Erythrina abyssinica (E. abyssinica) is a multipurpose tree and a well-known medicinal plant which is conventionally propagated mainly by seeds. This method may produce a high degree of genetic variability and consequently decrease the medicinal value of the plant. Besides, the seeds have low germination rate and propagation is restricted to rainy season. Hence, there is need to develop a propagation protocol which produces a uniform plants and one which is not restricted to seasons. The objective of this study was to establish an in vitro propagation protocol for the multiplication of E. abyssinica. Seeds were sterilized and germinated in vitro to get sterile starting explants. Sterilization of the seeds was evaluated using different concentrations of a commercial bleach (JIK) ranging from 10%, 20% to 30% for 25 minutes. Kinetin (2.25, 4.50, 6.75, and 9.0 mg/L), and benzylaminopurine (BAP; 2.15, 4.30, 6.46, and 8.61 mg/L) were evaluated in separate experiments for their effect to induce microshoots from nodal explants. Rooting of the microshoot was carried out using half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with indolebutyric acid (IBA) (0.20, 0.51, and 1.02 mg/L). Statistical analysis software (SAS) package was used to perform analysis of variance on the data to test the significance of the difference between treatments. The result of the sterilization experiment indicated that 10% JIK gave the highest percentage (55%) of clean seeds. Benzylaminopurine evaluated at 8.61 mg/L gave the highest mean number of microshoots (6.80 ± 1.24) after 28 days. On the other hand, IBA evaluated at 0.51mg/L gave the highest mean root length (6.00 ± 01.85 cm). The regenerated plants were acclimatized in the greenhouse and 65% survival rate was recorded after one month. With the increasing worldwide demand for medicinal plants as an alternative to prescription drugs, ex situ, in situ conservation programs and true to type mass propagation of E. abyssinica could benefit from the findings of this study. This is the first report on micropropagation of E. abyssinica.

Globally, approximately 13% of all deaths annually are attributed to cancer. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the current treatment techniques for cancer, however these methods are expensive, have high failure rates and have been associated with detrimental side effects. Plant derived products could be good candidates in alleviating challenges being experienced with these current methods. This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemistry, antiproliferation potential, and probable mechanism of action of Albizia gummifera, Rhamnus staddo and Senna didymobotrya plant extracts. Phytochemical screening was done as per standard procedures. The common 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) dye was used in the determination of the antiproliferative activity of the extracts. Extracts induction of VEGF (angiogenesis) and p53 (apoptosis) genes' expression was evaluated using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolics and saponins in the plants extracts. A. gummifera's stem bark methanol: dichloromethane extract had the highest activity against the cancerous cell lines tested: HCC1395 (IC 50 6.07±0.04µg/ml), DU145 (IC 50 3.34±0.05µg/ml), CT26 (IC 50 5.78±0.08µg/ml) and Hep2 (IC 50 7.02±0.01µg/ml). R. staddo root bark methanol: dichloromethane extract had an IC 50 value of 15.71±0.04µg/ml on HCC, 9.81±0.09µg/ml on Hep2 and 11.14±0.39µg/ml on CT26. S. didymobotrya root bark methanol: dichloromethane extract inhibited HCC with an IC 50 of 65.06±0.07µg/ml, CT26 with an IC 50 of 15.71±0.04µg/ml and Hep2 with an IC 50 of 62.10±0.11µg/ml. From the results obtained, the plants exhibited selective toxicity to cancer cells while sparing the normal cells (SI ≥ 3). A. gummifera and S. didymobotrya and R. staddo plant extracts upregulated p53 and down-regulated VEGF genes. In conclusion, this study confirms that these plant extracts could be potential candidates for development of drugs for the management of breast, prostrate, colorectal and throat cancer.

No abstract

Globally, approximately 13% of all deaths annually are attributed to cancer. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the current treatment techniques for cancer; however, these methods are expensive, have high failure rates and have been associated with detrimental side effects. Plant derived products could be good candidates in alleviating challenges being experienced with these current methods. This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemistry, antiproliferation potential, and probable mechanism of action of Albizia gummifera, Rhamnus staddo and Senna didymobotrya plant extracts. The 3– (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay dye was used in the determination of the antiproliferative activity of the extracts. Extracts induction potential of p53 (apoptosis) and VEGF (angiogenesis) genes’ expression was evaluated using Real Time PCR. Phytochemical screening was done as per standard procedures. Several plant extracts exhibited antiproliferative activity against the cancerous cell lines tested showing selective toxicity to cancer cells while sparing the normal cells (SI ≥ 3). An upregulation of p53 and down-regulation VEGF genes was observed. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of pharmacologically important phytochemicals in the plant’s extracts. The study findings suggest exploitation of these plant extracts as potential candidates for development of drugs for the management of breast and prostate cancer.