Medicinal plants used for the management of respiratory diseases in Zimbabwe: Review and perspectives potential management of COVID-19.

Respiratory diseases have in the recent past become a health concern globally. More than 523 million cases of coronavirus disease (COVID19), a recent respiratory diseases have been reported, leaving more than 6 million deaths worldwide since the start of the pandemic. In Zimbabwe, respiratory infections have largely been managed using traditional (herbal) medicines, due to their low cost and ease of accessibility. This review highlights the plants' toxicological and pharmacological evaluation studies explored. It seeks to document plants that have been traditionally used in Zimbabwe to treat respiratory ailments within and beyond the past four decades. Extensive literature review based on published papers and abstracts retrieved from the online bibliographic databases, books, book chapters, scientific reports and theses available at Universities in Zimbabwe, were used in this study. From the study, there were at least 58 plant families comprising 160 medicinal plants widely distributed throughout the country. The Fabaceae family had the highest number of medicinal plant species, with a total of 21 species. A total of 12 respiratory ailments were reportedly treatable using the identified plants. From a total of 160 plants, colds were reportedly treatable with 56, pneumonia 53, coughs 34, chest pain and related conditions 29, asthma 25, tuberculosis and spots in lungs 22, unspecified respiratory conditions 20, influenza 13, bronchial problems 12, dyspnoea 7, sore throat and infections 5 and sinus clearing 1 plant. The study identified potential medicinal plants that can be utilised in future to manage respiratory infections.

Plant-food-derived bioactives: Key health benefits and current nanosystems as a strategy to enhance their bioavailability.

Natural products interest is gradually increasing worldwide. Plant-food-derived bioactives have a long history of use as a good source of ingredients for valuable medical usages. Plant-based foods consist of micro and macronutrients, and bioactive components, with health-promoting benefits. The handling of complex mixtures of plants has been methodically switched by therapies using a single isolated substance. The delivery of bioactive molecules in nanosystems is enhancing their bioavailability, it is much safer and cost-effective. However, there are many challenges in combining bioactive substances in nanocarrier materials. A discussion related with nanocarriers will be done in this review.

Review of Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl.

Lannea schweinfurthii is a valuable medicinal plant species among different ethnic groups in tropical Africa. The aim of the current study was to review existing literature on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of L. schweinfurthii in an effort to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the species. The relevant information on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of L. schweinfurthii was generated from several sources including books, book chapters, theses, scientific reports and journal articles obtained from the library and internet sources such as SciFinder, Wiley, Web of Science, American Chemical Society publications, PubMed, BMC, Elsevier, Science Direct, Scielo and Scopus. Traditionally, L. schweinfurthii is used against reproductive system disorders, respiratory disorders, injuries, headache, blood system disorders, infections or infestations and gastro-intestinal disorders. The phytochemical compounds that have been isolated from L. schweinfurthii include alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. The in vitro and animal studies carried out so far from the crude extracts and compounds isolated from the species exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, anti-apoptotic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-giardial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal, hepatoprotective, larvicidal and cytotoxicity activities. Detailed ethnopharmacological studies emphasizing clinical and toxicological evaluations are needed to assess efficacy and safety of the species as herbal medicine.

Albizia Adianthifolia: Botany, Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties.

The bark, leaves, and roots of Albizia adianthifolia are highly sought after in tropical Africa as herbal medicines. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the botany, medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of A. adianthifolia so as to provide baseline data required for evaluating the therapeutic potential of the species. Information on the botanical profile, medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of A. adianthifolia was undertaken using databases such as ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Medline, SCOPUS, EThOS, ProQuest, OATD, and Open-thesis. Preelectronic literature search of conference papers, scientific articles, books, book chapters, dissertations, and theses was carried out at the University library. Literature search revealed that A. adianthifolia is used as purgative and herbal medicine for diabetes, eye problems, gastrointestinal problems, haemorrhoids, headache, neurodegenerative disorders, reproductive problems in women, respiratory problems, wounds and pain, skin diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and ethnoveterinary medicine. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include apocarotenoids, chalcone, dipeptide, elliptosides, essential oils, fatty acids, flavonoids, histamine, imidazolyl carboxylic acid, prosapogenins, steroids, triterpene saponins, and triterpenoids. Pharmacological studies revealed that A. adianthifolia extracts and compounds have acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory, anthelmintic, antiamoebic, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, anti-sexually transmitted infections, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antidepressant, cognitive-enhancing, haemolytic, hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxicity activities. Detailed studies on the pharmacokinetics, in vivo, and clinical research involving compounds isolated from A. adianthifolia and extracts of the species are required.

