Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of Momordica charantia and Vernonia amygdalina extracts on some selected enteric isolates

Background:This research focuses on herbal medicine,an ancient healthcare practice,exploring the antibacterial attributes of fresh and dried leaf extracts from Momordica charantia(commonly known as Bitter melon)and Vernonia amygdalina(Bitter leaf).The study specifically investigates their effects on different bacterial strains associated with gastroenteritis.Methods:Four enteric bacterial isolates-Klebsiella pneumoniae,Salmonella typhi,Escherichia coli,and Proteus mirabilis-were obtained from the Medical Laboratory Unit at Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilishan-Remo,Ogun State.Phytochemical screening and antibacterial testing were conducted using standard biochemical techniques and the Punch-hole agar diffusion method,respectively.Results:Qualitative phytochemical screening of the plant extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids,glycosides,and saponin in both plants,excluding terpenoids.Alkaloids were identified only in Vernonia amygdalina.Despite these phytochemicals,neither plant displayed inhibitory effects on the tested bacterial isolates(Escherichia coli,Proteus mirabilis,Klebsiella pneumoniae,and Salmonella typhi)when tested individually or in combination.Intriguingly,combining the fresh and dried leaf extracts of Momordica charantia and Vernonia amygdalina with a standard drug resulted in smaller mean zone diameters of inhibition(Escherichia coli range:14 mm–16 mm,Proteus mirabilis range:31 mm–35 mm,Klebsiella pneumoniae range:13 mm–22 mm,and Salmonella typhi range:35 mm–38 mm)compared to the drug tested alone(16 mm–45 mm).Conclusion:Despite previous indications of antibacterial properties in various extracts of V.amygdalina and M.charantia leaves,our study presents contradictory results,prompting the need for further investigation despite the presence of significant phytochemicals.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of extract of Vernonia Amygdalina

Objective:To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of Vernonia amygdalina (V.A).Methods:Inflammatory response was induced by topical application of croton oil dissolved in suitable vehicle on the rat ear.After 6 hrs,cutting out the ear quantitated the response.The cut ear was weighed and the increase in weight relative to control group was evaluated.Results:When co-applied with croton oil to the rat ear extract of V.A.produced a reduction in the inflammatory response when croton oil alone was applied to the rat ear.The extract produced(69.1 +2.0)%reduction of the inflammatory response produced by croton oil alone,lower than the reduction of the inflammatory response produced by acetyl salicylic acid[(71.1±2.0)%].Conclusions:This finding suggests that extract of V.A.exhibits antiinflammatory activity and may explain the usefulness of the leaves of this plant in the treatment of inflammatory disease conditions by traditional healers.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Vernonia patula(Dryand.)Merr.

Objective:To investigate the inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethanolie extract of aerial part of Vernonia patula(Dryand.)Merr(EAV).Methods:The anti-inflammatory activity of EAV was studied using carrageenan and histamine-induced rat paw edema test at different doses(100.200 and 400 mg/kg body weight).DPPH free radical scavenging,nitric oxide scavenging,reducing power and Fe^(2+)ion chelating ability were used for determining antioxidant activities.Results:The EAV,at the dose of 400 mg/kg,showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity(P<0.01)both in the carrageenan and histamine-induced oedema test models in rats,showing62.86%and 64.42%reduction in the paw volume comparable to that produced by the standard drug indomethacin(67.26%and 66.01%)at 5 h respectively.In DPPH free radical scavenging test,IC_(50)value for EAV was found fairly significant 36.59μg/mL when compared to the IC_(50)value of the reference standards ascorbic acid 8.97μg/mL.The IC_(50)values of the extract and ascorbic acid were 47.72 and 12.39μg/mL,respectively in nitric oxide scavenging assay.The IC_(50)value of the EAV(33.59μg/mL)as percentage of Fe^(2+)ion chelating ability was also found significant compared to that of EDTA(9.16μg/mL).The maximum absorbance for reducing power assay was found to be1.928 at 100μg/mL when compared to 2.449 for standard ascorbic acid.The total phenolic content was 198.81 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent.Acute toxicity test showed that the plant might be safe for pharmacological uses up to a dose level of 3200 mg/kg of body weight in rats.Conclusions:Therefore,the obtained results suggest the acute anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the EAV and thus provide the scientific basis for the traditional uses of this plant part as a remedy for inflammations.

