Mineral Fertilization Influences the Growth, Cryptolepine Yield, and Bioefficacy of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlt.

Abstract

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlt., the main source of cryptolepine alkaloid, is intensively exploited in the wild to treat malaria and Lyme disease. In this study, the influence of four inorganic fertilizers (supplying N, P, K, or NPK) and four growth periods (3, 6, 9, and 12 months after transplanting) on the herb’s root biomass, cryptolepine content and yield, and biological activities were investigated in a pot and field trial. The results showed the application of N (in the form of Urea or NPK) increased root biomass yield, cryptolepine content, and cryptolepine yield compared to unfertilized plants. The 9-month-old plants recorded the maximum cryptolepine content (2.26 mg/100 mg dry root) and cryptolepine yield (304.08 mg/plant), indicating the perfect time to harvest the herb. Plant age at harvest had a more significant influence (50.6–55.7%) on cryptolepine production than fertilizer application (29.2–33.3%). Cryptolepine extracts from 9- to 12-month-old plants had the highest antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 2.56–4.65 µg/mL) and drug selectivity index (2.15–3.91) against Plasmodium falciparum Dd2. These extracts were also cytotoxic to Jurkat leukaemia cell lines (CC50 < 62.56 µg/mL), indicating the possible use of cryptolepine for cancer management. Growing the herb in the field increased cryptolepine yield 2.5 times compared to growth in a pot, but this did not influence the antiplasmodial activity of the extract. Commercial cultivation of C. sanguinolenta for 9 months combined with N application could be a promising solution to the sustainable use of this threatened medicinal species.

Response of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) to Pruning Systems for Yield Attributes and Nut Quality in Tchamba District, Togo

“…The suppression of apical dominance acts on the cytokinin: auxin ratio [17], which by increasing promotes the release of new buds [18]. The fertilization is also kwon to limits apical dominance [19].…”

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta

“…It is presently studied in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 in Ghana [35,36]. A recent study by Amissah et al, [12] reported that cryptolepine extracts from plants aged between 9 and 12 months had the most antiplasmodial activity and drug selectivity index against Plasmodium falciparum Dd2. These cryptolepine extracts were identified for the effective management of cancer due to its cytotoxicity to Jurkat leukemia cell lines [12].…”

“…In the quest to eradicate malaria, medicinal plants with potential anti-malaria properties such as C. sanguinolenta, a major medicinal plant with a long record of use in the treatment of malaria especially in Ghana [9,11], should be given the needed scientific recognition. In developed countries such as the USA, this herb is appreciated for its anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties and is been used to treat Babesia, Lyme disease (Borreliosis burgdorferi), and Bartonella [12]. Recently it was recognized as a potential treatment for tick-borne diseases in the USA and Europe.…”

“…The high demand for this all-important medicinal plant has resulted in its overexploitation from the wild in non-sustainable ways [12]. It is therefore important to…”