This study documents the medicinal plant diversity recorded during July 2025–July 2026 on the campus of Government Science College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The college campus harbours considerable biological diversity and supports a large population of students and researchers who utilise its diverse plant resources for academic, teaching, and research purposes. A total of 106 medicinal plant species belonging to 99 genera and 55 families were documented and evaluated for their therapeutic significance. Among the recorded medicinal plants, herbs constituted the largest proportion (36%), followed by trees (34%), climbers (16%), and shrubs (14%). These medicinal plants are traditionally utilised for the management of a wide range of ailments, including fever, diarrhoea, bone fractures, parasitic worm infections, enhancement of milk production, and snake bites. Leaves were found to be the most frequently utilised plant part, while paste was the most common form of medicinal preparation. Several plant species are collected from natural or wild habitats for medicinal purposes. In addition, new plant species are regularly introduced and cultivated on the campus through annual tree plantation and greening programmes. The conservation and maintenance of these plant resources are supported by the Department of Botany and the Botanical Garden Committee, with active participation by college staff. The campus also contains several aromatic and medicinal plant species of educational and research importance. Considering the increasing demand for medicinal plants and the need for conservation of plant diversity, a systematic survey of the entire college campus was undertaken to document its medicinal plant resources. Plant specimens were collected, identified using standard taxonomic literature and relevant scientific references, and subsequently evaluated for their diversity, medicinal uses, and conservation significance. The findings provide valuable baseline information for promoting biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants, and future academic and research activities on the college campus.
Plant-derived preparations are increasingly promoted as interventions that deliver therapeutic benefit while simultaneously supporting rural incomes, cultural continuity and habitat stewardship. This framing, described here as multi-functionality, has become influential in policy and commercial discourse, yet the evidence supporting each of its component claims has rarely been appraised together. The present review examines whether the therapeutic, socio-economic and ecological functions attributed to phytotherapeutics are supported by evidence of comparable strength, and where the assumed synergies between them break down. Literature was identified through structured searching of open scholarly indexes and citation tracking, followed by verification of bibliographic identity for every retained source. Five findings emerge. Clinical evidence remains concentrated in a small number of well-characterised preparations, while much of the wider literature is compromised by inadequate chemical characterisation of the material tested and by computational inference that recycles a narrow set of database-privileged molecules. Safety evidence is dominated by product-level failures, including adulteration and elemental contamination, rather than by intrinsic pharmacological toxicity alone. Ecological evidence indicates that demand-driven harvest pressure is real but unevenly documented, with extinction-risk assessment biased towards conspicuous and commercially prominent taxa. Socio-economic evidence shows that harvesters typically capture a minor share of final value, and that gendered participation is high where returns are lowest. Governance instruments addressing quality, benefit sharing and trade operate on different jurisdictional logics and are only weakly coupled to one another. The convergence of health and sustainability objectives is therefore conditional rather than automatic, and depends on supply model, species biology, market structure and regulatory capacity. Research priorities include harvest-response studies for high-volume traded taxa, chemically characterised pragmatic trials, and value-chain analyses that report distributional outcomes alongside conservation indicators.
