Leaves of Allium cepa and Xylopia aethiopica fruits as potent sources of natural antioxidant for stabilization of viscera FISH oil during accelerated storage.

The present study investigated the antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of two local plants and their capacities to preserve the quality of viscera fish oil during storage. The total phenolic, total flavonoids and tannins contents were analyzed by colorimetry, the preliminary antioxidant tests done and identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD (Diode Array Detector) and ESI-MS. After these evaluation, the plant extracts were added in viscera fish oil at concentration 200-1000 ppm. The oxidative stability of these fish oil samples was evaluated by measuring their qualities indices during 16 days at 70 °C. Here, oils were collected at the day 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. The total phenolic, flavonoids and tannins contents in Xylopia aethiopica fruits were 15.62 g Eq acid galic/100g of dry extract, 10.85 mg Eq quercetin/100g of dry extract and 0.79 mg Eq cathechin/100 mg of dry extract. Those of Allium cepa leaves were 6.85 g Eq acid galic/100g of dry extract, 1.50 mg Eq quercetin/100g of dry extract and 0.11 mg Eq cathechin/100 mg of dry extract. All the methanolic extracts exhibited antioxidant activity. The results recorded after FRAP assay revealed the low IC50 (12.87 mg/mL) in Allium cepa extract compared to that of Xylopia aethiopica extract (44.90 mg/mL). These local plants contain many classes of phenolic compounds and they can be used in oil and fat industries as alternative of synthetic antioxidants.

Ethanolic Extract of Xylopia aethiopica Attenuated Aluminum-Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Adult Female Wistar Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Aluminum is a widely used metal in homes and industries. Xylopia aethiopica is an important medicinal plant with antioxidant properties. The objective of this study is to investigate the ameliorative potential of Xylopia aethiopica on aluminum-induced ovarian toxicity in Wistar rat. METHODS: Twenty-five rats were randomized into five groups with five rats per group. Group 1 received only distilled water; Group 2: received 150mg/kg of aluminum chloride; Group 3: received 150mg/kg aluminum chloride with 100/kg Xylopia aethiopica seed extracts; Group 4: received 150mg/kg aluminum chloride with 50 mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica seed extracts, and Group 5: received 150mg/kg aluminum chloride with 50mg/Kg zinc sulphate. For twenty-one days, all administrations were done orally. The rats were then sacrificed following chloroform anesthesia. The ovaries were harvested for histological examination. RESULTS: The data were analyzed on IBM SPSS software version 21 and the differences in mean values were considered significant at p<0.05. Xylopia aethiopica extracts significantly (p<0.05) reversed the detrimental effects of aluminum chloride on luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone and estradiol. The histological analysis of the ovaries showed a significant improvement in rats treated with Xylopia aethiopica extract and zinc sulphate. However, Xylopia aethiopica was more effective in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Xylopia aethiopica has ameliorative potential on aluminum-induced toxicity in the ovaries of adult female Wistar Rats.

Larvicidal activity of diterpenes from Xylopia langsdorfiana St. Hilaire & Tulasne (Annonaceae) against Aedes aegypti linn. (diptera: culicidae).

Mosquitoes of the Aedes genus are responsible for transmitting many vector-borne viral diseases worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of people die annually from vector-borne diseases, including West Nile fever, dengue, tick-borne diseases, yellow fever, chikungunya, Rift Valley fever, and Zika. Billions of people are at the risk of infection on all continents, which is a cause of international concern. Therefore, new vector-control methods are essential for mitigating these illnesses. The bioactive hydrocarbons isolated from Xylopia langsdorfiana St. Hilaire & Tulasne are trachylobanes, a rare class of diterpenes found in the n-hexane fraction of the stem and leaf ethanolic extracts. These were tested against Ae. aegypti fourth-instar larvae over 48 h of exposure, with LC50 values ranging from 19.84 to 72.9 µg/mL, comparable to that of the positive control. The findings highlight the potential of Xylopia langsdorfiana St. Hilaire & Tulasne metabolites for controlling the main vectors of arthropod-borne viruses.

Jatonik polyherbal mixture induced rat liver MMPT pore opening in normal Wistar rat: In vitro and in vivo studies.