Natural Products for Drug Discovery in the 21st Century: Innovations for Novel Drug Discovery.

The therapeutic properties of plants have been recognised since time immemorial. Many pathological conditions have been treated using plant-derived medicines. These medicines are used as concoctions or concentrated plant extracts without isolation of active compounds. Modern medicine however, requires the isolation and purification of one or two active compounds. There are however a lot of global health challenges with diseases such as cancer, degenerative diseases, HIV/AIDS and diabetes, of which modern medicine is struggling to provide cures. Many times the isolation of "active compound" has made the compound ineffective. Drug discovery is a multidimensional problem requiring several parameters of both natural and synthetic compounds such as safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy to be evaluated during drug candidate selection. The advent of latest technologies that enhance drug design hypotheses such as Artificial Intelligence, the use of 'organ-on chip' and microfluidics technologies, means that automation has become part of drug discovery. This has resulted in increased speed in drug discovery and evaluation of the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of candidate compounds whilst allowing novel ways of drug design and synthesis based on natural compounds. Recent advances in analytical and computational techniques have opened new avenues to process complex natural products and to use their structures to derive new and innovative drugs. Indeed, we are in the era of computational molecular design, as applied to natural products. Predictive computational softwares have contributed to the discovery of molecular targets of natural products and their derivatives. In future the use of quantum computing, computational softwares and databases in modelling molecular interactions and predicting features and parameters needed for drug development, such as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics, will result in few false positive leads in drug development. This review discusses plant-based natural product drug discovery and how innovative technologies play a role in next-generation drug discovery.

Syzygium Cordatum Hochst. ex Krauss: An Overview of Its Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties.

Syzygium cordatum is a valuable medicinal plant in the materia medica of east and southern Africa. The aim of this study was to review the botany, medicinal uses, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological properties of S. cordatum. Relevant literature search was carried out using internet sources such as ACS, Web of Science, Wiley, SpringerLink, Scopus, Mendeley, Google Scholar, Pubmed, SciFinder, BioMed Central, Science Direct and Elsevier. Other literature sources were conference papers, book chapters, books, theses and websites. The leaves, roots, bark and fruits of S. cordatum are used as ethnomedicines against 24 human diseases such as gastro-intestinal disorders, burns, sores, wounds, colds, cough, respiratory complaints, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis, fever and malaria. Several phytochemical compounds including alkaloids, anthocyanidin, essential oils, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanidin, phenols, phytosterols, saponins, simple sugars, terpenoids and triterpenoid have been identified from S. cordatum. Pharmacological evaluations revealed that S. cordatum is characterized by several biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antidiarrheal, anti-sexually transmitted infections, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial and anti-proteus. These pharmacological findings lend credence to the traditional ethnomedicinal uses and ethnopharmacological importance of S. cordatum. Future research on the species should identify the biological compounds, their mode of action and physiological pathways and clinical relevance.

Nutraceutical and Ethnopharmacological Properties of Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta.

Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta (VI) is a nutraceutical with plant parts valued in several cultures for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, VI is used against gastro-intestinal disorders, malaria, pneumonia, cough, menstrual problems, parasitic worms, chest complaints, snake bites, infertility, fever, candidiasis and abdominal pains. This study aims to critically summarize the nutraceutical properties, phytochemistry and pharmacology of VI with a view to provide baseline data required for further investigations on this plant. Relevant information on the nutraceutical and ethnopharmacological properties of VI was collected from established scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and SCOPUS. Additionally, books, book chapters and conference papers were also consulted to access other important information. Comparative analysis of the literature revealed that VI is an important neutraceutical plant in east and southern Africa, used as herbal medicine in 69% of the countries where the species is native. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence in VI of fatty acids, flavonoids, iridoid lactones and triterpenoids. Based on in vitro and animal studies, the species exhibited antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antifeedant and prostaglandin synthesis inhibitory activities. Pharmacological studies have provided supporting evidence for the therapeutic value of VI, however, detailed toxicological and clinical trials are required to assess efficacy of the species.

