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Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient in plant metabolism, ionic balance, and stress resistance. In this study, the effects of K on agronomic attributes and on mineral and primary metabolite content in African potato were determined. K was administered hydroponically at four concentrations (4.00, 6.00, 8.00, and 10.00 meq·L−1) using Steiner’s universal nutrient solution. Chlorophyll content (CHL), leaf area (LA), fresh corm mass (FCM), number of roots (NR), root fresh weight (RFM), and root dry mass (RDM) were measured 18, 32, and 40 weeks after transplanting. Mineral analysis data were collected at 18 weeks, and primary metabolite data were collected at 32 weeks. Significant effects of K were observed after 18 weeks, and all test concentrations had a positive effect on yield. Calcium and boron significantly accumulated in the corm at 4.00 meq·L−1 K. Alanine and malic acid were the only metabolites affected by K concentrations. More minerals accumulated in the corm at 4.00 meq·L−1 K, whereas at 10.00 meq·L−1 K, more minerals clustered in the leaf. K applied at 4.00 meq·L−1 is recommended when growing African potato using a nutrient solution to improve corm mineral and metabolite accumulation.

Two monobenzoylcyclopropane (hypoxhemerol A (1) and hypoxhemeroloside G (2)) and three dibenzoylcyclopropane (hypoxhemerol B (3), hypoxhemeroloside H (4), and hypoxhemeroloside I (5)) derivatives were isolated from the hydro-alcoholic extract of Hypoxis hemerocallidea corms. This is the first instance where benzoylcyclopropane analogs were isolated from any natural source. Structure elucidation was mainly based on 1D- and 2D-NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration (2R, 4R) of 1 was determined via NOESY NMR and experimental and calculated ECD data analyses. Compounds 1–5 and 11 recently reported metabolites (hypoxoside, obtuside A, interjectin, acuminoside, curcapicycloside, and hypoxhemerolosides A – F) were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains. Curcapicycloside and acuminoside exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with 78 and 79% inhibition at 20 µg/mL, respectively. Hypoxhemeroloside A showed mild antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans with 63% inhibition at 20 µg/mL.

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is a highly utilized medicinal plant, with the potential to treat testicular tumors, prostate hypertrophy and urinary infections. Although currently classified as of least concern in its conservation status, its ongoing, unsustainable harvesting and habitat loss remain threats to its natural populations. The potential of using one-half of H. hemerocallidea corms for propagation and the other half for medicinal purposes was investigated in an effort to develop sustainable utilization strategies for this plant. The corms were cut transversely into upper and lower halves, following which the upper halves were either cut into four or eight equal segments, or used without any further cutting. The segments were soaked for 30 min in 6-benzyladenine (BA) or gibberellic acid (GA3) at concentrations of 50 or 100 mg/L, while soaking in distilled water served as the control. Upper parts of the corm cut into four segments, and soaked in 50 mg/L BA resulted in a high number of cormlets. The propagation coefficient of the upper corm parts cut into four segments and soaked in 50 mg/L BA was 140%. The cutting method alone or combined with plant growth regulator treatments significantly affected the number of cormlets produced. Cutting the upper corm parts into four segments and soaking in distilled water resulted in a propagation coefficient of 90%. Cutting the upper corm parts into four segments is advantageous as the segments are not too small to compromise food reserves, while soaking allows for the leaching out of possible growth retardants. The study successfully developed a method, which can be recommended for sustainable harvesting and propagation of H. hemerocallidea.