Objective: To assess acute toxicity, the in vitro and in vivo effects of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts (JME and JEE) of Jatonik polyherbal mixture on some mitochondria-related parameters and their effect on the activity of some liver enzymes. Methods: Acute toxicity of JME and JEE was determined using Lorke's method. In vitro and in vivo opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (MMPT pore) was spectrophotometrically assayed. Production of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of lipid peroxidation and the activity of mitochondrial ATPase was evaluated in vitro and in vivo and the effect of JME and JEE on the activity of liver enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was also investigated. Results: JME had an LD50 of 3 808 mg/kg b.w whereas JEE had an LD50 greater than 5 000 mg/kg b.w. of rats. After the rats have been fed with both extracts, a photomicrograph of a piece of liver tissue showed no apparent symptoms of toxicity. From the in vitro and in vivo studies, both extracts prompted intact mitochondria to open their MMPT pores. When compared to the control, lipid peroxide product release and ATPase activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in vitro and in vivo. The activities of AST, ALT, and GGT were all reduced at 50 mg/kg when treated with JME, but the activity of AST was considerably enhanced when treated with JEE (P < 0.05). The results revealed that both JME and JEE of the Jatonik polyherbal mixture had low toxicity, profound MMPTpore induction, and enhanced ATPase activity, but an increased MDA production. Conclusion: Jatonik extracts may be a promising target for drug development in diseases where there is dysregulation of apoptosis, however, further studies are needed to better clarify the molecular mechanism involved in these phenomena.

Phylogenetic insights and antimicrobial biosynthetic potential of Serratia sp. XAFb12 and Pseudomonas sp. XAFb13 from Xylopia aethiopica.

The extensive distribution of Xylopia aethiopica across the continent of Africa has firmly established its medicinal value in diverse disease management. While its phytochemistry is well established, the diversity, molecular, biochemical, and antimicrobial-biosynthetic characterizations of culturable bacterial endophytes residing in fruits of X. aethiopica have not been studied previously. Additionally, danger continues to loom the global health care and management due to antibiotic resistance; hence, the discovery of microbial natural products especially from endophytes could offer a lasting solution to the quest for novel antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we isolated two bacterial endophytes Serratia sp. XAFb12 and Pseudomonas sp. XAFb13 from fresh X. aethiopica fruit. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Vitex biochemical test, Gram staining, and 16S rRNA gene analysis were used to confirm their phenotypic and genotypic profiles. Phylogenetic tree analysis reveals their divergence in a separate branch, indicating their uniqueness. The crude extract of both strains showed inhibition against all tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) ranged from 2.5 to 10%. Chemical analysis of the crude extracts using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed the most abundant compounds to be hydrocinnamic acid, 2-piperidinone, 5-isopropylidene-3,3-dimethyl-dihydrofuran-2-one, and diethyl trisulfide. The bacterial endophytes linked to X. aethiopica were described in this study for the first time in relation to clinically significant pathogens. Our findings imply that crude extracts of the endophytic bacteria from X. aethiopica could be potentially employed as antibiotics. Hence, it is crucial to characterize the active ingredient in further detail for future pharmaceutical applications.

Effect of some local plant extracts on fatty acid composition of fish (Alestes baremoze) during smoking and sun drying in the Far-North region of Cameroon.

The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant activities of three plant extracts (Moringa oleifera leaves, Xylopia aethiopica fruits, and Allium cepa leaves) and to evaluate their effects on the preservation of fish polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during smoking and sun-drying processes. PUFAs are highly prone to oxidation during fish processing. The plant extracts were analyzed for their polyphenol contents and were evaluated for their total antiradical capacity. The polyphenol components of each plant were characterized. The hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts were added to the fish at concentrations of 3, 6, 9, and 12 g/L and 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/L, respectively. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as a positive control at a concentration of 2 g/L to compare the antioxidant effects of the plant extracts. The treated fish was subjected to smoking or sun drying and the fatty acid composition of the fish lipid extract was assessed. The results showed that the total polyphenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents varied significantly from one plant extract to the other (p < .05). The radical scavenging and FRAP increased significantly with the concentration of the plant extracts (p < .05). An HPLC analysis of the extracts led to the preliminary identification of four hydroxycinnamic acids in M. oleifera and X. aethiopica, one anthocyanin and one flavone glycoside in M. oleifera, and four flavan-3-ols in X. aethiopica. Moreover, eight flavonols were preliminarily identified in the three plants. Compared to the control product, these plant extracts significantly protected fish PUFAs from oxidation (p < .05). The aqueous extract of A. cepa at 40 g/L better preserved omega-3 in fish during smoking and sun drying than the control product. Incorporating the three plant extracts during smoking and sun-drying processes can effectively preserve the PUFAs in fish. Therefore, these plants are viable sources of natural antioxidants in the preservation of fish products.

