Browsing by Author "Kheoane, Poloko Stephen"

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    Anti-inflammatory effects of orally and topically administered nanoformulations of Malva Parviflora root extract, and Prunus persica and Cupressus sempervirens exudates
    (ELSEVIER, 2025) Kheoane, Poloko Stephen; Mbara, Chimaeze Kingsley; Lenkoe, Tsepo Arnold; Magama, Sebusiswe; Mohale, Mokonyana; Tarirai, Clemence
    Background: Medicinal plants have been used traditionally as oral and topical herbs for treating inflammation and alleviating pain. Particularly in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, many plants from the genera Malva, Prunus, and Cupressus are used to treat various inflammation-related diseases. This study investigated in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the root extracts of Malva parviflora, the exudates of Prunus persica, Cupressus sempervirens and their chitosan nanoparticles and chitosan nanogels. Methods: In vitro anti-inflammatory activities of M. parviflora root extracts, P. persica and C. sempervirens exudates were investigated using the protein denaturation assay method. A 1% bovine albumin reaction mixture in phosphate buffer and 80% (v/v) methanol was incubated with plant extracts or exudates at 37 ◦C and 70 ◦C. Cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles loaded with plant extracts or exudates were prepared by the gelation method. The entrapment efficiency of the plants in the chitosan nanoformulation was estimated using the phenolic content of plant materials. The nanoparticles-based nanogel was formulated by suspending nano- particles in a gel base. Inflammation was induced in Wistar rats (230 – 270 g) by subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mL of 1% (w/v) carrageenan in the plantar tissue of the right hind paw of the rats. The rats (n = 48) were randomly divided into two experimental groups (A and B) of 24 rats each for oral and topical administration of nanoformulations, respectively. Each group (n = 24) was subdivided into 6 test group (n = 4), where test groups 1, 2, and 3 were treated with 500 mg/kg/BW each of M. parviflora, C. sempervirens, and P. persica nanoparticle/ nanogel, either orally or topically, respectively. Test groups 4, 5, and 6, respectively served as positive control, placebo nanoparticles (i.e., chitosan nanoparticles), and negative control, treated orally or topically with indo- methacin (50 mg/kg/BW), chitosan nanoparticle/nanogel alone (500 mg/kg/BW/100 mg/kg/BW), and saline (3 mL). Results: P. persica exudate had the highest TPC of 70.42 ± 0.53 μg of GAE/mg compared to M. parviflora root extract and C. sempervirens exudate with the 30.93 ± 1.65 μg of GAE/mg and 9.99 ± 0.65 μg of GAE/mg, respectively. M. parviflora root extracts had the highest in vitro protein denaturation (92.40%) compared to leaves and stem extracts. P. persica and C. sempervirens nanoparticles had the highest entrapment efficiencies (99.46% and 99.56%). M. parviflora root extract nanoparticles showed the greatest inhibition of oedema (90%) with oral administration, outperforming P. persica and C. sempervirens exudates nanoparticles (both 87%). M. parviflora, P. persica and C. sempervirens nanoparticles and placebos (chitosan) nanoparticles had better overall anti- inflammatory activity than indomethacin after 24 h. For topical applications, C. sempervirens exudate nanogel had the highest oedema inhibition, and placebo nanogel was more effective than the other plant nanogels and indomethacin after 24 h. Conclusion: Formulating medicinal plants in nanoscale dosage forms provides an effective therapy against inflammation. This avenue could counteract the rapidly developing resistance of drugs to diseases and some sideeffects associated with the administration of multiple allopathic drugs. Further in vivo studies using steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory controls are recommended.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Antioxidant and prebiotic activity of selected edible wild plant extracts
    (Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2016-12-06) Kheoane, Poloko Stephen; Tarirai, Clemence; Gadaga, Tendekayi Henry; Carmen, Leonard; Nyanzi, Richard
    Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of Edible wild plants were investigated as potential sources of antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. antioxidants and prebiotics to benefit human health. Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic a Antioxidant activity, ascorbic aAntioxidant activity, ascorbic acid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from cid and total dietary fibre contents were determined in edible wild plants from Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa.Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa.Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa.Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa.Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Pure probiotic strains of Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. subsp. animalis animalis (ATCC (ATCC (ATCC (ATCC 25527), Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus rhamnosus (TUTBFD) and TUTBFD) and TUTBFD) and TUTBFD) and TUTBFD) and TUTBFD) and Lactobacillus Lactobacillus Lactobacillus Lactobacillus Lactobacillus Lactobacillus acidophilus acidophilus acidophilus (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth (ATCC 314) were cultured in broth containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activitycontaining edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activitycontaining edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activitycontaining edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activitycontaining edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activitycontaining edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity containing edible wild plant extracts to assess their prebiotic activity. Cyperus esculantus