Highlights • Breakout of pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 • There is no specific drug to treat this virus • Molecular docking of compounds found in South African traditionally used plants identified arabic acid, L-canavanine, uzarin and hypoxoside, to be favourable for the treatment of this virus • Molecular dynamics simulations reveal structural and conformational changes associated with the binding of identified inhibitors, The coronavirus is a group of viruses found in animals as well as humans and have been detected since the 1960s. However, a newly identified form, SARS-CoV-2, has triggered a recent pandemic of respiratory disease now called COVID-19. There is currently no specific antiviral drug for the treatment of this pandemic, with most treatment strategies focused on symptomatic management and supportive therapy. As such, several drug discovery efforts are ongoing for potent treatment agents, with medicinal plants gradually gaining prominence. Approximately 80% of the South African population use traditional medicines to meet their primary health care needs. The current study aimed to identify potential COVID-19 therapeutic agents from a list of 29 bioactive compounds isolated from commonly used South African medicinal plants using molecular docking and molecular dynamics. Molecular docking identified arabic acid from Acacia senegal and L-canavanine found in Sutherlandia frutescens as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like main protease. Similarly, hypoxoside isolated from Hypoxis hemerocallidea and uzarin from Xysmalobium undulatum, were identified as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain and SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent polymerase. These four bioactive compounds exhibited favourable binding orientations characterized by strong molecular interactions within respective inhibitors binding pockets of the target enzymes. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the binding of the identified inhibitors are characterized by structural perturbations which favour the inhibitory potency of these bioactive compounds. Additionally, in silico pharmacokinetic assessment of the compounds demonstrated favourable anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties. Although not conclusive, further experimental exploration of these compounds could serve as a starting point for the discovery of novel SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic.

The study was undertaken to understand the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on cormlet production in Hypoxis hemerocallidea corm cuttings. In the first experiment, conducted in spring and summer, whole corms and corms subjected to chipping into four or eight segments or to scooping were used. These were soaked in 1.0 g L− 1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 0.5 g L− 1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), a combination of 1.0 g L− 1 IBA and 0.5 g L− 1 NAA, or distilled water (control) for 16 h. In the second experiment, corms cut by chipping into eight segments were soaked in 25, 50, or 100 mg L− 1 of 6-benzyladenine (BA) or gibberellic acid (GA3), as well as their combinations (100 mg L− 1 GA3 + 25 mg L− 1 BA, 100 mg L− 1 BA + 25 mg L− 1 GA3) for either 30, 60, or 120 min. Soaking corm cuttings chipped into equal segments in distilled water significantly increased the number of cormlets compared to soaking in IBA or NAA. Chipping into eight segments and soaking in distilled water resulted in a significantly higher number of cormlets in the summer experiment. There were no significant differences in the number of cormlets when the eight segments of corm cuttings were soaked in BA and GA3. Soaking the corm cuttings for 120 min in GA3 at 25 mg L− 1 resulted in all eight segments of the cuttings producing one cormlet each. This is the first report on vegetative propagation of H. hemerocallidea showing that PGRs' had no positive effect on cormlet production.

Farmers and herders often interface ethno-veterinary knowledge and modern veterinary to treat their livestock. Viability of livestock production in local communities is continuously under the threat due to different diseases including retained placenta. The current study documented medicinal plants used to treat retained placenta and associated diseases in Dinokana communities, North West Province, South Africa. Ethnobotanical data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The collected data was presented as percentages and frequencies, use-value, frequency of citation and cultural importance index. In the study area, 25 plants from 18 families were indicated as remedies for the treatment of retained placenta in cattle. Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Peltophorum africanum, Drimia sanguinea and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the most cited plants. The most dominating life forms were herbs (40%) and shrubs (36%). The plant parts commonly preferred in the preparation of remedies for retained placenta included the roots (36%) and leaves (21%) and whole plant (18%). Poultice (68%), maceration (24%) and decoction (8%) were the three methods of preparation that were described by the participants. Most (68%) of plants were administered topically. As indicated by the participants, at least 20% of the 25 medicinal plants had multiple indications (uses) either as single-plant or poly-plant remedies against diseases in cattle. Apart from retained placenta in cattle, these plant remedies were used for constipation, intestinal parasites, anaemia, pain and inflammation as well as diarrhoea. The study unravelled the rich indigenous knowledge on plants with ethno-veterinary value among Dinokana communities. Further studies are needed in order to determine biological activities and safety as well as the chemical profiles for these documented plants especially for those currently lacking scientific evidence on their efficacies.

