Ethnobotany Articles
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Item Mutagenicity, antimutagenicity and cytotoxicity evaluation of South African Podocarpus species(Elsevier, 2011-12-06) Abdillahi, Halima S.; Verschaeve, Luc; Finnie, Jeffrey F.; Staden, Johannes VanEthnopharmacological relevance: Four species of Podocarpus are used in traditional medicine both in human and animal healthcare in South Africa. In vitro pharmacological screening of leaf and stem extracts of these species exhibited potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, anthelmintic, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Aim of the study: To investigate the mutagenicity, antimutagenicity and cytotoxicity effects of leaf and stem extract of South African Podocarpus species. Material and methods: The mutagenicity and cytotoxic effects of extracts from four species of Podocarpus were tested using the Salmonella/microsome assay with and without metabolic activation, based on the plate-incorporation method and neutral red uptake (NRU) assay respectively. Five Salmonella typhimurium tester strains; TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535 and TA1537 were used for mutagenicity testing. The relative cytotoxicity of the extracts was assessed by determining their NI50 values (50% inhibitionof NRU). Results: The extracts did not show any mutagenic effects against all the tester strains with or without metabolic activation. All extracts demonstrated a strong antimutagenic effect on the mutations induced by 4NQO, decreasing its mutagenic effect in a dose-dependent manner. Strong cytotoxic effects were exhibited by petroleum ether extracts as compared to 80% ethanol extracts. When HepG2 cells were in contact with plant extracts in an increasing concentration, slopes of NRU decreased (highest–lowest %) following a concentration-dependent pattern. For 80% ethanol extracts, the most toxic extract in terms of percentage viability was leaves of Podocarpus falcatus whereby at 0.2 mg/ml, the viability of the cells was 38.9%. Stem extract of Podocarpus latifolius was the most toxic among PE extracts, giving a percentage viability of 46.4 at 0.1 mg/ml. Conclusion: Absence of mutagenicity does not indicate lack of toxicity, as was observed from these extracts. These findings will help in assessing the safety measures to be considered in the use of these species and also the need to determine the cytotoxic potential of these species against various forms of human cancer cells.Item South African plants and male reproductive healthcare: Conception and contraception(Elsevier, 2012-06-28) Abdillahi, H.S.; Staden, J. VanEthnopharmacological relevance: Traditional remedies from plants have been use to treat male reproductive related disorders for ages in South Africa. Aim: This study reviewed the current status of medicinal plants used in male reproductive healthcare as well as their effectiveness as a mode of treatment. Methodology: A detailed literature search was done by consulting books, peer-reviewed papers, scientific databases such as Scopus, Science direct and PubMed, and Google scholars. Keywords such as aphrodisiacs, conception, erectile dysfunction, fertility, infertility and sterility in relation to medicinal plants were used during the search. Plant species were selected based on their traditional use in different aspects of male reproductive healthcare. Results: A total of 61 plants species were found to be used in treating male impotency or as aphrodisiacs. However, only six species have been evaluated scientifically and these plants showed significant activities either in promoting conception by improving fertility and promoting erection or in contraception by decreasing sperm motility, virility and membrane integrity. Conclusion: The importance of herbal products in the treatment of male infertility and related sexual disorders is undeniable. Scientific evaluations of the six species have proved the empirical use of these plants in the improvement of male sexual disorders as well as validating their traditional usesItem Four Biodiversity Assessments of Lolldaiga Hills Ranch by the National Museums of Kenya (2014)(National Museums of Kenya, 2015-05) Wasonga, Victor; Wamiti, Wanyoike; Abdillahi, Halima; Kinuthia, Wanja; Mwebi, OgetoThis preliminary survey of the insects of Lolldaiga Hills Ranch was conducted between 30 October and 3 November 2014. Six sites representing distinct habitat types were surveyed. These included euphorbia thicket, grassland, Acacia drepanolobium woodland, rocky outcrop, marshy ground, riverine forest, and red cedar and olive forest. Three colours of pan traps, sweep netting, and ground searching techniqueswere used to survey invertebrates. Of the three orders of insects that have been processed, the Lepidoptera had 21 species from four families, while Hymenoptera and Coleoptera each had 12 species from three and six families, respectively. Among the Lepidoptera, the Pieridae had the highest number of species (8) while Nymphalidae had the smallest number (2). At 55%, dipterans were the most abundant of the pollinators followed by hymenopterans (35%). Yellow was the most visited pan trap colour at 58%, followed by white (24%), then blue (18%). All pollinator groups visited yellow traps as their preferred colour, while Coleopterans mostly visited white traps. The four pollinator groups, however, visited all colours. Given its relevance in biodiversity conservation and land use management, biodiversity inventories should be carried on in both dry and wet seasons.Item Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Podocarpus sensu latissimo (s.l.)