Cyperus esculantus Cyperus esculantus Cyperus esculantus Cyperus esculantus Cyperus esculantus Cyperus esculantus Cyperus esculantus had the highest had the highest had the highest had the highest had the highest had the highest had the highest had the highest had the highest arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by arscobic acid content of 603±64.1 mg/100 g edible dry plant material followed by Rosa rubiginosa Rosa rubiginosa Rosa rubiginosa Rosa rubiginosa Rosa rubiginosa (500 .8±48.8 .8±48.8 .8±48.8 .8±48.8 mg/100 g). The two plants had ICmg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had ICmg/100 g). The two plants had ICmg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had ICmg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had IC mg/100 g). The two plants had IC 50 of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. of 10.7±0.2 µg/mL and 47.8±for DPPH inhibition, respectively. Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity ICForty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC Forty percent (40%) n=30) of the edible wild plants had significant p<0.01) total antioxidant activity IC50 <60 <60 µg/mL) and high ascorbic acµg/mL) and high ascorbic ac µg/mL) and high ascorbic ac µg/mL) and high ascorbic ac µg/mL) and high ascorbic ac µg/mL) and high ascorbic ac µg/mL) and high ascorbic ac µg/mL) and high ascorbic ac µg/mL) and high ascorbic acµg/mL) and high ascorbic ac id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). id content (>200 mg/100 g). Nasturtium officinale Nasturtium officinale Nasturtium officinale Nasturtium officinale Nasturtium officinale Nasturtium officinale Nasturtium officinale Nasturtium officinale Nasturtium officinale reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for reported the highest yield for soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while soluble fibre (25%) while Hypoxis hirsute Hypoxis hirsute Hypoxis hirsute Hypoxis hirsuteHypoxis hirsuteHypoxis hirsute Hypoxis hirsute had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). had the highest total dietary fibre content (7.3%). Rorippa nudiusculaRorippa nudiuscula Rorippa nudiuscula Rorippa nudiuscula Rorippa nudiuscula Rorippa nudiuscula Rorippa nudiuscula enhanced the growth of enhanced the growth of enhanced the growth of enhanced the growth of enhanced the growth of enhanced the growth of enhanced the growth of enhanced the growth of enhanced the growth of B. animalis B. animalis B. animalis significantly (p=0.001), 8 significantly (p=0.001), 8 significantly (p=0.001), 8 significantly (p=0.001), 8 significantly (p=0.001), 8 significantly (p=0.001), 8significantly (p=0.001), 8 significantly (p=0.001), 8-fold more than inulin. fold more than inulin. fold more than inulin. fold more than inulin. fold more than inulin. fold more than inulin. fold more than inulin. fold more than inulin. fold more than inulin. Chenopodium album Chenopodium album Chenopodium album Chenopodium album and and and Urtica dioica Urtica dioica Urtica dioica Urtica dioica stimulated the growth of stimulated the growth of stimulated the growth of stimulated the growth of stimulated the growth of stimulated the growth of stimulated the growth of stimulated the growth of L. rhamnosus L. rhamnosusL. rhamnosusL. rhamnosus L. rhamnosus L. rhamnosus significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while significantly (p=0.0001) than inulin, respectfully, while Tragopogon porrifoliusTragopogon porrifolius Tragopogon porrifolius Tragopogon porrifoliusTragopogon porrifolius Tragopogon porrifolius significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of significantly (p=0.0001) stimulated the growth of L. acidophilus L. acidophilusL. acidophilus L. acidophilus L. acidophilus than inulin. than inulin. than inulin. than inulin. than inulin. It was It was It was It was concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties concluded that the investigated edible wild plants from southern Africa have antioxidant and prebiotic properties that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health.that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health. that may be beneficial to human health.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Harnessing herb-drug interactions for enhanced oral delivery of anti-HIV and antimalarial drugs using colloidal formulations
    (Tswane University of Technology, 2020-10) Kheoane, Poloko Stephen
    Problem: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and malaria infect and kill a large population globally. Most of the current clinically used anti-HIV and antimalarial drugs have low bioavailability, either due to poor solubility and permeability, rapid clearance from anatomical reservoirs and poor retention at their site of action (e.g. by the p-glycoprotein efflux system), and extreme first-pass metabolism (e.g. by the cytochrome P450 enzymes). Hence, new approaches such as the incorporation of plant-derived absorption enhancers (PDAEs) into dosage forms, and exploration of nanocarriers as novel dosage forms, are needed and may provide a viable means that could improve the bioavailability of both anti-HIV and antimalarial drugs. Methods and procedures: Luminescent-based assay systems were used to screen for the effective inhibitory concentrations of the selected PDAEs against both p-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 in vitro. Thereafter, an everted gut sac model was utilized to further screen for the effective concentrations of PDAEs combinations. Liposomes loaded with efavirenz or mefloquine as well as placebos were prepared using a thin-lipid film hydration technique and characterized for their entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, and in vitro drug permeability. Liposomes were further investigated for their biocompatibility (safety) with liver using H-4-II-E liver cells in vitro. Finally, the everted gut sac model was used for the drug transport studies across an intestinal membrane