Effect of Preservation on Two Different Varieties of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>Del. (Bitter) Leaves

Vernonia amygdalina Del. is one of the leafy vegetables that can be used in an attempt to alleviate the problem of micronutrient malnutrition, prominent in tropical Africa. In order to ensure availability in non-growing areas or seasons, the vegetable needs to be preserved. Processing and preservation methods influence the nutrient content of vegetables. The present study was aimed at determining the effects of preservation on two different varieties of V. amygdalina (bitter) leaves (broad and small leaves). To this effect, evaluations were made on the chlorophyll content, phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity of the two varieties of bitter leaf (V. amygdalina Del.) stored at 4℃ and –20℃ over a period of two weeks. Results showed a significant decrease in all parameters studied for both varieties at –20℃ except for the free radical reducing power (FRAP), DPPH radical scavenging activity (%RSA) and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity (%RSA) of V. amygdalina broad leaves where increase in scavenging activity was observed. Thus, it was concluded that to preserve the chlorophyll, phenol, total soluble proteins and reducing sugar levels, preservation at 4℃ is recommended. The present study finding would be useful during short-term preservation of bitter leaves for soup preparation and/or its aqueous extract for ethnomedicinal purposes, especially the small leaf variety.

Immunological effect of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina and a known immune booster called immunace and their admixtures on HIV/AIDS clients:a comparative study

Objective:To investigate the immunological effect of Vernonia amygdalina(V.amygdalina) leaf extract and immunace on HIV infected patients taking highly active antiretrwiral therapy. Methods:Fresh V.amygdalina leaves were collected within Nsukka area in Enugu State.The leaves were rinsed with distilled water.Two handful of cleaned fresh leaves were soaked in 200 mL water and squeezed gently by hand to a mixture.Clients were divided into four groups and each group was given different combination.They took the medication for four weeks.The immune effect was tested against marketed immune booster in some retroviral clients.Results:The mean absolute CD4 count was increased in the client who took the extract or supplement.And the clients who took both the extract and supplement had a greater increase in the CD4 count.The increased CD4 was significant as compared with the control group(P<0.05).The skin rashes were also improved in the entire groups.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of V.amygdalina and immunace or both have immunological effect on HIV infected patients. Therefore,we suggest that the V.amygdalina extract or immunace or both could be used as adjuvant in the management of HIV/AIDS clients.

Two new compounds from the stem of Vernonia cumingiana

Two new compounds vemonioside S and vemoniether S were isolated from the stem of Vernonia cumingiana, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidences.

<i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>—Induced Growth Arrest and Apoptosis of Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of women in the United States. Fortunately, the mortality rate from breast cancer has decreased in recent years due to an increased emphasis on early detection and more effective treatments. Although great advancements have been made in the treatment and control of cancer progression, significant deficiencies and room for improvement remain. The central objective of this research was to further determine the in vitro mechanisms of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaf extracts as an anticancer candidate for the treatment of breast cancer. To achieve our objective, MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of VA for 24 hand 48 h. Cell viability, live and dead cells were determined by the means of trypan blue exclusion test. Live and dead cells were further evaluated by propidium iodine (PI) assay using the Cellometer Vision. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry assessment using annexin V/PI kit. Data obtained from the trypan blue test demonstrated that VA treatment reduces cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Result of the PI assay showed a gradual increase in the population of necrotic cells (fluorescence positive cells) in VA-treated cells compared to the control cells (fluorescence negative cells). Treatment of these cancer cells (MCF-7) for 48 h at concentrations ranging from 250 μg/mL to 1000 μg/mL caused early signs of apoptosis resulting from phosphatidylserine externalization as judged by annexin V assay. We observed a strong concentration-response relationship with regard to VA exposure and annexin V/PI positive cells. In summary, our finding demonstrates that VA-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells involve phosphatidylserine externalization accompanied by secondary necrotic cell death. With previous findings in our laboratory, the data generated in the present study confirms that VA is a valuable botanical therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.

