Comparison of supercritical CO2 extraction and pressurized fluid extraction for isolation of alkaloids from Anacardium occidentale with the study of its anti-inflammatory activity.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, particularly of plant origin, owing to their demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Among these, Anacardium occidentale, commonly known as cashew, has garnered significant attention due to its reputed health benefits. This study aim to establish a correlation between the bioactive compounds contained in the extracts of Anacardium occidentale and its anti-inflammatory activity. Dried Anacardium occidentale leaves powder was used as the extraction matrix. Extraction techniques are maceration, pressurized fluid extraction (PFE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The preliminary analysis of extracts was made by LC-MS/MS. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and heat maps were employed to model the influence of experimental conditions on extraction yield and peak area of specific compounds from the plant. To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity, RAW 264.7 cells were cultured, activated with LPS, and treated with varying concentrations of the plant extracts. Cell proliferation was assessed using the XTT assay. Indeed, Anacardium occidentale extracts contain anacardic acids, cardanols, and cardol, with distinct profiles yielded by SFE and ethanol-based methods. RSM shows that temperature and ethanol, as additives to CO2, significantly affect extraction efficiency in both PFE and SFE. Moreover, this composition with SFE demonstrate higher selectivity for specific group of compounds. The extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory properties without cytotoxicity in macrophages, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory proteins COX-2, COX-1, and TLR4 in activated cells. This suggests their potential as anti-inflammatory agents without adverse effects on cell viability or pro-inflammatory protein levels in non-activated cells. Overall, these findings underscore the promising therapeutic potential of Anacardium occidentale extracts in mitigating inflammation, while also providing crucial insights into optimizing the extraction process for targeted compound isolation. Thus, this makes a good prospect for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs from this plant.

Polyphenol Analysis via LC-MS-ESI and Potent Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Jatropha multifida L. Extracts Used in Benin Pharmacopoeia.

Jatropha multifida L., a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, is commonly used in Benin's traditional medicine due to its therapeutic benefits. This study aims to explore the medicinal efficacy of Jatropha multifida L. by evaluating its various biological activities. An initial phytochemical analysis was conducted, following which the polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified and identified using LC-MS-ESI. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extracts was tested using agar diffusion. Their antioxidant capacity was assessed using several methods: DPPH radical reduction, ABTS radical cation reduction, ferric ion (FRAP) reduction, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Anti-inflammatory activity was determined based on the inhibition of protein (specifically albumin) denaturation. The study identified several phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, o-Coumaroylquinic acid, Apigenin-apiosyl-glucoside, and luteolin-galactoside. Notably, the extracts of J. multifida demonstrated bactericidal effects against a range of pathogens, with Concentration Minimally Bactericidal (CMB) values ranging from 22.67 mg/mL (for organisms such as S. aureus and C. albicans) to 47.61 mg/mL (for E. coli). Among the extracts, the ethanolic variant displayed the most potent DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 0.72 ± 0.03 mg/mL. In contrast, the methanolic extract was superior in ferric ion reduction, registering 46.23 ± 1.10 µgEAA/g. Interestingly, the water-ethanolic extract surpassed others in the ABTS reduction method with a score of 0.49 ± 0.11 mol ET/g and also showcased the highest albumin denaturation inhibition rate of 97.31 ± 0.35% at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. In conclusion, the extracts of Jatropha multifida L. are enriched with bioactive compounds that exhibit significant biological activities, underscoring their therapeutic potential.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Cancer Properties of Amygdalin Extracted from Three Cassava Varieties Cultivated in Benin.