Assessment of Useful Plants in the Catchment Area of the Proposed Ntabelanga Dam in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The developmental projects, particularly construction of dams, result in permanent changes of terrestrial ecosystems through inundation. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken aiming at documenting useful plant species in Ntabelanga dam catchment area that will be impacted by the construction of the proposed dam. METHODS: A total of 55 randomly selected quadrats were used to assess plant species diversity and composition. Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods were used to identify useful plant species growing in the catchment area through interviews with 108 randomly selected participants. RESULTS: A total of 197 plant species were recorded with 95 species (48.2%) utilized for various purposes. Use categories included ethnoveterinary and herbal medicines (46 species), food plants (37 species), construction timber and thatching (14 species), firewood (five species), browse, live fence, and ornamental (four species each), and brooms and crafts (two species). CONCLUSION: This study showed that plant species play an important role in the daily life and culture of local people. The construction of Ntabelanga dam is, therefore, associated with several positive and negative impacts on plant resources which are not fully integrated into current decision-making, largely because of lack of multistakeholder dialogue on the socioeconomic issues of such an important project.

Ethnopharmacology and Therapeutic Value of Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill. in Tropical Africa: A Comprehensive Review.

Bridelia micrantha is traditionally used in tropical Africa to treat a wide range of human and animal diseases. The aim of this study was to summarise the research that has been done on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of B. micrantha so as to understand its importance and potential value in primary healthcare systems. The literature search for information on ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of B. micrantha was undertaken using databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, BioMed Central (BMC), PubMed and Springerlink. Other relevant literature sources included books, book chapters, websites, theses, conference papers and other scientific publications. This study showed that B. micrantha is used as herbal medicine in just over half (57.3%) of the countries in tropical Africa where it is indigenous. A total of 54 ethnomedicinal uses of B. micrantha have been recorded with a high degree of consensus on burns, wounds, conjunctivitis, painful eyes, constipation, gastric ulcers, cough, headache, rheumatism, painful joints, dysentery, ethnoveterinary medicine, malaria, sexually transmitted infections, stomach ache, tape worms and diarrhoea. Different plant parts, aqueous and organic extracts exhibited anthelmintic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant and sedative, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antischistosomal, hepatoprotective, insecticidal and ß-lactamase inhibitory activities.

Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Euclea natalensis A.DC.

Euclea natalensis is traditionally used as herbal medicine for several human diseases and ailments in tropical Africa. This study reviews information on ethnomedicinal uses, botany, phytochemical constituents, pharmacology and toxicity of E. natalensis. Results of this study are based on literature search from several sources including electronic databases, books, book chapters, websites, theses and conference proceedings. This study showed that E. natalensis is used as traditional medicine in 57.1% of the countries where it is indigenous. Euclea natalensis has a high degree of consensus on abdominal pains, antidote for snake bites, diabetes, diarrhoea, malaria, roundworms, stomach problems, toothache, venereal diseases and wounds. Several ethnopharmacological studies have shown that crude extracts and chemical compounds from E. natalensis demonstrated many biological activities both in vitro and in vivo, which included antibacterial, antidiabetic, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, larvicidal, antischistosomal, molluscicidal, dentin permeability and hepatoprotective activities. Future studies should focus on the mechanism of biological activities of both crude extracts and chemical compounds from the species, as well as structure-function relationships of bioactive constituents of the species.

In Vitro Reversible and Time-Dependent CYP450 Inhibition Profiles of Medicinal Herbal Plant Extracts Newbouldia laevis and Cassia abbreviata: Implications for Herb-Drug Interactions.

