https://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/issue/feedJournal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development2024-03-18T06:53:31+01:00AOSIS Publishingsubmissions@jomped.orgOpen Journal Systems<a id="readmorebanner" href="/index.php/jomped/pages/view/journal-information" target="_self">Read more</a> <img style="padding-top: 2px;" src="/public/web_banner.svg" alt="" />https://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/226Antibacterial evaluation of South African Aloe ferox (Mill)2024-03-18T06:53:31+01:00Sipho Gogesipho.goge@gmail.comKarishma Singhsingh.karishma@mut.ac.zaLisa KomorengIbuwa@ufh.ac.zaRoger M. Coopoosamyrogerc@mut.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> There has been an alarming increase in infections because of multidrug resistance. Several multidrug-resistant microbes are becoming more resistant to medications with several side effects. There is an urgent requirement for natural, safer and inexpensive antimicrobial agents.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study sought to examine the effects of the antimicrobial activity of <em>Aloe ferox (A. ferox)</em> in different regions across South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> The antimicrobial activity was determined using the agar disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using the microplate dilution method. 100 mg of dry extract was dissolved in 1 mL of ethanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous to obtain the concentration of 100 mg/mL dilutions (1:10, 1:100 and 1:500), respectively.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The aqueous extracts showed antibacterial activity against all Gram-positive bacteria. Ethanol extracts showed greater inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria than ethyl acetate extracts. Ethanol showed inhibition on Gram-negative bacteria, that is, <em>Protea vulgaris, Escherichia coli</em> and <em>S. sonnei</em>. Aqueous and ethanol extracts displayed strong inhibition at the concentration of 1:10 against all fungal species across regions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> <em>A. ferox</em> showed inhibition to varying degrees across all the regions. The concentrations of <em>A. ferox</em> active ingredient used in traditional medicine differ by region. The study validates the potential difference in the antimicrobial activity of <em>A. ferox</em> across different geographical regions.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study adds to existing knowledge about the remarkable antimicrobial activity of <em>A. ferox</em> as a traditional medicinal plant because of differences in regions.</p><h4><strong><br /></strong></h4>2024-03-18T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Sipho Goge, Karishma Singh, Lisa Komoreng, Roger M. Coopoosamyhttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/200Bioactivities of helichrysum cymosum cultivated in aquaponic, hydroponic and field systems2024-03-06T06:39:45+01:00Zantanta Nomnqophisonomnqophisozantanta@gmail.comLearnmore KambiziKAMBIZIL@cput.ac.zaNinon G.E. Etsassalaetsassalan@cput.ac.zaFelix Nchunchuf@cput.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Aquaponics and hydroponics are potential alternative techniques for sustainable cultivating of medicinal plants.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The experiments were carried out on the Bellville campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of this study was to evaluate crop yield, secondary metabolite contents, and the antifungal activities of extracts from <em>Helichrysum cymosum</em> (<em>H. cymosum</em>) grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems compared with field-collected plants.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> <em>Helichrysum cymosum</em> seedlings were cultivated in hydroponic and aquaponic systems for 6 weeks under greenhouse conditions. The data on plant growth parameters, phytochemical analyses of the leaves, anti-<em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> (<em>F. oxysporum)</em> activity of ethanolic extracts, and antioxidant capacities were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The results showed that the heights of plants grown in aquaponics and hydroponics did not differ substantially (<em>p</em> > 0.05). The total polyphenol contents varied significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.01) among the three cultivation techniques, with the field-collected plants yielding the highest contents (452.10 mg GAE/g ± 53.37 mg GAE/g). The flavonol contents differed significantly among the three cultivation techniques (<em>p</em> < 0.05), with the highest flavonol contents in the field-collected plants (250.62 mg QE/g ± 58.12 mg QE/g). The plants grown in aquaponics had the highest number of compounds (104). The microdilution bioassay showed that the ethanolic extracts of field-harvested <em>H. cymosum</em> had higher fungistatic activity against <em>F. oxysporum</em>. The highest antioxidant capacity was recorded in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay for plants cultivated in hydroponics (<em>p</em> < 0.05), while field-collected plants showed a significantly higher value of 2719.42 µmol ± 278.72 µmol AAE/g (<em>p</em> < 0.05) in the ferric ion reducing antioxidant parameter (FRAP) assay.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The field-collected plants performed better in phytochemical contents. However, cultivation of <em>H. cymosum</em> using a hydroponic system may be feasible based on the antioxidant results.</p><p><strong>Contributions:</strong> The study contributes to developing an alternative strategy for cultivating plants and promoting sustainable farming.</p>2024-03-06T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Zantanta Nomnqophiso, Learnmore Kambizi, Ninon G.E. Etsassala, Felix Nchuhttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/214Antifungal and antioxidant properties of medicinal plants used against fungal infections2024-03-02T06:34:12+01:00Tambudzani C. Machabacarolinemachaba@gmail.comSalome Mahlomamokone.mahlo@ul.ac.zaJacobus Eloffkobus.eloff@up.