Ethnobotanical Survey of Two Medicinal Plants (Heliotropium indicum L., Abrus precatorius L.,) Used in Traditional Medicine in West Africa

Since the time of our ancestors, natural products issued from plant play a therapeutic crucial role. About 25-30% of all medicines (drugs) available for the treatment of diseases are derived from natural products (from plants, animals, bacteria and fungi) or are derivatives of natural products. The aim of this research was to scientifically identify and supply tangible documentation on these two plants employed in the traditional medicine. From November 2020 to February 2021, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted within four markets at the south of Benin, employing a semistructured questionnaire. Two hundred respondents including 80% of females and 20% of males were interviewed. The 2 studied plants are mainly used for different types of sickness related to infections. Females’ herbalists are the most represented. From this research, it appears that the 2 plants are widely used for the treatment of severe infections. On the market, 95% of the leafy steam are sold against 5% of the roots for both plants. The main preparation way is decoction. Oral use is reported to be common in all region. The value of samples sold varies from 200F CFA (Financial Cooperation of Africa) to 1000F CFA. The decoctions are usually obtained through one of a mix of different types of plants. Traditional knowledge is transmitted from one generation to another by oral education. Till today there was no record found. During our study, we did no record prohibition or side effect related to these plants’ use. These medicinal plants occupy a crucial place within the therapeutic arsenal of west Africa. Our results constitute a vital tool to determine the true potentials of these plants. These results could lead to new improved traditional medicine.

Green Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Photocatalytic Applications of ZnO Nanoconjugates Using Heliotropium indicum

In recent years, biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been gaining importance due to their unique properties and tremendous applications. This study aimed to fabricate ZnO NPs by using extracts from various parts of the traditional medicinal plant Heliotropium indicum (H. indicum) and evaluate their photocatalytic activity. Further, their potential in photoluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was assessed. The Ultraviolet-Visible spectrum exhibited a hypsochromic shifted absorption band between 350–380 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed spherical NPs, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed wurtzite, hexagonal and crystalline nature. The TEM and XRD consistently determined an average particle size range from 19 to 53 nm. The photocatalytic degradation reaches a maximum of 95% for biogenic ZnO NPs by monitoring spectrophotometrically the degradation of methylene blue dye (λmax = 662.8 nm) under solar irradiation. Photoluminescence analysis revealed differentiated spectra with high-intensity emission peaks for biogenic ZnO NPs compared with chemically synthesized ZnO NPs. Eventually, the highest efficiency of FRET (80%) was found in ZnO NPs synthesized from the leaves. This remains the first report highlighting the multifunctional ZnO NPs capabilities mediated by using H. indicum, which could lead to important potential environmental and biomedical applications.

Evaluation of Fungicides and Plant Extracts Against Pathogenic Fungi Associated With Basella Spp.

Five fungicides viz., CM 75, Dithane M 45, Knowin 50 WP, Nativo 75 WG and Rovral 50 WP were evaluated against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Drechslera sacchari and Fusarium semitectum following poisoned food technique. Out of five fungicides complete inhibition of radial growth of C. lindemuthianum was observed in Nativo 75 WG at 100 ppm. On the other hand, the complete inhibition of the growth of D. sacchari was observed with Rovral 50 WP at 400 ppm, whereas Nativo 50 WP showed complete growth inhibition at 500 ppm. CM 75 WP, Knowin 50 WP and Nativo 75 WG showed complete growth inhibition of F. semitectum at 100 ppm. Five different plant leaf extracts viz., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Heliotropium indicum L., Lippia alba L., Michelia champaca L. and Thuja occidentalis L. were tested against the test pathogens. Of the five plant leaf extracts, Lippia alba showed the highest growth inhibition in C. lindemuthianum, D. sacchari and F. semitectum at 20% concentration. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 46(1): 81-89, June 2020

Efficacy of Chemical Fungicides and Plant Extracts Against Anthracnose Pathogens of Capsicum Frutescens L.

