Adeniran Lateef Ariyo

Objectives: The medicinal plant continues to play a key role in primary health-care delivery in Nigeria. It is important to preserve the indigenous knowledge of the use of these plants in the treatment of different ailments. In this study, a total of 46 informants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire administered within six randomly selected locations in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Demographic data, information on the medicinal plants, medicinal parts, method of preparation, administration, and uses were obtained. Results: Fifty-five species belonging to 53 genera in 40 families were identified to be useful in the treatment of various ailments such as gonorrhea, yellow fever, measles, convulsion, fracture, skin diseases, piles, typhoid, and diabetes. The most frequently used families are Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Rubiaceae, and Malvaceae. Herbal remedies were either prepared from dry or freshly collected plants, while the traditional solvents of choice included water, pure honey, alcohol, and aqueous extract from fermented maize. The most common method of preparation is decoction, followed by infusion; others include powder, pastry, and ointment. The leaves are the most common plant part used for herbal preparation. Conclusion: Residents in the study areas found traditional medicine potent and cheaper compared to orthodox medicine. Conscientious efforts should be made to conserve medicinal plant genetic components for future use, and they should be exploited for the production of new drugs.

Skin diseases are a worldwide issue, accounting for approximately 34% of all occupational illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate medicinal plants used to treat wounds and skin diseases in the eastern Free State Province of South Africa. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to gather information from traditional healers on plants they use to treat human ailments. Plants were collected and then investigated for antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties using standard assays. Cotyledon orbiculata, Dioscorea sylvatica, and Lycopodium clavatum had the highest frequency of citation (RFC) values among the 22 plants reported. Saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and tannins were found in the phytochemical examination. L. clavatum had the greatest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 0.39 mg/mL and 0.098 mg/mL, respectively. C. orbiculata and D. sylvatica extracts showed significant antifungal activity between 0.39 and 1.56 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals was found in all extracts. The extracts had significant anti-inflammatory action against the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.02 to 0.49 g/mL. The usage of C. orbiculata, D. sylvatica, and L. clavatum in the treatment of skin problems in the Eastern Free State of South Africa was verified in this research.

Aim: Evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoids of Hermannia geniculata (FHG) roots extract, selective cytotoxicity of Vero and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, as well as its capabilities to inhibit the production of induced nitric oxide (iNO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage was investigated. Materials and Methods: Soybean 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) Inhibition and the tetrazolium-based colorimetric (MTT) assay methods were used. Results: The extract exhibited 73% inhibition of 5-LOX enzyme better than indomethacin (standard) with their respective IC₅₀(10.15 ± 0.02 and 12.03 ± 0.02). It was observed that 65% of the Vero cells were viable at the highest concentration of 1 mg/mL of FHG extract and the LC₅₀value is 1 mg/mL. Furthermore, the LC₅₀value of 0.02 mg/mL was recorded for HepG2 cells at the concentration of 0.75 mg/mL. Selectivity index (SI) for the FHG extract is 50 which is higher than the 31.2 SI value of the standard. Inhibition of iNO production was observed in LPS activated RAW 264.7 Macrophages with the highest concentration of 0.1 mg/mL decrease iNO production by 87%. Conclusion: This study indicated that FHG extract possesses anti-inflammatory and antiproliferation properties.