Calophyllum inophyllum is a medicinal plant containing numerous bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of successive n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of its stem bark and root. The n-hexane extracts were subjected to GC-MS analysis to identify their major chemical constituents. All extracts contained steroids and terpenoids, while the occurrence of other phytochemicals varied according to solvent polarity. The ethyl acetate extracts exhibited the highest DPPH radical-scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 22.90 µg/mL for the stem bark and 45.70 µg/mL for the root, followed by the methanol extracts. The stem bark methanol extract had the highest total phenolic content (398.53 ± 1.89 mg GAE/g), whereas the root ethyl acetate and methanol extracts had the highest flavonoid contents and total antioxidant capacities. The stem bark ethyl acetate extract exhibited cytotoxic activity, with an LC50 value of 25.64 µg/mL, compared with 3.57 µg/mL for vincristine sulfate. The methanol extracts exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity, with IC50 values of 21.03 µg/mL for the root and 34.73 µg/mL for the stem bark. GC-MS profiling identified 14 compounds in the stem bark extract and 22 compounds in the root extract, with 13-docosenamide and glycerol 1-palmitate as the major constituents, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that the comparatively polar extracts of C. inophyllum possess antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Trikatu is a classical polyherbal formulation consisting of Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), and Pippali (Piper longum) in equal proportions. Standardisation of herbal formulations is essential to ensure consistency and quality of raw materials and finished products. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality parameters of Trikatu powder and its individual constituent drugs through organoleptic, physicochemical, chromatographic, and analytical approaches. The collected samples were authenticated and processed individually before preparation of Trikatu powder. Organoleptic and macroscopic characteristics were evaluated, followed by assessment of moisture content, ash values, extractive values, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The physicochemical parameters showed moisture content of 7.6%, 9.36%, 8.36%, and 9.6%; total ash values of 4.6%, 4.45%, 6.45%, and 4.6%; water-soluble extractive values of 4.4%, 14.4%, 19.4%, and 19.4%; and alcohol-soluble extractive values of 7.4%, 15.44%, 13.44%, and 15.4% for Shunthi, Maricha, Pippali, and Trikatu powders, respectively, establishing comparative analytical profiles. TLC analysis demonstrated characteristic chromatographic patterns for individual ingredients and the combined formulation. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of Piperine as a marker compound in Trikatu powder, with a quantified content of 0.018 mg/mL (0.18%), indicating the presence of a key bioactive constituent. The findings provide analytical information regarding the quality characteristics and standardisation parameters of Trikatu powder. The study contributes baseline data for quality evaluation and supports further investigations related to the formulation.
Aims: To evaluate the protective effects of hydromethanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya and Chromolaena odorata, administered individually and in combination, against cadmium-induced intestinal oxidative damage in Wistar rats. Study Design: Experimental animal study. Place and Duration of Study: Animal House, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between February 2025 and October 2025. Methodology: Forty-eight albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6). Intestinal injury was induced by oral administration of cadmium chloride (20 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days, followed by treatment with hydromethanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya (300 and 600 mg/kg), Chromolaena odorata (250 and 500 mg/kg), or their combined extracts (300 and 600 mg/kg) for 14 days. Phytochemical constituents of both plants were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, while heavy metal contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum cadmium concentration, intestinal oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde), and histopathological changes were evaluated using standard analytical methods. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test at P < 0.05. Results: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed the presence of diverse bioactive phytochemicals in both plant extracts, while heavy metal concentrations were within recommended safety limits. Cadmium exposure significantly increased serum cadmium concentration and malondialdehyde levels while significantly reducing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities compared with the normal control (P < 0.05). Treatment with the hydromethanolic leaf extracts significantly reduced serum cadmium concentration, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased lipid peroxidation, and improved intestinal histoarchitecture in a dose-dependent manner. The high-dose C. papaya extract showed the greatest recovery of superoxide dismutase activity, whereas the high-dose combined extract was most effective in reducing lipid peroxidation and improving intestinal histoarchitecture. Conclusion: Hydromethanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya and Chromolaena odorata protected against cadmium-induced intestinal oxidative injury by reducing cadmium burden, improving antioxidant status, and preserving intestinal tissue architecture. While the high-dose C. papaya extract produced the greatest recovery of superoxide dismutase activity, the combined extract showed marked protective effects, particularly in reducing lipid peroxidation and preserving intestinal histoarchitecture, suggesting its potential as a phytotherapeutic approach against cadmium-induced intestinal toxicity.
Background: Senna occidentalis is used as a medicinal plant in several parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Its seeds, leaves, roots, and stems have been used as laxatives, analgesics, diuretics, antibiotics, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidaemic, antioxidant, and antianaemic agents, and in the treatment of malaria, influenza, and liver and urinary tract infections. Aim: This study assessed the acute oral toxicity and median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of ethanolic leaf, stem, and root extracts of S. occidentalis in female Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve nulliparous, non-pregnant female Wistar rats aged 8–12 weeks were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 3 per group). Group 1 (control) received distilled water, whereas Groups 2, 3, and 4 received 2,000 mg/kg of S. occidentalis leaf, stem, and root extracts, respectively, by oral administration. The rats were observed for signs of toxicity, general behaviour, and mortality for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the rats were euthanised, and the liver, kidneys, and heart were harvested for examination. Results: S. occidentalis produced no signs of toxicity or mortality during the study period; however, the leaf and stem extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced body weight. None of the extracts significantly affected the weights of the liver, kidneys, or heart. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins in all extracts. Steroids and terpenoids were detected in the root and stem extracts, anthraquinones and glycosides in the root extract, and polyphenols in the stem extract. The LD₅₀ values of the S. occidentalis leaf, stem, and root extracts were greater than 2,000 mg/kg. Conclusion: A single oral dose of 2,000 mg/kg of S. occidentalis leaf, stem, and root extracts caused no mortality or visible acute toxicity and did not significantly alter liver, kidney, or heart weights in female Wistar rats. Nevertheless, further biochemical, haematological, neurobehavioural, gross pathological, and histological assessments are required.