Xylopia aethiopica suppresses markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death in the brain of Wistar rats exposed to glyphosate.

The herbicide "Roundup" is used extensively in agriculture to control weeds. However, by translocation, it can be deposited in plants, their proceeds, and the soil, thus provoking organ toxicities in exposed individuals. Neurotoxicity among others is one of the side effects of roundup which has led to an increasing global concern about the contamination of food by herbicides. Xylopia aethiopica is known to have medicinal properties due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is hypothesized to neutralize roundup-induced neurotoxicity. Thirty-six (36) Wistar rats were used for this study. The animals were shared equally into six groups with six rats each. Glyphosate administration to three of the six groups was done orally and for 1 week. Either Xylopia aethiopica or vitamin C was co-administered to two of the three groups and also administered to two other groups and the final group served as the control. Our studies demonstrated that glyphosate administration led to a significant decrease in antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. We also observed a significant increase in inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, and immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3, cox-2, and p53 proteins (p < 0.05). However, Xylopia aethiopica co-administration with glyphosate was able to ameliorate the aforementioned changes when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Degenerative changes were also observed in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex upon glyphosate administration. These changes were not observed in the groups treated with Xylopia aethiopica and vitamin C. Taken together, Xylopia aethiopica could possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that could be used in combating glyphosate neurotoxicity.

Antimicrobial activity of Xylopia pancheri Baill. Leaf extract against susceptible and resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Antibacterial activity of Xylopia pancheri Baill. (Annonaceae) leaf extract was investigated against susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum-ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results showed that X. pancheri leaf extract displayed antibacterial activity against S. aureus with higher inhibitory effect on MRSA compared to control gentamycin antibiotic, and IC50 value of 36.97 µg/mL [95%CI:29.59-46.18] against MRSA.

Two new sesquiterpenes from Xylopia vielana.

Two new sesquiterpenes (1-2) and six known analogues (3-8) were isolated from the branches and leaves of Xylopia vielana Pierre. The structures of the new compounds were identified by analyzing 1 D and 2 D NMR data and HRESIMS data, combined with induced and calculated circular dichroism experiments. In addition, compounds 1-4, 7 and 8 showed notable nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory effects (IC50 < 10 µM) on the model of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Essential Oils from Cameroonian Aromatic Plants as Effective Insecticides against Mosquitoes, Houseflies, and Moths.

Recently, spices have attracted the attention of scientists and agrochemical companies for their potential as insecticidal and acaricidal agents, and even as repellents to replace synthetic compounds that are labeled with detrimental impacts on environment and human and animal health. In this framework, the aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal potential of the essential oils (EOs) obtained from three Cameroonian aromatic plants, namely Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal, Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich., and Aframomum citratum (J. Pereira) K. Schum. They were produced by hydrodistillation, with yields of 3.84, 4.89, and 0.85%, respectively. The chemical composition was evaluated by GC-MS analysis. The EOs and their major constituents (i.e., geraniol, sabinene, α-pinene, p-cymene, α-phellandrene, and ß-pinene) were tested against the polyphagous moth pest, i.e., Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), the common housefly, Musca domestica L., and the filariasis and arbovirus mosquito vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Our results showed that M. myristica and X. aethiopica EOs were the most effective against M. domestica adults, being effective on both males (22.1 µg adult-1) and females (LD50: 29.1 µg adult-1). The M. myristica EO and geraniol showed the highest toxicity on S. littoralis, with LD50(90) values of 29.3 (123.5) and 25.3 (83.2) µg larva-1, respectively. Last, the EOs from M. myristica and X. aethiopica, as well as the major constituents p-cymene and α-phellandrene, were the most toxic against C. quinquefasciatus larvae. The selected EOs may potentially lead to the production of cheap and effective botanical insecticides for African smallholders, although the development of effective formulations, a safety evaluation, and an in-depth study of their efficacy on different insect species are needed.