To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of five fungicides viz., Capvit 50 WP, Contaf 5 EC, Greengel 72 WP, Knowin 72 WP and Score 250 EC as well as five plant extracts viz., Acalypha indica L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Heliotropium indicum L., Lippia alba L. and Magnolia champaca L. at different concentrations were selected against Colletotrichum dematium and C. gloeosporioides following poisoned food technique. Among the five fungicides, Capvit 50 and Score 250 showed the complete growth inhibition of C. dematium whereas Contaf 5 EC showed the complete growth inhibition of C. gloeosporioides at all the concentrations. Contaf 5 was found as the most effective inhibitor against C. dematium. On the other hand, Knowin 72 and Score 250 were found as the most effective fungicides against C. gloeosporioides. A. indica and L. alba showed highest radial growth inhibition of C. dematium and C. gloeosporioides at 20% concentration. Moreover, A. indica and M. champaca also showed desired growth inhibition of the test pathogens. This study paves the way for the management of C. dematium and C. gloeosporioides causing anthracnose disease of chilli. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(2): 437-440, 2021 (June)

Heliotropium indicum L.: From Farm to a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutic Activity

This study aimed to summarize the available data on the ethnomedicinal and phytopharmacological activities of Heliotropium indicum L. based on database reports. For this purpose, an up-to-date literature search was carried out in the Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer Link, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed, Chem Spider, Elsevier, BioMed Central, and patent offices (e.g., USPTO, CIPO, NPI, Google patents, and Espacenet) for the published materials. The findings suggest that the plant contains many important phytochemicals, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, indicine, echinitine, supinine, heleurine, heliotrine, lasiocarpine, acetyl indicine, indicinine, indicine N-oxide, cynoglossine, europine N-oxide, heleurine N-oxide, heliotridine N-oxide, heliotrine N-oxide, heliotrine, volatile oils, triterpenes, amines, and sterols. Scientific reports revealed that the herb showed antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antituberculosis, antiplasmodial, anticataract, antifertility, wound healing, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic, anthelmintic, diuretic, antitussive, antiglaucoma, antiallergic, and larvicidal activity. In conclusion, in vitro studies with animal models seem to show the potential beneficial effects of H. indicum against a wide variety of disorders and as a source of phytotherapeutic compounds. However, clinical studies are necessary to confirm the effects observed in animal models, determine the toxicity of the therapeutic dose and isolate the truly bioactive components.

Comportamento reológico e atividade antimicrobiana de uma formulação tópica contendo extrato de Heliotropium indicum L.

A espécie vegetal Heliotropium indicum L. (Boraginaceae) é utilizada na forma de cataplasma para tratar regiões inflamadas no corpo, devido suas propriedades anti-inflamatória e cicatrizante. Formulações tópicas apresentam inúmeras vantagens para o tratamento de lesões cutâneas, entre elas destaca-se a promoção do efeito local do fármaco quando sua distribuição sistêmica não é desejada. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento reológico e a atividade antimicrobiana de uma formulação semissólida para uso tópico contendo o extrato de H. indicum. Metodologia: Para obtenção do gel, foi desenvolvido uma formulação contendo hidroxietilcelulose (1,5%) e o extrato. A formulação foi submetida ao estudo da estabilidade preliminar, de acordo com o guia de estabilidade de produtos cosméticos (ANVISA), comportamento reológico e atividade antimicrobiana através do método de disco-difusão em meio sólido. A formulação foi submetida em estufa (45 ± 2°C) e a temperatura ambiente (25 ± 2°C), para avaliação do estresse térmico. As leituras do comportamento reológico do gel foram mensuradas em velocidade crescente e decrescente pela velocidade versus tensão de cisalhamento e pela viscosidade aparente versus velocidade de cisalhamento. Resultados: Não houve desestruturação da cadeia polimérica do gel e a formulação apresentou o comportamento de material pseudoplástico e tixotrópico, com atividade antimicrobiana frente cepas de Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29913), nas concentrações de 500 e 250 mg/mL. Conclusão: A formulação manteve-se estável, apresentando um decréscimo na viscosidade aparente com aumento da taxa de cisalhamento, comum de sistemas contendo polímeros em dispersão, e uma promissora aplicação para tratamento de infecções cutâneas.

Compendious Review on Bioactive Constituents and Pharmacotherapeutic Profile of Heliotropium indicum Linn.

: Heliotropium indicum Linn. (syn. Tiaridium indicum) is a widespread plant that grows like a weed and is commonly termed as ‘Hatisundu’ (Family: Heliotropiaceae, Subfamily: Boraginaceae). The plant is endogenous to Southern America and has been naturalized in North America, Africa, Asia and Australia. It is utilized worldwide owing to its ethnomedical significance. The folklore uses of the plant include uterine stimulant, antifertility, diuretic agent and many more. The widespread literature studies reveal that the plant possesses varied pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antinociceptive, anti-ulcer, anti-glaucoma, anti-tuberculosis, and anti-plasmodial and wound healing. The wild occurrence of this species worldwide provides an opportunity to utilize this plant to paramount levels in treating diverse ailments. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive account of phytochemicals present in the different parts of the plant which are in turn responsible for its therapeutic potential.