Medicinal plants constitute an important component of biodiversity and provide valuable opportunities for environmental education, conservation awareness, and the preservation of ethnobotanical knowledge. The present study documented medicinal plant diversity within the Environmental Education Theme Park of the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer, Rajasthan. Field surveys were conducted during 2025–2026 through direct observation, specimen collection, photography, and interaction with local residents. Plant specimens were identified using standard floristic literature and available taxonomic monographs. A total of 113 medicinal plant species belonging to 89 genera and 50 families were recorded on the campus. The inventory comprised 106 dicot species representing 82 genera and 45 families and seven monocot species representing six genera and five families. Based on growth habit, the recorded flora included 47 trees, 38 herbs, 21 shrubs, and seven climbers. Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae were the dominant families, each represented by six species, while Ficus was the most represented genus, with three species. Nine medicinal plant species were reported under Rare, Endangered, or Threatened categories, indicating the need for site-based conservation attention. The documented campus flora demonstrates the potential of the theme park as a practical resource for plant identification, biodiversity education, and awareness of medicinal plant conservation. Continued monitoring, taxonomic verification, voucher documentation, and appropriate in situ and ex situ conservation measures are required to support the sustainable management and educational use of these medicinal plant resources.
Background: Cnestis ferruginea is a medicinal plant with several reported biological and pharmacological properties, though its safety for human use still requires scientific validation. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the chemical composition and acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea leaves. Study Design: This is an experimental study on Wistar rats. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Applied Biology and Health, Biology and Health Laboratory, between January and February 2025. Methodology: An aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea leaves was prepared by maceration followed by filtration. The extract was then used for phytochemical analysis using established methods, followed by acute toxicity testing on female rats, which were force-fed a single dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, in accordance with OECD Guideline 423. Changes in body weight were recorded throughout the study. Results: Analyses have shown that the aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea leaves contains sterols and polyterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, catechin tannins, alkaloids and saponosides. With regard to acute toxicity, no mortality or clinical signs of toxicity were observed in rats during the test. Thus, the LD₅₀ was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight. As for the slight variation in body weight in the treated rats (an average decrease of 1.87± 0. 46g between the 5th and 14th day of treatment) compared with the control group, this was found to be non-significant (P = 0.065). Conclusion: The leaves of Cnestis ferruginea are rich in secondary metabolites and are safe for short-term use.
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a West African medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, particularly in Senegal, for the treatment of colic and intestinal infections. Despite its importance in traditional medicine, scientific validation of its antimicrobial and antifungal properties is still needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of various extracts from the roots of C. sanguinolenta, as well as to isolate and characterize its main bioactive compound. Root extracts were obtained by successive maceration using solvents of increasing polarity (cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water). Cryptolepine was isolated from the ethanolic extract, and its structure was elucidated by proton and carbon NMR as well as by DEPT 135 spectroscopy. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro against bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus), yeasts (Candida albicans, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and molds (Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined. Among the extracts tested, the ethanolic extract showed the strongest antimicrobial activity, with MIC values of 1.25 mg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus. The isolated cryptolepine exhibited more pronounced activity, with MIC values of 0.625 mg/mL against these same bacteria. Regarding fungi, the ethanolic extract and cryptolepine exhibited comparable activity against the tested species, with MIC values of 1.25 mg/mL for most strains, with the exception of K. marxianus, which proved to be more sensitive (MIC of 0.625 mg/mL for the extract and 0.313 mg/mL for cryptolepine). These results confirm that C. sanguinolenta, particularly its ethanolic root extract and isolated cryptolepine, possesses promising in vitro antimicrobial properties. Further phytochemical, mechanistic, and in vivo studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic potential and support its development as a source of plant-derived antimicrobial agents.