The neuroprotective effect of Xylopia parviflora against aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

Neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, are progressive disorders which has been linked to oxidative imbalance and associated perturbations characterised by loss of memory, cognition and cholinergic deficit. To date, cholinesterase inhibition and neuroprotection are the two major strategies in drug development. Xylopia parviflora (Annonacea family) is a spice consumed in Cameroon and has been used in traditional medicine to treat various pains. In this study, X. parviflora was evaluated on behavioural studies, ion homeostasis, cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Rats were exposed to aluminium chloride (75 mg/kg) during 60 days, and were treated with the extract of X. parviflora (150 and 300 mg/kg BW) and two drugs references (Donepezil and Curcumin). Behavioural parameters were assessed using the Morris-Maze test and the Open Field, followed by biochemical investigations, namely, cholinesterase enzyme activity (AChE and BChE), oxidative stress (NO, MDA, GSH level, SOD and Catalase activities) and ion homeostasis (Mg2+ and Ca2+ levels). AlCl3 administration shows a decrease in learning and memory improvement during behavioural studies, significant alteration of the central cholinergic system characterised by an increase in AChE and BChE activities to 2.72 ± 0.002 mol/min/g and 5.74 ± 0.12 mol/min/g respectively, disturbance of ion homeostasis with an increase in Ca2+ level (25.68 ± 3.78 µmol/mg protein) and a decrease in Mg2+ level (15.97 ± 2.05 µmol/mg protein) and an increase in oxidative stress compared to the positive control group. Treatment with the different doses of X. parviflora increased memory and improved locomotion, improved cholinesterase activities, ion homeostasis and stabilized brain oxidative stress levels. The study suggests that X. parviflora could potentially be used for the management of some biochemical alterations associated with Alzheimer's disease. It could even be a good alternative to chemical drugs for neurotoxicity and memory enhancement.

Extract of Xylopia aethiopica and its kaurene diterpene, xylopic acid, improve learning and memory in mice.

Background: Cognitive dysfunction, presenting as learning and memory impairment, is a common manifestation in many chronic diseases of the nervous system. Some of these diseases include depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. To date, few drugs or medicinal products have shown ability to improve learning and memory deficits. Neuroprotection is one of the mechanisms by which memory could be improved. The extract of Xylopia aethiopica and its kaurene derivative, xylopic acid, have previously demonstrated neuroprotective effects in animal models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruit and xylopic acid, on learning and memory using murine models. Materials and methods: Unripe Xylopia aethiopica fruits were collected, dried, and extracted using 70% v/v ethanol. Xylopic acid was isolated from the fruits using petroleum ether, concentrated with ethyl acetate and then recrystallized with petroleum ether before purifying with ethanol (96%v/v). Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice received oral doses of the extract of Xylopia aethiopica (XAE; 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg), xylopic acid (XA; 30, 100 and mg/kg), citicoline (300 mg/kg), piracetam (300 mg/kg) or ketamine (30 mg/kg) and saline (vehicle). The animals were then taken through the Morris water maze test (MWM), spontaneous alternation Y-maze test (Y-maze), and novel object recognition test (NOR), to assess learning and memory. Results: In the NOR test, XAE (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) and XA (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) increased the percentage exploration and recognition index (p = 0.0005 and p < 0.0001, respectively) when compared to both vehicle and ketamine groups. Similarly, doses of XAE and XA as used in the NOR test increased the percentage alternation in the Y-maze test. Although XAE and XA treatments decreased the latencies to find hidden platform in the MWM test, it was not significantly different from the vehicle group. However, this decrease in latency differed significantly when compared to the ketamine group. Interestingly, both XAE and XA treatments increased the percentage frequency to the target quadrant in the probe trial of the MWM. It is noteworthy that in all the three models used, both the extract and xylopic acid performed better than piracetam and citicoline, the reference drugs. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruit and xylopic acid improved exploratory learning and recognition memory, spatial working, recognition, and reference memories in the behavioral tests.

