Pharmacological profile of ficus thonningii: a review

Ficus thonningii is an African ethnomedicine plant used to treat a number of diseases. The nutritional, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects of F. thonningii in relation to its therapeutic purposes are numerous. Ficus thonningii contains alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, active proteins, and active proteins. Continue to identify, isolate, and quantify the active ingredients, as well as their medicinal purposes. Chronic toxicity, toxicology, antineoplastic effects, acute toxicity, hypoglycemic effects, antidiarrheal effects, analgesic effects, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidants, antifungal activity, antimicrobial effects, antiprotozoal properties etc.

Ficus thonningii Stem Bark Extracts Prevent High Fructose Diet Induced Increased Plasma Triglyceride Concentration, Hepatic Steatosis and Inflammation in Growing Sprague-Dawley Rats

BACKGROUND: Ficus thonningii extracts exhibit hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities. We investigated the potential of methanolic F. thonningii stem-bark extracts (MEFT) to protect growing Sprague-Dawley (SD) against high-fructose diet-induced metabolic derangements (MD) in a model mimicking children fed obesogenic diets. METHODS: Eighty (40 males; 40 females) 21-days old SD rat pups were randomly allocat-ed to and administered, for 8 weeks, five treatment regimens: 1 - standard rat chow (SC) + water (PW), 2 - SC + 20% (w/v) fructose solution (FS), 3 - SC + FS + fenofibrate at 100 mg/kg bwt/day, 4 - SC + FS + low dose MEFT (LD; 50 mg/kg bwt/day) and 5 - SC + FS + high dose MEFT (HD; 500 mg/kg bwt/day). Body weight, glucose load tolerance, fasting blood glucose and triglyceride, plasma insulin concentration, sensitivity to insulin, liver mass and fat content, steatosis and inflammation were determined. RESULTS: Fructose had no effect on the rats’ growth, glucose and insulin concentration, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (P>0.05) but increased triglycerides in females; in-duced hepatic microsteatosis and inflammation in both sexes but macrosteatosis in females (P<0.05). In females, MEFT prevented fructose-induced plasma triglyceride increase. Low dose MEFT increased liver lipid content in females (P<0.05). The MEFT protected the rats against hepatic steatosis and inflammation but fenofibrate protected against hepatic mi-crosteatosis. CONCLUSION: MEFT can be used as prophylaxis against dietary fructose-induced ele-ments of MD but caution must be taken as low dose MEFT increases hepatic lipid accretion in females predisposing to fatty liver disease.

Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology, and Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Human Diarrheal Cases in Rwanda: A Review

Diarrhea, often caused by microorganisms, has been associated with high morbidity and mortality in Africa. Increased rates of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have reignited the quest for alternative therapies. This review aimed at identifying medicinal plants used in the treatment of human diarrheal cases in Rwanda and analyzing their ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry. We searched PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Web of Science for published articles on medicinal plants used to treat diarrhea in Rwanda. Additionally, specialized herbarium documents of different institutes were reviewed. Articles were assessed for relevance, quality, and taxonomical accuracy before being included in this review. Overall, 63 species of medicinal plants belonging to 35 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the predominant family with six species, followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae, with five species each. The most reported species with anti-diarrheal properties were Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd, Clerodendrum myricoides R. Br., and Chenopodium ugandae (Aellen) Aellen. Leaves (66.7%) and roots (17.5%) were the commonly used plant parts in the preparation of medicine. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants with antidiarrheic activities were sesquiterpene lactones (V. amygdalina); terpene, sterols, saponosides, and flavonoids (C. ugandae); saponins and tannins (T. riparia); and tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids (C. myricoides). Six studies tested the antimicrobial activities of the plants against bacteria and viruses known to cause diarrhea. Erythrina abyssinica, Euphorbia tirucalli, Dracaena afromontana, and Ficus thonningii are socio-culturally important. Further research on toxicity and posology is needed to ensure the safety of medicinal plants.