Given that cancer is a disease that is rampant in the world and especially in Africa, where the population has enormous difficulty treating it, plants are a safer and less expensive alternative. Cassava is a plant species valued in Benin because of its numerous medicinal and nutritional virtues. This study evaluated the biological activities of amygdalin from the organs of three cassava varieties most commonly produced in Benin (BEN, RB, and MJ). HPLC analysis was used to quantify amygdalin in cassava organs and derivatives. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine secondary metabolite groups. DPPH and FRAP methods were used to assess antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested on Artemia salina larvae. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vivo in an albino mouse paw edema model induced by 5% formalin. The anticancer activity was evaluated in vivo on Wistar rats rendered cancerous by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) using 5-fluorouracil as a reference molecule. The results showed that the organs of all three-cassava varieties contained glycosides, flavonoids, saponosides, steroids, tannins, coumarins, and cyanogenic derivatives. Young stems and fresh cassava leaves had the highest amygdalin concentrations, with 11,142.99 µg 10 g-1 and 9251.14 µg 10 g-1, respectively. The Agbeli derivative was more concentrated in amygdalin, with a content of 401.56 µg 10 g-1 than the other derivatives. The antioxidant activity results showed that the amygdalin extracts were DPPH radical scavengers with IC50 values ranging from 0.18 mg mL-1 to 2.35 mg mL-1. The cytotoxicity test showed no toxicity of the extracts toward shrimp larvae. Administration of amygdalin extracts from the leaves of BEN and MJ varieties prevents inflammatory edema. The percentages of edema inhibition varied between 21.77% and 27.89%. These values are similar (p > 0.05) to those of acetylsalicylic acid (25.20%). Amygdalin extract of the BEN variety significantly (p < 0.0001) reduces edema. Both BEN extracts inhibited cancer induction with DMH. In preventive and curative treatments, rats fed with amygdalin extracts showed low anti-cancer activity under the effect of DMH and a significant difference in biochemical results. Thus, the organs of all three cassava varieties studied have secondary metabolites and good antioxidant activity. The leaves contain high levels of amygdalin and can be used as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.

In vivo anticoccidial activity and immune response of Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina leaves against Eimeria magna and Eimeria media in rabbits.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to determine the immune response and the anticoccidial activity induced by Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina leaves in rabbits infected with Eimeria magna and Eimeria media. Methods: Thirty-five-day-old rabbits, free from coccidia, were infested with 2.103 oocysts of Eimeria magna and Eimeria media, then received the acetone extract of the leaves of Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina at different doses by oral gavage. Results and discussion: The inhibition of the excretion of oocysts was evaluated by the McMaster technique and the levels of cytokines (IL-4 and IL-12) and immunoglobulin IgG were assayed by the ELISA method. The in vivo efficacy on E. magna and E. media oocysts was 95.43% and 96.53% for Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina at 1000 mg/kg bw against 98% for the positive control. Interestingly the plant extracts increased the production of interleukin (IL) and immunoglobulins (Ig) compared to controls. Plasma IL-4 levels (pg/ml) in rabbits were 128.94 and 131.38; those of IL-12 (pg/ml) were 395.55 and 426.56, and then for those of IgG (µg/ml) were 14.70 and 13.94 respectively with the acetone extracts of Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina on D14 PT at 1000 mg/kg bw. This study indicates that Moringa oleifera and Vernonia amygdalina can be used as an alternative to synthetic anticoccidials. These plants could be used to increase the resistance of the immune system of rabbits to infestations of Eimeria species in rabbit farms.

Unleashing the Potential of Medicinal Plants in Benin: Assessing the Status of Research and the Need for Enhanced Practices.

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in the primary health care of the population in developing countries such as Benin. The national universities of Benin conduct research on the pharmacological, toxicological, and phytochemical properties of these plants, but the resulting knowledge often does not lead to the development of phytomedicines for the improvement of public health. This study aims to assess the current status of research on medicinal plants in Benin. A literature review was conducted using various search engines, and the collected data was analyzed. The results indicate that research on the biological properties of medicinal plants is still in its early stages, with limited and inadequate methodological approaches. These limitations highlight the urgent need to enhance research practices and facilitate the development of effective and safe phytomedicines.

Typology of rabbit rearing systems in tropical areas: A case of Benin (West Africa).

The breeding of rabbits in tropical areas is confronted with enormous difficulties related to feeding and health, which limit the expansion and viability of these farms. The objective of this study is to carry out a typology of rabbit farms in tropical conditions to characterize the structure and function of this rearing in order to better understand their production results. A sample of 600 rabbit farms located throughout Benin was selected. The typology was carried out using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) followed by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) according to the Ward's aggregation algorithm and Euclidean distance, which identified five typological groups. Group 1 covered 45.7% of the farms and included small-scale production (fewer than 20 does) by professional breeders using traditional parasite control methods. Group 2 covered 3.3% of the rearing and includes a larger number of semi-extensive farms using self-produced feed. Group 3 (14.7%) was characterized by farms with fewer than 20 does that were semi-extensive and used more phytotherapy. In Group 4 (9.7% of the farms), the extensive mode was the most used, with veterinary medicine being the most used. Group 5 concentrated 26.7% of the farms and was marked by semi-extensive breeding. These farms did not record any cases of parasitosis. The typology carried out allowed a better understanding of the operating modes of these farms, their problems and the main limiting factors.