Background: The Ladakh region (Trans-Himalayan), with its cold, dry climate and very steep terrain, is home to a wide variety of plants used as medicine that are especially important to local health care systems and cultural traditions. These species of plants form the foundation of the traditional Amchis system of medicine, which remains an integral part of primary healthcare in the region. Methods: This review paper synthesized secondary data from published literature on the richness, diversity, traditional uses, and conservation status of medicinal plants in Ladakh. The plants that are more often used in the conventional Amchis system of medicine are a key human health-care resource in the region. Results: The most frequently used parts of the plant are the leaves, roots, and flowers are applied in the treatment of a broad range of ailments from common colds to more complex conditions such as hepatic and respiratory diseases. Although these species are culturally and medically important, little conservation work has been undertaken so far, with only a small number of species being listed or cultivated. Traditional knowledge is rapidly being lost due to social and cultural shifts and limited intergenerational transfer. Current investigation calls for an integrated conservation strategy that includes community-based initiatives, sustainable harvesting practices, promotion of traditional knowledge, and policy support. Strengthening the role of local communities, especially Amchis, in conservation planning is vital to preserving both the biodiversity and the cultural heritage of Ladakh. Conclusions: This research underscores the need for immediate conservation actions and provides a foundation for future studies and policies aimed at sustaining the medicinal plant heritage of this ecologically fragile and culturally rich landscape.
Background: Cancer is one of the most destructive diseases, claiming millions of lives every year. Oncogenic proteins cause uncontrolled cell growth and potentially result in cancer and are now targets of cancer therapies. The use of in silico molecular biology techniques has sped up drug discovery and development. Aim: The present study elucidating the pharmacokinetic and anticancer properties of ligands from common foods, spices and herbs through bioinformatics techniques. Methodology: This research investigated the pharmacokinetic and anticancer properties of 60 phytochemicals (ligands) that are found in commonly consumed foods, fruits, vegetables, spices and medicinal plants, through standard in silico molecular biology techniques. The ligands were screened for their physicochemical properties, drug-likeness (including the Lipinski's Rule of Five), potential drug-drug interactions, and PAINS and Brenk alerts, using the SwissADME software. Thirteen ligands passed Lipinski's rule and the PAINS and Brenk alert tests. They were therefore used for the anticancer studies. The 13 ligands were docked with 10 oncogenic proteins by using the SwissDock software. Two reference anticancer drugs per oncogenic protein, totaling 20 reference drugs, were used as standard drugs for the anticancer molecular docking study. Selected docked protein ligand complexes were visualized for protein-ligand interactions via the Biovia Discovery Studio Visualizer. Results: Eight of the ligands (Acetogenin, Annonacin, Annopentocin A, Apigenin, Kaempferol, Muricatonin A, Odoratin, & Scopadulciol) exhibited good dockings (binding energies of less than -6.0 kcal/mol) with at least one of the oncogenic proteins. Visualized protein-ligand interactions included hydrogen bonds, Pi-Alkyl, Pi-Sigma, Pi-Pi T-shaped, Amide-Pi Stacked, and Pi-Sulfur bonds. Many of the ligands exhibited good dockings with several oncogenic proteins. Three ligands (apigenin, kaempferol and scopadulciol) were exceptionally excellent in their dockings with most of the oncogenic proteins and they are recommended for further research, including molecular dynamics simulations and translational research studies. Likewise, the Arg V23, His V27, Leu Y174, Pro Y173, and Pro V28 residues of VEGF, and the Asn A557 residue of FGFR4 exhibited molecular interactions with several ligands tested. Conclusion: This study has identified potential anticancer agents exhibiting favorable pharmacokinetic properties and minimal toxicity using bioinformatic approaches. Given that most anticancer drugs are associated with adverse effects on healthy cells, resulting in various side effects, the discovery of alternatives with reduced or negligible side effects represents a significant advancement. We recommend that further investigations, including molecular dynamics simulations and translational research studies, be carried out on the eight ligands which have demonstrated promising pharmacokinetic profiles and anticancer activity. Additionally, it is advisable to incorporate foods, spices, and herbs containing these ligands into regular diets, as they passed pharmacokinetic and toxicity assessments and exhibited notable anticancer properties
Gastrointestinal disorders, particularly diarrhoea and dysentery, remain significant contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries. Across diverse cultural traditions, herbal medicine has long served as the primary or supplementary means of managing these conditions, and a substantial body of ethnobotanical research now documents the plant species employed, the modes of preparation, and the communities that use them. This review critically examines the ethnobotanical evidence base underpinning the use of medicinal plants for stomach disorders, diarrhoea, and dysentery, synthesising findings from studies published between January 2010 and February 2026. The review evaluates the congruence between traditional knowledge and pharmacological validation, considers the methodological quality of ethnobotanical surveys, identifies the most consistently reported plant families and species, and assesses the degree to which bioactive compounds have been characterised and attributed mechanistic activity. Across the literature, families such as Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae emerge as predominant sources of antidiarrhoeal and antiulcer remedies, with preparations typically involving aqueous or hydro-alcoholic extracts administered orally. In vitro and In vivo studies corroborate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antisecretory mechanisms for many of the reported species, yet critical gaps persist in clinical translation, standardisation, and safety assessment. The review also addresses conservation concerns, intellectual property tensions, and the integration of ethnobotanical knowledge into primary healthcare frameworks. It concludes with a call for methodologically rigorous, interdisciplinary, and community-engaged research to bridge the substantial distance between field documentation and therapeutic application.
Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merrill is a medicinal plant that holds significant therapeutic value. This study investigates the impact of hydroponic cultivation on the phytochemical profile of Sauropus androgynus (L). Merrill, in comparison to traditional soil-based farming. The main emphasis is on the compositions of alkaloids and triterpenoids. The plants were cultivated in controlled hydroponic and potting soil conditions, and the harvested leaves underwent analysis through High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) for fingerprint profiling and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for quantitative assessment. Results indicate that hydroponic cultivation significantly modifies the secondary metabolite composition of S. androgynus. LC-MS findings revealed elevated levels of important alkaloids, including pseudoephedrine, 10-hydroxycamptothecin, and L-(1-naphthyl) thiourea and identified prominent triterpenoids such as betulinic, ganoderic, and oleanolic acids in both cultivation systems, although their concentrations differed based on the growing method. HPTLC fingerprinting supported these variations, displaying unique banding patterns for samples grown hydroponically versus those grown in soil. Overall, these findings emphasise the significant impact of cultivation methods on the phytochemical profile relevant to medicinal benefits and safety in S. androgynus, advocating for hydroponics as an effective approach to cultivating valuable, metabolite-rich medicinal plants sustainably.
Nociceptive pain is a specific type of pain arising from activation of nociceptors. Ficus umbellata, also known as the umbrella fig tree, a genus in the Moraceae family, is a medicinal plant with numerous pharmacological activities. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity, and anti-nociceptive potential of Ficus umbellata [Vahl] leaves to provide a scientific basis for its traditional use in pain management. A 1600 g sample of powdered leaves was extracted with methanol, followed by liquid-liquid fractionation using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The crude extract obtained was tested for the presence of phytochemicals. Acute toxicity studies conducted via Lorke’s method and anti-nociceptive activity evaluated at a dose of 200 mg/kg by measuring pain thresholds over a 120-minute period using hot plate method. The crude extract yield was 5.6% (89.04 g), and qualitative phytochemical screening revealed a rich profile of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Acute toxicity studies demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no mortality observed in mice at doses up to 5000 mg/kg. Results of anti-nociceptive study indicated that the crude extract and its fractions significantly increased the pain threshold compared to the negative control. The crude extract exhibited a sustained increase in reaction time, peaking at the 60-minute interval (26.00 ± 2.89 s) compared to the negative control (13.33 ± 1.2 s). Among the fractions, n-hexane showed the most noteworthy anti-nociceptive activity as early as 30 minutes (21.67 ±5.36 s), whereas the ethyl acetate fraction was the least active (18.00 ±0.58 s) at 30 minutes. This study supports the folkloric usage of F. umbellata for pain relief and provides a foundation insight for isolating specific bioactive compounds responsible for its analgesic effects.
