Composition, nutritional value and uses of Ricinodendron heudelotii, Vitex doniana and Cleome gynandra seed oil, three indigenous oil species sources of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids: a review

Ricinodendron heudelotii, Vitex doniana and Cleome gynandra are three indigenous species of Benin/West Africa. This review focuses on the physicochemical characteristics of their seeds and the nutritional and functional properties of their oils. In this systematic review, scientific articles and reports were used to collect information. The minima, maxima and mean values were considered and converted into a dry basis and/or the same units by using the international system of units when needed to allow comparison. Seeds of Ricinodendron,Vitex and Cleome fat contents were 51.83 g/100 g dw, 28.55 g/100 g dw and 27.35 g/100 g dw, respectively. The three seed oils contained 58.54 to 87% mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Ricinodendron seed oil contained a conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acid α-eleostearic acid (49.3–51.1%). Data varied from one author to another due to the methods used. R. heudelotii seeds oil is traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases. Its oil showed phytochemical and antimicrobial properties suggesting its possible use in pharmaceutical industries. Ricinodendron and Vitex seed oil should not be used for cooking at high temperatures or frying because of their high and medium levels of unsaturation.

Synergistic Effect of Docetaxel Plus Saponin Fraction of Vitex doniana on Prostate Specific Antigen and p53 in Nitrsobis (2-oxopropyl) Amine-induced Prostate Toxicity

Aim: This study investigated the synergistic effect of docetaxel plus saponin fraction of Vitex doniana on prostate specific antigen and p53 in nitrsobis (2-oxopropyl) amine-induced prostate toxicity in Wistar rat. Methodology: Twenty-four (24) male Wistar rats with elevated serum prostate specific antigen level were selected from a group of sixty (60) rats pretreated with subcutaneous Nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine 5 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks. The selected 24 male Wistar rats were then grouped into 6 groups of four (4) rats each. Group 1 was given 1ml normal saline daily from day 1-28. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 further received subcutaneous nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine 5 mg/kg daily from day 1-28. In addition, groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were given weekly intravenous docetaxel 8 mg/kg on day 15 and 22. In addition to docetaxel, groups 4, 5, and 6 were further treated with oral saponin at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg, respectively, daily, from day 15-28. Immunoenzymometric assay method was used for analysis of blood sample for prostate specific antigen. The prostate tissues were subjected to immuno study using the ImmunoCruz Staining System (Lab Vision Corporation, Fremont, CA, USA). The quantitative evaluation of p53 was done by calculating the percentages of p53-immunostained nuclei (labeling index). Results: Significant increase in prostate specific antigen and p53 expression were observed in group 2 (treated with Nitrsobis (2-oxopropyl) amine alone) when compared with group 1 (control). Dose dependent decrease in prostate specific antigen and p53 expression were observed in groups 4, 5, and 6, treated with docetaxel 8 mg/kg plus 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg of saponin respectively. Conclusion: Docetaxel plus Saponin fraction of Vitex doniana significantly reduced the serum prostate specific antigen concentration and p53 expression in a dose dependent manner, with the group treated with 750 mg/kg showing the highest decrease in the parameters tested.

Evaluation of the antioxidant potentials of extract and fractions of Vitex doniana fruit and identification of the bioactive metabolites using HPLC-DAD-MS analysis