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Antioxidants present in plant extracts prevent free radicals from causing chronic diseases in humans.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study investigated 12 medicinal plants (<em>Kleinia longiflora</em> DC., <em>Berchemia discolor</em> [Klotzsch] Hemsl., <em>Persea americana</em> Mill., <em>Sansevieria hyacinthoides</em> [L.] Druce, <em>Dichrostachys cinerea</em> [L.] Wright &Arn, <em>Withania somnifera</em> Dunal [Ashgandh], <em>Momordica balsamina L., Lonchocarpus capassa, Pappea capensis, ‘Rhus lancea</em> L. fil’ with <em>‘Searsia lancea</em> (L.F.) F.A. Barkley’ <em>Peltophorum africanum, Maytenus heterophylla</em> [Eckl. & Zeyh.] Robson) for antioxidant activity using the qualitative and quantitative 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The plant species were selected from the ethnomedicinal plant database of over 300 medicinal plants used for therapeutic purposes in Limpopo province.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The plant materials were extracted with solvents of various polarities such as acetone, dichloromethane (DCM), methanol, hexane, and water. The qualitative and quantitative DPPH methods were used to determine the antioxidant activities of plant extracts.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The yellow bands revealed the presence of antioxidant compounds against the purple background on the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) plates. Methanol, hexane, and water extracts of <em>L. capassa</em> were the most active radical scavengers in the DPPH assay among the six medicinal plants screened. Plant extracts of <em>P. africanum</em> showed strong antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH, compared with the standard ascorbic acid.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The findings indicate that some extracts can be used as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The findings revealed that the plant species investigated displayed noteworthy antioxidant activity, which provides scientific evidence for their utilisation by traditional health practitioners to treat fungal infections.</p>2024-03-01T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Tambudzani C. Machaba, Salome Mahlo, Jacobus Eloffhttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/221Cytotoxicity, antifungal and antioxidant properties of Lonchocarpus capassa leaf extracts2024-03-01T13:57:50+01:00Tambudzani C. Machabacarolinemachaba@gmail.comSalome Mahlomamokone.mahlo@ul.ac.zaJacobus Eloffkobus.eloff@up.ac.zaWinston Nxumalowinston.nxumalo@ul.ac.zaLyndy McGawlyndy.mcgaw@up.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> <em>Lonchocarpus capassa</em> is a medicinal plant used to treat diseases such as fungal infections, diarrhoea, oral candidiasis, and stomach complaints in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and antifungal compounds isolated from <em>L. capassa</em> leaf extracts.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The study was conducted in Muduluni village, Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo province.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Leaf extracts were screened for antifungal activity against fungal pathogens: <em>Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans</em>, and <em>Aspergillus fumigatus</em>. Bioassay-guided fractionation using column chromatography of the acetone extract led to the isolation of six antifungal compounds. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry were used for the identification of compounds. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was investigated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Cytotoxicity of isolated compounds was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against Vero monkey kidney cells.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The plant extract had an excellent minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value of 40 μg/mL against the microorganisms. <em>Compound 1</em> was identified as Lupeol, <em>Compound 3</em> as Friedelin, and <em>Compound 4</em> as 6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallyl)-3’,4’-dimethoxy-6”,6”-dimethylpyrano-[2”,3”:7,8]-flavanone (<em>Compound 4</em>). <em>Compounds 2</em> and <em>5</em> were not identified because of the presence of mixtures of long-chain fatty acids. Friedelin was the most active radical scavenger in the DPPH assay. The compounds were not toxic with an LC<sub>50</sub> value of ˃ 0.2 mg/mL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Screening of medicinal plants could provide lead to the discovery of novel antifungal agents.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The results support the traditional use of <em>L. capassa</em> to combat fungal infections in humans.</p>2024-02-22T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Tambudzani C. Machaba, Salome Mahlo, Jacobus Eloff, Winston Nxumalo, Lyndy McGawhttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/236Glucose transporter 4 translocation and glucose uptake by selected traditional medicinal preparations2024-03-01T13:57:50+01:00Phillipine K. Moalekatlego135@gmail.comMildred A. ChaukeChaukema@tut.ac.zaMatlou P. MokgothoMokgothomp@tut.ac.zaLeshweni J. ShaiShaiLJ@tut.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Herbal therapies are used as alternatives to modern treatment regimens and may help alleviate side effects associated with hypoglycaemic agents in the market. In addition, majority of the South African populace still relies on medicinal plant preparations for treatment of various diseases.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study was aimed at screening 13 traditional medicinal plants (HR1-HR13) used for treatment of diabetes, bought from traditional healers in Gauteng, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The traditional medicinal preparations were evaluated for their anti-diabetic mechanisms of action on C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and presence of active phytochemical constituents.