Effect of crude root extract from Synadenium glaucescens on selected bacterial infections in albino mice (Mus musculus)

Abstract

Studies were carried out to investigate the effect of root extract from a tropical plant Synadenium glaucescens against two pathogenic species of bacteria in mice. A total of 120 mice were used in two experiments involving two bacterial species, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In each experiment, 60 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with or without bacterial infection and with or without root extract. Clinical signs and survival of the mice were monitored; skin, kidneys and livers were examined for gross lesions, histopathological changes and bacterial counts. Results indicated that mice infected with the two bacteria and treated with the root extract from S. glaucescens had significantly less (P < 0.05) severe skin lesions compared to mice from the untreated groups. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues showed hydropic degeneration and inflammatory reaction in uninfected groups receiving the extracts. Protein in tubular lumens, desquamated tubular epithelium and necrosis around central veins were observed in livers of mice infected with S. aureus and treated with the extract at 50 mg/kg body weight. It is concluded that root extract from S. glaucescens had significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. Histopathological changes in the kidneys and livers of mice which received the extract alone suggested that high doses of the tested extract could be harmful to the mice. Further studies are needed to find out optimum dosage and whether the extract is harmful to other organs.

In-vitro assessment of antibacterial effects of combined crude extracts of S. glaucescens and C. swynnertonii with antibiotics

“…In this study, individual crude extract and antibiotics were screened for antibacterial activity. The extracts showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria while weak activity were observed against Gram-negative bacteria the results of this study concurred with previous studies reporting on antibacterial activity from similar parts of the selected plants (Max et al, 2014;Mkangara et al, 2014). Antibiotics used in this study also showed wide range of antibacterial activity of inhibiting growth of both Gram-negative and Grampositive bacteria.…”

“…Dry samples were grounded separately using a laboratory mill machine (Christy Hunt Engineering Ltd, Manchester-England), approximately 2 mm particle size. The selection of these plant parts was based on a previous report that demonstrated antimicrobial activity against selected bacteria (Max et al, 2014).…”

“…Extraction was carried out using the method described by Max et al (2014). Briefly, 1000 g of dry ground plant materials were extracted by 98% dichloromethane using hot continuous extraction method at 50°C for 4 h whereby the 33 g dry ground samples were injected into each thimble (33 mm diameter, 80 mm length) and extracted using Soxhlet apparatus.…”

“…Despite the fact that plant products proved as more promising antimicrobials therapy their activity is milder than commercially available antibiotics (Bhardwaj et al, 2016). The extracts from S. glaucescens which belong to the family Euphorbiaceae (Mwine and Damme., 2011), (known as "Mvunjakongwa" in Swahili language) have been reported to have potential activity against infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses and pests in human and livestock (Mabiki et al, 2013;Max et al, 2014). The tropical tree, C. swynnertonii (known as "Oltemwai" in Masai language), from the family Burs eraceae, has been reported to have antimicrobial activity (Mkangara et al, 2014).…”

Isolation and identification of euphol and β-sitosterol from the dichloromethane extracts of Synadenium glaucescens

“…M any plants from this genus are known for different biological activities including anti-ulcer activity [4], antinoceptive, anti-inflammatory anti-plasmodial activity [5], antiasthmatic effect [6], anti-tumoral and anti-angiogenic effects [7]. Albeit few studies have so far been conducted in S. glaucescens, the recent laboratory findings have shown that the plant exhibits antibacterial activities [8], strong anti-viral activities in vitro [9] and against infectious basal disease virus together with fowl pox virus [10]. We could however, hardly find any information regarding secondary metabolites isolated from this plant species.…”