Background: The skin is a protective, multifunctional organ that plays key roles in immunity, thermoregulation and fluid balance, and it consists of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Wound healing, especially in chronic cases, is a complex, costly, multiphase process that is often managed using modern treatments as well as traditional medicinal plants. Aims: This review aimed to review and update information on selected medicinal plants with wound-healing properties that are traditionally used in West Africa. Methodology: Relevant literature was obtained from databases and search engines, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Google, using the keywords "plants", "wound healing", "West Africa" and "phytochemistry". Articles published within the last 15 years were selected and reviewed. Results: Thirteen plants belonging to seven families were identified, with established phytochemical profiles. The families represented were Fabaceae (53.85%), Anacardiaceae (7.69%), Apocynaceae (7.69%), Malvaceae (7.69%), Meliaceae (7.69%), Moringaceae (7.69%) and Olacaceae (7.69%). Phytochemical screening was conducted on aqueous, hydro-ethanolic, methanolic, ethanolic, n-butanolic, acetonic and oxalic-acetate extracts. The plant parts most frequently used for extraction were bark (41.6%), leaves (33.4%), fruits (16.7%) and, rarely, seeds (4.16%) and branches (4.16%). Major phytoconstituents identified included alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and sterols. Constituents were more concentrated in the bark, and most of the plants showed little or no cytotoxicity, except Calotropis procera, which showed high cytotoxicity in cells. Conclusion: Knowledge of these plants may support further studies to elucidate the role of each compound in wound healing and, subsequently, the development of new medicines for wound treatment.
Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants plays a vital role in primary oral healthcare among tribal communities, particularly in regions with limited access to modern dental services. The present review synthesizes ethnomedicinal information on twenty plant species belonging to diverse botanical families traditionally used to manage oral and dental ailments such as toothache, gum inflammation, pyorrhea, dental caries, mouth ulcers, and oral malodor. Various plant parts including bark, leaves, rhizomes, roots, fruits, latex, and chewing sticks are employed in the form of pastes, decoctions, infusions, oils, and direct mastication. The documented species exhibit potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties, which support their traditional applications in oral health management. This review highlights the pharmacological relevance of these ethnomedicinal practices, emphasizes the need for scientific validation through phytochemical and clinical investigations, and underscores the importance of conserving indigenous knowledge systems for the development of affordable and sustainable herbal dental care strategies.
Background: Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting many adults and significantly reduce quality of life, while conventional treatments are often costly and less accessible. This has led to growing interest in plant-based alternatives like Nephrolepis biserrata and Persea americana seeds, which show anti-inflammatory potential but lack sufficient direct clinical evidence. Aims: This study aims to compare the anti-hemorrhoidal efficacy of Persea americana seed extracts (SPA) and Nephrolepis biserrata (NB) in rats by evaluating inflammatory, hepatic, and morphological parameters. Study Design: A randomized experimental study in rats with induced hemorrhoids compared the anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and clinical effects of Persea americana seeds and Nephrolepis biserrata extracts obtained via 30/70 water-ethanol extraction. Place and Duration of Study: Chemical and biological analyses were conducted at LaKReCA (UNSTIM) and URMAPha (University of Abomey-Calavi), in Republic of Benin, between January and December 2025. Methodology: the phytochemical, antioxidant, and anti-hemorrhoidal properties of Persea americana seeds. The hydroethanolic extract (Water/Ethanol: 30/70) was obtained by maceration. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were conducted to identify secondary metabolites. Biologically, the parameters measured after 5 days of treatment in Wistar rats included total protein levels (protidemia), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ASAT and ALAT levels, as well as variations in the recto-anal coefficient. Results: Nephrolepis biserrata (NB) shows a higher extraction yield (16.36%) than Persea americana seeds (SPA) (14.36%), while SPA contains more total polyphenols (289.6 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram versus 75 mg). However, NB has a higher flavonoid content (38.5 mg quercetin equivalents per gram versus 35.76 mg) and stronger antioxidant activity, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 9.13 × 10⁻³ mg/mL compared to 1.93 × 10⁻² mg/mL for SPA. In treated rats, NB at 250 mg/kg significantly improved inflammatory and biochemical parameters, reducing erythrocyte sedimentation rate from 4.66 to 2, stabilizing serum proteins, and improving liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase 88.7; aspartate aminotransferase 172.19). It also showed better recto-anal coefficient normalization (0.001558) than SPA. Overall, NB at 250 mg/kg was the most active fraction, although SPA at 500 mg/kg showed partial hepatoprotective effects. Conclusion: Both extracts exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but NB at 250 mg/kg demonstrates the best overall therapeutic efficacy.
