Toxicological profile, phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory properties of leaves of Vitex doniana Sweet. (Verbenaceae).

Background: Natural herbal compounds are a source and alternative for new compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, in-depth studies should be carried out to assess their safety and efficacy in order to avoid or prevent toxicological risks of these natural plant-based substances. V. doniana is a species of food plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to estimate the anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo of the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves of V. doniana. Methods: To do this, acute toxicity was first evaluated on the animal model. Biological activities (carrageenan test, formalin and xylene induced oedemas) were used to assess the anti-inflammatory power. Results: Regarding the dietary toxicology of the extracts, visual and clinical signs showed that the extracts are not at the end of the 15-day (acute toxicity) and 45-day (subacute toxicity) tests. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, it was observed that the bioactive fraction (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg.b.w) had effective neurogenic anti-inflammatory properties. All of these effects observed were all dose-dependent. Conclusion: The results of this present research have proven that V. donania extracts can be used as anti-inflammatories.

Antibacterial activity against ß- lactamase producing Methicillin and Ampicillin-resistants Staphylococcus aureus: Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) determination.

BACKGROUND: The present study reports the antibacterial capacity of alkaloid compounds in combination with Methicillin and Ampicillin-resistants bacteria isolated from clinical samples. The resistance of different bacteria strains to the current antibacterial agents, their toxicity and the cost of the treatment have led to the development of natural products against the bacteria resistant infections when applied in combination with conventional antimicrobial drugs. METHOD: The antibacterial assays in this study were performed by using inhibition zone diameters, MIC, MBC methods, the time-kill assay and the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) determination. On the whole, fifteen Gram-positive bacterial strains (MRSA/ARSA) were used. Negative control was prepared using discs impregnated with 10 % DMSO in water and commercially available Methicillin and Ampicillin from Alkom Laboratories LTD were used as positive reference standards for all bacterial strains. RESULTS: We noticed that the highest activities were founded with the combination of alkaloid compounds and conventional antibiotics against all bacteria strains. Then, results showed that after 7 h exposition there was no viable microorganism in the initial inoculums. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that alkaloid compounds in combination with conventional antibiotics (Methicillin, Ampicillin) exhibited antimicrobial effects against microorganisms tested. These results validate the ethno-botanical use of Cienfuegosia digitata Cav. (Malvaceae) in Burkina Faso. Moreover, this study demonstrates the potential of this herbaceous as a source of antibacterial agent that could be effectively used for future health care purposes.

Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn (Mimosaceae) hydro-alcoholic extract action on the contractility of tracheal smooth muscle isolated from guinea-pig.

BACKGROUND: Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn. (Mimosaceae) is largely used in ethno-medically across Africa, and mainly employed for the treatment of asthma in Ivory Coast and Gabon. The paper analyses the relaxation induced by the methanolic extract of D. cinerea (Edici) in the guinea-pig trachea preparations (GPTPs). PURPOSE: This study aimed to bring out the scientific basis to the use of this plant leading to the validation of this phytomedicine. METHOD: The aorta obtained from guinea-pigs was immediately placed in a Mac Ewen solution. Experiments were performed in preparations suspended between two L-shaped stainless steel hooks in a 10 ml organ bath containing Mac Ewen solution. The isometric contractile force of the aorta strips of guinea-pig were recorded by using a strain gauge. The different drugs were directly administered into the organ bath and the magnitude of GPTPs was evaluated. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract of Dichrostachys cinerea (Edici) using chemical methods revealed the presence of flavenoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes and polyphenols. Pharmacological studies performed in GPTPs show that of Dichrostachys cinerea (0.1 mg/ml - 2 mg/ml) evoked a broncho-constriction in GPTPs. Whereas, at concentration up to 2 mg/ml, Edici induced a significant dose-dependent relaxation in the GPTPs. KCl-, ACh- or histamine-evoked contractions of isolated trachea was significantly inhibited by increasing concentrations of Edici (3.5-10 mg/ml). Edici (10 mg/ml) as well as promethazine (0.25 mg/ml) significantly inhibited contractions induced by increasing concentrations of histamine (1×10-7-1×10-4mg/ml). In the presence of atropine at a concentration of 10-6mg/ml, contractile response curve (CRC) evoked by ACh (1×10-5-1×10-2 mg/ml) was significantly abolished in concentration-dependent manner. Edici did not significantly reduced ACh evoked contraction (10-5-10-2mg/ml). CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that Edici could act through two mechanisms: firstly by activation of ß-adrenergic or histaminergic receptors; and secondly muscarinic receptors may not be greatly involved, that justifying the use of the extract in traditional Medicine in Africa.