GC-MS Profiling and Antineoplastic Activity of Pelargonium Inquinans Ait Leaves on Acute Leukaemia Cell Lines U937 and Jurkat.

We investigated the antineoplastic activities of extracts of Pelargonium inquinans leaves, a plant native to South Africa on acute leukemia cell lines, U937 and Jurkat and the inflammatory effect (nitric oxide and cyclo-oxygenase-2) on RAW 264.7 cells. The extracts of Pelargonium inquinans have significant cytotoxicity especially on U937 cells and pro-inflammatory release of nitric oxide on RAW 264.7 macrophages. The GC-MS study of the essential oil showed it had more than a hundred compounds. This study showed that Pelargonium inquinans have antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory activities which can be further explored in In Vivo studies.

Sunlight-driven rapid and facile synthesis of Silver nanoparticles using Allium ampeloprasum extract with enhanced antioxidant and antifungal activity.

Green nanotechnology has acquired immense demand due to its cost-effective, eco-friendly and benevolent approach for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Among the biological methods, plants aid as a significant green resource for synthesizing nanoparticles that are safe and non-toxic for human use. In the present investigation, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using bulbs extract of Allium ampeloprasum under the influence of sunlight irradiation and characterized using different techniques. Distinct in-vitro assays were performed to test the antioxidant and anticandida potential of the synthesized AgNPs. Results suggested the efficient and rapid sunlight-driven synthesis of AgNPs using A. ampeloprasum extract. UV-Vis spectrum showed absorption peak at 446 nm which confirmed the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis suggested the presence of functional groups associated with flavonoids and sulfur compounds in A. ampeloprasum extract. The synthesized AgNPs showed Face Centred Cubic (FCC) structure with an average size of 35 nm. Spherical, quasi spherical, triangular and ellipsoidal morphology of the NPs were observed from the TEM micrograph. The synthesized AgNPs showed pronounced free radical scavenging potential for DPPH, ABTS∙+ and H2O2 radicals. The anticandida potency of the synthesized AgNPs was observed as follows: C. albicans ≥ C. tropicalis ≥ C. glabrata ≥ C. parapsilosis ≥ C. krusei. Results showed that sunlight driven nanoparticle synthesis of AgNPs is rapid, facile and exhibit enhanced antioxidant and antifungal activity.

Nutritional composition and antinutrient content of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. leaves: An underutilized wild vegetable.

The nutritional and antinutrient composition of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. leaves was reported in this study. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5% total ash, 4.92% crude fat, 8.41% moisture, 15.74% crude protein, 21.48% crude fiber, 40.95% carbohydrates, and 271.04 kcal/100 g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu, and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C, and E. The antinutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed at moderately high level. The results credibly indicate that H. arborescens leaves are nutrient-rich and can contribute effectively to the daily nutrient requirements alongside its therapeutic properties.

Culinary Spices in Food and Medicine: An Overview of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L. M. Perry [Myrtaceae].

Spices-dried aromatic parts of plants (leaves, seeds, bark, roots, rhizomes, buds, etc) used to enhance flavour, taste and colour (sensory quality) of foods, are increasingly finding other useful roles in healthcare beyond their primary use as culinary organoleptic enhancers. Several spices are currently being investigated for their potential health benefits, because of the failing efficacy, toxicity and high cost associated with conventional drugs. One such spice: Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L.M.Perry [Myrtaceae] (Clove), has a multi-dimensional role in diet, medicine, functional foods and nutraceuticals, agriculture, among other industries. Peer-reviewed articles, mostly from PubMed and Google Scholar, were consulted for the purpose of this review. The nutritional and phytochemical contents, selected biological activities as well as some functional foods and beverages of clove and their uses for human health are presented. Although these observations are largely empirical, the efficacious attributes have led to their pharmacological applications in the indigenous system of medicine all over the world and bridge between food, diet and medicine. Considering the GRAS status of clove, more studies on bioavailability, accumulation, toxicity, dosage and efficacy of clove as a spice drug or functional foods in biological systems especially in humans are required. Meanwhile, clove and its products can be used as co-adjuvants in the prevention, treatment and management of chronic diseases. Further, many applications of clove in food, health, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, nanoparticles and agricultural industries are still open for investigations.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils Obtained from Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. and Schltdl Leaves Using Two Extraction Methods.

