Journal of Natural Remedies

S. V. Nwafor , P. A. Akah , C. O. Okoli

Abstract

Cancer has remained a major health concern. Advances in existing therapeutic modalities have failed to provide cure, prevent a relapse and are always accompanied by serious and often times debilitating side effects. Extensive screening of plants for anticancer activity has produced some encouraging and impressive results. More than 40,000 plant species have reportedly been screened for anticancer effects. Some of such plants include - Podophyllum hexandrum, Podophyllum petatum, Catharanthus rosea, Taxus brevifolia, Taxus baccata, Camptotheca accuminata etc. Anticancer principles from plants include among others, alkaloids of Vinca rosea (Vinblastine and Vincristine), Ocheosia elliptica (ellipticine and a - methoxyellipticine), toxin of Ipomea batatas and ricin from Ricinus communis . Mechanisms proposed to underlie the anticancer effect of these plants include mitotic arrest in the S, G, and metaphase phases, inhibition of normal mitotic spindle formation, inhibition of microtubule depolymerization and topoisomerase inhibition. Some of these plants/principles are already in use while some are in the clinical trial stages of drug development. Active plant principle can also provide templates upon which synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives can be produced such as the active analogue of Camptothecin: 9-aminocamptothecin, topotecan and irinotecan. The success recorded from the relatively small number of plant species so far screened out of an estimated plant population of half a million worldwide indicate the enormous therapeutic potential inherent in natural endowments of plant origin. With more than 90% of the plant population still unexploited, plants definitely hold hope for the discovery of potent anticancer agents with minimal side effects/toxicity profile and capable of preventing a relapse.

Keywords

Plant Products, Anticancer, Podophyllum, Vinca Alkaloids, Taxol, Camptothecin, Curcumin

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S. V. Nwafor , P. A. Akah , C. O. Okoli , O. O. Ndu , E. O. Ichu

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the uterine smooth muscle relaxant property of the ischolar_main extract of Cissampelos mucronata and relate it to its traditional use in the prevention of pre-term labour. Materials and methods: Phytochemical and pharmacological screenings were carried out using standard procedures. In addition to investigating the effects of the extract on non-gravid and gravid rat uterus, its effects on contractions induced by known uterine stimulants were assessed. The effects of the extract on the amplitude and frequency of contractions of gravid rat uterus were also determined. With the use of glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker, the effect of the extract on potassium channel opening was studied. Result: Phytochemical constituents present in the ischolar_main include carbohydrates, glycosides, sterols/triterpens, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. The extract relaxed the non-gravid rat uterus in a concentration- and time- dependent fashion. It also antagonized contractions evoked by serotonin, oxytocin, acetylcholine and prostaglandin E² (known uterine spasmogens). The uterine relaxant effect of terbutaline (a selective β²-receptor agonist used as a tocolytic agent) was potentiated by the extract in a concentration-related manner while the contractions induced by propranolol (a non-selective β-receptor antagonist) were inhibited by the extract. The frequency and amplitude of contractions of the gravid uterine strips in the absence and presence of the extract were significantly different (p<0.05). Glibenclamide antagonized the uterine relaxant effect of the extract, an indication of possible participation of potassium channel in the actions of the extract. The contractions evoked by calcium chloride in uterine smooth muscles suspended in Ca²⁺-free K⁺-depolarizing solution were inhibited by the extract, suggesting that the activities of the extract may be non-specific in origin. Conclusion: Ethanolic ischolar_main extract of C. mucronata displayed significant (p<0.05) relaxant activity on the isolated gravid and non-gravid rat uterine smooth muscles. The results justify the use of the plant in traditional medicine as a tocolytic (uterine relaxant) agent.

Keywords

Cissampelos mucronata, Uterine Relaxant Activity

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P. A. Akah , C. O. Okoli , S. V. Nwafor

Abstract

Diabetes is becoming a scourge of both developed and resource-poor countries. The disease seriously threatens the mere existence and economic survival of many resource-poor countries. The major question in the care of diabetes, especially Type 1 diabetes has to do with the availability and affordability of insulin. Insulin is a very expensive drug for poor countries and many diabetic patients (especially in remote areas) have great difficulty in obtaining supplies. As an alternative, they make recourse to traditional medicine. A good number of plants/herbal preparations have been reported effective in the management of diabetes. Some of these plants include Anacardium occidentale, Bridelia feruginea, Dioscorea dumetorum, Musa sapientum, Vernonia amygdalina, etc. The use of phytotherapy to treat human diseases has its ischolar_mains in pre-historical times. Indigenous communities have long used plant extracts to treat illnesses including diabetes. This work highlights some of these plants and their potential benefit in the management of diabetes.