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is wild harvested and widely used due inter alia to its strong antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity is linked to plant stressors like soil heavy metals concentrations and pH. If high antioxidant activity is caused by heavy metals stressing the plant, the plant may not be completely safe. Soils and H. hemerocallidea corms were collected from five different geographical regions of South Africa. The highest corm and soil heavy metals concentration were Fe, Mn and Cr, with Fe having the highest, particularly for corms collected from Ga-rankuwa (83.7 ± 0.03 μg/g). The soil and corm samples from Ga-rankuwa with high levels of metals (Fe, Cr, Ni, Pb) had greater antioxidant activity (EC50 of 1.68 ± 0.49 μg/mL). Despite corms showing ability to bio-accumulate heavy metals, the antioxidant activity could not be linked to environmental conditions. The results highlight potential danger of using naturally harvested bulbs growing in unidentified soils

Respiratory tract infections arise due to the introduction of microbes into the airway, disrupting the normal, healthy, complex interdependent microbiome. The selective disruption of this community can be either beneficial or dangerous. Nanoparticles are a potential tool for modifying this population. Coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using ethanolic extracts of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (EEHH), a Southern African plant used extensively in traditional medicine and the source of many bioactive secondary metabolites. The room temperature reaction between silver nitrate and EEHH forms largely spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 6–20 nm. These nanoparticles show similar levels of antibacterial activity as the broad-spectrum antibiotic streptomycin against Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis. However, the AgNPs synergistically increase the antibacterial activity of streptomycin when they are applied in combination (30–52%). AgNPs are reiterated to be promising dual-function antibiotics, synergistically enhancing activity while also acting as delivery agents for small molecules.

Skin diseases have come under the spotlight due to the fact they are the first symptoms associated with many diseases, including AIDS. Although Western medications are available for treating skin diseases, many ethnic groups including the Batswanas in North West Province still consult traditional health practitioners (THPs) for skin diseases. This study was aimed at exploring and documenting indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants used for skin-related diseases by Batswana THPs in North West Province. Ethnobotanical information, including local name of plant, part used, methods of preparation and administration, was captured using semi-structured questionnaires. These questionnaires were administered to 30 purposively selected THPs from 10 villages. Quantitative parameters including use-value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and cultural importance index (CI), were computed to determine the relative importance of plant species locally, the homogeneity of knowledge among THPs and the spread of use and versatility. In total, 80 plants belonging to 40 families and 61 genera were documented as being used in preparation of 36 recipes to treat 43 skin-related diseases grouped into 7 categories. Asparagaceae (seven plants) and Asteraceae (seven plants), Xanthorrhoeaceae (six plants) and Solanaceae (six plants) were the most representative families. The most frequently used plant parts are the roots (31%), whole plant (26%) and leaves (19%), while the most common methods of preparation include concoction (30%), maceration (23%) and decoction (19%). Hypoxis hemerocallidea (0.9) and Helichrysum paronychioides (0.8) had the highest UV, while Hypoxis hemerocallidea (0.4), Helichrysum paronychioides (0.4) and Urginea sanguinea (0.3) were the most culturally important plants. The highest ICF (0.6) was linked to miscellaneous skin diseases, with rashes (22%) being the most frequently treated in the category. The disease with the highest plant diversity for treatment is chickenpox with 22 plants, followed by yaws with 16 plants, while rashes and boils are treated using 14 plants. The study recorded 38 plants used to treat skin-related diseases for the first time in South Africa. The current findings are an indication that the Batswana traditional medicine pharmacopoeia has rich plant diversity for treatment of skin-related diseases. However, these may come under threat because the young population is not showing interest in indigenous knowledge. The current study has also opened a platform for in-depth scientific analysis to evaluate the pharmacological efficacy and safety of the identified medicinal plants.