This study was aimed at comparing the essential oils obtained from Heteromorpha arborescens leaves by Solvent-Free Microwave Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission, and energy consumption. The solvent-free microwave extraction method indicated a higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35%) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295%) obtained through hydrodistillation. GC-MS analysis of the oils revealed a total of 52 chemical components from both methods with the presence of 35 (96.52%) and 30 (71.15%) chemical constituents for HD and SFME, respectively. The major constituents observed in the essential oil extracted by SFME methods include α-pinene (6%), D-limonene (11.27%), ß-ocimene (9.09%), ß-phellandrene (6.33%), ß-mycene (8.49%), caryophyllene (5.96%), and camphene (4.28%). However, in the hydrodistillation method, the oil was majorly composed of a-pinene (4.41%), ß-pinene (10.68%), ß-ocimene (6.30%), germacrene-D (5.09%), humulene (5.55%), and α-elemene (6.18%). The SFME method was better in terms of saving energy (0.25 kWh against 4.2 kWh of energy consumed), reduced CO2 emission (200 g against 3360 g of CO2), a higher yield, and better quality of essential oil due to the presence of higher valuable oxygenated compounds (8.52%) against that of the hydrodistillation method (2.96%). The SFME method is, therefore, a good alternative for extracting the oils of H. arborescens leaves since the essential oil yield is higher with more oxygenated compounds, considerable energy savings, lower cost, and reduced environmental burden at substantially reduced extraction time (30 min as opposed to 180 min).

Assessment of the phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham & Schltdl. leaf extracts.

Background:Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. and Schltdl (Apiaceae) is widely used traditionally for the treatment of a wide range of diseases in Southern and Eastern Africa. Although previous studies have reported the biological activities of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of H. arborescens leaves, there is no scientific information on the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts. This study is therefore aimed to investigate and compare the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves. Methods: Phytochemical analysis for the total phenolic, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, alkaloid and saponin contents of all the fractions were determined by spectroscopic methods, while the free radical scavenging potential of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. Micro dilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results: Total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg GAE/g, proanthocyanidin was 459-8402.1 mg QE/g, and flavonoid content of 109.24-235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (5.59%) and saponins (23.33%) were present in significant amounts. Based on the IC 50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.013 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Considerable antibacterial activities were observed in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. Conclusion: The study suggests that H. arborescens leaves could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Although the blanching process significantly decreased polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the extracts, it increased the antibacterial compounds.

Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic evaluation of extracts from the flowering stage of Celosia argentea.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at investigating the possible anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of extracts from the flowering stage of C. argentea. This growth stage was chosen because of its high polyphenolic content and high antioxidant capacity. METHODS: Anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous, acetone and methanol extracts of C. argentea was evaluated through the inhibition of nitric oxide production (LPS-induced) on stimulated macrophages (RAW 264.7), while MTT assay was used to assess cell viability with Silymarin as standard. Cytotoxicity of the plant extracts was evaluated on murine preadipocyte cell line (3 T3-L1) using the image-based method of two DNA-binding dyes; Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide (PI) with melphalan as standard. RESULTS: Acetone extract exhibited moderate, dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity with no significant toxicity to activated macrophages, however the aqueous and methanol extracts were unable to inhibit nitric oxide production at both trials. MTT assay and the toxicity assay revealed that the flowering stage extracts of C. argentea were not toxic to the RAW 264.7 macrophages and 3 T3-L1 cells at all the tested concentrations (0, 2, 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: These findings corroborate the traditional use of C. argentea for painful inflammatory conditions and encourage its possible use as lead for the development of novel, non-toxic, anti-inflammatory agents.

Proximate and elemental composition of leaf, corm, root and peel of Hypoxis hemerocallidea: A Southern African multipurpose medicinal plant.