Ethnopharmacological Value and Biological Activities via Antioxidant and Anti-Protein Denaturation Activity of Morinda lucida Benth and Momordica charantia L. Leaves Extracts from Benin.

Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae), the wild variety of bitter melon, and Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) were commonly used as a popular folk medicine in Benin. This study aimed to appreciate the ethnopharmacological knowledge and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of M. charantia and M. lucida leaves extracts. Semi-structured surveys supported by individual interviews were conducted with herbalists and traditional healers in southern Benin. The antioxidant activities were evaluated by a micro-dilution technique using ABTS and FRAP methods. These activities were supported by cyclic voltammetry analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the albumin denaturation method. The volatile compounds were analysed by GC-MS analysis. All the respondents involved in this study have good knowledge of the two plants. We identify 21 diseases grouped into five categories of condition. The two plants' extracts possess variable antioxidant capacity. Indeed, all the active extracts of M. charantia presented an IC50 < 0.078 mg/mL, while the extracts of M. lucida had an IC50 up to 0.21 ± 0.02 mg/mL. For anti-inflammatory activity, a dose-response activity (p < 0.001) was observed in the protein denaturation inhibition rate of the extracts. It should be noted that the highest inhibition rate (98.34 ± 0.12) of the albumin denaturation was observed with M. lucida dichloromethane extract. A total of 59 volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis in the extracts of the two plants. The M. charantia ethyl acetate extract shows the presence of 30 different compounds with a relative abundance of 98.83%, while that of M. lucida shows 24 compounds with a relative abundance of 98.30%. These plants are potential candidates to discover new compounds with therapeutic properties that could be used to solve public health problems.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activity, and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Senna italica Extract Used in Traditional Medicine.

Medicinal plants such as Senna italica are increasingly used for their purgative virtues to treat stomach aches, fever, and jaundice. This study aims to screen the phytochemical compounds and to assess the antioxidant activity in vitro and the acute oral toxicity in vivo of Senna italica leaves. The plant was harvested, dried, pulverized, and preserved. Phytochemical screening was performed using different laboratory protocols. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts were, respectively, obtained by maceration and decoction technics. The assay for free radical scavenging was used to examine the antioxidant activity using DPPH. Acute oral toxicity was performed with aqueous and ethanolic extracts at 5000 mg/kg of body weight on female albinos Wistar rats, weighing 152.44 ± 3.68 g. Subjects were checked for any signs of mortality and macroscopy toxicity during the 14 days of the study. Biochemical and hematological parameters were measured to assess liver and kidney functions, and histological analysis of these organs was conducted. Phytochemical analysis highlighted the presence of total phenols, flavones, tannins, alkaloids, and quinone derivatives. Semiethanolic (78 µg/mL), ethanolic (9.7 µg/mL), and aqueous extract (9.2 µg/mL) showed an interesting antioxidant activity. Biochemical and hematological parameters were normal and not significantly different (p > 0.05). The plant extracts did not produce any toxic effect or mortality at the provided dose. Senna italica extracts induced an increase in the volume of liver and kidney tissues but no necrosis. Thus, lethal dose 50 of Senna italica leaf extract is probably higher than 5000 mg/kg.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Colon Cancer Activities of Mung Bean Grown in Burkina Faso.

Widely used in traditional medicine in Asia and recently introduced in Burkina Faso under the name Beng-tigré, mung bean is a legume consumed throughout the world and more so in India. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the mung bean grown and consumed in Burkina Faso and to study its biological properties such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity of the natural and sprouted seeds. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested on Artemia salina larvae, and the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro by albumin denaturation method using diclofenac as reference molecule. The anticancer activity of hydro-ethanol extracts was evaluated on rats made cancerous with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) using 5-fluorouracil as reference molecule. The results showed that the highest yield of the plant extraction was observed with the hydro-ethanol solvent, both for the natural form of mung bean (MBN) and for its sprouted form (MBG). The cytotoxicity test showed no toxicity of the extracts toward shrimp larvae. The ethanolic extract of germinated mung bean seeds gave the highest anti-inflammatory activity at 95.13 ± 0.22% inhibition with significant difference (p < 0.05) between the extracts. Cancer induction with DMH was inhibited by both MBN and MBG extracts. The test of preventive effects of the extracts showed the best activity with significant difference in biochemical results. These results confirm that the mung bean grown in Burkina Faso, as a nontoxic legume, is a functional food that can be integrated into the population's dietary habits for a double interest. Moreover, they open perspectives for the research of active principles of plant origin with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Percentage Destabilization Effect of Some West African Medicinal Plants on the Outer Membrane of Various Bacteria Involved in Infectious Diarrhea.