Investigation of Gamma-Emitting Natural Radioactive Contents in Three Types of Vernonia Consumed in Cameroon

The specific activity concentration and the derived Annual Effective Dose(AED) in three types of vernonia cultivated and consumed within and outside Cameroon were measured by means of a well-calibrated high-purity germanium detector. Vernonia samples were collected directly from the production farms, oven-dried to a constant mass, crushed, sieved and sealed for at least a month before analysis. The specific activity of 238U in the three types of vernonia ranged from 20 - 50 Bq kg-1 with an average of 42 ± 15 Bq kg-1, 232Th from 9 - 22 Bq kg-1 with an average of 17 ± 7 Bq kg-1 while 40K ranged from 115 - 460 Bq kg-1 with an average of 302 ± 36 Bq kg-1. The average AED for 40K, 238U and 232Th were 0.15, 0.92 and 0.92μSv y-1 respectively. 238U and 232Th show the same trends both for the regional distribution of the radioactivity content and the AED. The discrepancies in our data can be attributed to many factors such as geological formation, foliar deposition, type and age of the plant, etc. Although the results obtained represent only some fractions of the standard limit, but they are within some range obtained in other countries.

Antidiabetic fallacy of Vernonia amygdalina(bitter leaves) in human diabetes

Objective:Aim of present study is to scientifically,verify the antidiabetic activity/potency of Vernonia amygdalina in human diabetes.Methods:A search was made at Nnewi,South - East Nigeria for known diabetes who use Vernonia amygdalina either as their sole or supplementary antidiabetic.A total of ten volunteers comprising, eight females and two males were recruited.They were all of age range of 36-50 and average weight of 78 kg and suffering from non - insulin form of diabetes.The purpose of the study was explained to them and their consent obtained.They were asked not to take any other antidiabetic outside Vernonia amygdalina throughout the four weeks study period.There was however,no form of restrictions to their choice of diet or life style. They were requested to abstain from any drugs a week prior to commencement of study.Their prescriber’s dosage range was followed and minimum daily dose of 210 mL(approximately 220 mg of dry extract) was administered in Week-1,followed by daily dose of 420 mL(440 mg) in Week-2.In Week-3 they received 630 mL (660 mg) daily dose and in Week-4,they received daily dose of 840 mL(880 mg).Their fasting blood sugar were estimated pre-crude drug administration and on weekly basis for the four week study period.Their weekly weights were measured to check for possible weight gain or loss.Results were subjected to statistical analysis and Students T-Test was used to calculate P-value.P-value≤0.05 were considered significant.Results:It was observed that all the volunteers in the study group were taking Vernonia amygdalina only as supplementary. Two volunteers dropped out of the study at the end of Week-3 leaving us with 8 in Week-4.There was no significant bodyweight change within the four week study.The starting mean fasting blood sugar which was 133.3 mg/dL(7.41 mmol/L) rose to 136.6 mg/dL(7.59 mmol/L) in Week-1,to 149.5 mg/dL(8.31 mmol/L) in Week-2 and to 166.5 mg/dL(9.30 mmol/L) in Week-3.Week-4 had us left with 8 volunteers with a mean of 190.6 mg/dL(10.59 mmol/L).There was significant differences in increase in sugar levels between the pre-crade extract administration and treatment period with Vernonia amygdalina(P≤0.05 for Week-1,Ps?0.02 for Week-2,P^0.01 for Week-3 and PssO.001 for Week-4).Conclusion:Claims of antidiabetic efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina in human diabetes are scientifically non verifiable based on our work hence these claims are false.We also feel bold to state that we could not demonstrate any antidiabetic activity of Vernonia amygdalina in human subjects.We recommend that NAFDAC and all relevant agencies must sit up and control all forms advertorial on Medicinal plants until such are well studied and proven.