Keywords

Diabetes Mellitus, Glycemic Control, Phytotherapy

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C. O. Okoli , P. A. Akah , S. V. Nwafor

Abstract

As a result of the inherent problems associated with the current anti-inflammatory agents, there is continuous search especially from natural sources for alternative agents. A good number of plants are employed in the treatment of inflammatory disorders by natural healers. Some of these plants include Aloe vera, Consolida regalis, Chasmanthera dependens, Culcasia scandens, Crataeva religiosa, Tanacetum vulgare, Holmskioldia sanguinea, Mitracarpus scaber, Turner ulmifolia, etc. Most of these plants have demonstrated varying activities in the various in vivo and in vitro inflammatory models. The potency of these plants is attributed to several active principles present in them, which may act at any of the multiple targets in the inflammatory response pathway. In addition to anti-inflammatory activity, some of these plants also possess beneficial properties such as antimicrobial, analgesic, antipyretic and antiulcer effects. These additional effects complement the inherent anti-inflammatory activity and may confer advantage on these plants. Some active anti-inflammatory principles of these plants have been identified, isolated and characterized. They include - lupeol, premnazole, (+) - usnic acid, (+) - pinitol, zanhasaponins A and B, sasanquol, parthenolide etc. These compounds could provide drugs with comparative advantage over existing agents and may as well serve as leads for further development into more active drugs with lesser adverse effects. This review discusses some of these plants with putative anti-inflammatory properties.

Keywords

Inflammation, Anti-inflammatory Plants, Natural Products

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N. M. Enwerem , C. O. Wambebe , J. I. Okogun , P. A. Akah , K. S. Gamaniel

Abstract

Objective: To screen the anthelmintic properties of Berlina grandiflora. Materials and methods: The dried stem bark of Berlina grandiflora was extracted with 95% ethanol. Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions were obtained successively from crude 95% ethanolic extract, leaving behind a crystalline residue. The crude extract and the resulting fractions were screened for anthelmintic activity and compared with piperazine using rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed on the ethanolic extract and the residue. Results: At a dose of 100 mg/kg orally, the extracts have caused over 50% deparasitization in rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. The highest anthelmintic activity was recorded in rats treated with the residue. The residue was found to be rich in tannins. Conclusion: Berlina grandiflora exhibits remarkable anthelmintic activity against N. brasiliensis and the results substantiate its traditional use as an anthelmintic.

Keywords

Berlina Grandiflora, Nippostrongylus Brasiliensis, Anthelmintic, Deparasitization

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P. A. Akah , S. V. Nwafor , C. O. Okoli , K. G. Ngwoke

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the claimed purgative property of aqueous leaf extract of Peninanthus longifolius. Materials and methods: Safety profile was evaluated using acute toxicity test (mice). Phytochemical constituents were determined using standard procedures. Effect of extract on the intestinal muscle was studied in isolated guinea pig ileum in the presence and absence of agonists and antagonists. Activity of the extract on intestinal motility was assessed by charcoal meal test (mice) and faecal output determination (mice). Doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract were used orally. Results: LD₅₀ of the extract of P. longifolius was 3.0 ± 0.85 g/kg. Phytochemical constituents include carbohydrates, proteins, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, steroidal aglycones and glycosides. The extract produced contraction in the guinea pig ileum in a dose-related manner. The contraction was antagonized only by atropine but not by hexamethonium or mepyramine. It also increased intestinal motility and faecal output. Conclusion: Aqueous leaf extract of P. longifolius produced significant (p < 0.05) degree of purgation predominantly through stimulation of cholinergic pathway. This may be attributed to one or more bioactive constituents found in the leaf.

Keywords

Perinanthus Longifolius, Purgative Activity, Cholinergic Activity

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