Previous work stated that Khaya senegalensis, Anacardium ouest L., Pterocarpus erinaceus, Diospyros mespiliformis, Ocimum gratissimum, Manihot esculenta, Vernonia amygdalina Delile, and Daniellia oliveri have a great potential for the fight against infectious diarrhea. However, data on their antibacterial activity on strains of bacteria responsible for infectious diarrhea are not available. This study is aimed at elucidating the mechanism of action of the antibacterial effect of these plants on some bacterial strains responsible for diarrheal infections. The design of the study included first evaluating the degree of sensitivity of Salmonella typhimurium 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. strains to aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of each plant, followed by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiotic power (Pa). This screening was completed with the evaluation of the possible mode of action of the extracts by testing the membrane permeability of these bacterial strains. The data collected indicate that the bacterial strains tested were sensitive to the extracts to varying degrees, except Cassia sieberiana DC and Pseudocedrela kotschyi extracts. For the active extracts, inhibition diameters ranged from 18.33 mm to 7 mm. With the exception of Escherichia coli, all strains were sensitive to the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Anacardium occidentale. MICs vary between 3.37 and 25 mg/ml. Membrane permeability test data show that all active extracts affect the bacterial strains tested by attacking the stability of their outer membrane. For all active extracts, the high percentage of membrane destabilization of the bacteria is significantly (p < 0.05) better than that of cefixime used as a reference. Thus, it appears that these extracts can destroy Gram-negative bacteria and increase the fluidity and permeability of their cytoplasmic membrane. The knowledge of the mechanism of action of these extracts is an interesting contribution to the fundamental knowledge on the alternative that medicinal plants represent to antibiotics. These extracts can be used in the management of infectious diarrhea.

Phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activities of Morinda citrifolia fruit juice.

Morinda citrifolia is a plant with broad nutraceutical and therapeutic effects and used in the traditional treatment of several ailments. The objective of this work is to investigate the phytochemistry of the fruit juice of M. citrifolia on one hand and on other hand to evaluate its antiradical and antibacterial activity. The phytochemical investigation was carried out by tube staining tests of the extract of two types of fruit juice of M. citrifolia. The antioxidant activity of these juices was evaluated by reducing the DPPH radical method. Concerning the antibacterial activity, it was tested on the in vitro growth of 10 reference bacterial strains using the well diffusion method. Qualitative phytochemistry of M. citrifolia fruit juices revealed the presence of large groups of secondary metabolites including polyphenols, reducing compounds, mucilage and terpernoids. The antioxidant activity of M. citrifolia fruit juices is dose-dependent and higher than that of ascorbic acid. Antimicrobial activity on other hand revealed that fruit juices inhibit growth inhibitory activity of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, S. epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus oralis, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. This observed difference is significant for each juices on the strains (p < 0.001). These results support the use of M. citrifolia in traditional medicine and are the starting points for the development of a new drug to combat both dietary conditions and chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress.

A 90-Day Oral Toxicity Study of an Ethanolic Root Extract of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. in Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: Plant medicine is the oldest form of health care known to mankind; hence, studies on their safety for use are essential for the control of adverse drug effects. In Benin, Caesalpinia bonduc is one of many medicinal plants used as aphrodisiac, and for treatment of various ailments including prostatic hyperplasia. Despite its numerous ethnomedicinal benefits, toxicological information associated with its chronic use is currently limited. OBJECTIVE: The present study therefore assessed the toxicity of an ethanolic root extract of Caesalpinia bonduc in Wistar rats. METHODS: Caesalpinia bonduc root extract was administered by oral gavage at doses of 31.25, 125, and 500 mg/kg/day for 90 days to male Wistar rats, after which body weight changes, food consumption, urinary parameters, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, organ weights changes, gross pathology, and histopathology of vital organs were assessed. RESULTS: There were no death or abnormal clinical signs, no significant changes in body weight gain or urinary parameters, and no changes in necropsy and histopathology findings of vital organs associated with extract treatment. However, some indices such as erythrocytes, total cholesterol, and aspartate amino transferase increased in rats treated with high doses of the extract, as well as relative weight of testes, followed by a decrease in food intake and prostate relative weight. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that an ethanolic root extract of Caesalpinia bonduc does not cause significant adverse effects and suggest its tolerability up to 500 mg/kg for daily administration of 90 days.