This study evaluated the effects of Newbouldia laevis and Cassia abbreviata extracts on CYP450 enzyme activity. Recombinant CYP450 enzyme and fluorogenic substrates were used for evaluating inhibition, allowing the assessment of herb-drug interactions (HDI). Phytochemical fingerprinting was performed using UPLC-MS. The herbal extracts were risk ranked for HDI based on the IC50 values determined for each CYP enzyme. Newbouldia laevis inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 enzyme activities with Ki of 2.84 µg/mL, 1.55 µg/mL, and 1.23 µg/mL, respectively. N. laevis exhibited a TDI (4.17) effect on CYP1A2 but not CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 enzyme activities. Cassia abbreviata inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 enzyme activities showing a Ki of 4.86 µg/mL, 5.98 µg/mL, and 1.58 µg/mL, respectively. TDI potency assessment for Cassia abbreviata showed it as a potential TDI candidate (1.64) for CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 (1.72). UPLC-MS analysis showed that Newbouldia laevis and Cassia abbreviata possess polyphenols that likely give them their therapeutic properties; some of them are likely to be responsible for the observed inhibition. The observations made in this study suggest the potential for these herbal compounds to interact, especially when co-administered with other medications metabolized by these CYP450 enzymes.

The genus Warburgia: a review of its traditional uses and pharmacology.

CONTEXT: Warburgia (Canellaceae) species have a long history of ethnomedicinal uses in east, central and southern Africa. Due to the popularity of Warburgia as a source of ethnomedicines; all the species are severely over-harvested throughout their distributional ranges. OBJECTIVE: This review documents fragmented information on traditional uses and pharmacological evidence of the genus Warburgia. METHODS: Information on Warburgia species was collected from scientific journals, books, theses and reports via library and electronic search using Medline, Pubmed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. RESULTS: Ethnomedicinal uses of Warburgia species have been recorded from east, central and southern Africa for 30 human and 7 animal ailments. Warburgia species are used to treat gastro-intestinal disorders, cold, cough and sore throat; fever or malaria, respiratory and odontological ailments. Warburgia species are rich in drimane and colorotane sesquiterpenoides, and other compounds. The extracts of Warburgia, particularly those from stem bark and leaves, exhibited a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifeedant, antiplasmodial, antileishmanial, anthelmintic, cytotoxic and molluscicidal activities. CONCLUSION: Pharmacological results have validated the use of this genus in traditional medicine. Further investigations are needed to explore the bioactive compounds responsible for the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects and their mode of action.

Effects of Micronutrients on the Growth and Phytochemical Composition of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in the Field and Greenhouse (Hydroponics and Soil Culture).

The current research was conducted to compare the growth, yield, and phytochemical composition of basil (Ocimum basilicum) in the open field and the soil and hydroponic cultivation in a greenhouse. Furthermore, the effect of foliar spraying of micronutrients on this crop was also evaluated. In each of the cultivation systems, foliar spraying of one micronutrient, either iron sulfate (Fe), zinc sulfate (Zn), copper sulfate (Cu), manganese sulfate (Mn), or boric acid (B), at a concentration of 0.1% was applied in a randomized complete block design. Plants grown in the hydroponic system had higher yield and biomass. The concentration of the elements K, Ca, Mg, N, P, Mn, Fe, B, and Zn in the leaves of hydroponic plants was higher. Contrarily, plants cultivated in the field showed higher stem dry weight, essential oil content, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. The level of methyl chavicol was higher in the hydroponic culture, but the level of 1,8-cineole was much lower in this cropping system. Foliar spraying of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, or B significantly increased leaf dry weight and anthocyanin content. In field conditions, the highest levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were observed with Zn or Mn application. In the hydroponic system, foliar spraying of Zn or B led to the highest antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Overall, the basil plants cultivated in the field showed higher bioactive ingredients. However, the essential oil of plants cultivated in the hydroponic system had a higher economic value due to its higher percentage of methyl chavicol.

Advancing ethnobiology for the ecological transition and a more inclusive and just world: a comprehensive framework for the next 20 years.