Background Macrophages and Natural Killer (NK) cells are an integral part of the innate immune system. These cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial infections. However, prolonged inflammation can be a contributing factor in the etiology of several diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and eczema. Reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines is an effective treatment strategy for these conditions. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been shown to have immunosuppressive effects. Extracts of the Hypoxis hemerocallidea plant have also been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. It has been demonstrated previously that extracts of the H. hemerocallidea can be used to synthesize AuNPs. Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether AuNPs synthesized using H. hemerocallidea extract and its major secondary metabolite, hypoxoside, have any immunomodulatory effects in macrophages and NK cells. Methodology AuNPs derived from the H. hemerocallidea extract were synthesized as previously described. Using similar methodologies, this study shows for the first time the synthesis of AuNPs from hypoxoside. The AuNPs were characterized using several optical and spectroscopic techniques. The immunomodulatory effects of the aqueous extract of H. hemerocallidea, hypoxoside, as well as the AuNPs produced from the extract and hypoxoside, were investigated by measuring the cytokine levels in macrophages (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and NK cells (IFN-γ) using solid phase sandwich ELISA technique. Results The results show that spherical AuNPs (average size 26 ± 2 nm) were synthesized from hypoxoside. The results also show that the four treatments (H. hemerocallidea extract, hypoxoside and their respective AuNPs can lower the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the macrophages cells, while only AuNPs produced from hypoxoside can reduce cytokine responses in NK cells. Conclusion This study shows that all four treatments investigated here could be further explored for the development of anti-inflammatory therapies.

Despite the rich history of traditional medicine and biodiversity in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, few studies exist with regard to the use on traditional medicinal plants for cosmetic purposes. Thus, this study explored the indigenous knowledge of traditional cosmetic plants used by the Xhosa women of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. An ethnobotanical survey using semi-structured questionnaires was used to document the indigenous knowledge held by Xhosa women of the Eastern Cape Province on herbal cosmetics. Eighty-eight participants were interviewed from October to November 2017, and August 2018 through non-probability convenience and purposive sampling methods. A total of 16 plants belonging to 14 families were recorded as indicated by the 88 Xhosa women aged from 16 to 85 years. Cassipourea flanaganii had the highest frequency of citation while Hypoxis hemerocallidea had the highest use value. Documented plant parts included the bark (25%), bulb (16.67%), fruit (13.54%), seeds (6.25%), leaves (15.63%) and tubers (14.58%). The cosmetic preparations were mostly prepared through maceration, crushing and infusion. These preparations were predominantly applied topically while a few were taken orally. The local cosmetic applications of the plants included uses for changing skin complexion, sunlight protection, treating pimples and body rashes, removing spots, making skin soft, treating sunburns, making skin smooth and maintaining a healthy skin. Skin complexion recorded the highest citation frequency. Medicinal plants still play a major role in the local cosmetics industry of the Xhosa community in the Eastern Cape. As a result, their sustainable utilization should be encouraged. There is also need for more studies to compliment and validate the in vitro and in vivo cosmetic potential of the plant extracts.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn) on the synthesis of secondary metabolites in micropropagated Hypoxis hemerocallidea. In vitro raised plantlets of H. hemerocallidea were exposed to various exogenous concentrations of Zn (100, 200, 400 and 800 µM) for 6 weeks. The concentrations of phenolic acids and the accumulation of hypoxoside were determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Application of Zn significantly increased the concentrations of hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, namely gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, syringic acid and vanillic acid. Variable concentrations of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were recorded with the highest concentration of caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid detected in plants grown on standard Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing the normal 30 µM-Zn concentration. Media supplemented with exogenous Zn (200 µM) stimulated the highest concentrations of chlorogenic acid and sinapic acid whereas Zn (100 µM) significantly increased the concentration of ferulic acid. Significantly high concentration of hypoxoside was recorded in the control and Zn (800 µM) treated cultures. The results revealed that exposure to Zn enhanced plant biomass and the accumulation of most phenolic acids, but significantly reduced the accumulation of hypoxoside, and antioxidant activity.

Introduction: Herb–drug interaction is an important clinical risk associated with the concomitant consumption of herbal supplements with conventional drugs. African potato (AP) (Hypoxis he...