Exploring Antioxidant and Enzymes (A-Amylase and B-Glucosidase) Inhibitory Activity of Morinda lucida and Momordica charantia Leaves from Benin.

BACKGROUND: Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae), the wild variety of bitter melon and Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae) were commonly used as a popular folk medicine in Benin. This research focused to measure the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects of M. charantia and M. lucida leaves and their antidiabetic activity. METHODS: Antioxidant activities were evaluated by micro-dilution technique using DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ß-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay. The α-amylase inhibition assay was carried out utilizing the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid procedure, while ß-glucosidase inhibition assay was demonstrated using as substrate p-nitrophenyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside (PNPG). HPLC-DAD analysis was realized using a high-performance liquid chromatography systems with diode-array detector, L-3000. RESULTS: Chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, daidzein, rutin, naringin, quercetin, naringenin and genistein were identified as polyphenol compounds in the both plants extract. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts showed a good α-amylase inhibitory activity (56.46 ± 1.96% and 58.76 ± 2.74% respectively). M. lucida methanolic extract has shown IC50 of 0.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL, which is the lowest for DPPH scavenging activity. M. lucida dichloromethane extract showed the highest inhibitory capacity of ß-glucosidase activity (82.11. ± 2.15%). CONCLUSION: These results justify some traditional medicinal uses of both plants. The purified fractions could be used in future formulations, possibly incorporated in functional foods to combat certain diseases.

Evaluation of in-vivo anti-Salmonella activity of Uvaria chamae, Lantana camara and Phyllantus amarus used in Benin, West Africa.

BACKGROUND: Uvaria chamae (Annonaceae), Phyllantus amarus (Phyllantaceae) and Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) are empirically alleged to be used as Beninese medicinal plants in the treatment of salmonellosis. This study aimed to produce scientific data on in vitro and in vivo efficacy of Uvaria chamae, Lantana camara and Phyllantus amarus on multiresistant Salmonella spp isolated in Benin. RESULTS: After performing in vitro tests on aqueous and ethanolic extracts of these plants, only the aqueous extract of Uvaria chamae (leaves) showed the best anti-Salmonella's activity and was used for this in vivo experiment. The induction of salmonellosis revealed 9 × 108 CFU/ml was the optimal concentration triggering and maintaining symptoms in chicks. This infective concentration was used for in vivo assessment. Twenty-four hours post inoculation, the symptoms of salmonellosis (wet cloaca, diarrhea stools and somnolence) were observed in infected groups. After 7 days of treatment, the reduction of bacterial load at 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, 400 mg/L of the extract was respectively 85%, 52.38% and 98% for Uvaria chamae, Phyllantus amarus and Lantana camara in the chick's groups infected with Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028. On the other hand, colistin completely cancelled the bacterial load (reduction rate of 100%). With the groups infected with Salmonella spp (virulent strain), the reduction rate of bacterial load at 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, 400 mg/L of extract was 0%, 98.66%, and 99.33%. The extracts at 200 and 400 mg/L were more active than colistin, which reduced the bacterial load by 33.33%. The toxicity tests did not show any negative effect of Colistin and the Uvaria chamae's extract on the biochemical and hematological parameters of the chicks. CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of Uvaria chamae is active in vitro and in vivo on multiresistant strains of Salmonella enterica. This plant is a good candidate for the development of an improved traditional medicine for the management of salmonellosis.

Toxicological Characterization of Six Plants of the Beninese Pharmacopoeia Used in the Treatment of Salmonellosis.