Étude ethnobotanique des plantes alimentaires utilisées en médecine traditionnelle dans la région Maritime du Togo

Les plantes alimentaires contiennent des principes actifs doués de diverses propriétés médicinales pouvant intervenir dans le traitement de nombreuses maladies. Cette étude est consacrée au recensement des plantes ayant des potentiels nutritionnel et thérapeutique dans la région Maritime du Togo, dans le but de la valorisation de ces plantes. De juin à septembre 2017, une enquête ethnobotanique, basée sur l’utilisation des interviews individuelles à l'aide d'un questionnaire semi-structuré, a été réalisée auprès de 101 Praticiens de la Médecine Traditionnelle. Au total 86 espèces végétales appartenant à 72 genres et 36 familles ont été identifiées. Les Fabaceae et les Solanaceae (7 espèces chacune) ont été les plus représentées. Les espèces les plus citées ont été Ocimum gratissimum L. (10,48%), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (6,71%), Lactuca taraxacifolia (Willd.) Schum. (6,08%) et Heliotropium indicum L. (5,66%). Les feuilles (77,85%), les fruits (5,63%) et les racines (4,26%) sont les organes les plus utilisées sur 799 recettes inventoriées. La principale forme galénique reste la sauce (51,19%) et le mode principal d’administration est la voie orale (90,74%). Concernant les maladies traitées, les affections du tube digestif sont au premier rang (43,80%) suivies par des affections cardiovasculaires (13,52%). Cette étude fournie une base de données sur des plantes ayant des potentiels nutritionnel et thérapeutique au Togo.Mots clés : Alicaments, potentiels nutritionnel et thérapeutique, sécurité alimentaire, Togo. English title: Ethnobotanical study of some food plants used in traditional medicine in the Maritime region of TogoFood plants contain active substances with various medicinal properties that can be used to treat many diseases. This study is devoted to the inventory of plants with nutritional and therapeutic potential in Maritime region of Togo, with the aim of promoting these plants. From June to September 2017, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 101 Traditional Medicine Practitioners through individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 86 plants species belonging to 72 genera and 36 families were identified. Fabaceae and Solanaceae (7 species each) were the most represented. The most cited species were Ocimum gratissimum L. (10.48%), Vernonia amygdalina Delile (6.71%), Lactuca taraxacifolia (Willd.) Schum. (6.08%) and Heliotropium indicum L. (5.66%). The leaves (77.85%), fruits (5.63%) and roots (4.26%) were the most plant parts used out of 799 inventoried recipes. The main dosage form remains the sauce (51.19%) and the main mode of administration is the oral route (90.74%). Regarding the treated diseases, the digestive disorders are in first place (43.80%), followed by cardiovascular diseases (13.52%). This study provides a database of plants with nutritional and therapeutic potential in Togo.Keywords: Food plants, nutritional and therapeutic potentials, food security, Togo.

Phytochemical and Toxicological Effect of Ethanol Extract of Heliotropium Indicum on Liver of Male Albino Rats

Heliotropium indicum is a plant of the Boraginaceae family reported to have multiple beneficial health effects, including analgesic, anti-malaria, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, amongst others. 42 Male Wistar rats were used for this study. Group A served as control and received distilled water only. Groups B, C, D, E, and F were fed with the extract of Heliotropium Indicum in different concentrations. (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 1500 mg/kg 2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg) respectively. This study showed that Heliotropium indicum contains phytochemicals such as saponins tannins, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids. Our results revealed that Heliotropium indicum decreased the ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin levels, especially at doses from 1500 mg/kg B.W. Also, inflammatory cytokine expressions were significantly reduced at similar doses. However, the level of antioxidants (GSH, CAT, GST, SOD, GPx) were significantly increased by Heliotropium indicum administration at doses ranging from 1500 mg/kg to 3000 mg/kg. The antioxidative potentials of Heliotropium indicum are further complemented by its ability to reduce inflammatory cytokine expression, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 as well as NO and LPO. Ethanol extract of Heliotropium indicum at doses between 1500 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory effects and can counteract lipid peroxidation.