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Phytochemical screening was performed using both qualitative (thin layer chromatography [TLC]) and quantitative assays. Furthermore, we determined the glucose uptake, glucose transporter 4 translocation, protein kinase B phosphorylation and expression of insulin receptor substrate 1.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> There was presence of phytochemical constituents, mostly phenolic contents. The study revealed upregulation of glucose uptake by the cells, and furthermore, HR2 and HR13 improved GLUT 4 translocation at 1.25 mg/mL as compared to the negative control. Similarly, Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) expression and Akt phosphorylation significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.05) increased in comparison to the untreated controls cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The results are suggestive of the possible involvement of PI3K/Akt Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in lowering glucose by the medicinal plant preparations.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The results support use of the medicinal plant preparations by traditional healers for treatment or management of diabetes mellitus.</p>2024-02-08T08:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Phillipine K. Moale, Mildred A. Chauke, Matlou P. Mokgotho, Leshweni J. Shaihttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/184Metabolomic and chemometric profiles of Tribulus terrestris L. from three different locations in Mpumalanga province, South Africa2024-02-01T12:59:45+01:00Ngwatshipane M. Mashabelangwatsipanemashabela@gmail.comTshepiso P. Ndhlovungwatsipanemashabela@gmail.comWilfred Otang-Mbengwilfred.mbeng@ump.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> L. is a traditional herb regularly recognised as puncture vine, yellow vine, devils horn, goat head and caltrop, this is often a yearly shaggy herbaceous plant species with stems of up to 2m long, having a place to the family of Zygophyllaceae.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study explored the therapeutic potential of this herb as it is being utilised for pharmaceutical purposes because of its furostanol saponins, which have a stimulating impact on characteristic testosterone levels.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The study took place in different locations of Mpumalanga Province, Bushbuckridge (24.8398°S, 31.0464°E), Kamagugu (25.4566° S, 31.0034° E) and Nkomatipoort (25.4510° S, 31.9587° E).</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Utilising ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS), 50 metabolites were tentatively identified within the leaves of Tribulus terrestris L. from three diverse areas of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Metabolomic-chemometric analysis revealed that Parvispinoside B, F-Gitonin and Gitonin scored highest for the discrimination of <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> L. from three locale clusters. Heat maps showed designs and groupings based on the metabolite concentrations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study provided novel insights in terms of thorough identification of the secondary metabolites and characterization of the leaves of <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> L. in the areas studied.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first metabolite profile of <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> L. and its compositional differences in the Mpumalanga region, providing chemical-based evidence for its nutritive and/or health benefits</p>2024-01-23T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Ngwatshipane M. Mashabela, Tshepiso P. Ndhlovu, Wilfred Otang-Mbenghttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/219Antifungal activity and toxicity of bioactive compounds isolated from the leaf of Ximenia caffra Sond. var. natalensis2024-01-10T13:32:50+01:00Dikonketso M. Tlaameladikotlaamela@gmail.comSalome Mahlomamokone.mahlo@ul.ac.zaMuna Abdallamunalsamahoni@yahoo.comLyndy McGawlyndy.mcgaw@up.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Based on high frequency index, Ximenia caffra Sond. var. natalensis was selected for further phytochemical investigation and biological assays.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed to isolate the active antifungal compounds from the leaves of <em>X. caffra</em> var. <em>natalensis</em>.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The ethnobotanical study was conducted in Aganang Local Municipality, Capricorn District.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Acetone extract was partitioned five times with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and water, respectively. Fractions were screened for antifungal activity against <em>Candida albicans</em> using the microplate method and bioautography assays. The structures of isolated compounds were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity of isolated compounds was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate fraction led to the isolation of four compounds, out of which only two were identified. Compound 1 was identified as epigallocatechin gallate, and Compound 3 was confirmed as kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside. Epigallocatechin gallate exhibited moderate antifungal activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5mg/mL and less toxic to the cells with LC50 = 32.32 µg/mL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of isolated compounds validate the use of <em>X. caffra</em> Sond. var. <em>natalensis</em> in combating oral candidiasis.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The results have shown the potential bioactivity of <em>X. caffra</em> Sond. var. <em>natalensis</em> in the treatment of oral candidiasis.