scholarly journals DICOMA ANOMALA SOND.: A REVIEW OF ITS BOTANY, ETHNOMEDICINE, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY

Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Dicoma anomala is used as herbal medicine to treat and manage fever, coughs, colds, sore throats, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, intestinal worms, and sexually transmitted infections in tropical Africa. The aim of this study was to summarize the research that has been done on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of D. anomala in tropical Africa. The literature search for information on ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of D. anomala was undertaken using databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, BioMed Central, PubMed, and Springer link. Other relevant literature sources included books, book chapters, websites, theses, conference papers, and other scientific publications. This study showed that D. anomala is used as herbal medicine in 57.1% of the countries in tropical Africa where it is indigenous. The species is used to treat 66 and five human and animal diseases, respectively. Several classes of secondary metabolites including acetylenic compounds, diterpene, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, saponins, sesquiterpenes, tannins and triterpenes have been isolated from D. anomala. Different aqueous and organic extracts of D. anomala exhibited anthelmintic, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and hepatoprotective activities. The documented information on the botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of D. anomala provide baseline data required for further ethnopharmacological studies on the species.

Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Euclea crispa is widely used as herbal medicine in southern Africa. This study was aimed at reviewing the botany, ethnomedicinal uses, and validated pharmacological properties of E. crispa. The literature search for information on ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of E. crispa was undertaken using databases such as web of science, BMC, science direct, elsevier, scopus, PubMed, and scielo. Other relevant literature sources included books, book chapters, websites, theses, conference papers, and other scientific publications. The extensive literature survey revealed that the bark, fruits, leaves, and roots of E. crispa are commonly used as herbal medicines for wounds, constipation, cough, stomach disorders, epilepsy, rheumatism, and diabetes. Pharmacological studies on E. crispa indicate that the species has amyloid β-peptide lowering effects, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antifungal, and cell membrane disruption activities. E. crispa should be subjected to further scientific evaluations aimed at elucidating its chemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties. Such detailed research should also include experimental animal studies, randomized clinical trials, and target-organ toxicity studies involving E. crispa extracts and its derivatives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 5089-5096
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Maerua edulis (Gilg & Gilg-Ben.) DeWolf  is collected from the wild for its edible fruits and also used as traditional medicine. This study is aimed at evaluating the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of M. edulis. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. This study revealed that the bark, fruit, leaf, root and tuber infusion and decoction of M. edulis  are mainly used as a thirst quencher and ethnoveterinary medicine, and traditional medicine for eye infections, stomach ache, infertility in women, wounds, fungal infections, rheumatic swellings, cough and tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include agmatine, betaines, cardiac glycosides, fatty acids, flavonoids and quaternary ammonium compounds. Ethnopharmacological research revealed that M. edulis extracts and compounds isolated from the species have acaricidal, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, antiproliferative and insecticidal activities. Future research on M. edulis should focus on the possible biochemical mechanisms of both the crude extracts and identified phytochemical compounds including toxicological, in vivo and clinical studies to corroborate the traditional medicinal applications of the species.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 196-204
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Gymnanthemum coloratum is a shrub or a small tree widely used as traditional medicine throughout its distributional range in tropical Africa. The current study is aimed at reviewing the phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and medicinal uses of G. coloratum. Literature on pharmacological properties, phytochemistry and medicinal uses of G. coloratum was obtained from numerous internet sources such as Scopus, Elsevier, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, BMC and Web of Science. Other sources of information included pre-electronic sources such as journal articles, theses, book chapters, books and other scientific publications obtained from the university library. The articles published between 1964 and 2020 were used in this study. The current study showed that G. coloratum is used as an anthelmintic, and traditional medicine for reproductive problems, schistosomiasis, liver diseases, sexually transmitted infections, diabetes, sores and wounds, respiratory problems, malaria, skin diseases, fever and gastro-intestinal problems. Ethnopharmacological research identified glaucolides, lactones, amino acids, essential oils, alkaloids, anthocyanins, cardenolids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, leucoanthocyanins, phenols, quinones, reducing sugars, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and triterpenes from the aerial parts, leaves, roots and stems of G. coloratum. The aerial parts, leaves, roots and whole plant parts of G. coloratum and compounds isolated from the species exhibited anthelmintic, antimicrobial, anti-Blastocystis, anti-inflammatory, anti-sickling, insecticidal and larvicidal, antiplasmodial, antimalarial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-Toxoplasma, hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic and cytotoxicity activities. Gymnanthemum coloratum should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 274-279
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Acanthosicyos horridus Welw. ex Hook. f. is a perennial shrub collected from the wild for its edible fruits and is also used as a traditional medicine. This study is aimed at evaluating the chemical properties and ethnomedicinal uses of A. horridus. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. This study revealed that the fruit and root infusions and/or decoctions of A. horridus are used as traditional medicine for arteriosclerosis, chest pains, gastro-intestinal disorders, kidney problems, nausea and sexually transmitted infections. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include cucurbitacins, fatty acids and sterols. Some of the compounds identified from the species have applications in food industry and health promoting products.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 190-195
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Cladostemon kirkii (Oliv.) Pax & Gilg is a shrub or a small tree widely used as traditional medicine in tropical Africa. This study is aimed at evaluating the chemical properties, biological activities and ethnomedicinal uses of C. kirkii. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. The articles published between 1960 and 2019 were used in this study. This study revealed that the bark, leaf, root and stem infusion and/or decoction of C. kirkii are mainly used as traditional medicines for boils, colds, gastro-intestinal problems, hypertension, ophthalmia, rheumatism, sexual dysfunction, abdominal pains, sexually transmitted infections, sores and wounds. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include mearnsitrin, myricitrin, kaempferol-5-rhamnoside, kaempferin, kaempferol 3-gluco-7-rhamnoside, quercetin 3,7-dirhamnoside, quercetin 3-gluco-7-rhamnoside, choline, 3-hydroxyprolinebetaine and tetramethylammonium. Cladostemon kirkii should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 230-238
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Baccharoides adoensis is a shrub widely used as traditional medicine throughout its distributional range in tropical Africa. This study is aimed at providing a critical review of the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry, and medicinal uses of B. adoensis. Documented information on the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry, and medicinal uses of B. adoensis was collected from several online sources which included Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. Additional information on the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry, and medicinal uses of B. adoensis was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as book chapters, books, journal articles, and scientific publications sourced from the university library. The articles published between 1962 and 2020 were used in this study. This study showed that the roots, flowers, stems, and leaves of B adoensis are widely used as ethnoveterinary medicine and traditional medicines for backbone pain, reproductive problems, kidney diseases, fever and febrile complaints, wounds, ulcers, sexually transmitted infections, skin complaints, malaria, gastro-intestinal problems and respiratory problems. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include alkaloids, carbohydrates, chondrillasterol, flavonoids, free sugars, glaucolides, glycosides, phenols, proanthocyanidin, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. Pharmacological research revealed that B. adoensis extracts and compounds isolated from the species have antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, anti-pyretic, antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial, anti-ulcer and gastroprotective, immunomodulating, inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adhesion, larvicidal, cytotoxicity and toxicity activities. Baccharoides adoensis should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 287-294
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Centrapalus pauciflorus is a herbaceous plant that is used as a traditional medicine and a source of epoxidised oil. This study is aimed at providing a critical review of the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry and medicinal uses of C. pauciflorus. Documented information on the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry and medicinal uses of C. pauciflorus was collected from several online sources, which included Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, these, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. This study showed that the leaves and epoxidised oil of C. pauciflorus are used as traditional medicines for external injury, wounds, diabetes, chest pains, eye infections, stomach problems and skin infections. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include coumarins, essential oils, fatty acids, flavonol glycosides, phenolic acids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyuronoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. Pharmacological research revealed that C. pauciflorus extracts and compounds isolated from the species have analgesic, anti-dermatitis, antimicrobial, antiulcerogenic, hypoglycemic, insecticide, larvicidal and sedative activities. Centrapalus pauciflorus should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 5460-5466
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Schefflera umbellifera (Sond.) Baill. is an evergreen tree widely used as traditional medicine throughout its distributional range in southern Africa. Schefflera umbellifera is indigenous to Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This study was aimed at providing a critical review of medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of S. umbellifera. Documented information on medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of S. umbellifera was collected from several online sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Francis and Taylor and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as book chapters, books, journal articles and scientific publications obtained from the University library. This study revealed that the bark, leaf and root decoction or infusion of S. umbellifera are mainly used as diuretic, laxative, colic and protective charm, and traditional medicine for stomach ulcers, weaning infants, insanity, inflammation, rheumatism and malaria. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include 3-hydroxy-20(29)-lupen-28-ol, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin, betulin, ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and oleanolic acid. Pharmacological research revealed that S. umbellifera extracts and compounds isolated from the species have antibacterial, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, larvicidal and cytotoxicity activities. Schefflera umbellifera should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.