Hypoxis hemerocallidea also known as African potato is a medicinal plant widely distributed in Southern Africa, which has enjoyed long usage as a traditional multipurpose herbal medicine. This study evaluated the leaf, corm, peel and root of H. hemerocallidea for their nutritional attributes. Crude protein was highest in leaf (5.56%), followed by peel (2.79%), root (2.30%) and corm (1.79%) respectively. Crude fat ranged from 0.40% in root to 1.88% in leaf, while ash and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were highest in corm (16.77% and 49.75%) and lowest in root (3.20% and 5.46%) respectively. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was highest in leaf (55.47%), followed by corm (52.38%), peel (35.23%) and root (10.51%); while total carbohydrate calculated as non-fibre carbohydrate was highest in the root. The corm had the highest content (P<0.05) of calcium, zinc, copper and manganese, the root exhibited the highest content of magnesium, potassium and iron, while sodium and phosphorus content was highest in the leaf. The study revealed that H. hemerocallidea leaf, corm, peel and root are good sources of nutrients and minerals for humans and animals. This implies that the plant as a whole could be more effective therapeuticaly than the corm alone.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activities of Cucumis africanus L.f.:: A Wild Vegetable of South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of the acetone, aqueous, and methanol extracts of the fruit, leaf, and root of Cucumis africanus L.f. METHODS: Total phenolic, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The free radical scavenging activity of the acetone, methanol, and aqueous extracts of the fruit, leaf, and root were evaluated against DPPH+, ABTS+, and phosphomolybdenum. Alkaloid and saponin contents were also determined. RESULTS: The acetone extract of the fruit revealed the highest polyphenol content when compared with the other solvent extracts analyzed. Total phenol content of the parts tested ranged from 3.66 ± 0.17 to 44.98 ± 3.41, flavonoid content ranged from 4.63 ± 3.33 to 401.33 ± 7.89, and proanthocyanidin content ranged from 8.84 ± 2.65 to 504 ± 36.6. Significant amount of alkaloids present was observed in the fruits, leaf, and root (10.68 ± 0.68, 14.12 ± 1.67, and 12.15 ± 4.74), respectively, while saponin content was 33.33 ± 11.55, 26.67 ± 11.55, and 20.00 ± 0.00 for the fruit, leaf, and root, respectively. Solvent extracts showed significant antioxidant activity, with acetone showing highest antioxidant ability in correlation with the polyphenol contents. Based on the IC50 values, acetone extract of the root revealed the best DPPH radical scavenging ability, the leaf aqueous extract had the highest IC50 value for ABTS, and the methanol extract of the leaf was best for phosphomolybdenum assays. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that fruit, leaf, and root of Cucumis africanus could be a potential source of natural antioxidant and justifies its use in ethnomedicine.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Opuntia stricta cladodes.

BACKGROUND: The Opuntia spp. have been used in traditional medicine for many centuries. It is used in the management of diseases that involves oxidative stress, especially diabetes, obesity and cancer. Opuntia stricta (Haw) is one of the relatively unknown species in South Africa where it is regarded more as a weed. Because of this, not much is known about its chemical composition. AIM: To determine the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Opuntia stricta cladodes. METHODS: The phytochemical composition of acetone, aqueous and ethanol extract of cladodes of Opuntia stricta (Haw), as well as the vitamins A, C and E of its dried weight cladodes and the antioxidant activities, were evaluated using standard in vitro methods. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were evaluated using cell-based assays. The phytochemical composition and vitamins were determined spectrophotometrically, while the antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and phosphomolybdenum (total) antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined using RAW 264.7 cells, while cytotoxicity was determined using U937 cells. RESULTS: The phytochemical composition showed a significant difference in the various extracts. The total phenolics were higher than other phytochemicals in all the extracts used. All the extracts displayed antioxidant activity, while most of the extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity. Only one extract showed cytotoxicity, and it was mild. CONCLUSION: The results show that the Opuntia stricta is rich in polyphenolic compounds and has good antioxidant activity as well as anti-inflammatory activities.

In vitro α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities of tuber extracts of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn.