Antiarthritic activity of Vernonia amygdalina in albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the antiarthritic activity of water extract of leaves of Vernonia amygdalina(V.A.) on arthritis induced model of rats.Methods:Arthritis was induced in male albino Wister rats by injection of croton oil(0.1 mL) into the left foot pad of the animals.Treatment with V.A.at 200 and 400 mg/kg and standard Indomethacin(0.3 mg/kg) was started on the same day and continued up to the 12th day.The paw volume was measured on the 1st,5th,12th and 21st day,respectively for both the paws and anti-arthritic activity was evaluated.Results:The extract of V.A.produced reduction in the inflammation of the paw due to croton oil.The antiarthritic action started on the 5th day and continued till the 12th day and the activity was comparable to that of the standard on both days.V.A.significantly inhibited adjuvant induced arthritis and had significant ant-inflammatory effect(P【0.05).Conclusion:This report therefore clearly showed that V.A.significantly inhibited adjuvant induced arthritis in rats as it significantly reduced the paw volume on the 12th day and may explain the effectiveness of this plant when used in the tropics for the treatment of arthritis.

Adsorption and Thermodynamics Study of the Inhibition of Corrosion of Mild Steel In H₂SO₄Medium Using <i>Vernonia Amygdalina</i>

In this work, adsorption and thermodynamics study of the inhibition of corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4 medium using Vernonia amygdalina was carried out. The inhibitive and adsorptive properties of ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina for the corrosion of mild steel in 0.2 M H2SO4 solutions was investigated using weight loss technique. The result has proved that that the extract is a good inhibitor of corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4. The inhibition efficiencies ranged from 23.37 to 38.59% and from 22.45 to 35.78% at 303 and 323K respectively. The inhibition efficiency of the extract decreased as temperature and time of immersion increased but increased with increase in concentration of extract. The adsorption of the inhibitor on surface of mild steel was found to be exothermic, spontaneous and consistent with the mechanism of physical adsorption as the value for heat of adsorption ranged from -2.12 to -4.87KJ mol–1. The adsorption data fitted well to Langmuir, Temkin, Frumkin and Flory-Huggins adsorption isotherms.

Study on Cultivation Techniques for Vernonia anthelmintica Willd

This article focuses on the cultivation techniques and harvesting of Vernonia anthelmintica Willd.At present,the domestic cultivation of V.anthelmintica Willd has not formed a scale,characterized with low seed yield and high harvesting cost.Therefore,it is of great significance to carry out research on the cultivation techniques and yield improvement of V.anthelmintica Willd.

Plant Growth Regulators, Light and Temperature Influenced Micropropagation and Successful Field Establishment of Vernonia amygdalina Del.

Vernonia amygdalina Del. is a tropical species susceptible to frost which is an annual phenomenon of the winter season of the Eastern Cape. Limited populations of the species arc in the province dieback during the winter period, thereby making large scale cultivation through conventional vegetative propagation impossible. In our effort to increasing the population of the species within the province, a micropropagation approach through tissue culture teehnology was employed. Two growth regulators （BAP ＆ NAA） were tested at four levels of concentration under continuous light and dark conditions. Plantlets were subsequently transferred to the field after acclimatization at different temperature conditions. The result of the study showed that BAP generally performs better than NAA for callus induction under continuous darkness, while direct micropropagation of shoot under continuous light condition at I mg L^-1BAP showed the best result. To achieve greater success for the rapid multiplication of the species, this study further demonstrates that the optimum temperature range for acclimatizing the species prior to the transfer of the plantlet to the field is between 23 ±3 ℃.