Background: Buchholzia coriacea is a medicinal plant widely used in West African traditional medicine for treating ailments such as diabetes, malaria, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders. Its leaves contain bioactive phytochemicals with strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, making it a promising natural alternative to synthetic drugs. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, anti-nutrient content, antioxidant activity, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) characteristics, and GC–MS profile of ethanol leaf extracts from fresh and freeze-dried Buchholzia coriacea. Study Design: An experimental laboratory-based study involving qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, spectroscopic characterization, and chromatographic profiling. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in a laboratory setting of the Federal University of Technology, Akure and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology Ikere Ekiti, over a defined experimental period. Methodology: Ethanol extracts were prepared from both fresh leaf extract (FLE) and dried leaf extract (DLE) of Buchholzia coriacea. Standard procedures were employed to determine phytochemical constituents (qualitative and quantitative) and anti-nutrient levels. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Functional groups were identified using FTIR spectroscopy, while GC–MS analysis was used to characterize the chemical constituents of the extracts. Results: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones in both extracts. Quantitative analysis revealed significantly higher concentrations in DLE compared to FLE, with alkaloids (7.92 ± 0.17 mg/g), saponins (5.28 ± 0.10 mg/g), and flavonoids (4.61 ± 0.15 mg/g) being predominant. GC–MS analysis identified 13 compounds in FLE, mainly caffeine (8.78%), n-hexadecanoic acid (7.68%), and octadecane (6.59%), while 19 compounds were detected in DLE, dominated by n-hexadecanoic acid (28.82%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (28.40%), and lupeol (7.17%). The extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH scavenging values of 84.45% (FLE) and 85.81% (DLE) at 30 mg/mL. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, aromatic, ether, and amine functional groups. Conclusion: The findings validate the ethnomedicinal relevance of Buchholzia coriacea and highlight its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds, supporting its prospective application in pharmaceutical development.
Background: Medicinal plants remain a valuable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, though many species still require rigorous scientific validation of their safety and efficacy. Alternanthera bettzickiana has recently attracted attention due to its reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties supported by phytochemical and spectroscopic studies. Aim: The study aims to analyze the phytochemical composition of Alternanthera bettzickiana through qualitative phytochemical testing and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) which will help determine its medicinal value. Methodology: The study followed an experimental laboratory-based design. Analyzed the qualitative phytochemicals on Alternanthera bettzickiana extracts to identify their main secondary metabolite components. Used FTIR to analyze the extract and find its present functional groups. The researchers used GC-MS to analyze the extract and identify its chemical composition and active chemical elements. Results: The screening process identified Phytochemical compounds which included alkaloids and flavonoids and saponins and phenols and tannins and terpenoids and quinones and steroids. The FTIR analysis identified functional groups which included hydroxyl and carbonyl and alkene groups that demonstrate the existence of multiple bioactive substances. The GC-MS analysis identified several compounds which included fatty acids, terpenoids, alkaloids and phenolic derivatives that possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Conclusion: The research results support traditional medicinal practices which use Alternanthera bettzickiana as medicine and show its complete range of active chemical substances. The plant material contains active biological substances which make it a possible source for developing plant-derived medicinal products.
Liver-related diseases, including jaundice, hyperlipidemia, and other hepatic disorders, constitute a significant public health concern across all age groups, particularly in rural areas where access to formal healthcare is often limited and reliance on traditional remedies remains high. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the scientific rationality, adoption, and perceived effectiveness of ethno-medicinal practices employed in the management of liver-related ailments. A total of thirteen ethno-medicinal practices involving thirteen medicinal plant species were systematically documented and subjected to scientific evaluation by experts. The assessment of rationality was based on the presence of phytochemical constituents and their established pharmacological activities. The analysis revealed that eleven of the documented practices were scientifically rational, while two were classified as irrational. The rational practices were rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and glycosides, which are well-documented for their hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic effects. Adoption analysis indicated a high level of acceptance, with eleven practices being adopted by more than 50 percent of the respondents, and several practices recording adoption levels exceeding 80 percent. Notably, all scientifically rational practices were perceived as effective by the respondents, reflecting a strong alignment between traditional knowledge and empirical outcomes. The study establishes a clear and positive association between scientific rationality and the adoption of ethno-medicinal practices. The widespread acceptance and perceived efficacy of these practices highlight the critical importance of documenting, validating, and promoting indigenous knowledge systems. Integrating scientifically validated ethno-medicinal practices into agricultural extension services and public healthcare frameworks can facilitate sustainable, cost-effective, and culturally congruent approaches to managing liver-related disorders, particularly in resource-constrained rural settings.