ex vivo. Drug analyses were performed using UV/Vis spectrophotometer for the entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and in vitro drug permeability studies while high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the ex vivo studies. Main findings: Quercetin and curcumin had the most significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory vii effects on both p-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 at concentrations of 75 μM and 100 μM, respectively. Drug-loaded liposomes prepared using l-α-phospatidylcholine, dioleoyl (DOPC) and cholesterol (CHOL) (1:1 mol/mol) as well as liposomes made of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), CHOL and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) (4:6:26 mol/mol/mol) exhibited better results in terms of their entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release and permeability. Furthermore, these liposomes were biocompatible (safe) with liver cells. However, drugs and/or liposomes were unable to permeate through the porcine intestinal tissue, possibly due to high protein binding capacities of efavirenz and mefloquine. Conclusions: The DOPC:CHOL liposomes and the DSPC:CHOL:DPPC liposomes could provide a useful nanoformulation platform, which could ensure sustained release of both anti-HIV and antimalaria drugs. However, these dosage forms need further investigation using in vivo studies that could rectify the effect of protein binding, which was not investigated in this study.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Targeting AMPK signaling
    (ELSEVIER, 2025) Mbara, Kingsley Chimaeze; Kheoane, Poloko Stephen; Tarirai, Clemence
    Berberine (黄连素, hu´ang li´an sù) is a time-honored remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is found in various medicinal herbs and used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM), infections, diarrhea, and dysentery. Berberine, the major active component of Coptidis rhizome (黄连, huanglian), Phellodendri cortex (黄柏, huangbai), and Mahoniae caulis (亮叶十大功劳, Gong Lao Mu), exhibits several pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, cardioprotective, antineoplastic, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. Antidiabetic effects of berberine are partly attributed to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a key mechanism and a potential treatment strategy for DM and its compli- cations. This review discusses recent studies on the significant roles of berberine in activating AMPK for treating DM and its complications. Method: We have comprehensively searched online databases like Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar for ar- ticles published in English between 2016 and 2025 using different permutations of these keywords: “Berberine”, “AMPK”, “Diabetes Mellitus”, “Diabetic nephropathy”, “Diabetic neuropathy”, “Diabetic retinopathy”, “Diabetic cardiomyopathy”, “Diabetic hepatic steatosis,” “Diabetic bone diseases”, “Diabetic atherosclerosis”, “Diabetic cognitive dysfunction”, “Diabetic lung injury” and “Other diabetic complications” to compile this narrative re- view. Out of 1750 initially retrieved articles, 183 were included based on their relevance to treating DM or its complications through the AMPK signaling pathway, pharmacokinetics, and translational potential. Non-English articles and studies not focused on AMPK activation by berberine and that did not address DM and its compli- cations were excluded. Results: The literature review found that berberine consistently activates AMPK across various preclinical studies of DM. The activation of AMPK is frequently mediated by pathways involving LKB1 and CAMKKβ. Berberine’s activation of AMPK positively impacts glucose uptake, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Evidence from animal models demonstrated its efficacy in ameliorating complications such as diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiomyopathy, hepatic steatosis, bone diseases, atherosclerosis, cognitive dysfunction, and lung injury. Clinical trials reported significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, and lipid levels, with minimal side effects, at standard doses. Discussion: AMPK activation by berberine plays a central role in cellular energy homeostasis, modulating key processes such as gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which contribute to its therapeutic efficacy in metabolic dysfunction and DM-related complications. However, challenges remain Abbreviations: ACC, acetyl-CoA carboxylase; AMD, age-related macular degeneration; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; ATGL, adipose triglyceride lipase; C/ EBPβ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta; CPT-1, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1; CypD, cyclophilin D; DCM, diabetic cardiomyopathy; DM, diabetes mellitus; DN, diabetic neuropathy; DPN, diabetic nephropathy; DR, diabetic retinopathy; eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase; ERK, extracellular Signal-regulated Kinases; GSK3β, glycogen synthase kinase 3β; HIF-1α, hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-alpha; IR, insulin resistance; IRS-1, insulin receptor substrate-1; LKB1, Liver Kinase B1; mTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin; NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; NEU1, Neuraminidase-1; Nrf2, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor 2; NF-?B, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; OA, osteoarthritis; PEPCK, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase; PGC-1a, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ? coactivator 1 a; PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Runx2, Runt-related transcription factor 2; SCD1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1; SIRT-1, sirtuin-1; SIRT-3, sirtuin-3; SREBP-1c, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1; TGF-ß1, trans- forming growth factor-beta 1; TORC2, target of rapamycin complex 2