Effects of Seeding Rate and Light on the Seed Yield and Bioactive Ingredient Contents of Vernonia anthelmintica

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of seeding rate and light on the seed yield and active ingredients of Vernonia anthelmintica.[Methods]With V.anthelmintica L.Willd as the research object,the seed yield was determined by staged harvesting combined with the actual cutting and measuring method;and the caffeoylquinic acids(CQA)were used as the characterization indexes,and high performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the contents of 3,4-CQA,3,5-CQA and 4,5-CQA of V.anthelmintica seeds under different seeding rate+light treatments,so as to compare the changes in seed yield and chemical composition of V.anthelmintica under different seeding rates and light factors.[Results]In Moyu County,Hetian and similar areas,the suitable planting rate of V.anthelmintica was in the range of 13.5-15.0 kg/hm^(2).For different harvesting purposes,the optimal seeding rate and light conditions of V.Anthelmintica were different.[Conclusions]The seeding rate and light conditions can be used to interfere with the seed yield and quality of V.anthelmintica.

Determination of Content of Hyperin and Luteolin in Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less.

[Objectives]To determine the content of hyperin and luteolin in Vernonia cinerea(L.)Less.,and to provide basic experimental data for experimental research and clinical application of V.cinerea(L.)Less.[Methods]The components to be determined were extracted by ultrasonic extraction,and the hyperin and luteolin in V.cinerea(L.)Less.were separated and determined by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography(chromatographic conditions:reverse C 18 column,methanol-0.4%phosphoric acid as mobile phase for gradient elution,flow rate of 1.0 mL/min,detector wavelength of 360 nm).[Results]The precision and repeatability of the experimental method were good,and the solution of V.cinerea(L.)Less.was stable within 18 h.There was a good linear relationship between the injection volume of hyperin and luteolin and the chromatographic peak area within the prescribed range,and the recovery rate was qualified.The content of hyperin and luteolin in V.cinerea(L.)Less.was 0.0665 mg/g(n=3)and 0.1004 mg/g(n=3),respectively.[Conclusions]The experimental method is sensitive,specific,stable,accurate and reliable,and can be used for the determination of hyperin and luteolin in V.cinerea(L.)Less.

EVALUATING THE CLEANSING EFFICIENCY OF AN EXTENDED LIVING FAÇADE DRAPED WITH VERNONIA ELAEAGNIFOLIA

Nature has its own astonishing capability to naturally cleanse the environment.Living green drapes on buildings look elegant and can provide sustainable solu-tions in congested cities.The Vellore Institute of Technology in India promotes green values within the country.Although the campus is lush and verdant,its ever growing student population precipitated an increase in public thoroughfare causing air pollution.To partially alleviate this problem,walls of a subway connecting the main academic campus and the hostel premises are draped with Vernonia elaegni-folia creeper;this is aesthetically elegant and was found to be efficient in capturing much of the vehicular pollution within the subway.An experimental investigation clubbed with an Ecotect analysis helped ascertain the optimal duration of the tem-perature drop across the subway.The analysis also predicts an annual savings of 36000 USD per hostel block.A detailed Scanning Electron Microscopic analyses coupled with Spectrophotometry established the deposition pattern of sulphates and nitrates.It is expected that the results of this analysis will promote the use of green facades in this sun drenched country.

Anti-inflammatory germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones from Vernonia sylvatica

Nine new germacranolides,sylvaticalides A−H(1-9),and three known analogues(10-12)were isolated from the aeri-al part of Vernonia sylvatica.Their structures were established using comprehensive spectroscopic analysis,including high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy(HR-ESI-MS)and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectra.Their absolute configurations were determined by X-ray diffraction experiments.The anti-inflammatory activities of all isolated compounds were as-sessed by evaluating their inhibitory effects on the nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)pathway,which was activated by lipopolysacchar-ide(LPS)-stimulated human THP1-Dual cells,and the interferon-stimulated gene(ISG)pathway,activated by STING agonist MSA-2 in the same cell model.Compounds 1,2 and 6 showed inhibitory effects on the NF-κB and ISG signaling pathways,with IC_(50)values ranging from 4.12 to 10.57μmol·L^(−1).