The corm of Hypoxis hemerocallidea, commonly known as the African potato, is used in traditional medicine to treat several medical conditions such as urinary infections, benign prostate hyperplasia, inflammatory conditions and testicular tumours. The metabolites contributing to the medicinal properties of H. hemerocallidea have been identified in several studies and, more recently, the active terpenoids of the plant were profiled. However, the biosynthetic pathways and the enzymes involved in the production of the terpene metabolites in H. hemerocallidea have not been characterised at a transcriptomic or proteomic level. In this study, total RNA extracted from the corm, leaf and flower tissues of H. hemerocallidea was sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. A total of 143,549 transcripts were assembled de novo using Trinity and 107,131 transcripts were functionally annotated using the nr, GO, COG, KEGG and SWISS-PROT databases. Additionally, the proteome of the three tissues were sequenced using LC-MS/MS, revealing aspects of secondary metabolism and serving as data validation for the transcriptome. Functional annotation led to the identification of numerous terpene synthases such as nerolidol synthase, germacrene D synthase, and cycloartenol synthase amongst others. Annotations also revealed a transcript encoding the terpene synthase phytoalexin momilactone A synthase. Differential expression analysis using edgeR identified 946 transcripts differentially expressed between the three tissues and revealed that the leaf upregulates linalool synthase compared to the corm and the flower tissues. The transcriptome as well as the proteome of Hypoxis hemerocallidea presented here provide a foundation for future research.

Background African Potato (hypoxis hemerocallidea), is used for enhancing immune system in Southern Africa. It is among the plants of intense commercial and scientific interest; hence, the aim of this study was to describe its chemistry and pharmacology. Methods PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL) and Google Scholar were searched independently for relevant literature. The last search occurred in October 2018. Other research material was obtained from Google. The following search terms were used, but not limited to: “African Potato”, “hypoxis”, “hemerocallidea”, “rooperol.” Articles that were explaining the chemistry and pharmacology of hypoxis hemerocallidea were included. Results Thirty articles from PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar were eligible. Three webpages were included from Google. Results showed that the tuberous rootstock (corm) of African Potato is used traditionally to treat wasting diseases, testicular tumours, insanity, barrenness, impotency, bad dreams, intestinal parasites, urinary infection, cardiac disease and enhancing immunity. The plant contains hypoxoside, which is converted rapidly to a potent antioxidant, rooperol in the gut. The corm contains sterols, sterol glycosides, stanols, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins and reducing sugars. A dose of 15 mg/kg/day of hypoxoside is reportedly therapeutic. Preclinical studies of African Potato have shown immunomodulation, antioxidant, antinociceptive, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, uterolytic, antimotility, spasmolytic and anticholinergic effects. The common side effects of African Potato are nausea and vomiting, which subside over time. In vitro, African Potato demonstrated inhibitory effects on CYP1A2, 2C9, 2D6, 3A4, 3A5, CYP19-metabolism and induction of P-glycoprotein. In vivo, it did not alter the pharmacokinetics of efavirenz or lopinavir/ritonavir. Conclusion African Potato is mainly used as an immunostimulant. The exact mechanisms of action for all the pharmacological actions are unknown. More research is required to substantiate claims regarding beneficial effects. There are many research gaps that require investigation including pharmacokinetic interactions with conventional drugs, especially those used in HIV/AIDS.

Africa has the largest diversity of the genus Hypoxis, accounting for 61% of the current globally accepted taxa within the genus, including some endemic species. Using Hypoxis hemerocallidea as a case study, this review addresses the conservation concerns arising from the unsustainable, wild harvesting of a number of Hypoxis species. Hypoxis hemerocallidea is one of the wild-harvested, economically important, indigenous medicinal plants of southern Africa, with potential in natural product and drug development. There are several products made from the species, including capsules, tinctures, tonics and creams that are available in the market. The use of H. hemerocallidea as a “cure-all” medicine puts an important harvesting pressure on the species. Unsustainable harvesting causes a continuing decline of its populations and it is therefore of high priority for conservation, including a strong case to cultivate the species. Reviewing the current knowledge and gaps on cultivation of H. hemerocallidea, we suggest the creation of a platform for linking all the stakeholders in the industry.