Author(s):  
ALFRED MAROYI

Cussonia spicata is an evergreen tree widely used as herbal medicine throughout its distributional range in tropical Africa. The current study is aimed at providing a critical review of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and evaluation of the medicinal potential of C. spicata. Documented information on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal applications of C. spicata was collected from several online sources which included BMC, Scopus, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Elsevier, PubMed, and Web of Science. Additional information on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal applications of C. spicata was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as book chapters, books, journal articles, and scientific publications sourced from the University library. This study showed that the bark, flowers, flower stalks, fruits, leaves, roots, root bark, and stems of C. spicata are used as antifebrile and emetic and herbal medicine for fever, nausea, vomiting, gonorrhea, venereal diseases, malaria, and mental illness. Phytochemical compounds identified from the leaves, root bark, stems, and stem bark of C. spicata include alkaloids, anthocyanins, anthracene glycosides, botulin, condensed tannins, free gallic acid, gallotannins, iridoids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenoids, and volatile oils. Pharmacological research revealed that C. spicata crude extracts and compounds have acetylcholinesterase, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antiplasmodial, antiprotozoan, antioxidant, larvicidal, molluscicidal, spermicidal, and cytotoxicity activities. Future research should focus on evaluating the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of C. spicata crude extracts as well as compounds isolated from the species.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 264-273
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi

Volkameria glabra (E. Mey.) Mabb. & Y.W. Yuan is a deciduous shrub or a small tree widely used as traditional medicine throughout its distributional range in tropical Africa. This study is aimed at providing a critical review of pharmacological properties, phytochemistry, and medicinal uses of V. glabra. Documented information on pharmacological properties, phytochemistry and medicinal uses of V. glabra was collected from several online sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as book chapters, books, journal articles and scientific publications obtained from the university library. This study revealed that the bark, leaf and root infusion and/or decoction of V. glabra are mainly used as immune booster, protective charm, anthelmintic and ethnoveterinary medicine, and traditional medicine for convulsions, fractured bones, fever, wounds, gastro-intestinal problems, snake bite and respiratory diseases. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include aliphatic glycosides, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, iridoid, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins and triterpenoids. The V. glabra and compounds isolated from the species exhibited acaricidal, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial, anti-collagenase, antidiabetic, anti-elastase, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antipyretic, cholinesterase enzyme inhibition, immune-stimulant and cytotoxicity activities. Volkameria glabra should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.


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