Recent studies reported interesting ethnopharmacological, antibacterial, and phytochemical data on some medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of salmonellosis in Benin. Unfortunately, very little data exists on the toxicity of these species. This study aims to evaluate chemical characteristic of six Benin pharmacopoeial plants used in the traditional treatment of salmonellosis in Benin. The acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava, Vernonia amygdalina, Cajanus cajan, Phyllanthus amarus, Uvaria chamae, and Lantana camara was evaluated according to OECD Guideline 423 at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight on Wistar rats. Histological sections were performed on the liver and kidneys to confirm hematological and biochemical data. The content of aluminum, chromium, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, arsenic, selenium, and manganese was measured in 10 mg of each extract by the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) method. The results of our study generally show the absence of significant effect of the extracts on the hematological and biochemical parameters of the rats. However, with the exception of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava root and the ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus (P>0.05), all the extracts have a significant effect on the aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) level, with a variable threshold of significance (0.0001< P ≤ 0.05). No mortalities and no renal histological conditions were recorded in the treated rats. In general, the heavy metal contents of the extracts do not exceed the standards set by the WHO/FDA except for a few extracts. Arsenic was not detected in any extract, while aluminum and chromium were detected at levels above the WHO/FDA standards. On the basis of these data, it appears that the six plants studied do not show any toxicity. In view of the pharmacological and chemical data previously available, these plants are good candidates for the development of improved traditional medicines with antibacterial and particularly anti-Salmonella properties.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Cola nitida Bark.

Kola nut is chewed in many West African cultures and is used ceremonially. The aim of this study is to investigate some biological effects of Cola nitida's bark after phytochemical screening. The bark was collected, dried, and then powdered for the phytochemical screening and extractions. Ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of C. nitida were used in this study. The antibacterial activity was tested on ten reference strains and 28 meat isolated Staphylococcus strains by disc diffusion method. The antifungal activity of three fungal strains was determined on the Potato-Dextrose Agar medium mixed with the appropriate extract. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and ABTS methods. Our data revealed the presence of various potent phytochemicals. For the reference and meat isolated strains, the inhibitory diameter zone was from 17.5 ± 0.7 mm (C. albicans) to 9.5 ± 0.7 mm (P. vulgaris). The MIC ranged from 0.312 mg/mL to 5.000 mg/mL and the MBC from 0.625 mg/mL to >20 mg/mL. The highest antifungal activity was observed with F. verticillioides and the lowest one with P. citrinum. The two extracts have an excellent reducing free radical activity. The killing effect of A. salina larvae was perceptible at 1.04 mg/mL. The purified extracts of Cola nitida's bark can be used to hold meat products and also like phytomedicine.

Phytochemical composition of Cymbopogon citratus and Eucalyptus citriodora essential oils and their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties on Wistar rats.

Cymbopogon citratus and Eucalyptus citriodora are widely used herbs/plants as a source of ethnomedicines in tropical regions of the world. In this work, we studied the anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects of C. citratus and E. citriodora essential oils on formol-induced edema, and acetic acid induced abdominal cramps in Wistar rats. To fully understand the chemically induced anti-inflammatory properties of these plants, we first analyzed the chemical composition of the essential oils. A total of 16 chemical constituents accounting for 93.69 % of the oil, were identified in C. citratus among which, Geranial (27.04 %), neral (19.93 %) and myrcene (27.04 %) were the major constituents. For E. citriodora, 19 compounds representing 97.2 % of the extracted oil were identified. The dominant compound of E. citriodora essential oil was citronellal (83.50 %). In vivo analysis and histological assay showed that the two essential oils displayed significant dose dependent edema inhibition effect over time. They displayed strong analgesic and antipyretic properties similar to that induced by 50 mg/kg of acetylsalicylate of lysine. However, the E. citriodora essential oil was more effective than that of C. citratus. We identified significant numbers of aldehyde molecules in both essential oils mediating antioxidant activity that may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects observed on the rats. Altogether, this work demonstrates the anti-inflammatory property of C. citratus and E. citriodora suggesting their potential role as adjuvant therapeutic alternatives in dealing with inflammatory-related diseases.

Biodepollution of wastewater containing phenolic compounds from leather industry by plant peroxidases.

This study deals with the use of peroxidases (POXs) from Allium sativum, Ipomoea batatas, Raphanus sativus and Sorghum bicolor to catalyze the degradation of free phenolic compounds as well as phenolic compounds contained in wastewater from leather industry. Secretory plant POXs were able to catalyze the oxidation of gallic acid, ferulic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, pyrogallol and 1,4-tyrosol prepared in ethanol 2% (v:v). Efficiency of peroxidase catalysis depends strongly on the chemical nature of phenolic substrates and on the botanical source of the enzymes. It appeared that POX from Raphanus sativus had the highest efficiency. Results show that POXs can also remove phenolic compounds present in industrial wastewater such as leather industry. Removal of phenolic compounds in wastewater from leather industry by POX was significantly enhanced by polyethylene glycol.