Background In Mozambique, bacterial and parasitic diseases contribute to a high burden of mortality and morbidity. These infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics, antihelmintic or antiparasitic drugs. However, misuse of these has been affecting the potential to treat ailments. It has been reported that many people from Maputo city and province apart from the existing contemporary medicine, still use medicinal plants for treatment of diseases due to traditional heritage and beliefs. It is, therefore, important to register this knowledge in order to use it for future pharmacological studies. This study aimed to identify the medicinal plants sold in Xipamanine, Xiquelene and Mazambane markets for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases. Methods An ethnobotanical survey, using interviews, was conducted to the main vendors of the markets. Data about the plant name, part used, mode of preparation and administration route were collected. Results A total of 64 medicinal plants belonging to 32 families were listed as sold for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases in the three markets. Terminalia sericea, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Tiliacora funifera and Hypoxis hemerocallidea were the most cited plants. Roots were the most often sold suggesting it is the most used part. We also found out that medicinal plants trade is still common in Maputo markets. This suggests that people still use plant-based herbal medicines for their basic health care. Conclusions Several medicinal plants were sold in Maputo city’s markets for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases, with more emphasis on diarrhea and helminthiases. These plants were commonly bought by local residents and play an important role in the subsistence of vendors. Pharmacological studies are needed in order to isolate the plants active principles and understand their mechanism of action, so that new drugs can be developed.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biological activities of some plant species used in the preparation of herbal mixtures and determine the combinational effects. The plant materials were collected from traders who use them to prepare herbal mixtures claimed to be blood purifiers, pain-relievers, anti-diarrheal and aphrodisiac medicines. An aqueous decoction of each plant species was prepared. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to establish the phytochemical profiles of the decoctions. Standard chemical tests were performed to screen for the presence of phyto-constituent groups. Total polyphenol content of the decoctions was also determined. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and ferric reducing power were used to assess the antioxidant activities of the extracts. The micro-broth dilution assay was used to determine antimicrobial activity. Fractional inhibitory index was used to determine the consequence of mixing different decoctions together. The phytochemical fingerprints of the decoctions showed that water mainly extracted polar compounds from the plants. Terpernoids, tannins and steroids were detected in all the decoctions. The decoctions of Delonix elata, Veltheimia capensis, Sarcostemma viminale, and “Tshikwana” had the lowest antioxidant activity. The twigs of Kirkia wilmsii exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity (EC50 15.71 µg/mL) and further showed significant broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against diarrheagenic pathogens. The twigs of K. wilmsii had the greatest amount of total phenolics followed by Hypoxis hemerocallidea (corm) and Monsonia angustifolia. Majority of the aqueous extract combinations yielded indifferent and additive interactions. Although synergistic effects are sought after when mixing different plant extracts, this study demonstrated the complexities associated with combinations of aqueous extracts and the importance of appropriate knowledge on which species of plants should be mixed to enhance their therapeutic properties. Key words: Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, antimicrobial, combinational effects.

