No abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and protective potential of T. tetraptera extracts against ion toxicity. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was investigated spectrophotometrically against several radicals (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•), hydroxyl radical (HO•), and nitric oxide (NO•)), followed by the ferric reducing power, total phenols, flavonoid, and flavonol contents. The effects of the extracts on catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase activities were also determined using the standard methods as well as the polyphenol profile using HPLC. The results showed that the hydroethanolic extract of T. tetraptera (CFH) has the lowest IC50 value with the DPPH, ABTS, OH, and NO radicals. The same extract also exhibited the significantly higher level of total phenols (37.24 ± 2.00 CAE/g dried extract); flavonoids (11.36 ± 1.88 QE/g dried extract); and flavonols contents (3.95 ± 0.39 QE/g dried extract). The HPLC profile of T. tetraptera revealed that eugenol (958.81 ± 00 mg/g DW), quercetin (353.78 ± 00 mg/g DW), and rutin (210.54 ± 00 mg/g DW) were higher in the fruit than the bark extracts. In conclusion, extracts from T. tetraptera may act as a protector against oxidative mediated ion toxicity.

BackgroundXylopia aethiopica, a plant found throughout West Africa, has both nutritional and medicinal uses. The present study aims to characterize the effects of extracts of this plant on cancer cells.ResultsWe report that X. aethiopica extract prepared with 70% ethanol has antiproliferative activity against a panel of cancer cell lines. The IC50 was estimated at 12 μg/ml against HCT116 colon cancer cells, 7.5 μg/ml and > 25 μg/ml against U937 and KG1a leukemia cells, respectively. Upon fractionation of the extract by HPLC, the active fraction induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and apoptotic cell death. By using NMR and mass spectrometry, we determined the structure of the active natural product in the HPLC fraction as ent-15-oxokaur-16-en-19-oic acid.ConclusionThe main cytotoxic and DNA-damaging compound in ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica is ent-15-oxokaur-16-en-19-oic acid.

Introduction: During the last decade, the prevalence of the intestinal carriage of extended spectrum beta-lactamases -producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli) has continued to increase worldwide in the community, especially in developing countries. Hence, we undertook a study to determine the ESBL-E. coli fecal carriage rate and the associated risk factors in Cameroonian women. Methodology: A total of 86 women suspected of community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) were included in 10 health structures from May 2011 to April 2012. After filling a questionnaire, they provided a stool sample that was plated on selective media for ESBL producing bacteria. The identification of strains was obtained with mass spectrometry and the antibiotic susceptibility by disk diffusion in agar media. The ESBL type was determined by PCR. The relative abundance of ESBL-E. coli was measured for positive samples. Eventually, the presence of antibiotics in stool was assessed. Results: The carriage rate of ESBL-E. coli was 57/86 (66.3%). Phenotypic and molecular characterization showed that all ESBL-E. coli strains contained group 1 CTX-M enzymes. Multivariate analysis showed that ESBL-E. coli fecal carriage was associated with the presence of antibiotics in stools (p < 0.05). Although not significant, mean ESBL relative abundance tended to be higher in patients with antibiotic exposure. Conclusions: Our results show that the carriage of ESBL-E. coli fecal carriage in women with UTI suspicion from the Cameroonian community is extremely high and associated with recent antibiotic intake.

No abstract

In vitro biological activities including phytotoxic, antifungal activities as well as acute toxicity of the methanol extract, fractions and/or isolated compounds from the stem bark of Diospyros canaliculata were investigated. Well agar diffusion and macrodilution assays were used for investigating the antifungal activity. A phytotoxicity assay was performed against Lemna minor while an acute toxicity assay was performed in mice via oral administration. As a result, plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphtoquinone) and two known pentacyclic triterpenes (lupeol and lupenone) were isolated from the extract. With regards the antifungal activities, the inhibition zones varied from 16.51 to 24.86 mm and from 20.50 to 25.10 mm for the extract and plumbagin, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extract and plumbagin ranged between 12.5-25 and 0.78-1.56 µg mL(-1), respectively. At 50 µg mL(-1), the hexane fraction showed phytotoxic activities similar to paraquat, the standard phytotoxic inhibitor. The extract was found to be non-toxic to mice after administration per os. Based on the current findings, we can conclude that this extract is non toxic, with significant phytotoxic and antifungal properties due to the presence of plumbagin.

The results showed that human immunodeficiency virus status and alcohol consumption constitutes aggravating factors for the occurrence of hepatic toxicity. In addition, the consumption of antioxidant foods simultaneously with TB drugs help in reducing the hepatotoxic effects of these drugs.

How to cite this article: Nkenmeni D. C., Kotue T. C.; Kumar P.; Djouhou F. M.;Ngo S. F.; Pieme A. C.; Kansci G; Fokou E.; Arumugam N.. HPLC profiling, in vitro antisickling and antioxidant activities of phenolic compound extracts from black bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgarus L.) used in the management of sickle cell disease in the West Region of Cameroon. HPLC profiling, in vitro antisickling and antioxidant activities of phenolic compound extracts from black bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgarus L.) used in the management of sickle cell disease in the West Region of Cameroon Natural molecules from food have been used to manage sickle cell crises. As a genetic blood disorder, treatment is complex and expensive. This study was carried out to establish the phenolic compounds profile of black bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgarus. L) commonly used by some families in the Western Region of Cameroon to manage sickle cell disease and to evaluate their in vitro antisickling, membrane stability and antioxidant properties.Free, bound and total phenolic contents were estimated to be 0.1±0; 0.108±0 and 0.212±0 mg EAG/g of sample respectively. Free phenolic compounds contain ferulic acid (0.013 μg/g), while bound phenolic compounds contain gallic acid (2.13 μg/ g) and ferulic acid (0.037 μg/g). Free phenolic compounds had the higher rates of inhibition (82.26±2%), reversibility (69.86±3%) of sickling and the best effect on membrane stability of erythrocytes. Phenolic extracts from black bean seeds also showed a high global antioxidant activity with free phenolic compounds (28.42± 0 mgFeII/100g). Total phenolic compounds showed a better activity on DPPH radical with a IC50 of 2.42±1µg/ µL while free phenolic compounds showed a better activity on scavenging hydroxyl radical with a IC50 of 1.5±0.5µg/µL. These results may justify the use of black bean seeds by sickle cell patients from Cameroon.