This opinion piece, written by ethnobiologists from different parts of the world, emphasizes the importance of ethnobiology research in advancing contemporary biology, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and, especially, contributing to the ecological transition and more just and inclusive world. To achieve these goals, it is essential to develop research and collaborate with social groups that live in close relationship with nature in research activities, such as Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), as well as Afro-descendants and other Marginalized, Minority or Minoritized Communities (AMMC). Ethnobiology can identify and provide locally appropriate solutions to local problems, enabling sustainable resource management at the landscape level. The text explores important aspects that need to be considered to guide the future of ethnobiology in the next 20 years, aiming to integrate and amplify previous discussions held in the discipline and identify points that demand ongoing attention. This paper highlights reflections from diverse researchers, emphasizing how ethnobiology can embrace different perspectives and employ rigorous analysis of complex phenomena toward effective policies and practices. This approach holds the potential to address the challenges the planet is currently facing in the coming decades.

Medicinal Uses of the Fabaceae Family in Zimbabwe: A Review.

The current study is aimed at providing a systematic review of the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Fabaceae species used as sources of traditional medicinies in Zimbabwe. Fabaceae is one of the well-known plant families of ethnopharmacological importance. Of the approximately 665 species of the Fabaceae family occurring in Zimbabwe, about 101 are used for medicinal purposes. Many communities in the country, mainly in peri-urban, rural and marginalized areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, rely on traditional medicines as their primary healthcare. The study reviewed research studies undertaken on Zimbabwe's Fabaceae species during 1959 to 2022. Information was gathered from literature sourced from Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, books, dissertations, theses and scientific reports. This study showed that 101 species are traditionally used to manage human and animal diseases in Zimbabwe. The genera with the highest number of medicinal uses are Indigofera, Senna, Albizia, Rhynchosia and Vachellia. Species of these genera are used as traditional medicines against 134 medical conditions, mainly gastrointestinal conditions, female reproductive conditions, respiratory conditions and sexually transmitted infections. Shrubs (39.0%), trees (37.0%) and herbs (18.0%) are the primary sources of traditional medicines, while roots (80.2%), leaves (36.6%), bark (27.7%) and fruits (8.9%) are the most widely used plant parts. Many of Zimbabwe's Fabaceae species used as sources of traditional medicines have been assessed for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties, corroborating their medicinal uses. However, there is a need to unravel the therapeutic potential of the family through further ethnopharmacological research focusing on toxicological studies, in vitro and in vivo models, biochemical assays and pharmacokinetic studies.

Traditional uses of wild and tended plants in maintaining ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Many communities in developing countries rely on ecosystem services (ESs) associated with wild and cultivated plant species. Plant resources provide numerous ESs and goods that support human well-being and survival. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize wild and tended plant species, and also investigate how local communities in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa perceive ESs associated with plant resources. METHODS: The study was conducted in six local municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, between March 2016 and September 2021. Data on socio-economic characteristics of the participants, useful plants harvested from the wild and managed in home gardens were documented by means of questionnaires, observation and guided field walks with 196 participants. The ESs were identified using a free listing technique. RESULTS: A total of 163 plant species were recorded which provided 26 cultural, regulating and provisioning ESs. Provisioning ESs were the most cited with at least 25 plant species contributing towards generation of cash income, food, traditional and ethnoveterinary medicines. Important species recorded in this study with relative frequency of citation (RFC) values > 0.3 included Alepidea amatymbica, Allium cepa, Aloe ferox, Artemisia afra, Brassica oleracea, Capsicum annuum, Cucurbita moschata, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Opuntia ficus-indica, Spinacia oleracea, Vachellia karroo and Zea mays. CONCLUSION: Results of this study highlight the importance of plant resources to the well-being of local communities in the Eastern Cape within the context of provision of essential direct and indirect ESs such as food, medicinal products, construction materials, fodder, regulating, supporting and cultural services. The ESs are the basis for subsistence livelihoods in rural areas, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. Therefore, such body of knowledge can be used as baseline data for provision of local support for natural resource management initiatives in the province and other areas of the country.

The gathering and consumption of wild edible plants in Nhema communal area, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe.

The study documented 67 wild edible plant species belonging to 45 genera and 30 families. Anacardiaceae and Moraceae were the dominant botanical families with 6 species each. Of the reported food plants, 67.7% were fruits, 14.9% vegetables, and the remainder were edible roots, inner bark, seed kernel, juice, and gum. Of edible plants, 79.1% had multiple uses, which included medicinal and construction timber. Only 20.9% of the species were used exclusively for food. Wild edible plants are a significant contributor to the socioeconomic well-being of the local people as they contribute a recognizable source of income especially for women.