Hypoxis (Hypoxidaceae) consists of about 90 species of plants reported worldwide, of which 76 occur in Africa. As many as 41 species are indigenous to countries belonging to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including South Africa. Of all the Hypoxis species, Hypoxis hemerocallidea has versatile application in traditional health care system of over 85% of South Africans and is regarded as one of the most ethnomedicinally important and most marketed species in South Africa. H. hemerocallidea corm’s water or alcoholic extract is widely used as traditional medicine for the treatment of benign hypertrophy and urinary tract infections as well as for boosting the immune system of people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among others. However, the use of other parts of Hypoxis plant as medicine is vital for conservation purposes. The roots attached on the corm of H. hemerocallidea contain hypoxoside, but the roots are usually ripped off during the preparation of Hypoxis-containing traditional medicines and other herbal products. A developed and validated, affordable but reliable high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) densitometry for the rapid and repeatable visualization and quantitative determination of hypoxoside from the roots of H. hemerocallidea was performed. After thin-layer chromatography analysis, the hypoxoside resolved and was visualized at RF of 0.30 in CHCl3–MeOH–H20 (70:30:2 v/v). The method was linear with R2 of 0.9876 over a calibration range of 0.20 × 10−4–1.80 × 10−3 mg mL−1. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 5.08 × 10−4 and 1.65 × 10−3 mg mL−1, respectively, while the percentage recovery and the method repeatability (%RSD) were 84.10 and 4.98, respectively. The roots of H. hemerocallidea were found to contain 4.101 × 10−4 mg mL−1 of hypoxoside.

African potato is facing rapid decline of wild populations due to large-scale harvesting, necessitating efficient means of propagation. Propagation of African potato is difficult due to seed dorman...

Introduction Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV/AIDS have been demonstrated to induce endocrine/metabolic dysfunction with a consequential increase in morbidity/mortality due to organ toxicities. This study aimed at investigating the possible protective effect of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HH) against metabolic and hepatic histomorphology of diabetic rats under HAART. Material and methods Sixty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a normoglycemic group A (n = 6) and 7 diabetic (110 mg/kg nicotinamide + 45 mg/kg streptozotocin) groups (B–H) (n = 8) and treated according to protocols. Concomitant treatment with adjuvant HH and HAART resulted in the least %body weight gain as the liver weight decreased in all treated animals. Results Significant changes in serum lipids were aggravated by treatment with HH and HAART, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were elevated (p < 0.001/0.05), but changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total protein levels were insignificant. While artherosclerotic and cardiopulmonary indexes remained insignificant, concomitant use of HH with HAART in diabetes resulted in reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.001), and increased triglyceride (p < 0.05) and total cholesterol (p < 0.001). The parameters of liver injury showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in ALT of animals treated with HH alone, HAART + HH and melatonin; however, an insignificant decline in AST level was recorded. Treatment with adjuvant HAART, HH and melatonin resulted in significant (p < 0.005/0.0001) up-regulation of ALP and total bilirubin levels. Histopathology derangement ranged from severe hepatocellular distortions, necrosis with reduced glycogen expression following co-treatment of HAART+melatonin, HH and HAART alone in diabetes. Conclusions Presumptive hypoglycemic use of HH with HAART by people living with HIV/AIDS requires caution as implications for hepatocellular injuries are suspected with further uncontrolled metabolic disorder.

Some species of the genus Hypoxis within the Hypoxidaceae family are known to contain phenolic glycosides that have different clinical functions. In the African continent Hypoxis species are regarded as valuable medicinal plants that have been used for decades by traditionalists and natives to treat numerous ailments. The corms and rhizomes of the geophytes contain hypoxoside, a norlignan diglucoside, which is one of the important phytochemicals with medicinal functions found in Hypoxis. In this study corm extracts of seven species: H. acuminata, H. argentea, H. filiformis, H. gerrardii, H. hemerocallidea, H. iridifolia and H. parvifolia were analyzed for the presence of ellagic acid, total phenolic content (TPC) and hypoxoside. Extracts of H. iridifolia and H. gerardii had the highest levels of total phenolic content of 369.6 μg/g and 318.2 μg/g, respectively, compared to the rest of the species. Hypoxoside was found to be present in corm extracts of all the species in varying proportions. H. gerrardii, H. argentea and H. filiformis had the highest relative hypoxoside content of 7.1%, 6.6% and 6.6%, respectively. It is interesting to note that Hypoxis hemerocallidea, the most commonly used species for medicinal extracts contained a much lower level of hypoxoside than most of the other species. Our study included species that have not been previously analyzed for either TPC or hypoxoside presence such as H. filiformis and H. gerrardii, thus providing novel information regarding the medicinal status and biochemical compounds of these Hypoxis species.