Computational Exploration of Anti-Cancer Potential of GUAIANE Dimers from Xylopia vielana by Targeting B-Raf Kinase Using Chemo-Informatics, Molecular Docking, and MD Simulation Studies.

BACKGROUND: Natural products from herbs are abundant and display powerful anti-cancer activities. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, B-Raf kinase protein (PDB: 3OG7), a potent target for melanoma, was tested against two guaiane-type sesquiterpene dimers, xylopin E-F, obtained from Xylopia vielana. METHODS: In this work, a systematic in silico study using ADMET analysis, bioactivity score forecasts, and molecular docking along with its simulations was conducted to understand compounds' pharmacological properties. RESULTS: During ADMET predictions of both the compounds, xylopin E-F displayed a safer profile in hepatotoxicity and cytochrome inhibition, and only xylopin F was shown to be non-cardiotoxic compared to the FDA-approved drug vemurafenib. Both the compounds were proceeded to molecular docking experiments using Autodock docking software, and both the compounds, xylopin E-F, displayed higher binding potential with -11.5Kcal/mol energy compared to control vemurafenib (-10.2 Kcal/mol). All the compounds were further evaluated for their MD simulations, and their molecular interactions with the B-Raf kinase complex displayed precise interactions with the active gorge of the enzyme by hydrogen bonding. CONCLUSION: Overall, xylopin F had a better profile relative to xylopin E and vemurafenib, and these findings indicated that this bio-molecule could be used as an anti-melanoma agent and as a possible anti-cancer drug in the future. Therefore, this is a systematically optimized in silico approach for creating an anti-cancer pathway for guaiane dimers against the backdrop of its potential for future drug development.

In-silico anti-inflammatory potential of guaiane dimers from Xylopia vielana targeting COX-2.

Natural products of herbal origin are prodigious to display diverse pharmacological activities. In the present study, five guaiane-type sesquiterpene dimers, xylopidimers A - E (1-5), isolated from Xylopia vielana species were tested against COX-2 protein target (PDB: 1CX2), a potent target for anti-inflammatory agents. To better understand the pharmacological properties of all these compounds, in this work, a systemic in silico study was performed on xylopidimers A-E using molecular docking, ADMET analysis and MD simulations. During ADMET predictions the two compounds xylopidimer C, D displayed best results as compared to others. The compound xylopidimer C was further evaluated for its MD simulations and its molecular interactions with COX2 complex showed clear interactions with active gorge of the enzyme through hydrogen bonding as well as hydrophobic contacts. The xylopidimer C has shown the best binding potential with -10.57Kcal/mol energy with 17.92 nano molar of predicted inhibition constant better than Ibuprofen and Felbinac. These findings provide enough significant information for designing and developing novel targeted base anti-inflammatory drugs from guaiane dimers.

Antiproliferative activity of semisynthetic xylopic acid derivatives.

Two ent-kaurene diterpenoids, ent-15-ß-acetyloxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (xylopic acid) 1 and ent-7-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid 2 were isolated from the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica. Chemical manipulation of xylopic acid yielded ent-kaurane derivatives 3, 4, 5, and 6. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, including 1 D- and 2 D-NMR spectroscopies. The antiproliferative activities of compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 were tested on breast MCF7 and SkBr3, endometrial Ishikawa, ovarian BG-1, mesothelioma IST-MES1 and hepatocellular HepG2 human tumor cells, and on mammalian MRC-10 fibroblast cells. Ketone 2 showed significant antiproliferative activity against MFC7 human breast cancer cells (IC50 = 3 ± 1 µM) and A549 pulmonary adenocarcinoma (8 ± 1 µM), that was higher than the well-known anti-cancer agent cisplatin (IC50 = 19 ± 3 and 15 ± 4 µM, respectively).[Formula: see text].