(Elsevier, 2009-09-02) Abdillahi, H. S.; Stafford, G.I.; Finnie, J.F.; Staden, J.VanThe genus Podocarpus sensu latissimo (s.l.) was initially subdivided into eight sections. However, based on new information from different morphological and anatomical studies, these sections were recognised as new genera. This change in nomenclature sometimes is problematic when consulting ethnobotanical data especially when selecting plants for pharmacological screening, thus there is a need to clear any ambiguity with the nomenclature. Species of Podocarpus s.l. are important timber trees in their native areas. They have been used by many communities in traditional medicine and as a source of income. Podocarpus s.l. is used in the treatment of fevers, asthma, coughs, cholera, distemper, chest complaints and venereal diseases. Other uses include timber, food, wax, tannin and as ornamental trees. Although extensive research has been carried out on species of Podocarpus s.l over the last decade, relatively little is known about the African species compared to those of New Zealand, Australia, China and Japan. Phytochemical studies have led to the isolation and elucidation of various terpenoids and nor- and bisnorditerpenoid dilactones. Biflavonoids of the amentoflavone and hinokiflavone types have also been isolated. Nor- and bis-norditerpenes are said to be taxonomic markers for this genus. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, larvicidal, plant and insect growth regulation activities. Various studies have yielded important natural bioactive products and two of them are worth mentioning. Taxol, a significant anticancer agent has been isolated from Podocarpus gracilior and totarol, a diterpenoid isolated from various species and now commercially produced as a potent antibacterial and antioxidant agent. Findings from this review supports the use of an ethnobotanical and chemotaxonomical approach in selecting plants for pharmacological screening since most of the species in the differentmorphological groups have similar uses. Also the isolated compounds have chemotaxonomic value amongst the groups. Some of the biological activities identified from extracts and compounds isolated from Podocarpus s.l. support the rationale behind the medicinal uses of these species.Item Effect of Disturbance On the Population Structure and Regeneration of Trees: A Case Study of Acacia xanthophloea (Benth) Woodland in Ol-Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya(International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2018-03) Muhati, Godwin Leslie; Abdillahi, Halima SaadoTree damage was assessed in 1540 Acacia species (A. xanthophloea) in Olpejeta Conservancy. Using belt transects measuring (20 x 50 m), trees in the sample sites (closed and open) were counted. Measurements were made of Acacia tree count, recruits count, diameter at breast height, and mortality for both adult trees and seedlings. Densities were significantly higher in enclosed areas (398.3 ± 16.60 trees/ha) than open areas (243.3 ± 10.13) trees/ha. Elephants recorded the highest damage to the sampled trees with 54.55% damage while human beings caused 12.85% of the damage. Browsing was the main form of damage in open areas. Mean height for enclosed and open sites was 3.77 ± 4.61 and 5.35 ± 8.81, respectively. These findings suggest that herbivory damage did not have a significant effect on seedling regeneration but rather had an effect on population structure. Debarking caused by elephants occurred in the open areas with the highest being 96% of the sampled trees in the 11-25% damage class. The diameter class quotients fluctuated, an indication of the unstable population thus suggesting the impact of herbivory on population structure. Key recommendations include the creation of more enclosure zones, winning back more space by controlling the densities of browsers, long-term monitoring and the promotion of recruitment and regeneration rather than reducing mature tree loss.Item Application of Medicinal Plants in Maternal Healthcare and Infertility: A South African Perspective(2013-04) Abdillahi, Halima S.; Staden, Johannes VanPlants have played significant roles as medicine during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care in many rural areas of the world. In addition to this, plants have been used for centuries to treat infertility and related reproduction problems. The aim of this paper was to review the current status of plant species used in maternal healthcare, including infertility, in South Africa, in terms of scientific evaluation for efficacy and safety. In addition to this, the role of medicinal plants as a tool in achieving the MDG5 of reducing maternal mortality by 2015 was evaluated. A search was done with the aid of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, peer-reviewed papers, and books, using keywords such as child birth, labour pain, maternal health, maternal mortality, menstrual pains, and postpartum. The plants listed in the different research articles were classified according to their use and the target effect of a plant extract or compound on reproductive function. Eighty-four plant species were found to be used to treat infertility and related problems. Twenty plant species are used during pregnancy, while 26 plant species are used to ease childbirth. For postpartum healing and any problems after childbirth, nine plant species were recorded. Unhealthy pregnancy and birth complications are among the factors that contribute to the loss of cognitive potential in the developing worldʼs children, condemning them to impoverished lives. The best way to keep a country poor is to rob its children of their full developmental potential. In this respect, medicinal plants play a significant role in reducing maternal mortality and ensuring the birth of healthy children.Item Antimicrobial activity of South African Podocarpus species(2008-06-28) Abdillahi, H.S.; Stafford, G.I.; Finnie, J.F.; Staden, J. VanEthnopharmacological relevance: Several species of Podocarpus (Podocarpaceae) are utilized in treating ailments across the world. In Africa, four species are used traditionally in both animal and human health Aim of the study: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of Podocarpus species against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans. Materials and methods: Six solvents of varying polarity were used for extraction. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the microdilution bioassay and for antifungal activity, the microdilution bioassay and (M27-P) broth dilution were used. Results: All species exhibited antimicrobial activity with MIC values of less than 1 mg/ml. Inhibition against Gram-positive bacteriawas stronger with an MIC value of 98 g/ml while for Gram-negative bacteria, the highest inhibitionwas against Klebsiella pneumoniae with an MIC value of 0.33 mg/ml. All species exhibited strong antifungal activity with the best MIC being 30 g/ml after 48 h. Conclusions: All four species exhibited strong inhibition against all tested microbials, based on Aligiannis et al. [Aligiannis, N., Kalpotzakis, E., Mitaku, S., Chinou, I.B., 2001. Composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of two Origanum species. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 40, 4168–4170] classification they can be classified as strong inhibitors.Item In vitro Repression of Cyclooxygenase, Acetylcholinesterase Activities and Bacterial Growth by Trans-phytol and a Glycolipid from the Leaves of Homalomena sagittifolia(Researchgate, 2016-06-05) Eldeen, Ibrahim M.S.; Hamid, Abdul; Wong, K.C.; Abdullah, M.A.; Tengku-Muhammad, Tengku S.; Abdillahi, H.S.; Staden, J. VanBackground and Objective: The leaf of Homalomena sagittifolia was reported to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobials, narcotic, violent intoxication and hallucinogen effects. This study highlights isolation, identification and biological activities of two compounds from the leaves of H. sagittifolia. Methodology: Two isolates were investigated for their inhibitory effects against cyclooxygenase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes. They were also tested for antimicrobial effects against five pathogenic bacterial strains using the micro-dilution assay. The structure of the two isolates were elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data and previous available reports in literature. They were identified to be trans-phytol (1) and diacylglyceroglycolipid (2). The compounds were investigated for their anti-inflammatory, anticholinergic and antimicrobial effects using the cyclooxygenase, the microplate and the antimicrobial micro-dilution assays, respectively. Results: Compound 2 possessed good activity against both COX-1 (IC 50 = 38) and COX-2 (IC 50 = 48). The IC 50 values observed with the indomethacin were 4.1 and 181 μM against COX-1 and COX-2, respectively. The two compounds also inhibited activity of acetylcholinesterase with an IC 50 values of 8.6 μM (2), 24 μM (1) and 3.3 μM (galanthamine). Compound 2 showed remarkable activity against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas stutzeri and Klebsiella pneumoniae with an MIC value of 98 μM. The MIC values recorded for tetracycline were 87 and 175 μM against P. stutzeri and K. pneumonia, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicated the potential pharmacological properties of the leaves of H. sagittifolia and supported the traditional uses of the plant. Further studies are needed to understand its molecular interactions. This may lead to the development of standardized crude drugs and/or nutraceutical agents.Item Mutagenicity, antimutagenicity and cytotoxicity evaluation of South African Podocarpus species(Elsevier, 2011-12-01) Abdillahi, Halima SaadoEthnopharmacological relevance: Four species of Podocarpus are used in traditional medicine both in human and animal healthcare in South Africa. In vitro pharmacological screening of leaf and stem extracts of these species exhibited potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, anthelmintic, acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Aim of the study: To investigate the mutagenicity, antimutagenicity and cytotoxicity effects of leaf and stem extract of South African Podocarpus species. Material and methods: The mutagenicity and cytotoxic effects of extracts from four species of Podocar-pus were tested using the Salmonella/microsome assay with and without metabolic activation, based on the plate-incorporation method and neutral red uptake (NRU) assay respectively. Five Salmonellatyphimurium tester strains; TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535 and TA1537 were used for mutagenicity test- ing. The relative cytotoxicity of the extracts was assessed by determining their NI50 values (50% inhibition of NRU). Results: The extracts did not show any mutagenic effects against all the tester strains with or without metabolic activation. All extracts demonstrated a strong antimutagenic effect on the mutations induced by 4NQO, decreasing its mutagenic effect in a dose-dependent manner. Strong cytotoxic effects were exhibited by petroleum ether extracts as compared to 80% ethanol extracts. When HepG2 cells were in contact with plant extracts in an increasing concentration, slopes of NRU decreased (highest–lowest %) following a concentration-dependent pattern. For 80% ethanol extracts, the most toxic extract in terms of percentage viability was leaves of Podocarpus falcatus whereby at 0.2 mg/ml, the viability of the cells was38.9%. Stem extract of Podocarpus latifolius was the most toxic among PE extracts, giving a percentage viability of 46.4 at 0.1 mg/ml. Conclusion: Absence of mutagenicity does not indicate lack of toxicity, as was observed from these extracts. These findings will help in assessing the safety measures to be considered in the use of these species and also the need to determine the cytotoxic potential of these species against various forms of human cancer cells.