Isoflavones and flavonoids in general found in fruits and vegetable act as natural antioxidants. This study was aimed at screening the isoflavone-rich fractions of Vitex doniana fruit extract for antioxidant activity using in vitro and in vivo models. The ethyl acetate and butanol fractions were screened for in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH free radical scavenging and FRAP (Fe3+ Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays using ascorbic acid as standard. In vivo antioxidant activity was also tested against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in mice using carbon tetrachloride (4 mL/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg) as standard. The ethyl acetate fraction and butanol Vacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) sub-fractions were subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses. The ethyl acetate and butanol fractions inhibited DPPH radicals with an IC50 of 897 µg/mL and 2809.38 µg/mL respectively. Both fractions also showed mild FRAP result with EC50 of 1401 µg/mL and 7051 µg/mL respectively. The fractions produced significant decrease (P < 0.05) in ALP levels only while ethyl acetate fraction caused a significant reduction in the value of only malondialdehyde. Both fractions also increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD). HPLC-DAD analysis led to the detection of cinnamic acid, protocatechuic acid and two isoflavones daidzein and genistein. Further LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the isoflavones tectorigenin, 5-O-methylgenistein, and 5-O-methyltectorigenin, among other flavonoids, peonidin, 5-methylpeonidin, methylmalvidin and kaempferol-3-O-(2''galloyl)-glucopyranoside. The detected isoflavones and other flavonoids may contribute to the observed mild in vitro and good in vivo antioxidant activity of V. doniana fruit extract and fractions.

Characterisation and grading of four selected timber species grown in Nigeria in accordance with Bs 5268

This study presents a development of strength classes for Vitex doniana, Diospyros mespliformis, Parkia biglobosa and Isoberlinia doka, northern Nigeria timber species in accordance with BS 5268-2 (2002) and NCP 2 (1973). The specimens for the experimental measurements were obtained from timber-sheds in Zaria, Kaduna - Northern part of Nigeria. The laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the selected timber species. The specimens were prepared in accordance with BS 373 for small clear specimens for the determination of physical and mechanical properties. Flexural strength properties were determined using three point bending test. Adjustment was made on the mechanical properties at moisture content of 12% and 18% in conformity with BS 5268-2 (2002) and NCP2 (1973) respectively. The laboratory data were analyzed using data analysis tool pack in Microsoft excel 2019 to generate the mean, coefficients of variation and theoretical distribution models which form the uncertainty models. Basic and grade stresses were also computed using experimental failure stresses. The selected timber species were then classified using the grade bending stress, density and mean modulus of elasticity obtained. Vitex doniana, Diospyros mespliformis, Parkia biglobosa and Isoberlinia doka were assigned to strength classes D30, D40, C40 and D30 in accordance with BS 5268-2 (2002) respectively. Similarly, in accordance with the NCP 2 (1973), these species belong to N4, N3, N4 and N3 respectively. The results obtained show that Vitex doniana, Diospyros mespliformis and Isoberlinia doka are hardwoods whereas, only Parkia biglobosa is a softwood species.

Ecdysteroids from the Stem Bark of Vitex doniana Sweet (Lamiaceae; ex. Verbenaceae): A Geographically Variable African Medicinal Species

Vitex doniana Sweet is an African medicinal species that is prescribed as an aqueous bark extract to be applied topically or orally to achieve anti-infective outcomes. In select regions it is also taken orally as an antimalarial agent. The aim of the current study was to explore the biological properties of V. doniana and isolated compounds in the context of pathogenic bacteria and the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Three compounds were isolated and assigned by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as ecdysteroids: (1) 20-hydroxyecdysone, (2) turkesterone, and (3) ajugasterone C. Interestingly, two of these compounds had not previously been identified in V. doniana, providing evidence of chemical variability between regions. The bark extract and three ecdysteroids were screened for activity against a panel of pathogenic bacteria associated with skin, stomach and urinary tract infections, and the protozoan parasite P. falciparum. The crude extract of the bark inhibited all bacterial strains with MIC values of 125–250 μg.mL−1. The three isolated compounds demonstrated less activity with MIC values of 500–1000 μg.mL−1. Furthermore, no activity was observed against P. falciparum at the screening concentration of 4.8 μg.mL−1. Nevertheless, we present a hypothesis for the possible mechanism for symptomatic relief of malarial fever, which may involve reduction of prostaglandin E(1) & E(2) activity in the hypothalamus via modulation of the monoaminergic system. While further studies are required to identify all antimicrobial agents within this plant species and to determine the cytotoxicity of each of these compounds, these data suggest that the traditional application of this species as an antiseptic is valid.

