Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Extracts of the African Medicinal PlantXimenia caffra

Abstract

A method was developed for identification and quantification of polyphenols in the leaves of Ximenia caffra using HPLC/UV/MS. Based on analyzing the MS and UV data and in comparison to the authentic standards, a total of 10 polyphenols were identified and quantified, including gallic acid, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and their derivatives. The total content of these compounds was found to be approximately 19.45 mg/g in the leaf and the most abundant is quercetin-rutinoside (9.08 mg/g). The total phenolic content as measured by Folin-Ciocalteu assay was 261.87 ± 7.11 mg GAE/g and the total antioxidant capacity as measured in vitro was 1.46 ± 0.01 mmol Trolox/g. The antiproliferative effect of the leaf extract was measured by MTS assay with IC50 value of 239.0 ± 44.5 μg/mL. Cell-based assays show that the leaf extract inhibits the mRNA expression of proinflammatory genes (IL-6, iNOS, and TNF-α) by using RT-qPCR, implying its anti-inflammatory effects. It was further demonstrated that the underlying therapeutic mechanism involves the suppression of NF-κB, a shared pathway between cell death and inflammation.

Medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory activities from selected countries and regions of Africa

“…As part of documentation of medicinal plants used in Namibia, Zhen et al reported that local herbalists in Namibia use the leaves and roots of Ximenia caffra for various disease conditions. 51 For instance, extracts from the leaf of X. caffra has shown anti-inflammatory activity. To evaluate the effect of X. caffra leaf extract on the LPS-stimulated expression of inflammatory enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines, the mRNA expressions of inflammatory markers lL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and TNF-α were measured by qPCR.…”

Middle Eastern Plant Extracts: An Alternative to Modern Medicine Problems

“…However, inflammation may cause diseases such as heart disease, diabetic, cancer, and arthritis [114]. This issue can be overcome by consuming a diet which includes flavonoids and phenolic compounds that possess antioxidant activities [115]. Plant extracts isolated from the Middle East region have exhibited anti-inflammation and anti-diabetic properties, which aid in enhancing the immune system of the host.…”

Evaluation of Free Radical Scavenging Ability and Antiradical Activities of Ximenia Caffra Fruit Extracts at Different Ripening Stages

“…It grows in dry woodland and wooded grassland, often on rocky hillsides [7,8]. The fruits from the tree are picked and eaten raw after ripening, and refreshing juice can be prepared by squeezing fruits in water and adding sugar [7,9]. It has been reported that X. caffra has a potential medicinal use by the local communities.…”

“…It has been reported that X. caffra has a potential medicinal use by the local communities. The leaves are used as a remedy for malaria, coughs, toothache, stomach-ache, ulcers and hookworm while roots are also used as a cure for infertility, mental illness, bilharzia, scorpion bites, menstrual problems, anaemia, hernia and intestinal worms [9,10]. Several studies confirmed that large numbers of medicinal plants are also good free radical scavengers [11][12][13].…”

“…Previous research reported that extracts from leaf and seed of X. caffra have a good number of polyphenol compounds including phenolic acid and flavonoids with strong antioxidant capacity [9,14]. Such information is limited in the fruit extracts and this article aimed to unveil the antioxidant potential of X. caffra fruits by evaluating their ability to scavenge free radicals and antiradical capacity.…”