Phytopharmaceutical profile of Ficus thonningii : An updated Review

Ficus thonningii is a plant that is widely utilised in African ethnomedicine to cure a variety of ailments. a rational examination of F. thonningii's nutritional, phytochemical, and pharmacological characteristics in connection to its medicinal uses.Alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and active proteins are among the bioactive components found in Ficus thonningii, all of which contribute to its therapeutic qualities.Continue to discover, isolate, and quantify the active components, as well as establish the processes behind its curative powers.

Proximate and Mineral Composition, Phytochemical Analysis, and Antioxidant Activity of Fig Trees (Ficus spp.) Leaf Powder

Aim: This study aims to analyse and characterise the leaf powder of Ficus carica, Ficus exasperata, and Ficus thonningii. Methodology: Ficus carica, Ficus exasperata, and Ficus thonningii leaf powder were analysed quantitatively for proximate, phytochemicals, minerals, and antioxidant activity. Results: The ash, crude protein, and nitrogen free extract concentration were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Ficus carica leaf powder than the rest Ficus species under study. However, the crude fiber and crude fat concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in Ficus thonningii and Ficus exasperata leaf powder, respectively. The concentration of tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and saponins was higher (P<0.05) in Ficus exasperata than other Ficus species under study. However, the concentration of the alkaloids was higher (P<0.05) in Ficus carica leaf powder than Ficus exasperata and Ficus thonningii leaf powder. The Zn and P were higher (P<0.05) in Ficus carica than the rest F. species under study. The Fe contents of F. carica and F. exasperata leaf powders were higher (P<0.05) than F. thonningii leaf powder. The Ca contents of F. carica leaf powder and F. thonningii leaf powder were higher (P>0.05) than F. exasperata leaf powder. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate value was higher (P<0.05) in Fiscus exasperata leaf powder than F. carica and F. thonningii. However, the value of vitamin c was higher (P<0.05) in Ficus carica, compared to the rest F. species. Conclusion: This study reveals that the leaf powder of F. carica, F. exasperata, and F. thonningii contains a significant number of minerals and phytochemicals with high antioxidant activity and could be employed as a natural feed supplement in animal nutrition.

Phytochemical analysis of Ficus thonningii: A qualitative study

This study assessed the phytochemical contents of the aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the fruit, leaves, root, and stem of F. thonningii at selected concentrations. The contents of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, volatile oils, phenols and flavonoids were determined qualitatively in these extracts at selected concentrations. The results obtained showed that alkaloids are present in the leaves, roots and stem barks of Ficus thonningii. The volatile oil is found in the stem bark, root bark, and fruit (aqueous only) of the plant. Saponin is found to be concentrated in all the extracts of the plant. Phenol is found to be concentrated in the fruit of the plant. Its presence is also confirmed in the leaves (at few concentrations) and present in trace amount in the stem bark. Tannin is found in the fruit, root bark and leaves of Ficus thonningii. Flavonoids are found in all the parts of Ficus thonningii. The variety of phytochemicals confirmed in the fruit, leaves, stem, and root barks of Ficus thonningii show that the plant is pharmacologically active.

Evaluation of In Vivo Antiulcer Activity of Hydro-Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Stem Bark of Ficus thonningii (Moraceae) on Rodent Models

Introduction. The stem bark of Ficus thonningii is used by Ethiopian traditional healers and the community for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Thus, the current study was aimed at evaluating the antiulcer effect of hydro-methanol extract and solvent fractions of F. thonningii. Methods. The stem bark of F. thonningii was collected and shed dried. Then, the stem bark was extracted by 80% hydro-methanol solvents and dried. The part of the dried hydro-methanol extract was further fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, and distilled water. Dose-dependent pylorus ligation, curative indomethacin-induced, and time-dependent ethanol-induced ulcer models were evaluated for the hydro-methanol extract and solvent fractions. Statistical analysis was done by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The analyses were carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. The result was considered significant when p < 0.05 . Results. The extract of F. thonningii showed a significant ( p < 0.001 ) reduction in total acidity at all the tested doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). All the tested doses of the hydro-methanol extract significantly reduced the gastric volume as compared to the vehicle (NC) ( p < 0.01 ). The gastric pH was significantly ( p < 0.05 ) increased by 200 and 400 mg/kg. Similarly, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly ( p < 0.05 ) lowered gastric ulceration as compared to the NC. The hydro-methanol extract and aqueous fractions of F. thonningii at 200 mg/kg showed significant ( p < 0.05 ) reduction in the ulcer index on a repeated dose of the hydro-methanol and solvent fractions. Ulcer healing effect on indomethacin-induced ulcer was not significant ( p > 0.05 ) for all tested doses of the hydro-methanol extract. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that the stem bark of F. thonningii has a potential antiulcer activity that might be due to antisecretory or cytoprotective effects.

