Biological activities of crude leaf extract and fractions of Scutellaria sibthorpii (Benth.) Halácsy: An endemic plant of North-Cyprus.

Scutellaria sibthorpii is used in treatment of bacterial infections, pains and inflammations. The leaf was extracted by maceration and then partitioned with hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The extract was screened for phytochemicals. The antioxidant activity was assayed using DPPH, H2O2 and ß-carotene. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu's and AlCl3. The crude extract/fractions were tested on E. coli, S. typhi, B. subtilis and S. aureus using agar disk diffusion. Lorke's method was used to determine the LD50. The analgesic activity was determined using ethanoic acid-induced writhing, hotplate and formalin-induced nociception. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by means of formalin-induced acute inflammation. The antipyretic activity was studied using Brewer's yeast. The ethyl acetate fraction (EtFSs) had IC50 of 0.4352mg/mL in the H2O2 and IC50 of 0.00014mg/mL. The MIC of EtFSs against S. aureus was 1.25mg/mL and 2.5mg/mL on S. typhi. LD50 of the CrESs/fractions were greater than 5000mg/Kg. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were higher in EtFSs when compared to piroxicam. The fractions decrease the rectal temperature of the rats in the same way as paracetamol at 200mg/Kg. This research has for the first time validated the used of Scutellaria sibthorpii traditionally as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

Integration of medicinal plants into the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of cancer in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

This study was designed to explore and record various medicinal plants integrated into the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of cancer. The traditional system of medicine is a routine practiced among the indigenous ethnic groups of Sokoto state. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and used for data collection around the selected Local Government Areas. A substantial number of plant species were identified, recorded, and collected for preservation. Data collected for each specie was analysed to assess its frequent use among the medicinal plants. A total of 67 species belonging to 31 families have been identified and recorded. Out of the 473 frequency of citation (FC), Acacia nilotica was the most frequently cited specie (32 FC, 64% FC, 0.6 RFC), followed by Guiera senegalensis (27 FC, 54% FC, 0.5 RFC), Erythrina sigmoidea (17 FC, 34% FC, 0.3 RFC), and subsequently Combretum camporum (15 FC, 30% FC, 0.3 RFC). The most common parts of the plants used include the barks (55.2%), the roots (53.2%), and the leaves (41.8%). Additionally, decoction (74.6%), powdered form (49.3%), and maceration (46.3%) are the most frequently used mode of preparation. The historical knowledge of a traditional system of medicine practiced by the native traditional healers of Sokoto for the treatment of cancer has been documented. The present study further provides a baseline for future pharmacological investigations into the beneficial effects of such medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii N. E. Brown in mice and rats.

Caralluma dalzielii N. E. Brown (Asclepiadaceae) is a cactus-like shaped shrub widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, infertility and impotence. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii (AECD) through acute and sub-acute oral administration in mice and rats. During acute toxicity study, female mice and rats were orally administered with AECD at single doses of 175, 500 and 2000 mg/kg according to OECD Guidelines 425. Sub-acute toxicity of AECD (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg p.o) was studied by daily dosing of Wistar rats of both sexes for 28 days. The acute toxicity study revealed no lethal effects and behavioural signs of toxicity at the tested doses indicating that LD50 is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In sub-acute study, a significant reduction in the body weight (p < 0.05), feed and water (p < 0.001) intake of the rats were observed. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in lymphocytes, mean platelet volume counts and alanine aminotransferase were also observed. Histopathological analysis showed mild liver cell distortion in female rats treated at 600 mg/kg of AECD. These results show low toxicity of AECD on short-term use and liver toxicity on long-term use.