Comparative Biochemical Evaluation of the Proximate, Mineral, and Phytochemical Constituents of Xylopia aethiopica Whole Fruit, Seed, and Pericarp.

This study evaluated the relative abundance of proximate, mineral, and phytochemical constituents of the anatomical parts of Xylopia aethiopica (XA) fruit using standard analytical procedures. The results showed that whole fruits (WF) have higher contents of crude protein, crude fiber, fat, ash, and moisture than the seeds (S) and pericarps (P). However, highest contents of crude carbohydrate and nitrogen free extracts were found in the P, followed by the S. The content of minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper) and phytochemicals were present in the following order of abundance: WF>S>P. Furthermore, the phytochemical constituents in each XA parts were present in the following order of relative abundance: total flavonoids>tannins>total phenolics>cardiac glycoside>alkaloids>steroids. Vitamin A was abundant in all three parts, with the abundance highest in WF [4.83±0.06 g vitamin A equivalent (vit A eq)/100 g] and lowest in P (1.64±0.02 g vit A eq/100 g). This preliminary study indicates XA fruits are rich in minerals, anti-nutrients, and phytochemicals. Therefore, these data could represent a biochemical rationale for inclusion of XA as a spice or functional ingredient in many Nigerian local soups to help prevent ailments.

Antibacterial and antishigellosis activity of Xylopia staudtii (engl. & diels), Annonaceae.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xylopia staudtii is a medicinal plant which fruits are traditionally used in western Cameroon as a spice in the preparation of soups known for their abdominal cramp relieving properties. Often identified as Xylopia africana, its bark is used in the treatment of dysentery in Mont Cameroun localities. This plant could therefore contain active ingredients against intestinal pathogens, including Shigella spp, which are responsible of the deathly dysenteric diarrhoea. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to assess the efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract from Xylopia staudtii bark in immunodepressed mice infected with Shigella flexneri. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative detection of compounds in the crude extract was done using UPLC-DAD-(HR) ESI-MS analysis in an attempt to link the activity to the chemical composition. The MIC and the MBC of the extract was determined using broth dilution method. Shigellosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Shigella flexneri to immunodepressed mice pretreated with streptomycin. These infected mice were then treated with the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), and reference substances (ciprofloxacin and saline). During the 9 days of treatment, animal morphology, fecal pathology and deaths were recorded. At the end of the treatment period, blood and organs were collected from any surviving animals for hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses. RESULTS: The extract was found to be significantly active, with a bactericidal effect against Shigella and a bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia coli. It was able to reduce and stop the faecal pathology caused by the infection in mice, as well as the rate of deaths which was brought to zero (0) in animal treated at 400 mg/kg. The bacteria load in faeces was reduced by 100% in animal treated at 400 mg/kg. Xylopia staudtii extract elicited anti-inflammatory properties by reducing MPO activity and Lcn2 intestinal level. It also prevents damages in the intestinal tissue and the shortening of colon which characterise Shigella infection. The serum level of ASAT, ALAT, bilirubin, urea and creatinine in animals treated with the extract was similar to those of normal animal used in the study. These activities of the plant may be due at least in part to the presence of ent-kauran type diterpens such as kaurenoic acid identified in the extract. CONCLUSION: These findings support the usage of Xylopia staudtii as an antimicrobial against bacillary dysentery, making this plant a potential candidate for the formulation of an improved standardized traditional medicine.

In vitroanti-oxidant and cytotoxic activities of gold nanoparticles synthesized from an aqueous extract of theXylopia aethiopicafruit.