Therapeutic Benefits of Vernonia amygdalina in the Treatment of Inflammation and Its Associated Diseases

Background:In the presence of a stimulus that disrupts homeostasis,the body elicits a response known as in-flammation.The inflammatory response is expected to restore the normal functioning of the body and initiate healing where necessary.However,the persistent activity of acute inflammation results in chronic inflammation which causes adverse consequences associated with diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.In traditional medical practice,Vernonia amygdalina is used to treat several ailments such as malaria,fever,diabetes,and inflammatory conditions such as those related to pain and swelling.Objective:This review seeks to explore and discuss the therapeutic benefits of V.amygdalina in the treatment of inflammation and its associated diseases.Methods:We reviewed the scientific literature indexed in PubMed,ScienceDirect and Springer,and discussed the reported anti-inflammatory properties of V.amygdalina and its curative activity in inflammation-associated diseases.Results:A total of 30 published articles were identified describing the therapeutic effect of V.amygdalina in predominately experimental models.The anti-inflammatory properties of V.amygdalina have been linked to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents predominantly present in the leaves of the plant.Conclusions:Multiple studies have demonstrated that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of V.amygdalina can inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes in inflammatory cells,reducing inflammation and its associated complications.We critically appraise the current evidence,and discuss the potential use of this medicinal plant in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Chemical Constituents of the Roots of Vernonia cumingiana Benth.

To search for new and bioactive constituents from traditional Chinese medicines, a new steroidal saponin, named vernonioside G （1）, was isolated from the roots of Vernonia cumingiana Benth. （Compositae）. The structure of vernonioside G was elucidated using spectral methods, particularly two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Together with the new compound, eight known compounds were also isolated and identified from the roots of V. cumingiana, among which, VE-1 （2） and 24-methylenelanost-9（11）- en-3β-ol acetate （3） were assigned NMR data for the first time and compound 3 was obtained as a natural product from a plant for the first time.

Hypoglycemic efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina compared with insulin and glibenclamide in type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ diabetic rat models

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) and Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) with those of insulin and glibenclamide.Methods: Type Ⅰ and Ⅱ diabetes mellitus (DM) were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg of streptozotocin and intraperitoneal administration of nicotinamide (100 mg/kg) along with streptozotocin, respectively. The state of diabetes was confirmed weekly by testing blood glucose level using a glucometer.Results: The weekly blood glucose levels were higher in type I DM than in type Ⅱ DM. Type Ⅰ DM plus O. gratissimum showed a weekly progressive significant reduction in blood glucose compared to type Ⅰ DM control. Type Ⅰ DM control showed a duration dependent significant higher blood glucose concentration compared to normal control. Type I DM plus V. amygdalina also showed a time dependent significant lower glucose level compared to normal control and type Ⅰ DM control. Combination treatment of type Ⅰ DM (O. gratissimum plus V. amygdalina) showed a significantly elevated glucose concentration compared to normal control which was similar to type I DM control. Insulin treatment in type I DM showed a weekly progressive significant reduction of glucose concentration compared to normal control and type I DM control. Type Ⅱ DM control showed a fairly constant blood glucose concentration throughout the duration of treatment that was significantly higher than that of the normal control. Type Ⅱ DM plus O. gratissimum showed a fairly steady significant reduction of glucose concentration compared to type Ⅱ DM control and normal control. Type Ⅱ DM plus V. amygdalina also showed a fairly constant significant reduction of glucose concentration compared to type Ⅱ DM control and normal control. Type II DM (O. gratissimum plus V. amygdalina) showed a slightly progressive significant reduction of glucose concentration compared to normal control and type Ⅱ DM control. Type Ⅱ DM with glibenclamide showed almost steady significant reduction in glucose concentration compared to normal control and type Ⅱ DM control. Conclusions: From the result, it is evident that O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina administration produces more potent hypoglycemic activity than insulin and glibenclamide in type I and Ⅱ DM models, respectively.