Aims: This study investigated leaf epidermal features as taxonomic markers in delimiting two West African species (M. elegans and M. erythrophylla) and two Philippine infraspecific species (M. “Doña Aurora” and M.“Doña Luz”) of Mussaenda L. in Nigeria and their ecological significance. Study Design: The experiment adopted a Completely Block Design (CBD) of four plant taxa from two study locations with 10 replicates each, totaling 80 samples. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, between June and September, 2010. Methodology: Fresh leaves were collected from the Tropical Rainforest (TRF) and Derived Savanna (DS) vegetations of Nigeria under the same weather conditions. Leaf epidermal strips were prepared by clearing method, stained with Safranin and observed under the light microscope. Results: The stomata are of the paracytic type borne on polygonal to irregularly shaped, wavy epidermal cells. Simple trichomes were also a common feature in all taxa. Mussaenda erythrophylla has significantly (P ˂ 0.05) the least dense stomata (84.51 ± 0.73 mm-2) while M. “Doña Aurora” has the densest stomata (230.98 ± 2.67 mm-2). M. elegans and M. “Doña Aurora” have significantly the highest stomata index (28.48% and 28.98% respectively) while M. “Doña Luz” has the lowest (24.31%). Samples from the TRF have significantly higher density, index and size of stomata in M. elegans and M. “Doña Luz” than those from DS. Quantitative trichome parameters also vary among the taxa. The fewest trichomes were observed in M. elegans (7.90 ± 0.14 and 11.75 ± 0.21) while they are most abundant in M. “Doña Luz” (11.77 ± 0.11 and 18.90 ± 0.51). Ecological conditions affected these variables as trichomes were more abundant in the specimens collected from DS locations. Conclusion: Epidermal features are proven significant tools in taxonomic delimitation and as environmental indicators in predicting climatic changes and environmental pollution.
Aim: This study was carried out to assess the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of the extract and fractions of Annona senegalensis stem bark through in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Study Design: The study followed a completely randomized design (CRD) of groups of treatments and control samples for all the tests. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicines, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, between January and September 2016. Methodology: Phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities using different models (reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, Hydroxyl radical scavenging, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging, β-carotene bleaching, FRAP scavenging and superoxide radical scavenging assays) were carried out. In vivo antioxidant activity was determined from the assays of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and total protein while hepatoprotective activity was evaluated against CCI4 induced liver damage and elevated serum marker enzymes. Results: The results showed that the extract and fractions of stem bark of A. senegalensis had appreciable amounts of total flavonoids (845.67±93.62 mg/g) and total phenols (866.67±8.41), and exhibited good antioxidant activities at higher concentrations. Doses of the extract and fractions administered at 400 mg/kg protected the CCI4–induced lipid peroxidation and significantly (P = .05) reduced the elevated serum marker enzymes - aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphate (ALP), and bilirubin level on a dose and solvent dependent fashion. At 200 and 400 mg/kg extract, the serum AST was reduced (by 40.34% and 45.66% respectively) as much as the MeOH fraction (43.88%) and control (43.44%), whereas EtOAc fractions gave significantly the best reduction (52.49%). The ethyl acetate fraction gave the best activity among all the fractions. Conclusion: The results showed that the stem bark is a potential source of natural antioxidants and hepatoprotective agents, and justifies its use in traditional herbal practice.
Introduction: Psydrax horizontalis Schum. & Thonn; is used traditionally in the treatment of malaria, fever, and management of diabetes in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria. Owing to its increasing ethno-medicinal relevance, proper identification and evaluation are vital to prevent adulteration. This research article presents a detailed pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation on the leaves of Psydrax horizontalis which will be used in its identification and consequent standardization. Methods: The fresh and powdered leaves were evaluated for their macroscopic and microscopic features. Physicochemical properties and phytochemical screening were carried out based on standard procedures by World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Psydrax horizontalis is a petiolate, stipulate and compound bi-pinnate leaf with reticulate venation, entire margin, chordate base and has opposite leaf arrangement. Microscopic diagnostic characters observed were paracytic stomata, unicellular covering trichomes, microsphenoidal shaped calcium oxalate crystals, lignified vessels and fibres as well as numerous starch grains. The total ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash, acid insoluble ash compositions were 6.5, 0.5, 2.75 and 0.5% respectively. The moisture content, alcohol soluble extractive and water soluble extractive values obtained were 8.8, 3.8 and 3.7% respectively. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening showed flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenols and alkaloids at 100.00±0.035, 22.00±0.036, 19.50±0.024, 15.00±0.032 and 13.00±0.014 mg/g respectively as the major phytochemical constituents. Conclusion: The pharmacognostic standards of the leaves of Psydrax horizontalis were determined and serve as quality control parameters for their purity, identification and standardization.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.