Журнал фармакогнозии и натуральных продуктов

Genetic variability, character association and path analysis between yield and its contributing traits were studied in 100 sesame advanced breeding lines (67 advanced mutant lines, 12 RIL’s, 5 checks, 4 collections, 7 varieties, 3 parents, 2 land races). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences for 07 characters except number of branches per plant, capsule length, capsule weight, test weight and seed yield per plant. Higher estimates of PCV were observed for all the traits but the difference between PCV and GCV was narrow indicating lowest environmental influence and predominance of genetic factors controlling these traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height and distance from ground to first capsule indicate that these traits are controlled by additive genes and phenotypic selection would be effective. Number of capsules per plant, number of branches per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, capsule weight and test weight had strong and significant positive association with seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis indicated that number of seeds per plant followed by number of capsules per plant were important traits to be considered for realizing the improvement in yield in sesame owe to their positive contribution. Days to maturity and capsule length were negative. Capsule weight influence seed yield negatively through most characters.

Natural products have been a major source of drugs for centuries. The fruit of Piper capense is used traditionally as spice and for the treatment of infectious diseases in different parts of Ethiopia. The main objective of this work is to carry out phytochemical study of the EtOAc crude extract of the fruit of P. capense. Phytochemical screening on this crude extract revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, saponins and flavonoids. After silica gel column chromatography the crude extract led to the isolation of compound PC1 identified as 5-Hydroxy-7, 4’-dimethoxyflavone. Characterization of this compound was achieved via spectroscopic methods (NMR, UV and IR). The structure of compound PC2 was elucidated, the spectral data showed the presence of more than one compound one of which is partially characterized and proposed to be rotenone.

Piper capense is used traditionally as spice and for the treatment of infectious diseases in different parts of the world. It is among the species piper which adapted to the climate of Ethiopia. Assessment tells that the plant is used for the remedy of various ailments in different parts of the country. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the fruit of Piper capense grown in Ethiopia was analyzed using GC&GC-MS which showed the presence of 32 predominant constituents like safrole, α-cubebene, α-copaene, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, β-bisabolene, isoshyobunone.

Unprecedented growth in popularity of complementary medicines raised concerns about their quality and safety. So, there is need to develop methods for their sensitive, specific and accurate analysis. Authenticity and similarity of medicinal nutrients and strict procedures of material handling are significant features to maintain the quality of herbal preparations. Genome based methods to authenticate these plants revolutionized the authentication process. Developing DNA molecular markers by sequencing a standard zone of the DNA is the best technique to identify the adulterants as well as to authenticate the required species of medicinal plants. Application of molecular biological technique serves as one of the very consistent system for authentication of natural herbal materials. The progress of authentic analytical methods is a major challenge to scientists as natural products are optimized as drug like molecules.

Current work is based on the use of PCR technique for authentication of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. standard crude root and in polyherbal formulations i.e. Hamdard’s Joshanda, Marhaba’s Joshanda, GNC Herbal supplement and Joshaba Sadar (Chest Tea) available in market, provided isolated DNA from dried roots of the sample was used as templates in PCR. All the products gave the desired results except one. It proved to be a complementary tool to control quality of herbal materials alone and in different marketable herbal product having Glycyrrhiza spp. as their active ingredient.

Biofilms are structures produced by bacteria by attaching themselves together in a surface to form a protective matrix, rendering them resistant to antimicrobial treatments. The objective of this study was to examine the anti-biofilm activity of chitosan from crab and shrimp species on the established biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The test groups were treated with chitosan solutions of varying concentrations (2.5 g/L and 10 g/L) chitosan from shrimp shells extract, 2.5 g/L and 10 g/L crab shells extract and a mixture of both shell extracts with the same concentration mixed in a one-to-one volume by ratio. Three different analysis were conducted involving color intensity test through TotalLab software, spectrophotometric analysis and microplate reader analysis. The highest percent anti-biofilm formation inhibition was observed with the 2.5 g/L mixed (1:1) chitosan solution against established biofilms of P. aeruginosa with a 62.90 ± 12% inhibition. On the other hand, S. aureus showed no percent inhibition with the 2.5 g/L shrimp chitosan and 10 g/L crab chitosan but was most sensitive to 10 g/L mixed (1:1) chitosan solution with an inhibition of 39.47 ± 19%. From the results, the 1:1 combination of shrimp and crab chitosan solutions resulted to a higher percent anti-biofilm formation inhibition than when given separately.

The Igbo people of the South-eastern part of Nigeria claims that a combination of Ehirta and honey has therapeutic effect for Ulcer. The study was designed to scientifically evaluate the phytochemical composition of E. hirta and the safety of the phytomedicine. Nine hundred gram (900 g) of E. hirta gave an average yield of 49.05 g of the extract and this gave percentage yield of 5.45% when extracted with continuous extraction process of Soxhlet apparatus. Phytochemical screenings of E. hirta showed that the extract contains alkaloids, Tannins, Saponins, Glycosides, Flavonoids and Unsaturated steroids. Acute toxicity studies showed that LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg. The phytomedicine of E. hirta combined with did not produce significant changes in the blood biochemical and haematological parameters. Though slight reductions were witnessed in blood ALT the phytomedicine drugs has no significant effect on the liver and other vital organs like the kidney, the heart, spleen, intestine and the brain except the lungs that witnessed slight alveoli congestion. The study revealed that E. hirta combined with honey is safe for consumption.

The dried extract of Tribulus terrestris has been widely applied in traditional medicine as alternative treatment for many ailments. Its main active components are steroidal saponins, which are thought to induce the reduction of testosterone into the potent dihydrotestosterone, thus possibly enhancing steroid hormone-related characteristics. In fact, these herbs are still used to treat some sexual dysfunctions and as male sexual stimulant. It is well-known that many individuals attempt to gain muscle mass by the intake of natural or synthetic anabolic products, including dietary supplements containing Tribulus. In this light, pharmaceutical advances have promoted a conspicuous increase in the commercialization of such products with alleged androgenic properties. Several studies with T. terrestris supplementation involving domestic and laboratory animals, as well as human subjects, have shown conflicting data with regard to increase in male sex hormone levels, sperm quality and physical strength, among other attributes. The aim of this review was to investigate the existing evidence on the impact of T. terrestris supplementation on lean body mass, and to address its reliability. Different database sources and sets of key words were used to search the related literature. Considering a set of predetermined inclusion criteria, the contents of three studies were explored. In these studies there were no significant differences in body composition parameters, such as lean mass and body fat, between control (placebo) and experimental groups. However, the main reason for caution in these reports was the overall reduced sample size, which precludes a firm conclusion from the obtained results. Further investigation by conducting robust randomized controlled trials is still warranted.