Kedrostis africana, is a tuberous plant commonly used by traditional healers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the management of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity and cytotoxic effects of Kedrostis africana extracts in vitro The α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Kedrostis africana tuber were investigated while the cytotoxic effects of these extracts were analyzed using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide (PI) dual staining in combination with Molecular Devices ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield microscope for high content analysis on human cervical (HeLa) cell line. The ethanol extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 381.86 µg/ml) and on α-glucosidase (IC50 = 157.99 µg/mL) while the aqueous extract has strongest α-amylase (IC50 = 439.45 µg/ml). Both tuber extracts were found nontoxic at tested concentrations on HeLa cell lines as confirmed by the Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide dual staining respectively. This study revealed that both the aqueous and ethanol tuber extract of K. africana exerts a certain degree of inhibitory effect on α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase and were also nontoxic to HeLa cell line at tested concentrations.

Evaluation of the physicochemical, proximate, and sensory properties of moinmoin from blends of cowpea and water yam flour.

Moinmoin is a steamed cowpea seed-based pudding native to Nigeria. This study evaluated the physicochemical, proximate, and sensory properties of moinmoin from a blend of cowpea and water yam flours. The pudding was prepared by varying the proportion of cowpea to water yam flour (CWYP). The blends were in the ratio 75:25% (CWYP1), 50:50% (CWYP2), and 100:0% cowpea flour (CPP) which served as the control. Physicochemical evaluation indicated that the products will have good keeping quality and reconstitute easily. Protein content was 26.90%, 20.10%, and 17.60% for CPP, CWYP1 and CWYP2, respectively, and the presence of water yam significantly (p < .05) increased the crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents of the cowpea/water yam products relative to the control. Pasting properties revealed that regardless of the proportion of water yam in the mixture, the moinmoin samples cooked at approximately the same time; and sensory evaluation showed that CWYP1 was best preferred in terms of taste, flavor, color, and overall acceptability. These findings suggest that the cowpea/water yam pudding can meet the nutritional demands of a meal and that the 75%-25% cowpea/water yam mixture was the most acceptable. The study contributes to the knowledge nutritious products with desirable organoleptic qualities from a blend of cowpea and water yam flour, allowing for up to 50% water yam substitution. It also provides an alternative way of utilizing water yam thus preventing wastage during peak production and ensuring food and nutritional security because of the balanced products obtained.

Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of whole-plant aqueous extract of Vernonia mespilifolia Less. in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the acute and subacute toxicity of whole-plant aqueous extract of Vernonia mespilifolia Less. (AEVM) in rats for evaluating its safety profile. METHODS: AEVM for the acute (2000 and 5000 mg/kg) and subacute (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) toxicity studies was administered orally to rats according the guidelines 425 and 407 of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, respectively. Food and water intake as well as body and organ weight of animals were recorded. Signs of toxicity were assessed, and hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of the aqueous extract at 2000 or 5000 mg/kg caused no mortality in the animals, suggesting that the median lethal dose is greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the subacute toxicity study, administration of the extract for 28 d, at all doses, caused no significant changes in the body weights or organ weights of rats in the treated groups when compared with the control group. In addition, hematological and biochemical parameters also revealed no toxic effects of the extract on rats. Histological sections of the heart, liver and kidney from test animals showed no signs of degeneration. CONCLUSION: These results showed that AEVM at dosage levels up to 600 mg/kg is nontoxic and could also offer protection on some body tissues. AEVM could, therefore, be considered safe.

Polyphenolic Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Vernonia mespilifolia Less. Used in Folk Medicine in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Vernonia mespilifolia Less. is a shrub of the Asteraceae family used in the South African traditional medicine system for the management of weight loss, hypertension, and heartwater disease. There is a need for scientific evaluation to validate its ethnomedicinal usage. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the polyphenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of different solvent extracts (acetone, aqueous, and ethanol) of the whole plant of Vernonia mespilifolia spectrophotometric and agar dilution techniques, respectively. The result revealed varying amounts of polyphenolics in the different solvent extracts corresponding to the antioxidant activities. Also, only the acetone and ethanol extracts inhibited the growth of the selected bacteria and fungi. These findings reveal that the extracts have strong bioactive compounds and hence support its ethnomedicinal application.

Acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of the tuber of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn in Wistar rats.

Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn (Cucurbitaceae) is used in South African traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia as an emetic, purgative and diuretic, and it is used against dropsy in the management of obesity. Aim of the study In this study, acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of K. africanatuber was evaluated in male and female Wistar rats in order to assess its safety profile. Materials and methods In acute toxicity, the effects of a single oral dose (2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg) of aqueous extract was determined in both sexes. General behavior, adverse effects and mortality were determined for 3 h and then periodically for 14 days. The subchronic toxicity test was performed in rats. The effects of the extract in daily single oral administration at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg for 28 days were determined. Food and water intakes were monitored daily while body weight was monitored on a weekly bases. Hematological, biochemical and organ parameters were determined at the end of the 28-day administration. Results In the acute study, a single administration of the aqueous extract at the doses of 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg did not induce mortality. Thus, the LD50 of the aqueous extract of K. africana (AEKA) has been estimated to be higher than 5,000 mg/kg. In the subchronic study, daily oral administration of the AEKA did not result in death of the rats or significant changes in hematological or biochemical parameters at the highest dose of 600 mg/kg. No alteration was observed in body weight, food and water intake. Liver, kidney and heart histopathology did not reveal morphological alteration. Conclusions The results showed that the aqueous tuber extract of K. africana did not cause any death, nor did it cause abnormalities in necropsy and histopathology findings. There were no acute or subchronic toxicity observed, and this indicates that the plant extract could be considered safe for oral medication.

Characterization, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Aqueous Extracts of Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, and Capsicum frutescens.

BACKGROUND: Herbal drug delivery is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability which can be overcome with suitable nanomaterials that will enhance their pharmacokinetics and performance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from three spices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AgNPs were prepared using 0.1 M silver nitrate and aqueous extracts of Allium sativum L. (garlic), Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ginger), and Capsicum frutescens L. (cayenne pepper). The AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. RESULTS: The AgNPs were formed within an hour of the reaction and showed maximum UV-Vis absorption in the 375-480 nm range. SEM and TEM revealed well-dispersed spherical particles with little agglomeration, average sizes of 3-6 nm, 3-22 nm, and 3-18 nm for garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper, respectively. FTIR showed that amine, protein, phenolic, aromatic, and alkynes groups contributed to AgNP synthesis and XRD confirmed their crystalline and face-centered cubic nature. Antibacterial action of the AgNPs was in the following order: ginger (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] <25 µg/mL) > garlic> cayenne pepper (MIC 125 µg/mL). Antioxidant action showed cayenne pepper > ginger > garlic (inhibitory concentration 50% [IC50]: 40, 240, and 250 µg/mL, respectively) against 2,2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and garlic > cayenne pepper > ginger (IC50: <31.25, 40, and 120 µg/mL, respectively) against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. CONCLUSION: Optimization of this green synthesis would support the production of AgNPs with great therapeutic potentials. SUMMARY: The synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper were evaluatedThe AgNPs formed were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM and TEM microscopy, as well as EDX, XRD and FTIR spectroscopy AgNPs were well dispersed with spherical shapes and average sizes of 3-6nm, 3-22nm and 3-18 nm for garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper respectivelyAmine, protein, phenolic and alkyne groups were revealed as the capping agents for the nanoparticlesThe silver nanoparticles were confirmed to be crystalline with characteristic face centred cubic natureThe antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the AgNPs confirmed the therapeutic potential of the AgNPs. Abbreviations used: AgNPs: Silver nanoparticles; UV-Vis: ultraviolet-visible; SEM: Scanning electron microscopy; TEM: Transmission electron microscopy; EDX: Energy dispersive X-ray; XRD: X-ray diffraction; FTIR: Fourier transform infrared; GaNPs: Garlic nanoparticles; GiNPs: Ginger nanoparticles; C.PeNPs: Cayenne pepper nanoparticles; FCC: Face centred cubic; SPR: Surface Plasmon resonance; ABTS-2: 2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid); DPPH-1: 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.

