Cytotoxicity and Anti - Herpes Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants Cited for Management of HIV Conditions in Kakamega County – Kenya

Abstract

Aim: To determine safety and anti-herpes activity of selected medicinal plants cited by Community Health Workers in Mukhwa sub-location, Bukaya location in Kakamega County, Kenya. Study Design: Ethno-medical interview for selection of medicinal plants and In-vitro experiment for determination of safety and anti-herpes activity. Methodology: Eight medicinal plants were selected for safety and determination of anti-herpes activity of water extracts using Vero cell and Human herpes Virus type 1. The metabolism of 3 -(4, 5-Dimethylthiazole -2-y) -2, 5-diphenyltetra-zolium bromide (MTT) was used for cytotoxicity and different levels of extract antiviral experiments. End point titration technique (EPTT) was used for virus quantification and antiviral screening test. Place and Duration of the Study: Plant samples were collected in September 2013 in MukhwaOriginal Research Article Radol et al.; BJPR, 13(5): 1-13, 2016; Article no.BJPR.29317 2 sub-location, the processing and biological experiments were carried out between March 2014 and October 2015 at the center of traditional medicine and drug research of Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi. Results: Safety profile: Tithonia diversifolia (Whole root) gave maximum nontoxic extract concentration (MNC) at 20 µg/mL, extract concentration killing 50% of cells (CC 50 ) was 460 µg/mL. Schkuhria pinnata (Leaves); MNC ˂20 µg/mL, CC 50 90 µg/mL. Entada abyssinica (Stem bark); MNC 20 µg/mL, CC 50 > 500 µg/mL. Garcinia buchanii (Stem bark); MNC 40 µg/mL, CC 50 >500 µg/mL. Croton macrostachyus (Stem bark); MNC 40 µg/mL, CC 50 >500 µg/mL. Vernonia adoensis (Whole root); MNC 20 µg/mL, CC 50 470 µg/mL. Plumeria alba (Leaves); MNC ˂20 µg/mL, CC 50 120 µg/mL. Caesalpinia decapetala (Whole root); MNC 20 µg/mL, CC 50 500 µg/mL. Anti-herpes activity: The best anti-herpes activity was obtained from G. buchanii (Stem bark), giving an extract concentration inhibiting 50% of virus activity (IC 50 ) at 20 µg/mL) and C. decapetala (Whole root) giving IC 50 at 80 µg/mL. Therapeutic index of G. buchanii was ˃ 25 and that of C. decapetala was ˃ 6. Conclusion: Majority of the medicinal plants selected for anti-herpes activity have narrow nonetoxic limits. Of all the selected medicinal plants, G. buchananii and C. decapetala are the most promising for selective anti-herpes activity.

Determination of Antioxidant Value and Chemical Groups in Selected Medicinal Plants Used for Conditions Associated with Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster Infections in Kakamega County, Kenya

“…[23] explained that many microbial infections cause the cells to release the highly oxidative molecules due to enhanced metabolism of oxygen leading to extensive damage to cells and tissues. The anti HSV findings by Radol et al [3] is consistent with the results on the basis of synergistic support provided by antioxidants in the in vivo mice experimental model.…”

“…The terpenoid groups are known for their interferon induction and some derivatives such as glycerrhetinic acid have been associated with HSV inhibition [25]. From these results it can be concluded that the high content of flavonoids and phenols in G. buchananii accounts for its antioxidant activity in the current report as well as anti HSV activity as reported by Radol et al [3].…”

“…Such consideration is more relevant when viral infection is being evaluated, given that viability of a cell is central to infection resistance. The value of plants as antioxidant source, the health benefits reported by PLWHIV and the cell protection by some plant species against HSV-1 as reported in our previous work [3], was the central basis for this study. Thus the aim of this investigations was to determine the antioxidant and chemical groups in selected medicinal plants used for conditions associated with Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster infections in Mukhwa sub-location, Kakamega County, Kenya.…”

“…Medicines were mainly prescribed for opportunistic infections, and anecdotal claims of cure were reported among the local population. Those used against Herpes simplex infection were investigated by Radol et al [3]. The anti-herpetic activity obtained in some of the investigated plant species could be attributed to phytochemicals acting singly or in co-operation with other chemical groups, while those not showing activity could have some indirect health promoting value such as antioxidant.…”

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity and safety of Rhus vulgaris (Anacardiaceae) extracts

“…The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT, Sigma, USA) assay reported by Radol et al, [25] was used to determine the cytotoxic effects of the plant extracts on Vero cell lines. The cells were cultured in T-75 cell culture flasks and incubated in Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37°C in 5% CO 2 .…”