Potential of Malawi's medicinal plants in Covid-19 disease management: A review.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered an international pandemic that has led to significant public health problems. To date, limited evidence exists to suggest that drugs are effective against the disease. As possible treatments are being investigated, herbal medicines have shown potential for producing novel antiviral agents for the COVID-19 disease. Aim: This review explored the potential of Malawi's traditional medicinal plants for the management of COVID-19. Methods: The authors searched on PubMed and Google scholar for medicinal plants that are used in Malawi and published in openly available peer reviewed journals. Plants linked with antiviral treatment, anti-COVID-19 activity or COVID-19 symptoms management were targeted. These included activity against pneumonia, inflammation, cough, difficulty in breathing, pain/aches, fever, diarrhoea, rheumatism, fatigue, asthma, immunocompromised and cardiovascular diseases. Results: 11 studies were found with 306 plant species. 127 plant species had at least one COVID-19 related pharmacological activity. Of these plant species, the number of herbal entities used for each indication was: pain/aches (87), fever (2), pneumonia (9), breathing/asthma problems (5), coughing (11), diarrhoea (1), immunosuppression (8), blood issues (10), fatigue (2), heart problems (11), inflammation (8), rheumatism (10) and viral diseases (12). Thirty (30) species were used for more than one disease and Azedarachta indica topped the list (6 of the 13 COVID-19 related diseases). The majority of the species had phytochemicals known to have antiviral activity or mechanisms of actions linked to COVID-19 and consequent diseases' treatment pathways. Conclusion: Medicinal plants are a promising source of compounds that can be used for drug development of COVID-19 related diseases. This review highlights potential targets for the World Health Organization and other research entities to explore in order to assist in controlling the pandemic.

Assessment of Useful Alien Plant Species Cultivated and Managed in Rural Home Gardens of Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Several communities in developing countries derive substantial part of their livelihood needs from alien plants cultivated and managed in home gardens. The aim of this study was to assess useful alien plant species cultivated and managed in home gardens of Limpopo province in South Africa. Semistructured interviews, personal observation, and guided walks with 300 participants between January 2015 and December 2016 were employed to obtain data on names of alien plants cultivated in home gardens and their use categories. A total of 101 plant species belonging to 44 families were recorded from the study area. More than half of the species (66.3%) belonged to 14 families, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Lamiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Brassicaceae, Cactaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, and Myrtaceae. Twenty-six use categories of alien plants were identified in this study with the majority of species (75.2%) used for medicinal purposes, followed by ornamental (33.7%), edible fruits (24.8%), spices (16.8%), vegetables (16.8%), shade (11.9%), beverages (10.9%), construction materials (8.9%), firewood (7.9%), and hedge (7.9%). These findings corroborate the existing body of knowledge emphasizing the importance of plants grown and managed in home gardens to the livelihood needs of local communities.

The Burden of the Serious and Difficult-to-Treat Infections and a New Antibiotic Available: Cefiderocol.

Background: Infection is a disease that can occur due to the entrance of a virus, bacteria, and other infectious agents. Cefiderocol is innovative cephalosporin drug that belongs to a special class of antibiotics, sideromycins, which are taken up by bacterial cells through active transport. The unique cell entry and stability to ß-lactamases allow cefiderocol to overcome the most common resistance mechanisms in Gram-negative bacteria. Objective: This article aims to highlight the therapeutic efficacy, safety and tolerability of cefiderocol, with a focus on the FDA label. Methods: The pharmacological properties of cefiderocol are also summarized. In this review, we conducted literature research on the PubMed database using the following keywords: "antimicrobial treatment", "new antibiotic", "cefiderocol", "siderophore cephalosporin"; "multidrug-resistant", "Gram-negative bacilli", "critically ill patients"; "severe bacterial infections". Results: There were identified the most relevant data about the pathophysiology of serious bacterial infections, antibacterial mechanism of action, microbiology, mechanisms of resistance, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of cefiderocol. Conclusion: The results highlighted there appeared to be clinical benefit from cefiderocol in the treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative aerobic microorganisms in adult patients with severe infections and limited treatment options.