Lifestyle factors and co-morbidities associated with obesity and overweight in Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a global epidemic that affects 500 million people worldwide and is predicted to increase to one billion people by 2030. The prevalence of obesity is increasing across populations in South Africa. However, questions still remain surrounding the predisposing factors and obesity-related health problems especially in the rural areas. This study evaluated several lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, co-morbidities and their association with the prevalence of obesity and overweight in Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted among 118 residents in four rural/sub-urban townships of the study area. Measurements including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), physical activity and dietary habits were determined using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 38 and 19%, respectively. The highest prevalence of obesity (70%) was observed among those who do not undertake any physical activity. Close to half (48.48%) of the respondents who eat fast foods always were obese, and 30.30% were overweight; when combined, the prevalence for obesity is 78.78%. A negative association with obesity was observed among regular smokers (26.92%) and consumers of alcohol (4.00%). Arthritis, hypertension and tuberculosis were co-morbidities significantly (P < 0.05) associated with obesity in the study area. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal that lack of physical activity, overindulgence on fast and fried foods, low fruit and vegetable consumption as well as arthritis, hypertension and tuberculosis were significant risk factors of obesity in Nkonkobe Municipality.

Assessment of the Polyphenolic Content, Free Radical Scavenging, Anti-inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Acetone and Aqueous Extracts of Lippia javanica (Burm.F.) Spreng.

BACKGROUND: Lippia javanica (Burm.F.) Spreng is one of the spice plants commonly found in almost every part of South Africa. Apart from its culinary uses, it is also traditionally used as an insect repellant and infusion for fever, flu, kidney stone treatment, cough, common cold, and chest pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antioxidant activities of the aqueous and acetone extracts were determined by measuring their effects against 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, 2,2'azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), nitric oxide, phosphomolybdate, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and reducing power. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated against four bacterial (two Gram-positive, two Gram-negative) strains and 9 fungal pathogens using the agar well diffusion and microdilution methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by determining the inhibition against protein denaturation and membrane stabilizing effects. OBJECTIVE: The polyphenolic content, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of the aqueous and acetone extracts of the plant were evaluated. RESULTS: A significantly high total phenolic content and free radical scavenging activities were observed in the acetone extracts of the plants. The study also revealed a concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization effects by both the aqueous and acetone extracts at the concentrations studied. The ability of L. javanica extracts to inhibit protein denaturation and maintain membrane stability could be responsible for its folkloric use. The overall antimicrobial activity indicates that both extracts were active against the bacterial strains but the acetone extract exhibited the most potent antifungal activity higher than even the reference drugs. CONCLUSION: Overall, the acetone extract of L. javanica exhibited a more pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects than the aqueous extract. SUMMARY: The polyphenolic content and biological activities of the spice plant, Lippia javanica from South Africa was evaluatedSignificantly high polyphenolic content and free radical scavenging activities were observed for both extractsModerate antimicrobial action, concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane haemolysis were also observed. Abbreviations used: AA: ascorbic acid, ABTS: 2,2'azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), BHT: Butylated hydroxytoluene, DPPH: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, NBT: 2,2'-di-pnitrophenyl-5,5'-diphenyl-(3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-diphenylene)- ditetrazolium chloride, PMS: Potassium metabisulfite, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, TBA: Thiobarbituric acid, TCA: Trichloroacetic acid.

Therapeutic effect of aqueous extracts of three dietary spices and their mixture on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in a rat model of chronic alcohol consumption.

The protective effect of aqueous extracts of three dietary spices, garlic, (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and pepper (Capsicum frutescens) singly and combined was investigated using a rat model of chronic alcohol intake. Rats were given 30% ethanol, with or without aqueous extracts of garlic, ginger, pepper or mixture of the three administered at 200mg/kg body weight by oral gavage for 28 days. Lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, oxidative and antioxidative profiles of serum, faecal, liver, kidney, heart and brain tissues of the rats were analyzed. Alcohol treatment significantly elevated liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, depleted antioxidant system and induced histopathological changes in the liver. These alterations were markedly ameliorated by treatment with aqueous extracts of the three spices singly or mixed at 200mg/kg body weight. These results suggest that aqueous extracts of garlic, ginger, pepper or a blend of the three protects against alcohol- induced hypercholesterolemia, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and liver damage.