on the findings of this work is needed.

A 6-week feeding trial was conducted on One hundred and eighty (180) Cobb broilers to evaluate the effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) decoction (AID) and Akakapenpen (Rauvolfia vomitoria) decoction (RVD) on body weight gain, carcass and organ characteristics and haematological values of broiler chickens. The leaves of Azadirachta indica and Rauvolfia vomitoria were harvested and dried in the sun until they became crispy but still greenish in coloration. They were washed and then boiled (40 g of chopped leaves in 9L of water). The decoctions were placed in separate sterilized bottles ready for use and were offered ad libitum. The birds were randomly distributed to the treatments with twenty (20) birds per replicate, with each treatment replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The total replacement of antibiotics and coccidiostat resulted in non-significant depression (p