Maladies et plantes vasculaires du Karité (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn) au Bénin

La présente étude vise à évaluer les maladies et les plantes vasculaires du karité (Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn) dans les savanes Soudanienne (SS) et Nord guinéenne (SNG) du Bénin. Pour ce faire, quarante sites au total ont été prospectés au cours du mois de juillet 2018. Sur chaque site, l’incidence et la sévérité des symptômes de maladies, la densité et la distribution des plantes vasculaires ont été étudiées. Des échantillons de feuilles malades, des plantes vasculaires du karité ont été prélevés pour lʼidentification au laboratoire. Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Pestalotiopsis sp, Xanthomonas sp ont été les agents pathogènes identifiés. Les valeurs d’incidence étaient élevées dans la SS (59,6% L. theobromae, et de 42,2% Xanthomonas sp) et dans la SNG (67,5% Pestalotiopsis sp et de 55% L. theobromae). Les valeurs de sévérité étaient élevées dans la SS (39% L. theobromae et de 30,6% Xanthomonas sp) et dans la SNG (54,7% Pestalotiopsis sp et 43% L. theobromae). Les données collectées sur la densité des plantes vasculaires ont montré une Orchidiaceae holo-épiphyte (Calyptrochilum christyanum), une Moraceae hémi-épiphyte (Ficus thonningii), une Renonculaceae (Alafia barteri) et deux Loranthaceae (Tapinanthus dodoneifolius, Tapinanthus globiferus). T. dodoneifolius et T. globiferus sont plus répandus avec des taux d’infestation moyens respectifs de 68,67% et de 66,58% et des densités moyennes par plant respectives de 5,64 touffes et de 2,52 touffes. Ainsi, les efforts d’amélioration de la production de karité doivent prendre en compte les stratégies de lutte contre ces agents pathogènes et plantes vasculaires.

Nutritional evaluation of varying proportions of Gliricidia sepium and Ficus thonningii leaves in the diet of young West African dwarf goats.

Sixteen (16) male of West African dwarf goats, aged 6 to 8 months and weighing 4.85 to 6.80kg were used in protein utilization study to monitor performance. The animals were randomly divided into four groups. Each group was fed foliages of Gliricidia sepium and Ficus thonningii mixed in varying proportions such that 0% (diet 1), 25% (diet 2), 50% (diet 3) and 75% (diet 4) of Gliricidia were replaced with Ficus. The feeding lasted 70 days during which dry matter intake, DM1, and changes in body weight were monitored. At the beginning of the last 10days of the trial animals were trans­ferred to individual metabolic cages for daily collection of faeces and urine for 7 days after the 3 days set aside for adjustment to the cages. Results showed that the mean DM1 was 185.15g day', which amounted to about 2.9% of body weight while digestibility coefficient was 65%. The daily weight gains observed for animals on diets containing 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of Gliricidia replaced with Ficus leaves were 34.30, 34.29, 37.10 and 36.79g day' respectively. The metabolic faecal nitrogen, MFN, and endogenous urinary nitrogen, ELTN, values were 9.42g kg' DM and 0.85g day­'Kg BW0.745 respectively. Regression model that described the relationship between nitrogen, N, balance and corresponding absorbed N values indicated that the combination of Gliricidia and Ficus leaves could furnish nutrient (3.68g day' kg' BW0..75 digestible crude protein, DCP) which might support young WAD goat requirement for maintenance. Data obtained suggested that all the three combinations of diets could be fed to goats but the inclusion of Gliricidiaand Ficus at equal level of 50%p produced highest weight gain (37.10g day-1) and supported better performance