</p>2023-12-19T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Dikonketso M. Tlaamela, Salome Mahlo, Muna Abdalla, Lyndy McGawhttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/206Hepatoprotective activities of polyherbal formulations: A systematic review2023-11-02T10:05:55+01:00Elizabeth B. Aladejanaealadejana@ufh.ac.zaAdebowale E. Aladejanaemmydeb@gmail.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> Liver diseases pose a substantial global public health challenge, encompassing conditions such as liver failure, hepatitis, cirrhosis and associated complications Safeguarding the liver becomes important as these conditions impact human health. Hepatoprotective agents play a pivotal role in mitigating liver damage caused by chemicals, drugs and toxins. Polyherbal formulations, combining botanical components from traditional medicine, offer a promising approach to addressing liver disorders. Their popularity arises from a multi-targeted strategy in treating complex diseases, marking a shift in focus toward these formulations.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed to conduct a thorough review of the existing literature on the hepatoprotective activity of polyherbal formulations and provide a comprehensive overview of their mechanisms of action. This review provides the overview of the use of polyherbal formulations in the management of liver disease.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> A systematic search of electronic databases, including : Scopus, Academia, Elsevier, Science Direct, Wiley, BioMed Central, PubMed, and Google Scholar, was conducted using a combination of keywords such as ‘polyherbal formulations’, ‘hepatoprotective’ and ‘liver diseases’. Studies published between January 2010 and April 2023 were included in the review.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 61 articles were reviewed, and the studies showed that polyherbal formulations possess significant hepatoprotective activity against various hepatotoxic agents. The mechanisms of action of these formulations include antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antifibrotic and antiapoptotic effects. Additionally, some polyherbal formulations were found to stimulate liver regeneration, enhance bile secretion and promote detoxification processes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Polyherbal formulations have shown promising hepatoprotective activity, and their multitargeted approach to treating complex diseases makes them a potential alternative to conventional medicines. However, identifying the active compounds responsible for the hepatoprotective effects of these formulations and their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics could provide insights into the development of new and effective drugs for liver disorders.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This article contributes to the growing body of literature on the potential of polyherbal formulations as hepatoprotective agents.</p>2023-10-24T11:49:00+02:00Copyright (c) 2023 Elizabeth B. Aladejana, Adebowale E. Aladejanahttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/232Acknowledgement to reviewers2023-11-02T10:05:55+01:00Editorial Officepublishing@aosis.co.zaNo abstract available.2023-10-23T06:00:00+02:00Copyright (c) 2023 Editorial Officehttps://jomped.org/index.php/jomped/article/view/202A review of Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl: Ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacology, phytochemistry and toxicology2023-10-02T13:34:51+02:00Scelo Mguniscelomguni@gmail.comFelistas Mashinyafelistas.mashinya@ibratsa.co.zaCollette Khabo-MmekoaMmekoaKCM@tut.ac.zaLishweni J. ShaiShaiLJ@tut.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> <em>Zanthoxylum chalybeum</em> Engl. is a traditional medicinal plant, which is native to Eastern and Southern Africa. Commonly known as the ‘Knob wood’, it has been used for centuries by several traditional healers in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The species is very well known to local communities by its common names such as ‘Kundanyoka’ (Shona), ‘Mjafari’ (Swahili) and ‘Ntaleyedungu’ (Uganda), and it grows naturally in the tropics and subtropics.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The present review describes information on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacology and toxicology of <em>Z. chalybeum</em>.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> Collection of data was based on literature research from several sources including electronic databases such as Google scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Pubmed, books, book chapters and theses.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> <em>Z. chalybeum</em> is widely used in the treatment of malaria, cancer and diabetes. Pharmacological studies revealed that crude extracts and some isolated chemical compounds from <em>Z. chalybeum</em> demonstrated biological activities such as antibacterial, antidiabetic and antimalarial activities. Studies in phytochemical analysis of <em>Z. chalybeum</em> revealed the presence of new compounds such as 6-benzo (1, 3) dioxol-5-yl-hexa-2,5 dienoic acid isobutylamide, 4-methoxy-N-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-N methyl-benzamide, N-(2-hydroxy-methyl-propyl)-3 phenyl-acrylamide and 4-(isoprenyloxy)-3-methoxy,4-deoxymethylenedioxyfagaramide. Toxicology studies revealed moderate to high toxicity, depending on the type of cells and the extraction solvent used.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> <em>Z. chalybeum</em> is a valued medicinal plant used in Eastern and Southern Africa.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The properties of <em>Z. chalybeum</em> revealed in previous studies can be used to guide research scientists in future drug formulations.</p>2023-09-29T08:54:00+02:00Copyright (c) 2023 Scelo Mguni, Felistas Mashinya, Collette Khabo-Mmekoa, Lishweni J. Shai