The development of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using a green approach has drawn considerable interest in the field of nanomedicine. Its wide application in clinical diagnosis, imaging and therapeutics portrays its importance for human existence. In this study, we reported on the biogenic synthesis of AuNPs using the aqueous extract of theXylopia aethiopicafruit (AEXAf), which acts as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The characterization of AEXAf-AuNPs was performed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Thein vitroanti-oxidant activities of the AEXAf-AuNPs and AEXAf were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power. Thein vitrocytotoxic activities of the AEXAf-AuNPs and AEXAf against breast and colorectal cancer cells were evaluated using 3,-(4,5 dimethylthiazol)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) viability and annexin V/PI assays. The AEXAf-AuNPs exhibited surface plasmon absorption maximum at 522 nm and were stable for 4 weeks. The average size of the AEXAf-AuNPs was 10.61 ± 3.33 nm on the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. Thein vitroanti-oxidant activities of the AEXAf-AuNPs and AEXAf were concentration dependent. The AEXAf-AuNPs were cytotoxic to the cancer cells and non-toxic to the non-cancerous human fibroblast cells (KMST-6) (up to 200µg ml-1). From these results, the AEXAf-AuNPs showed good anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities, and can be suggested as a possible therapeutic agent for breast and colorectal cancer.

Behavioural and biochemical indications of the antidepressant activities of essential oils from Monodora myristica (Gaertn) seed and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) fruit in rats.

Monodora myristica and Xylopia aethiopica are two underutilised spices that are hypothesized to be important in the management and treatment of certain stress-induced diseases such as depression. The present study was designed to test the anti-depressant effects of the essential oils of Monodora myristica (EOMM) and Xylopia aethiopica (EOXA) and the possible underlying mechanisms in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) - induced depression in the rat. Forty-two male Wistar rats were assigned to seven groups (n = 6); group I received corn oil (p.o, unstressed control), group II (stressed control) administered corn oil, groups III-IV received EOMM (150 & 300 mg/kg, p.o), groups V - VI received EOXA (150 & 300 mg/kg, p.o) whereas group VII had fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o in d/w). Corn oil served as the vehicle for the delivery of the essential oils and the doses were administered via gastric intubation to rat once daily for six consecutive weeks from the 2nd week. Open-field, tail suspension (TST), and forced swimming (FST) tests were used to evaluate the behavioural activity in addition to the biochemical parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, monoamine oxidase, corticosterone, protein carbonyl compound, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide). The result showed that the administration of EOMM (150 and 300 mg/kg b.wt.) and EOXA (150 and 300 mg/kg b.wt.) during CUMS significantly ameliorated these behavioural activities and some biochemical parameters in rats. EOMM and EOXA exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects in a rat model of CUMS. At treatment doses of especially 300 mg/kg b.wt, the antidepressant effects of EOMM and EOXA are comparable to a standard antidepressant drug, fluoxetine (Prozac ™). The EOXA especially at a dose of 300 mg/kg b.wt is more effective than EOMM even at 300 mg/kg dose level in ameliorating depression in stressed rats. In conclusion, the study revealed that both the EOXA and EOMM relieved depression-like states through the mitigation of oxidative stress with a reduction in serum Corticosterone (CORT) and brain Monoamine Oxidase-A (MAO-A) levels.

Xylopia aethiopica ethanol seed extract suppresses Cadmium chloride-induced ovary and gonadotropins toxicity in adult female Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: Xylopia aethiopica is a common plant in West Africa, with wide applications in trado-medical management of several diseases. Thus, our study aimed to analyze the histology and hormonal effects of ethanol extracts of Xylopia aethiopica seeds on cadmium chloride-induced reproductive dysfunction in female Wistar rats. METHODS: We used twenty-five rats weighing 120-150g for this study. The rats were divided into five groups (n=5). Group 1: received only distilled water orally; Group 2: received 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride orally; Group 3: received 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride plus 50 mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica seeds orally; Group 4: received 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride plus 100 mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica seeds orally, and Group 5: received 100 mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica seeds only, orally. We administered the extracts for 14 days, after which we slaughtered the animals following chloroform anesthesia. We took the blood samples by cardiac puncture for hormonal assay. The ovaries and uterus were harvested for histology. We analyzed the data using ANOVA, and the differences in mean values were considered significant at p<0.05. RESULTS: The body weight of the rats showed a dose-dependent reduction (p<0.05), compared with the controls. Xylopia aethiopica seeds significantly (p<0.05) reversed the detrimental effects of Cadmium on LH and FSH. The histological analysis of the ovary showed significant improvement upon treatment with Xylopia aethiopica extract in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The ameliorative effects of Xylopia aethiopica against cadmium chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in female Wistar rats may be attributed to its antioxidant properties.