Composition, nutritional value and uses of Ricinodendron heudelotii, Vitex doniana and Cleome gynandra seeds oil, three indigenous oil species: a review

Ricinodendron heudelotii, Vitex doniana and Cleome gynandra are three indigenous species whose seeds contain oil that can provide interesting alternatives to conventional seed oil species. This review focused on the physicochemical characteristics of their seeds and the nutritional properties of the extracted oils. Scientific articles and reports were collected and needed information was extracted and synthesized. Ricinodendron seed oil is higher (51.83 mg/100 g) than that of Vitex (28.55 mg/100 g) and Cleome (27.35 mg/100 g). The three seed oils are polyunsaturated oils. Ricinodendron seed oil is composed mainly of linoleic acid (28.3-51.1%). Cleome seeds oil is mainly composed of linoleic acid (56.3% -61.1%) and oleic acid (19.6-23.9%). Ricinodendron seed oil can be used for the preparation of fast drying binder and resins. Vitex seed oil can be used for the production of resin, paint and skin cream production. No application of Cleome seed oil has been stated.

Contraceptive Activity of Vitex doniana Stem Bark Methanol Extract in Female Albino Rats

Aims: The acceptability and accessibility of modern contraceptive drugs are limited especially in northern Nigeria. These contraceptives also have numerous side effects hence there is need to search for safe natural alternatives from medicinal plants. This research was aimed at evaluating the contraceptive effect of stem bark methanol extract of Vitex doniana in female albino rats. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Science, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Between August 2019 to July 2020. Methodology: Vitex doniana stem bark was extracted with methanol and the extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. Acute toxicity (LD50) of V. doniana stem bark extract was determined using up and down method and anti-fertility effect was evaluated via (anti-ovulation, anti-implantation and serum hormonal assay). Results: The results for phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, glycoside, balsam and volatile oil. The LD50 of the extract was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg as no mortality or any sign of toxicity are recorded within 14 days. The anti-fertility studies, methanol stem bark extract of Vitex doniana showed anti-ovulation activity through alteration of estrous cycle, changes in the histology of ovarian corpus luteum and decreasing number of follicles of extract treatment groups compared to control. Serum hormonal assay showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in oestrogen and progesterone level respectively in the extract treated groups compared to control group. Also, anti-implantation effect was observed in drug treated group (levenogesterel) and group treated with 400 mg/kg of V. doniana stem bark as there was no evidence of conception. Conclusion: The present study revealed that methanol stem bark extract of Vitex doniana is relatively nontoxic at acute dose and possess a moderate amount of antifertility agent.

RESPONSE OF SELECTED TREE SEEDLINGS TO ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE (Meloidogyne incognita)

Root-knot nematodes have been implicated in poor growth and death of trees in the nursery and newly established forest plantations. Cultivating resistant tree species is one of the viable methods in the management of nematode pests once they are identified. A pot experiment laid out in completely randomized design was conducted to screen fifteen selected tree seedlings for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita. Each tree seedling was replicated eight times and was grown on a steam-sterilized soil. The seedlings were inoculated each with 7,000 eggs of Meloidogyne incognita at four weeks after planting. Data were collected on plant height and stem girth at 12 weeks after inoculation. At termination, data were also collected on gall index (GI), final nematode population (Pf) and reproductive factor (RF). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. Resistance or susceptibility status was assigned with Canto-Saenz host designation scheme. There was variability in the growth of the tree seedlings. Simphonia africana had the highest GI, Pf and RF of 3.3, 54,500 and 22.07, respectively and these values were significantly higher than values from other seedlings. Six tree seedlings; Simphonia africana, Theobroma cacao, Gmelina arborea, Piptadeniastrum africana, Chrysophyluum albidium and Parkia biglobosa were found to be susceptible to M. incognita, while six (Tetrapleura tetraptera, Anacardium occidentale, Annonas muricata, Dinium guinensis and Vitex doniana) were found to be resistant and three (Treculia africana, Mangifera indica and Dacryodes edulis) were tolerant. Resistant tree seedlings should be planted in M. incognita-infested plantation and susceptible species should be treated even in